Search
Search results
Merissa (11938 KP) rated Muted Chords (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022) in Books
Nov 7, 2022
MUTED CHORDS is one of the Rocktoberfest 2022 books and we travel with Josh and the rest of his band to the festival itself. Eradicate Apathy has had some problems with their replacement bass player, so much so he is sacked. This is where Bran comes into play. He has wanted to play with them for quite a while but has his own baggage to contend with. When given the chance though, he can't say no. And once he meets Josh, all stops are pulled out.
The pacing of this story is fast and felt a little rushed to me in places, but you will be drawn into the close-knit relationships between the band members. You also get a look at some people who are not so nice, who have let fame (or the lack of it) sour them.
Overall, this was a sweet love story between Josh and Bran and brilliant relationships between the rest of the band members. However, there is some derogatory language, plus some angst near the ending, so consider yourself warned.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The pacing of this story is fast and felt a little rushed to me in places, but you will be drawn into the close-knit relationships between the band members. You also get a look at some people who are not so nice, who have let fame (or the lack of it) sour them.
Overall, this was a sweet love story between Josh and Bran and brilliant relationships between the rest of the band members. However, there is some derogatory language, plus some angst near the ending, so consider yourself warned.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Bake Offed
9.0
Rate It
Book
In the new installment of beloved author Maya Corrigan’s Five-Ingredient Mystery series, join Val...
Eurovision: A Plea For Respect
10.0
Rate It
Book
Discover the hidden treasures of Europe's greatest music tradition - The Eurovision Song Contest: A...
history
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated A Fatal Groove in Books
Jul 27, 2023
Murder is Anything but Groovy
It’s the weekend of the Bluebonnet Festival in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters are looking forward to fun while also selling coffee and introducing the bands on the main stage. Their first customer of the first day is Mayor Bob. When Juni goes to drop something off at his office a little later, she finds him dead. With their reputations once again on the line, the sisters try to figure out what is happening. Mayor Bob was popular because he didn’t make any waves, so who would want to kill him?
After an initial strong start, the book stalled a bit introducing some sub-plots before it really got started again. I did guess the killer a little early, but I needed Juni to fill in most of the rest. Once again, there are some odd uses of they/them pronouns, and Juni’s first-person narration comes across as judgmental a few times. Overall, I do like her and I love her relationship with her sisters. The love triangle is still in play, although it takes a back seat to the rest of the happenings. There are lots of smiles and some laughs along the way as well. If you enjoy music and are looking for a fun mystery, this is the series for you.
After an initial strong start, the book stalled a bit introducing some sub-plots before it really got started again. I did guess the killer a little early, but I needed Juni to fill in most of the rest. Once again, there are some odd uses of they/them pronouns, and Juni’s first-person narration comes across as judgmental a few times. Overall, I do like her and I love her relationship with her sisters. The love triangle is still in play, although it takes a back seat to the rest of the happenings. There are lots of smiles and some laughs along the way as well. If you enjoy music and are looking for a fun mystery, this is the series for you.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated Claws of Death in Books
Aug 16, 2023
Who is Crabby Enough to Commit Murder?
After getting out of rehab, Jackie Norwood is looking for any way to rebuild her life, and professionally, she is taking her celebrity chef name on the road, judging food festivals. Her first one is a crab festival in Texas. She is horrified to realize that her fellow judge is her nemesis, Heather Curtis. Then disaster strikes when Heather drops dead after tasting their first dish – a dish prepared by Jackie’s ex-boyfriend. With the police looking at the two of them as suspects in Heather’s murder, Jackie has to jump in and find out what really happened. Can she do it?
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
French Quarter Fright Night
9.0
Rate It
Book
The third in the fabulous cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and...
Louise (64 KP) rated He Said/She Said in Books
Jul 2, 2018
I was lucky enough to win an unfinished copy of this book on a Goodreads giveaway.
The year is 1999, Kit and Laura are down in Cornwall at a festival held for eclipse chasers, this will be their first one together and the start of many more to come. Kit has all the future eclipses planned out, he has been doing this his whole life and wants to share it with the woman he loves and future children. With it being cloudy the odds of a total eclipse is minimal, to try and get a better viewing angle the couple move out to the edges of the festival, but what they do witness changes their lives forever. Kit and Laura are embroiled in a rape case, Jamie Balcombe was witnessed attacking Beth Taylor – Will Laura’s testimony be enough for a conviction?
He Said/She Said is told from alternating point of views from Kit and Laura. They are also told from past and present, so will get a chapter from Kit in 2015 and 1999 and the same from Laura. This allows the stories to be interwoven and tells what happened and how it has affected them now. This is another slow paced book that feeds you small amounts of information at a time and when you think you know what has happened it takes an unexpected turn.
Laura in present day is an unreliable narrator, she suffers with anxiety and is extremely paranoid. We don’t find out for a long time how she has become this way all we do know that it’s related to ‘Beth’. In 1999, Laura has her whole life ahead of her, she has just met Kit and has this outgoing nature to her. As the story progresses you begin understand why she is so paranoid and why she is so anxious.
Kit seemed like a super relaxed guy that takes everything in his stride, Laura is his soulmate and have been together for 15 years and will protect her to no end. At points he could be very meticulous and other points very sloppy regarding their change of identity. I must admit that Laura is the stronger character of the two and her POV was much more enjoyable.
I felt this book especially the first half was very slow even when there were parts that really appealed to me. The story line was good not something I have read about before and I didn’t think it was predictable but when the twist happened it wasn’t anything majorly startling for me.My actual reaction was ‘oh’! but the second half was much better than the first and had more action to it.
There is a trigger warning of Rape, so if this is something you are uncomfortable reading about then this might not be the book for you.
I rated this book 3.5 out of 5 stars
The year is 1999, Kit and Laura are down in Cornwall at a festival held for eclipse chasers, this will be their first one together and the start of many more to come. Kit has all the future eclipses planned out, he has been doing this his whole life and wants to share it with the woman he loves and future children. With it being cloudy the odds of a total eclipse is minimal, to try and get a better viewing angle the couple move out to the edges of the festival, but what they do witness changes their lives forever. Kit and Laura are embroiled in a rape case, Jamie Balcombe was witnessed attacking Beth Taylor – Will Laura’s testimony be enough for a conviction?
He Said/She Said is told from alternating point of views from Kit and Laura. They are also told from past and present, so will get a chapter from Kit in 2015 and 1999 and the same from Laura. This allows the stories to be interwoven and tells what happened and how it has affected them now. This is another slow paced book that feeds you small amounts of information at a time and when you think you know what has happened it takes an unexpected turn.
Laura in present day is an unreliable narrator, she suffers with anxiety and is extremely paranoid. We don’t find out for a long time how she has become this way all we do know that it’s related to ‘Beth’. In 1999, Laura has her whole life ahead of her, she has just met Kit and has this outgoing nature to her. As the story progresses you begin understand why she is so paranoid and why she is so anxious.
Kit seemed like a super relaxed guy that takes everything in his stride, Laura is his soulmate and have been together for 15 years and will protect her to no end. At points he could be very meticulous and other points very sloppy regarding their change of identity. I must admit that Laura is the stronger character of the two and her POV was much more enjoyable.
I felt this book especially the first half was very slow even when there were parts that really appealed to me. The story line was good not something I have read about before and I didn’t think it was predictable but when the twist happened it wasn’t anything majorly startling for me.My actual reaction was ‘oh’! but the second half was much better than the first and had more action to it.
There is a trigger warning of Rape, so if this is something you are uncomfortable reading about then this might not be the book for you.
I rated this book 3.5 out of 5 stars
Mothergamer (1536 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Stardew Valley in Video Games
Feb 15, 2019
Wonderful, Relaxing Game
A friend suggested Stardew Valley to me because I love the Harvest Moon game series. I was hooked in right away. I chose my farm (you can choose from five different farms) and went from there. It was very easy to get into and the characters in the game are interesting. It is so clear where the nods to Harvest Moon are, but it is also its own thing too. I love that I don't have to just farm, I can fight monsters in the mines, or go fishing. You can make friends with the villagers and you can romance the available love interest of your choice. I also loved the festival days you can attend in the game because they are so much fun. I just wish the days weren't 24 hours, because they go by very quickly and sometimes it feels like there isn't enough time to do everything. It definitely makes you plan out your days however, so you have to think carefully about what you want to do and who you want to romance. I'm on my second playthrough of the game with a different farm and I'm still enjoying it and having so much fun with it. Stardew Valley is a great chill out game that offers a lot of fun.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Between Us by Hayden James in Music
Jun 6, 2019 (Updated Jun 6, 2019)
Hayden James is a producer and Naations is an LA-based Australian duo. Not too long ago, they released a super-hot dance tune, entitled, “Nowhere to Go”.
The retro-filmstrip footage follows the empowering Venice-based all-women skate crew, GRLSWIRL, down the California Coast. Also, it follows them as they go from piling into a ’70s-style camper van to effortlessly skating the back-streets of Venice.
‘Nowhere To Go’ highlights Hayden and Nicky Night Time’s abilities to produce tracks which are club-ready and radio-friendly.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with dance, EDM, and electro-pop elements.
Also, it displays Nat Dunn’s powerful vocal performance and songwriting talents.
Naations are responsible for the huge Ibiza 2017 anthem, entitled, “Real Life”, with Gorgon City & Duke Dumont.
Not too long ago, they released their debut EP, entitled, “Teardrop”. The 6-track project serves as an introduction to the duo’s teardrop and star concept, which represents the light and the dark, which inspired their creative process.
They have performed at notable music venues on both sides of the Atlantic, including New York’s Output as well as Brixton Academy and XOYO in London. Also, they made their CRSSD Festival debut alongside Hayden, before heading back to Australia to support British songstress Anne-Marie on the AU leg of her tour.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/hayden-james-nowhere-to-go-naations/
The retro-filmstrip footage follows the empowering Venice-based all-women skate crew, GRLSWIRL, down the California Coast. Also, it follows them as they go from piling into a ’70s-style camper van to effortlessly skating the back-streets of Venice.
‘Nowhere To Go’ highlights Hayden and Nicky Night Time’s abilities to produce tracks which are club-ready and radio-friendly.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with dance, EDM, and electro-pop elements.
Also, it displays Nat Dunn’s powerful vocal performance and songwriting talents.
Naations are responsible for the huge Ibiza 2017 anthem, entitled, “Real Life”, with Gorgon City & Duke Dumont.
Not too long ago, they released their debut EP, entitled, “Teardrop”. The 6-track project serves as an introduction to the duo’s teardrop and star concept, which represents the light and the dark, which inspired their creative process.
They have performed at notable music venues on both sides of the Atlantic, including New York’s Output as well as Brixton Academy and XOYO in London. Also, they made their CRSSD Festival debut alongside Hayden, before heading back to Australia to support British songstress Anne-Marie on the AU leg of her tour.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/hayden-james-nowhere-to-go-naations/
JT (287 KP) rated Midsommar (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
As the end credits rolled I sat back and contemplated what I had just witnessed – this was the most fucked up piece of cinema I’d seen in some time. Burdened by a horrific tragedy Dani (Florence Pugh) turns to boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) for support, who is unsure himself that their relationship can continue.
Joining a small group of friends they head off to Sweden to attend a mid-summer festival in the hope of rekindling their dying relationship.
The film is disturbing on almost every level and does take time to get going as the group is introduced to an idyllic community where not everything is as it seems. Director Ari Aster has made no illusions of his dislike for jump scares – and you won’t find too many here, well, maybe one. But this is a new age break-up film, not an out an out horror as many people might have expected.
But how do you turn a mild mannered community such as the Harga, into a sinister cult, justifying their ways via ritualistic events and ancient scripture – easy, you do it slowly. Aster builds the story well, introducing subtle clues to the foreboding which is inevitably coming. When it comes, it is a tour de force of shock value.
It’s a solid follow up for Aster whose feature length debut, Hereditary, split audiences – but there is no denying that he has upped his game significantly.
Joining a small group of friends they head off to Sweden to attend a mid-summer festival in the hope of rekindling their dying relationship.
The film is disturbing on almost every level and does take time to get going as the group is introduced to an idyllic community where not everything is as it seems. Director Ari Aster has made no illusions of his dislike for jump scares – and you won’t find too many here, well, maybe one. But this is a new age break-up film, not an out an out horror as many people might have expected.
But how do you turn a mild mannered community such as the Harga, into a sinister cult, justifying their ways via ritualistic events and ancient scripture – easy, you do it slowly. Aster builds the story well, introducing subtle clues to the foreboding which is inevitably coming. When it comes, it is a tour de force of shock value.
It’s a solid follow up for Aster whose feature length debut, Hereditary, split audiences – but there is no denying that he has upped his game significantly.