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Sauvignon and a Kimono by DYLYN
Sauvignon and a Kimono by DYLYN
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
DYLYN is a talented singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her emo-pop tune, entitled, “Secret”.

“My life was turned upside down and, as a result, this song emerged. ‘Secret’ became therapeutic. It gave me a chance to connect with people, with my fans whose parents also split up due to infidelity. It became a way of reaffirming for myself and others—‘You are not the only one going through this.’” – DYLYN

‘Secret’ tells a bitter tale of a young woman who finds out that her father has been cheating on her mother.

Since then, she hasn’t slept in days and wonders if her mother knows about the other woman in her father’s life.


Later, after everything is out in the open, she painfully admits that her mother won’t love her father ever again, but she will still love him, even though he hurt them.

“At first, I was hesitant to write about such a personal story. But as the lyrics started to unfold, everything fell into place. I recorded ‘Secret’ in a dimly lit vocal booth. I wanted to be in a headspace where I could feel alone with myself, and deliver the lyrics from the most honest place that I possibly could.” – DYLYN

‘Secret’ contains a gripping storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with a dark commercial pop aroma.

The likable tune is featured on DYLYN’s debut EP, entitled, “Sauvignon and a Kimono”.

“I’m very excited to get this music out and tour again. This record is going to be much more raw, and I want to put all my emotions on the table. ‘Secret’ gave me the courage to do that.” – DYLYN
  
The Wife Upstairs
The Wife Upstairs
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A page-turning re-look at a classic

Jane is a dog-walker in the glamorous Thornfield Estates subdivision. Until she meets Eddie Rochester. Widowed, Eddie is Thornfield's most talked about resident. His wife, Bertha "Bea" Rochester--founder of the Southern Manor line of furniture and accessories--died in a boating accident with her best friend, though Bea's body was never found. As Jane gets to know Eddie, she can't help but fall for him: he's rich, handsome, and protective. He can offer her a life of security and love that she's never had. But she's also fascinated by the tale of Bea, who built herself up from nothing through her company. Can she ever compare to Bea--and win Eddie's heart? And what really happened the night Bea and Blanche died?

"...and later, I'd look back at that moment and wonder if I somehow knew what was going to happen. If everything in my life had been leading me to that one spot, to that one house. To him."

I read this book solely because it's billed as a loose retelling of Jane Eyre, which is one of my absolute favorite books. Loose is definitely the right word for it, but this also a gloriously fun read with some exciting twists and turns.

The Wife Upstairs is a page-turner that kept me frantically reading. Yes, parts of it are somewhat predictable, but Eddie is a fascinating rogue and Jane a mysterious lead. Who is telling the truth, what happened in the past, and what on earth is going on now--you'll find yourself swirled up in all these questions as you flip the pages.

Overall, this a foreboding and enjoyable thriller, with plenty to entertain its readers. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this novel from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
  
Rivers of London: Body Work
Rivers of London: Body Work
Ben Aaronovitch, Lee Sullivan, Andrew Cartmel | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great book for urban fantasy lovers
I enjoyed reading this one as it featured a main character who wasn’t your typical anti-hero - which we seem to have a lot lately. I’m glad to see Peter was just your average good guy who’s doing his best to be a policeman until he comes across supernatural things in which his whole life changes.


Peter’s relationship with Nightingale is pretty much a mentor/student one. Nightingale has his own secrets though and a few are revealed but there’s more to him that you think - I hope there’s more information about him in the later books to come. There are other supporting characters; I do like Leslie because she’s got the wit (possible love interest, maybe) and she’s a perfect sidekick to Peter. Molly is another interesting character that I would love to know more about. Again this is the first book in the series so I’m hoping more character development will eventually come forth in later books.

The world building is pretty good and Peter does a good job also explaining how things are in London (I admit I had to google a couple of things as I didn’t know who or what Punch and Judy were) but it gives you information on the city and events that are common there to actually make you feel as if you are following Peter around as he tries to solve the case and becomes an apprentice.

The plot was well done and I liked how the different story arcs come together in the end into one large circle. It may seem confusing at first but once you have everything laid out and you know who is who everything comes to a close and it’s a great closing. It obviously leaves room for more books coming so one can look forward to what is next for Peter.

(The Riot scene though? Holyyyyy sheeeeeee what the……)

It’s a good read, those who are into urban fantasy mysteries will likely like this type of book. Looking forward to book two!