Congrats, Måneskin for winning ESC 2021!

 In case you didn't hear about it, Italy won ESC 2021! Måneskin was one of my favorites this year so I am totally psyched they won. (Yes, I had a lot of favorites. It was a good year.) I hope you all got to see the live performance which I missed (Family Movie Night: Into the Storm, my new fave disaster film featuring a former crush who shall remain nameless). So, for those who missed it (like me), below is their winning song "ZITTI E BUONI" which I am told translates into " Shut Up and Behave". 

If Måneskin was not the contestant you wanted to win, tell me (in a totally chill way) who you wanted to win. Cause if Joci Pápai was here, we wouldn't even be having this conversation right now. I want him to win so bad. And no, I do not have a crush on him. His music simply speaks to a part of my soul. Anyway, feel free to leave a comment below.

Internet Troubles, Lucinda Brant and Tara Grayce

 Last night, I had a post all mentally planned out. I was going to tell you all about Lucinda Brant's Georgian romance ,Salt Bride. I couldn't put it down. It was a perfect blend of suspense and romance along with being a bit of a redemption story. I start the sequel immediately but ended up putting it down after 50 or 60 pages. My attention was caught elsewhere. But, before I get on that topic, here's the official blurb of Salt Bride: 

  England, 1763. The Earl of Salt Hendon and squire's daughter Jane Despard share a secret past of mistrust and heartache. Forced into a marriage neither wants, the patient and ever optimistic Jane believes love conquers all; the Earl will take some convincing. Enter Diana St. John, who will go to extremes, even murder, to hold the Earl's attention. Can the newlyweds overcome past prejudices and sinister opposition to fall in love all over again?

Now on to what took me away from 1700's England.Tara Grayce's Elven Alliance series has had me in it's grip for the last two days. Book 5 comes out in December so I will wait impatiently for it. Until then, here is the Official Blurb for Fierce Heart: 

 Essie would do anything for her kingdom…even marry an elf prince she just met that morning.

When a diplomatic meeting goes horribly wrong, Essie, a human princess, finds herself married to the elf prince and warrior Laesornysh. Fitting in to the serene, quiet elf culture might be a little difficult for this talkative princess, but she’s determined to make it work.

With impending war and tenuous alliances, it will be up to Essie to unite her two peoples. And maybe get her hands on elven conditioner while she’s at it.

If anyone (and I mean real people, not bots that are conspiring to take over the world), has any comment to say, feel free to leave it. I will leave it as long as its not mean. Or rude. Or racist.

Second Age of Retha Series Review

 This my first foray into the world GameLit and I have to say that I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. I honestly thought this genre would be boring. I only gave this a try because A.M. Sohma's other Pen name is K.M. Shea and I have read almost all her work. I should have known better.

So here are the official blurbs: 

Book 1: The Luckless

 Welcome to Retha, the full submersion video game where you can be the hero of your own adventure. Unfortunately for Kit, it only takes one moment to turn the game into a nightmare.

When Chronicles of Retha experiences a software malfunction, Kit—a disenchanted veteran player—is stuck in the game without a way to log off. Even worse, she’s trapped playing as the most defective character possible, an elf dancer that was meant to be a prank.

Thankfully, she receives word that there is a way out. But the only escape route is to defeat the game’s ultimate villain. Kit, in her joke character, must fight her way through some of the worst Retha has to offer. Her only help is a party of low-leveled players just as powerless as she is, and the occasional act of mercy from one of the best players in the game, the taciturn (and aloof) Solus Miles.

Can Kit and her new friends finish the quest, or will Retha be their end?

Book 2:  The Desperate Quest 

 Chronicles of Retha was meant to be a full submersion video game filled with adventure and magic…but it has become a prison.

Kit and her party of misfit players have managed to collect two of the four seals that are required to face Malignus—Retha’s ultimate villain whose defeat may be the only way out of the game. Unfortunately for Kit—who is stuck playing as a defective elf dancer—the quest only grows more difficult.

The remaining seals are hidden in areas of Retha that Kit and her low-leveled party can’t fight through. Even worse, they will need to unite other players and guilds to face Malignus--an unlikely event as riots have spread across the game world.

Unwilling to give up, Kit and her party band together with Solus Miles—one of the best players in the game—and throw everything they have against Malignus.

But is their strength enough, or will Retha be their end?

Book 3: The Revived

 Kit is back. And she’s still stuck playing her ridiculous elf dancer character.

After leading a group out of the full submersion video game, Chronicles of Retha, Kit knew she couldn’t leave the remaining players to suffer their fate alone. So she returned to the game with the goal to get everyone out.

Solus Miles has always preferred solo playing, but Kit’s return changes everything. He vows to partner with her fully, allowing her to use him as her shield and even her mascot.

There’s just one problem.

Forcing a system wide logout requires the defeat of the end game boss character. A boss who hasn’t ever been beaten before.

When the top guilds are still skeptical Kit turns to those whom others overlook: the non-playable characters controlled by the game mechanics.

But Retha has changed.

Monsters, events, and quests have shifted, complicating her task. The journey across an altered Retha tests even Kit’s veteran knowledge and strains her leadership like never before.

Can she leverage her NPC allies and convince the other players to join her? 

This series is full of fun and laughter. I spent last night trying not to laugh so loud and wake everyone up. The dialogue has the same snappy humor that can be found in K.M.Shea's work. If your a fan of GameLit or you're looking for a ne genre to branch out into, I definitely recommend this series. If you have any thoughts whatsoever, please feel free to leave a message below. I really  mean that by the way. I even accept most emoji messages.

Eurovision 2021 is here!!!

 I believe everyone will admit that 2020 was one of the most nerve-wrecking years we have lived through. And 2021 is just another chip off the 'ole  block. But this year, for a few hours, we can momentarily forget about our fears, worries, and pain, as we enter an incredible land of music through the ESC. 

If the perkiness below is offensive to you, please note that it was not intentional. I only want to amuse, not offend. So, without further ado........

🌟 Means that it is one of my favorites.😉 Means that it wouldn't surprise me at all if it won.

1. Jendrik - I don't feel hate - Germany - WHAT ON EARTH? I can't get this irritatingly perky earworm out my head. 

 2. Ana Soklic - Amen - Slovinia - Deep, moving, I'm getting choked up listening to this song. Can't wait to see the live performance.🌟

 3. Lesley Roy - Maps - Ireland- This song makes me wish I knew how to ride a bike. I want to feel the wind in my hair while listening to this song.😉 

 4. Blind Channel - Dark Side - Finland - Let's just take a moment to get our rock on with Finland, shall we?🌟

 5. Tix - Fallen Angel - Norway - Why is this song not in a moody teen movie or a corny Rom-Com? Everyone, quick! Wave your cellphones! 

 6. The Roop - Discoteque - Lithuania - Why am I bopping to this song? IDRK. Back to the dancing, please. 

7. Eden Alene - Set Me Free - Israel - I love this song so much more than last year's. I feel like this is closer to her true sound. It has a more authentic feel.🌟 

8. Benny Cristo - omaga - Czech Republic - Another song that is better than last year's entry. It so fun and bouncy.😉

 9. Barbara Ravi - Voilá - France - It has an old French cinema sound that entrances you. Slow in the beginning, by song's end you feel as though you've encountered a whirling dervish.😉 

10. Anxhela Peristeri - Karma - Albania - I wish I knew what she is saying because this song is so beautiful.

 11. Albina - Tick Tock - Croatia - Truly a dance jam. 

12. Fyr & Flamme - Øve Os På Hinanden - Denmark- They're bringing old school Euro Disco back. 

13. Blas Canto -Voy a Quedarme - Spain - You make me wish my Latina card hadn't been revoked. Love it! 🌟 

14. Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo - Cyprus - Spicy. Fun. Totally Danceable. 

15. Go A - Shum - Ukraine - This song is way too easy to get stuck on my replay for some reason. Let's Crazy Dance.😉 

16. Galasy ZMesta - Ya Nauchu Tebya - Belarus - This has a Goldie-Oldie sound, like they went rummaging through old records. 

17. Gjon's Tears - Tout L Univers - Switzerland - I didn't like their song last year, but A -Game was brought this year and I have to admit that they sound pretty awesome this time.😉 

18. Jeangu Macrooy - Birth of a New Age - The Netherlands - Those Afro Drums! Way to connect with your roots! 

19. Hooverphonic - The Wrong Place - Belgium - Last year's entry made me think of a smooth Lounge Bar. This year's entry makes me think of an edgy Hipster Bar. 

20. Hurricane - Loco Loco - Serbia - Dust off your Dancing Shoes for this number! I dare you not to dance.🌟 

21. Montaigne - Technicolour - Australia - This yet another great dance number from Montaigne.🌟 

22. Manizha - Russian Woman - Russia - So much attitude, Love it!😉

 23. Senhit - Adrenalina - San Marino - When I first heard this song, my jaw dropped. I did a double take because, you know, it was San Marino, who normally sends an act that is am touch corny. But this song is so hot, I think it just might burn it's way all the way to the top.🌟 

24. Natalia Gordienko - Sugar - Moldova - Sooooo much better than last year's entry! This track must've been smokin' when it came off the press, it's that hot.🌟 

25. Roxen - Amnesia - Romania - This song is so beautiful that I am almost without words.🌟 

26. Vincent Bueno - Amen - Austria - Why is this song so sad? I need a honeybun and hugs now. 

27. The Black Mamba - Love is on my Side - Portugal - This song belongs to a whole 'nother era. Also, they do know that the Black Mamba is a poisonous snake, right?😉 

28. Uke Suviste - The Lucky One - Estonia - Incredible Song. Beautifully Epic. 

29. Vasil - Here I Stand - North Macedonia - I'm getting choked up right now. Epic🌟 

30. James Newman - Embers - United Kingdom - A fun and bouncy beat. Gorgeous vocals. My repeat button almost broke.🌟 

31. Daoi of Gagnamagnio - 10 Years - Iceland - A super fun retro song. Everyone Dance!🌟 

32. Samanta Tina - The Moon is Rising - Latvia - So much Attitude. A total boss song.🌟 

33. RAFAü - The Ride - Poland - It appears that the 80's have left lasting effects. I'm not complaining. I'm dancing!😉

 34. Victoria - Growing up is getting Old - Bulgaria - 2020's theme song right here.🌟 

35. Stefania - Last Dance - Greece - Beautiful, strong vocals. A beat that entices your feet to dance. All the makings of a hit.🌟 

36. Tusse - Million Voices - Sweden - The Live performance for this song is going to have to blow socks off. A song this lovely demands it.😉 

37. Destiny - Je Me Casse - Malta - One of my new Girl Power songs. So gorgeous!🌟

 38. Efendi - Mata Hari - Azerbaijan - Beautiful and Exotic like the namesake.😉 

39. Måneskin - Zitti E Buoni - Italy - A Total Rockout. Feel free to whip your hair around.🌟

 40. Tornike Kipiani - You - Georgia - A slow number. I think I like last year's entry better. Sorry. 

And that is Eurovision 2021 for you. I can hardly wait for the first Semi-Finals. It will be on May 18th for those who don't already know. The second Semi-Finals will be on May 20th with the Finals on May 22nd. Take this time to pick your favorites. And if you are in a place that can vote (unlike me), do so. 2020 was a very drab year music wise. Let's come out swinging this year. As always, feel free to leave a message below.

And the rain, rain , rain came down, down down.......

 As I write this post, it is pouring outside. The unfortunate side effect of this lovely rain is that my knees are so sore and achy, I can barely stand. My one of my brothers (who is not that far in age from me) called me an old woman. I couldn't say anything back because that is how I was feeling.

If you all get how I'm feeling, feel free to leave a message below.

Headaches Suck!

 I got a awful headache right now so this is gonna be a short post. I gobbled down a couple of acetaminophen an hour ago. I am still waiting for them to kick in.  

I have finally finished K.M. Shea's Timeless Fairy Tales Series. It is so goood! You totally go to check it out. 

Feel free to leave a message below.

Pride & Prejudice, pt.1

 "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." This is the opening line of one of the most beloved novels, Pride and Prejudice. I'm sure many of you all have read it. For those who haven't, please do one day. It's a classic. 

 One of my friends told me years ago that, though she tried to read it, she just couldn't understand what was going on. She liked the Kiera Knightley film version, though. (Que all Austen fans: groaning and pulling hair.) I saw that one and while it was good(cinematically speaking), it had way to much angst. The best film version is the Colin Firth one from the 90's. You can't perfect perfection.

 I would love to write about all the retellings and fanfiction that exists, but I would be here for the rest of my life (I don't think this is an exaggeration). I can't even begin to tell you all my favorites. So what I will tell you is this, if you've found that you understand only one word in ten of Miss Austen's classic, try watching the 1990's BBC miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. You should be able to understand that. Also,check out one of the retellings. But please, on behalf of most tried and true Austenites, avoid anything with Zombies and/or Vampires. We really hate those. 

This will definitely not be the last time I talk about Jane Austen's work, so I am going to label this part one and leave it at that. I have read all but two of her novels after all. I could talk about her for forever. Don't worry, though. I'm not going to.

As always, feel free to leave a message below.