Title: Destroy Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Dystopia, Fantasy
Pages: 111
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤

Buy this book on Amazon

Destroy Me

Juliette has just escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing and then shooting Warner. She managed to get away. Warner, however, wants her back. He has observed her for a very long time and read all of her dossiers. The more he learned about Juliette, the more he started to like her.

At the same time, he must keep everything very quiet. If others realize that someone has escaped, it could lead to rebellion—and that’s something he wants to avoid at all costs.

Review

Not too long ago, I read the first book, Shatter Me. And honestly, I think I’m lucky that I’m only reading this series now, because I can read everything in the correct order. This is novella 1.5 and takes place right after Juliette escapes.

In my review of Shatter Me, I mentioned that I wasn’t sure about Adam’s intentions or the role of the others. It felt like there was more going on beneath the surface. I wasn’t even sure if Adam and Juliette would end up together. But after reading Destroy Me, I’m even more confused. I actually think there’s a chance that Juliette and Warner might become a thing… maybe?

Reading Warner’s side of the story was really interesting. I hated him in Shatter Me, but it turns out there’s more to him than it first seemed. He’s actually much softer and more complex than I expected. He genuinely cares, which was surprising to see. He’s also in love with Juliette, and I think his feelings might be real. It feels like he has a bigger plan, and not everything has been revealed yet, which makes me even more excited to continue the series.

Warner has been through a lot, and he actually has quite a bit in common with Juliette. They both experienced abuse in their family situations, which adds another layer to their characters.

This novella is around 100 pages, so it’s very short, but it adds so much to the story. I really enjoyed seeing things from his perspective, and I can’t wait to read the next book.

The post Destroy me – Tahereh Mafi | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.

The other day, I was thinking about how life is moving way too fast these days. For me, it feels like Christmas and New Year’s Eve weren’t that long ago. But I blinked once, and suddenly it’s April. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve often felt like time is moving faster than it used to. And even though there will always be moments when life speeds by, there are also ways to slow down time.

How to Slow Down Time

1. Start Noticing Small Moments
   Time feels fast when everything blends together. When nothing stands out, your brain doesn’t “store” the moments. But as soon as you start noticing the “little” things, time begins to slow down. Use all of your senses to take in what’s around you, the birds you hear singing, the sunset you see, the warmth or cold you feel, depending on the weather. When you start living in the present, it will feel like time is moving more slowly than usual.
   
2. Stop Rushing Everything
   We live in a society where everyone is always busy, and even on the weekends, we are constantly rushing. We rarely slow down. But slowing down can actually help. Slowing your actions tells your brain: we’re not in a hurry. And suddenly, time doesn’t feel like it’s running away from you. So try to live a simpler life and slow down. Slow living is a very popular lifestyle these days; it simply means taking your time with each task you do.
   
3. Break Your Routine (Just a Little)
   Routine makes life efficient, but also forgettable. So switch things up every now and then. You don’t have to change everything every day, but you can do small things differently, like taking a different route to work or planning something instead of watching Netflix all night after work or school. New experiences make time feel fuller and longer.
   
4. Live in the Present Moment
   We are often thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Because of that, we forget to live in the now, the present moment. But life is only happening right now. There are several ways to train your brain to be more present, such as mindfulness and meditation.
   
5. Try Something New
   Trying something new forces you to be present. It requires your full attention, which naturally slows down your perception of time. Think about how slow time sometimes felt when you were a child—that’s because you were constantly learning and experiencing new things. When everything is familiar, your brain goes on autopilot. But when something is new, your mind becomes more aware and engaged. So step out of your routine once in a while. Try a new hobby, visit a new place, or learn something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be big—just different.
   
6. Create Intentional Moments
   If you don’t create moments, life will simply pass by. Start romanticizing your life. Be the main character of your own story. Light a candle in the evening, watch the sunrise, dance while making dinner, listen to your favorite playlist during a walk, or buy yourself flowers.
   
7. Put Your Phone Down More Often
   One of the biggest reasons time feels like it’s moving faster than ever is because we are constantly on our phones. We forget to truly live and end up scrolling for hours. You can lose so much time without even noticing. And afterward, it doesn’t feel like time well spent; it feels wasted. Try to reduce your screen time and only use your phone when you really need it.

Photo by Plann on Unsplash

The post How to Slow Down Time (When Life Feels Like It’s Moving Too Fast) first appeared on A happy life.

Title: Training the Heart
Author: Paisley Hope
Publisher: Dell
Genre: Romance
Pages: 448
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Buy this book on Amazon

Training the Heart

Ivy Spencer is a young horse trainer who gets the chance to prove herself at Silver Pines Ranch. It’s exactly what she needs after everything she’s been through with her last relationship and her mother.

Wade is Ivy’s complete opposite and doesn’t let anyone in. He’s also coming out of a terrible relationship and is now fully focused on the ranch. Wade had to hire Ivy after his previous trainer became a mother, but that doesn’t mean he agrees with the way Ivy wants to train the horses.

Review

This is the second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series. I read the first book, Holding the Reins, at the beginning of the year, and I absolutely loved it. I’m a big fan of cowboy romances. I was already familiar with cowboy romances by Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage, and now I can add Paisley Hope as another instant-buy author.

Ivy and Wade have both been through similar experiences. They were each in toxic relationships with terrible ex-partners. At the same time, they are complete opposites. Ivy is the sunshine character in this story, while Wade is definitely the grumpy one. But slowly, he starts to open up and smile more often. At the beginning, they weren’t the biggest fans of each other. Ivy especially enjoyed getting under Wade’s skin, which was really fun to read.

Their relationship begins to develop into something more when Ivy gets hurt and Wade starts taking care of her. He does all these little things for her, and in my opinion, that was incredibly attractive. Honestly, to win my heart, you just have to be a gentleman and do those small, thoughtful things.

The story itself was interesting. It’s not just about their relationship or life on the ranch; it also explores their pasts and personal struggles. It touches on emotionally abusive relationships, the loss of a parent, and alcoholism. These are pretty heavy topics, but the rest of the story keeps it from feeling too overwhelming. Ivy’s ex, in particular, did some truly awful things to her.

That said, even though the story was good, there was also a lot of spice. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not against spice in books. When it’s well-written, it can be fun. And while it was well-written here, it was also quite a lot. I think the first 50% of the book had no spice, although there was definitely tension and anticipation. The second half, however, was full of it. In my opinion, it could have been toned down a bit. For me, the story is always the most important part of a book, not the spice; that’s not why I read romance. Still, I gave it a 5-star rating because it didn’t bother me too much.

The book was well-written, and I flew through it. The paperback has 448 pages, and I finished it in just one day. Paisley’s writing style is simple and engaging. It never felt boring, and it had the perfect balance between lighthearted moments and heavier themes.

If you’re into cowboy romances, you should definitely check out this series. I would recommend reading it in order, though, since characters from the first book make frequent appearances.

The post Training the Heart – Paisley Hope | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.

Title: Reminders of Him
Actors: Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Writers: Colleen Hoover, Lauren Levine
Genre: Drama, Romance
Length: 1 hour 54 minutes
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤

Reminders of Him

Kenna has just been released from prison after being involved in a car crash with her boyfriend, Scotty, in which he died. She survived the accident. Now, she has returned to the small town where she fell in love with him. But the main reason she’s back is to see her daughter, the child she had with Scotty, who was taken away from her at birth while she was in prison.

Now, Kenna is determined to prove that she can be a good mother.

Review

I had very low expectations for this movie. I’ve watched two other movies based on books by Colleen Hoover (It Ends With Us and Regretting You), and I wasn’t the biggest fan of those stories. Regretting You especially felt a bit boring to me. Still, I wanted to give this one a chance because the trailer looked promising.

And honestly, it wasn’t that bad. I actually think this might be the best story by Colleen Hoover so far. I know we’re also getting Verity this year, but I’ve read that book and wasn’t that impressed—it was just okay for me. Still, I’m curious to see how the movie adaptation will turn out.

Back to this movie called Reminders of Him: I thought it was a beautiful but sad story.

Kenna hasn’t been able to see her daughter because she was in prison after the accident where Scotty died. She left the scene, which is why she went to jail. But, of course, nothing is exactly as it seems—her side of the story is more complicated. She writes letters about what really happened that day and continues to write to Scotty, who was the love of her life.

Now that she’s back in town, people refuse to hire her because of her past. Ledger is one of the people keeping her away from her daughter, but they start spending more time together. He begins to see that she isn’t dangerous, and once he learns what really happened, he starts to help her.

Kenna was a likable character. She respects the boundaries set by others but still holds on to the hope that she’ll one day see her daughter again. The chemistry between Ledger and Kenna was really good, which made the story more engaging. It’s also quite emotional. Imagine losing the love of your life, spending years in prison, and then not being able to see your own child.

So yes, I would say this is my favorite Colleen Hoover story so far. It has romance, drama, and emotional depth. I actually had a pretty good time watching it. It definitely wasn’t as bad as I expected.

The post Reminders of Him (2026) | Movie Review first appeared on A happy life.

When people hear the term ADHD, many still picture a young, hyperactive boy who can’t sit still in class. But that stereotype is outdated, and often harmful. The other day I was reading a book and I could relate to the main character. And then the main character found out that she had ADHD. I am not saying I have ADHD (never been tested) but it shows that our view of what ADHD is completely wrong. Because I never thought about those symptoms were a part of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects people of all ages, genders, and personalities. It doesn’t always look like hyperactivity, and it definitely isn’t something that only boys experience. In fact, many girls and women go undiagnosed for years because their symptoms can look very different.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels. And while some people with ADHD are hyperactive, many are not. Some may even appear quiet, calm, or “daydreamy” on the outside, while their minds are constantly racing.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what ADHD really is and explore the most common symptoms. But please know that I am not an expert. If you think you might have ADHD, you should get tested by a professional.

Common Symptoms of ADHD

1. Difficulty focusing: You may struggle to stay focused on tasks, especially if they are boring or repetitive. Your attention can drift quickly, even when you’re trying your best to concentrate.
2. Easily distracted: Small things, like noises, notifications, or your own thoughts, can pull your attention away from what you’re doing.
3. Forgetfulness: You might forget appointments, tasks, or where you placed things. Daily responsibilities can feel harder to keep track of.
4. Trouble with organization: Planning, structuring tasks, or keeping your space organized can feel overwhelming or exhausting.
5. Procrastination: Starting tasks can be difficult, especially if they feel boring or stressful. You may delay things until the last minute.
6. Impulsivity: You might act or speak without thinking things through, interrupt others, or make quick decisions you later regret.
7. Hyperactivity or restlessness: This doesn’t always mean being physically hyper. It can also show up as feeling internally restless, fidgeting, or always needing to do something.
8. Overthinking: Your mind may feel constantly busy, jumping from thought to thought or replaying situations over and over.
9. Emotional sensitivity: Emotions can feel more intense. You might get overwhelmed, frustrated, or upset more quickly than others.
10. Difficulty relaxing: Even when you try to rest, your mind may keep going, making it hard to truly relax.
11. Low motivation (for certain tasks): Tasks that don’t feel interesting or rewarding can be very hard to start or finish, even if you know they’re important.
12. Hyperfocus: On the flip side, you may become extremely focused on things you enjoy, sometimes losing track of time completely.

Photo by Hiki App on Unsplash

The post Think You Might Have ADHD? Here Are the Real Signs first appeared on A happy life.

Title: Fight
Author: Sloane St. James
Publisher: Slowburn
Genre: Romance:
Pages: 384
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤

Buy this book on Amazon

Fight

Callahan is a firefighter, and he and his team fight wildfires, which can be extremely dangerous. The team is very close, which makes sense since they spend so much time away from home. He isn’t interested in a relationship, especially after the last woman he dated cheated on him.
Prescott has nothing except what she can fit in her car. She has run away from her past and is ready to start a new life. On her first night, she meets Callahan, and they immediately hit it off.
Later, Callahan discovers that Prescott isn’t just new in town, she also works as a nurse. One night, they find themselves stranded together in a dangerous situation, and their relationship begins to grow.

Review

This is the first book in the Sky Ridge Hotshots series, written by three different authors. I think it’s really cool that multiple authors collaborated on one series. The first book is written by Sloane St. James. The entire series focuses on firefighters, and I just realized that I’ve never read a book about firefighters before, at least not that I can remember.

I loved this book from the start. The chemistry between Prescott and Callahan was amazing. Neither of them is looking for a relationship, but as the saying goes, you find love when you least expect it, and that’s exactly what happens here. The romance was really well done, and I enjoyed the writing style a lot. This was my first time reading a book by Sloane St. James (I think), and I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll definitely consider reading more of her work in the future.

I also liked the suspense in the story. Prescott has a mysterious past, and Callahan tries to figure out what she’s hiding—and whether she might already be married. Since he has been cheated on before, he wants to avoid going through that again. The final part of the book was especially good. When something happens to Prescott, they end up in a dangerous situation together and are forced to hide. That moment pushes them to open up and finally talk about their feelings.

I’m not entirely sure why I didn’t give this a 5/5 rating, because I clearly loved it. But I usually reserve 5 stars for books that completely blow me away. So a 4/5 is still a very strong rating for me.

I’m definitely excited to read the next books in the series, written by Paisley Hope and Danielle Baker.

The post Fight – Sloane St. James | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.

If you’re familiar with getting your period, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. The cramps can make you want to stay in bed all day, wrapped in a blanket, eating chocolate.

But there are actually several ways to help yourself feel better during your period. Over the years, I’ve tried different things, and I’ve found a few tips that really work for me.

In this post, I’m going to share some simple and realistic ways to reduce cramps, feel more comfortable, and take better care of yourself during your period.

How to Feel Better on Your Period (Easy Tips for Cramps & Self-Care)

1. Hot water bottle
   I’m starting with my favorite tip. As soon as I notice the first cramps, I try to pause whatever I’m doing (if possible) and make a hot water bottle. Then I place it on my lower back and relax, usually by watching an episode of something on Netflix. This is my go-to trick. My cramps can get very intense, but as soon as I use a hot water bottle and give myself time to relax, the pain often eases almost immediately. After an hour, or sometimes longer, I feel so much better. For the rest of my period, I’m usually almost pain-free.
2. Drink chamomile tea
   Warm drinks are already helpful for cramps, but chamomile tea has extra benefits. Chamomile is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce tension and discomfort. Try drinking one or two cups in the days leading up to your period and during it.
3. Eat healthy
   Eating well can make a big difference. Many women notice fewer or less painful cramps when they maintain a healthy diet. Your body needs extra nutrients during your period, so focus on foods rich in iron (like meat, lentils, and beans) and magnesium (like leafy greens and nuts). These can help support your body and reduce symptoms.
4. Gentle movement
   If your cramps aren’t too severe, gentle movement can help. A short walk, for example, can improve blood circulation, boost your mood, and reduce stress. You don’t have to do intense workouts—just light movement is enough.
5. Rest
   We often have busy lives and forget to listen to our bodies. During your period, your body may need more rest than usual. Don’t feel guilty about taking a nap or relaxing with a show. Pushing yourself too hard can actually make cramps worse.
6. Stay hydrated
   Drinking enough water is important. Staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and may ease cramps. Try to drink water consistently throughout the day.
7. Extra tip: try magnesium or a warm shower
   Magnesium (through food or supplements) can help relax muscles and reduce cramps. A warm shower or bath can also have a similar soothing effect, especially if you let the warm water relax your lower back and stomach.

Photo by Sydney Latham on Unsplash

The post How to Feel Better on Your Period (Easy Tips for Cramps & Self-Care) first appeared on A happy life.

As a child, I used to bite my nails all the time, and they didn’t look very nice. I’m not exactly sure why I started, but I think it mostly happened when I was bored.

Then one day, I decided to stop and start taking care of my nails. As a result, they became stronger, longer, and much prettier.

Maybe you also want to stop biting your nails and grow them out. If so, this blog post is for you—I’m going to share how you can stop biting your nails and help them grow.

How to Stop Biting Your Nails

1. Band-Aids
   If you find yourself biting your nails non-stop and can’t seem to stop, it might help to create a physical barrier. You may be doing it unconsciously, so wearing bandages on your fingertips can make you more aware of the habit. Yes, it might look a bit unusual to wear several bandages, but you can choose to wear them only at home or during the times when you tend to bite your nails the most. For example, maybe you do it while watching TV or sitting at your desk at work. This small step can help break the automatic behavior.
   
2. Anti-biting nail polish
   There are special nail polishes designed to help with nail biting. They are usually transparent, so you can still apply a colored polish on top if you like. These polishes have a very bitter taste, which discourages you from biting your nails.
   On top of that, they often strengthen your nails, making them harder to bite. It’s a simple but effective way to reduce the habit over time.
   
3. Find a new habit
   Nail biting is often linked to stress or boredom. If that’s the case, try to reduce your stress levels where possible. At the same time, it helps to replace the habit with something else. You could use a stress ball, a fidget toy, or even just keep your hands busy with something like doodling or playing with a pen. The goal is to give your hands something else to do instead of biting your nails.
   
4. Make them look nice
   When you put effort into making your nails look nice, you’re less likely to ruin them. This is something that helped me a lot. Once I started painting my nails and taking care of them, I felt proud of how they looked. As they started to grow, I didn’t want to bite them anymore because I didn’t want to lose that progress. It became a positive cycle, taking care of them made me want to keep them healthy.
   
5. Take care of your nails and fingers
   Healthy nails are less tempting to bite. Use cuticle oil to keep the skin around your nails soft and hydrated. You can also use a nail file to smooth out rough edges, which might otherwise trigger you to start biting. Taking care of your nails regularly can make a big difference and help you feel more in control of the habit.

Photo by Chelson Tamares on Unsplash

The post How to Stop Biting Your Nails (5 Tips) first appeared on A happy life.

FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is a term we are all familiar with. It’s something we’ve been talking about for years. There was even a counter-movement called JOMO, the “joy of missing out.” But FOMO hasn’t disappeared.

There are still many people who sit at home and feel like they’re missing out on something, mostly because we are connected 24/7. I experience it sometimes too. I love spending my Saturday evening at home with a good book, but I can still get the feeling that I should be out at parties or having fun with friends.

What is FOMO

As I mentioned, FOMO stands for “fear of missing out.” You might recognize that feeling when you’re sitting at home. At first, you feel comfortable and content. But then you pick up your phone and see videos and photos of your friends having a great time. Suddenly, you feel like you’re missing out and that you should be out at a party or doing something exciting, even though, just a minute ago, you were perfectly fine.

With social media, this feeling has probably become even stronger. You see someone at a party and suddenly wish you were there. Or you see someone at a concert and wish you were there too. It creates the feeling that your life is boring or that you’re missing out on something better.

But you can also experience FOMO in everyday conversations. When people talk about their amazing weekends or exciting experiences from the past, you might start to feel like you’re missing out. Even without social media, that feeling can still show up.

How to Get Rid of FOMO

Spend less time on social media
Like I said, one of the biggest reasons we experience FOMO (fear of missing out) is because we constantly see other people, including our friends, having fun and doing exciting things. It’s easy to compare our lives to theirs. But if you spend your weekend on the couch reading a great book, that doesn’t make your life any less valuable. The moment you open social media, you might suddenly feel like you’re missing out, but that feeling is often created by what you see online, not by your actual life. Try putting your phone away more often and focus on what you want to do. You’re not boring for enjoying a quiet evening with a book. In fact, you’re choosing what truly makes you happy.

Put everything into perspective
It’s impossible to be everywhere at once, which means you are always missing out on something. And that’s okay. If you’re at an amazing concert, you might be missing another great event, a party, or even a once-in-a-lifetime moment happening somewhere else. You simply can’t do everything. Once you accept that, it becomes easier to let go of FOMO and enjoy where you are.

Analyze your thoughts and feelings
Ask yourself: do you actually want to go to that party because it excites you, or are you just afraid of missing out? Being honest with yourself can help you make better decisions. Sometimes the desire to go somewhere doesn’t come from genuine interest, but from pressure or fear. Recognizing that difference is very powerful.

Learn to say no
Sometimes you don’t even want to go to an event, but you still say yes because you’re afraid of missing something. It’s easy to imagine saying no and then hearing the next day how amazing it was. But if you truly don’t feel like going, whether you’re tired, not feeling well, or just need time for yourself, it’s okay to say no. Choosing yourself is more important than trying to be everywhere.

Talk about it
If you’re really struggling with FOMO, it can help to talk about it. Share your feelings with friends, or even a professional if needed. You might be surprised to find that many people feel the same way, even those who seem to be doing everything. No one is completely immune to FOMO. In some ways, it’s just a part of being human.

Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash

The post What is FOMO and How to Get Rid of It? first appeared on A happy life.

Title: Hoppers
Voice Actors: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan and more
Director: Daniel Chong
Writers: Daniel Chong, Jesse Andrews, and more
Genre: Animation
Length: 1 hour and 44 minutes
My Rating:❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤

Hoppers

Mabel used to struggle with anger issues until her grandmother showed her a special place that brought her a lot of peace. But after her grandmother’s death, the place is no longer filled with animals.

With the help of technology, she transforms into a beaver and sets out to discover why the animals left. She also tries to bring them back before the mayor destroys the area to build a new highway.

Review

I saw the trailer for this movie and got really excited. It looked like a very cute film. I love animated movies, and I knew I wanted to watch this one as well.

If you love animated movies and cute animals, then you’re probably going to enjoy this one too. It’s a beautiful story about a girl trying to save a special place she used to share with her grandmother. Mabel struggles with anger issues, although personally I think it’s more that she deeply cares about animals and nature. When her grandmother shows her this place, it brings her peace. But when the animals start disappearing, she decides to take action and save this place.

Mabel’s biggest enemy is the mayor. I liked how she stands up for what she believes in, even though the mayor doesn’t care at all. He is only focused on building a new highway and expanding the city. He doesn’t care about the animals or nature, and he’s even partly responsible for driving them away.

There’s also a funny side to the movie. At one point, Mabel discovers that her professor has created a mechanical beaver, and with the help of a machine, it’s possible to transfer a human mind into it. Mabel decides to do this because she believes she can save everything by becoming a beaver and bringing the animals back. As a beaver, she can communicate with other animals, which leads to some really fun and cute moments.

Some of the animals were absolutely hilarious. I laughed a lot at Kinga, the Insect Queen’s son. He acts like a villain, but in a very funny way.

The movie also has some emotional moments. At the beginning, you see Mabel with her grandmother, who later passes away. And when Mabel turns into a beaver, she forms a bond with King George, but eventually she has to return to her human body.

Overall, it’s a beautiful movie with an important message. We should take better care of animals and nature. We are often so focused on building roads and cities that we forget how important nature really is. Without it, we wouldn’t even exist. I would definitely recommend this movie.

The post Hoppers (2026) | Movie Review first appeared on A happy life.