This week I am taking a look at the war of the sexes, and no, I am not referring to the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler are at odds as he tells her that her idea of romance doesn't exist and she tries to prove to him that he's very wrong. So, who will win? Will either of them? Who knows? Well, I do...listen to find out what I have to say about this 2009 romantic comedy. I also talk about how I managed to cope with my anxiety while travelling around London and actually won the battle (for the first time). https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s01e20 (The Proposal) https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s01e29 (Easy A)

Raye's Reading Room

The Ugly Truth

Whether you love Miss Marple or Murder, She Wrote, you'll be familiar with the genre of cosy mysteries. And if you, like me, love them, then you'll probably enjoy Agatha Raisin's inaugural adventure as she adjusts to country living in the Carsely, a small village in the middle of the Cotswolds. Picturesque and full of old-country charm, there is a bit of darkness in the centre. Think PG-rated Hot Fuzz (no don't!). If you're anything like me, then this is the perfect Sunday afternoon read. It may be a brand new genre, but if you've seen even one episode of Murder, She Wrote and solved the crime along with Jessica, then give Agatha a try.

The Bookshop: Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

This week I am going to be talking about the 2014 romCom The Other Woman starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton. The last thing you expect when you discover your husband is cheating is that you'll bond with his mistresses, but that's exactly what happens to Kate King on discovering that her husband Mark is a liar and a cheat! Did I like it? Do I think it's worth a watch? Did you know it's inspired by an amazing 1996 film? Find out more by giving this episode a listen. Also, don't miss last week's episode, about https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s03e08 (How to be Single). As well as talking film, I also go into a bit of detail about my first week in a new job and how it's affecting my mental health.

The Other Woman

In my latest episode, I am taking a look at a brand new author's debut novel, one that digs into childhood memories and turns a favourite on its head. I am looking at 2021's novel by A C Wise, Wendy, Darling. So, what did I think of this new take on the stories of Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys? Was it everything the blurb promised it would be? Did it dig in its heels and focus on a single theme, or was there something special about it? Find out by tuning in to the latest episode and let me know if you've read it.

The Bookshop: Wendy, Darling

Join me as I navigate the single life in New York through the eyes of recent singleton and grad Alice. So, what did I think? Was it a good film? Was it bad? Did I enjoy it? Would I recommend it? The film was released in 2016 and is based on the book of the same name (very loosely based I have to add). I also touch on https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s01e23 (He's Just Not That Into You) and the book https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s01e27 (Asking for Trouble) (you get bonus Chris Evans in that episode), both of which I have covered in previous episodes. As well as all of that, I talk about my fear of upsetting people that stops me from saying things that likely need to be said, in the mental health segment.

How to be Single

This week I'm talking about one of my favourite books with someone who also loves it, Chance from the fantastic https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/strive-seek-find-1260934 (Strive Seek Find). We're talking about the fantastic Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. We talk about the book, the brilliantly done TV show that was a very surprisingly accurate adaptation and all the things we loved about the book and what we feel it was inspired by. So make a coffee, settle back in your car, on the bus, at your desk, or wherever you listen to your podcasts and give this one a listen

The Bookshop: Good Omens

This is unlike the other Disney films I have reviewed as it's not a Disney Channel Original. This time I am looking at a massive cinema release that made over $375mil at the box office, 2004's Nicolas Cage film, National Treasure. Part adventure, part conspiracy theory, all fun. This is a film I have watched many many times since it was released and though I know the plot off by heart, and definitely know what happens at the end, I still enjoy it every time. So, now that I have given away what I think of the film, join me on a journey to pull bits of it apart.

Disney's National Treasure

This week I am taking a look at the 2008 novel by Matthew Quick that inspired the 2012 Oscar-Nominated movie of the same name. Was this book the first that didn't fare as well as the film, which you can hear me talk about with my friend Debi https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s01e12 (here))? Is the book better than the film, or was the film a vast improvement? The only way to find out is to give this week's episode a listen.

The Bookshop: The Silver Linings Playbook

It's finally happened. The last ever season of Lucifer, Season 6, has been released and I spent a few evenings over the last week watching it and trying to put all my thoughts together. That's what this episode is. A review of the final 10 episodes, as spoiler-free as possible (though, if you want to avoid ANYTHING spoiler until you've watched it all, https://not-before-coffee.captivate.fm/episode/nbc-s02e03 (head here instead)). My thoughts and opinions. I also talk a little about why my social anxiety kicks in at the worst moments and there are a few tiny changes ahead for Season 3 of Not Before Coffee! Also, if you've been listening for a while, thank you. On the 15th September 2021 I celebrated a whole year of this podcast.

Lucifer: The Final Season

This week I'm taking a look at a contemporary romance by American author Olivia Dade. In Spoiler Alert we meet actor Marcus Caster-Rupp and geologist and fanfiction author April Whittier. Will their true love story have a happy ending? Listen to find out more (but I will maintain, this is a spoiler-free review). Link to me talking fanfiction: https://www.notbeforecoffee.co.uk/mr-right/ (Mr Right and my life in fanfic)

The Bookshop: Spoiler Alert

I am back with my first Thursday episode of Season 3 and it's all about the 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock. So get dancing and singing and head to a camp, complete with dining cabin and rock star guest appearances. Did I like it? Did I hate it? Was it an experience I want to repeat? I also touch upon the issues that had me calling a quick end to Season 2.

Disney's Camp Rock

Until about a year ago I didn't even know that this was a book, I just assumed it was a film and that was it. However, now I am aware I am pleased that I have had the chance to read Andy Weir's bestselling (originally indie published) novel, The Martian. So, what did I think? Did I enjoy it? Is it better than the film? Find out by listening to the first episode of Season 3 of Not Before Coffee!

The Bookshop: The Martian

I've been joined by a very special guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare and we're talking about a show that was based during our formative years but very definitely not filmed then (no sirree, if it had been the special effects would have been much much much worse). Yes, we're travelling back to 1983 and visiting the town of Hawkins, Indiana. We're talking Stranger Things Season 1. So, buckle up buttercup and enjoy the ride as we meet Eleven, Lucas, Mike, Dustin and the gang for a ride into the Upside Down.

Stranger Things

This 1908 classic is one of my favourite novels. Set in beautiful Florence at the turn of the 20th Century and following the slow but emotional story of Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson as they somehow find each other. In an unusual move for me, I watched the film before I read the book, but since the first time I read it, it's been at the top of my ever-growing re-read pile. So, why do I enjoy it so much? Listen to find out.

The Bookshop: A Room with a View

For this, my 50th episode, I am going to be going back to the origins of the podcast and looking at a film. Yes, it's about cars. No, Chris Evans isn't in it. No, I don't have a driving licence. For all that this film is not an Oscar winner, and nor does it star an actor whose films I collect, I still have a soft spot in my heart for 2001's The Fast and the Furious. The film that spawned a billion-dollar franchise. It was also based on an article - which you can read here: https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/racer-x-rafael-estevez-kenneth-li-fast-and-furious-inspiration-may-1998-336369/ (Racer X).

The Fast and the Furious

I am an avid reader looking to boost the number of books I read this year. I am hoping that you will want to join me on my journey to discover new authors, new genres and generally just enjoy reading. Along the way I would love to hear from you if you have recommendations, or would like to hear me talk about a book you really liked. So why not step into my reading room and hear me ramble on about the books I have been reading (and maybe some films too).

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Raye's Reading Room

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