Latest news with #ACourtofThornsandRoses
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a fragrance expert - book boyfriends would wear these scents'
Fragrence expert shares what book lovers' favourite male characters would smell like - some might surprise you My friends often tease me for having two very specific interests: books and perfumes. So when a conversation came up about what 'book boyfriends' smell like, I knew it was time to put my niche interests to the test. I know I'm not the only one who has flicked through pages of the latest BookTok trending novel and thought the guys smell pretty good, so I decided to track down what some of the biggest book boyfriends smell like. I even headed to my Instagram and asked everyone there for their favourite book boyfriends so I wouldn't miss any. So I've headed to my library and searched for just how our favourite book boyfriends smell and matched it up with fragrances so your real life boyfriend, or partner, can smell just like them. Now there are some missing here, with either there being no description in the books what he smells like or there not being anything on the market that I could find to fit the bill. He's not in the official list below but Shatter Me's Aaron Warner would probably wear a basic gardenia body spray because that's what he smells like during that first kiss. Rhysand - A Court of Thorns and Roses series Arguably he's BookTok's favourite boyfriend and for someone we've seen lovingly called a 'shadow daddy' online he seems to have a very fresh and light smell. In Chapter 48 of A Court of Mist and Fire, just before things heat up, is the line: "He tangled his legs with mine, and then a heavier, warmer darkness settled over us, smelling of citrus and the sea." From this it seems fair to assume that this is what Rhysand smells like and luckily there's a scent out there that seems like a dead ringer. Wood Sage and Sea Salt by Jo Malone London is a blend of sea salt, seaweed and grapefruit (while this isn't necessarily the first citrus fruit that springs to mind it is undeniably a citrus fruit). There is also a touch of wood there but in my opinion that's needed to round it out to a well balanced fragrance. Jo Malone London scents are expensive, a full sized bottle costs £118 but for those just wanting to trial it 9ml bottles exist for £18. Fortunately Jo Malone London also releases most of their scents in a candle and that means it's possible to have your house smell just like Rhysand while you're reading about him, although the candle is £56 for a 45 hour burn time. Xaden Riorson - Empyrean series Now if anyone could dethrone the Lord of the Night Court, it's the guy with the dragon. In Chapter 10 of Fourth Wing, towards the end, Violet and Xaden are facing off when he comes close enough for her to smell him. The key line reads: "His ominous tone is at odds with his gentle grasp, and sh*t, does he have to smell so good? Like mint and leather and something I can't quite identify, something that borders between citrus and floral." Now Violet can't identify it when it's right in front of her but I did my best to find something that fits the bill. I was surprised by which scent won overall. For me it's a choice between Eros by Versace (from £55) and Rabanne's 1 Million (from £66) - but 1 Million just edges Eros out for me. Both of them include citrus fruits, a slight floral and the necessary mint and leather but Eros notably has candy apple in there while 1 Million has cinnamon and 'spicy notes'. It feels safe to say Xaden leans more spicy. Miles Nowak - Funny Story Emily Henry is one of the biggest names in contemporary romance and for good reason. Her books are filled with men that are easy to fall in love with but our favourite has to be Miles. In Chapter 4, Miles Nowak is ushering a very tipsy Daphne home and explaining how he thinks fellow bartenders can smell that he's one of them. Notably the book reads: "Does it smell like gingersnaps?' The slur in my voice has worsened as we climbed the stairs. Miles stops outside our front door, laughter gurgling out of him. 'Gingersnaps?' That's what he smells like. Sweet and a little spicy. A natural earthy smell folded into a sugary baked good." While I love a smoky blend on men as much as the next girl, it's the sweet scent of sugary baked goods that hold my heart so I was thrilled with Miles taste in scents. Now there was an obvious choice for this, and Jo Malone London if you're reading this we are begging you to bring it back, the limited edition Ginger Biscuit would've been an outright winner. However it currently is out of stock everywhere online and I'm not sending anyone to fight for the few remaining bottles on eBay. Serge Lutens Five o'clock au Gingembre is supposed to smell like a slightly more complex take on Ginger Biscuit and is currently reduced on LookFantastic but even reduced is still £115.20 for a 50ml bottle. There is a more budget friendly option on the market, Ginger Babe from Aroma Concepts which is currently £24 on Amazon. There aren't many reviews on Amazon but on TikTok and fragrance forums there's a lot of buzz about it. Alex Claremont-Diaz - Red, White and Royal Blue Seeing him played by Taylor Zakhar Perez definitely hasn't hurt the internet's love of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States in the feelgood romance. The film has actually done us a solid, as it doesn't strictly say in the book what he smells like, but in the hospital scene of the film (about 15 minutes in) Prince Henry comments on Alex's signature scent: " Santal 33? Makes sense." The Le Labo scent is quite pricey, with the cheapest price we've found for it being £74 for a 15ml bottle, but we've got to agree with Prince Henry. It makes sense. Haymitch Abernathy - The Hunger Games series Now in the past I wouldn't have thought of Haymitch and a book boyfriend in the same sentence, but with the release of Sunrise on the Reaping and the upcoming film. We are all kind of loving him at the moment. I've not found any lines in the book that outright say what he smells like but it seems fair to assume he would smell like wood smoke and alcohol. Even before he took up drinking he worked with booze and I don't think I need to elaborate on smoke. Jazz Club from Maison Margiela seems like a solid match for him, even if it probably comes more naturally than spraying it on. It's a blend of rum, tobacco leaf and some spices that I could see him wearing and at £62 for a 30ml bottle it's one of the more affordable scents in this list. Now I think a better fit, with his humble beginnings and 'District 12 White Liquor', might be Vodka on the Rocks by Kilian. It's fresh with some spices, wood and notably oak moss in the composition. It is also £225 though, so I'll keep to picturing Jazz Club.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
39 Screen-Free Things That'll Actually Hold Your Attention
Small Batch Cookies — a *genius* cookbook designed with recipes like salted malt shortbread, brown butter macadamia rounds, sandwich are not your basic chocolate chip. Each recipe is catered to one person (it includes the details for up to six people, for when you feel like sharing). Each recipe is easy to learn and doesn't need bells and whistles to prepare, so even if your kitchen is rather bare, you can prepare mouth-watering desserts worth bragging about! A flower bookmark crochet kit that'll satisfy people who need to be doing *something* with their hands at all times (and would like to be scrolling down a screen a little less often). Not only is this a fun way to pass the time, but they'll turn your bookshelves into their own gorgeous secret garden. Burn After Writing — this is gonna be the guided journal of your dreams. In fact, tens of thousands of reviewers swear by it as a source of anger management and self-discovery. Work through a series of questions and experiments and dive deep into thoughts you have held onto that benefit you, vs ones it's time to trash. The best part? Once you've completed it, you destroy it! Fire and brimstone, baby! A Lego flower bouquet featuring a ton of different blooms for creative folks who love covering their home in handmade masterpieces. Waldorf woodland creatures — each open-ended shape is designed with holes that'll easily fit twigs, stems, petals, and leaves you find out on a walk, because adding a purpose to a walk (re: making tiny wildlife creatures) just might help you enjoy some nature IRL, instead of via Discovery Channel. A Buttercup — a cottagecore-coded kitchen tool to help you take a mini break from your day by making fresh butter in five minutes. Become the person who brings homemade honey butter (or garlic, truffle, brown sugar, etc.) as a hosting gift whenever you attend a party. When word gets out, you're gonna be invited to a LOT of parties. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" coloring book for readers with *great* taste who think coloring inside the lines may make them feel a little steadier when the social media shakes kick in. Go ahead and live your best Spring Court Feyre life and paint (or color pencil) away. Or a reviewer-adored Cozy Spaces-themed coloring book to help out anyone who considers screen time *anything* but cozy. Put on your noise-canceling headphones and remind yourself that there's no need to think about anything other than coloring in the moment. This is designed to distract your busy brain with tiny bears making turnip tinctures and bugs decorating their overturned teacup homes. Cute. Spot It! — a multi-game deck of cards inside a tin the size of a tuna can. You can either time yourself and enjoy a little game break on your own, or play with friends when you decide game night does *not* include video games. A deck of Disney villains tarot cards to soothe the souls of Disney adults who are practically jumping out of their skin after all the Pixar movies they've been marathon watching in lieu of booking *another* Disneyland trip. This includes a guidebook, so whether you're a seasoned tarot pro or simply got this set to enjoy some villainous fun, The Evil Queen, Scar, and Ursula are sure to be a part of your future. Beyond Bored, a 200-page activity book intended for entertaining adults in the most surprising (and hilariously mundane) ways possible. Its spiral-bound design makes it super easy to enjoy on the go, and the activities range from the "sensible sedan coloring sheet" to "complete the drawing tasks," involving trash raccoons who wish they were in Paris. One reviewer complained that there are too many haunted dolls in this book, and I've gotta when I knew I had to have it. A magnetic cat-eye gel nail polish kit you can snag if you know all things can be fixed with a killer manicure. Not only will you get an onslaught of compliments, but you can also say, "Why thank you, I did them myself!" to boost your cool kid ego. Now that's a gift. Or a set of Olive & June press-on nails — a glue-free temporary manicure that reviewers say looks and feels as strong as dip manis. These use tabs instead of glue, making them super simple to take on and off when you're simply looking to change up your nails as a source of entertainment. The Endless Art Challenge, a deck of 90 cards that'll combine to make over 25,000 prompt variations. The challenge is intended for artists of all sorts, whether seasoned sketchers or folks who'll love the chance to up their stick-figure game. Murdle, Volume 1, a bestselling book with 100 mystery-themed logic puzzles designed to be completed on your own or with friends. Follow Deductive Logico and Inspector Irratino on their perilous, ridiculous journeys when you've watched too many true crime wanna solve something on your own. A friendship bracelet making kit so you can entertain yourself on the sofa by making sure every kid in your family knows *you* are the cool aunt. You come bearing gifts when *you* go to family reunions. You ARE the cool aunt. The Big Activity Book For Anxious People with pages full of journaling prompts, pictures to color, and clever coping methods. It's also totally funny, which is something all of us anxious folks are sure to appreciate. Mystic Maze — a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that'll reveal a secret "magic trick" when you're finished. BTW, there are 50 Easter eggs hidden in the intricate design, making this mysterious puzzle a gripping game until the very last piece is in place. And a 1,000-piece puzzle with illustrations that are equal parts obscure and dreamy for puzzlers who are up for an added challenge. Different Puzzles is just that... different. Rather than the final image being displayed on the box, each completed puzzle has a slightly altered illustration (which means surprise pieces and no idea where to put them)! Like the brand says, "These aren't your grandma's puzzles." Talking Hearts, a darling deck of conversation cards that'll keep you and your boo entertained for hours — no phones needed. This includes 200 questions intended to help you learn about each other, even if you've been together forever. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions with 201 prompts around your memories, life experiences, and views on the world. Because now might be one of the best times to really zone into who you are and what matters most to you. Preserve your memories with this helpful guidebook while you stroll down memory lane. A granny-square bag crochet kit so you can say, "Thanks, I made it," with a preciously pretentious smile on your face when passersby compliment your bag. And with an accessory this cute? Those compliments will be comin' in nonstop! A metal stamp set with every letter in the alphabet for personalizing jewelry and trinkets to your heart's content! A DIY string art pick you're sure to get hooked on from the minute you start! A canvas tote bag embroidery kit that'll be a particularly practical way to keep your hands busy while you cruise through an audiobook instead of your Instagram account. PLUS, once it's done, you'll have a tote bag you could carry *actual* books in. Nice. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers for easing your worries away with the only thing better than happy little TINY trees! A book nook kit complete with motion-sensor LED lights that'll glow every time you pass by your bookshelf, creating an extra element of magic beside your impressive romantasy collection. The 3D puzzle is made of wood and includes dozens of flat sheets with images that'll need to be punched out, folded into shape, and then carefully pieced together to create the intricate space. A pretzel-making kit with bakers of all ages in mind (the illustrations are technically for kids, but we visual learners know they're just as useful for adults). The kit includes color-coded ingredients and step-by-step instructions so your stomach doesn't turn into nervous knots when you bake this impressive side dish for your friends. Cryptid Construction Kit mangets that'll keep you busy simply by hanging out in front of your fridge while you get lost creating some tiny creatures worthy of Big Foot's applause. A SunPrint paper kit sure to spark the interest of artistic souls. Gather leaves, flowers, and the like on your next nature walk and set them up on this kit while it sits in the sun. Then watch your natural craft come to life! A dandelion needlepoint your friends are all gonna *wish* you made for them when they see your finished product. A natural dye kit that'll color up to five pounds of fabric, giving your wardrobe a personalized touch with some snazzy hand-dyed statement pieces. A soup dumpling kit sure to make your foodie friends ~bao~ down to you the next time you have them over for dinner. Spending time making a homemade meal instead of scrolling through cooking videos and promptly ordering takeout is sure to be a satisfying change of pace. A beeswax candle kit — a DIY activity with seriously soothing results. Plus, it's totally gonna be the bee's knees to become the kind of person who has homemade candles all around the apartment. That is so chic of you. A quirky blackhead remover anxiety relief toy — a little pal you can clip onto your backpack and help you do something other than zone out on your phone when you're on the go! If nothing soothes you more than plucking out awkward little hairs or pushing out pus, this thing is about to become your favorite companion. A copy of Crafting with Cat Hair because if people are already calling you a cat lady at 23, you're gonna make sure you are *the* cat lady by 24. I can't think of a better way to show your furocious affection. A copy of 104 Things to Photograph that'll guide your eye when you want a ~picture~ perfect portfolio, even if it's just for fun and just for you. A National Geographic geode kit sure to really ~rock~ if you could benefit from letting out your destructive energy every now and then. Bash away those bad vibes! And finally, Toilet Paper Origami, a necessary purchase for anyone who appreciates how valuable TP can be, and wants to kill time giving those precious rolls the respect they deserve.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fourth Wing fans must read magical new fantasy by BookTok star Hazel McBride
A Fate Forged in Fire is perfect for fans of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and House of the Dragon by George R. R. Martin From Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses to Powerless, there's no shortage of existing romantasy series to get into. But for readers looking for something new to sink their teeth into, the first book in a new duology featured in Goodreads' list of the most anticipated 2025 romantasy novels could be the answer. A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride is a Celtic-inspired romantasy. Tìr Teine was once a territory built on matriarchal rule, but it has been without a female heir for centuries. Aemyra, a blacksmith's daughter gifted with rare fire magic, has hidden in the shadows, waiting for the king to die so she can bond to his dragon and protect her fellow people. But when her plan is foiled, Aemyra finds herself in the middle of a dangerous game of politics and plots, involving Prince Fiorean a dragon rider and fire wielder who also happens to be her biggest adversary. Speaking to Mirror Online ahead of the book's publication, Hazel, who has over 70,000 followers and 6.5 million likes on TikTok, discussed how TikTok has helped boost the popularity of the romantasy genre in recent years. "There's always corners of the internet that can be toxic and I think you have to go in with an open mind," she said. "But as a bookish community in general, they're so supportive and they really do just come together. And I think it is a community made up primarily of women, I think that's what's also helped to give rise to the romantic genre as well. "It is a genre primarily written and read by women. So it's only natural that we talk about it and recommend it to our friends. "I think there's a certain safety in it as well, especially potentially when we're seeing a rise of violence against women in our reality, to read a man written by a woman. It's a nice escape to read about these female main characters who are being treated so incredibly well and having all of their needs met. It has this kind of escape of yes, this is our hope, this is what we want, which I think is really lovely." Being a TikTok creator comes with its challenges too, however, with Hazel explaining: "The way TikTok works, it's not like other social media, like Instagram or Facebook and YouTube [where] people who are seeing your content are like 90 per cent people who follow you so they know your backstory, they know who you are, they won't be so quick to take things out of context. "Whereas on TikTok you're just fed random videos most often from people you've never seen before. And if that's the only video that they see, they might form a different opinion of it, or the algorithm could feed it to the wrong side of TikTok." Sharing her advice for other authors on TikTok, Hazel continued: "But I think it's I think it's overwhelmingly positive. But I think any author that's using it needs to protect their mental health and understand that it's okay to have a boundary here, whether that's, you know, I only post a certain amount every week, I only talk about certain things, et cetera." A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride is published in hardback at £20 by Renegade Books on May 27, 2025. You can find out more and order it here.
Buzz Feed
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
19 Popular Books That Are Actually Really Overrated
Sometimes, I don't know how to trust the book recs on BookTok. It's easy to say that art is subjective, but occasionally a book will blow up to such a degree that when I get my hands on it, I ask the universe, "What am I missing here?" So when Reddit user sbucksbarista asked, "What are the worst books social media has introduced to you?", I had to share the answers with you fellow bookworms. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover surrounding It Ends With Us is cringeworthy. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Normal People by Sally Rooney A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas The Midnight Library by Matt Haig They Both Die in the End by Adam Silvera Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin someone tells me they didn't like Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. A Little Life by Hanya Yanaginhara Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The Martian by Andy Weir Maybe the movie was just better. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone Dark Matter by Blake Crouch someone hates on Blake Crouch. Big Swiss by Jen Beagin Bunny by Mona Awad Babel by R. F. Kuang Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica And my favourite: Any popular horror novel that's not Stephen King! I have my own personal "big misses" that BookTok tricked me into reading, including Cloud Cuckoo Land, Our Missing Hearts, and The God of the Woods. Now, tell me in the comments the popular books that YOU think are maybe our thread will get as heated as Reddit. And make sure you follow BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more!
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Lovehoney launches new book club
Lovehoney has launched Between the Sheets: A Smut Book Club after a study this year found that searches for 'smut books' rose by 78% between May 2023 and May 2024; and one series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (widely referred to as ACOTAR), was a huge driving force. #SmutTok now makes up 3% of the #BookTok universe. On TikTok, the hashtag #Smutbook has had 68,000 posts, whilst #Spicybooks has had over 1.1 million posts. Between the Sheets is a safe space to chat, share, and connect with fellow smut-lovers serving up reads from trending genres. To celebrate the launch, Lovehoney is giving away 100 curated bundles featuring a bestselling smut novel and a toy. The first 100 sign-ups to 'Between the Sheets' book club forum will be in with a chance of winning one. Lovehoney's sex & relationship expert, Annabelle Knight, said: "Erotica has a unique power - it opens the door to discovering what truly excites you, in a way that feels personal and empowering. As smut books continue to rise in popularity online, they're helping people uncover more about their desires, boundaries, and turn-ons - often for the first time, and can enhance solo pleasure or intimacy with a partner. Between the Sheets is about creating a space where people can explore their fantasies, spark new conversations around pleasure, and feel confident embracing their desires.'
