Title: Voicemails for Isabelle
Actors: Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson
Director: Leah McKendrick
Writer: Leah McKendrick
Genre: Romance
Length: 1 hour and 58 minutes
My Rating:

Watch Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix

Voicemails for Isabelle

Jill has always been very close to her sister, Isabelle. When Isabelle passed away, Jill struggled to let go of the bond they shared. She used to tell her sister everything, and even now she leaves voicemails for Isabelle, updating her on the events of her life.

What Jill doesn’t know is that Isabelle’s old phone number no longer belongs to her. The number now belongs to Wes, who has been receiving all of Jill’s messages. Rather than telling her, he finds himself looking forward to each voicemail. Through her stories, humor, and honesty, he becomes fascinated by the woman on the other end of the line.

Determined to meet her, Wes travels to San Francisco. As they get to know each other, they slowly fall in love. But there’s one thing Wes hasn’t told Jill: he’s the one who has been listening to all of the voicemails she thought she was leaving for her sister.

Review

The post Voicemails for Isabelle | 2026 | Movie Review first appeared on A happy life.

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How to Stay Cool During a Heatwave

Control your Enviroment

1. Block the sun
   The first thing to do is keep the sun out of your home. This means closing your curtains, blinds, or shutters throughout the day. Yes, it might make you feel like a vampire, but at least your home will stay a little cooler. It’s even better if you have blackout curtains.
2. Optimize airflow
   This tip completely depends on the temperature outside. If it’s cooler outdoors, open all your windows and doors to let the cool, fresh air into your home. Open them early in the morning, then close them as soon as the temperature starts to rise to keep the heat outside.
3. Avoid extra heat
   Even lights and electronic devices give off heat, so avoid using them unless it is necessary. Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using and unplug electronics when possible. Every little bit helps, especially during very hot days, as reducing extra heat sources can make your home feel noticeably cooler.
4. Use fans
   Another way to cool your house when you don’t have air conditioning is to use fans. However, keep in mind that if it’s 35°C or hotter indoors, fans will simply blow warm air around. You can easily improve this by placing frozen water bottles in front of the fan, which will help create a cooler breeze.
5. Seek AC locations
   If you’re at home and it’s unbearably warm indoors, you can always spend some time in places that have air conditioning. Maybe it’s a good time to do your grocery shopping, visit a café, or work or read in the library. Many public spaces have air conditioning, so taking advantage of them can help you cool down and get a break from the heat.

Cool Your Body

1. Cold Compress
   This is my favorite tip of all, because it’s something I do when it gets really warm and I can’t find a way to cool down. Putting a wet towel on your body can give you some relief. It just feels nice, and suddenly it becomes easier to breathe during a heatwave. I usually put mine on my neck, but you can also place it on your wrists or inside your elbows.
2. Water
   Take colder showers to cool your body down a little, or find a swimming pool, start a water fight, or simply spray some water onto your body or face. Water can help cool your body down for a while.
3. Dress light
   This is an obvious one, but you should wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. It’s even better if the fabric is linen or cotton. These are the best breathable fabrics and won’t make you sweat even more.
4. Cool extremities
   One thing they always do is make sure older people stay cool, often by giving them a kiddie pool so they can put their feet in the water. This actually helps them cool their bodies down. And if it works for them, why not for you? Fill a kiddie pool, basin, or whatever you have with water, put your feet in it, and just relax.

Hydration and Diet

1. Drink water consistently
   Put a water bottle next to you and bring it everywhere you go, because you need to make sure you drink enough water. If you don’t drink enough, you will lose focus and may start getting headaches. So take several sips every hour.
2. Stay away from dehydrating drinks
   It is interesting how many people drink more alcohol when it is warm, even though it is exactly the opposite of what you should do. Alcohol, caffeine, and overly sugary drinks are the ones you should try to avoid, as they can dehydrate your body.
3. Eat light
   Eat smaller, lighter meals. Large meals that are high in protein and fat divert blood to your intestines to aid digestion, which makes your body generate internal heat. Eat more vegetables and fruit, and have more salads during a heatwave. Reach for fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and berries.
4. Drink hot water
   This sounds a bit weird, but it is something I learned years ago. Apparently, if you drink hot water, you will feel hot at first, but then your body starts to cool down again. If you drink iced water, you will feel colder at first, but then your body works hard to raise its temperature again, and it can even feel hotter than before. Although during a heatwave with temperatures above 30 degrees, you might be better off with just room-temperature water.

   Photo by Aleisha Kalina on Unsplash

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One thing I’ve learned in the past couple of years is that there are people who barely overthink, and then there are people like me who overthink everything. I have to admit that I sometimes feel jealous of those who don’t overthink as much. At first, I thought overthinking was normal and just part of life, but it isn’t. If you’re wondering whether you are an overthinker or simply someone who thinks things through, then this blog post is for you. I’m even sharing a few tips if you tend to overthink.

The Difference Between Thinking and Overthinking

Thinking

Overthinking

Overthinking is different, but the total daily thought count isn’t necessarily higher. The biggest difference is that overthinking involves repeating the same thoughts over and over again. Let’s use the example of needing to go grocery shopping. With normal thinking, you realize you need to buy food, maybe make a list of what to buy, and then you go. With overthinking, you start wondering if you have enough food, analyzing when it’s best to go and whether it will be busy, thinking about whether it’s better to go tomorrow, and checking if you have enough food for breakfast. You might even start mentally planning meals. And it goes on and on.

Overthinking happens when you seek comfort and try to avoid perceived risks or danger, even when there is no real threat. You keep thinking the same thoughts repeatedly but never come to a conclusion. Overthinking can make you feel anxious, drained, and scattered. You often focus on the worst-case scenario because your brain is in survival mode and is trying to protect you. In the end, overthinking creates more problems and worry, and it can leave you feeling paralyzed.

Tips for overthinking

1. Brain Dump
   Sit down for 15 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind. It doesn’t matter what it is. This helps you clear your mind. Then look at everything you wrote down and see what kind of action you can take. Cross out everything that is out of your control.
2. The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
   This is a great way to ground yourself in the present moment. Every time you notice that you are overthinking and spiraling, stop yourself and name five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This brings your awareness back to the present moment. You can use this technique every time you notice you are overthinking.
3. Swap overthinking for action-based questions
   You can overthink for an hour about how you should really clean something, but it is better to ask yourself better questions when you realize you are overthinking. Ask yourself: What can I do right now? Can I improve this situation? What is the next step forward? This helps you get out of your head and take action.
4. Schedule worry time
   Allow yourself to worry for 10–15 minutes every single day. Try to do it at the same time each day so your brain learns that this is the designated time to worry. However, don’t do it right before bed, because it can keep you awake. Instead, do it right before or after dinner. This way, you still give yourself permission to worry, but after about 15 minutes, you simply stop.
5. Mindfulness/Meditation
   These are two great things you can do when you want to stop worrying and overthinking all the time. Every time you notice you are starting to overthink or spiral, you can say: “I am overthinking this.” Then you bring your awareness back to the present moment. A lot of people use their breath as an anchor, but you can use anything you want.
   Photo by Teena Lalawat on Unsplash

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Dopamine; we’ve all heard of it. It’s a chemical messenger in the brain that plays an important role in motivation, desire, learning, and our reward system. Dopamine is released when we achieve a goal, complete a task, or experience something enjoyable. It helps reinforce behaviors that our brain sees as rewarding, which is why it often feels good when dopamine is released.

However, dopamine also has a downside. Activities such as scrolling through social media, gambling, or eating highly processed foods can trigger dopamine release as well. In many cases, it’s the anticipation of a reward, not just the reward itself, that keeps us coming back for more. This can make certain habits difficult to break, even when we know they aren’t always in our best interest.

The good news is that there are plenty of healthier ways to stimulate dopamine and support your overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore some natural and positive ways to boost dopamine levels and feel more motivated, energized, and fulfilled.

Healthier Ways to Release Dopamine

1. Physical Activity
   One of the best ways to get a natural dopamine boost is to start moving your body. It doesn’t really matter how you do it. You can go for a walk, run, cycle, swim, dance, or do some strength training. Any form of physical activity can help.You may not always feel motivated to exercise at first, but you’ll often notice that you feel much better afterward. A simple walk or workout can improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and give you a sense of accomplishment.The key is to find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy. Running isn’t for everyone, and neither is spending hours in the gym. Experiment with different activities until you find something that feels fun rather than like a chore. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it and reap the benefits.
2. Sunlight
   Sunlight can also help stimulate dopamine production in the brain. One of the best times to get natural light is shortly after waking up. Try stepping outside for a few minutes in the morning. You can even combine sunlight with physical activity by taking a short walk around your neighborhood.Even on cloudy days, spending time outdoors can be beneficial, as natural light is still much brighter than indoor lighting. If you’re spending most of the day inside, consider taking a five-minute break to step outside and get some fresh air and sunlight. Small habits like these can make a positive difference in your mood and energy levels.
3. Spend time in nature
   Have you ever spent time in nature and suddenly realized how calm and peaceful you felt in that moment? There’s something about being outdoors that helps us slow down and recharge. Spending time in green spaces, getting fresh air, and soaking up natural light can help reduce stress and improve your mood, leaving you feeling happier, more energized, and refreshed.So even if the weather isn’t perfect, try to get outside and spend some time in nature. Take a walk through a park, sit by a lake, or simply enjoy the greenery around you. Nature has a remarkable way of helping us feel more grounded, calm, and connected.
4. Quality Sleep
   How well do you sleep each night? Everyone has the occasional bad night’s sleep, but if you regularly wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed, it may be worth taking a closer look at your sleep routine.Good sleep actually starts long before you get into bed. One habit that can make a big difference is limiting screen time in the evening. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, computers, and televisions can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and make it harder to fall asleep.Try turning off your screens one to two hours before bedtime and replace them with more relaxing activities, such as reading, journaling, stretching, or listening to calming music. Creating a peaceful evening routine can improve both the quality of your sleep and how you feel the next day.
5. Eat Protein- Rich foods
   Eating naturally activates your brain’s reward system and can trigger the release of dopamine, especially when you consume foods that contain protein and the amino acid tyrosine. While highly processed foods can provide a quick dopamine boost, they are often less satisfying in the long run and can make it harder to maintain healthy eating habits.For more sustainable energy and overall well-being, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods. Not only will these foods support your physical health, but they can also help you feel more energized and satisfied throughout the day.
6. Set and complete small tasks
   Dopamine is also released when you complete a task. That’s why it can be helpful to break larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps. Create a to-do list and check off each task as you complete it. Every small win gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment, which can help keep you motivated.I still do this the old-fashioned way with a notebook. I write down everything I need to do and cross tasks off as I complete them. It may seem simple, but it feels incredibly satisfying every time I put a line through a finished task. Not only does it give me a small dopamine boost, but it also motivates me to keep going and leaves me feeling productive and fulfilled.
7. Learn something new
   Learning something new is another great way to stimulate dopamine release. Our brains are naturally wired to enjoy novelty, so simply exposing yourself to new experiences can be rewarding.Even something as simple as learning a few words in a new language can give your brain a small dopamine boost. The same goes for mastering a new recipe, learning a musical instrument, or developing a new skill. And when you exceed your own expectations or finally accomplish something you’ve been working toward, the feeling of reward can be even greater.So why not challenge yourself to learn something new? Pick up a new language, try a new recipe, learn to play an instrument, take an online course, or explore a hobby you’ve always been curious about. Not only will you gain new skills, but you’ll also keep your brain engaged and motivated.
8. Social connection
   Positive social experiences can also contribute to healthy dopamine release. Instead of spending all your free time scrolling on your phone, try connecting with the people around you. Spend time with your family and friends, invite them over for dinner, or simply have meaningful conversations. Strong social connections can boost your mood and help you feel more fulfilled.Acts of kindness can be rewarding as well. Helping others, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger, can create positive feelings for both you and the person you’re helping. Small gestures of kindness can make a bigger difference than you might think.Physical affection can also play a role in promoting feelings of well-being. A hug from a loved one, holding hands, cuddling with a partner, or even petting a dog or cat can help you feel more connected, relaxed, and happy.
9. Music
   Listening to music you genuinely enjoy can trigger dopamine release, especially when you feel emotionally connected to it. So now you have another excuse to put on your favorite songs and simply enjoy them.Listen to your favorite artists, revisit albums you love, and allow yourself to get lost in the music. Whether you dance around your living room, sing along at the top of your lungs, or just sit back and listen, music can be a simple and enjoyable way to boost your mood and brighten your day.
10. Meditation
    Meditation and mindfulness offer many benefits and can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Regular practice can help you feel calmer, more focused, and better equipped to handle daily stress.Research suggests that meditation and mindfulness can support healthy dopamine function while also improving attention and emotional regulation. As a result, you may feel more focused, motivated, and emotionally balanced. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a meaningful difference over time.
11. Healthy Challenges
    Activities that combine effort and reward can be particularly effective for boosting dopamine. This can include physical activities such as running, swimming, or other forms of exercise. It can also involve challenging yourself in other ways, such as taking a brief cold shower, deep-cleaning your home, working on a creative project, or playing a competitive game.These activities often require some effort upfront, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you feel afterward can make them especially rewarding.

    Photo by Ekaterina Krusanova on Unsplash

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Buy This book on Amazon

Don’t Brake My Heart

A year ago, Leesa Kubicka’s professional cycling career came to an abrupt end after a disastrous final race. Now, she’s working for a sports marketing company and is given the opportunity to lead a major project during the Tour de France. Her assignment seems simple: follow one of cycling’s biggest talents and create content around his journey throughout the race.

The problem? That talent is Colin Gallagher. Leesa already knows Colin from their days on the same cycling team. Back then, he was constantly pulling pranks on her, and she never quite knew what to make of him. Now, they’re forced to spend weeks together during one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

What Leesa doesn’t know is that Colin has had a crush on her for years. With the Tour de France underway and their paths crossing once again, he sees this as his last chance to prove that he’s more than the immature prankster she remembers—before she disappears from his life for good.

Review

First, I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

The main reason I requested this book is that I’m from the Netherlands, and it’s centered around cycling. If there’s one thing you should know about the Dutch, it’s that we love our bikes. We use them for transportation every day. I cycle to work daily, so a sports romance about cycling immediately caught my attention.

I ended up giving this book 3 out of 5 stars for several reasons, but I’d like to start with the positives.

I really enjoyed the cycling theme. There are so many sports romances these days, but most of them focus on hockey, baseball, football, or Formula 1. I don’t think I’ve ever read, or even seen, a sports romance centered around professional cycling. This book revolves around the Tour de France, one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It’s hard to avoid during the summer, and I’ve watched it several times myself whenever I had the chance.

That said, I don’t think this was ultimately the right book for me. The biggest issue was that I never felt fully invested in the story. In fact, it felt like the most interesting part didn’t begin until around the 70% mark, when the Tour de France actually started. Until then, I found myself struggling to stay engaged.

The second reason was Colin. Unfortunately, I really didn’t like him as a character. Although he’s 25 years old, he often behaved like a 13-year-old boy. His constant pranks on Leesa felt incredibly childish and immature. I understand that his actions were supposed to show that he had a crush on her, but he was an adult during most of these interactions. There are far more mature ways to get someone’s attention, and instead of finding his behavior charming, I found it frustrating.

Overall, this book wasn’t for me, and I’m unfortunately not its biggest fan. However, if you’re a fan of sports romances and are looking for something different from the usual hockey or Formula 1 romances, this book definitely stands out. But the fact this book is about cycling/ Tour de France makes it stand out.

The post Don’t Brake My Heart – Leonie Mack | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.

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If there’s one thing that can help you manifest faster in life, it’s raising your vibration. And manifesting faster isn’t the only reason I recommend it. When you feel better, every aspect of your life improves. As a bonus, you actually get to enjoy the present moment more; you feel happier, more energized, and more at peace.

And if we’re being honest, happiness is usually the real reason we want to manifest certain things in the first place. We believe that getting the job, relationship, house, or other goal will make us happy. But what if it actually works the other way around?

The truth is that the happier and more aligned you become, the more naturally you attract the things you desire. Instead of waiting for your dream life to make you happy, focus on creating more happiness right now. When you raise your vibration and feel good in the present, you become a match for the life you want, and often, things start falling into place much faster.

How to Raise Your Vibration

There are many things you can do to improve your mood and raise your vibration. And before you think it’s going to cost a lot of money,don’t worry. Most of these tips are completely free, and the rest cost very little.

1. Put your phone away
   There have been countless studies on the impact of phone usage on mental health. I recently read about a study in which teenagers had to put their phones away for several weeks. The results were remarkable: their mental health improved significantly in a relatively short period of time.

   Personally, I know I feel much better when I’m not doomscrolling all day. Our phones constantly expose us to negative news, endless comparisons, and an overwhelming amount of information. It’s easy for our brains to become overstimulated and exhausted.

   Try to be more intentional with your phone use. Put it away when you don’t need it, limit mindless scrolling, and spend more time being present in the real world. Your mind will thank you for it.

2. Surround yourself with positive people
   Have you ever met someone who lights up an entire room? Someone whose positive energy is contagious? Those are the kinds of people you want to spend more time with.

   There’s a popular saying: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Whether or not that number is exactly five, the idea behind it is true. The people around you influence your thoughts, habits, mindset, and emotions.

   When you surround yourself with positive, supportive, and optimistic people, their energy naturally rubs off on you. You start to feel more motivated, hopeful, and happier.

   The opposite is also true. Constant exposure to negativity can drain your energy and affect your mood. While you can’t always avoid negative people completely, it’s important to set healthy boundaries and spend more of your time with people who uplift and inspire you.

3. Change your posture

   If I asked you to describe someone who is depressed, you would probably picture a person with their shoulders slumped, head down, and eyes fixed on the ground. But if I asked you to describe someone who is happy and confident, you would likely imagine someone standing tall, smiling, and carrying themselves with confidence.

   Our body language says a lot about how we feel. You’ve probably heard of power poses; simple poses that encourage an open, confident posture. Practicing them for just a few minutes a day may help you feel more confident and self-assured.

   Take a moment to look at yourself in the mirror without changing anything. How is your posture? Are your shoulders rounded forward? Is your head tilted down? If so, try standing a little taller. Sometimes small physical changes can have a surprisingly positive effect on how you feel.

4. Take time for yourself

   Life can be overwhelming at times. Maybe work is stressful, you’re dealing with personal challenges, or you’ve simply been pushing yourself too hard for too long.

   When that happens, it’s okay to take a step back and give yourself the rest you need. Get some extra sleep, spend time alone, read a book, take a walk, or do whatever helps you recharge.

   It’s not selfish to cancel plans when you’re feeling exhausted or emotionally drained. You can always reschedule with a friend another day. Your well-being matters too. Sometimes feeling tired isn’t a sign that you need to work harder; it’s a sign that you need to rest.

5. Find inspiration
   Have you ever watched a movie, read a book, or listened to a podcast that completely changed the way you think? Inspiration has a unique way of lifting our mood and motivating us to take action.

   Maybe you find inspiration on Pinterest, through a meaningful conversation, or by hearing someone’s success story. Whatever inspires you, make room for more of it in your life.

   The great thing is that inspiration is everywhere. The internet gives us access to endless ideas, stories, and creative content. But inspiration can also be found in everyday life; in nature, in the people around you, or in trying something new.

   Pay attention to the things that spark excitement, curiosity, or motivation within you. The more inspired you feel, the more positive energy you’ll bring into your life.

6. Stay away from gossip and drama
   Some people seem to thrive on gossip, drama, and negativity. You might think that putting others down makes them feel better about themselves, but often the opposite is true. People who constantly focus on gossip or criticism may be struggling with their own insecurities or unhappiness.

   Whatever the reason, surrounding yourself with negativity can be draining. Constant drama creates stress, affects your mood, and takes your attention away from the things that truly matter.

   Protect your peace by limiting your involvement in gossip and unnecessary conflict. The less energy you give to negativity, the more energy you have for things that make you feel good.

7. Eat healthy and drink water
   Many people who believe in raising their vibration also believe that the foods we eat carry different energetic qualities. While the scientific evidence for this idea is limited, there’s no doubt that what we put into our bodies affects how we feel.

   When you eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and give your body the fuel it needs, you’re likely to have more energy, think more clearly, and feel better overall.

   Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and drink enough water throughout the day. At the same time, be mindful of consuming too much sugar and heavily processed foods, which can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.

   Taking care of your body is one of the simplest ways to support your overall well-being.

8. Gratitude
   Negative people often focus on everything that is going wrong in their lives. The more attention you give to problems, the more it can feel like your life is filled with them.

   Gratitude helps shift your focus. Instead of dwelling on what you lack, you begin to notice what is already good in your life.

   Consider keeping a gratitude journal and writing down a few things you’re grateful for each day. They don’t have to be big things. Sometimes gratitude can be found in the simplest moments; a warm cup of tea, a beautiful sunset, a good book, or even the sound of a thunderstorm.

   The more you train your mind to notice the good, the easier it becomes to appreciate the life you already have.

9. Mindfulness and Meditation
   Another powerful way to raise your vibration and improve your well-being is to become more present.

   In his book, The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle explains the importance of living in the present moment. Many of us spend our days replaying the past or worrying about the future. Some people start counting down to the weekend as early as Monday, always focused on what comes next instead of what is happening right now.

   Mindfulness helps bring your attention back to the present moment. Whether through meditation, mindful breathing, or simply paying attention to your surroundings, being present can reduce stress and help you feel calmer and more grounded.

   The present moment is where life is happening. The more often you return to it, the more peace you can experience.

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Title: The Shippers
Author: Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Romance
Pages: 336
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

The Shippers

JoJo Burton is in her wedding dress, ready to get married, when Cooper Watts walks into the church. Suddenly, JoJo isn’t sure she still wants to go through with the wedding and calls it off. She begins to think she might be cursed, since her relationships never seem to work out.

Weeks later, she attends her sister’s wedding on a cruise ship, determined to break the curse. Her sister believes JoJo has imprinted on her first kiss with her childhood crush and that he is “the one” for her. Together with her wingman, Cooper, JoJo tries to impress him.

Cooper moved to London four years ago. He had to leave his past behind and ended up ghosting his best friend JoJo for years. Now he’s back, trying to protect JoJo from making another mistake.

Review

I have read a couple of books by Katherine Center by now, and honestly, I don’t think there’s a single book of hers that I didn’t like. Even better, I think I’ve given all of her books 5/5 stars on Goodreads. And as you can probably tell, this was another five-star (or heart) read.

There wasn’t a single thing I disliked about this book, so I’m just going to talk about everything I loved instead. First of all, the story is great. JoJo and Cooper were best friends, and then he suddenly disappeared and ghosted her. Yes, it was a really terrible thing to do without explanation, but you eventually find out why he did it. You just keep reading to uncover the truth. And okay, it’s a romance novel, you can probably predict his reason, but it still works.

This book isn’t just about romance. There’s also a bit of action. And I’m not talking about anything between the sheets because this book has zero spice. I mean that something actually happens to JoJo, and I couldn’t stop reading.

The characters were amazing. JoJo is trying to become someone else so that her old crush will like her. And honestly, isn’t that something most of us have tried at some point? Pretending to be someone we’re not? I loved Cooper the most. He cares about JoJo so much that he puts his own feelings aside to help her and even becomes her wingman.

The tension between them was incredible. I loved it; the yearning, the build-up, and the love they have for each other were just perfection. This is exactly the kind of romance I love to read. This book made me feel everything, from the happy moments to the more painful ones when they were fighting. It made me feel alive.

It was another amazing book by Katherine Center. Yes, it was very predictable, and normally, I don’t always love that, but this time, I didn’t mind at all. I was secretly hoping all my predictions would come true, and when they did, I was just so happy and giggling.

The post The Shippers – Katherine Center | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.

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It is almost summer and one of my goals is to stop doomscrolling and read more books instead. I love reading for several reasons. First of all, I love that these books can bring me to another world for a couple of hours. Plus, I think it is also sort of form of meditation for me. I feel so relaxed when I am reading.
So I decided to make a summer reading list for this summer and I also decided to share it with you. Most of the books on this list are romance, since that is my favorite genre. But I also added a couple of Dark Romance and Thrillers to this list. Sometimes I also want to read something different.

My Summer Reading List

My Forever Girl – Laura Pavlov: Childhood best friends reunite when she returns home, and friendship turns into something more. | Amazon | GoodReads

West of Forever – Corinne Michaels: A forbidden romance between a cowboy single dad and the daughter of his family’s rival. | Amazon | GoodReads

Not Good Neighbors – Violet Lumani: Feuding apartment neighbors are forced together after a renovation disaster. | Amazon | GoodReads

In Stormy Weather – Chelsea Curto: Workplace rivals find love while navigating storm season. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Romance Revival – Christina Lauren: A wife gets a second chance to make her memory-loss husband fall in love again. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Final Score – Lana Ferguson: A sports romance full of competition, chemistry, and emotional stakes. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Baby Dragon Cafe – Aamna Qureshi: A cozy fantasy romance featuring dragons, community, and love. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Someday Garden – Ashley Poston: A magical romance about healing, hope, and second chances. | Amazon | GoodReads

Forsaken Midnight – Emily McIntire: A dark fairy-tale-inspired romance filled with obsession and revenge. | Amazon | GoodReads

Fever Dream – Elsie Silver: An emotional small-town romance with intense chemistry and heartache. | Amazon | GoodReads

Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy: An age-gap romance exploring complicated emotions and attraction. | Amazon | GoodReads

Undercover Honeymoon – Jo Watson: A fake honeymoon adventure turns into real romance. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Divorce – Freida McFadden: A twisty psychological thriller where a divorce hides dangerous secrets. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Friendship Fling – Georgia Stone: Friends try a casual arrangement and end up catching real feelings. | Amazon | GoodReads

Lessons in Faking – Selina Mae: A fake-dating romance where pretending becomes reality. | Amazon | GoodReads

Sick Boys – Clarissa Wild: A dark romance featuring obsession, danger, and morally gray characters.A dark romance featuring obsession, danger, and morally gray characters. | Amazon | GoodReads

Variation – Rebecca Yarros: A former ballerina returns home and reconnects with a man from her past. | Amazon | GoodReads

XOXO – Axie Oh: A Korean-American teen falls for a K-pop idol in this sweet YA romance. | Amazon | GoodReads

How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates – Shailee Thompson: A rom-com full of terrible dates, chaos, and unexpected love. | Amazon | GoodReads

The Summer We Fell – Elizabeth O’Roark: A second-chance romance revisiting a passionate summer and its aftermath. | Amazon | GoodReads

The post My Summer Reading List | 2026 first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post My Summer Reading List | 2026 first appeared on A happy life.</p>

It’s almost summer, and most people are taking a break from work and heading off on holiday. I’m not one of those people this year. I’ll be working all summer, but I don’t really mind because the overall vibe is much more relaxed. I’ll probably still have plenty of time to unwind and do some fun things.

After all, it’s summer! Even though I have to work, I still want to make the most of the season and enjoy myself. That’s why I decided to create my Summer Bucket List for 2026. It’s a list of fun activities, small goals, and experiences I want to enjoy over the next few months. Just because I’m not going on holiday doesn’t mean I can’t have an amazing summer.

My Summer Bucket List

1. Thrift Shopping
   One thing I always love to do is visit thrift stores. Most of the time, you won’t find anything special, but every now and then, you come across an amazing find, and that’s what makes thrifting so much fun. Usually, I visit the same thrift stores over and over again, but lately I’ve been thinking about taking a long bike ride into the city and exploring some different ones. I have a feeling that the thrift stores in the city will be much more interesting than the small-town shops I’m used to.
   
   I’m currently looking for a few specific clothing items, but as always, I can’t resist checking out the book, CD, and DVD sections. You never know what hidden gems you might find.
   
2. Reading
   I’m reducing my screen time, and I definitely don’t want to spend my summer glued to my phone. That’s why I’ve made a long list of books I want to read over the next few months. I’ve added a mix of romance, dark romance, and thrillers, so I can always pick a book that fits my current mood.
   
   Reading is one of my favorite hobbies because it has genuinely changed my life. It helps me slow down, relax, and escape from the constant distractions of everyday life. I also notice a huge difference in my sleep when I read before bed instead of scrolling on my phone. I fall asleep more easily, sleep better, and wake up feeling much more refreshed. For me, there’s no better way to spend a quiet summer evening than with a good book.
   
3. Walk
   Of course, I don’t want to spend all my time indoors. I also want to enjoy the (hopefully) warm and sunny weather. I love taking walks around the neighborhood and seeing what everyone else is up to. There’s something relaxing about strolling through the streets and simply observing everyday life.
   
   I’m also lucky to live close to nature, so I can easily go for a longer walk whenever I feel like it. Whether it’s through the countryside, a park, or a quiet trail, being outside always helps me clear my mind and recharge.
   
   And, of course, walking is the best way to meet the neighborhood cats. You never know which furry friend you’ll run into along the way, and honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of going for a walk.
   
4. Build a Lego Set
   I have never built a LEGO set before, but I really want to give it a try. Hopefully, I won’t get addicted, because LEGO is definitely not the cheapest hobby. Still, I absolutely love the Stitch and Angel LEGO sets. Those building sets are very high on my wishlist.
   
   I think LEGO is the perfect hobby for rainy days. It seems like a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon, especially when the weather isn’t great and you feel like staying indoors. Plus, there’s something satisfying about creating something piece by piece and seeing it come together in the end.
   
5. Coloring
   For my birthday in May, I got a lot of coloring books because I specifically asked for them. I love being able to sit outside in the shade and just color for a few hours. It’s such a simple, relaxing activity that helps me slow down and enjoy a quiet moment.
   
6. Write
   I also want to write more. I really love writing, whether it’s for my blog or for creating fictional stories. I definitely want to write more fiction, because it has been on my to-do list for a long time, and I have so many story ideas.
   It’s time to actually start putting them into words and maybe, eventually, publish them somewhere if I feel they are good enough.
   
7. Diy/Crafting
   I also want to be more creative again. The other day, I realized that I’m barely creative anymore. I want to create more and consume less. Creating a bullet journal sounds fun, and I’ve also thought about trying knitting. I’m not sure which creative activity I’m going to pick yet. Maybe I’ll even paint a wall a different color. Who knows!

Photo by Perfecto Capucine on Unsplash

The post My Summer Bucket List | 2026 first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post My Summer Bucket List | 2026 first appeared on A happy life.</p>

Title: Bourbon & Lies
Series: The Bourbon Boys #1
Author: Victoria Wilder
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 450
Genre: Romance, suspense
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

Bourbon & Lies

Laney Young witnessed something terrible, and to protect her, Officer Bea is hiding her from the world. Bea basically drops Laney off with the Foxx family in Fiasco. She trusts them and believes Laney will be safe there, as long as Laney keeps her mouth shut.

Laney immediately loves life on the Foxx property. The Foxx family makes bourbon, and she helps them organize events and manage day-to-day activities. All of the Foxx brothers are handsome, but Grant is definitely the one she’s most interested in.

As they grow closer, Laney is forced to keep many things secret. Grant gets the feeling that she’s hiding something, so he starts digging for answers. Unknowingly, he ends up putting Laney in danger.

Review

This is the first book in the Bourbon Boys series by Victoria Wilder. This first installment focuses on Grant, but all three brothers get their own love story and book.

This book falls into the romantic suspense genre, and honestly, I’m obsessed with books in this category. It combines two of my favorite genres: romance and suspense. You get crime and mystery mixed with a love story, which is always a winning combination for me.

The story starts off in a very interesting way. Laney is basically dropped off with the Foxx family. The Foxxes have no idea who she is or why she’s there, but they trust Officer Bea enough not to ask too many questions. Throughout the book, you get snippets of Laney’s life in New York, what she witnessed, and the reason she ended up in Fiasco in the first place.

The characters were all fine. Laney is trying to stay safe and avoid danger. She does her best to be careful while also enjoying her new life with the Foxx family. She fits right in with the rest of them. Grant, on the other hand, hasn’t been with anyone since losing his ex. He believes the Foxx family is cursed and that if they fall in love, their partner will die. So even though he’s attracted to Laney, he tries to keep his distance. While I liked both main characters, I didn’t love them. They were enjoyable enough, but nothing about them really stood out to me.

The plot itself was pretty interesting. As I mentioned, it’s a mix of romance and suspense, although I would say it’s about 75% romance and 25% suspense. Some chapters were genuinely engaging and fun to read, while others were just okay. The slower chapters mostly focused on the two main characters falling in love. It was cute, I guess, but not particularly memorable or mind-blowing. It was simply fine.

In case you’re wondering, this book doesn’t have a third-act breakup. It feels like almost every romance novel includes one of these days, so it was actually quite refreshing to read a story that avoided that trope.

The writing style was solid as well. Overall, I liked this book. The main reason I gave it 3/5 hearts (though it’s probably closer to 3.5/5) is that the story was just okay for me. Nothing made me giggle, blush, or become completely invested in the romance. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it wasn’t a favorite either.

That said, I’m still considering reading the other books in the series. I’m curious to see what kind of love stories the other Foxx brothers get.

Rating: 3.5/5 hearts. ½

The post Bourbon & Lies – Victoria Wilder | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post Bourbon & Lies – Victoria Wilder | Book Review first appeared on A happy life.</p>