Album Review: Dudley Saunders - Monsters

It has been 5 years since Dudley Saunders released an album, and that's 5 years too long.  He returns with Monsters a wonderfully moody and emotional folk music. His sound is like a mashup of James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot.

What the essentially means, is that his songwriting is stellar and intelligent and very singable. His voice is melodic yet different; not traditionally beautiful, but one that grabs your attention.

Monsters is made up of ten songs, and this is one of the few times when you can say, each one is better than the last from the mellow folksy "We Were Right" to the wonderful live acapella "Coal Tattoo." The songs deal with the monsters in our lives that we are afraid of and the monsters we are.

It isn't a very upbeat album., yet is a beautiful listen.

There is something haunting and sad to "Zero Out (In These Boxes)" A song that tells of memories and not necessarily good ones, but ones that might want to be wiped from the slate.

"Monster" is another slow one. The melody is deceptively pretty at first. Haunting isn't the right word for this one. It is quite spooky, in an Edgar Allen Poe sort of way.

"Wheelchair in the 7-11 Parking Lot" is a rather long song title and a rather strange one. It is one of the saddest, no, the most depressing songs of the album. You heart breaks as Dudley sings "And all of this freedom is all beside the point When the limbs in your mind Bend on broken joints."

If that's not enough to give you pause "Rosewood Casket" will. The song of murder as you see in the opening line "Jonny killed his sweetheart when he was but fourteen. Stabbed her to the heart."

This isn't music to brighten your mood. It is like the songs of Dylan and Costello, it is music full of beauty and it is designed to make you think while you listen to the stories in the songs.

Dudley Saunders creates music not just for your ears but for your soul

Book Spotlight: The Earl Is Mine

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER Handsome, charismatic, and on the verge of becoming a successful architect, Gregory Sherwood, Lord Westdale, could have just about any woman he wants. So why rush to marry? So far there’s been only one woman he’s considered his ideal match. But that was before she had a secret affair with his best friend…with the help of an unwitting accomplice named Lady Pippa Harrington.

A PASSION TOO GOOD TO DENY Pippa may not have acted in her old friend Gregory’s best interests, but she’s always believed that the heart sets its own rules. This is why Pippa must escape her arranged marriage–fast–by fleeing to Paris, where she hopes to pursue her artistic passions. To do so, Pippa will need all the help she can get–from Gregory, the one man she isn’t sure she can trust…or resist….

Read an Excerpt: here


Kieran is running a fabulous giveaway at her site too if you pre-order The Earl Is Mine, the grand prize is a Kindle Fire or a Coach Bag!

Album Review: Ron Sexsmith - Forever Endeavor

Ron Sexsmith is one of those rare songwriters that just seem to get better as their career progresses.

On February 5, he releases Forever Endeavor. It is his thirteenth album.

Unlucky?

Only if you don't get to listen to it.

He sites his influences as Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe. He's toured with Nick on occasion.  His music falls somewhere in between the two for those haven't had the opportunity to listen to this Canadian songsmith.

He's a small part snark, and a large helping of acoustic goodness.

There's a lot of acoustic goodness here.

"Nowhere To Go" is the album's opening track. It is classic Sexsmith. Its moody, it's melancholy and above all else, it is beautiful.

Keeping up with the nowhere theme, "Nowhere Is" is the next track. A more up sounding track. I'm pretty sure Paul McCartney is somewhere wishing he'd written this one. The arrangement is sounds like 90s Macca, back when Linda was still alive to keep him in line.

"If Only Avenue" goes back to the Sexsmith formula. This song has the feel of a 60s pop ballad again, there seems to be a touch of Macca here.

One of the standout tracks is "Me, Myself and Wine." This was a song he wrote during some Nashville sessions. It was supposed  to be a country track, and though it has a bit of the old fashioned country twang, this song is more folk pop.

Another noteable track is "She Does My Heart Good." This is Sexsmith being perky and, dare it be said, perky. This is a catchy track that will easily work its way into your head, so that you are singing it for days on end. As Sexsmith describes it, "It's a straight up love song" and its hard to argue with that description.

"Snake Road" has a bit of an autobiographical vibe, especially if you've read his recent interview in The Guardian.

"Sneak Out The Back Door" is Ron's way to leave your lover. Who needs 50 ways, when you have Ron's easy way out!

Over all this is a solid album, with strong lyrics and elegant arrangements. It is everything you expect from Ron. He's definitely one of Canada's national treasures, right up there with Gordon Lightfoot.

This is a must have album for 2013

CBLS Book Review: Master Class

Master Class
by Cassandra Carr
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Published by Loose Id
Released Date: December 11, 2012
Heat Level: Sizzling
Word Count: 47,000

Available at:
Amazon | ARe | Loose Id

Blurb:
Ryan Tomasi feels like a failure. His marriage is officially over; the ink dried on the divorce decree. His friend Jack introduces him to BDSM and he agrees to attend a Halloween party at a club. A submissive approaches him, offering herself, and how can he refuse the kneeling beauty? They do a whirlwind scene and Ryan is addicted—both to dominance and to her.

Lisette Rinaldo is returning to the BDSM club for the first time since ending a bad relationship with her former master. She spots Ryan and is taken by the combination of self-assurance and nervousness the man displays as he takes in his surroundings. And after he gives her an incredible re-introduction to the lifestyle, she knows she needs to see the man again.

Ryan and Lisette explore each other and the lifestyle, but what started out as playtime quickly evolves into something more. The problem? Ryan isn’t ready to get serious again and Lisette doesn’t want to fall in love with a guy who can’t give all of himself to her. Both of them are going to have to break out of the bonds holding them back from happiness.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations (including BDSM/anal play/spanking) and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers.


Excerpt:

Lisette squirmed under his scrutiny. For a self-confessed novice Dom, he had the look down, that was for damn sure. “Can I say one thing not related to our current discussion, sir?”

Both eyebrows rose. “Of course.”

“You’re really good at that whole ‘staring a sub down’ thing.”

Ryan threw back his head and laughed. “I’m a professor. That’s the same look I use with wayward students.”

“A professor, huh?”

“Yes.”

He grinned, and Lisette was sure she was going to leave a wet spot on her harem pants if he kept that up. Woo boy.

What would it be like to be bent over his knee right in his classroom as he applied his large hand or a ruler to her bared ass? Would he do it in front of the rest of the students? Would he make her stand in the corner with her spanked ass on display afterward? Her pussy flooded, and she shifted.

“Lisette.”

His tone snapped her back to reality. “I apologize, sir.”

“We might have to work on that tendency to let your attention wander.”

“Yes, sir.” She nodded quickly.

“I asked you what you needed from tonight. I don’t like repeating myself.”

“I like to be spanked, sir. I haven’t been in a while, and I need one.”

“And how hard do you like to be spanked? I’m sorry if I’m asking a lot of questions, but as I said, I’m new to this, and I don’t want to hurt you.”

Risking censure, she reached up to touch his arm before pulling away. “It’s fine. I’d rather you asked the questions than muddled along, feeling uncomfortable. As far as how hard?” She shrugged. “You can spank me to tears. Like I said, I do like some pain.” She chewed the inside of her cheek, trying to decide if she wanted to admit what she was thinking. Deciding it was better to be honest with Ryan, she asked, “Would you like me to tell you what I was thinking about a little while ago when my attention wandered, sir?”

He reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Sure.”

The words came out in a rush. “I was imagining being in your class, and you calling me out of my chair. You make me come to the front of the class and get over your knee. You bare my ass, even though there are other students there, and then pick up a ruler and start to spank me.”
Review: Every so often I venture into the world of erotica. I swear most erotic novels are BDSM these days, which isn't usually my thing, but Master Class caught my eye, and it didn't disappoint.

What I liked about Cassandra's book, is that there was more to it then just the sex part, which btw was very hot. This story also focused more on the relationship between Ryan and Lissette. 

I don't usually find the erotica I read to be erotic romance, but that's what Master Class is. Ryan and Lissette have a relationship that exists outside of the "club scene" which brings their characters to life more than if the story was one big BDSM scene.   So you get a romance that is almost sweet with the hot super spicy sex too.

The mixture was perfect and created an erotic novel that was satisfying and fun to read.

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published, award-winning erotic romance writer with Ellora's Cave, Siren, Sybarite Seductions and Loose Id who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Cassandra's book Caught was recently named Best BDSM Book 2011 by LoveRomancesCafe and Impact was named BDSM Book of the Month for May 2012 by BDSM Book Reviews.

For more information about Cassandra, check out her website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com, “like” her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow The Tour: http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-barrage-master-class-by-cassandra.html

Cover Reveal: Dark Secrets

Blurb: Six years ago, Haidyn Mast left his home and his betrothed Anisa to follow his magical calling. Too weak to join the Arcane Guild and too ashamed to return home, he has made a life as a prostitute—to all outward appearances. In truth, he sells his mind but not his body, using magic to let his clients experience their most secret fantasies while his hands stay clean. Even the Lawman, the arbiter of justice in Reseda, is one of his clients, but Haidyn would rather not know the extent of that man's depravity. Though successful, Haidyn is shunned as a whore and his lack of formal training is causing his power to grow out of control. He's ready to retire and leave the city, but when he sees his Anisa standing at Lawman's side, he knows he must rescue her from the abusive enforcer. Risking his life and his sanity, he devises a plan, knowing that failure will mean death for him, and a lifetime of torment for her… For more Arcane stories, download Dark Vow today.

From Carina Press

How Depressing Can One Band Be?

Example:

The Band Perry's big hit: If I Die Young



The Band Perry's latest single: Better Dig Two

Movie Review: Ted

Blurb: Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of humor to the big screen for the first time as writer, director and voice star of Ted. In the live action/CG-animated comedy, he tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish...and has refused to leave his side ever since.

Review: There are some movies that are just so ridiculous that you have to love them. Ted is one of them.

I mean Ted is a teddy bear that came to life as a result of a lonely boys Christmas wish. The opening scenes of the film sound just like a Christmas special!

That could take the film down a heartwarming road, but it doesn't.

Ted turns celebrity and then tailspins out of control with drugs and sex and general raunchy fun.

So if you think this is a kid friendly film, think again. It isn't. No matter how cute the bear is. Of course, if you want to explain some of the stuff to your pre-teens, go ahead, let them watch.

But there is more to it then the off color humor. There is Mark Wahlberg, who really plays up his Boston accent for this one. He's not usually a favorite actor here, but for some reason, he comes across as cute and almost sexy. And there is the fact that the movie really is about friendship and loyalty. I mean, John and Ted have been BFFs (Thunder Buddies) for years! Not many regular friendships last that long.

Yeah, it's raunchy and yeah its ridiculous and its mostly a guy film, until the end, when things are seemingly taking a turn for the worse when it comes to Ted. Then warm fuzzy feelings abound.

I have to admit I got more than a few chuckles out of this one.

It isn't the kind of movie that I could see myself spending $20.00 on, but for the price of a Redbox rental, it was good fun.

It's definitely a guy flick, but one some wenches will find amusing.

Album Review: Steve Winwood - Chronicles

There are some Greatest Hits albums that touch on all the wonderful aspects of a performers career. There are others that are just the tip of the iceberg. That's the case with Chronicles. It really isn't a good representation of Steve Winwood's career at the time of the release, which was the late 80s.

It didn't even give the listeners the bigger hits off his 1986 comeback album Back In The High Life. The selections from that album were mind boggling. You had the hit "Higher Love" but then he added "Wake Me Up On Judgement Day." Perhaps a better example of his songwriting, but what of "Freedom Overspill" and "The Finer Things" both huge hits for Winwood off that album.

The only single  on the album was the hit "Valerie" which can only be described as 80s music. Very synthy and very poppy. It first appeared on Talking Back To The Night

On a plus there is the wonderful "While You See A Chance" from Arc Of The Diver and "Vacant Chair" from his 77 album entitled Steve Winwood.

The album only touches on his solo career at the time so for people looking for songs from his Traffic days, well, they'll be disappointed.

It is a nice introduction to Steve's music, so for a newbie, this is a great album to start with.

Harlequin Cover Reveals!

Some gorgeous covers coming up for the March releases at HQN

THREE SISTERS by Susan Mallery
When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora's Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he's right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she's lost herself, and she's in danger of losing her entire family if things don't change.
Author Profile ► http://bit.ly/HXvBYD

WHERE DREAMS BEGIN 
Harlequin More Than Words Award Winners!
To celebrate the accomplishments of our MTW award winners, three bestselling authors— Sherryl Woods,Christina Skye, Author, & Pamela Morsi—have written short stories inspired by real-life heroines! FIND OUT MORE ► http://bit.ly/wDxTY6

BEFORE THE STORM by Diane Chamberlain Readers Page 
Fifteen-year-old Andy Lockwood is special. Others notice the way he blurts out anything that comes into his mind, how he cannot foresee consequences, that he's more child than teenager. But his mother sees a boy with a heart as open and wide as the ocean.
Author Profile ► http://bit.ly/XmMcx1

I'm A Downton Abbey Addict & I'm Proud

I knew I never should have started watching this show, but several of my Facebook friends were really talking it up, so I had to watch it on Sunday night!

ARGH!

It is everything I love in a show.

It is a historical piece, set in England (That's always a plus for me) and the clothes are beautiful. Oh and did I mention Maggie Smith and Shirley Maclaine are in it?

That should be enough right there.

I know the shows on PBS are cut to ribbons, just like Doctor Who is on BBC America, but it is some gorgeous TV.

There is something about this show that just sucks you in. You feel like you've gone back in time, and for an hour or so you are in 1920s England, which seems to be a simpler place then 2013.

Now I've got to play catch up with the last two seasons.

Anyone else out there a Downton addict?

Now Here's An Idea

Have you noticed that with some movies, they give you a file that can be used on your tablets etc? Amazon even offers a free streaming for so many days on certain movie purchases, for those of us that aren't patient enough to wait for the darn thing to come in the mail.

But what about music?

What if you are one of those people, like me, that likes to own the CD, but doesn't want to wait for the hard copy to arrive.

Why not offer the album on the Cloud for those that buy them, or give a digital download with the album purchase.

I think I'd buy more music if this were something offered. Mostly because download files will always be available and if something happened to the disc, I'd still have my music.

Plus, it would just be nice...

Newish Ebook Site for Romance Readers

I just started getting emails from this new website, Discover New Love

I haven't decided if it is worth getting a membership for 6 months or not, because I haven't encountered any members yet.

I'm definitely not a leader in that way.

But $9.99 for 6 ebooks is awesome, even if it is a prepaid thing, because most of the paperback ebooks I read cost about $7.00 unless I get them on Net Galley to read.

It still looks like a great deal....though, what do you think?