Thursday, 6th March is World Book Day, and this year, the theme is 'Read Your Way', making reading fun for the individual. As a child, one of the highlights of school was World Book Day. We got to dress up as our favourite book characters and revel in the joy of books. This Thursday, tomorrow, it is World Book Day, and for 2025, the theme is 'Read Your Way'. What the theme means is that we should encourage reading among children, but tailor it to each individual's needs to increase the pleasure of reading. Towards the end of last year, it was made known that there has been a significant decline in reading among children. Sky News reported it as a 'National crisis', and The Bookseller reported that the enjoyment of reading among children and young people has fallen to its lowest record in almost two decades. Personally, I find it sad that less and less people are finding joy in reading, which is why I'm writing this blog post to share tips on how to increase the joy of reading for the individual. So, if you or your child want to enjoy reading more or want to start reading, here are some ways that you can read your way. Find your joy The worst thing that could happen is being forced to read something that you don't enjoy. One of the major reasons children fall out of love with reading is that in school, they're told what to read, when to read it, and how to analyse it. But outside of school and as you get older, you should be able to read what you want to. So finding what you like and what makes you happy is key. For some, it's a certain genre. Or it could be a certain type of book, whether that's fiction or non-fiction. If you're a visual person, graphic novels could be right up your alley. If you prefer magical worlds, vastly different from our own, fantasy could be the genre for you. And it doesn't even have to relate to the genre. It could be how the story is told, with one or multiple narrators, or through letters and not just standard prose. There are so many different variations in books that there is something for everyone. You've just got to find what yo u enjoy. Listen to audiobooks This tip is similar to the above. But if you find reading a novel, holding it in your hands, and physically turning the pages tedious, perhaps audiobooks are right for you. So many books nowadays are published in audiobook form, and it can be great for when you're on the go or for children who have difficulty reading and understanding the written form. I personally haven't listened to many audiobooks, but I do envy those who devour audiobooks like I do physical books. So, if you're not really a visual person but more of an audible reader, give an audiobook a try. Whenever, wherever As I mentioned earlier, reading can become tedious, especially for children, when they're instructed what to read, when to read it and where to read it. But reading is a hobby that can be done anywhere: in bed, on a sofa, on the Tube, and even on a treadmill. If you struggle to find the time to read, and you're sick of having to read at your desk or somewhere uncomfortable, perhaps try to create a reading nook. Find a space where you can relax and snuggle up with a good book. Try and read if you've got a long commute (and aren't driving). Read in the morning. Read in the afternoon. Read at whatever time of day you prefer. Explore a series I love a good standalone book, but there is something special about diving into a series and reading and exploring familiar characters' lives. For children, it could be a great idea to start them off with book one in a series because they'll get to meet a character, and if they like the character and enjoy the book, they can stick with them throughout the series. A great example would be Harry Potter or even Percy Jackson. Buddy read This tip is one I've never actually got around to doing, and it's buddy reading. The idea is that you and a friend read the same book at the same time, in tandem, and then you can discuss the book as you go along. This can be a great way to get children reading more if they read along with a buddy, but it's also great for adults, too. I know a lot of book influencers do buddy reads on social media, and it's always something I've wanted to do, too. Buddy reading means you can chat about the book and share your enjoyment, or disappointment, about what's happening in the story. You can bounce off your buddy with ideas and opinions and share the fun of reading together. World Book Day is an event we should all celebrate because books are doors to other worlds, and they have so many benefits, not only in providing fun and escapism but also in increasing intelligence and communication skills. So, if you're not much of a reader, or if you want to get back into reading, I hope the above tips help you find pleasure in opening a book again. Until next time...

Do you enjoy your work? Or do you look at others with envy? I've got some tips for National Careers Week to help you decide if your career is right for you. March 3rd to March 8th is National Careers Week in the United Kingdom. This means there's a whole week dedicated to promoting career guidance. Throughout our early education, we're taught to start thinking about what we want our lives to look like when we grow up. To think about what job we would like. Students need to start thinking about their future careers if they want to go into medicine, the creative arts, or some field/industry that requires specific subjects. I used to want to be a doctor. I bought myself a medical encyclopaedia, attended an aspiring doctors event at UCL, and even received a surgeon's hat, gloves, and mask from my surgeon when I was in hospital. However, I soon realised that while I loved helping people and bringing them joy, being a doctor wasn't the right career for me. After the pandemic, I tried my hand at journalism. I've always loved writing (hence the blog), and the years I spent as a journalist were amazing. My skill set grew immensely, as did my network and my confidence. I wrote articles for different industries, from fashion to motorsport, but it wasn't until recently that I made another career decision. Journalism, while I loved it, wasn't my end goal. Instead, I knew I wanted to work with books and one day, hopefully, publish my novel. But how did I know that these previous careers weren't for me? What made me decide to change course? Below are some tips that I think are useful in helping one determine if a career or industry is right for them. These aren't industry-specific; they can be applied to any career path and any person. Passion, Passion, Passion One piece of advice that I live by is that if you don't enjoy your work, if you don't have a passion for what you're doing, why are you doing it? Now, I know that sometimes it's not that easy because if you have responsibilities, such as a family, mortgage, etc., then it's not easy to change jobs. But, if you have a passion for it, it makes working a whole lot more enjoyable. You don't have to enjoy every aspect of your job — I don't think anybody does — but if you are passionate about what you do, that's a good indicator you're on the right path. Structure vs Flexibility Freelance vs corporate. That is the question. When it comes to getting a job, there are lots of things to consider. For example, does the position require shift work, or is it a strict 9-5? Are you able to take holiday when you want it, or are there specific periods you're not allowed? Every person is different in what they would like to get out of a job. Some prefer the structure of a 9-5 job, knowing that they'll work specific hours and can leave their work alone in the evenings or at weekends. However, some people prefer the flexibility of setting their hours, working to their schedule and being able to take time off when necessary if something pops up. And that's why they work freelance. If you do have a preference over what method of work is better for you, think about what potential careers that could give you. A balanced lifestyle I am no stranger to burnout. In fact, I tend to get burnt out a lot more than I'd like, and it's because in the roles I was doing, I had too much to juggle and not enough hands to keep all the balls in the air. When you're in the best job for you and on the best career path, you should be able to have a balanced lifestyle. Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to maintain a work-life balance. If you find yourself being swamped with work, feeling very tired and stressed, and not having enough time to take care of yourself, then think about whether what you're doing is the best choice. Excitement or Sunday Scaries There's often a feeling of dread for some people on a Sunday night before they have to go to work on Monday. This has been named the 'Sunday Scaries. ' If you're someone who experiences the Sunday Scaries before the start of the working week, it may be that the position you have isn't the ideal one for you. However, if you're the opposite, and you find yourself getting excited about going to work and what lies ahead, that's a good indicator that your work inspires you and excites you. Comfortable with the surroundings The last bit of advice is one crucial to any industry and focuses more on the environment. Whether you work 9-5, are a freelancer, or work in an office, one of the biggest factors that can impact your enjoyment is the environment you work in, particularly your colleagues. If, in your job, you find yourself not feeling like you can be your true self and a bit uncomfortable, that's usually an indicator that it's not the best place for you. When you feel like this, it can also impact your performance and give you the Sunday Scaries, especially if you don't like where you work. Sometimes, it is difficult to change the environment, but if you're not completely comfortable in your job, maybe reflect on the reasons why and if it's the job itself, or just the environment. I hope these tips can help inform you whether or not your career is right for you. At the end of the day, it's up to you, and only you, to make the decision of what you want to do in life. Don't chase the money, chase the enjoyment and the happiness you get from your work. Until next time...

Working from home has its perks, but there are also some downsides depending on individual situations, which is why joining a gym could provide many benefits. My working life and my university studies all require me to, at the moment, work from home. I don't have to leave the house to get work done because it is all remotely achievable. However, whilst working from home is a preferred choice for some and does have its benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. For instance, it can be incredibly easy to be rather sedentary during the working day, if you have no reason to get up and move about. You may do some home workout routines, but even those can be challenging, especially if you don't have lots of equipment, it's too hot or too cold and dark in the winter, and it limits your interactions with others. I have always wanted to be someone who could work out from home, and while I do occasionally, the weather impacts my routine. If I'm working from home, I tend to continue working longer hours and say, 'I don't have time to work out'. But, for 2025, I've decided to join a local leisure centre. I've signed up and paid for a membership, which includes access to the gym, classes, the swimming pool, and activities, such as badminton. This leisure centre offers a lot of variety in terms of working out, and knowing I've paid for a membership and have somewhere to go, I'm finding myself sticking to a workout routine. And I feel a lot better because of it. So, I thought I'd share some benefits of joining a gym, particularly for those who work from home. Meet new people Working from home can be quite isolating for some people. If your day-to-day job doesn't require you to be on lots of calls and attend lots of virtual meetings, then you won't necessarily speak to many people. But by joining a gym, you'll undoubtedly get to see other people and talk to other people. Whether it's the receptionist, someone using a machine you want to have a go at, or just a friendly hello. Over time, you could become gym buddies with someone you see often at the gym, or if you sign up with a friend (like I did), you'll get to see them more frequently too. Options, options, options Depending on the gym, you'll be offered lots of variety with regard to how to workout. Most gyms tend to have similar equipment in that they offer cardio and strength machines. There'll often be treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, StairMasters, cross-trainers, etc., and then machines and hand-held weights that target different muscle groups. Plus, depending on what gym you sign up for, there could be classes, ranging from Spin to Body Combat, a swimming pool and activities., I would say, though, that make sure you join a gym that suits your needs. I tried a couple of different gyms on a pay-as-you-go basis before deciding to join the leisure centre. Workout without the weather One thing I've always found a challenge when working out from home is the weather. Working from home in general is great because if it's raining or really cold, I don't have to necessarily go out and I can put the heating on. If it's hot, I can make a cold drink and turn on the fan. But working out after a day of remote working, particularly in the summer, is difficult. The sun can be quite bright, a fan might not be good enough — and people might not have a fan in their workout space — and working out outside in the heat isn't always a great idea either. When it's cold, going outside isn't that appealing and when it gets dark early, it can be de-motivating. But at the gym, it's a whole other story. Yes, you may have to drive, or walk, in the heat or the cold and rain, but once you get to the gym, they're generally climate-controlled. A lot of them have air-conditioning, which means that you can do a workout, get hot and sweaty, and not feel like you're boiling. Plus, if there's a pool, you can go for a swim in the heat to cool off. Increase motivation As I mentioned above, if it's dark outside, it can be a bit de-motivating to work out from home. The same could be said if you have extra work to do, or if you're reading a particularly good book or watching a particularly good show. But by joining a gym, you can make sure you get in your exercise each week because 1) you'll know you're paying for a membership so hopefully want to get the most out of it, 2) if you find a type of workout, class or piece of equipment you really enjoy, you'll be more motivated to do it and 3) being at the gym surrounded by others working out, will motivate and drive you more. However, even though I'm promoting the gym in this blog post, I understand that it's not the right option for everyone. Gyms can be expensive. There might not be a gym near you with what you're looking for. Getting in some home workouts each week is just as good as going to the gym. Personally, I've found it easier to get my workouts in whilst working from home five days a week by joining a gym. So, if you want to work out more and find it a challenge doing it from home, especially when you work from home, then think about joining a gym. The four benefits above are just some I've noticed — I'm sure there are plenty more! If you do complete home workouts, I'd love to know what workouts you do. Feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time...

If you love reading and watching some good movies and television, here are some books that you need to read before the screen adaptations are released. Books and movies are two of the most popular methods of entertainment, and when they come together, they can be so good. Throughout the history of entertainment, there are a lot of books that have been adapted for television or the big screen. Sometimes, the adaptations are spot on, or even better than the books, but other times, the books still win. However, some new books are set to be turned into films or television shows, with some expected to be released this year. As someone who loves both books and movies and is intrigued with the process of turning a novel into a script, I thought I'd share some books you should definitely read before watching their adaptations when released. Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Richard Osman's debut novel, Thursday Murder Club , is being adapted for the big screen by Netflix and Amblin (founded by Steven Spielberg). The script has been written by Chris Columbus, who has also directed the filming of the movie. The novel follows a group of friends in a retirement home, who come together to become sleuths when solving murders for fun suddenly turns real. Osman's debut series was a hit and the filming for the Thursday Murder Club movie has actually already wrapped. The cast includes some big industry names, with the four protagonists being portrayed by Celia Imrie, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley. It is expected to be released later this year. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden In the last few years, Freida McFadden's name has popped up again and again in the world of thrillers. Her novels are fast-paced and compelling, and it's no wonder that her book, The Housemaid , was picked up by Lionsgate in 2023 to become a movie. The Housemaid movie adaptation will be directed by Paul Feig and the release date for the dark thriller is set to be Christmas Day, 2025. The cast has also been announced with the four key characters, Millie, Nina, Andrew and Enzo, being confirmed to be played by Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone, respectively. As someone who has read this book, I can't wait to see how this thriller is portrayed on screen and with such a good cast too. I Will Find You by Harlan Coben I read I Will Find You by Harlan Coben back in January and I loved it; it was my first book by Coben and I'm so glad I read it, especially since I found out this is one of the books Netflix are planning to adapt. Lots of Coben's works have been adapted already, for example Missing You and Fool Me Once . And I Will Find You is on that list too. There's not a lot of information about the adaptation of this book, but it has been confirmed. If you want to know more about what I Will Find You is about, click here to read my review of the novel. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell Lisa Jewell is a prominent name in the world of thriller novels, but I haven't got around to reading her work yet. However, everyone I know who has read her books loves them. And None of This Is True is being adapted into a feature-length film by Netflix with Eleanor Burgess writing the script. Jewell, herself, will be an executive producer on the film. The book follows two women, who are birthday twins, as their relationship takes a sinister turn. No confirmation of the cast or release date has been announced, but Jewell has shared her dream actress to play one of the main characters as Ruth Wilson. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of my favourite novels of all time and I am so excited that it is becoming a Netflix movie. The adaptation of this book follows Amazon Prime Video's adaptation of Daisy Jones and The Six . This novel follows a 1950s movie star, Evelyn Hugo, as she gives a tell-all interview at the age of 79 to a junior journalist, Monique Grant. But as Monique writes Evelyn's biography, there are secrets revealed. The director for the movie has changed from Leslye Headland to Maggie Betts. No cast has been announced for the movie, but there are rumours as to who could play the main character of Evelyn Hugo and who could play Celia St. James, with Selena Gomez and Jessica Chastain's names cropping up. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros I recently bought Fourth Wing because I had seen lots of people raving about Rebecca Yarros' writing and I felt a bit left out. However, I still haven't got around to reading it. But I will definitely read it, and so should you before the TV series adaptation comes out on Prime Video. The series is still in the early stages of production, with no cast or release date announced. But we do know that it is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan's company, Outlier Society. The showrunner is set to be Moira Walley-Beckett, who worked on Breaking Bad and Anne with an E. So, if you love a fantasy story with great characters, dragons, war and action, then give the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry People We Meet On Vacation is a novel by Emily Henry that follows Poppy and Alex, two unlikely friends, who live in different cities but go on holiday together every summer. Except, their friendship is put to the test and they start to question their relationship. The novel has been picked up by Sony Pictures and Netflix and is the first of Henry's books to be adapted, but it will certainly not be the last. The cast of this movie has been released with Tom Blyth (recently in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes ) and Emily Bader (recently in My Lady Jane ) playing the protagonists. Brett Haley is directing with Yulin Kuang (screenwriter and romance author) set to adapt the book into a screenplay. There is no confirmed release date yet, but it is set to premiere later this year. Happy Place by Emily Henry As I said above, Henry has more than one book being adapted; in fact, all her novels are set to be turned into either movies or TV shows. And Happy Place has been confirmed as a TV show on Netflix. This novel is one of my favourite novels and I can't wait to see the adaptation. According to reports, Jennifer Lopez's production company, Nuyorican Productions, is set to adapt the novel. No one has been cast yet, but Henry has shared her openness for fans to share their ideal cast for the protagonists, Harriet and Wyn. There was speculation that the adaptation of Happy Place would be YA, but Henry confirmed that all the actors will be in their late 20s to early 30s, representing the characters. Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy This recommendation is more for the young/new adults interested in romance. The Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy is one of my favourite sports romance book series because it spans five books, with four in a spin-off series, and the characters, the plots, the relationships are all great. The series will be a television show on Amazon Prime Video, with the showrunner of The Flight Attendant, Louisa Levy, running the adaptation. From what we know, the first season will be based on book one, The Deal . This indicates that there could be four seasons of the TV show, one following each book. The fifth book is a conclusion novel that wraps up loose ends and ties everything together. There is no release date confirmed as of yet, but Kennedy has shared open casting calls for the female main character of The Deal on her social media. Twisted Love by Ana Huang Again, this is a romance series, so perhaps not for everyone, but having read this series myself, I know that it is so good and I only hope the adaptation will do it justice. I shared a guide to the entire Twisted series earlier this year when it was announced that the series would be adapted. Netflix has picked up the adaptation of Twisted Love , book one, in a seven-figure deal. There isn't a cast confirmed but there has been lots of speculation and fan casts (mine included) on social media. I don't believe there is news about the director, producer, scriptwriter, etc., at this time, but because it's a four-book series, it might be worth reading all the books ahead of the adaptation. If you like watching book adaptations, then I hope these recommendations give you some inspiration for your TBR and movie/TV watchlist. Until next time...

If you work from home, whether it's full-time remote working or hybrid, there are essential items you'll need in your home office when working from home to ensure an organised work environment. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly popular for companies to offer hybrid working, with one or two days a week being remote working from home. But sometimes it can be difficult to work from home. I work from home with a desk in my bedroom and I also study from my home. My degree is completely online, so I'm sure you can imagine that finding motivation at times to study and work within the same four walls you woke up in is sometimes challenging. However, I actually think my motivation has increased over the years and this is down to creating an organised and effective work environment. There are certain things I have in my workspace that ultimately make my days easier and keep me on track. Because working remotely is a lot more common now than it was say 10 years ago and because I know a lot of freelancers, I thought I'd share some essential items you need when working from home. Essential items for your home office A Diary I can honestly say that my life would be a lot less organised if I didn't have a diary to keep track of things. Having a diary in your office, whether it's one that can sit on your desk or a calendar to hang on the wall, can really help you work more efficiently. You'll be able to know what the date and day is quickly and whether or not you've got meetings and deadlines, and this will also allow you to schedule things with a quick glance. The diary I use also has pages for monthly goals, important dates, an address book and a spare notes page at the back. All of which can only be useful. Different Coloured Pens This item relates to the diary above, but also work in general. For me, I find it incredibly helpful to use coloured pens to fill out my diary. I colour-code different events, such as uni deadlines/meetings, personal events, WriteWatchWork information, and birthdays/anniversaries. Using a different coloured pen for each type of event makes it easier when scanning what's coming up each month and differentiating between the professional and the personal. However, that's not the only use of coloured pens. If you find that you write a lot by hand for work, then having the choice of different pens could be handy. For example, I tend to write in black ink, but when annotating pieces of writing, I use red. Post-It Notes If you know me, you'll know that I love a to-do list. And to make my to-do lists, I use Post-it notes. I can't tell you how many Post-it notes I have on my desk and in my stationary drawer. They are so useful when you need to quickly jot something down, make a reminder of something to stick on the wall, or on a mirror, and for a to-do list. Every day, I use a different Post-it note because I update the to-do list every 24 hours. So, if you need small bits of paper to make quick notes and to write lists on, get yourself some post-it notes. And you can jazz it up by having different coloured post-its, not just the standard yellow. Plain Paper The other day, I was completing some uni work and I needed a plain bit of paper. I had lots of notepads and lined bits of paper to hand, but I needed a plain bit so I could sketch. I had to ask my sister if she had any, and it got me thinking that it would be handy to have some plain paper in my office because you never know when you may need it. A Coaster Throughout the day, I use a water bottle that has the time and volume of liquid down the sides. But I also often have either a latté or iced coffee. And because I have lots of paper on my desk, and a new mouse mat, and some cables, I don't want my drinks to leave condensation or stain my desk. So, I have a couple of coasters, one on either side of my desk, so I can put my drinks on there. That way, I know my drinks aren't taking up any more space than they need to and that my desk will remain clean and dry. A Clock The next handy thing to have in your office is a clock. If you have a computer/laptop, there will be a clock on there, but sometimes it's not always necessary to use your computer throughout the whole day. Your phone also has the time, but as we all know, mobile phones can be distracting and aren't always the best thing to use during work. Having a clock, analogue or digital, or even wearing a watch, can help you stay organised and on schedule during the day. This is especially handy when you have meetings and you want to be ready a few minutes early. So, if you want to be punctual and just able to keep track of the time, make sure you have a clock in your home office. Storage When working from home, it can be difficult to keep track of lots of things you need, whether that's chargers for your computer, a spare notepad, some paperwork from work, etc. One thing that can help with that is having designated storage. It can be anything from a filing cabinet, a desk tray to a folder; anything that helps you keep things together and organised so that if you need to find something quickly, you won't spend ages rummaging around for it. For me, I have a storage box filled to the brim with stationery. I also have a letter holder on my desk for a small notebook, some USB drives, business cards and Post-Its. Space The above links to this next point, which isn't technically an item. Instead, it's the removal of items. There's nothing worse when working from home than having not a lot of space to actually work. It can be difficult because it is your house and if you aren't able to have a designated room for remote working, it can be even harder. But by ensuring you have a clear, tidy work area, you can work more productively. There's a saying that a clean space promotes a clean mind, and it is true. So, if any unnecessary objects are lying around in your work area, perhaps it's time to remove them. All of these items are ones I deem essential for working from home. Of course, you may think differently and have even more items on your lists, so these are just suggestions. But if you do work from home and you haven't got these items, perhaps give them a try. Until next time...

The gripping second instalment of the HappyHead duology, Dead Happy by Josh Silver, is a must-read for fans of thrillers and dystopias, looking for a fresh new voice. As someone studying Creative Writing, particularly writing for teenagers and young adults, I've read a lot of YA literature. I've covered a lot of genres within YA literature from contemporary romance to fantasy. But one of the best young adult book series that I have read is the HappyHead duology by British author, Josh Silver. I first read HappyHead last year, and was so impressed by Silver's debut that I rated it five stars and wrote a blog review about it. I was eager to read Dead Happy but didn't have time to fit it in by the end of 2024, so now I'm back to studying YA literature, I thought it was the perfect time. And Dead Happy was even better than the first book, so let's get into my thoughts on the second HappyHead book. Review of Dead Happy by Josh Silver Synopsis of Dead Happy from GoodReads : "Friends. Welcome to Elmhallow. Seb, along with a select group of participants, finds himself washed up on an isolated island called Elmhallow, under the guardianship of a mysterious couple. As the experiment steps up another level, Seb is forced to team up with Eleanor once more. But where is Finn? And what does HappyHead have in store for them next?" Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Thriller Star Rating: 5 Stars Dead Happy picks up straight after HappyHead, keeping the momentum going from the first book, which I was really pleased about because of the cliffhanger at the end of HappyHead ...wow! When reading Dead Happy what really stood out to me was the protagonist, Seb. I knew I liked his character and his voice from book one, but it grew so much stronger in book two. The novel is written in first-person so there is a level of intimacy between the reader and Seb, but his voice was so authentic and realistic. As a character, Seb is acerbic, sarcastic, funny and honest. The commentary he gives and the insight into his thoughts that we get really helped make the book. The whole cast of characters is really distinct. Not only Seb, but Finn, Eleanor, Ares, Artemis, and even Professor Manning, who in Dead Happy doesn't come into it until a third of the way through the book I'd say. But their individuality and uniqueness make them identifiable and they are all believable as real teenagers. Whilst Dead Happy is a continuation of HappyHead , I would say it has a darker, more mature feel to it because it does explore more ominous themes and the challenges that the 'Ten' have to complete are more demanding and inhumane, in some ways. That being said, this duology is a must-read for any teen, or adult, who is a fan of dystopian books and thrillers. And this is a thriller. It is fast-paced and compelling, the tension builds and builds as the novel progresses and despite there being some calmer scenes throughout the narrative arc, the majority of this book evokes feelings of suspense and anxiety, but also excitement and fascination. The entire premise of the book, and HappyHead , is very intriguing from a psychology perspective and it is fascinating how easy it can be to believe something someone tells you and to manipulate what one thinks. I can say, with confidence, that Dead Happy will be one of my top reads this year because I was obsessed with it. I didn't know what was going to happen — that plot twist at the end...OMG! — and Silver builds the anticipation until it boils over and even then, you're still hooked. The ending of Dead Happy does round up Seb's story and it is a good conclusion to the duology. For me, HappyHead and Dead Happy by Josh Silver echo the classic dystopian novels, such as The Hunger Games , The Maze Runner , and Lord of the Flies . If I worked in education, I would definitely say this book should be on the GCSE/A Level curriculum. What's next? The HappyHead duology was Silver's first published piece of fiction, but he has a new book coming out later this year called TraumaLand , which you can view on Amazon here . Otherwise, if you've been persuaded to read HappyHead and Dead Happy by my review, you can get it here on Amazon . If you do decide to give the duology a go, let me know in the comments what you think. Until next time...

Ana Huang has become perhaps one of the most recognised romance authors of this generation with her Twisted series being a fan-favourite, which Netflix has decided to adapt for the screen. As a reader, there are a lot of authors that I have come to love and admire. These authors vary in genre from thrillers and crime novels to romance and fantasy books, but one author I love in particular is Ana Huang. I had the pleasure of meeting Ana when I attended RARE London 2023, and I'm so glad I did because she has become one of the most popular romance authors across BookTok and Instagram. She has also featured on American chat shows, such as Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show . But now her next venture is perhaps one that most writers dream of: Seeing their books be adapted for the big screen. Ana Huang announced that her romance book series, Twisted , will be gracing our screens as a TV show on Netflix. Variety confirmed the news and stated that it's a seven-figure deal between the streaming service and the author. The news follows popular book-to-television adaptations, such as Bridgerton, Harlan Coben's novels and the Spanish romance trilogy, Culpa Mía, although this is on Amazon Prime. As of yet, there is no release date and there is yet to be a cast announcement. However, fans of the series, on Bookstagram and BookTok, including myself, have speculated and shared their fan casts on social media. But for those of you who don't know much about Ana Huang and her books, let's get into what the Twisted Series is all about. Twisted series guide The Twisted series by Ana Huang consists of four books, each focusing on a particular couple. Each book could be read as a standalone but they are all interconnected, so for the best reading experience, I'd recommend reading them together. Variety described the logline as being: " A steamy new adult series that follows the lives of four best friends and their brooding love interests, riddled with dark secrets from their pasts, as they overcome the obstacles keeping them apart to fall in love." The four books in the series are: Twisted Love Twisted Games Twisted Hate Twisted Lies Twisted Love Protagonists: Ava Chen and Alex Volkov Tropes: Billionaire Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Grumpy-Sunshine Nicknames: Sunshine Summary: Ava Chen has been haunted by a childhood trauma that she can't remember for a long time. But, despite her challenging past, Ava is full of optimism and sees beauty in the world and in others, even the brooding billionaire, who just so happens to be her brother's best friend. And her neighbour. Alex Volkov is a man of few words and even less love, but fate has other plans for "the devil blessed with the face of an angel". Much like Ava, Alex is cursed by his past, but when Ava comes into his world and he's forced to protect her, his cold heart starts to warm. Twisted Games Protagonists:  Bridget von Ascheberg and Rhys Larsen Tropes:  Bodyguard x Princess Romance, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies-to-Lovers with an Age Gap Nicknames:  Princess Summary: Princess Bridget von Ascheberg has dreamed of independence, freedom and a love that she chooses. But unfortunately, we don't always get what we want and when her brother abdicates, Bridget's future is written for her as Queen of Eldorra. And then Rhys Larsen joins the show. Rhys is broody, cocky and never ever gets emotionally attached to his clients. As a bodyguard, his job is to protect people, not fall in love with them. But when it comes to Bridget, the rules slowly disappear and soon, the protector and his princess have to hide their love or risk destroying everything. Twisted Hate Protagonists: Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Best Friend's Brother, Forced Proximity Nicknames: Red Summary: Josh Chen, Ava's brother, is on his way to becoming a doctor whilst Jules Ambrose, one of Ava's best friends, is focused on becoming a lawyer. The two have never seen eye to eye and the animosity between them is palpable. Jules has never been charmed by Josh and she has been a thorn in his side since they met, but one night their animosity turns to passion. Neither of them needs a relationship, but a fun arrangement could help them both get each other out of their systems. Except, feelings start to form the more they get to know each other. Side note: I received an ARC for this book and absolutely loved it! You can read my review here . Twisted Lies Protagonists:  Stella Alonso and Christian Harper Tropes: Fake Dating Billionaire Romance Nicknames: Butterfly Summary: Stella Alonso is a sweet girl, who showcases her life on social media, despite being shy. With her work, Stella has little time for anything else, but a threat forces her into the life of Christian Harper, a dangerous, mysterious "monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman". Christian is smart and charming, but he's also deadly. He doesn't care for love, but the pull he feels towards Stella intrigues him so much that he offers her a deal. Soon, their love blossoms but the lies and secrets threaten to ruin it all. Overview Ana Huang has created an addictive book series full of diverse characters and intriguing plot lines that will leave you hooked and reeling for days. I love Ana's writing and the Twisted series is such a good series of books. Yes, they're steamy and centred on romance, but there is emotion, mystery, and friendship. If you have read Ana's books before, let me know which one is your favourite. And if you haven't but are a fan of romance novels, maybe give them a try. I'm going to reread the Twisted series this year to refresh my memory on what happens before the Netflix adaptation comes out. Hopefully, there'll be more news on the series soon. Until next time...

Do you fancy a fun Valentine's Day read? Look no further as I've got some Valentine's Day novellas that will deliver lots of romance and banter without taking up too much of your time. Valentine's Day is just a few days away and if you're a romance reader, you may be searching for the perfect Valentine's Day read. There are, of course, plenty of full-length romance novels to sink your teeth into, but some of us may want something shorter. Novellas can be just as good as novels and I've got a list of novella recommendations perfect for reading this Valentine's Day. With a novella, you'll still get all the romance and banter, especially when they're set around Valentine's Day, but you'll also be able to read them quickly and have a blast while doing so. Here are 14 Valentine's Day novella recommendations for a quick and fun read this week. Valentine's Day Novellas The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez Tropes: Forced proximity, neighbours-to-lovers, stalker Where to read: Amazon first reads The Fall Risk follows Seth and Charlotte, two people not looking for romance on Valentine's Day, but fate has other plans. When they're trapped on their apartment floor with no way down, the pair start to embrace their situation and learn to trust and open their hearts once more. The Bossy Billionaire's Last Valentine by Erin McCarthy and Lili Valente Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, Billionaire romance Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited as The Bossy Billionaire's Best Enemy The Bossy Billionaire's Last Valentine is novella three in The Billionaires of Jingle Bell Junction series. It follows Kay as she tries to win over Bran in order to get what she wants for her resort, but things aren't all that easy as feelings start to come into play. The Booty by Willa Nash (aka Devney Perry) Tropes: Small town romance, Instalust Where to read: Amazon or Willa Nash's newsletter The Booty is an exclusive short story set in the world of Calamity, Montana, and follows Lola Jennings on Valentine's Day. Lola is ready for a good book and good wine on Valentine's Day, but instead finds herself in the arms of Aiden Archer and things start to get interesting. Till Cupid Do Us Part by Hannah Cowan Tropes: Small town romance, Valentine's Day getaway, Age gap Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Till Cupid Do Us Part is a sequel novella to Snow Harm, No Foul, which follows Ivy and Nick. This novella follows them as they navigate now being parents, struggling with still being themselves and having a Valentine's Day getaway to help with that. The Forever Experiment by Sarah A. Bailey Tropes: Second-chance romance, Accidental marriage, Friends-to-lovers Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited The Forever Experiment is a second-chance novella that follows Maya and Easton ten years after they hooked up in college. After a night on the strip, the two of them find themselves married and whilst Maya wants an annulment, Easton persuades her to give their marriage a proper chance. A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau Tropes: Friends with benefits, Brother's best friend Where to read: Amazon and Kindle A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day is novella four in the Holidays with the Wongs series and this one focuses on Amber Wong after she runs into Dr Sebastian Lam, a close friend of the family. The two start an arrangement, neither of them wanting anything serious, but after spending time together, they start to question whether it would be so bad if they committed to a relationship. Puck Shy by Kayla Grosse Tropes: Workplace romance, Hockey romance, Secret Identity, Forbidden romance Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Puck Shy is a novella that tells the story of a famous hockey player attending a masked Valentine's Day party and meeting a mysterious stranger in red. But when identities are revealed, Lucas isn't ready to give up Stevie and is determined to show her how he really feels. Petty Cupid by Sarah Blue Tropes: Fake dating, Paranormal romance, Opposites attract Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Petty Cupid is a paranormal romance about a cupid and a grim reaper going together to the Valentine's Day Ball in Cupidale. But what starts out as a little bit of fun, turns into something unexpected. The Improbable Meet-Cute Series: The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, Email pals, Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited The Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez Tropes: Anonymous notes, Rom-Com vibes, Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne Tropes: Opposites attract, Firefighter romance, Love at first sight Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Drop, Cover and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory Tropes: Forced proximity, Grumpy-sunshine Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited With Any Luck by Ashley Poston Tropes: Valentine's Day wedding, Search for love, Missing groom Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson Tropes: Princess in disguise, Hidden identity, Forbidden romance Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited If you're looking for a quick, but fun read this Valentine's Day, I hope these recommendations help. 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Fancy a film to watch whilst snuggling up with your partner this Valentine's Day? I've got some recommendations for you. The day of celebrating love is fast approaching with Valentine's Day coming up next Friday. It's a day of love, happiness and romance; or for some, it's a day of friendship, embracing being single and solo dates. Whatever your plans are for Valentine's Day, or Galentine's Day, if you fancy snuggling up with your partner, chilling with your friends, and watching a movie, I've got a whole range of movie recommendations for you. On the list, there are of course classic romance films, some romantic comedies, and some modern classics. But that's not all, there are some tear-jerker recommendations, a couple of horrors so you can both hide behind a cushion and some good old-fashioned action movies. Valentine's Day Classics Valentine's Day The clue for this film is in the name. How can you celebrate Valentine's Day without at least having watched Valentine's Day once? It has a star-studded cast from Bradley Cooper to Jamie Foxx and Julia Roberts to Taylor Swift. With several couples having their own storylines, it follows them all as they face the struggles of romance whilst others try to find love. Notting Hill Julia Roberts is known for many films, but with both her and Hugh Grant starring in Notting Hill, it is a classic. Anna Scott, a Hollywood icon, has an encounter with William Thacker, in his bookstore. But their relationship isn't all that private with the paparazzi fascinated by Anna. When Harry Met Sally When Harry Met Sally is a well-known romance classic and it is full of love, laughs and chemistry. If you fancy a good old-fashioned rom-com, infamously known for the restaurant scene, this Valentine's Day, then look no further. Bridget Jones's Diary I've put Bridget Jones's Diary in this category because I do think the series is a romance classic, from the books to the films. Bridget Jones has a rollercoaster of a love life and the latest instalment comes out this Valentine's Day. Galentine's Day Movies Pitch Perfect Pitch Perfect is a great trilogy for Galentine's Day with song, dance, comedy and a little bit of romance sprinkled throughout the franchise. But most of all, it focuses on female friendships and the true power and meaning behind sisterhood. How to be Single I feel like this one is pretty self-explanatory with the title. If you're single this Valentine's Day, then this film is for you because it tells the story of how four friends approach singlehood. Someone Great After being dumped, a music journalist decides to go on one last adventure with her two best friends. Someone Great is perfect for those who have been single for a long time or are recently single. Whatever your situation, it'll make you smile and appreciate your friends just a little bit more. Book Club Fancy watching a group of lifelong friends read Fifty Shades for their book club and embark on "outrageous decisions" as a result? Book Club is a film full of friendship, laughter and finding joy in life. Romantic Comedies Shotgun Wedding The first time I watched this film, I loved it so much I persuaded my parents to watch it too. Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel star in an action-comedy on a tropical island, moments away from getting married when gunmen take the wedding guests as hostages. They're forced to save the day whilst not killing each other first. The Back-up Plan This is another J-Lo film, but this time, she plays a woman who's decided to become a single mother after failing to find love. But after Alex O'Loughlin tries to steal her taxi, she has a change of plans. With this film, it is definitely a romantic comedy, and I remember being in hysterics after watching it. Hit Man One of my favourite actors of the modern age is Glen Powell and Hit Man just showcases the talents that man has. Playing a professor moonlighting as a hit man, Powell changes identities but the mission takes a turn when he falls in love with one of his clients. This film is pure action and pure comedy. Anyone But You Another Glen Powell movie, but this time, it is all about the romance. Starring with Sydney Sweeney, Anyone But You is a perfect rom-com for Valentine's Day. With romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, fake dating and a wedding in Australia, what more could you want? Tear-Jerker Romance Movies The Notebook A classic romance movie that will most certainly make you cry with the story of Noah and Allie that spans decades. Purple Hearts If you want a modern film with a little bit of sadness to make you feel all the emotions that a relationship brings, Purple Hearts is the one. A singer and a soldier come together to help each other out but the difficulties of health and war change things. Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet stunned audiences in this cinema classic and it's still loved today. Titanic is a film about romance, but one that will leave you teary-eyed at the end. The Vow Rachael McAdams and Channing Tatum star in this romance that tells the story of what a wedding vow really means, even when life puts obstacles in the way. Action Movies Top Gun Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. A motorbike ride with a sunset. Top Gun is a classic film and whilst it is action, there is the subplot of romance between Maverick and Charlie that makes the film even better. Ghosted Who would've thought that Captain America would need saving? Chris Evans falls for Ana de Armas in this 2023 romantic action-comedy and is swept up in an international adventure once he discovers that the girl he likes is actually a spy. Carry On This movie is a bit more serious, and whilst it is technically set at Christmas, it could still be a Valentine's Day movie because it focuses on a couple, played by Sofia Carson and Taron Egerton. Think Die Hard, but modern. Back in Action I recently watched this film, starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz as spies, who went off the grid to start a family. It's a modern, action-packed comedy that will make you laugh and smile, and have a good Valentine's Day. Horror Movies Heart Eyes - slasher Heart Eyes is a new horror movie coming out that twists the traditional love story. If you want to cuddle up to your partner with a pillow hiding the screen, watching a movie about a masked maniac tormenting unsuspecting couples on Valentine's Day could be for you. Scream But if you fancy a traditional horror, the Scream franchise could be up your alley. After all, it all started with a relationship between Sidney Prescott and Billy Loomis going wrong. So if you fancy watching a movie this Valentine's Day, hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration about what to watch. If you would recommend other films for Valentine's Day, feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time...

This week is National Storytelling Week, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite books on the craft of writing and storytelling. From February 1st to February 9th in the UK, it is National Storytelling Week. It is an annual event, run by the National Literacy Trust, to celebrate all things storytelling. The idea behind National Storytelling Week is for people to celebrate and share their love for stories but also the power that stories have. Stories aren't just for escapism; they help transform and shape people, cultures and societies. For 2025, the theme of National Storytelling Week is 'Reimagine your world'. What this means is that there is inspiration everywhere. As a writer and Creative Writing student, I can attest to that. In every part of our lives, there is inspiration for a story. We might walk past an abandoned building; we might overhear a conversation in a café; we might encounter something unexpected. Whatever it may be, there is a story. But, there are some techniques, conventions, and rules to writing. So, having studied the craft of writing, whether it be prose or script, I thought I'd share some book recommendations from renowned writers, all on the way to excel at storytelling. Books on the craft of writing On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King Stephen King is a prolific writer with numerous best-selling novels to his name. He is known for his spooky horror novels, some of which I have read, but when it comes to writing advice, his name is often one that pops up. In particular, his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is one of the most useful writing guides for aspiring authors, and even experienced writers. The book is non-fiction and it is "part memoir, part masterclass". King delves into his life growing up, sharing tales from his childhood and the start of his career. He shares advice and gives readers practical tips to help hone and develop their craft. And just like his creepy novels, On Writing draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. Get Started in Writing Young Adult Fiction by Juliet Mushens I'm currently studying writing for young adults and I'm working on a YA novel, and there has been nothing more helpful than this book by Juliet Mushens. Get Started in Writing Young Adult Fiction is not only a book with advice; it has focus points, key quotes from authors, workshops and writing exercises to help you put what you've just learnt into practice. It covers all key areas of storytelling from getting started to characters to breaking writing rules. There is even a section on finding an agent and the different types of publishing. If you're planning on writing for a young adult audience, I would highly recommend getting this book to help you craft your stories. Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott Anne Lamott has published a writing guide that differs from others. Bird by Bird is a book full of anecdotes, jokes, and shared experiences, told in a down-to-earth manner. It teaches us about the fundamentals of writing and whether you're an aspiring writer, or an experienced one, there is something to learn from Lamott. But what I really loved about Bird by Bird is that the main message is, commitment. To be a writer, you have to be committed to writing. With five different parts – Writing, The Writing Frame of Mind, Help Along The Way, Publication—And Other Reasons to Write and The Last Class – you'll be sure to find several useful lessons from Lamott. Write Right! by Jan Venolia Write Right! isn't actually a guide on how to tell stories. Instead, it is a guide on how to ensure you format your story correctly. I have the fourth edition of Write Right! and on the cover, it describes the book as, "A Desktop Digest of Punctuation, Grammar, and Style." So, if you have a story idea in mind, and you have strong writing skills, but you still aren't too sure what punctuation needs to go where and whether or not all of your grammar is correct, then this guide will be very useful for you. Writers' and Artists' Guide to Writing for Children and YA by Linda Strachan Similarly to Mushens' book above, the Writers' and Artists' Guide to Writing for Children and YA is aimed at writers who are targeting a younger audience. It is a fairly thick guide and contains 22 different sections. It goes into detail about the essential storytelling tools, such as characters, dialogue, and settings, but it has advice on more technical aspects. For instance, there are chapters on the different age ranges – Writing a picture book; Writing for younger readers (5-7) etc. – and on writing non-fiction or series. Plus, there is a chapter on Wellbeing for writers, which details things such as writers' groups, how to handle rejection and writer's block. Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field If you study scriptwriting or are in the world of scripts and cinema, then it's likely that you would have heard about Syd Field. But if not, then Syd Field is a renowned author, who has published several books on the craft of storytelling for the big screen. He has even been nicknamed "The guru of all screenwriters". His book, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting is as it says on the cover: A step-by-step guide from concept to finished script. It teaches you what exactly a screenplay is, the essential aspects of a script, and what to do after it's written. I've used Field's book throughout each scriptwriting unit I've studied for my degree, and I will continue to use it in the future. It is definitely a must-have if you fancy writing a script. Now Write! Screenwriting, Edited by Sherry Ellis and Laurie Lamson Now Write! Screenwriting is not only a book full of advice for screenwriters. It is a practical guide that will allow you to put your skills to the test. With over 300 pages of useful advice, Now Write! Screenwriting includes screenwriting exercises from the writers of some best-selling films and TV series, including, Terminator 2, Groundhog Day, Reversal of Fortune and Lost. Each chapter in the book is in-depth and along with Syd Field's book, this is a go-to writing guide for me when I'm working on my scripts. Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder / Jessica Brody Blake Snyder came up with an idea of how to format a screenplay and he named it the Save the Cat! method. Soon after, Jessica Brody adapted the Save the Cat! method but for novel writing. I don't have Snyder's version, but I did complete a course by Brody and I do use the Save the Cat! method to plan out my novel's plot. Whether you're an author or a scriptwriter, invest in either one or both of these books because the way they break the method down is easily digestible. So, those are eight recommendations of books on the craft of writing for National Storytelling Week. If you want to start crafting stories, whatever the genre may be, I hope these books can help develop your skills even further. Until next time...

Play Along by Liz Tomforde is the fourth book in The Windy City series and once I started reading it, I was obsessed. Last year, I read the first three books in The Windy City series by Liz Tomforde. They were Mile High , The Right Move and Caught Up , and I wrote a blog review for each of them. Since then, the fourth book has been released. I read Play Along in January and so far, it is my favourite book of the year. And I'm going to tell you why. Review of Play Along - Windy City #4 Genre: Sports Romance Tropes: Fake dating Forced proximity Workplace romance He falls first / boy-obsessed Accidental marriage Overall Rating: 5 stars Play Along follows on from book three in the series, and it tells the story of Isaiah Rhodes and Kennedy Kay, who you meet in the previous books. Much like Caught Up , it's a sports romance focusing on baseball (MLB). Synopsis: " Kennedy: I’m the only woman on staff for the Windy City Warriors, and after years of putting up with a sexist lead doctor, I’m desperate to land my dream job with a new team next year. All I have to do is maintain my professional reputation for my final season in Chicago. But a Las Vegas run-in with the team’s shortstop threatens it all, leaving me with a fuzzy memory and a ring on my left hand. Now, not only am I legally bound to the most persistent man I’ve ever met, but thanks to Isaiah’s scheme to save my job, I have to pretend the whole thing was a planned elopement and not a drunken mistake. Isaiah Rhodes is reckless, impulsive, and frustratingly charming. He’s also my brand-new husband. They got the saying wrong. What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas… sometimes it follows you right back home. Isaiah: As the shortstop for Chicago’s professional baseball team, I’ve had my fair share of fun. But that all ended the day Kennedy Kay became a single woman. I’ve crushed on the team’s athletic trainer for years. I’ve flirted to no avail, so imagine my surprise when I woke up in Sin City with a ring on my finger and my favourite redhead in my bed. We agree to stay married for one baseball season, just long enough to keep her job safe, but in my mind, I’m using our time together to prove to her I’m husband material. Kennedy might be reluctant to join in on our game, but it’s one I refuse to lose. So come on, wife… play along." Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork I absolutely love it when characters in a book have to fake date, and in Play Along , it was even better than I could have hoped. Isaiah and Kennedy are forced to pretend to be married, which differs from Ryan and Indy's fake dating in The Right Move . There's something about a fake marriage that soon turns real that just scratches my brain. But the reason why I loved this book so much was because of the protagonists. Isaiah Rhodes and Kennedy Kay. We meet both these characters in the previous book, and it's clear even then, that Isaiah has a crush on Kennedy. But she thinks that his crush is just that, a silly little crush that came about because she kept telling him no and he wants what he can't have. Add to the fact, that she was previously engaged, and Kennedy's point becomes more valid. However, in Play Along we soon learn more about both characters and their origin story. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork Isaiah Rhodes is the shortstop for Chicago's MLB team. He's cheeky, he's charming and he is always up for a good time. Having suffered loss as a child, Isaiah has always tried to make others laugh because that's how he and his brother, Kai, survived difficult times. As an adult, he's no different. Positivity and humour are what he's known for, but outside of the public eye, Isaiah is sensitive, emotional, and quite possibly the most caring and kind-hearted man in a book — he bought Kennedy Vans and picked her Louboutin's out of the trash whilst drunk on their 'so-called' wedding night. He tries to hide this part of himself from his teammates and those around him, but drunkenly marrying Kennedy turns out to be the best decision he ever makes because she sees him. Kennedy sees past the facade he puts on and is there for him when he needs her. This brings me nicely to Kennedy's character. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork Kennedy Kay comes from a rich family, all about appearances and power. After her arranged engagement ends, she's finally ready to start finding out who she really is and what she really wants. But Kennedy didn't expect to end up married to Isaiah. They've always flirted with each other and Isaiah has always tried to shoot his shot, but Kennedy turns him down. Except, as his wife, she finds it harder to do so, because he gets her to open up and try new things. Isaiah helps Kennedy explore her desires and supports her in whatever decisions she makes. I loved Isaiah and Kennedy together. Their dynamic was so good! The banter was bantering, the chemistry was off the charts, and the wholesomeness was so sweet. There's more to each of them than initially meets the eye and I really enjoyed the character development of them both throughout the novel. Seeing Kennedy learn to stand up for herself and be open to leaning on Isaiah was just so good, and likewise, watching Isaiah overcome his anxiety and his fears and make himself vulnerable. I actually read this book on the Kindle (I don't have any of the Windy City series in paperback, but I desperately need them, lol) while reading a paperback of a completely different genre. And since finishing it, I haven't been able to start a new book on the Kindle. I just needed to take a few days after reading it to gather my thoughts because it is an all-consuming, emotional read that won't take you very long at all. Intrigued? If my review of Play Along by Liz Tomforde has persuaded you to either read book four of The Windy City series or simply, give the series a go, then let me know in the comments. You can get Play Along on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited by clicking here . Until next time...

Virgin River on Netflix is a popular, small-town television show and has just been renewed for season seven. The reason why I named my website WriteWatchWork was because those three words summed me up in a nutshell. I love to write and I love books, I love to watch good television and cinema, and I work a lot and I do enjoy it. But I realised I hadn't actually written a blog recently in the 'watch' category. So, here we are. For the new year, I wanted a little bit of a change, so I moved my television in my room into a different position that now means I can watch TV in bed. Whilst I was unwell a couple of weeks ago, I decided to watch the first episode of a TV show I hadn't seen before. I watched the pilot episode and I was hooked. That TV show was Virgin River and since then, I can't stop thinking about it. And because I love it so much, I thought I'd do a blog review of the show, up to where I've got up to. There are seven seasons (seven is yet to be released), but I am only on season two. However, as an avid TV watcher and as someone studying scriptwriting, I wanted to share my thoughts. Review of Virgin River Genre: Romantic drama series Where to Watch: Netflix Seasons: 6 What's it about? Virgin River is an American drama series that follows the story of Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner. Mel, suffering from loss, moves to a small town, named Virgin River, after taking a job there with a one-year contract. However, whilst there, Mel and Doc Mullins, otherwise known as Vernon, don't get on. But Jack Sheridan, the local bar owner and good-looking, happy-to-help ex-marine is the first friend that Mel makes in Virgin River. In cahoots with the mayor, Hope, Jack tries to persuade Mel to stay in Virgin River. Over time, the two become close friends, possibly even more, and Mel finds her place in the small town. My thoughts The reason why I sat down and watched Virgin River was because I in fact wanted to rewatch Hart of Dixie . But, I didn't have the DVDs with me at the time. So, I decided on Virgin River instead because the two shows are actually quite similar and I knew that if Hart of Dixie is one of my top five shows, then there's a good chance I'll enjoy Virgin River too. And I did. From a technical point of you, I absolutely loved the plot. The idea of a woman moving to a town she's never been to before to help her deal with her grief intrigued me and the progression of each episode has me hooked. There's a general rule in scriptwriting that states to get into a scene late and get out early. This means that you want to cut to the chase of the dialogue, action, etc., so that the audience doesn't get bored. Virgin River does that very well. It uses flashbacks within the present storyline to fill you in on the important context of Mel's character, but it does it in a way that isn't confusing and is very seamless. Virgin River kept me hooked with a balanced pace and some definite high-tension moments. I'm on season two, episode five (as of writing this) and I love it. There aren't any major time jumps between the first two seasons, so it is a continuation, which is quite nice because the storyline doesn't feel rushed and you get to know the characters really well. This brings me to my next point. I love the cast of characters. Admittedly, there are some characters I'm not a huge fan of but that's good because I'm pretty sure they're the antagonists. But I really enjoy the dynamic of Mel and Jack's characters and watching them progress with their character development. Neither of them are simple characters; they are complex, multi-dimensional, and have flaws that only make them more relatable. Doc and Hope are also some great characters. They kind of mirror Mel and Jack, but they're just older in age. A funny thing about Doc, though, is that the actor Tim Matheson is also in Hart of Dixie . In Hart of Dixie , Matheson plays the small-town doctor who isn't happy when the new city girl comes to town and works at his practice—the only difference is that in Hart of Dixie, Zoe Hart is a doctor, whereas, in Virgin River , Mel is a nurse and midwife. The whole show has a sense of familiarity, even though you may not have watched it before or know anything about it. It reminds me of those typical comfort shows, like Gilmore Girls , that are perfect to watch when the weather isn't so great and you need cheering up (despite the sometimes sombre storylines). So, if you need a new TV show to watch, and you have access to Netflix, give Virgin River a go. It won't be for everyone, but in my opinion, it is a very good show. Until next time...