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It’s not easy to step out of your own shell, but after graduating high school, it’s essential. This is exactly what Emily pushes herself to do in The Introvert’s Guide to Kissing in Europe by Brenda Janowitz.

This YA romance is more than just a story of a teenager falling in love. Emily gets to find herself while reliving her grandmother’s younger years. It was always the plan, but not quite the way it played out.

Parade has an exclusive first read of the summer novel, coming out on Aug. 18, 2026. It’s a great chance to understand the heart of Emily’s journey — what was supposed to be, and what is happening now. There’s a heartfelt message within the passages, as we spend a little time with grief when Emily thinks about her sister, who has passed away at some point before the story.

There’s also the story of finding oneself. Emily doesn’t usually take risks. She wouldn’t normally head out on a solo trip around Europe, but the only way she can grow and learn is by doing so. As is brought up in the excerpt, the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it, and anyone who has learned a foreign language will tell you the same thing.

Courtesy of Melissa de la Cruz Studio

As she’s taking risks, she comes across her favorite social media influencer. Don't they often say not to meet your heroes? Well, sometimes, maybe they're not too bad.

That chance encounter takes her on a wild journey of dancing the night away, pickpockets, and heartbreak. She experiences all the good and bad that life has to offer as she works her way through different countries to follow in her grandmother’s — who sometimes she wishes was more like a real grandmother — footsteps.

The excerpt is taken from the third chapter of the story. It’s a chance to see Emily’s first experiences of Spain, a country she thought she’d do well on thanks to high school Spanish. It turns out that her Spanish isn’t as great as she expected, and that’s certainly dented her confidence a little.

CHAPTER 3

My phone buzzed—Grandma Rose on FaceTime.

“Tell me everything,” she said.

“Um . . .”

“That bad already?”

“No,” I said, not wanting to seem ungrateful. After all, the gap year was her idea, and the airline miles it took to fly me here were hers, too. “It’s wonderful. The flight over was great, and the hotel is completely gorgeous.”

“Did you stay up all day to try to get yourself on Madrid time?”

“Um . . .”

“So, no,” she said, laughter in her voice. “But now it looks like you’re at some fabulous Spanish restaurant where you’ll no doubt meet a sexy stranger to help you practice your Spanish?”

“Um . . .”

“Okay, I get it,” she said, nodding. “You need to ease your way in. Nothing wrong with that.”

“I can’t understand anything anyone is saying,” I blurted out, “and no one can understand me.”

Grandma Rose laughed. “I toured the entire world four times, and I never spoke another language as well as you do. Give it time, and when all else fails, just flirt your way through.”

The edges of my mouth turned up. Grandmotherly advice at its finest.

You see, my grandma Rose isn’t like other grandmothers. She doesn’t bake cookies, she can’t sew, and she doesn’t do early bird specials. When we go for dinner, she takes me into the city for a “fabulous evening” (her words) of “delectable treats” (also her words), “unexpected adventures” (yup, still her words), and “thrilling conversation” (I think you get the pattern here).

And yes, she really talks that way.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a grandmother more like my best friend Amelia’s. A “grandmother” grandmother. Like the ones you see on commercials. Amelia’s grandmother knits a new sweater for her every fall. Amelia’s grandmother’s house always smells like garlic and onions being roasted, and sometimes freshly baked bread. Amelia’s grandmother’s house has floors that creak, lived-in couches that tell stories about Amelia’s childhood, and a cookie jar in the kitchen that’s somehow always full. And she gives great hugs.

My grandmother lives in a sleek, modern high-rise right on the boardwalk in Long Beach with a wraparound balcony and a view of the ocean. She redecorates every three years, and she doesn’t knit me sweaters. (Though she does love taking me into Manhattan for back-to-school shopping every fall.) She doesn’t eat sugar or carbs, her best friends are two married gay men, and her condo smells like Chanel No. 5.

To be fair, she gives great hugs, too.

But sometimes I feel like I can never quite measure up. Not in the way my sister, Liv, did. Grandma Rose and Liv always had this special bond—from their love of the stage to their matching heart-shaped faces and deep blue eyes, to their overwhelming confidence that seemed to come so naturally for them but was nonexistent for me.

“Liv was the flirt, not me,” I told my grandmother.

She sighed. “Oh, sweetheart, I know that when I first came up with the idea of sending you to Europe to re-create the itinerary of my 1966 Paris album tour, we talked about you doing it with Liv when you graduated high school and she graduated college as a joint graduation gift. Ever since you two were little, I had planned to send you two to Europe. It’s what we always talked about. You know, if . . . Well, if she hadn’t . . .”

Grandma Rose looked down as she left her words hanging. But I didn’t need her to finish the sentence. I knew what she was going to say next: If your sister hadn’t died.

“But she did,” I said quietly. I took a deep breath.

With tears in her eyes, Grandma Rose said, “I know, my darling. I know.”

“I wish she were here.”

“I do, too,” Grandma Rose said. “Of course, the offer still stands. Just say the word and I’ll be on the next flight out, ready to join you.”

“I think I should do this on my own,” I said, not convinced of it even as I said the words.

“I think you should, too. And I think it’s going to be fabulous. Call me if you need me.”

I was determined to do it on my own. Sure, things had changed, but the idea of re-creating my grandmother’s famous tour was simply too enticing to pass up.

The Paris album was made in 1966. To this day, it funds my grandmother’s lifestyle. (And truth be told, it funds part of ours, too.) Its songs—which my grandmother and Dahlia jointly wrote—have been used in two major motion pictures and six different TV shows and have been sampled by three different rappers.

And it was during the recording of that album that my grandmother fell in love. A head-over-heels, crazy-insane sort of love. The type that burns so brightly that it could never last, despite how badly they’d both wanted it to. The type that was never replicated in her life again. (Apologies, Grandpa Harold.)

A server came over to my table, so I hung up my call and ordered a short stack of pancakes. Pancakes were the first food that Liv ever learned to cook on her own, and she would make them for me whenever I asked. Even after she taught me to make them (her secret was adding a sprinkle of nutmeg), I was convinced that the ones she made tasted better.

After ordering, my phone dinged with a text from my mom on the family group chat. My parents were the tiniest bit—how do I put this gently?—overprotective. But how could they not be, given what they’d gone through? So, I always did the right thing. I had to. What choice did I have? Ever since losing Liv, I’ve known how important my role in the family is. My parents don’t have to worry—they’ll never lose me like they lost Liv. I’m the consummate good girl.

MOM: Settling in okay?

ME: Everything’s great!

DAD: That’s great!

MOM: Love you! Miss you!

ME: Love you miss you

Typing miss you made my eyes tear up, so I clicked over to PennyForYourThoughts’s page. There was a picture with Penny in the center of the frame, her fingers up in a peace sign, and she’s surrounded by people.

Today’s tip: Make new friends, but keep the old.

I went to my best friend Amelia’s page. She had posted about her college move-in day. It looked equal parts fun and overwhelming. I liked the post and then commented with four hearts. She immediately responded with four hearts of her own and then DM’d me.

AMELIA: Sooooooo?

ME: So far, so good. Sort of.

AMELIA: Sort of is right. College is great, but scary

ME: Europe too.

AMELIA: We’ve got this.

Amelia’s right. We’ve got this.I may have had a rocky start, but my gap year is going to be great. I looked at my phone again, only to find that I had 10 percent battery left. Maybe I don’t got this? I silently cursed myself for not charging my phone when I had the chance in the hotel room (those backpacks are packed tight!). I needed to befriend someone who had a charger, stat.

Looking around the bar, I saw a redhead unplugging her phone from a charger. Without thinking, I immediately rushed over to ask if I could use her charger next. This must’ve been the first stages of jet lag, because I never act without overthinking, and I never (ever) approach strangers.

When she spun around to face me, it was like time stopped. She was the living embodiment of a boomerang video as her red hair spilled over her shoulders, as if in slow motion. I was momentarily stunned, and even more so when I realized that she was someone I knew.

Well, not knew knew. It would be more precise to say that I knew of her. With her long red hair and bright blue eyes, there was no mistaking her—she was PennyForYourThoughts, my favorite influencer.

I would play this cool, nonchalant. After all, they always say that celebrities want to be treated just like regular people.

“Ohmygodyourepennyforyourthoughts,” I said in a jumble. So

much for playing it cool.

“Hi, nice to meet you,” she said, with a wide smile. “Yes, I’m Penny.”

“I love you,” I said. What in the world?! “I mean, I follow you and you have great content.”

“That’s so sweet!” she replied. “Thank you for following me.”

“You are so welcome,” I said. “Would you mind if I borrowed your charger?”

“I thought you said you loved my account,” she said, with a sly smile on her lips. “If you really followed me, you’d know that the most important item in your bag is always your charger.”

“And a water bottle,” I chimed in. “I totally don’t have that, either.” Penny laughed. Her laughter was absolutely infectious, and I laughed back.

“I really do follow you,” I said. “This whole day has been a disaster, though. And I didn’t unpack a thing—my backpack is packed way too tightly! But that’s the least of my concerns. I thought I spoke perfect Spanish, and doing Spain on my own would be a breeze, but it turns out I don’t and it won’t. The guy at my hotel thought that I was so American that he sent me here. No offense.”

“None taken,” Penny said, still smiling widely. Penny had a beauty mark on her left cheek that I’d never noticed.

“I’m rambling, I’m sorry,” I said. “And here you are, with it all figured out.”

“I didn’t always,” she said, shrugging. “And I don’t necessarily. How long have you been in Madrid?”

“Today’s my first day.”

“It’s our first day in Madrid, too!” Penny said. “I’ve been with this group of people for almost two months now, but we just got to Madrid.”

“It’s my first day in Europe,” I clarified.

“Your first first day?” she asked incredulously. “Then you absolutely, positively must give yourself a break. You just got started!”

I didn’t respond, because she was right. I never gave myself a break.

I didn’t really know how to. That was how I became valedictorian of my class. That was how I got into Dartmouth. But maybe that was why I’d come here? Break the old patterns, learn some new ones. “Yeah. I did just get started.”

“Everyone knows that the best way to master a foreign language is to go out and party,” Penny said. “A group of us are going to hit the bars after we eat. You up for some fun?”

J.K. Simmons has voiced one of the most recognizable characters in advertising for the past three decades, but landing the job wasn't exactly straightforward.

In a recent interview with TODAY, the Whiplash actor looked back on the process that led to him being cast as the Yellow M&M, jokingly calling the whole thing "ridiculous." Simmons recalled going in expecting to read for the Red M&M character, only for casting director Janet Eisenberg to steer him toward Yellow instead.

"We had this long discussion ... I was like, 'So I'm going to read for Red M&M,' and Janet Eisenberg, she was like, 'Oh no no no, J, I think you're more of a Yellow M&M,'" Simmons remembered. He joked that the back-and-forth felt as dramatic as debating which role to take in A Streetcar Named Desire, before ultimately telling Eisenberg he'd defer to her judgment.

That decision ended up shaping the next 30 years of his career. Simmons first appeared as the Yellow M&M in a commercial in 1996, taking over the role from John Goodman. Around the same time, Billy West stepped in to voice Red M&M, following Jon Lovitz, who had originated the character.

The M&M's mascots have become something of a launching pad, or at least a fun side gig, for a long list of recognizable voices over the years. Simmons, 71, is just one of several well-known actors to lend their voice to the campaign; Cree Summer, David Cross, Amber Ruffin, and Vanessa Williams have all played M&M characters as the cast of mascots expanded over the years.

Despite his other acclaimed roles, including his Oscar-winning turn in Whiplash and his current work on The Westies, Simmons has said the M&M gig holds a special place for him. He recently told Virgin Radio UK that voicing the character is "the sweetest job," and didn't hold back on his candy preferences, either, declaring peanut M&Ms the superior variety.

One of the most famous decisions in rock history happened because of $36.

On Feb. 3, 1959, Dion DiMucci was invited to join Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on a chartered plane following a stop at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, on the Winter Dance Party tour. The flight cost $36, exactly what his parents paid each month for rent, and the then-19-year-old singer decided he couldn't justify the expense. Hours later, the plane crashed, killing everyone on board in the tragedy later immortalized as "The Day the Music Died."

Today, July 18, DiMucci turns 87, celebrated not only as the last surviving headliner from that historic tour but as one of rock and roll's most influential pioneers.

Born in the Bronx on July 18, 1939, Dion first found fame as the lead singer of Dion and the Belmonts, helping define the street-corner harmonies that became synonymous with New York doo-wop. Hits including "I Wonder Why," "A Teenager in Love" and "Where or When" established the group as one of the era's premier vocal acts before Dion embarked on a solo career in 1960.

That move transformed him into one of the biggest stars of the pre-British Invasion era.

Backed by the Del-Satins, Dion reeled off an extraordinary run of classics including "Runaround Sue," "The Wanderer," "Lovers Who Wander," "Ruby Baby," "Donna the Prima Donna" and "Drip Drop." Between his solo work and recordings with the Belmonts, he amassed 39 Top 40 hits and 11 Top 10 singles, becoming one of the defining voices of early rock and roll.

His influence stretched far beyond the charts. Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon and Lou Reedhave all cited Dion as a major inspiration, and in 1989 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. More recently, Rolling Stone ranked him No. 154 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, recognizing a career that has now spanned nearly seven decades.

"DiMucci was often lumped in with the other teen idols of the day. But virtually none of them could match the grit, street style, and range of influences that he brought to his music. We first heard him as a doo-wop singer ('A Teenager in Love'), but his love of blues, R&B, and folk music added depth to his repertoire and his voice. Dion had the swagger of a teen Sinatra ('Runaround Sue'), but he also had the heart of a premature old soul ('Abraham, Martin and John'). In his eighties, he continues to make unvarnished blues and R&B records with a voice that can still growl and saunter," wrote Rolling Stone at the time.

Dion's story, however, has always been about more than hit records.

After battling heroin addiction that began in his teens, he experienced a life-changing spiritual transformation in 1968 and returned to the charts that same year with the moving civil rights tribute "Abraham, Martin and John." Rather than fading into nostalgia, Dion continued evolving as an artist, embracing blues music and earning widespread acclaim for a remarkable late-career renaissance. Since 2020 alone, he has released three No. 1 blues albums while collaborating with artists including Springsteen, Simon, Joe Bonamassa, Van Morrison and Jeff Beck.

His remarkable longevity has earned admiration from generations of musicians, but perhaps nothing captures his legacy better than the fact that he has never stopped creating. In 2025, he released The Rock 'N' Roll Philosopher, his latest album and companion book reflecting on his extraordinary life and career.

As Dion celebrates his 87th birthday, his story remains one of rock's most compelling. A young singer who narrowly escaped one of music's darkest days went on to build one of its longest, most influential and most enduring careers, proving that while history often remembers a single moment, a lifetime of great music can leave an even greater legacy.

Related: 26 Years Ago Today, Buddy Holly’s Long-Lost Glasses Were Found 21 Years After Deadly Plane Crash

On the “Talking Pictures” podcast, Ron Howard, 72, spoke about the creation of the 1976 Western, The Shootist. He revealed that he learned a lot while making the film, which starred John Wayne, but that the set was “uncomfortable” due to a feud Wayne was having with Don Siegel, the director.

“Wayne and Siegel were feuding. They did not get along,” Howard explained, as reported by PEOPLE. He went on to say that he would get an “earful” about the actor’s “dissatisfaction with Don Siegel and the way he was shooting it.”

Related: Country Music Legend, 93, Just Announced a New Project Coming This Fall

He revealed the feud started after Siegel gave an interview to the Carson City newspaper. “I’m walking to the set with John Wayne, and he’s holding the Carson City newspaper. And he says, ‘Why the f--- did he have to say that?’ And I said, ‘What?’ The quote was from Siegel. ‘You know, they say, John Wayne eats directors for breakfast. If he takes a bite out of me, he’s going to get indigestion.’ It upset Duke, and it just got worse.”

Howard also explained that he got along with both men separately on set. When speaking about his positive interactions with Wayne, he said, “I also had the guts to sort of say, ‘Hey, do you want to run lines?’ No one really would talk to him in between setups. It was John Wayne. It was Duke. He had a couple of people, a guy he would play chess with, who was the still photographer who had worked with him on a lot of films, but it was a very closed little bubble that he was operating in. He was perfectly friendly to me, and he said, ‘Yeah, I’d like to run lines.’ We had a lot of scenes together, heavy dialogue, and it was very interesting to see him take a scene and shape it into a John Wayne performance in the most positive ways.”

Related:How a Classic Frank Sinatra Song Changed ‘The Newlywed Game’ Forever

Howard wasn’t a fan of the way the situation was handled overall. “It was pretty intense,” he said. “But I remember saying, there’s a better way to deal with even superstars than this. I felt that the key was that a lot of things were allowed to fester for a long period of time. The strategy that I’ve followed over the years is that when there’s a difference of opinion, go right into it. You don’t have to make it a fight, but you’re there to achieve something together and talk it through. Don’t let it become something that’s petty and emotional when, in fact, it’s a creative concern or a neurotic concern.”

The Shootist, which was released by Paramount Pictures, received an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe nomination. It was both critically and commercially successful.

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Jumpsuits often get a reputation for being tricky to fit, since finding the right balance between comfort and shape can be a challenge for many. A good jumpsuit stands out when it's made with comfortable stretch and designed to hug the upper body while the legs provide room to move. The attention to detail in this type of design means the jumpsuit adapts to curves, height, and proportions, making it a truly versatile pick for all body types.

Luckily, Jessica Simpson's Jolie Tiered Jumpsuit at Walmart makes it easy to join the jumpsuit trend, and it's on sale right now for just $14. With its flowy tiers, smocked bodice, and breezy silhouette, this one-piece captures a relaxed, feminine style that feels fresh and effortless.

Jessica Simpson Jolie Tiered Jumpsuit, From $14 (was $48) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Available in playful patterns like beige-and-white paisley and a cute rose-pink bandana print, the Jolie jumpsuit is designed to flatter a range of body types. The sleeveless cut and soft, smocked top offer gentle support and shape, while the wide, flowy legs create movement and comfort with every step. The jumpsuit comes in sizes extra-small through XXL, making it an inclusive pick for every shopper. 

The 30-inch inseam and longer length have especially caught the attention of tall women, who noted that it "runs rather long" and works beautifully with flats. (Don't worry, petites, you can cut the hem or wear this cutie with platform wedge sandals).

Reviewers praised the Jolie jumpsuit for its "cute and flowy" design, with many calling out how easy it is to wear for summer events, vacations, or casual days out. One customer who wore it for Mother's Day said they received several compliments, highlighting how the jumpsuit draws notice without feeling over the top. The tiered, woven fabric gives the piece a breezy quality that keeps you comfortable even on the warmest afternoons.

"I absolutely love this jumpsuit," one shopper stated. "It is very easy getting on, and it is very, very comfortable. I absolutely love the material, and the design is fantastic."

The adjustable tie closure allows for a custom fit, while the smocked bodice adds a touch of stretch and flexibility. The tiered legs create a soft, cascading effect that elevates the look from casual to chic, making it easy to dress up with statement jewelry or keep simple with sandals and a denim jacket. Its sweet construction details reflect Jessica Simpson's signature approach to blending comfort with trend-driven style.

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Related: JCPenney's Vintage-Style $29 Striped Paisley Quilt Set Is Perfectly ‘Lightweight’ for the Hottest Summer Nights

For anyone curious about the jumpsuit trend or looking to refresh their summer wardrobe, Jessica Simpson's Jolie Tiered Jumpsuit is a deal worth considering. Its flattering fit, lightweight feel, and playful patterns make it a standout choice for warm-weather style. At just $14, it's also easier than ever to make a fashion statement without stretching your budget.

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The Prince of Wales and Meghan Markle have both landed Emmy nominations, albeit for very different projects. William earned a Primetime Emmy nomination after his appearance on Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy. The episode, titled "Living the Royal Life in the U.K.," received a nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program, while the series itself is also nominated for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special. 

In the episode, the Prince of Wales, 44, gives Levy, 79, a personal tour of Windsor Castle alongside a touchingly candid conversation about life, legacy, and the future of the monarchy. William opened up about watching both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles, go through their respective cancer journeys - a level of vulnerability Levy said caught him off guard.

Following the episode's release, Levy praised the royal for making him feel comfortable during their candid conversation. "I was taken aback by how at ease he made me feel right from the first second we met," Levy previously told ITV. "He was just very approachable."

Meanwhile, Meghan is celebrating her own milestone. Her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, earned its first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Lifestyle Series category. The Duchess of Sussex marked the achievement on Instagram by congratulating the show's production team. "A huge congratulations to the amazing crew, producers, and team who worked on With Love, Meghan on @netflix," she wrote alongside artwork from the series.

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William's Emmy fate will be decided at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Sept. 14 on NBC and Peacock. Meghan, meanwhile, will learn whether With Love, Meghan takes home the trophy at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Oct. 30. While the two royals may be estranged, they'll both have reason to celebrate as Emmy nominees this awards season.

There are few films from the 1970s that invoke as emotional a response from Gen Xers quite like Ice Castles. The Robby Benson-starring film, about a talented 16-year-old figure skater from Iowa (Lynn-Holly Johnson) whose ascent to stardom is destroyed when a training accident leaves her blind, was overwhelmingly dismissed by critics. Despite the criticism, the film became a box office sensation and a generational rewatch that still holds up. A new ranking names the best ice skating movies of all time. No surprise to the movie’s fans (raises hand), Ice Castles stands on the podium of ice skating’s best films.

@culturapop101

Una joven promesa del patinaje artístico ve cómo su vida cambia de forma inesperada tras un accidente que pone a prueba su talento, su fortaleza y su capacidad de seguir adelante. #IceCastles #CineClásico #PelículasQueInspiran #DramaRomántico #MovieLovers

♬ sonido original - Solo pumas Lauro

Judging the best ice skating movies ever is about as difficult as judging which is better: Alysa Liu’s triple axel or Ilia Malinin’s quadruple axel. We say they’re both awe-inspiring. The same goes for the best ice skating movies ever made. They’re all good, but one has to earn gold.

In the new ranking, the “schmaltzy” (according to critics) romance Ice Castles is one of the top three ice skating films ever made. Here’s why:

“If you haven't seen Ice Castles, you've most certainly heard of it. Perhaps the most romantic sports drama of all time, the film by Donald Wrye follows Lexie Winston (Lynn-Holly Johnson), a talented 16-year-old figure skater from Iowa whose rapid ascent to stardom is shattered when a training accident leaves her blind. With the support of her boyfriend, Nick Peterson (Robby Benson), she overcomes despair to skate again, competing in a national championship while navigating her new reality. As a triumphant story of overcoming adversity through determination and love, Ice Castles is a beautiful film that uses the sport as an entry point.”

It’s not a gold medal, but just ask Canada’s Elizabeth Manley: sometimes a bronze medal can feel like gold.

If you’re a child of the 1970s or 1980s scratching your head and wondering what ice skating movies could be better than Ice Castles, this writer’s opinion is none. According to the new ranking, however, Blades of Glory ranks No. 2 and, drumroll please, I, Tonya is the best-ranked ice skating movie ever made.

It’s tough to compete with the Margot Robbie-starring film, not to mention the bird on Allison Janney’s shoulder for much of the movie, but No. 3 is still in the top three. A win is a win.

Related: Skating Legend, Who Entered the 1988 Winter Olympics as an Underdog, Delivered One of Figure Skating's Greatest Routines

Why Ice Castles Remains a Beloved Ice Skating Classic

Regardless of its placement on the best ice skating movies of all time podium, there are few films that invoke nostalgia and the feelings of young love quite like Ice Castles. That’s because Ice Castles was about more than sports and competition—it was about hope, perseverance, love, and the emotional power of chasing a dream.

For fans, Ice Castles wasn’t sappy or overly emotional. It captured a generation’s angst in the form of an ice skating fairy tale at a time when Olympic ice skaters dominated fascination and headlines with their superhuman skills and grace on the ice.

How Ice Castles Defied Critics and Won Over Fans @cryatthemovies

🎵 When the Music Hits | 🎬 Ice Castles (1978) A small-town figure skater rises toward national fame, only to have her future shattered by a devastating accident that leaves her blind. As she struggles to reclaim her confidence and identity, the rink becomes less about winning and more about belief — belief in herself, and in the love that refuses to let her quit. When the music swells, the scene stops being about skating and becomes about standing up in the dark. Credits: Directed by Donald Wrye, written by Donald Wrye, produced by Robert W. Cort, music by Marvin Hamlisch Starring Lynn-Holly Johnson, Robby Benson, Colleen Dewhurst, Tom Skerritt. The Song: “(Theme from) Ice Castles (Through the Eyes of Love),” composed by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, performed by Melissa Manchester. Reflection on the Song: The song feels inseparable from the film because it was written to carry the emotional arc of the story — gentle at first, then soaring, mirroring Lexie’s fall and rise. The lyrics don’t just accompany the scene; they articulate what she cannot say. It’s not background music — it becomes the voice of hope itself, perfectly timed to lift the moment from tragedy into triumph. WhenTheMusicHits CryAtTheMovies IceCastles MovieMusic SoundtrackMoments 1970sFilms CinemaEmotion 10w

♬ original sound - cryatthemovies - cryatthemovies

Critics initially dismissed Ice Castles, but the film is a testament to the power of fans. At a time when ice skating culture was reaching a fever pitch of popularity in American culture, along came Ice Castles, tearing at fans’ heartstrings one spin at a time.

The film’s theme song, “Through The Eyes of Love,” sung by Melissa Manchester, would go on to earn an Academy Award nomination, and cable TV and streaming platforms have kept this ice skating romance a part of the cultural zeitgeist.

More than 50 years later, critics have changed their tune, with a newfound appreciation for the film. Fans have remained steadfast, loving this film as much in 1978 as they do today.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, Who Captivated Fans at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Names the Greatest Performance of His Career

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Imagine a seven-day cruise where you spend nearly 100 hours of port time exploring one of the world's most coveted bucket-list destinations instead of watching it drift by from the ship's deck.

On Kauai, that might mean soaring by helicopter above the dramatic emerald cliffs of Waimea Canyon and the towering Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous in Jurassic Park. On Maui, it could be an epic road trip along the legendary Road to Hana, with stops at cascading waterfalls and lush tropical landscapes. And at sunset, it can mean celebrating Hawaiian culture at a traditional luau, complete with fresh flower leis, fresh local cuisine and hula dancing under a starry sky.

For travelers who want to maximize their time ashore rather than spend days at sea, one itinerary consistently rises to the top. We asked three travel advisors which Hawaii cruise they'd recommend to clients looking for the most immersive island experience—and all three pointed to the same seven-day sailing.

Related: How To Book Your First Cruise, According to Samantha Brown

The Ship Built Specifically for Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America sails its 7-day Hawaii itinerary year-round.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, rich Polynesian cultural heritage and picture-perfect beaches, Hawaii has continually topped lists of places travelers worldwide most want to go—and Norwegian Cruise Line built a ship specifically for Hawaii cruises.

The line’s Pride of America is the only large cruise ship in the world registered in the United States, a distinction that allows it to sail exclusively through Hawaiian waters without stopping at foreign ports. First launched in 2005, the 2,180-passenger ship was refurbished in 2025 and offers an experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

“Both this ship and its itinerary are incredibly unique to Norwegian Cruise Line and the islands of Hawaii,” said Melissa Gutting, director of sales development for Travel Leaders—Market Square Travel. “It’s one of the only ways to see Hawaii by cruise without having to sail on a long voyage with multiple days at sea.”

Related: The Best Summer Cruise on the East Coast Isn't Where You Think

Why More Port Time Changes Everything Pride of America's extended time in port translates to free time for waterfall hikes and exploring.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Sailing year-round from Honolulu, the ship’s route covers Oahu, Maui, Kauai and double stops on the island of Hawaii, with overnight stays in both Maui and Kauai.

“The legal status of being a U.S.-flagged ship eliminates the need for international stops,” said travel advisor Siera Duiser, owner of Dreamworthy Destinations. “Because there aren't any all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, this cruise is especially appealing for people who appreciate the all-inclusive style of vacationing.”

The ship’s route is also uniquely optimized to maximize time in port compared to repositioning cruises or traditional foreign-flagged Hawaiian cruises. The itinerary features 100 hours of port time versus the industry average of 32 to 40 hours of time in port for a week-long itinerary.

“This is an active cruise that provides seamless access to Hawaii’s islands,” said travel advisor Kim Parizek of Boutique Travel Advisors. “It’s best for travelers who like to have their days planned out and like to get up early each day to get to their excursions or planned destinations.”

Related: This is the Best Cruise Line for Couples, Says a Virtuoso Top 1% Travel Advisor

Four Islands, Two Overnights and Evenings Free for Luaus With fewer time constraints, true relaxation is possible during Hawaii port stops.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

The ship’s inter-island route and overnight stops give passengers something close to a choose-your-own-adventure week: time to chase set-jetting locations like Oahu's west coast, where Disney filmed scenes for its live-action Moana, or hike into the Kauai rainforest where Jurassic Park was filmed.

“Pride of America’s extended port time offers a great chance to explore independently by renting a car, which feels very easy because you’re still in the United States,” Gutting said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to seek out destinations on your own, like driving to the Big Island’s southeast coast to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kīlauea volcano, and the black sand of Punalu'u Black Sand Beach.”

Without the pressure to get back to the ship on the overnight stops, this means that attending a traditional Hawaiian luau is not only possible, but a not-to-be-missed, once-in-a-lifetime activity.

“This itinerary is special because there are two opportunities to experience an authentic luau—in either Maui or Kauai,” Gutting said. “The one I would recommend is the Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, which is a gorgeous spot. It has beautiful grounds for taking photos, and it features a wonderful show and dinner. Everyone that I send to it loves it.”

Related: Why Repositioning Cruises Are the Low-Cost, Slow-Travel Trend to Watch Right Now

No Passport Needed—and it Sails All Year A view from the balcony of Pride of America's Deluxe Owners Suite.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Pride of America sails an identical itinerary every week of the year, making it easy to accommodate travelers’ schedules.

“These sailings provide a great taste of Hawaii for travelers with limited vacation days from work, or for multigenerational groups with school schedules to plan around,” Duiser said. “It’s a really efficient way to see the islands and cover as much ground as possible.”

And a rare bonus to this sailing: U.S. citizens do not need a passport to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. Because the ship is registered in the U.S., it sails entirely within U.S. waters between islands. All you need to board is a valid government-issued REAL ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (though guests should also always review current travel document requirements before departure).

“This is a very convenient, affordable Hawaiian vacation for many American families, and there’s no passport required,” Parizek said. “It’s a great value proposition because you get to visit all these incredible islands without the hassle and expense of switching hotels and flying between islands. It’s a great sampler in a four-star environment.”

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Major Renovations For Two of Its Most Beloved Ships

Nine Tips for Booking the Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America sails year-round from Honolulu.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Book a Club Balcony Suite. “Major additions from the ship's refurbishment last year include 12 brand-new balcony suites, which are bigger, brighter and worth the upgrade,” Parizek said.

Extend your trip. “I highly recommend adding several days before or after your cruise to see Oahu. This will give you time to explore Honolulu and see significant historic sites like Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. You could even plan a pre- or post-cruise stay at Disney’s beachfront resort Aulani,” Gutting said.

Look into a cruisetour. “Norwegian Cruise Line offers several different land-based tours with preset itineraries that travelers can add on prior to their cruise. It’s a great chance to see iconic destinations like the Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center and Kualoa Ranch,” Duiser said.

Book excursions early. “Especially in peak season, the luaus and any overnight-stay excursions in Maui and Kauai often sell out, so I always recommend booking nine or ten months in advance,” Gutting said.

Read fine print carefully. “If you decide to book third-party excursions, make sure there is a guarantee that they get you back to the ship on time,” Duiser said.

Rent a car for independent exploring. “Many of the car rental agencies can either have your car waiting for you at the pier or provide transportation to pick it up. Or if you don’t want to drive, it’s very easy to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft,” Gutting said.

Pack smart for the water. “If you want to go snorkeling, you can bring your own gear and avoid high rental fees. And make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen, which is required by Hawaiian law in many areas,” Duiser said.

Double check your ID. “Even though you won’t need a passport, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID is still mandatory for American citizens. A standard license that doesn’t qualify as a REAL ID isn’t enough,” Gutting said.

Work with a travel advisor. “An experienced travel advisor knows the ship and destinations well and can help guide your decisions. They’ll know where the best staterooms are on the ship, how far in advance to book a rental car and what tours will be best for your family group,” Parizek said.

Related: 15 Included Extras That Make a Disney Cruise Worth Every Penny (Including One Most Passengers Skip)

Family memories don't just happen — for these four birth months, making the best memories with their loved ones this summer will be an intentional act. Every summer sets the stage for magic to be made with your nearest and dearest. From days spent gabbing by a glistening pool to road trips to your nearest beach, getaways at a beloved destination to backyard BBQs, festivals, and outdoor concerts, the sunniest season has something to offer just about everyone. But some of us might be uniquely destined to make the best memories with our family over the course of 2026’s summertime, based on when we came into the world. After all, particular planetary shifts tell a story about joyful moments on the horizon for people born during certain months.

4 Birth Months That Will Make Incredible Memories This Summer

Read on to learn if you’re destined to have an especially heartfelt summertime, thanks to your birth month.

RELATED: Mercury Retrograde in Cancer Is Stirring Up Family Drama for These 4 Zodiac Signs

March: You’ll Enjoy Playfulness and Release

Born during the month that hosts the spring equinox, you came into the world when the sun was moving through either dreamy, empathic, mystical water sign Pisces or go-getter, dynamic, competitive fire sign Aries. If you’re a Pisces, you’ve experienced a surge of joy, playfulness, and self-expression, thanks to a flurry of action in your romance sector, and if you’re an Aries, Jupiter’s recent shift into your fifth house is also a green light for more lighthearted, spontaneous fun. The best summer memories could stem from making impromptu game plans with your loved ones. And as we move toward the lunar eclipse in Pisces on August 28, impacting either your twelfth house of spirituality or first house of self, moments in which you focus on releasing the past might also serve to bolster your bonds. 

July: It’s Time to Step Into the Spotlight

Born when the sun was rolling through either sentimental, intuitive, heartfelt water sign Cancer or bold, loyal, theatrical fire sign Leo, you cherish summertime no matter what the planets are up to, given that it’s your birthday season. But this year, you’ll be even more inclined to allow yourself to be the center of attention and welcome even more celebration, because Jupiter, the planet of expansion, is moving through your astrological sphere of self or income. Your confidence, optimism, and desire to be seen and applauded will soar, so book that family photo shoot, plan that over-the-top birthday party, or book a luxury-filled spa day with your loved ones.  

August: You’ll Center Your Heart and Spiritual Growth 

If you were born in August, your natal sun falls in either buoyant, positive, passionate fire sign Leo or practical, analytical, service-oriented earth sign Virgo. If you were born during Leo, you’re enjoying Jupiter’s shift into your first house of self, which is magnifying your self-image, confidence, and optimism. And if you were born during Virgo, Jupiter is beginning to boost your focus on nurturing your spirituality and psychological well-being. Either way, you’ll be feeling more centered as you move through this bright season, which encompasses your birthday month. When it comes to making plans with loved ones or finding more time for quality time, you can speak more from the heart. Instead of saying “yes” just to keep the peace, you’ll be empowered to share your truth and move in a direction that feels intuitively right, laying the groundwork for truly meaningful, heartfelt moments with your loved ones. This will be especially true once Mercury is in Leo and Virgo from August 9 to September 10.

READ: Your Perfect Nature-Inspired Color Palette, According to Your Birth Month

November: Broaden Your Horizons and Ask for the Support You Deserve

You came into the world when the sun was moving through either magnetic, fearless water sign Scorpio or fiery, wanderlust-fueled fire sign Sagittarius. As it has moved into Leo this summer, Jupiter is now magnifying your ninth house of adventure or tenth house of career, leading to more visibility, excitement, risk-taking, and feeling even more like you’re running the show and making the bold moves you’ve been dreaming of. Find opportunities to celebrate this transformation with your loved ones by detailing your biggest professional dreams with them and inviting them to support you in thrilling new ways. You might also plan—or actually take—long-distance trips with your nearest and dearest, ideally after July 23 once Mercury forges ahead following its retrograde. 

UP NEXT:

Retail's current climate is tumultuous, considering the recession-indicator state of retail, but Costco as a company has a stronghold, with members keeping their loyalty for good reason. The warehouse giant holds steadfast as a trustworthy go-to.

According to24/7 Wall St., the brand keeps surviving the inflation wave due to its functioning as an accessible utility to its wider customer base that goes beyond just retail members, holding tight to their memberships, as "these customers pay annually for the right to shop, and roughly nine in ten of them re-up each year." It makes sense given that inflation stretches budgets and household goods at warehouses, and bulk deals gain wallet share for families.

Related: Costco Surprises Shoppers Nationwide While Celebrating 50 Years

Upcoming openings signal more ways for average folks to provide for their families and close communities mutually. Earlier this year, during Costco's Q1 earnings call, CEO Ron Vachris outlined adjusted plans for not only this year but the next 5-10-year period: "Our planned net new openings for fiscal year 2026 down to 28, we continue to plan for 30-plus net openings per year in future years." He was quoted in a transcript published by The Motley Fool.

Related: World Cup Tourists Are Obsessed With These American Fast Food Stops and Convenience Stores

According toKTLA5 News, loyal shoppers and prospective members can expect a breather on their budgets as three new locations have been confirmed by the outlet to be opening this month in Albany, NY, Oconomowoc, WI, and Otsego, MN. Making the brand accessible through expansion and online viral support through trending on shoppers' scouting for deals seems to play a huge role in continuing to be a go-to resource during periods of inflation. Hey, nothing beats 5-buck rotisserie chicken, a 10-buck pizza, and of course the beloved hot dog combo for $1.50. The Costco food court is a prime example of how the brand remains unmatched in the eyes of its members, who eagerly await the next product drop and newest food item, such as the viral to-go chicken strips.

Here's a look at them from Costco influencers therealkirklandking and costcodeals:

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Costco is also aiming to improve the shopping experience, with the previously announced automated pay stations spotted rolling out in stores.

"We're also piloting automated pay stations that will allow members to pay for their pre-scan orders seamlessly with an average transaction time of around eight seconds," CFO Gary Millerchip said in an earnings call earlier this year. "Early results show this is improving the flow of traffic, and we've received great member feedback."

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A Costco employee will still scan every item in your cart, but it will happen in line, without you having to load items onto a conveyor belt. When you reach the kiosk and scan your membership card, your items will automatically appear on the screen, so all you have to do is pay. 

Ella Langley, fresh off a historic run at the top of the charts, brought her Dandelion Tour to town this week, delivering what she later called the "biggest show" of her career so far. For the thousands of fans packed into the venue, the tour stop felt more like a victory lap for an artist who has spent the last year rewriting the genre's playbook.

Langley took to Instagram after stepping offstage to share the milestone with her fans. “The biggest show of The Dandelion Tour so far,” she wrote, pairing the caption with an orange heart emoji. “Thank you, Hamilton!”

The post instantly became a landing pad for a fan base that feels invested in her rise to fame. Langley songs seem to be turning casual listeners into lifelong fans.
“Took my 9yr old daughter for her first concert. This will be hard to top!!” one parent commented under the post, anchoring the night in the kind of core memory that builds decades-long careers. Another longtime supporter added, “Been a day one fan and can I just say I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished angel.”

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That fierce loyalty is the engine driving Langley’s current sprint to the top of the charts. While generating massive numbers on streaming platforms is impressive, translating that digital momentum into a live concert experience is an entirely different challenge. In Hamilton, Langley seamlessly accomplished both.

Her rise might look sudden to outsiders, but fans say Langley possesses a raw vocal style that cuts right through the typical Nashville polished style. They say she commands the stage with the confidence of someone who knows how hard she worked to get there, leaving the audience with the impression that they are witnessing the ground floor of something massive.

As the Dandelion Tour rolls on, the venues will most likely get larger, and the crowds even more excited to see the breakout star. Hamilton was a milestone, but if the current trajectory holds, Langley will be breaking her own attendance records by next month.
Country music has a new star, and she is done playing small rooms.

Bravo's Andy Cohen is Instagram official with boyfriendKevin Sobieski, and fans couldn't be happier for the new couple.

Cohen shared the news on Instagram with a simple caption: "Date Night," alongside a photo of himself and Sobieski. While the pair had previously been photographed together, the post marked Cohen's first public acknowledgment of their relationship. Bravolebs and fans quickly celebrated the romance, with Real Housewives of Atlantaalum Marlo Hampton summing up the reaction by commenting, "Date night looks good on you." Others, including Brittany Cartwright, Shannon Beador, Kyle Cooke, and Cohen's SiriusXM co-host and ex-boyfriend John Hill, also shared their excitement and support for the new couple.

In early June, Cohen teased that he was in a new relationship on his SiriusXM show but kept his boyfriend's identity private. "I feel like if you've been listening to this show, maybe you've gotten a sense that something's going on with me," he said. "And this fella and I have been holding hands all over town, you guys."

Cohen said he had long believed he would know when he met the right person. "People have asked me for a long time, you know, 'When are you going to get a boyfriend? Why don't you have a boyfriend?' And I have always said I will know when I meet the person," he shared. "I am really happy to say that I met the person."

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Although he didn't reveal Sobieski's identity at the time, Cohen described his new partner as "kind and strong and smart" and praised the way he fit naturally into his family life.

"He is an adult and he loves my children and they love him and I love him," Cohen said. "We have been so slow and deliberate and methodical about getting to know each other and introducing him to the kids and just entering him into the equation of my family so slowly. And I have to say it has been so easy."

Now that their relationship is public, Cohen is also poking fun at their 16-year age gap. While discussing Summer Housestar Kyle Cooke's age difference with Next Gen NYC's Ava Dash on Watch What Happens Live, Cohen joked, "Don't put the camera on me!" before adding, "I'm only in a 16-year age-gap relationship." Cohen is 58, while Sobieski is 42.

When Rush released "Fly by Night" in 1975, the band wasn't just introducing a new song, it was unveiling the songwriting voice that would help define its future.

The title track from the band's second album was among the first songs written by Neil Peart, who had joined Rush just months earlier. Inspired by a life-changing experience he had at 18 years old, "Fly by Night" captured the excitement of leaving home, embracing uncertainty and chasing a dream, themes that have resonated with listeners for more than 50 years.

Peart wrote the lyrics by looking back on his first trip away from home in 1971.

Driven by both the urge to travel the world and aspirations of becoming a successful musician, the future Rock & Roll Hall of Famer left his small-town Canadian life behind and flew to England at just 18 years old. That journey became the emotional foundation for the song.

Rather than focusing on the fear of the unknown, Peart celebrated the possibilities that come with taking a leap of faith.

Opening with the now-famous line, "Fly by night, away from here," the song encourages listeners to leave behind complacency and pursue new opportunities, even when the destination isn't entirely clear. Its message of self-discovery and perseverance has made it one of Rush's most uplifting recordings.

"Neil had brought a distinct change to [the band]," Fly By Night producer Terry Brown told Louder. "There was real meaning to the songs, which were in a rock and partly progressive fashion. And I’d always wanted to do this rock music with a real meaning to it... To produce records with substance."

Musically, "Fly by Night" also marked an important turning point for the band.

It was one of the earliest showcases of Peart's lyrical style, pairing thoughtful, introspective writing with the hard-driving sound of guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist-vocalist Geddy Lee. While Rush's debut album leaned heavily toward blues-based hard rock, Fly by Night pointed the trio toward the progressive direction that would define classics like 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Moving Pictures.

"We worked on songs as we traveled," Peart said in the 2010 documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. "My little hand-written lyric sheets for the time, I think I wrote the cities that all of those songs were written, and they varied widely — all over the map. In a rental car, in a hotel room after a show, that’s how pretty much [the album] Fly by Night was written."

Although it wasn't one of Rush's biggest chart hits, "Fly by Night" quickly became a fan favorite. Its themes of independence, optimism and personal growth have continued to inspire generations of listeners, many of whom see the song as an anthem for embracing change and following one's own path.

Peart died in 2020 after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. In an interview from 2005 that was rediscovered after this death, Peart described his unique approach to drumming as emblematic of how he lived his life.

"The way I play is an honest reflection of myself," Peart told Loudwire. "I like to challenge myself creatively to come up with lots of different parts for the songs, and make them challenging to play. But at the same time, I am driven by a personal sense of what I find exciting in drumming, and in rock music."

More than five decades after its release, "Fly by Night" remains one of Rush's signature songs. What began as one 18 year-old's reflection on leaving home ultimately became a timeless motivational anthem, reminding listeners that life’s greatest adventures often begin with the courage to take the first step.

Related: 1970 Classic Ballad, Written by a 17-Year-Old, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

In 1983, Thomas Dolby ruled MTV with “She Blinded Me With Science.”

The synth-heavy song, from the English musician’s album The Golden Age of Wireless, featured a robotic keyboard riff, theatrical vocals and an offbeat, mad scientist vibe.

Not only did the song soar to No. 5 on the  Billboard Hot 100, but it made Dolby a video star. VH1 ranked “She Blinded Me With Science” among the Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 1980s, but fans knew it was far from it. For Dolby, there was so much more than one quirky classic.

Dolby, 67, recently appeared on the Dr. Music podcast, where he looked back on how "She Blinded Me With Science” defined his career.

“I never really saw myself as a mainstream artist,” Dolby shared in July 2026. “I think ‘She Blinded Me with Science’ was sort of a flash in the pan, really. It was just a wacky idea that I had, and soon as I came up with the title and this idea for the MTV video, I sort of thought, ‘Okay, that's got to be a hit.’ But I never really set out in my career, you know, to sell lots of records or get in the charts.”

RELATED:Rock Duet Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

In the interview, Dolby noted that while he aspired to be “one of those kind of marginal artists,” he felt blessed by his early hit.

“I feel very fortunate in retrospect, you know, to have had a big hit like ‘Science,’ because it opened a lot of doors for me, collaborations with other artists, productions, playing keyboards and so on,” he continued. “But it also meant that a lot of music fans sort of made that discovery of my quieter, more introspective music, like the music on The Flat Earth or Astronauts & Heretics, and many of them stuck with that, and those are the songs they talk about… that they fanboy over and it's not actually the radio hits.”

Early in his career, Dolby saw the effect that music videos had on record sales. In an interview published by the  Ocean County Register, he recalled the early 1980s time period that saw the launch of MTV.

“Music videos were sort of new and exciting,” he shared, noting that it became “a different way to consume music,” and it didn’t even matter the genre.

Dolby noted that he quickly became aware that “music videos were becoming a sort of backdoor to chart success,” and that it inspired him.

“And this is like showing a bull a red flag because I’d always wanted to be a filmmaker,” he revealed. “I came up with the title ‘She Blinded Me With Science,’ and it sounded like a hit to me just from the title. I didn’t have the words or the song yet, but I started sketching out a storyboard for the video.”

“So I ran home over the weekend and whipped off the song, got it done,” he added. “And when they heard it, especially when the American record company heard it, they said, ‘Well, this is the hit we’ve been missing.’”

RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40  Hit

Dolby released five studio albums between 1983 and 2011, and fans were drawn to many songs beyond "Science,” such as “Hyperactive,” “One of Our Submarines,” and “Europa and the Pirate Twins.”

Still more than 40 years after the release of the song, Dolby appears fine with “She Blinded Me with Science” as his career-defining hit.

As he told Why This Song, Dolby knew he had something special based on the title alone. "The moment I came up with that title, I thought ‘hit,’” he said. “And I really had no right to believe that I was capable of making a worldwide hit. But hey presto, I got it done and it happened for me. And uh I think I’m very grateful, you know, to have had that moment in time.”

Dolby continues to perform, with U.S. tour dates scheduled through August 2026.

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Summer is peak blockbuster movie season, and several highly anticipated titles have already started hitting theaters for summer 2026, including Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5. Still, The Odyssey is arguably the most buzz-worthy release of the season, if not the year. With many moviegoers eagerly awaiting the film, Parade enlisted the help of a few librarians to put together a list of 11 epic and captivating books like The Odyssey.

The movie hit theaters on July 17 and features a star-studded cast of actors, ranging from Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway to Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and many more. In a recent interview with Parade, Damon called the film the "hardest thing" he's ever done as an actor.

“And that’s what made it so, so great to work on, was—you were working as hard as you ever had, but you realized that every single person around you was, too. And so it was really fun to be a part of that group,” he said.

The Odyssey is an epic onscreen adaptation of Homer's Greek epic poem, which has been considered a classic for nearly 3,000 years. Whether you've been a fan of the iconic piece of literature for years or you read it for the first time recently, the list of books below will help fuel your love for adventurous literature.

Related: The 44 Best Greek Mythology Books of All Time, According to Librarians

What Is ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer?

Whether The Odyssey was required reading in your school or not, you've likely heard of the iconic Greek epic poem.

Alyssa Ebaugh, a children’s services librarian at Worcester Public Library, says the poem follows Odysseus, a warrior in the Trojan War and the King of Ithaca. In the story, he makes his way home after fighting in said war.

"The Odyssey is often discussed in conjunction with The Iliad, the epic poem recounting the Trojan War," she tells Parade. "Both of these works were originally recounted orally and played significant roles in the culture and education of ancient Greece."

Alicia Rogers, a tween services librarian at Worcester Public Library, says The Odyssey "serves as the ultimate example of the hero's journey."

"This literary framework follows a protagonist leaving their ordinary world, facing tests and trials and returning home with new wisdom," she states.

Adam Vorobok, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, says Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey is his favorite version.

"Its language is direct and concise, but still carries the rhythmical meter of the original Greek version," he explains. "Also, it is refreshing to have eliminated some of the biases toward the female characters that often arise in the male translation."

Ebaugh also appreciates this particular translation and says Daniel Mendelsohn’s translation is great if you're looking for a version that "maintains the musical and metaphorical qualities of the original."

Related: Librarians Say These 11 ‘Unforgettable’ Books Are Perfect for Fans of ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

What Should I Read After ‘The Odyssey’?

Once you're done reading The Odyssey, you may feel inclined to dive into some other stories with a similar vibe. The librarians we polled said several other classic titles go hand-in-hand with the iconic title.

Emily McCarthy, a One City, One Library Branch library assistant with the Worcester Public Library, recommends reading Oedipus Tyrannusby Sophocles.

"Similar to The Odyssey, this play is shaped by the gods and fate. But there are no monsters to defeat, and there are no physical feats. Instead, there are only the psychological trials of knowledge itself," she says. "Oedipus has spent his entire life trying to outrun a prophecy he cannot escape. And the lesson of who you truly are comes at a devastating cost."

Keith Good, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, suggests reading Ulyssesby James Joyce.

"Though I fully admit James Joyce is not for everyone, Ulysses is a masterwork of modernist literature, built around one endlessly fascinating day in Dublin, with each chapter relating directly to one of Odysseus' travails," he says.

Ebaugh says The Iliadby Homer is "an essential read when trying to fully understand The Odyssey."

"Virgil’s The Aeneid is another epic that is an interesting read after reading The Iliad and The Odyssey," she says. "Virgil positions himself as Rome’s equivalent to Homer and tells the story of the foundation of Rome beginning with the fall of Troy."

Related: 17 Books Like ‘Harry Potter,’ According to Librarians

The 7 Best Greek Mythology Retellings and Adaptations 1. 'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood

Amazon

Beth Schreiber, an adult services librarian at Worcester Public Library, suggests reading this book that shares stories about Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, "through the eyes of the 12 maids hanged for disloyalty to Odysseus in his absence."

Vorobok shares that The Penelopiad is full of "sentences that are so impactful," much like Atwood's other books.

"Giving the 12 hanged maids a voice is chilling, infuriating and yet necessary," he says.

2. 'Wrath Goddess Sing' by Maya Deane

Amazon

"This book begins with the moment in The Iliad when Achilles is dressed as a woman, but then veers into the idea of 'What if Achilles was a trans woman?' It's boldly important in today's world and utterly fascinating," Vorobok states.

In the book, Achilles has left home to live as a woman with the transgender priestesses of Great Mother Aphrodite.

"When Odysseus comes to recruit the 'prince' Achilles for a war against the Hittites, she prepares to die rather than fight as a man. However, her divine mother, Athena, intervenes, transforming her body into the woman’s body she always longed for, and promises her everything: glory, power, fame, victory in war and, most importantly, a child born of her own body," the book description reads.

3. 'A Touch of Darkness' by Scarlett St. Clair

Amazon

McCarthy says this book is great for readers who love a good romance.

"If you are looking for a darker, more mature mythology retelling, then A Touch of Darkness might be for you. Much like The Odyssey, Scarlett St. Clair’s novel explores how love endures. This reimagining of the classic Hades and Persephone myth looks at familiar gods through a contemporary lens," she states.

In the book, Persephone (aka the goddess of spring) meets Hades (the god of the dead and the King of the underworld). When Persephone presents Hades with a tempting bargain, she enters a contract with some tricky terms.

"Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. The bet does more than expose Persephone's failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—a love that is both captivating and forbidden," the book description reads.

Related: 56 Best Sad Books That Will Definitely Make You Cry, According to Librarians

4. 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan

Amazon

McCarthy says this book is great for introducing young readers to the world of Greek mythology.

"While targeted toward a younger audience, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief captures the sense of adventure, wit and resilience that The Odyssey establishes. Readers will recognize many of the same monsters and gods, but with a modern twist," she shares.

In the book, Percy Jackson and his friends have 10 days to "find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus," per the book description.

"But to succeed in his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves," the description reads.

5. 'Sweetbitter Song' by Rosie Hewlett 

Amazon

Steph Cooper, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, enjoys this mythological tale that's set thousands of years ago.

"It's told with a modern voice that explores war, survival and forbidden love. It presents a sapphic reinterpretation of the legendary events in The Odyssey," she says.

The book follows Melantho and Penelope, a slave and a Spartan princess who form a strong friendship. When the Spartan royals express their disapproval of the bond, the two women are "torn apart," per the book description.

"Years later, their paths cross once again upon the rocky shores of Ithaca, where Melantho is sent to serve Princess Penelope and her new husband, Prince Odysseus. Embittered by life as a slave, Melantho is determined to keep her distance. But, once again, the two women find themselves drawn to one other, pulled by the echo of their friendship, and something far stronger they are too afraid to name," the description reads.

6. 'Ariadne' by Jennifer Saint

Amazon

"I've always been fascinated by the Minotaur, so this daring novel about Ariadne and Phaedra sheds new insights into the tale I had grown up with," Vorobok shares.

In the book, princess Ariadne is the sister of the Minotaur, a monster who craves blood sacrifice. Athens' prince, Theseus, intends to conquer the Minotaur, and Ariadne goes along with the plan.

"Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?" the book description reads.

7. 'Circe' by Madeline Miller

Amazon

Good calls this book "a gorgeous and moving reimagination of the life of Circe, the witch famous for turning Odysseus' men into swine."

In the book, Circe seeks friendship with mortals, then discovers she has the power to "transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves," per the book description.

When Zeus banishes Circe to a deserted island, her power grows, and she meets some famous mythological figures, including the Minotaur, Daedalus, Icarus and Odysseus.

"But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love," the book description reads.

Related: 27 Books Like ‘ACOTAR,’ According to Librarians

2 Epic Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Like ‘The Odyssey’8. 'A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation' by Pablo Cartaya

Amazon

Rogers calls this a "realistic novel that includes aspects of fantasy." It's best for readers ages 8 to 12.

"Mourning the loss of his father, 13-year-old Gonzalo reluctantly joins his distant grandfather, Alberto—a famous fantasy author—on a 10-day book tour road trip from California to Florida," she explains. "As they visit Alberto’s old friends and uncover stories from his past, Gonzalo gains the courage to face his grief before returning home."

Throughout the book, Gonzalo and Alberto "slay demons, real and imagined; confront old stories to write new ones; and learn what it truly means to show up for your family," the book description reads.

9. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien

Amazon

McCarthy calls this iconic book series an "epic of fellowship and sacrifice"

"Frodo’s adventure across Middle-earth to Mt. Doom makes Lord of the Rings a contemporary epic," she explains. "What makes Lord of the Rings a contemporary to The Odyssey is that it is not about simply reaching your destination, but what is endured in the journey, and who you are when you finally return home."

If you fall for the book series, it was also adapted into a blockbuster movie series.

Related: Librarians Say These 10 ‘Hidden Gem’ Books Are the Funniest Things You’ll Read All Year

2 Non-Western Epic Masterpieces You Need To Read10. 'African Trilogy' series by Chinua Achebe

Amazon

Victoria Thompson, a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library, highly recommends this book trilogy that follows several generations of leaders of a fictional Nigerian village "as it buckles and contorts beneath the pressure of Western imperialism."

"The first book, Things Fall Apart, was an assigned book in one of my high school classes, and when I returned to it a few years ago I was really surprised to discover how much of the story and visuals had stuck with me all that time," she says.

11. 'I Am a Cat' by Natsume Soseki

Amazon

Vorobok calls this "witty" book a "masterpiece" and says it's "full of insight and charm."

"It comments on everything from marriage, suicide, philosophy, baseball and the influence of Western culture on Japanese society," he shares.

Per the description, the novel "satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society during the Meiji era."

"With acerbic wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a world-weary stray kitten who comments on the follies and foibles of the people around him," it reads.

Up Next:

Related: 11 Books Like 'Little House on the Prairie' for Kids and Adults, According to Librarians

Sources:

• Steph Cooper is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.
• Alyssa Ebaugh is a children’s services librarian at Worcester Public Library.
• Keith Good is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.
• Emily McCarthy is a One City, One Library Branch library assistant at Worcester Public Library.
• Alicia Rogers is a tween services librarian at Worcester Public Library.
• Beth Schreiber is an adult services librarian at Worcester Public Library.
• Victoria Thompson is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.
• Adam Vorobok is a librarian at Cincinnati Public Library.

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If you're ever in doubt when decorating your home, turn to Drew Barrymore's collection. The television personality has a slew of amazing pieces that will upgrade your living space on a budget, and they're available at Walmart. We scoured Walmart's deals section for the best sales on everything from bookcases to cabinets, and luckily, the Beautiful Drew Side Table is just over 27% off right now. 

The table originally cost $128, but has been reduced to just $93 during a limited-time rollback deal. The piece is being sold in black and warm honey, with the black lending to a more modern design, while the warm honey is perfect for those who have farmhouse-style, bohemian, cottagecore interior decor. The table is 18 inches wide, 18 inches long, and 22.25 inches tall. 

Beautiful Drew Side Table, $93 (was $115) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Due to the dimensions, this side table is perfect for those who want to fill small spaces. The design features a classic round top that you can place beverages, lamps, and other decorations on. The open lower shelf is perfect for books, blankets, and other miscellaneous items that you want to display in your living room. The piece weighs 55.1 pounds, so you may want another set of hands to help you maneuver it.

The unique attribute that this side table offers is that it has floor levelers that you can adjust for the perfect placement. It can hold a maximum of 100 pounds and is fully made of wood, so it's recommended that you wipe it clean with a soft damp cloth to ensure that it keeps its quality. This is primarily an indoor side table — avoiding placing it outdoors is advised as to not tarnish the wood with outdoor elements. 

Related: Walmart's 'Comfy' $20 Strappy Slip-in Sandals 'Pack Easily and Go With Everything'

You will have to put the side table together upon arrival, but shoppers said that it was "easy" to assemble, but it's an easier project with two people to help stabilize it. Customers further described the table as "absolutely beautiful," "very sturdy," and "good quality." Some reviewers even used the piece as a night stand, as it sits elegantly on a thick rug or hardwood flooring.  

Shop More Deals 

• Edx Full Length Mirror, $37 (was $80) at Walmart
• Moyiko Eyelet Tank Top, $15 (was $27) at Walmart
• Toyoso Area Rug, $39 (was $60) at Walmart

There's something about Drew Barrymore's collection that will add a simple elegance to your home, no matter the piece. This stunning mid-century side table will easily bring a chic and warm tone to your space. Make sure to add it to your cart while it's on sale for under $100 at Walmart! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Tensions were at an all-time high ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's long-awaited reunion with King Charles III last week, with the planned meeting in danger of falling through at any moment.

But after a 'nightmare' week for Prince Harry—which included a claim by Harry's team that he would be staying at Buckingham Palace followed by a statement by the palace that he would not in fact be staying, the costly loss of a court case against Associated Newspapers, and the denial of taxpayer funded 24/7 police protection for Harry and his family—the meeting finally happened.

Charles and Queen Camilla received Harry, Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for tea at Highgrove House on the express condition that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not to leak any details of their meeting to the press.

This meant that Harry and Meghan did not secure the coveted 'money shot': a picture of their children with their grandfather the king, which would have given their image in the US a much needed boost.

However it looks as though the Sussexes may have their eye on something much more significant than a sweet snap of the British monarch with his American grandchildren.

A friend of Harry and Meghan's told Alison Boshoff at the Daily Mail that they are "seeking to reverse Megxit" more than six years after the couple's bombshell announcement that they would be stepping away from their roles as senior working members of the royal family and relocating to North America.

Related: Meghan Markle Prayed For These Two Things On Her First Visit To Princess Diana’s Grave

"It seems that a return to the UK is being contemplated in some form and that the couple’s holiday home in Portugal will be used as a staging post back to Britain," Boshoff wrote.

She said that a friend of Harry's feels that the duke has started to feel "unwelcome" in the US and that the "American dream might not be all that it was cracked up to be."

Meghan, apparently, agrees with this sentiment and is "all for rekindling with and reconnecting with Harry’s English side."

Despite successes like their Netflix deal, Meghan reportedly feels that their star power is "dwindling" and that her popularity is fading with former supporters like Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, leaving her feeling like an "outcast."

Another source, whom Boshoff describes as "less sympathetic to the Sussexes", appears to hint at a cooling of relations between Harry and Meghan themselves.

"I don’t think [Harry] ever wanted to be estranged from his family," they said, adding, "I think when he was madly in love with Meghan he could be blind enough to choose her.

"Now things are different, and the veil is lifting."

Earlier this week People magazine—which is known to be the Sussexes' preferred mouthpiece—published a report in which a source close to Meghan said there was a "lot of sadness" on the duchess's part with regard to how her and Harry's week in the UK unfolded.

Related: Kate Middleton Debuted Summer’s Most Surprising New Nail Trend At Wimbledon

She was noticeably absent from her husband's side as he carried out a series of charity engagements.

Another source close to the couple said that Meghan would have felt "humiliated" as the back-and-forth between Harry's team and the palace unfolded ahead of their return to the UK.

Royal biographer Russell Myers told People, "What was billed as a big homecoming—not only for Harry but potentially for Meghan too—turned into a nightmare.

"It was further evidence of the fractiousness of Harry’s relationship with the institution.” 

So with that in mind, can there be any real rapprochement between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family? Can they really "reverse Megxit" and begin to spend more time in the UK as semi-working royals, adopting the half-in half-out role that was so firmly rejected by the late Queen Elizabeth II?

Even if Harry manages to heal the relationship between himself and his father, there is no sign of a thawing of the ice between him and his brother and future king Prince William.

Not to mention Harry's relationship with his stepmother Queen Camilla, who was described by Harry in his memoir Spare as a "villain" who "left bodies in the streets."

Fiercely loyal to Charles, she apparently "dropped everything" in order to be by her husband's side during the meeting with Harry and Meghan.

“She is a non-negotiable part of Charles’s life,” royal author Cathering Mayer told People. “There is no reconciliation with him without her."

Next, Did You Know The Romantic But Creepy Name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s House in Montecito?

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If you are a beauty lover, you probably love to keep your prettiest products, such as your go-to perfume, daily makeup brushes, serum bottles and other essentials, on display in your bathroom. Plus, this makes everything a bit easier to grab, especially when you are in a hurry. Well, Anthropologie has the most whimsical solution for all of your bathroom toiletry storage needs with this beautiful wood apothecary cabinet.

How charming is Anthropologie's Heather Wood Apothecary Bathroom Cabinet? It honestly looks like something you would see in a Parisian boutique. The solid ash bathroom cabinet has a dark brown stain that feels super elevated and sophisticated. With its gold hardware and accents, this beautiful cabinet is a pretty upgrade for organizing your toiletries. The flower knob on the door is also such a cute touch!

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Heather Wood Apothecary Bathroom Cabinet, Dark Brown, $348 at Anthropologie

Anthropologie

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Because the cabinet's glass door allows you to peer inside at the cabinet's two shelves, this cabinet almost functions like a tiny museum for all of your makeup, perfumes and other beauty products. And, of course, the best part of this apothecary bathroom cabinet is the French phrase engraved at the very top: "Cabinet De Curiosities" or "Cabinet of Curiosities."

For dimensions, this rectangular apothecary cabinet measures 20.35 inches in height, 13.5 inches in width and 5.75 inches in depth. This makes it a particularly good size for a smaller bathroom. Hanging hardware is included, so you can easily hang this on your bathroom wall.

Related: Anthropologie's Pretty Capiz Vanity Mirror 'Feels Light, Elegant and Timeless'

Overall, customers love this cabinet, giving it an average rating of 3.6 stars on Anthropologie.com. Shoppers did say the cabinet is smaller than anticipated, but still love it for its whimsical and sturdy design.

"This fragrance cabinet is the perfect whimsical storage solution for a small-space bathroom. Adorable!" wrote one fan in a five-star review on Anthropologie.com.

"This cabinet is so gorgeous and whimsical. I was able to put it up in about 15 minutes with no help. I wish it was not quite as dark as stain, but that's my own personal preference," said another shopper in a five-star review on Anthropologie's website.

You can order this beautiful wood apothecary cabinet on Anthropologie.com. It retails for $348. Some assembly is required. Instructions are included.

Related: Martha Stewart's Chic 8-Piece Drawer Organizer Set Brings a Touch of Elegance to Home Organization

For most people, the ideal retirement plan involves a house with a yard, a settled routine, and finally staying put. But a growing movement of digital nomads and early retirees are completely flipping the status quo, trading mortgages and utility bills for a life entirely spent on the open ocean.

Meet Libby Rome, a 52-year-old former corporate IT consultant who officially retired in April 2026 after a 30-year career. While many people dream of taking a single cruise a year, Rome and her husband have been living full-time on cruise ships for the past three years. By leaning into financial independence strategies and capitalizing on specific cruise loyalty systems, she manages a life of continuous global travel on an annual budget of less than $40,000.

Here, in her own words, is exactly how she walked away from traditional housing, navigates healthcare at sea, handles the unique lifestyle constraints of a cabin, and maintains her low-cost voyage around the world.

Related: I’ve Been on 20+ Cruises—These 6 Are the Most Exciting for Active Travelers at Any Age

1. Trading Hotel Life for the Open Ocean

Libby Rome

Long before she ever set foot on a cruise ship as a permanent resident, Rome was already well-practiced in the art of extreme minimalism. Her transition to full-time travel began out of sheer operational necessity when international corporate relocations forced her to reevaluate her relationship with physical possessions.

"I’ve been a nomad actually for 16 years," Rome says. "16 years ago, because I had a house and a car and everything, I sold it all and I went down to two suitcases because I had a job in London. So I went so minimalist and so nomadic and then started loving it and loved the freedom of it to where I never wanted to go back to having a house and chores and errands."

For over a decade, that nomadic freedom meant splitting her time between traditional vacation rentals and various hotels. However, as accommodation costs began to climb steadily across the globe, she noticed the value proposition shifting. Moving constantly also required booking frequent regional flights, which added logistics and stress to her everyday routine. It was during a 2019 vacation that she and her husband realized a better alternative was floating right in front of them.

"It started becoming kind of obvious that cruising might be a good path for us..." Rome explains. "One of the things about hotel life is that it also required some flights... and a lot of times the cheaper hotels are near the airport or some highway or it just wasn't as nice. And cruising, I found, could give me that at about the same price as hotel life, without the car and the mortgage and the insurance... [and] give me a chance to get rid of the flights and have a lot of fun and free entertainment."

Today, the couple avoids the frantic pace of changing ships every week, opting instead to book consecutive voyages on the exact same vessel. This summer, they have settled into a highly comfortable rhythm aboard Princess Cruises'Sky Princess, a strategy that lets them unpack just once while waking up in a completely new destination every morning.

"I prefer to just take it easy and have a stress-free life, so we pick like this ship I'm on now, the Sky Princess, run through," Rome says. "One of the reasons we like it is that it's not just a loop around the same places over and over again—the itinerary actually rarely repeats. It's not a world cruise, which would be lovely, but those are very expensive."

Related: 10 Best Free Caribbean Beaches Worth Skipping Cruise Excursions For

2. The Financial Strategy and the Casino Loophole

Libby Rome

Living full-time on a premier cruise liner sounds like an extravagance reserved exclusively for multi-millionaires, but Rome managed to finance the lifestyle through aggressive saving and a deep understanding of cruise line loyalty programs. By mapping out her early retirement using the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) method, she was able to build a bridge to cover the gap years between leaving her corporate desk and finally accessing her long-term retirement accounts.

"I was able to get the cost so low with the cruising that I was able to save half my salary over the last four and a half years," Rome notes. "I've been saving for retirement my whole life, so 30-year career? I have a nice retirement fund to rely on, but I'm still too early for that at age 52. But I want it to be done sooner rather than later. So that's why I did the FIRE method. Keeping those costs low allowed me to have enough in my account to last me during that gap time until my retirement funds set in. I officially saved enough to do the math to show I have enough to last until I'm 59 and a half at this point, using a 4% interest. I can take 4% out and live on that."

The absolute secret weapon to keeping her ongoing travel expenses under $40,000 a year, however, comes down to how she leverages cruise line casino tracking programs. While most casual vacationers view the ship’s casino as a quick place to lose twenty dollars, Rome recognized that the algorithms managing guest offers could be optimized for long-term housing. After making a strict, calculated initial bankroll investment of $2,000, she unlocked an ongoing loop of complimentary cruise offers that she has been riding ever since.

"I use their casino program," Rome reveals. "A lot of people will go and gamble and then they'll win one free cruise, but the way Princess works... is you can use this basic loophole—and so myself and a few other people I know out there... are basically living on cruise ships for free because of this program. My overall annual budget's less than 40,000."

Once you trigger for their offers, then you go online on the princess.com website and you log in and all of the cruises are free. Now by free, I mean, you have to pay port fees and taxes and a two hundred dollar per person deposit, which comes back to you as on board credit, which then can be gambled with if you want. We do gamble a couple of times a year, but we gamble only with on board credit, not our own cash anymore. So we made an initial investment to gamble, but ever since then we've been doing it completely using the credit that we already have on board. It was about a $2,000 bankroll."

Related: :The Handbag That Can Make or Break Your Cruise (And It's Under $20 on Amazon)

3. Managing Diet, Discipline, and Type 1 Diabetes

Libby Rome

While a week-long cruise vacation is usually celebrated as an all-you-can-eat hall pass, living on a ship full-time requires an intense level of daily structure. Without strict boundaries, the endless availability of soft-serve ice cream, 24-hour room service, and poolside bars can quickly become a detriment to both physical well-being and personal finance.

"Discipline is definitely required on a cruise ship for both of those reasons: the activity and also gambling, also drinking, also food," Rome admits. "If you have an addictive personality, you could totally get swept up into any of those. The food was definitely a challenge for me and gained some weight at the beginning, but I have a system now and I'm very disciplined and I feel good about that. I have my regular diet: I go and get my salad every day for lunch and I go and get my steamed vegetables. I always have my little system, my little routine."

That strict routine isn't just about weight management—it's a critical component of how she stays healthy while managing Type 1 diabetes on the high seas. To ensure she always has access to life-saving medical supplies, Rome treats the ship’s home port as her temporary medical headquarters, building her cruise calendar around 90-day maintenance blocks.

"Actually, I have type one diabetes," Rome shares. "And so that adds some complications. I need my medical supplies regularly, so at first I was definitely challenged a lot, but it's one of the things that kind of made me cruise around one general port. For the last couple years I've mostly been around Fort Lauderdale—that's where my doctor was. On cruise turnaround days, I have my medical appointments, my dentist appointments, everything on those days. There was a CVS right there that was walkable from the cruise ship, so I would go and pick up my medical supplies every 90 days as well."

While the ships carry highly capable medical teams to handle standard issues, Rome has managed to successfully navigate her three years at sea without ever needing to check into the onboard infirmary for an emergency.

"Fortunately, in these last three years of full-time cruising, I've not had any medical emergencies, and I've never gone to the medical center except for once when I asked them to hold my insulin because I had too much to carry," she says. "In general, I store my insulin in my little refrigerator in the room and I have my medical supplies always. It adds weight to my backpack that I carry now, but it's worth it to live."

Related: Everyone Told Me To Stay Away From This Affordable Cruise—I Didn't Listen and LOVED It

4. Navigating Community, Tiny Spaces, and Life at Sea

Libby Rome

Choosing a nomadic life means walking away from geographic communities like local neighborhood groups, bowling leagues, and routine neighborhood block parties. While some critics assume that full-time cruising must be an incredibly isolating experience, Rome notes that her social circle hasn't vanished—it has simply adapted to a global framework.

"I would say that my community is just different now," Rome says. "One of my communities, for example, is called Go With Less—it's a Facebook group that I belong to that is, they get together regularly all over the world. So this group, you know, and I've met a number of them already. One of the events that Princess has every cruise is called the 'most traveled guest event' where they invite the most traveled guests on the ship and to all have dinner, and it seems that basically you're seeing the same people over and over again. So you get to know the other people who are like almost living on cruise ships, you know, and just traveling so extensively."

Of course, the transient nature of a cruise means that many friendships are naturally short-lived. Passengers board, connect over dinner for seven days, and then disappear at the next turnaround port. To thrive in this environment, Rome relies heavily on her strongest personal connection, while using modern tech to stay intimately involved with family back on land.

"I don't have my bowling league anymore. And I don't have my scrapbooking retreats anymore," Rome notes. "If you wanted to be really social, I guess it would be kind of sad that people are so fleeting… I've met people and connected, but then I'll probably never see them again… It's pros and cons. I'm not lonely because I'm with my husband, who is my best friend, and he's like, if I got to do anything in the whole world, what I'd want to do is spend time with him."

There are physical constraints to consider, too. To maintain her lean budget, Rome and her husband purposely opt for interior staterooms rather than sprawling balcony suites. Living in a compact room without a window means managing limited square footage, dealing with notoriously sluggish satellite Wi-Fi, and relying entirely on the ship's infrastructure for basic chores. Fortunately, hitting top-tier elite status with the cruise line unlocks complimentary perks that make tiny-living feel like a luxury hotel stay.

"We're mostly in inside cabins, and we don't mind, but it would be nicer of course to have a balcony or... a bigger suite—a separate room with a living room," Rome says. "The space is kind of small, but it's still worth it. The Wi-Fi is so slow... that's very frustrating... One of the lovely benefits of Princess also is that once you become Elite, you get free laundry service. So I put it in a bag whenever my clothes get dirty and then it comes back all clean and hung or in a bag and all folded... And then my husband jokes all the time that his favorite way to do dishes is to order room service and then just kind of put it aside for the person to pick up."

As she looks ahead to future chapters, Rome has no immediate plans to drop anchor or return to a standard suburban life. For her, the massive collection of worldly experiences easily outweighs the comforts of a traditional retirement.

"Wherever I am at the end, if I lose my mobility or whatever's happening, all I will do is say, 'Well, what a great life I've led,'" Rome says. "I can't possibly imagine having regrets because my life has been so full and so rich."  

To follow along with her cruise ship adventures, find Libby Rome on YouTube
and Instagram @LibbyRome, or catch her on TikTok @Libby.Rome.

Related: I Take Over 10 Cruises a Year—Here Are My Secrets to Getting Free Drinks on Board

K-dramas may have introduced millions of viewers to the world of Asian television, but they're far from the only addictive series worth binge-watching. Chinese dramas—or C-dramas—have exploded in popularity thanks to their swoon-worthy romances, epic historical fantasies, gripping mysteries and beautifully produced modern stories.

C-Dramas tend to run longer than K-Dramas. Ten to 16 episodes are the norm for K-Dramas while C-Dramas are usually 24-40 episodes). Whether you're looking for a sweeping costume drama, a feel-good romantic comedy, a thrilling revenge tale or an emotional slow-burn love story, there's a C-drama for every mood. From Netflix favorites to hidden gems streaming on Viki, iQIYI and YouTube, these are 38 of the very best Chinese dramas to add to your watchlist next. There are a few series that are less than 20 episodes, so look for those to whet your whistle.

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The Best C-Dramas To Watch Now1. 'Pursuit of Jade' (2025) Pursuit of Jade

Pursuit of Jade

Starring Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei
Available on Netflix, iQIYi
No. of Episodes: 40

Based on a popular webtoon, Pursuit of Jade follows Fan Changyu (Tian), a butcher's daughter after she finds an injured nobleman (Zhang) in a snowstorm. As she nurses him back to health, both of them find themselves in dire straits. He must keep his identity hidden until he weeds out the killer, while she must marry before her gambling good-for-nothing uncle lays claim to her family home. The scenario leads to a marriage of convenience that later evolves into genuine love. Part of what I liked about this series is that the female lead character is no shrinking violet waiting to be rescued. She makes her own path, is the breadwinner in the marriage (before discovering her husband is actually a nobleman and a warrior) and even knows how to fight the bad guys better than the bad guys do! The series is both funny and romantic with a palpable chemistry between the two leads.

Fun Fact: Despite her small stature, Tian is noted for her physical strength. Even at 5'6" and around 100 lbs., it's Tian who actually carried the 6'3", 160 lb. Zhang on her back in the opening scenes where her character discovers him in the snow. Most viewers thought it done through wires and harnesses or a stunt double, but Zhang said in an interview that he never would have believed a small woman like her would be able to carry him, much less run with him like she does in those scenes!

2. 'Love for You' (2026)

Starring Song Weilong
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 32

In the 1990s, teenagers Chen Yi (Song) and Miao Jing (Zhang) met due to their parents, initially getting off to a rocky start. However, Miao Jing's kindness eventually softens Chen Yi's attitude towards her. Chen Yi and Miao Jing's relationship deepens after Chen Yi's father dies and Miao Jing's mother disappears, leaving the two to rely only on each other. Miao Jing eventually confesses her feelings for Chen Yi, but he pushes her away after he gets tangled up as a crime witness, urging her to leave their city. Years later, Chen Yi runs a billiards hall in their hometown, while Miao Jing returns for a work assignment. But when Chen Yi suspects that Miao Jing's boss is involved in smuggling, he vows to protect her – and stay by her side. This drama was adapted from the web novel "Ye Gou Gu Tou" by Xiu Tu Cheng.

3. 'Overdo' (2026)

Starring Zhang Linghe, Wang Churan
Available on IQIYI
No. of Episodes: 33

In Republican-era Shanghai, Murong Qingyi (Zhang), the young son of a warlord, suffers years of abuse from his adoptive father after being mistakenly switched at birth. While fleeing as a teenager, he is rescued by Ren Susu (Wang), but the encounter brings catastrophe upon her family. Years later, the two meet again and gradually fall in love. However, to save others, Ren Susu fakes her death and disappears, leaving Murong Qingyi devastated. Three years later, Ren Susu returns, engaged to become Murong Qingyi’s future sister-in-law. The reunited pair is no longer the people they once were. One is consumed by resentment over what he believes to be a betrayal, while the other carries a pain she cannot bring herself to reveal. As they test and challenge one another, love and hatred become deeply intertwined. Just as misunderstandings begin to unravel, and their feelings rekindle, the nation is plunged into crisis. Determined to fight a powerful enemy even at the cost of their own lives, Murong Qingyi and Ren Susu step into the storm together. Where will fate ultimately lead them?

Related: These 33 K-Dramas and C-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over

4. 'A Princess Royal' (2024)

Starring Zhang Linghe, Zhao Jinmai
Available on Netflix, Viki, Youku
No. of Episodes: 40

In this bittersweet romance, a princess and her husband's long and loveless marriage ends in betrayal, but when they both wake up back when they were 18, they realize they have a chance to start life over and make different choices. When the two realize they both have memories of their previous existence, they decide to work together to figure out why they fell apart.

Zhang is the "it" boy in Chinese entertainment these days. His catwalk during a New Year's Eve gala this year nearly broke the internet, amassing over 40 million views within a 24-hour period. The man literally walked down a runway.

5. 'Only for Love' (2023)

Starring Dylan Wang, Bai Lu
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 36

Determined to land a front-page story, reporter Zheng Shu Yi (Bai Lu) does everything she can to score an interview with the country’s most talked about CEO, Shi Yan (Dylan Wang). With plans to invest in several promising startups, Shi Yan agrees to an interview with Shu Yi, but only if she writes about the local startups that have so far gone without notice. Meeting time and time again, the working relationship between Shu Yi and Shi Yan grows into something more. Could this spark between them be the first bloom of love? Directed by Guo Hu, this is a 2023 Chinese romantic drama series.

6. 'If Voice Had Memory' (2021)

Starring Wei Zhe Ming, Pan Meiye
Available on Mango TV, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 32

Wei Zhe Ming, who also goes by Miles Wei, won over fans in supporting roles (Only for Love) and now plays the lead in several series. Also known as "If Sound Had Memory," this series follows Yu Luxi (Meiye), a cheerful girl with a unique vocal talent, and Lin Nan (Wei), a workplace elite who is secretly a legendary dubbing master named "Mai Da". The two join forces to pursue their dreams in the voice acting world, ultimately uncovering hidden secrets and falling in love.

7. 'Mr. Bad' (2022)

Starring
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Upon making a wish, aspiring writer Nan Xing (Shen Yue) accidentally summons Xiao Wudi (Chen Zhe Yuan), a ferocious and cunning villain from her own book. Wudi resolves to stay in the real world to fulfill all of Nan Xing's wishes - even becoming her neighbor and tackling matters of the heart. But when Wudi begins to fall for his lovesick creator, things get complicated. Can a villainous figment of her imagination actually become Nan Xing's hero or will “Mr. Bad” live up to his name?

8. 'How Dare You!?' (2026)

Starring
Available on iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 32

Ordinary office worker Wang Cuihua unexpectedly finds herself transported into a cliché "brain-dead transmigration novel," becoming the cannon fodder villainess Yu Wanyin. To escape her doomed fate of being eliminated by the original transmigrated heroine Xie Yonger, Yu Wanyin takes a different path by clinging to another major villain in the book, the tyrannical male character Xiahou Dan. To her surprise, the tyrant turns out to be a transmigrator too. Now a duo of villainous outsiders stranded in a fictional world, they form a strategic alliance to survive against all odds. However, the original transmigrated heroine Xie Yonger sees herself as the chosen one and swiftly allies with the book’s original male lead, Xiahou Bo, putting herself in direct opposition to the villain duo. With a palace battle of transmigrated minds and the scheming of the true male lead closing in, can this villain team defy fate and rewrite their ending?

9. 'The Romance Between Tiger and Rose' (2020)

Starring
Available on Viki, Apple TV
No. of Episodes: 32

Aspiring screenwriter Chen Xiao Qian (Zhao Lu Si) is struggling to get her TV series off the ground. The male lead is kicking up a fuss about her script, leading her to worry that the series will never reach viewers’ screens. Suddenly, she is dragged into the pages of her own screenplay, where she becomes the Third Princess, a lowly minor character with a terrible reputation… and a drastically short lifespan! Fortunately, she knows that her killer will be Prince Han Shuo (Ding Yu Xi) and Xiao Qian uses her “insider knowledge” to rewrite the character’s fate to ensure she survives. Can she cheat death and reverse her TV show’s fortunes? And could this messy situation inadvertently lead her to love?

10. 'The Best Thing' (2026)

Starring Zhang Linghe, Xu Ruohan
Available on iQIYI, Prime Video
No. of Episodes: 28

The story follows Shen Xifan (Xu), a dedicated workaholic and hotel housekeeping manager, who suffers from insomnia and migraines due to her high-intensity job. Seeking relief, she turns to traditional Chinese medicine and meets the gentle and refined doctor, He Suye (Zhang). However, her busy schedule often causes her to forget to pick up her prescriptions, much to He Suye’s frustration. What starts as a mere doctor-patient relationship takes an unexpected turn when they realize they live in the same neighborhood. Through a series of chance encounters, their feelings gradually blossom. Having experienced a painful first love, Shen Xifan is cautious, while He Suye, abandoned by his first love, has since closed off his heart. As Shen Xifan slowly approaches him, their awkward yet endearing interactions lead He Suye to rediscover the meaning of love, eventually making him the one to pursue her instead. Meanwhile, He Suye’s dedication to traditional Chinese medicine inspires Shen Xifan to find her true aspirations.

Related: Loved ‘Pursuit of Jade’? Check Out Zhang Linghe’s Next C-Drama, ‘Overdo’

11. 'Twelve Letters' (2025)

Starring
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 12

Despite hardships in life, Tang Yi Xun (Zhou Yi Ran) and Ye Hai Tang (Wang Ying Lu) have built a sweet, solid romance together. However, their relationship seems to have an end date, as Hai Tang disappears, leaving only unanswered questions behind. As Yi Xun searches for answers, he encounters a mailbox with a mysterious letter sent from Hai Tang. Yi Xun writes back, re-opening a line of communication between them. But Yi Xun soon learns that Hai Tang is separated by more than just distance, as they are also somehow separated by time. Can they ever find a way back together?

Related: Netflix Just Dropped an Action-Packed K-Drama That’s Perfect for Weekend Binging - Check out 'Agent Kim Reactivated'

12. 'Never-Ending Summer' (2026)

Starring Bao Shang'en, Daniel Zhou
Available on iQIYI, Mango TV
No. of Episodes: 29

In this romantic drama series, the tenacious honor student Zhou Wan (Bao) wants to save her severely-ill grandmother. Failing to get help from her mother who abandoned her, she approaches her mother's step-son, the unruly Lu Xixiao (Zhou), in an attempt to raise money from her mother. After graduation, romance brews between the two who become each other's rock, but the cruel reality shatters their glorious summer of youth, as misunderstandings drive them apart. Ten years later, they reunite in the workplace. Unable to forget his past heartbreak, Lu repeatedly lashes out at Zhou, only to find that his love for her has never changed. A factory accident brings them together, and their brave and sincere hearts ensure they never part again.

13. 'Love in the Clouds' (2025)

Starring Hou Minghao, Lu Yuxiao
Available on Netflix, Viki, Youku
No. of Episodes: 36

My people love their historical/fantasy dramas. There are probably more costumes and props in Chinese entertainment studios for such series than there are for modern day series. In Love in the Clouds, Ming Yi (Lu) is a ruthless war goddess, who assumes a new identity after being poisoned. Under disguise, she gets close to thief Ji Bozai (Hou) and what starts off as a game of deceit turns into a deep romance.

14. 'Lighter and Princess' (2022)

Starring Zhang Jing Yi, Arthur Chen
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 36

As a computer programming ace, Li Xun (Chen) tends to see life as a computer program. Aloof to life, he also sees love as an emotion that's beyond his understanding. But his world unexpectedly changes when he meets Zhu Yun (Zhang), an innocent and grounded lady that only sees Li Xun as a troublemaker. Despite their differences, the two are drawn to each other and sweet romance begins to blossom, until a life-altering incident threatens to tear them apart forever.

15. 'The Legend of Rosy Clouds'

Starring Li Yitong, Joseph Zang
Available on iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 36

Fan Yun (Li), a fallen noblewoman, who allies with Qi Zheng (Zeng), a cunning city lord, to navigate political schemes in the Nine Cities. Together, they overcome power struggles, defy outdated conventions, and champion the people's welfare, developing trust and love.

16. 'Love Me Love My Voice'

Starring Ye Zhou, Tan Jian Ci
Available on iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 33

Not only is is the art or narration and voiceover featured in this series, but keep an eye out for some great recipes to try at home! Music-loving college senior Gu Sheng (Ye) has amassed an impressive online following by posting her work as the historical musician Sheng Sheng Man. Yet, sharing her music with the world is only one small part of her dream. Hoping to one day work with voice dubbing master Qiang Qing Ci (Tan), Gu Sheng’s greatest wish comes true when fate brings Mo Qing Cheng, the man behind the voice of Qing Ci, into her life. With a voice that constantly stirs her heartstrings, how long will it take for Gu Sheng to fall for Qing Cheng completely?

17. 'Shine on Me' (2025)

Starring Zhao Jin Main, Song Weilong
Available on iQIYI, Viki
No. of Episodes: 36

During university, Nie Xi Guang (Zhao) has a crush on an aloof but brilliant top student, but unfortunately, her feelings are unreturned. Upon graduation, she tries to forget about her one-sided love as she enters the workforce, where she meets Lin Yu Sen (Song), a former surgeon who pivoted to working in the solar energy industry after an injury ended his medical career. While their personalities initially cause some misunderstandings, Yu Sen is consistently drawn to Xi Guang's warm personality, standing by her side with unconditional support. Xi Guang, in turn, begins to let go of her past regrets as she learns to embrace where her life is now and reciprocates Yu Sen's affection.

Related: Why C-Drama Fans Are Excited for Song Weilong’s ‘Love for You’

18. 'Admist a Snowstorm of Love'

Starring Zhao Jinmai, Wu Lei
Available on Viki, Netflix
No. of Episodes: 30

Former professional snooker Lin Yi Yang (Wu) met the popular nine-ball player Yin Guo (Zhao) on a rare snowstorm night. With the help of Yin Guo's cousin, they got to know each other. Yin Guo's appearance changed his life; he fell in love with her.

19. 'Begin Again' (2020)

Starring Zhou You Tong, Gong Jun
Available on Viki, iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 35

Furniture firm CEO Lu Fang Ning (Zhou) is approaching 30 – and, under pressure from her family, agrees to marry. She fixes her sights on the handsome surgeon Ling Rui (Gong), and convinces him to tie the knot with her. But she soon finds that married life isn’t quite what she had hoped for. Cracks begin to appear in the already-frail relationship. But as she starts to mull divorce, Fang Ning suddenly finds herself falling for Ling Rui. Is it too late for love? Or can romance help them save their marriage?

20. 'The First Frost' (2025)

Starring Zhang Rounan, Bai Jingting
Available on Netflix
No. of Episodes: 32

Two former high school classmates accidentally run into each other at a bar six years later, both pretending not to recognize the other because of their awkward parting. Due to circumstances, the two end up sharing an apartment and are compelled to face their past when Yifan (Zhang)—triggered by stress and trauma—begins to sleepwalk again and finds herself in her roommate's room one night.

21. 'Embrace Love'

Starring Zong Yuan Yuan, Zhang Chao, Deng Kai
Available on Youku, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 20

Yan Mo (Zong), a female star living in the future world, unexpectedly developed a rare blood disease. The only person who could save her was Gu Yanzhi (Zhang), a talented scientist living in modern times. In order to get Gu Yanzhi's blood, Yan Mo traveled to modern times and tried every means to approach Gu Yanzhi, only to find that to obtain qualified blood, an emotional factor must be produced in Gu Yanzhi's body. However, in the process of "instructing" Gu Yanzhi to love, Yan Mo and Gu Yanzhi were attracted to each other, which changed their fate and triggered the butterfly effect.

22. 'Falling into Your Smile' (2021)

Starring Cheng Xiao, Xu Kai
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 31

In the ultra-competitive world of e-sports, the all-male team, ZGDX, is second to none. But when their star player suffers a career-halting injury, team captain Lu Si Cheng (Xu) is forced to search for a replacement. Si Cheng’s quest to find the best ultimately leads him to Tong Yao (Cheng) an amateur gamer with exceptional skills. Convinced that adding the first female player to his team would boost their PR, Si Cheng makes Tong Yao the team’s trainee. While fans of the team aren’t sure how they feel about the new addition, the members of ZGDX slowly warm up to her, though none quite as much as Si Cheng. Will sparks of romance ignite in their future?

23. 'Hello, Mr. Gu' (2021)

Starring Yan Zhi Chao, Chen Jing Ke
Available on Viki, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 30

Zhou Jian Qing (Yan) was raised like a princess, but when her wealthy family falls on hard times, her fairy tale life collapses. Unsure of her next move, Jian Qing follows fate and crosses path with Gu Nan Zhou (Chen), a successful CEO with a debilitating fear of crowds. Forced into a scandalous situation, Jiang Qing and Nan Zhou agree that a contract marriage is their only way out. Despite their initial animosity, they begin to find comfort in their married life. As they navigate their unconventional relationship, Jian Qing and Nan Zhou wonder if real love might be on the horizon.

24. 'My Piggy Boss' (2024)

Starring: Bubble Zhu, Lu Dongxu
Available on: iQIYI
No. of Episodes: 12

My Piggy Boss is just so darn cute! In this adorable shortform rom-com, an assistant at a Christmas lights factory discovers her boss turns into a pig at night. No, not a male chauvinist pig, but a literal pig. It seems his family was cursed by an evil alien pig (yes, that's right) after a butcher in his family slaughtered too many pigs. If the young CEO doesn't receive his true love's kiss by his 27th birthday, he will become a pig forever!

Despite his abrasive demeanor, the assistant is determined to help him find his true love—even if that person might be her. There are some laugh out loud moments, like when she's bathing the pig before she knows its her boss—or how her roommate offers the pig some pork fried rice. And of course, the instances where the character is looking at the pig, but viewers see the actor standing in for it.

Check out this fun clip where Yang Xiaozhu (Bubble Zhu) discovers the pig for the first time and takes him home. She goes to bed with the pig, but wakes next to her naked boss (Lu) instead.

25. 'You Are My Fateful Love' (2026)

Starring Zheng He Hui Zi, Wei Zhe Ming
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 30

In need of a life change, Ruan Yu (Zheng) decides to give up her stable career and pivot to writing full time, drawing on her own past experiences and publishing novels online. While she begins to gain popularity, she starts to receive comments that accuse her of plagiarism. Ruan Yu decides to defend herself and hires an intellectual property lawyer to assist her. But to her surprise, the attorney is someone she's met before: Xu Huai Song (Wei), her crush from high school… and the inspiration behind her story's love interest. As they spend more time together working on her case, old feelings begin to resurface – and Ruan Yu might end up writing herself a love story in real life in the process.

26. 'Ancient Bracelet' (2026)

Starring Fan Xiao Dong, Zeng You Zhen
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

All seems well in the relationship between Wuyue tribe healer Wu Zhao Li (Zeng) and Puluo Kingdom ruler Ying Du (Fan) – until he betrays her love and trust by slaughtering her people. Through a mysterious time-reversing bracelet, Zhao Li and Ying Du's spirits are bound across three lifetimes, leaving Zhao Li stuck with no choice but to fix the issues between her and Ying Du. However, an additional twist complicates their already-troubled relationship: unbeknownst to Zhao Li, she's actually descended from a goddess, and a heavenly law bans deities from falling in love. Can Zhao Li overcome these challenges and make things right, or has she been doomed by fate?

27. 'Sweet Teeth' (2021)

Starring Wu Xuzn Yi, Bi Wen Jun
Available on iQIYI, Viki
No. of Episodes: 22

In this adorable series, Ai Jing Chu (Bi) seems to have it all: a thriving dental practice, a prestigious teaching position, and the title of "most handsome man on campus." However, university librarian Zeng Li (Wu) isn't impressed, especially after a past misunderstanding. Unfortunately, she’s forced to see Jing Chu as her new orthodontist. Zeng Li tries to avoid him, but their frequent encounters stir unexpected emotions. As she begins to see beyond his “perfect” exterior, Zeng Li discovers that there might be more to Jing Chu than she initially thought.

28. 'The Way You Shine' (2023)

Starring Puff Kuo, Fancy Fan
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Zhou Xin Xing’s (Kuo) dreams of running a French patisserie crumbled along with her first marriage. She ends up taking a job at dessert store Les Années Lentes, where she meets Xia Tian Yu (Fan), a reluctant heir with a hidden warmth beneath his icy exterior. As they join forces to win a prestigious dessert competition, sparks fly in and out of the kitchen. But with romantic rivals lurking and family expectations looming, can this unlikely duo find their sweet ending? Or will their budding romance melt under pressure?

29, 'Unforgettable Love' (2021)

Starring Hu Yi Xuan, Wei Zhe Ming, Lennon Sun
Available on Viki, YouTube
No. of Episodes: 24

In this family-oriented rom-com with an incredibly adorable child actor, powerful CEO He Qiao Yan (Wei) is clueless about raising his son, Xiao Bao (Sun). Desperate for help, Qiao Yan hires child psychologist Qin Yi Yue (Hu) as the boy’s “contract mother." Yi Yue agrees to Qiao Yan’s request but things take a complicated turn when Qiao Yan develops feelings for Yi Yue. Will his romantic ineptitude ruin his chances of winning Yi Yue’s heart?

30. 'Speed and Love' (2025)

Starring Esther Yu, He Yu
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 29

When she was a child, Jiang Mu (Yu) lived a charmed life in the shadow of her loving and gifted older brother Jin Zhao (He). But when she was just nine years old, their young lives fell apart. Her parents divorced, with Jin Zhao and their father moving away to Thailand. A decade later, Jiang Mu learns that the brother she once loved was actually adopted. Jiang Mu decides to continue her studies abroad in Thailand as she tries to reconnect with her father and Jin Zhao. To her utter surprise, Jin Zhao’s life has gone off in a very different direction: he is now a streetwise racing driver who also doubles as an underground martial arts fighter. Jiang Mu is a complete outsider in this strange, high-octane world. But her desire to reconcile with Jin Zhao burns bright, leaving her undeterred.

31. 'Love Game in Eastern Fantasy' (2024)

Starring Esther Yu, Ding Yu Xi
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 32

Ling Miao Miao (Yu) unexpectedly finds herself transported into the world of a fantasy novel called "Chasing Demons" as a villainous supporting character. To escape and return to the real world, she must complete a series of tasks – including winning the heart of Mu Sheng (Ding), the female lead's adoptive brother with a possessive love for her. Teaming up with expert demon catchers, they battle creatures, level up, and gradually work to dissolve an age-old animosity between humans and demons. As Miao Miao and Mu Sheng grow closer, can they rewrite their stories in favor of redemption… and possibly even romance?

32. 'Derailment' (2022)

Starring Liu Hao Cun, Lin Yi
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 30

Rich heiress Jiang Xiao Yuan (Liu) finds herself in a parallel universe after an accident, now living as a rural-town woman in the big city. Qi Lian (Lin) claims to know and love her, but he senses something is off. Can they uncover the secrets of the accident and return to normal? Will their journey lead to love?

33. 'Starlit Bloom' (2025)

Starring Song Yi Shan, Ke Chun
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Gu Liu Su (Song), the founder of an up-and-coming jewelry brand, is famously meticulous, serious, and careful in all aspects of her professional and private life. But an uncharacteristic and unplanned one-night encounter with Lu Xing Chen (Ke), the free-spirited heir to a large family business, leads to enormous confusion. Things go from bad to worse when her firm unwittingly hires Xing Chen to become Liu Su’s new personal secretary, leading to bitterness and hostility. But as they begin to work together, Xing Chen notices a warm side of Liu Su’s personality that she keeps hidden beneath her calculating exterior, while Liu Su is stunned to discover that Xing Chen has a genuine talent for design. Could their animosity give way to respect – or even love?

34. 'Lady Revenger Returns from the Fire' (2024)

Starring Xu Lu, Wei Zheming
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 24

Once the gentle heiress of the Luo family, Luo Ai Lian (Xu) is plunged into destitution after a sudden disaster takes everything from her. Despite being forced into a life of hardship, Ai Lian perseveres, eventually rising from the ashes of her former life as Shen Dan Qing, a woman as skilled in martial arts as she is in literature. With plans to exact revenge on her enemies, Dan Qing embarks on a perilous journey, where she soon meets General Xu (Wei), a man on a quest for lost treasure. Traveling side-by-side, will the two questing heroes find what their hearts most desire?

35. 'Dusk Love' (2024)

Starring An Yong Chang, Dai Gao Zheng
Available on WeTV
No. of Episodes: 24

Jian Mo Ran (Chang), the heir to Jian Corporation, intends to establish her own brand, Yunee, and strategically approaches male model Huo Jin Yan (Zheng) to act as her boyfriend. Believing his background as an 18th-tier model makes him easy to manipulate, she is surprised when he turns the tables. Unknown to Jian Mo Ran, Huo Jin Yan is also the CEO of Vandi Corporation and has harbored a secret crush on her since their school days. Upon returning to their homeland, he gets close to Jian Mo Ran under the guise of a model living near her home. While appearing to make things difficult for her publicly, he covertly assists her with various work matters. Jian Yi Cheng, Jian Mo Ran’s cousin by marriage, harbors strong feelings for her and employs all means necessary to win her affection, especially with the appearance of Huo Jin Yan.

36. 'When Destiny Brings the Demon' (2025)

Starring Wang Yinglu, Arthur Chen
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 33

Modern-day office drone Zou Yan (Wang) accidentally stumbles into the world of cultivation and wakes up as Liao Tingyan, a disciple of the Qinggutian Sect. She’s soon selected to serve the reclusive Grandmaster Sima Jiao (Chen), a powerful cultivator who’s been secretly sealed inside a mountain for 500 years. Twisted by isolation and rage, he’s cold, hot-tempered, and bent on revenge. Liao Tingyan doesn’t know that “her” original identity is a demonic assassin. But to his surprise, she shows no ill will, no ambition, and no desire at all. Her nature fascinates him. Thus begins an unlikely romance between a villainous immortal and a healing-type “slacker,” a connection that defies fate and spans lifetimes.

37. Road to Success (2026)

Starring Esther Yu, Chen Jing Ke
Available on iQIYI, Viki
No. of Episodes: 22

In this fun sports-themed series, Lin Wan Xing (Esther Yu) takes a break from her PhD program and returns to her hometown of Hongjing, where she takes a job as a high school sports equipment manager. There, she's tasked with bringing the school's disgraced soccer team to victory. Wan Xing's only hope lies in soccer coach Wang Fa (Chen Jing Ke), who gave up a prestigious job in Britain and ended up in Hongjing, renting out space in a property owned by Wan Xing's family. With Wang Fa's help, the team is able to win, and Wan Xing convinces Wang Fa to become the team's coach full-time. Wang Fa and Wan Xing make an unlikely duo, but they gradually open up to each other as they spend more time together, leading to personal growth and a budding romance.

38. 'The Wonder Woman' (2020)

Starring Aviss Zhong, Wes Lo
Available on Viki
No. of Episodes: 18

Du Ai Sha (Zhong), a fierce marketing ace, has fought her way to the top through unwavering determination and strategic thinking. Her workplace rival, Yi Feiyang (Lo), matches her skill with his own problem-solving prowess, creating a competitive dynamic that electrifies their professional environment. When unexpected challenges arise, Ai Sha and Feiyang are compelled to collaborate, discovering their complementary talents and gradually transforming their rivalry into a potential romantic connection. As they navigate complex professional obstacles together, their initial antagonism begins to soften, revealing a deeper understanding and attraction.

Next, These 33 K-Dramas and C-Dramas Are Worth Losing Sleep Over