Logan Schmidt is the bassist for Exodus End and he is one of the most fun and charismatic rock stars Ive ever read about
926495
When I first saw there was an Exodus End book coming out, I was so excited I couldn't stand it! I thought this is it. We are finally getting that Dare Mills book Ive been waiting for. Well, this is not Dares book. This is Logans book. Logan Schmidt is the bassist for Exodus End and he is one of the most fun and charismatic rock stars Ive ever read about. Hes a dare devil, a guy that will make you laugh out loud and a total sweetheart. Im still anxious for Dares book, but I enjoyed reading about Logan and getting to know the other members of the band as well.

Toni Nichols is about to take on a job of a lifetime. Shes touring with Exodus End to make a new interactive biography. Toni has spent most of her teenage/adult life living with her sister. Because of that shes unsure of herself and innocent. Shes not shy, just a bit of an introvert at times. She doesnt know how shell get these musicians to open up to her. Then she meets Logan. Logan is immediately attracted to this woman with her unflattering clothes, glasses and sweet yet spunky attitude. Just a little time with Logan, she finds her self opening up and seeing this new and confident side of her. Logan lives his life to the fullest and has Toni wanting to do the same.

I loved Toni and I loved Logan. I loved them together. They balanced each other perfectly. I did feel that their relationship was a bit fast, but I think with the setting of being together 24/7 on the tour bus made it more believable then in any other setting. If youve read Cunnings Sinners on Tour series you know she writes the best of the best erotic rockstar romances. This was no exception. She nailed it. The steamy scenes, the story line, the lovable characters and just the right amount of conflict and angst. The only reason this isn't a 5 star read for me is that there were times it felt a bit too long. Most of the book was fast paced, but there were some parts that dragged a bit. Overall, its a great read and one I would highly recommend to any of her fans. I am so excited for the next book in this series! Its Reagan's so you know what that means pretty much another Trey book! WIN!
3385268
I was watching MuchMusic on TV about 2 months ago, I saw the video for "Capricorn" and I thought it was amazing song. I checked out the band's website and listened to "Edge of the Earth" and I knew that this band was an amazingly talented band. I recognized the lead singer's name, Jared Leto, and remembered he was in Fight Club, Panic Room, and Requiem for a Dream. He did an amazing job in all of those movies, by the way. After I downloaded some songs (Mission, Echelon, Welcome to the Universe), I knew their CD would be worth buying. I listened to the songs over and over again, and I thought they were (and still are) amazing. I am suprised, by past experiences (seeing Russell Crowe trying to become a musician), that Jared Leto actually did an amazing job being a musician/actor. He has some major potential and I know 30 seconds To Mars will become an amazingly appreciated band, and make it very far. Jared Leto is the first actor I have seen actually do a nice job being a musician. 30 Seconds to Mar's CD is DEFINITELY worth purchasing. BUY IT!!
375532
April 18th!

What makes the most money for this business? Dead rock stars. - Courtney Love

Adolescents are attracted to tragic heroes. That's why rock stars dress like homeless people. Adolescence is a fall. It's when every child becomes an orphan. - Heather O'Neill

This is the first book by Sarah Dosher I have read, and it will not be my last. Which is sort of odd, as this isn't usually a book I would have picked up on my own. The whole angsty rock star thing has just never done it for me. However, to say that Ms. Dosher pleasantly surprised me with her handling of the storyline is a vast understatement. It grabbed me from the first and didn't let go until the last page.

This is very much a different sort of rock-n-roll story. Eli Blue Savage grew up in a modern day fairy tale. The daughter of a rock superstar, Eli lived backstage at rock concerts, mostly bored out of her brain, but thrilled to be with her father, a famous Rock God guitarist. With a mother who rocks the evil, psychotic stereotype, Eli finds herself immersed in the backstage lifestyle with a father who adores her beyond all reason. That is, until her beloved father succumbs to a drug overdose leaving Eli to find his body. One wonders, of course, how a loving father could put his daughter into a position where this could happen  but that whole rock god lifestyle was apparently too much for Savage to resist, and Eli found herself alone.

Eli still manages to hold her life together, even after her devastating loss. She grows up solid and drug free, goes to college, and now she is taking over her fathers music management company, Savage Man. The problem is, her mother. Her drug and alcohol addicted, vicious, psychotic mother who will do anything to bring Eli down and take back the company. A company she nearly ran into the ground under her custodianship until Eli came of age.

Now in control of a floundering Savage Man, Eli books her first band, The Elles, led by her best friend Willow. Willow, who leads Eli to a new possibility  Unforgiven.  And while the lead, Duke, isn't someone who grabbed my attention, Deacon certainly did. Sitting back in the shadows, immersed in the music for the sake of the music, Deacon is a different sort of rock star. And Eli is a different sort of female lead for a romance novel. Strong, determined, and immensely likable, Eli is a charming character. Deacon is charming at times, though with a somewhat dark and edgy feel that keeps him from being either a bland or an archetypical romance hero.

I had a few issues with the book, things I would have handled differently  especially Shaw. But that is the point, isn't it? We read for a glance into another world, a chance to flow into another reality, another time, another possibility. With a strong undercurrent of suspense, thriller, and mystery as well as a strong and well-written romance, Ms. Dosher pulls her story off in spades, introducing characters to love, as well as characters which you will love to hate.

If you like a romance with an actual story line, this is definitely one to read. I don't believe you will be disappointed.
A Blue Tale was provided to So, I Read This Book Today by Heather Davenport at Book Plug Promotions in return for a realistic review. All commentary is my own, and in no way based upon the receipt of the book in return for a review.
2571844
I have no idea how much of Paul Di'Anno's autobiography is fact or fantasy but it is undeniably entertaining. In fact, as far as rock autobiography's go this one rivals Motley Crue's, The Dirt, for debauchery and drug use.

The thing that separates The Beast from its literary contemporaries is the violence. I'm no psychiatrist but I'd bet my Castle Rock Iron Maiden reissues that Di'Anno (perhaps my favorite singer of all time) is a sociopath. It's no knock on Di'Anno just a statement of fact based on the bat-s*** crazy stories he tells. I still love the guy for all the great music he's recorded, primarily with Iron Maiden.

This book did get me interested in hunting down all of Di'Anno's solo stuff I didn't already own and while his post-Maiden output is hit and miss there are some gems as well.

The problem with rock biographies in particular is the image you've cultivated all these years of the musicians you grew up idol-worshiping is usually nowhere near the reality. This was the case for me with Di'Anno's autobiography but damn could he sing!

Cheers to Paul Di'Anno, Iron Maiden's #1 vocalist and a genuine lunatic! Those first two Maiden albums are sublime.
1033586
I am so excited that this album finally came out, I've been waiting all summer for it!! I had a chance to see Elevation perform live at SXSW this last March and was completely blown away by the talent that this group has. Not only do they look like total rock stars, they can play like rock stars! Probably the most energetic and eye-catching band that I saw play at SXSW! The lead guitarist was jumping from the stage to on top of the speakers, while the drummer was in the back making it look like he was born playing. And unlike some other bands, the singer can actually sing!! I would love to see them again, even if I have to go to Atlanta to see them!
2838327
*This review has spoilers for Double Time and Insider*

In this second installment of Exodus End World Tour and sequel to Double Time (Sinners on Tour, #5) the heat is up with the hottest triad around. I've loved Trey, Ethan, and Reagan from the moment they started their relationship in Double Time so I was super excited to get to read Outsider. This book is full of hot and sexy moments, emotional ups and downs, and some life lessons that really show the good as well as the bad in people.
Trey, Ethan, and Reagan are in an awesome relationship but some awful people take advantage of Toni (introduced in Insider) and exploit some very private info about the band that she'd naively written in her diary. This of course seems to mainly effect Reagan but it does really way on everyone. It really tests not only their triad relationship but also each of them as a person as well as their relationships with friends, family, and band mates. Situations like this really bring out people's true colors. It was glorious to finally get a conclusion to their story. I hope we'll continue to see them throughout the remaining band members' books. I have a fondness for these 3. Oh, who am I kidding? I have a fondness for all of Olivia Cunning's rock stars and their significant others.
Olivia Cunning is on that infamous list of authors that I will not only read ANYTHING they write whether I've read the synopsis or not, but I also love to re-read. So, of course I'm ecstatic to add Outsider to my collection. This book flowed so well that I devoured it in less than a day without realizing how much time had gone by. I'm in awe of those books that manage to suck you in to the story so well that reality seems to disappear. Once again Olivia Cunning has managed to do that and so much more. I will forever be a fan and I can definitely say it was worth the wait. 5 out of 5 "rock" stars!!!
637927
Children of Bodom are a band that has recently caught my attention.  I purchased this album after watching the music video of the song 'Everytime I die,' and I was waiting for Follow the Reaper to arrive in the mailbox!  When I first put the cd in the stereo, I was incredibly happy with the awesome sound and quality that this cd has.

Follow the Reaper opens strong with the title track, and I absolutely love the keyboards.  Their keyboardist has immense talent, along with Alexi, the lead singer, and the rest of the band.  Bodom After Midnight is a fast-paced rocker that sounds like Iron Maiden leads mixed with death metal style vocals!  The song, Everytime I Die is an awesome song, and I loved it when these guys played it live when I saw them with Iced Earth.  The rest of the songs rock, and the riffs are amazing.  Children of Bodom are here to stay, and I highly recommend this album!  Metal fans will enjoy this release due to the fact that Children of Bodom are a fun band to listen to.
1164515
Nad is a fantastic songwriter and performer. This album really highlights his gift as a contributor to the progressive rock genre. He is very thoughtful in the construction of his lyrics and his music and he is capable of playing just about any of the instruments that are displayed. The 19 minute epic is worth the price of this CD. Not one bad song on the album! You won't regret adding this to your collection.
761976
What can I say but the wait was definitely worth it. Insider is the first book in Olivia Cunning's new series. We are brought back into the world of very hot rock stars by seeing the inside workings of Exodus End.
This is Logan & Toni's story and what a fantastic story it is.
Logan Bassit for Exodus End and well known Player is totally thrown off his game when he meets the very inexperienced geeky Toni.
Toni is a up and coming journalist for her Mom's company who is doing a video book on Exodus End but what Toni isn't aware of is how sheltered she has been in her life with the care of her sister and just her shyness.
When Toni meets Logan for the first time the chemistry is undeniable and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes from the two of them is one ride you want to be on to see where it all goes.
We get to see the workings of all the bandmates and are even given a peek in seeing the Sinners. This is only the beginning of a new incredible series and if you love Rockstars, a lot of dirty talk and definitely romance this is the series you will not want to miss
283036
From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners' new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she's too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible-exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud-exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.

Review:

All Hail the Queen of Rock and Roll, Olivia Cunning!!!!

One of my favorite series of all time is coming to an end and I am extremely sad.

Now, even though this is the last book released; it is not last in reading order but #4.  I went back and re-read all the books in the correct order and it was much more enjoyable than reading them as they were released.  Timeline wise here is the correct order:

1. Backstage Pass
2. Rock Hard
3. Hot Ticket
4. Wicked Beat
5. Double Time.

I have to say, who knew that there was so much depth behind Eric?  For so much of the series Eric is the voyeur of not just the sex that happens on tour but with the band he feels is more talented than he is.  What is it about Rebekah that has him almost instantly coming out of his shell to get the girl? but he does an almost complete turn around, I loved the side of Eric that is all goofy and sweet.  I wanted to smack Reb when she wanted Trey, but she realized quickly that Eric really was the Rock Star for her. Reb has not had an easy time either, she has had cancer that has left her without the ability to have her own children, finance who leaves her because of this and then she takes over for her brother Dave and has to prove that as a girl she can do what is a male dominated field.

There are some great moments in this book, some are sexy and some are just fun.  When Trey seduces the ex-finance at the family dinner at Reb's parents home and then talks him into coming out.  I love the trips to the adult stores and the dress up play that happen between Eric and Reb.  The best is Reb's solution for Eric's premature ejaculation; have more sex to desensitize and prolong sex. Great ending to a wonderful series!

I hope someday there will be a reunion tour for my favorite band...

5 Licks
3184686
I love Rob Sheffield. His writing on his love of music, even the really bad stuff, is nothing short of poetic. In him I feel that Ive found a kindred spirit. I have read and re-read Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time so many times that I had to purchase a second copy. Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man's Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut is a go-to gift for friends. I am always thrilled to see him pop up as one of the talking heads on the VH1 music countdown shows. And I probably would have canceled my Rolling Stone subscription if it weren't for him.

I just received my copy of Turn Around Bright Eyes: The Rituals of Love and Karaoke and am half-way through. As always, I am digging Robs tapestry of humor and heart and cannot wait to see how it all turns out. Robs writing is fun, nostalgic and it is easy to relate to him. I cannot wait to finish this book.
3785625
Usually we have seen that 'superstar' line-ups in rock music don't always pan out, due to egos clashing and a lack of chemistry between the "stars".  Not so with Them Crooked Vultures.  Of course, Foo Fighter leader Dave Grohl is not a stranger to Queens of the Stone Age, having drummed on "Music For the Deaf" and a familiar partner for Josh Homme, the Queens guru who actually leads this session with ease.
  That's not necessarily an easy task when you consider John Paul Jones is your bass player.  This legend from Led Zeppelin, like anybody has to be told, would intimidate anybody with his presence, but not so with these two buckaroos.
  Rather, this band sounds like a revved-up riff heavy Queens of the Stone Age album, and Jones is probably as enthusiastic to work with these guys as they are with him.  Homme doesn't try to play Page or Plant, and in places his falsetto sounds eerily like Jack Bruce.  There is a nod however to that "other" band with "Bandolier", and some cool Farfisa organ elsewhere.
  Grohl is a powerhouse drummer with an ear for a good beat that so many blast beat drummers seem to lack these days.  Being a singer and guitarist helps him approach his kit musically, knowing that sometimes what you don't play matters as much as what you do.
  This will probably be a one time project, but this reviewer hopes not, because "Them Crooked Vultures" is one of the best guitar albums of the year and is a welcome delight to my stereo.
2818972
This is an incredible insight into Devin's huge carreer. The show is awesome and it has really cool guests like Steve Vai or Jed Simon from Strapping Young Lad. Sound quality is top notch and camera work is great om the dvd. Inmersive experience!
806095
Great stuff here. the Guitars shred and are in your face! The singer sounds decent enough, but its really about the riffs. They shred! Track by track run downs aren't my thing, but as a whole it works fantastic!

Exodus now has 3 solid Cd's since reforming. Lack of some original members, But that doesnt matter at this point.. If you liked the last disc (SHKM)you will love this! Its just as heavy but not as forced. (not that the cd was bad by any means)
If you didn't get the last one, i suggest you get this first. It is better overall. Great sound quality as well. The Guitar comes at you like a saw!

They were ahead of their time in '85 and are still writing new thrash rules. Highly recommend to all metal heads. I thank Gary Holt for keeping the legacy alive. To all those who don't see this as 'Exodus' because of lineup changes, FORGET IT! Its awesome. Well worth it.
2023338
I had heard some clips off of this on the NPR All Songs Considered with him and it got me excited to check this out. This is the seventh studio album under his own name. I have been a fan of his music since I checked out Slaughterhouse in 2012. He has a very psychedelic feel to his music that is really nice to hear. And then you add in the garage rock, fuzz that he adds to his guitars. It is just really fun music to listen to. This is by far the cleanest record that I have heard from him and that really takes this album up a few notches to me. There were some really great grooves, great drumming and some really killer guitar solos. I have to listen to this one again soon. So much great rock and roll and this one and it is recorded with such solid production it just sounds amazing, it really shows that those extra takes to get it perfect were worth it in the end.  I think there are some lyric themes/concepts that flow throughout the whole album but I'll have to listen more closely to hear them all. Such a rocking album though. Gonna be tough to top this one this week.
2078753
Red Goodbye is a relatively unknown yet wonderful group of musicians that know how to write modern rock songs that remain in your head. The longplayer "One Time Mountain" opens with the awesome piece "God and girl", that is a wonderful power ballad and my favourite on this album. Subsequently, "Shakespeare Lied" is a Creed-esque song that captures a lot of feelings within 5 minutes. The next song ... wait! ... you should definitely check out the rest by yourself. It's very difficult to judge Red Goodbye's music by the means of a couple of words. Give the CD a try and you will soon be a true fan of the group.

So its a clear *****-rating from me for one of the up and coming rock bands in the US. Check them out!
1283507
Ronnie shows why he has been a mainstay of the British and World rock community for the past four decades. A featured member of the Faces with Rod Stewart and for the past 28 years or so the Stones. His guitar playing doesn't have the finesse of a Clapton or the inventivness of Jimi Hendrix but it's right in the pocket and the rhythm is rock solid much like his bandmate Keith Richards. His vocals remind me of Bob Dylan a little rough hewn but very effective. Slash makes an appearance and adds a lot of fire to the event. Ronnie is your quinessential 60s 70s rock star. He still has the haircut from that period. He plays and sings like he's having a great time and letting the audiance in on the fun also.