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March 29, 2018

Book Review: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas


Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas
The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
You should read first:
  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Crown of Midnight
  3. Heir of Fire

Every day I like more the Throne of Glass series.

In this book, Aelin returns to Adarlan. After everything that happened in Heir of Fire, that gave the plot a twist, I was curious to see how Aelin was going to go back to be Celaena and her previous love interest, Chaol.

Honestly, this author have the capacity to write characters that aren't perfect, and make me love them or hate them in only a few lines. This time, I hate Chaol. I guess sometime I'll understand his motives, but for now I don't want to know more about him. I'm happy Aelin left him at Adarlan, because he can't be compared to Rowan, and she deserves better.

Aelin is still the best. She likes to plan and always surprises me. In this book she will confront her old master Arobynn, and needs him to get back something he stole from her. It won't be easy while the King has a new guard, and Dorian may be lost forever.

I was desperate to read more about Rowan and Aelin together, but their relationship is going very slow (but I know they are going to end up together). She needs a person like Rowan to support her and protect her. Also, he’s very powerful and handsome, and their chemistry between them is going to make their relationship explosive.

Manon Blackbeak, the heir of the Blackbeak witches, keeps appearing and giving us clues that she will be an important character in this story. It was great to know her more and see her doubts about her grandmother and the King, seeing the horrors they are creating at Morath. Maybe that’s why I like this series, because every character gets a chance.

It’s one of the books that have more action, and new characters. I really liked Lyssandra, she was a nice surprise. Also, it’s probably the last time we will see Celaena, because she’s ready to be who she really is.

Queen of Shadows kept me hooked; turning the pages to read what was going to happen now. The story is turning to be more complex, so I really can’t wait to read Empire of Storms, because I’m sure Aelin’s path is more complicated that we already know.

March 28, 2018

Book Review: Bound in Flames by Milly Taiden

Bound in Flames by Milly Taiden

Bound in Flames (Drachen Mates #1) by Milly Taiden
Morgan Polley is an empath who helps people. When she meets Tor and his family of dying dragons, she wants to assist them in finding their mates. Except for Tor’s. She wants to keep him and make lots of babies with the big sexy man. It’s getting hard to remember her objective when her hormones go out of whack around him.

Tor Drachen is one of a handful of dragons left on earth, dying due to their mates being targeted and killed before finding each other. He’s been told Morgan Polley will be a mate to one of his kind, but who? He’s having a hard time keeping her at bay and the thought of getting her pregnant to start a family is a very tempting idea.

A breed of evil dragons is after Morgan, but Tor promises to protect her to the very end. Even if it turns out that she’s one of his brothers’ mates. If he can’t find a way to cheat fate, he will walk away without his heart.

Note to readers: This is a hot, action-packed, fun adventure of dragon love, babies, sassy women, dirty-talking alpha males and enough heat it will make you take a couple of cold showers. Don't say I didn't warn you.

It has been a while since I read a paranormal romance book, but I really like dragons so Bound in Flames sounded good.

It's a short book. Everything happens quickly and I couldn't connect with the characters. Morgan and Tor seemed nice but I feel like I didn't really have time to get to know them. They fell in love super easily and it was hot and very very dirty.....

There wasn't a lot of explanation to why these evil dragons are really after them, there is a story behind but it seemed too simple. But the story focuses more on the mating bond and the sexy dragons.

It's a book you can read in a couple of hours and enjoy it, maybe not in public haha. If you're looking for a hot paranormal romance, Bound in Flames is for you.

March 16, 2018

Book Review: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) - Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire (Sarah J Maas)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?
The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.
You should read first:
  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Crown of Midnight


After reading Crown of Midnight and loving it, I was ready to read immediately Heir of Fire.

I can't believe how this series just gets better. Heir of Fire is simply amazing. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect but it just surprised me for good.

Amazingly, I liked it even more, and it gives the story a complete change. I had troubles with Celaena at the first book, but now I really like her. After confronting her pain and dark past, it's time for her to accept her true identity.

We finally read more about who was her and her past, but also meet new characters. The most important is Rowan, a fae warrior who will be in charge of training her so she can have the answers she needs.

Rowan was complicated. I admit that at first I didn't like him, he was too hard with her, but I ended falling in love. This author has the ability to make me change my opinion of a character in just a few pages, and I really like that, because I never know what to expect.

There is another side of this story, totally new about the witches. The story follows Manon, who is mean and powerful...but maybe not as bad as she should be. This parts of the book were a little bit boring to me, but I'm sure Manon is going to be a character very important to this story. And she was the link to finally discover the powers of the King and why he is so dark, and also his plans.

About the other characters, Chaol and Dorian keep us informed about what's going on in the castle. It happened something funny to me with Chaol, I liked him, but now I'm not sure if I can stand him.

With many new characters, conspirators and rebels, Heir of Fire is the opening to the real story behind Celaena. I'm really caught in this series (Throne of Glass), so I'm reading the next book, Queen of Shadows, right now!

March 12, 2018

Guest Post: My Favourite Hotel Experience by Caroline James #boomervillehotel @CarolineJames12 @rararesources

My working background is in the hospitality industry and I’ve had some wonderful hotel experiences over the years. I’ve been fortunate to stay at some truly great places, from modest B&B’s to sumptuous, luxurious hotels. But my favourite hotel experience was in southern Ireland at Acton’s Hotel in lovely Kinsale.

My all-time hero, the enigmatic chef, Keith Floyd stayed at Actons when he was invited to the food festival and he fell in love with Kinsale. I followed in his footsteps to experience this event and wasn’t disappointed.

Located only sixteen miles south of Cork, Kinsale is a picturesque, historic, seaside town. Hailed as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland it has a plethora of pubs and cafesand hosts an annual food festival that is like nothing else in the world and sells out months in advance. Acton’s Hotel, located on the edge of the water was a perfect base to stay and from my room, I had a view of the comings and goings as foodies and revellers from all around the globe gathered. There are several events over the weekend, many taking place at Actons and may include a chowder cook-off, gala dinner, seafood extravaganza and the very whacky Mad Hatter’s Taste of Kinsale where 500 participants done crazy hats and set off around the town on a food trail that must be experienced to be believed.

There is nothing exceptional about Actons but it is a great hotel. The rooms are comfortable, as are the public areas and leisure suite and the food is of a good standard especially the breakfast. But if you ever get a chance to go there during the festival I would urge you check in. The atmosphere at Actons is wonderful and I could sit in the lobby and people watch all day long.Plenty of shenanigans took place during my visit and the happy memories of my visit toActons will stay in with me for years to come.

As Floyd said: ‘Food is life – life is food.’
Thanks so much for hosting me on your lovely blog.
Happy reading everyone,
Caroline xx

The Best Boomerville Hotel by Caroline James

The Best Boomerville Hotel
PUB DATE: 13 March 2018
Amazon | Kobo | Ibooks/Google | Itunes
Let the shenanigans begin at the Boomerville hotel …


Jo Docherty and Hattie Contaldo have a vision – a holiday retreat in the heart of the Lake District exclusively for guests of ‘a certain age’ wishing to stimulate both mind and body with new creative experiences. One hotel refurbishment later and the Best Boomerville Hotel is open for business!
Perhaps not surprisingly Boomerville attracts more than it’s fair share of eccentric clientele: there’s fun loving Sir Henry Mulberry and his brother Hugo; Lucinda Brown, an impoverished artist with more ego than talent; Andy Mack, a charming Porsche-driving James Bond lookalike, as well as Kate Simmons, a woman who made her fortune from an internet dating agency but still hasn’t found ‘the One’ herself.
With such an array of colourful individuals there’s bound to be laughs aplenty, but could there be tears and heartbreak too and will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?
‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel! Book me in for Sharing with the Shaman and Clairvoyance in mid-life – this book is fabulous!’
Nikki Ashton, Amazon best-selling author


About the Author


Caroline James
Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can. A public speaker, consultant and food writer, Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association and writes articles and short stories and contributes to many publications.


Her debut novel,Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy & Meis set in North West England, at the time of a famous gypsy horse fair. The book went straight to number three on Amazon and was E-book of the Week in The Sun.


So, You Think You're A Celebrity...Chef? was runner up the Winchester Writers festival for best TV Drama and takes a light-hearted look at the world of celebrity chefs as they battle it out for fame and fortune.Coffee, Tea, The Caribbean & Me was runner up at The Write Stuff, LBF, 2015 and isan Amazon best-seller and top recommended read by Thomson Holidays. Jungle Rock, a romcom novella set in Australia, revolves around a TV game show.


In her spare time, Caroline can be found trekking up a mountain or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.


The Best Boomerville Hotel – Comments from advance readers


‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel! Book me in for Sharing with the Shaman and Clairvoyance in mid-life – this book is fabulous!’ Nikki Ashton, Amazon best-selling author.


‘A lovely addictive read and one that I would recommend.’ Stephanie O’Neill, Ireland
‘Caroline’s characters shone their magic brightly and kept me hooked, evoking strong emotions. A triumph, I absolutely loved this book.’ Nicky Clifford, Author.

‘I really wish I could check into Boomerville and participate in the courses. I loved this book, it is a great read. Thanks to the author for bringing the crazy characters to life - I can’t wait for the next book.’ Ronnie Montgomory, London.
‘A coming of age book for those of a certain age.’ Ann Magbanua, Philipines.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good to read about middle-aged people falling in love and reinventing themselves. Highly recommended.’ Tracey Owen, Cumbria.
‘Boomerville gripped me from the start with twists and laugh out loud moments. I loved it and hope we see more adventures in the future.’ Lisa Stewart, Southampton.

‘Caroline is a wonderful storyteller and I felt enveloped in a cocoon while reading Boomerville.’ Therese Ferguson, Author, USA.

‘I need to go to a place like this! Quirky characters, right up my street, I really enjoyed the story.’ Cal Sleath, Birmingham.

‘Caroline’s best book yet. I loved the characters and the Lake District setting was gorgeous. Boomerville is a wonderful journey.’ Amanda Williams, Wales.

March 6, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes
This is a weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Everyone is welcome to join!

Today's list is: Favorite Book Quotes

Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington

“I'm not a criminal,” said Paddington, hotly. “I'm a bear!”
― Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington

Veronica Roth, Divergent

“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.”
― Veronica Roth, Divergent

Sophia Amoruso, #GIRLBOSS

“No matter where you are in life, you'll save a lot of time by not worrying too much about what other people think about you. The earlier in your life that you can learn that, the easier the rest of it will be.”
― Sophia Amoruso, #GIRLBOSS

J.K. Rowlin, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."
― J.K. Rowlin, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire


“Sometimes home is a person.”
― Beth Revis, Shades of Earth


“After all this time?"
"Always...”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You

“Finding someone you love and who loves you back is a wonderful, wonderful feeling. But finding a true soul mate is an even better feeling. A soul mate is someone who understands you like no other, loves you like no other, will be there for you forever, no matter what. They say that nothing lasts forever, but I am a firm believer in the fact that for some, love lives on even after we're gone.”
― Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You

Philip Pullman, The Broken Bridge

“I don't know where I belong, so I'm free. No one's got a hold on me.”
― Philip Pullman, The Broken Bridge

March 1, 2018

Book Review: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
You should read first:

  1. Throne of Glass

Wow, what an incredible sequel! Throne of Glass, the first book of the series, wasn't what I expected, but the story was interesting and I decided to keep reading: best decision ever!

Crown of Midnight is when Celaena finally shows us her abilities as an assasin, and that's what I wanted to read. She's amazing! She never misses, she's the best. Also, I feel like there were many unexplained things from book one that in this book start to have meaning, like if the first book was a prequel instead of the start of this story.

I liked more the romance in this book too. It's not a love triangle anymore, but a couple with strong personalities and many barriers. We will see what happens in the next books with them....

There were many twists in the plot that surprised me, specially around Prince Dorian and Princess Nehemia. I liked that, I never knew what to expect and it was fun to be surprised. It's a story full of fantastic creatures, magic, prohibited worlds and conspirations against the cruel King.

Honestly, I loved Crown of Midnight. It's so much better than the first book of this series, and I really can't wait to read the third: Heir of Fire.