10 Random Songs Readers Should Be Addicted To

Hello to all who ended up on this page of mine!

Okay, so, as readers, we love a great story. The imagination, the movie we picture in our heads, etc. I've noticed throughout my life that people know the lyrics to songs, but barely get the message or the story. This spans from country to jazz to rock to rap to anything. So hopefully I can change that up a little.

So here are some songs that tell a good story from all around different genres. You may know some, and then there will be some where you may be like, who the hell do you listen to and where do you find all this? Well. Everybody and everything. And I tend to get lost in the internet A LOT. (P.S. This list is based upon the lyrics, but I'll be posting about music videos that tell the best stories soon!)

Here's your music lyric history lesson for today:


1. "Me & Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin

Ah, the 60's. All I ever think of is hippies and Woodstock and feeling freedom to be yourself for the first time, not needing to fit into society's cookie cutter demands from the 1950s back. Janis here is traveling across country on train, by hitchhiking, etc., meeting a very enigmatic guy named Bobby McGee. Her voice makes you long for him as well, feeling the loss and memories in every word.


2. "I'm Going Down" by Rose Royce

Y'all may have most likely heard this song before, but by another artist. So many people have covered this song, including Mary J. Blige, who retitled it "I'm Goin' Down." This song is an anthem for the brokenhearted. Its powerful lyrics and the soul behind the music is too amazing to pass up.


3. "Lost Boy" by Ruth B.

"Lost Boy"'s lyrics make me think of a difficult time in life that you just beg to go back to be a kid again to get over it. Or a lonely childhood. You know, either one. Her beautiful voice will make it feel like she's retelling J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan.


4. "Beautiful Liar" by Beyonce & Shakira

This one is from the early 2000s. Yes, I guess that was forever ago, but this song was a great duet between these queens of music. It's about them dating the same guy, but didn't fight over the stupid guy. (Writers: It's a great song for those who want to be able to write about both girls' sides accurately.)


5. "Ugly Boy" by Die Antwoord

If you know anything about me, it's that I will make you listen to this South African rap/rave band (who nobody knows whether it's a prank or what). This song is along the lines of loving a guy who's not cute, but he's a great guy. Try it out and judge for yourself whether I got a hit or miss on this one.


6. "Him & I" by Halsey & G Eazy

The first time I heard these lyrics, they right away reminded me of the Joker & Harley. Anywho, the story of two people who love the crazy ways of each other? Classic old-school manic pixie dream girl kinda song that I can listen to all day.


7. "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

We've all been here. "I don't like you, but I love you." That love that was just too frustrating, but you still love their sorry butts? This song is a perfect embodiment of that feeling. There are remakes, but listen to the original Motown first.


8. "Confessions II" by Usher

Oh, how Usher broke my heart with this one. That sultry voice telling his girl he's been seeing another chick? Damnit, Usher, we never wanted you to be a cheater! Anyways, this kinda became an instant classic when it hit the charts. Listen to this (still) gorgeous man, and try not to cry.


9. "Fancy" by Reba McEntire

Ever think that there are country songs about being a prostitute in the old south? No? This Reba hit in the 90's is one of my favorite songs, and my mom let me sing it at probably age 6. Yes, "Fancy" is her name.


10. "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi

So another cheating song, but the freaking chorus has its own kind of beauty about it. Bon Jovi/classic rock fans have probably heard this before, but if you're a virgin to this song, please go listen to it.


So there ya go! 10 songs us readers (and writers) should be listening to all the freaking time. Have ideas for this list? Share them with the group over on facebook!


XOXO,

Lexi

"Stalking Jack the Ripper" (a serial-killer of a review by Lexi!)

Hello Amazing Readers,

Here I go again! I've missed blogging so very much. I have a new blog in the works, but seeing the fact that I got new followers on facebook from my last (so-basic) post, I figured starting over is so much harder than just reworking and remodeling this one, especially since I really love all the readers, followers, fan encounters, author convos/encounters, etc. we've had! I'm so grateful to you all, and I hope you guys stick with me through all of this from reviews to random posts to a lot of new content and post layout!

Okay, so today's all about the badassness of the book "Stalking Jack the Ripper" by Kerri Maniscalco.

Now, I've always had this weird fascination with the Jack of Knives (a.k.a. Jack the Ripper). Ever since I first read about it as a kid (I was already reading books for teens/adults, usually on mysterious stuff by, at most, age 6). Plus, this year, scientists have declared the case finally solved, and it only took 131 years! (That they kept on trying all ways to solve it is just true dedication and justice, imho.)

Okay, book time, lol.

Summary: "Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world." (Thank you, Goodreads!)

Review: So I was hoping that this girl wasn't a) a manicpixiedreamgirl or a Mary Sue, or the new typical nerd/outcast. And she wasn't! This story is written so very well, from the imagery, the words used, just absolutely everything. I have to tip my glitter lipgloss to this chick. The story was also just a great-paced read. The very end is building even more tension, so it gets a little slow, but I loved the characters and story so much, I kept with it. I have no patience with books that get slow, but this book was just way too good to put down!
Audrey is a new kind of heroine. She doesn't fit in her place in society. She loves solving mysteries, helping her uncle dissect cadavers, and more. She's determined, sneaky, and doesn't let men rule her life more than she absolutely has to. It's just so great. I don't want to reveal anything else at all because this book should remain a complete mystery for y'all.
Best part of the book is that I couldn't predict the ending. I grew up incessantly reading (completely and utterly a true story), so predicting endings and what'll happen next is just something I automatically do. This is the first book with a mystery I didn't solve by mid-book. This is just a brilliant, thrilling novel!

Recommendation: Go read it! NOW! Like, RIGHT NOW! Read this if you like a great heroine and a fresh outlook and writing style. Wait till it's dark and/or pouring outside, especially if you like reading creepy/dark subject matter books like I do!

Rating: 7/7 places Jack the Ripper terrorized

XOXO,

Lexi

A Scheduled Post With Fun Stuff Inside... (A Tentacle-y Post By Lexi)

To All My Lovely Readers, Both New & Old,

Okay, so, as you may have noticed, I, Alexis, am the sole reviewer on this site now, the sole writer, and the one doing all of the social media and stuff (but that's always been the case). Yes, this bitch is indeed back! 😊

I’m going to catch you up on my reading list as I also let you in on brand new, and maybe soon-to-be-published books! I’m also going to be adding more fun posts in the weeks, and add reviews in them instead of just the norm. I’m going to be including polls and things to share on social media with your fellow readers!

Now having said that, I'd love some more feedback, from emails and comments and subscribing to interacting and questions and everything, as you readers are dear to my heart. Once contacted, know I'll get back to you within about a week max, though I’m thinking it'll be more like 3 days.

The schedule is different now. I'll be posting 2-3 times a week, tentatively on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Okay, so now that I've somewhat explained what is happening and will happen, here are...

10 Stupid Things You Can Buy On Amazon.com!

Tentacles for your fingers.

It says they're to tickle people, but it's too hentai to me.

A chocolate nativity set.

So you can devour Jesus as a newborn. Cuz that's not weird and messed up at all.

Fake abs (that are even advertised for Christmas).

These are specifically advertised for Christmas. Instant abs for your uncle.
Yep. I just typed that.

A sequin Nicholas Cage pillow.

I don't need a pillow constantly yelling "Moisturize me!!!"
(Doctor Who reference right there...)

Booty spray.

No. Just freaking no. Nasty.

Fake elephant nose.

This just looks wrong to me.

This thing.

Kid: "Mom, is this a straightjacket?"
Mom, reading peacefully: "Oh no, honey. Not at all!"
Kid: "Then what's this lock for?"
Mom: "Shhhhh..."

Hand finger puppets.

I would spend an entire day learning how to clap with just one hand... of hands.

Poo slippers.

So you can always be stepping in shit.
And in the middle/center of shit.
And shit will always follow you.
See what I did there?

Giant Lobster Claws.

For when you need to give your mom yet another reason
to get you tested.

Okay. So there you go! Because you truly needed this list in your life, lol.

Have a great week! I'll be posting, so please come back and see me!


Loving it all,
Lexi

Far From Over by April Lindner (a musical guest post!!!)

Our Dearest and Awesome Readers,

Dang, it's been awhile!!!

I know that we haven't posted in about, oh, forever, but we'll be up and running soon. I'll give specifics soon. Now to the post:

I'm here to talk about this awesome novella is coming out, and is linked to Love, Lucy by April Lindner! The novella is Far From Over! The best thing is that Ms. Lindner herself wanted to share a playlist and the cover with all of you!!! Here's her post:

Jesse’s Playlist

Music is at the heart of “Far From Over,” the new companion story to my novel Love, Lucy.  A digital-exclusive novella, “Far From Over” comes out this week. 

Jesse Palladino is used to moving on.  A street musician backing through Europe, he’s never in one place for long.  Which is why it’s so surprising he can’t seem to move on from Lucy, the girl he fell for in Florence.  They parted ways when Lucy returned home to start college, but every crowded piazza and winding cobblestone street reminds Jesse of the time they spent together. Now staying with a friend in Naples, he can't help wondering if it's time to pack up and move on again. But just when his mind is made up, something--or someone--might give him a reason to stay.

As he stands in Piazza Carita, Jesse plays a mix of English, American, and Italian power pop, hoping he might convince someone to stop and listen.  Here are some of the songs on his playlist:

Recovery by Frank Turner

When the Stars Go Blue by Ryan Adams

Parole in Circolo by Marco Mengoni

Happy Ending by MIKA

Wonderwall by Oasis

Fuori C’e il Sole by Lorenzo Fragola

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

Matteo Becucci by Fammi Dormire

How Bad We Need Each Other by Mark Scibilia

Alexis again: Great tracks, huh? Go read this novella while listening to the playlist and get into Jesse's story!

XOXO,

Lexi

Inherit Midnight (a daring review by Lexi)

Hey, our rockstar readers!

Happy April Fool's! But don't think we'll be pulling any jokes on you today in this post!

Long time, no write! Started a new job where I'm on the computer all day, so guess where I'm not when I get home, lol. And life? Omg. It's gotten in the way of everything. However, I'm making this blog a great big priority again, since I truly miss this, and you guys, who are wonderful and continue to support us!!! Hopefully, I'll have enough time to get back to my four days a week schedule. If not, I'll tell y'all the newest schedule soon!

So today's book was one where I knew would either be a hit or miss with me just based on how far the author could go with it. It's Inherit Midnight by Kate Kae Myers!

Summary: "The Competition: Outlandishly wealthy Grandmother VanDemere has decided to leave her vast fortune to the family member who proves him or herself worthiest-by solving puzzles and riddles on a whirlwind race around the globe.

There will be eight competitors, three continents . . . and a prize worth millions.

The Players:

Seventeen-year-old Avery is the black sheep of the VanDemere clan, the ostracized illegitimate daughter. Finally, she has a chance to prove herself.

As the competition takes treacherous turns, it becomes clear there can only be one victor. Who can Avery truly trust? And is winning worth her life?" (Thank you, Goodreads!)

(Now, let's see if I can do this review without revealing anything at all, because I think you should truly walk as blind as possible into this book like I did...)

This book was a whirlwind of adventure! When I said I wanted this novel to be taken to the extreme and needed the author to go far with it, I was serious, and I was certainly not let down in the least! This novel was soooo much fun, and Avery traveled to places that I wanted to go, as well as places I hadn't dreamed of! The competition was amazing, and I was so dazzled with it all!

As for the other base story, which was Avery and her relationships with others, I was also very impressed. I half-expected this to be super sappy, and thank God it wasn't. The relationships and any changes made in them were valid and realistic in nature. And Avery's love interest? He was hott, and the way things played out in the book were just exactly what was needed.

The ending was a big surprise, and I'm so happy that I read this book. It's certainly one I'll be reading over and over again!

In Conclusion: This book is incredible, and I really hope you guys read it.

Recommendations: Read this when overcome with some wanderlust and want for some serious adventure!

Rating:

7/7 continents


Till next time!!!


XOXO,
Lexi

"Love, Lucy" (an EXCITING review by Lexi)

Our dear readers,

Hello today! So we're going to be talking about the book Love, Lucy by April Lindner today! I wrote a celebration post, and April herself created a playlist and wrote about it in our last post, so check those both out before you read this! Otherwise, keep reading...

I'm in love with this cover!

Summary: "While backpacking through Florence, Italy, during the summer before she heads off to college, Lucy Sommersworth finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food...and Jesse Palladino, a handsome street musician. After a whirlwind romance, Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her "vacation flirtation." But just because summer is over doesn't mean Lucy and Jesse are over, too." (Thanks, Goodreads!)

Review: This book is amazing. I didn't expect any less from this author though, as her other two books are great as well! (Check out Jane and Catherine by April Lindner, too!) I have to say that this book is up for book of the year already for me. Lucy did exactly what I aspire to do -- travel to a foreign country across the pond. Her personality and actions are all realistic, and she'll have you grimacing with embarrassment and frustration, loving along with her, and aspiring to live out your dreams. Jesse is a guy who we all hope to run into and fall for in our lives, too. His character is surprising at points, but also sweet, and he leaves us hopeful. All I can say (without giving anything away) is that this book will have you on the edge of your seat, wanting the novel to at least tie up every loose end, which, of course, it does.

Recommendation: You may want to read this one in one sitting once you start, but make sure you read this on a weekend where you have enough time to do this. Eat some candy (sour gummy worms are best), sit in the sunshine (or at least sunshine spot on a chair inside), and read away! It's too good to read any other way!

Rating: 5/5 Italian flags

Till next time!


XOXO,

Lexi

Sunday Afternoon Literary Fun!!! (a funny Sunday post by Lexi)

Dear Readers,

Hope this stuff makes you laugh!

Hope you liked!

Till next time!

XOXO,

Lexi

The Love, Lucy Playlist by April Lindner (an awesome guest post!!!)

Hello, readers,

Today is going to be dedicated to Love, Lucy playlist, and read what the creator, author April Lindner, has to say about it!

The following is written by April Lindner (YAY!!!):

When I graduated from college, my parents gave me the gift of a lifetime: two months backpacking solo through Europe.  I climbed an Alp in Switzerland, took the Sound of Music Tour in Austria, rode a Bateau Mouche in Paris, and ate fish and chips in the general vicinity of John Cleese in London—but nothing thrilled me as much as my time in Italy.  Maybe my abiding love of all things Italian can be explained by the fact that I’m half Italian.  Maybe it’s because I studied the language in college and can bluff my way through conversations with cabdrivers and waiters.  Or maybe it’s the art, the architecture, the amazing food, the warmhearted Italians, or the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Whatever the reason, I go back to Italy whenever I can (not often enough!) and, the rest of the time, I rely on music to transport me back to the land of my dreams. I can shut my eyes and listen, and suddenly I’m riding an overnight train into Florence, wandering through a sun-drenched piazza, hearing a street musician’s guitar, and falling in love all over again.

In putting together a playlist for my new novel, Love, Lucy, I chose songs with the power to jolt me back into Lucy’s world.  Here’s what you need to know about the plot of Love, Lucy: the summer before Lucy Sommersworth goes off to college, her parents send her on her very own backpacking trip of a lifetime to Europe, but there’s one little catch—she has to give up her dreams of an acting career and enroll as a business major at Forsythe University, her father’s alma mater.  In Florence, Lucy finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food—and with Jesse Palladino, a footloose street musician.  Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her “vacation flirtation.”  But just because summer is over doesn’t mean Lucy and Jesse are over—or does it?

For Lucy’s playlist, I’ve chosen a mix of American rock and European pop. Here are some highlights:

• The first song, Check In by Fiamma Fumana perfectly captures the buzz of an airport’s busy international terminal, the sheer excitement of being about to hop on a plane to Europe for the very first time.

•  Lucy and her friend Charlene land in Paris, then backpack on to Salzberg, Vienna, and Munich, so I have tossed in some of Lucy’s favorite songs in German and French: Ne Me Quitte Pas by Regina Spektor; Elle Me Dit by Mika (a British pop star I first discovered in a café in Rome); and Madchen Mit Plan by 2raumwohnung.

• Italy is meant to be the trip’s grand finale for Lucy, and it’s the place where she meets and falls for Jesse. Songs like Cosa Hai Messo Nel Caffe by Malika Ayane, Come un Pittore by Moda, and Fammi Dormire by Matteo Beccuci capture the tenderness and excitement of a summer love in romantic Florence, Italy.

• Finally, I’ve tossed in some songs in English for good measure—We are Golden by Mika, Every Single Body Else, by Butch Walker, Whole World With You by Willie Nile—songs that capture the excitement of an American in Europe for the very first time—making new friends, walking through thrilling new landscapes, and saying yes to adventure.

Thank you to April Lindner for an awesome blog post today!!! We appreciate it!!!

Till next time, readers!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Love, Lucy" Release!!! (an EXCITING Lexi celebration)

Hello, all!!!

I have been reading nonstop for awhile, and am ready to post about lots of books for you guys!!! My favorite one so far has been Love, Lucy by April Lindner!!! I read it a month or so ago, but couldn't post about it because it was an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). So I've been waiting and waiting and trying to distract myself till I could post about it; that's how much I love it!!! It just came out yesterday, so let's get on with the celebration!!! (Expect a formal review plus lots of fun content tomorrow!!!)

Here's the GORGEOUS cover:

I officially announce it as my favorite book thus far. I LOVE April Lindner's other novels, but this one just resonated with the wanderlust in me.

John Green described it best: "I'm in love with cities I've never been to and people I've never met."

This novel is just amazing, you guys. I know you all will love it!

This book also gave me hope as a girl who is going through a quarterlife crisis. I'll explain more tomorrow, but if you're a traveler (truly or at heart), want to follow your dreams, terrified of the future, or just want to escape into and/or just read an amazing novel, celebrate this book release with me!!!

Look forward to tomorrow for lots of fun things having to do with the book!!!

Till next time!!!

XOXO,

Lexi