Friday, January 30, 2015

Pick Up Some CeolWaves Celluloid Medium Gauge Picks


Images of CeolWaves celluloid medium gauge picks in use! #ceolwavespicks

CeolWaves celluloid medium gauge picks look and sound great. While we all know it is the musician and the instrument that make great music, it can help to have the right tools for the job! 

Disclosure: I received a sample from CeolWaves to test and review. I love music, but am not personally a string musician. I gave them to my resident Guitar and Banjo player. I have had the pleasure of listening to music played using CeolWaves celluloid medium gauge picks and interviewed him about his opinion.

While these  high-quality genuine celluloid guitar picks have been designed with the serious musician in mind. Both pros and beginners find them easy to use, according to CeolWaves (and observed experience). These medium gauge picks are quite versatile as they work well for a variety of acoustic or electric string instruments. CeolWaves states that it is one of their most popular picks. The picks come in a set of 10 in a velvet pouch. This us a good value, according to my test subject and he liked having a pouch to keep them in.



As a listener, I enjoyed the sound both on an electric guitar and acoustic.  I am told they feel nice and smooth in hand and are a pleasure to use. They seem to have decent durability as he has been using the same pick for the past three weeks.




Features and Benefits of CeolWaves Celluloid Medium Gauge Picks:

  • 10-pack guitar picks in a deluxe black velvet travel pouch
  •  Celluloid medium gauge
  •  Use with classical, acoustic, bass and electric guitars and with the mandolin, banjo or ukulele
  • No hassle, no questions asked, guarantee from seller
  • Great customer service, this is helpful if you are buying gifts for a musician or if you are one!




Where to Purchase CeolWaves Celluloid Medium Gauge Picks

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate link below, if you click on the link and make a purchase then I receive a modest commission. It doesn't effect the price you pay, but is a great way to support this blog.

CeolWaves Celluloid Medium Gauge Picks are available on Amazon and other authorized retailers. Click here to visit Amazon listing for these fabulous medium gauge guitar picks.


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Book Tour: Henge by Realm Lovejoy




Inspired by one of the greatest legends of all time…


Modern-day Camelot. Where knights no longer carry swords. Magic is dangerous. And those who seek control are not to be trusted.


Sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is a fire user. An ordinary girl with an extraordinary skill, she has the ability to create and command fire at will. Her dream is to become the Maven—the right hand of the future King Arthur. In the chance of a lifetime, Morgan is selected to join Arthur’s Round, an elite group of young magic users from which the new Maven will be chosen.


Along with the other fire, water, and wind users in Arthur’s Round, Morgan is rigorously trained and tested. The handsome Merlin, a brilliant water user, takes a particular interest in her. Is his friendship to be trusted, or is Merlin simply trying to win the position of Maven for himself? Among the many rivals Morgan faces is the current Maven, Mordred, who seems determined to see her fail.

But Morgan has a secret—years ago, her mother was executed for using fire magic, and Morgan’s desire for justice makes her more than ready to take on the challenge before her. Can she prevail in Camelot’s tests of survival and magic? Only time—and Morgan’s powerful fire—will tell.





Enter to Win a $20 Amazon or B & N Gift Card:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Impressions of Henge by Rsalm Loveday:

I must admit I uually enjoy Arthurian stories especially if the stories center on a strong female character. I enjoyed Le Morte deArthur, but I enjoyed Mysts of Avalon even more. 

To me, Henge bears some similarities since it also has a strong female character and is sympathetic to Morgan. It is different since it is part of a young adult fantasy series and set in modern times. I don't think I've read an Arthurian inspired story set in modern times.  Henge also reminds me a little of Harry Potter.

Since so many  other works have been based on Arthurian legend, do we really need more? I think this reinterpretation offers something new especially as a young adult, urban fantasy.

 I enjoyed the story telling style, the characters and the twists and suspense. I also like the determination of the protagonist Morgan. She has a focused passion for magic even at a young age. It is interesting to follow her as she learns that many things are not as they seem.

I don't want to give an spoilers, but I was fortunate to have the opportunity to publish an excerpt so you can sample the flavor of Henge...

An Excerpt From Henge by Realm Lovejoy:

We head toward the east side, near the King’s Tower, to which I haven’t ventured before. The building we approach has a door with two sculptures of medieval knights on either side, their faces covered with a helmet.


“This is the Knight’s Station,” Lancelot explains, catching my gaze.


We pass through a hall. More armor, shields, and swords hang on the walls.


“Knights were a lot more honorable back then.” He gestures to the decorations. “Now, instead of a sword, I’ve got a simple trigger that unleashes a bullet—it’s almost a coward’s weapon.”


Lancelot pats the gun by his side as he takes me into what appears to be a small meeting room, surprisingly plain for how ornate the hallway is. There’s a table and two chairs. He sits me down in the poorly lit room.


“Do you ever use your gun?” I ask to break the silence.


“Sometimes. It’s been peaceful lately… until the fire. Might have to use it again soon.”


Lancelot smiles at me as he goes to the windows to further close the venetian blinds. As the light diminishes, my anxiety heightens as to why I’m here. I have nothing to look at except for his back. His shoulders are the epitome of male idealism—square, strong, and nicely slimming down to his waist. Like a model. I mentally kick myself and look at the table instead.


“Do you know Ban du Lac?” Lancelot asks.


I shake my head.


“My old man. He has a stout with your father, Sir Gorlois, once in a while. I hear Sir Gorlois is a brave man—it’s no surprise he has raised a strong lady. You ran into that fire. Wouldn’t expect anything less from Sir Gorlois’s daughter.”


A recorder is on the table. He flicks it on. He sees the bewilderment on my face and doesn’t look away as he lights a cigarette, which I’m sure is not allowed in here.


“Gorlois must be proud that you’re in Arthur’s Round to serve the King.”


His cigarette smoke is already suffocating me.


Lancelot studies me. His eyes are silver and searing. The first thing I think of is a knife. His eyes are weapons—and he knows the affect they have on people, especially women. His mouth curves into a smile, deliberate and slow.




About the Author Realm Loveday:


Realm Lovejoy is an American writer and an artist. She grew up in both Washington State and the Japanese Alps of Nagano, Japan. Currently she lives in Seattle and works as an artist in the video game industry. CLAN is her first book. You can find out more about her and her book at realmlovejoy.com


Author web links:




Where to Purchase Henge by Realm Lovejoy:


 Henge by Realm Lovejoy is available on Amazon 
 


Goddess Fish Virtual Tour for Henge:

This post of part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Other Stops on the tour include:

January 14: Books in the Hall
January 21: Long and Short Reviews
January 28: Slysam Enjoys and Shares
February 4: Unabridged Andra's
February 4: Triquetra Reviews

FTC Disclosure: I receive a review copy of this book to facilitate this review, no other compensation was offered.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

My Thoughts on After by Anna Todd

I participated in the After by Anna Todd blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received compensation but all opinions are my own. 

This was originally reprinted on feelingfit.info but I am reprinting it here.



I love stories about unexpected success, I don’t want to say “rags-to-riches” but a similar concept. Anna Todd’s story is one of those stories! Anna Todd was a novice author who wrote installments of her new adult, fan fiction series “After” during her lunch breaks using Wattpad, a free social reading and writing app and her mobile phone.  Her series was a viral hit among Wattpad readers and led to a book deal with a major publisher and a movie deal. Wow!

AnnaToddportrait


One2One Network and Simon and Schuster sent a review copy of Anna Todd’s first installment After. To be honest, I find Anna’s Cinderella success more inspiring than the book. However, I did enjoy reading After and immediately purchased the Kindle version of the second novel from the series. I say that with a little embarrassment as I had mixed feelings about this book. But I am eager to see how things develop (I promise no spoilers!).

After tells the tale of a rather volatile on again off again relationship between two college students. The characters include Tessa a straight-laced innocent and Hardin a damaged, edgy womanizer. I liked the engaging and conversational tone of the writing. The characters are nuanced and complicated and the chemistry steamy.  Overall it is a pleasurable read–a guilty pleasure that is.

Why guilty? To be honest, as a mature (or perhaps maturing) woman who has been in a few relationships and has seen mistakes made by friends… This relationship described in the book is a big mistake for both characters. It is basically a borderline abusive relationship. There is a little nuance to it, but it has the initial seeds of trouble.  I think the writer does an amazing job of making the characters sympathetic and I find myself wanting them to get help and to make it work. It is only the first book, so perhaps the characters will grow and evolve. (I haven’t read the Wattpad series yet). I am engaged enough that I purchased the second book, so we will see…

In the meantime, I am enjoying Wattpad as way to discover new writers and find new things to read. It is also an amazing platform for inspiring writers to share their work with others. If you haven’t already, be sure and check out Wattpad!

About Wattpad:

Wattpad is the world’s largest community of readers and writers. According to Wattpad,  they have connected over 40 million people around the world who share a love of reading and writing.  

Wattpad is a free storytelling experience that’s both mobile and social.   It works with various phones, tablets or computers both online and offline. Anyone can read a story on Wattpad for free and anyone can write one (whether previously published or not!).
For more information visit: Wattpad!

Where to Purchase After and Other Books by Anna Todd:

On Barnes and Noble:

On Various E-Reader and Audio Book Formats:
Includes links to Barnes & Noble, Audible, SouncCloud, Ibooks, iTunes, and more!
  • E-reader (and audio book download versions)

On Amazon:
(Affiliate link to follow)

Monday, January 19, 2015

Book Blitz: Hearts On Fire


I am proud to participate in the cover reveal for Hearts On Fire by Alison Packard. Thank you to Goddess Fish Promotions and Alison Packard!

This post is part of a virtual book tour revealing the cover of Alison Packard's newest book Hearts on Fire which will be released on February 3. One randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will receive a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card.  The author is also hosting a giveaway--see details after the reveal and the plot summary. Enjoy!




Plot Summary: Hearts On Fire by Alison Packard

Country music star Jessie Grant has it all. An amazing voice, a string of multi-platinum albums, and a sold-out concert tour. But just before her Hearts on Fire tour rolls into Las Vegas, her lead guitarist is badly injured and is unable to play. Desperate to find a replacement before the night of a televised live show, Jessie is forced to accept help from the last person on earth she wants to see again.

Drew Carmichael has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best up-and-coming musicians in Nashville, without cashing in on his renowned father’s name. When Jessie’s manager calls and asks him to fill in for her band’s injured guitar player, he agrees to help Jessie out even though she cut him out of her life four months ago.

In Sin City, sparks fly between Jessie and Drew, and it isn’t long before they give in to their mutual attraction. But when the dark past Jessie has successfully hidden for ten years explodes in the media, their tenuous bond is put to the test, and both Jessie and Drew must learn to trust each other if they don’t want their newfound romantic relationship to go up in flames.

Enter To Win A Free Copy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 



Enjoy an Excerpt:


As if sensing she was being watched, she turned and their gazes collided across the stage. Her smile faltered as the seconds ticked by. She remained rooted to the spot, so he moved forward. One of them had to make the first move; it looked like it would be him.

“Hey,” he said as he halted in front of her.

She thanked the roadie, who smiled and left them to attend to Tara and Renee.

“Hello,” she replied, her tone formal and her eyes guarded. “Thank you for agreeing to help us out.”

“You’re welcome.” He rested his arm along the top of his favorite guitar, a Fender Strat that he’d bought when he was sixteen, after years of saving his allowance and hoarding the money he’d earned doing odd jobs around town.

Although his father had made good money and left them fairly well-off after he died, his mom always believed that he should learn the value of money. It was a lesson he’d learned well, and to this day, he hadn’t touched one dollar of the money his father had left him. He wanted to make something of himself on his own terms, not because he had connections or an inheritance.

“Wally gave me the set list yesterday. It looks like it’s pretty much the same as before,” he said, after an uncomfortable silence.

“For the most part.” Jessie tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “The only difference is, I’ve changed up the order so that some of my older stuff is sprinkled throughout the set. Works better that way.”

He nodded. “So what the hell happened to Kenny? Wally said he broke his arm?”

Jessie rolled her eyes. “The damn fool decided to take a swan dive off the stage, and because he’d had a couple of fireballs before the show, he miscalculated how close the audience was to the stage and fell smack dab onto the concrete floor.”

Drew gasped, equally shocked and amused at the picture she’d painted. “Jesus. Are you serious?”

Her lips curved upwards with a ghost of a smile. It was something, even if it wasn’t the usual mega-watt smile she gave him when they used to hang out together. “It’s true. I couldn’t make something like that up. Broke his arm in two places.”

“Ouch.” He winced, thinking of the pain Kenny must have been in. “So he’ll be laid up for a while?”

“Looks like it,” she said. Then, without warning, her tone turned frosty again, and the laughter vanished from her eyes. “Well, we should get started. Do you feel comfortable with all the songs?”

“Yeah. I could do them in my sleep,” he said, then frowned. “Did that sound cocky?”

“No. Just confident.” Her unreadable eyes roamed over his face. “Wally wants us to do a duet.”

“I know.”

He’d taken a look at the sheet music and recognized the song immediately. Anybody who’d ever attended a wedding in the last twenty years would probably be aware of the hit ballad that was popular in the early ‘80s. It was a nice song, and one that would suit his and Jessie’s harmonies to a tee.

“I’m not sold on the idea, but he seems to think it’ll be good for the CMT taping.”

“Whatever you decide is fine with me.” He brushed his hair back from his eyes and held her gaze. “I miss talking to you, Jessie,” he said, unable to stop himself.

Her eyes flickered with some unknown emotion, which vanished as quickly as it came.

“We should get to work. Time’s a wastin’.” And with that, she turned her back on him, moved to the center mic near the front of the stage and never looked back.

About the Author:

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where she’s still getting used to the blistering summers and the slot machines in every grocery store.

When not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and supports her book and chocolate habits, Alison spends most of her free time writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.




Website: http://alisonpackard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Packard-Author/368976796492227?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alleyfics
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Alison-Packard/e/B009JG39XQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1419875275&sr=8-4
Barnes and Noble Author Page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/alison-packard
 

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Snack Pairing: Brookside Crunchy Clusters #DiscoverBrookside

This is my first post about snacks or drinks I enjoy complete with media pairings. I received a free sample of Brookside Crunchy Clusters from Brookside through Crowdtap...

I like to enjoy a nice snack while enjoying a good book or film. Who doesn't? I will periodically feature a suggested food and entertainment pairing. The first pairing is Brookside Crunchy Clusters.

#DiscoverBrookside

Description from Brookside:

Smooth dark chocolate, multi-grain clusters and alluring, fruit flavors create an enticingly delicious taste experience. Its unexpected crunch and texture like you've never experienced before. Eat it on the go, at home, during work, share it with friends! #DiscoverBrookside.

My Experience Trying Brookside Crunchy Clusters:

The Brookside description is pretty true to my experience. These clusters have a rich dark chocolate flavor byt inside there are small crunchy, toffee textured fruit flavors. The sample I tried tasted of tangy berries such as raspberries and others. I loved the combination of the slightly bitter chocolate with the sweet and tangy fruit. I like to pair this with a small amount of almonds to add crunch and cut the sweetness a little. Yum!


My Suggested Media Pairing:

I like to enjoy Brookside Crunchy clusters with a bittersweet romance ideally something with a bit of "tang" to it. Or perhaps a slightly naughty comedy drama such as HBO's Girls.

For more information about Crowdtap visit the Crowdtap website.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Spencer James Comedy Don't Shake A Baby


Cover of Spencer James Don't Shake A Baby Comedy Album #uproar

It is always fun to discover new (to me) comedians. I find that laughter is the best medicine -- a laugh a day keeps the doctor away!

FTC disclosure: I was fortunate that Uproar Comedy sent  a free download of Spencer James album Dont Shake a Baby for review.  The opinions are my own and do not represent Mr James or Uproar Comedy.

Spencer James is irreverent and outspoken. Some of his comedy fit in the "funny because it is true' category. And some is in the "he didn't just say that!" category. And some of it was a little over the line for me, but that is the thing with comedy--different strokes.

Listen to A Sample From Soundcloud:

One of the best ways to see whether comedy appeals to you is to hear a sample, I included this link to listen to a sample of Spencer James' comedy on Soundcloud.


 

And Watch Spencer James on YouTube

Here is a YouTube clip that is very similar to the first track on Don't Shake A Baby.

 


About Spencer Dreams:

The following biography is from Spencer James Publicity materials, I felt it works well so am reprinting it...


Spencer James "Don't Shake A Baby" is Martin and Lewis, with a little dash of Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. mixed in. James blends both music and dance into his stand-up for a show that's both anti "jobs" and yet pro "fat kids."

Spencer James's comedy career started very early on. At eleven years old, he was the fat kid always getting picked on by school bullies and being ignored by every girl around. An army brat who moved frequently throughout the US as well as internationally, he used stand-up to provide comic relief.

James has entertained audiences all over the country. He was the Winner of the 2014 World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, Nevada and  "Best of the Fest" at the 2014 Burbank Comedy Festival. He was also recently seen on the Fox television show "Laughs".

A sort of "personal reveal", his comedy reflects a variety of influences - Bill Cosby's storytelling; Mitch Hedberg's one liners; Richard Pryor's vulnerability. He admires Bill Hicks, Bill Burr and Christopher Titus for the openness they all share. His comedy gives us his unique perspective on those things in life that he finds funny or weird - stuff like guys in wheelchairs buying ladders at Home Depot.


Where to Purchase:

Spencer James Don't Shake A Baby is available for purchase and download at Uproar Comedy. 

For those who don't know, Uproar Comedy is a great resource for people who enjoy comedy. According to their publicity materials:

"Uproar Entertainment is committed to recording and promoting today’s most talented comedians. From discovery at comedy festivals throughout the country (where Uproar gives a recording contract to the winners), to state of the art recording live in top comedy clubs, Uproar nurtures, supports and develops the best comedic talents of our time. "



Sunday, January 4, 2015

The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection Review & Giveaway!

I received The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection CD as a member of the Entertainment New Media Network.  No further compensation was received and all opinions are my own. The Entertainment New Media Network is also offering one lucky Enjoys & Shares reader a copy of The Little Mermaid from the Legacy Collection CD, to enter the giveaway  see details after the album trailer. 


The Little Mermaid from The Legacy Collection #‎disneymusic‬  ‪#‎enmnetwork‬

I have fond memories of The Little Mermaid and the music from younger years. When I had the opportunity to review The Little Mermaid from Legacy Collection CD, I jumped at the chance. I haven't heard this music in years, but I remember the uplifting crowd pleasers like Under The Sea and Kiss The Girl with fondness.

The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection is a two CD set packaged in a beautiful CD-sized hardcover book. The book is lovely, it is full color and contains illustrations from The Little Mermaid, song lyrics and extensive liner notes about the film and music. 

Overall, I am really impressed. The soundtrack music is actually better than I remember and is expressive of a range of moods--dramatic, comical, romantic, wistful and more. I highly recommend this for fans of The Little Mermaid of all ages.

Listen To  The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection Sampler Video:


 

Enter to Win The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection:

This giveaway is open to US residents for shipping reasons. According to the sponsor, the prize will be sent within 4 - 6 weeks of the giveaway closing date. If it comes to this blogger’s attention that the winner of this giveaway has won on an additional blog for this same prize, this blog reserves the right to choose another winner.


Little Mermaid Legacy Collection CD Little Mermaid Legacy Collection CD


About The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection

Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection: The Little Mermaid takes you on a musical voyage you will never forget. This beautiful book-bound two disc collectible set features the award winning music from the film, never before released demos and working tapes from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken and more. Exclusively illustrated by the talented Lorelay Bove, WDR The Legacy Collection is a musical masterpiece every fan will enjoy. (Quote from publicity materials)

Track List The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection:

Disc: 1
1. Fathoms Below (Ship's Chorus)
2. Main Titles Score
3. Fanfare Score
4. Daughters of Triton (Daughters of Triton)
5. Intro Ariel Score
6. Intro Ursula Score
7. Triton Reprimands Score
8. Sebastian's Dilemma Score
9. Part of Your World (Jodi Benson)
10. Fireworks Score
11. The Storm Score
12. Part of Your World (Reprise) / Ursula Plots (Jodi Benson)
13. Ariel in Love Score
14. Under the Sea Performed (Samuel E. Wright)
15. Sebastian and Triton Score
16. Destroying the Grotto Score
17. Flotsam and Jetsam Score
18. Ursula's Lair Score
19. Poor Unfortunate Souls (Pat Carroll)
20. She's Got Legs Score
21. Sebastian Relents Score
22. On Land Score
23. Miss Manners Score
24. Les Poissons (René Auberjonois)
25. Crab On a Plate / Bedtime Score
26. Tour of the Kingdom Score
27. Kiss the Girl (Samuel E. Wright)
28. Ariel Left Behind Score
29. Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise) (Pat Carroll)
30. The Truth Score
31. Interrupting the Wedding / Ursula's Defeat Score
32. Happy Ending (Disney Chorus) 
Disc: 2
1. Fathoms Below Work Tape (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
2. Daughters of Triton Synth Demo (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
3. Part of Your World Synth Demo (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
4. Fireworks / The Gigue Score Piano (Alan Menken)
5. The Storm Score Piano Demi (Alan Menken)
6. Under the Sea Synth Demo (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
7. Poor Unfortunate Souls Basic Synth Demo (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
8. Poor Unfortunate Souls Final Synth Mockup (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
9. Les Poissons Work Tape Demo (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
10. Les Poissons Synth Demo (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
11. Kiss the Girl Synth Demo B (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken)
12. Happy Ending Score Piano Demo Performed by Alan Menken


Where to Purchase The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection:

Amazon affiliate link to follow. If you click on the Amazon link and make a purchase, Enjoys & Shares receives a commission.

The Little Mermaid Legacy Collection is available at Disney Music Emporium and on Amazon (see product listing for The Little Mermaid).