Carly's "Passenger" is an exhilirating ride
587830
"Another Passenger" isn't one of Carly Simon's more popular albums.  There's no big single (the Anita Baker-ish "Half a  Chance" didn't make much of a dent on radio), it wasn't a huge seller,  and it didn't even boast one of those sexy album covers she's so well known  for.  It is, however, one of her most impressive outings as a  songwriter.
The songs on "Passenger" have even more depth and  character than her usual fare, if that can even be imagined.  The character  studies laid over the breezy calypso of "He Likes to Roll" and  the saloon jazz of "Riverboat Gambler" are the work of an adept  enough writer, but the biting takes on the pretentious heroine of  "Dishonest Modesty" are laugh-out-loud clever ("And you can  House and Garden/Vogue and Glamour, Mademoiselle/but I know you can Bitch  and Screw/and Penthouse just as well").  "Fairweather  Father" and "Cow Town" tell tales of modern women in  less-than-perfect relationships (the former featuring an underappreciated  domestic goddess and the latter featuring a gold-digger whose payoff is  lucrative but lonely), and the Elton John-esque "Libby" is a  touching ode to a longtime friend and kindred spirit.
However, love pains  from a first-person point of view have often been the subject of Simon's  best work, and this record is no exception.  "Darkness Til Dawn"  is a touching account of coping with the end of an affair; when Simon sings  "my brain won't stop showin' those old movies of you," the  longing and resignation in her voice make for one of her most striking  moments.  And the lesser-heard masterpiece "In Times When My  Head" tells a stingingly sad tale of a woman so confident in her  importance to her lover that she has an indiscretion, naturally leading to  guilt that breeds insecurity.  The chorus features a killer hook, but with  lyrics like "although that boy meant nothing to me/I believe I've lost  the simple thrill/of the times when my head was together about you,"  it's pretty clear that this is too deep for your average FM station.
The  album's only less-than-necessary experience is the lightweight "One  Love Stand," a pop shuffle that's agreeable enough but outclassed by  the material that surrounds it.  All is forgiven, though, when even the  album's sole remake is a strong artistic statement: her slow-burn reading  of the Doobie Brothers' "It Keeps You Runnin" is a textbook  example of how to give a sultry vocal performance.
Sadly, it's all too  often that some of an artist's best work goes unrecognized because it's too  sophisticated for the masses.  But at least die-hard Carly Simon fans who  dig deeper than radio hits can reap the benefits of this hidden treasure.
4204703
Give me MORE! I adored wrecked and every other Elle Casey book and Reckless was no different. The continuation of Kevin, Sarah, Candi and Johnathan's crazy adventure was a ride worth taking. I laughed out loud at some parts and found myself in tears at others. I definitely love how Candi maintains her beauty queen demeanor while whooping some serious ass! And can I have my very own hot geeky boy?? Johnathan makes me happy, smart and sexy is a very potent combination. Needless to say, this is a purchase you will not regret making.
532673
In The Passenger, Lisa Lutz invites you along on a wild ride as her main character Tayna/Jo flees from her past. Being a fugitive, she meets many unique characters along the way including Blue with whom she inadvertently shares her troubles and Domenic the friendly sheriff. The book is filled with unexpected situations calling for unexpected and often violent solutions. Most of these choices lead to fleeing once again. It is both a study in the psychology of a person trying to live off the grid as well as a slowly unfolding mystery about why Tayna/Jo is on the run. My only criticism is I didn't think the ending was a believable conclusion to her life on the run
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fa
4094911
I had so much fun reading this book and feeling as though I was losing my mind right along side the main character! There was just never a dull moment.  What an exciting read! Her character development is wonderful and you feel like you're on the same roller coaster they are riding, and there is no stopping this one. Even after the last page, you're still thinking about it.  I loved it!
655620
"Baby Please Don't Go" is a great find I did not want to end -- but when it did, what a pay-off!
Never saw it coming and really enjoyed the ride that author Frank Freudberg took me on. You'll either love or hate the characters, but one thing is certain -- it's a page turner!~  Warning: put on your seat belt for a wild roller-coaster ride of emotions. Watch out for "Natalie" one of the greatest femme fatale characters ever!~ Enjoy.
2714332
I never was a fan of roller coasters, but I don't want to get off this one. Just when I thought Haille was the meek one and Molly the boisterous one, BOOM, out of her shell Haille pops and with a fury to defend her friend and to defend her love for Bryan.... but when will she stand up to Neil? Bryan is not the villain here, Neil is. He is only holding on to Haille for his own financial reasons. You can't tell me he loves her. He is a pimp in plain english. Hot, steamy, raw feelings come to surface... you know that somewhere down the line it has to be meant to be for Bryan and Haille.... they both just have to figure out what each one is hiding.
4421238
Bailey stretched her gloved hands to the sky, the way she did when riding a roller coaster. And here she was, in the front car of the wildest coaster of all. And so is this book! The twist and turns of the plot suggesting one character may be the guilty party just about the time you suspect it's someone else. A small town with a big secret. You go right along the bumpy ride with Bailey one minute trying to protect the man she loves to being terrified he's a cunning killer. A charmer or murderer. Spindler has done it again with her own brand of addictive suspense, keeping the reader guessing right up til the very end. (less)
487235
Wow what a ride and I usually get sick on rides but not this one. Loved it. Thrilling and exhilarating. Young love in a small town with many twists and turns. I was generously given a copy from the author and it did not disappoint. Take a ride with Blue and Charlie!
903376
Soaring on Love is an amazing read that you hate to see come to an end. From the first encounter of Tressa and Roth, you feel the synergy they both bring to each other lives at just the right time. They share an energy and vibe like no other, one that could be sensed by all who encounter their engagement while in each other's presence. Joy Avery takes you on a joyous ride as you experience the joy of falling in love. She paints the picture of a never-ending love that makes you feel like you are "Soaring on Love." From paper airplanes to snow angels the bond between Roth and Tressa becomes undeniable. Tressa manages to rock the plane of Roth's heart and reach deep into his soul in ways that Roth never thought that anyone could touch. She reached and melted his harden heart just with being herself and loving him like only she can. She is just the women for him, and he is just the man for her, but will they realize it before it is too late, or will they let the complications of their ex's ruin their "Soaring on Love" experience. If you want to experience the intense "Soaring on Love" experience, I highly recommend you read this book.
4515043
Raw. Palpable. Edgy. Lovely. Sexy. Poignant. Intoxicating. Elisa Grajeda-Urmston took me on the road with her when she took me on this ride with her. Just a few pages in and I found myself checking out of my own world and seeing, feeling, tasting, and even smelling (does my hair suddenly reek of cigarettes?) this talented musician's journey.  And, I think I'm in need of a refreshing beverage after experiencing Doheny, 1973...as it left me a little breathless. :)
149560
Scotti never gives up, but .... a tantalizing story that shows characters very humanly, it will take you on a wild ride with visions in your mind of each horrific scene. How will she escape this one??????
444807
Sidda's books just draw you in. You get so wrapped up in her characters you end up shouting and wanting to bang their head's together. I love how Carly didn't drag her daughter into the relationship unit she was sure there was a relationship. I also loved that the characters aren't perfect and have a few issues. Even better, Sidda always keeps you up to date about all her previous characters. All I can say is it's a must read, AWESOME!!!!
382120
Remember When had me craving more of Layla and Trip as I became a part of their little high school group and fell in love with these characters.  Remember When 2: The Sequel gave me a roller coaster ride and ended on such a cliffhanger that I was reeling in anticipation for a happy ending for Layla and Trip.  Finally, I can put to rest my unease for these characters who have become a part of me, as they have now come full circle and have matured into their early thirties.

The author filled my reading experience with more humor, a few teases here and there, another walk down Memory Lane, more of those ....awwww moments, and another, albeit smaller, roller coaster ride near the ending.  To say that I am in love with this story...or obsessed with these characters is an understatement.  Trip and Lay reunited was a gift from above for me, but their road was never easy.

Together again, both Trip and Layla are determined to make it work this time.  Layla has learned from her past mistakes and isn't planning to let opportunity pass her by again.  She's determined not to let her insecurities push Trip away, and she knows communication is key.  Unfortunately, there is a learning curve in communication.

I laughed out loud throughout most of the book, as T. Torrest's signature humor shown through so many passages.  The first 80% of the book was filled with heat, as Trip and Layla made up for lost time and were unable to keep their hands off each other.  The sweet gestures, the newity of being together again made for a very sweet read that took me back to book #1 and book #2 with sweet remembrances.

Sweet...until the bottom fell out.  Layla has a hard time dealing with the Hollywood glamour surrounding Trip, the tabloids, the invasion of privacy, and his playboy past invading his present.  Stress has a tendency to make people irritable toward the ones they love the most.  Trip and Layla are no different, and the stress of trying to fit into Trip's world is a lot for Layla to handle, bringing those insecurities to the surface again....and this is where my heart stopped.

The journey for Trip and Layla has always been filled with ups and downs, and this book is no different.  Nothing is ever perfect, and T. Torrest takes the reader on a thrilling ride through the last 20% of the book after putting the reader into a comfort zone in the first 80%.  Well played, Ms. Torrest.

There were several times in my reading that I melted into a gooey puddle of mush, wishing I had a Trip of my own.  The writing is superb, the characters are fully developed, and the epilogue smoothed every bump, bringing our characters full circle with the perfect ending.  This series is on my highest recommendation shelf, and I'm pleased that these characters will be with me again as background characters in three more books by this author.  While this isn't my favorite book in the series, I still want to scream from the mountains for everyone to read. this. series.  There are few books that have that re-readability factor, and this series definitely is one you will want to visit over and over again.
The full review with quotes can be found at romanticreadingescapes(dot)com
3624196
A Review of Gagged by Aubrey Parker

One hell of a roller coaster - 5 stars

After learning a little bit about Caspian from a previous series, I was totally excited to read his story. It was fun getting to know Aurora before we got to Caspian and what makes him tick. She had a platform that she was standing behind and it is a valid one when you stop and think about it. Education is so stagnant for many public schools and with the speed that technology has brought into our lives, depending on books that are sometimes ten to fifteen years old to teach our youth is sort of repugnant.

Caspian is one of those broken men that has all kinds of walls up, but something draws him to Aurora and he basically becomes obsessed with her. There are lots of twists and turns and holding on to the edge of you seat in this book, because it is so riveting. I even appreciate the cover  the fact that it is metophorical instead of the story being about bondage. I am soooo looking forward to Lucy's story. Absolutely great work!
**********
**Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited**
3554686
I generally pay little attention to the romances of the rich and famous, but a book co-written by the ex-wife of Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland -- who I've always been a big fan of -- was too much for me to resist. Surprisingly, I was riveted by Mary Forsberg Weiland's own life tale and not just what she said about Scott. She's led a riotous and unpredictable existence as a model, to say the least, and her autobiography conveys that to wildly entertaining effect.

Readers will get hooked into her story right away during the prologue, where a depressed, anxiety-laden Forsberg tries heroin for the first time -- with her boyfriend, Scott Weiland. The recount dredges up a bunch of observations: It's fascinating to get an intense, firsthand look at what these celebrities are doing in such a sleazy environment, but it's also very sad. As the book proceeds, you eventually see that this encounter is just the tip of the iceberg where drug use is concerned. In fact, if ever a piece of literature could be used to discourage kids from experimenting with drugs, this might be it.

There are lighthearted aspects to the book, however. Mary's stories and the way co-author Larkin Warren helps relate them are at times graceful, charming and funny. This is a hard-knock girl who had a rough childhood, a less-than-middle-class upbringing and a penchant for experimentation. In addition to her addictive personality, Forsberg was a prominent model who traveled the world and is still a huge music fan. Fans of Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots and even Velvet Revolver won't be disappointed; there's a lot of fodder about each.

Especially interesting is the evolution of Scott Weiland, who Mary met (and fell in love with on the spot) as a 16-year-old model. Through her smitten eyes readers witness a sweet, soft-spoken 23-year-old guy who aspired to sing in a big rock band, worked days as a chauffeur, liked to wear vintage 7-UP jackets and was a genuine friend to Forsberg during her formative years. The first time Mary watches Scott performing onstage, she realizes there's a whole other musical element to him, an enrapturing one at that.

What Scott Weiland evolved into was not always so innocent or admirable, but that's the beauty of Forsberg's honesty: No stone is left unturned (pardon the bad pun).

In a weird way, Forsberg's book has elements of a ragged love story, albeit one that doesn't exactly end in the storybook tradition. Her meltdown memories at the end of the book put her fragility and bipolar disorder on full display, but the coupon-clipping, down-to-earth Mary makes you root for her. As the dust settles and her tumultuous years get put in the rearview mirror, Forsberg ultimately comes across as hardworking, devoted to her children, ambitious and seemingly level headed, despite a life lived in the spotlight. Hopefully she'll persevere after such a hectic lifestyle, and it would be wonderful to see her become a counselor and help others, like she aspires to.
1425162
She is one special lady!
Her music and imagery will take you on a ride that you won't want to get off of!
1558593
The Passenger is a great read. It's fast-paced and energetic, with a compelling protagonist who's on the run, going through a dizzying range of identity changes as the full picture of her reasons for being on the run slowly emerge. She's never far from trouble and meets a cast of surprising characters along the way. I read it in about three daysthe action just pulled me along. Recommended!