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Size of Relief by Young & Sick
Size of Relief by Young & Sick
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Polar Youth is a 24-year-old producer from Ghent, Belgium. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-R&B duet, entitled, “Call Out”, featuring WAYI & Lani Rose.

“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics

‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.

Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.

“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth

Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.

Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.

For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.

‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
  
TB
The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1)
J.R. Ward | 2015
8
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
18 of 220
Book
Reread
The Bourbon Kings (Book1)
By J.R. ward
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege - as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly's head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted - and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane's beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the iron-fisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets. As family tensions - professional and intimately private - ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.

This is a reread for me and one of my favourites! This gives me Dallas crossed with Jilly Coopers Riders vibes. So much drama and the characters are so much fun!
  
Love, and Other Things to Live For
Love, and Other Things to Live For
Louise Leverett | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Humor & Comedy, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonist in this book is Jess, a struggling photographer, heartbroken after separation from her boyfriend, she is trying to piece her life together with the help of an amazing group of friends. I really liked Jess's friends, they are very believable but at the same time supportive and amusing personalities. I have mixed opinion about Jess, I liked her character and her determination, but at the same time, her decisions didn’t make sense to me sometimes, especially when it comes to men.

The narrative of this novel sounds quite realistic, and I was engrossed in Jess’s journey and her struggles. I really liked that the plot was not just plodding along, telling the events of Jess’s daily life, but the author threw in some interesting turns and different perspectives to shed more light on all the events happening in the book. It allowed to know more about Jenny’s friends and how they feel in different situations. The topics discussed in this book were love, friendships, hard work, heartbreak, dreams, self-growth, etc.

I really liked the writing style of this novel, it would feel like chick lit story sometimes, but the author incorporated her little analyses of different life topics, that made the whole book richer and more sophisticated. The chapters felt quite long at times, but the story itself didn’t leave me bored. I really liked the ending of this book, it was unexpected but rounded up this story very nicely.

So, to conclude, this was a very refreshing and indulgent book, filled with realistic, believable characters and difficult life choices, perfect for everyone who suffers after a breakup or anyone who struggles to accomplish their goals.
  
Indiana jones and the dial of destiny (2023)
Indiana jones and the dial of destiny (2023)
2023 | Action, Adventure
8
7.8 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Eels look like snakes? No they don't ...
Harrison Ford is over 80 now.

So fair play to him for returning to one of his most iconic roles, as Doctor Henry Jones Jr aka Indiana Jones, in what must surely by his swansong for that role.

And even more fair play for the film not making light of his age, but working it 'properly' into the plot (which has an absolute bonkers ending), with Jones - at one point - wondering aloud what he is even doing scaling a rock face at his age (and with mention made of the events of Temple of Doom in particular, at this point).

The whole prologue of the film - here, helmed by James Mangold instead of Spielberg - is set during the closing stages of World War II, and sees a CGI de-aged Ford battling Nazis in pursuit of a stolen relic, that leads him to the real McGuffin of the movie, the Dial of the title.

Jump forward to the late 60s, and Jones is retiring from academia when he is visited by the daughter of an old friend who wants his help in recovering said relic.

Initially hesitant - and following the breakup of his marriage to Marion, and, as we later discover, the fate of Mutt - Jones soon finds himself drawn back into the way of his old life.

For my money, this is better than Crystal Skull, with the the Dial as a McGuffin, 'suiting' Indiana Jones better than the sci-fi trappings of that earlier film, and with Phoebe Waller-Bridge a better foil than Shia LaBeouf.

Still not up there with the original trilogy, though.
  
A Love To Remember
A Love To Remember
Sarah Hadley Brook | 2018 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
so desperately wanted to hear from Sam!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Graham takes his dad to the cabin in the woods, because he cannot be on his own anymore. Ravaged by Alzheimer's, his father needs calm, and peace. But Graham can no longer look after his dad and work, so he hires an in-home nurse, Sam. Sam and Graham have met before, after a brief hook-up. Sam wants more, but Graham has to take a step back, and make Sam realise, what's slowly killing his father could very well kill him too.

It's only short, this one, some 85 pages, but Brook manages to get a lot in those 85 pages!

We get the intensity of that initial hook-up. We get all of Graham's fears for his dad. We get all of Graham's emotions trying to keep Sam at arms length, while fighting to pull him close. We get all of GRAHAM.

What we don't get is Sam. Any Sam, at all. And that's the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars, because it is single person point of view. Had Sam had a say, this could well have been a 5 star read, it really could!

It's not overly complicated, just two men falling in love while one tries really hard not to. There is no major breakup/make up, no nutty exes. It has some sexy time, and some emotional times, especially when Graham is fighting with himself to look after dad but having to admit that he really can't.

It really is a lovely, if short, read. Passed an hour, while watching the rain, on a Sunday afternoon.

4 solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
SO
Starting Over by Niykee Heaton
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Niykee Heaton is a Chicago-born and South Florida-based singer-songwriter/producer. Not too long ago, she released a lovely 3-song EP, entitled, “Starting Over”.

NiyKee Heaton – “Mascara”

‘Mascara’ tells the tale of a woman who’s in a new relationship with a guy she’s feeling. She’s been hurt before and takes pride in wearing make-up because it makes her feel good about herself. Also, when they are being romantic, he’s allowed to ruin her lipstick, bed, hair, her body, but not her life and mascara.

‘Mascara’ contains a unique storyline, soft vocals, and a guitar-driven instrumentation perfumed with sentimental elements.

NiyKee Heaton – “Bad Guy”

‘Bad Guy’ tells a bitter tale of a woman who’s being blamed for something she ‘allegedly’ did. Apparently, her relationship with her significant other is on the rocks and he’s blaming her for the ugly breakup and hates her because of that. But she wears the ‘bad guy’ tag well and tells a different story of why their relationship didn’t work.

“Bad Guy” contains a relatable storyline, soft vocals, and a slow-bouncing instrumentation embedded with dark undertones.

NiyKee Heaton – “Starting Over”

‘Starting Over’ tells the tale of a woman who wants to exit her current relationship. Apparently, it’s problematic, and every time she puts some space between her and her ex, he shows up when she’s almost over him. Eventually, he convinces her for them to start all over again, which is something she doesn’t want to do anymore.

‘Starting Over’ contains a relatable storyline, melodic vocals, and a charming instrumentation oozing with sonic passion.

In conclusion, Niykee Heaton’s “Starting Over” EP is a short and sweet relationship-themed project with replay value. Also, listeners can experience different stages of a relationship, plus gain strength to start all over anew if things turn sour.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/niykee-heaton-starting-ep/
  
Andreas Moss by Andreas Moss
Andreas Moss by Andreas Moss
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Andreas Moss is a Swedish-born, Nashville-bred, and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released his self-titled 7-track debut EP featuring Yachtmoney and Melanie Pfirrman.

Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.


“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”

The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.

“KODAK”

Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.

“KOKAIN”

Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.

“DEAR MISERY”

Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.

CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
  
Arsenic and Adobo
Arsenic and Adobo
Mia P. Manansala | 2021 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder of an Ex
After a disastrous breakup with her fiancé, Lila Macapagal has moved back to Shady Palms, Illinois, and is trying to help her aunt save her Filipino restaurant. One issue the restaurant is having is Derek Winter, Lila’s high school sweetheart who has becoming the local food critic and has written several nasty reviews of Tita Rosie’s Kitchen. When he comes back for yet another meal, he winds up dropping dead in his meal. Now the police are looking at Lila as a murderer, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen is closed until further notice, and Lila feels like the only hope of a happy ending is figuring out what is going on herself. Can she keep herself out of jail?

This is a solid debut. The mystery starts off quickly, and Lila learns plenty of secrets on her way to uncovering what really happened. The climax is suspenseful and creative. The characters are all strong. We even learn a bit more about Derek that makes him a little sympathetic although not completely likable. The rest of the cast is strong. A few supporting players blend together, but that is done on purpose, and we see glimpses of their individual personalities. We do have the beginnings of a love triangle here. Some of Lila’s friendships are so strong already, they help make those characters more real for us. I did feel a few of the themes of the book weren’t quite as well developed as I would have liked. Hopefully they will be explored more in further books. If the descriptions of food make you as hungry as they made me, you’ll be happy to see the four recipes at the end of the book. This is a strong debut, and I already can’t wait to find out what happens next to the characters.
  
Keeper - Single by Olivia Nelson
Keeper - Single by Olivia Nelson
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an honest R&B tune, entitled, “Keeper”, the third track from her upcoming EP.

“I hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. I’m so over the complications, over the not letting go. I’m ready to move on, ready to open the door. And she’s a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasn’t the one, wasn’t no fun to play with.” – lyrics

‘Keeper’ tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.

Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because she’s the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.

‘Keeper’ contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.

“It’s a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of what’s potentially to come.” – Olivia Nelson

Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, “Someone That You Love”, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, “Smother Me”, has over 1M streams online.

She is labeled one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
  
The One
The One
John Marrs | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.6 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
202 of 235
Kindle
The One
By John Marrs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How far would you go to find The One?

A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you’re genetically made for.

That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love.

Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been “Matched.” They’re each about to meet their one true love. But “happily ever after” isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others…


Brilliant the only word for it! We follow a group of people that have put faith in a DNA test that matches you with that one true love that biological match that makes you perfect for each other. We see different lives and how they are affected. We even follow a serial killer who finds his match with a police woman in the middle of a 30 women killing spree! Yea victim 27 is heartbreaking. I couldn’t put this down I even spent 20mins talking about it to my husband. So would you? Would you give up everything to have that One person? Do you believe there is one person for everyone? Do you think science should pick our mates?