Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Are you tired of the same old super heroes shows? Well me too! I like them, but dang there’s a lot, it’s why when I saw this new show I was definitely all in. Villains of valley view turns everything around and actually focuses on the villains of the story for a change. They make you root for them and boo the superhero, weird right? Yes, but I love it and can’t get enough. This villainous family is on the run from their boss, so they go to the last place anyone would think to look, wanting and trying to just be any other ordinary family. Does that really work out for them, well go watch and see. Trust me, don’t let it being a kid show deter you, because what’s that saying never judge a book by its cover, or in this case a show. Melanie - So I literally started watching this because Jenn kept going on about it, and well it's no secret that I am a sucker for a villain story. Putting the villains as the "Good Guys" well I mean kids show or not I had to check it out. Although it is obviously aimed at children it didn't stop me from enjoying it (then again I still love Wizards of Waverly place, and I loved the Worst Witch series too), and the writers definitely throw in some adult based jokes. The mom is also from England and cracks me up. Let's just say that her approach to child rearing reminds me of my own - sadly minus the super villain powers. Streaming exclusively on Disney+ if you are looking for some light distraction then this is the show for you. Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Villain.
Basic Info
Standalone or series? Standalone Category Poetry / Rhyming Saga Official Blurb About The Book (From the Amazon Page) The tradition of Hallowe'en has eroded away over the years until it is celebrated only by the good folk of White Horse Hill. Nightfall at Hallowe'en. The elders of the clan have appointed Robert, aged just seventeen, as their "Lord of Misrule". He will light up the night sky of the dark winter months. He will lead the good people of White Horse Hill in chasing away the ghosts and demons, the witches and apparitions, that would frighten good folk and keep them indoors on winter nights. The fires are lit and the celebrations begin. But something unexpected happens. The stage is set for a cataclysmic showdown between the all the forces of evil, determined to smash Hallowe'en and all its fun and laughter, and the forces of good, represented by Robert and his folks. On the outcome depends the whole future of Hallowe'en. Even whether Hallowe'en will continue to exist. This is a short story suitable for everyone, consisting of 500 lines of rhyming prose. There are a few illustrations throughout. How did I get this book? Author requested a review via the website Why did I choose to read this book: Because I do love Halloween Legends! And Now To The Review! First Impressions: If the author hadn't reached out I would never have given this a second glance. The cover just does not work for this sort of book and I would suggest it being replaced as soon as possible if the author hopes to do well with it. General Review Poetry is definitely not for everyone, but general rhyming prose sagas (if done well) can be fabulous. They remind me of Shakespeare which again, is not for everyone but I personally enjoy it. This saga is well written, the prose is well constructed and the meter is consistent which makes for easy read. The story mixes known and original folklore in a clever way making the story interesting. That being said, the pictures inserted (obviously with the intention of breaking up the very long prose) were distracting and it was clear that they were probably used more for their free content than because they added anything to the story. Final Thoughts If you enjoy poetry then if you can get past the cover and ignore the images it is definitely worth a read, especially if you have the Kindle Unlimited option. (If you don't you can try it free for 30 days at the link above). I would highly recommend the author looks at getting a more professional cover and removing the internal images and replacing them with simple, ornamental breaks instead. Rating A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 as my Amazon rating with a note that the Prose itself is worth 4 stars. Pineapple word for this article is Poetry. ** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Are My Amazon Affiliate Links. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!I’ve done so many different Harley Quinn articles. So I guess this time is no different but what I want to talk about is "Harley Quinn" the animated series which is fixing to premiere it’s third season on HBO Max. This series on Harley Quinn, besides her movie of course, has to be my absolute favorite of hers. And that’s mainly because she’s doing her own thing and kicked the Joker to the curb, who really never deserved her anyways. This series shows her, and her team as they try to prove that they’re the best villains out there. They're always getting side tracked though. The other thing I love is her relationship with Ivy, I’m a huge Harlivy shipper. They’re good together and for each other in so many ways. Are they actually together though, well maybe or maybe not. So, if you’re a Harley fan like me than I highly suggest that you check out this series as soon as possible. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"Well, the first thing I want to say is that is if you are part of the old school and think that cartoons are just for kids, its time you wake up. This is definitely not for kids. So moving on. When DCU launched its streaming service, one thing that made me subscribe is the new Harley Quinn animated series. Harley was being voiced by Kaley Cuoco. As if I needed another reason to watch! After a couple seasons, DCU was no more and merged with HBO Max. Good thing we already had that one too. Now, about the show. Harley is on her own and causing havoc and destruction everywhere she goes with a brand new team of villains. She gets a little help along the way from some unexpected guests and actually ends up saving them. Imagine that! Could she possibly be becoming a hero? Ehhhh, probably not. But she keeps crossing paths with her ex, Joker, and has to come face to face with him eventually. Can she bring him down? Tune in each week. Same bat-time, same bat-channel. Eh, actually its streaming. So you can tune in any time you want. But it has to be on HBO Max. The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Harley And now for the giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Harley Quinn" Prize Pack featuring the animated series on DVD, and Harley Quinn from Jenn, and random stickers from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Who is YOUR Favorite comic female villain? (and feel free to tell us why too)! Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on August 14th (and then posted here on the blog as well on August 15th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday August 14th posted on this post on Monday August 15th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Mel -
VAMPIRES! OK I doubt none of you are surprised to see my name attached to this. Vampires will ALWAYS come top with me, and whilst this isn't the movie that started it all (not even for mini me at that age), it is one that I would definitely consider one of the most influential. I remember seeing this right after it came out on VHS (we had tried and failed to see it at the movies - in England there was none of this get in with a parent stuff).
I had the poster on the wall, I hated "Star" with a passion that still holds today for stupid female characters making bad choices, oh and I 100% would have drunk the "wine", partied all night, and had fun as a vampire. It was also my first introduction to Kiefer Sutherland which resulted in many other movies being watched that may never have hit my radar. Add to that the absolutely killer soundtrack that still gets played regularly in this house, and the vibes of an 80's movie that simply cannot be beaten, this is a MUST WATCH for all vampire lovers! NO EXCEPTIONS! Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
This year marks the 25th anniversary of “The Lost Boys”. Wait. 25 years? ::counts on fingers from 1987:: 35 years? That would make me…….older than dirt. Nevermind. Anyway. Moving right along. My obsession with vampire movies probably started right here. This is a time when they looked like rock stars. You could place a picture of David and his fanged friends in Metal Edge or Rip magazine and they would fit right in. It took me a long time to actually see it. I used to sneak peek the first 15 minutes on Pay Per View before I had to buy it— more than once— before finally getting a copy to rent in the local video store that the clerk held for me. The allure started right away. The look, the story, the 2 Coreys. This movie had it all. But the biggest twist was that this horror movie was incorporating humor. This is commonplace now but relatively new then. This is a true classic. A script was written for a sequel shortly afterward but that was never produced. A couple straight to DVD sequels came out years later but I haven’t watched them. I don’t want to tarnish the perfect image of the original. I want to keep it safe in the protective bubble, layered in blood so it won’t get popped.
The Pineapple Word For This Article Is Noodles
And Now For The Giveaway
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Lost Boys" Prize Pack featuring the 4 movie DVD pack (which includes the 3 Lost Boys Movies although you can just watch the first, AND Queen of the Damned - another great movie with a kickass soundtrack), Horror Band, and Choker from Jenn, A Paperback Copy copy of Chaos Theory and random book swag (pictured) from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard.
For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: When did you first see the Lost Boys Movie? (If you haven't seen it tell us why).
Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on August 7th (and then posted here on the blog as well on August 8th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday August 7th posted on this post on Monday August 8th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!This older movie to me is definitely still a classic and that’s "Adventures in Babysitting". Getting stood up by her date, Chris decides to take a babysitting job. I mean its easy money, but once her friend calls begging her to rescue her from the bus station in downtown Chicago, the night ends up taking an interesting and adventurous turn. I mean she can’t leave the kids behind, so taking them with her she goes to save her stranded friend. Does it go smoothly? Well it’s a comedy so that’s very doubtful but if you haven’t seen this movie that time forgot then I highly suggest you rectify that as soon as possible. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"You know, when you hit a certain age and hear that a movie or CD is having an anniversary it makes you feel older than you already do. So it's best to avoid all that stuff. Then you have me. I have to write these articles and anniversary ones are always a good for reflection and looking back on these movies. So basically I just torture myself for your entertainment. Today's reflection is “Adventures in Babysitting”. It has the distinction of being the first appearance on the big screen of Marvel’s Thor. Well, kinda. You have to watch it to understand that reference. It starts off the same way most of these comedies do. A girl gets roped into babysitting when her other plans fall through. Of course, that's just the beginning. One disaster after another follows them into the city for a night they will definitely never forget. Did you think they’d spend all evening in the house watching television? That wouldn’t be much of a movie, now would it? On one hand this could be the worst babysitter in the world, getting them into so much danger. Or she could be the best babysitter in the world because they managed to live through it all and tell the tale. The only way to find out is watch for yourself and decide. Melanie - If you don't know who that is we can't help you lolAdventures in Babysitting (or if you lived in England and saw it on TV "A Night on the Town" which I actually recorded thinking it was a new movie - but it was in fact Adventures in Babysitting that I had already seen - as inexplicably the VHS version kept the original title which made WAY more sense....) was one of my favorite movies back in the day, and it's still a fun watch even now! (Currently streaming on Disney+ in the US at the time of writing). Dave actually stole my fun fact about Thor making his big screen appearance so here's a pic of that - and then some more background because I can lol.  Played by Vincent D'Onofrio his character was actually originally going to be He Man, because the daughter Sara was obsessed with He Man and She Ra (which actually makes a lot of sense when you think this was 1987). That all went by the way side as the director had no idea who those characters was but loved Marvel, and so had Sara obsessed with Thor instead. At the time I never really thought much of it (I mean I was English so a lot of references went over my head then), but looking back that had to be an obscure choice. With the MCU in full swing now everybody would almost expect it, but then? It does make for a fun article now though right? Check out the trailer if you haven't seen it (or if you just want a reminder how old you are), and then scroll down to check out the giveaway! The Pineapple Word for this article is Thor And now for the giveaway .....  Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Adventures In Babysitting" Prize Pack featuring DVD sent in by Dave, Pink Choker sent in by Jenn, and then the other random stuff pictured from Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is the worst job you ever had?
All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!These movies have five parts and one prequel, though pretty much after the third movie it just gets like "why?", and they should of stopped but that’s just my opinion. "Transformers". When they first announced it I was like man I definitely can’t wait to see it, and honestly no movie will ever beat the first. You all know the story. Boy buys car, turns out it’s a autobot from a different planet out to protect our world from the decepticons. I know, craziness but if you know me by know that’s what I like. These movies made from cartoons and kids toys are not to be missed though. Like I said I’d probably stop at the third one, skipping the fourth, fifth, and prequel. Also after the second movie the characters start to change, and I’m definitely against when that happens. Add new characters, fine but at least keep the old ones as well. Bumblebee also changes drivers, which for me was a no go even though I’m not a huge Shia LaBeouf fan. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"“Transformers” may be more than meets the eye but if I’m being honest I never got into the animated series. It was 1984. I was the right age but never really got into it. I think I watched in passing but was never really obsessed. The first “Transformers” movie was actually in 1986 with an animated feature. Many years later, with the advancement of movie technology, live action films began production. If Marvel and DC can bring larger than life characters to the big screen, why not add cars that change into giant robots? Or is it a robot that can change into a car? The timing was right as the CGI effects were getting better. You don’t want the fakeness of the look to suspend your belief and remove you from the action . Anyway, as I watched this first feature in theaters, I was a couple rows behind one of biggest fanboys and I could see him completely geeking out, rocking in his chair. Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox led the cast in the feature. Megan would only stick around for one more in the series while Shia did 2 more. Like most film series, casts and quality change. I hear a lot of flack and distaste, mostly starting with the 2nd one “Revenge of the Fallen”. But you know how fans and people in general can get. They like to have something to complain about. I held on for “Dark of the Moon” and even tried out the new lead characters in “Age of Extinction”. That’s when I started losing interest in the features. Never bothered seeing “The Last Knight” or the “Bumblebee” solo movie. Another outing is setting its sights on a 2023 release. So I guess we’ll see if it recaptures the magic for me. Melanie Says - I used to like the cartoon back in the day but I never cared for the movies lol. Anyway The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Prime And Now For The Giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Transformers" Prize Pack featuring the 3 movie DVD pack from Jenn, A Hardcover copy of Empire of Silence, A Signed Bookmark, and fidget block thing from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What kind of vehicle would you transform into? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on July 17th (and then posted here on the blog as well on July 18th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday July 17th posted on this post on Monday July 18th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page Eclipsing Hearts: A Fated Mates Romance Collection - Pre-Order Sale 20 Stories for just $0.997/12/2022
What's Going On?After the show Sunday one of my favorite authors Sherry Ficklin reached out to let me know that she is involved in an anthology set - AND that the stories included involve PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT lol There will be 20 stories from 20 authors including the following tropes Fated Mates Enemies to Lovers Royalty Second Chance Romances Vampires and Werewolves (and many other paranormal creatures) With everything from slow burn to steamy! (There is a note - May contain MM/FF and/or triggering situations - but hey it's an anthology - you can just SKIP those lol) What the blurb says - Why choose one when you can have over twenty superb PARANORMAL REVERSE HAREMS that will leave you begging for more. Binge read this set brought to you by twenty amazing authors that are sure to be your next favorite. I one-clicked mine - so who is with me? **NOTE THIS PRICE IS ONLY GOOD UNTIL RELEASE WEEK .... DO NOT MISS OUT** The Pineapple Word For This Article Is Romance
All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Basic Info
Standalone or series? Standalone - Send as a Gift - Replace a Card (This is an unusual one lol) Category Midlife Humor Official Blurb About The Book (From the Amazon Page) Don’t waste your money on another funny birthday card. Lame. Get her a f**king hilarious BOOK! Hey, you! Go delete that humorous wine glass from your shopping cart. (Pssst. Your friend turning 50 already has a dozen of them.) Know what she doesn’t have? A poetic license to tell everyone to f**k off. Get her this book instead, and you’ll be elevated to the top of her most exclusive friend circle. She may even share her expensive dark chocolate with you (doubtful), but at least you won’t be on her sh*t list. So what are you waiting for? Buy this book today! Or don’t. Be the @$$hole who said, “I almost got you this funny book called F**k Off, I’m 50.” See if she ever offers you a ride on her new jet ski. And that vintage casserole dish with the puke-green flowers you forgot at her barbeque—good luck getting that back. Go ahead. Click add to cart. I’ll wait… Wasn’t that easy? Now that you’ll be attending her 50th bash with the best possible present, here’s what you write on the card: Guess what? You’re 50. That’s right. You’ve elevated from queen to goddess status, which means you officially don’t have to take crap from anyone. And if they don’t like it, they can f**k off! How did I get this book? Deb Carroll gifted it to me (she did ask first - random gifts may not get read or reviewed) Why did I choose to read this book: Because the title and the premise made me laugh (and it was short) And Now To The Review! First Impressions: The title cracked me up. I have to say that to people of my age (if they have a sense of humor), would have feelings that resonate with the blurb. If the blurb doesn't make you laugh then you should probably skip this one because it starts as it means to go on. General Review I laughed out loud at several parts of this book. There are so many things that I could relate to and the illustrations were fabulous. The only thing that stopped this getting 5 stars for me is that some of the rhyming couplets didn't quite flow as well as I would have liked, but it didn't stop me from enjoying it. Final Thoughts A The description in the blurb about it being the perfect gift instead of a card is probably spot on (assuming the person that you are getting it for will appreciate the humor). The price reflects that and you are definitely paying for the awesome illustrations which is why I think it would be better in print. Thanks to Deb for sending this to me. It gave me a well needed laugh! Rating A solid 4 stars! Pineapple word for this article is Fifty ** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Are My Amazon Affiliate Links. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!I remember first watching this movie, and thinking what is this but the more it got into the movie, the more excited I got. That movie was "Blast from the Past". It’s actually a very interesting theory. Guy builds bomb shelter. Is convinced there was a nuclear bomb attack , he takes his family down into the shelter. Was there a nuclear bomb? Well I could tell you but seeing as this is a older movie, you’ll just have to watch for yourself. I can tell you this family ends up staying underground since 1962 until present day, which then was about the year 1999. So this movie really gets going whenever the son goes up to get supplies and meets a girl, his words. Does everything work out for him and this family? Well you just need to watch and see, but I can tell you that this forgotten treasure is definitely one of my favorites. Melanie -This movie could easily have ended up on the "Movies that time forgot" list but Jenn and I love it SO much that it got a feature all to itself! This is definitely showcasing Brendan Fraser at his best. The dialogue, the timing, the way he straight plays off of Alicia Silverstone's total disbelief - just all fabulous. Throw in Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek as supporting cast and this movie has something for everyone. Check out the trailer below, and as a bonus I added in my favorite scene - THE DANCE! I mean I have to give it to Alicia, it would probably have been the thing that made me look twice too! The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Card
And now for the Giveaway! Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Blast From The Past" Prize Pack featuring the DVD from Jenn, A Retro Toys Mini from Dave, and 4 Baseball cards, Blue Light Glasses with case, and a headband from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. (Thanks to Greg and Chuck for letting me dig through and steal a few cards from their "Treasure" lol) For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Would you live in an underground bunker? What would be the ONE thing you would HAVE to have? (Thing - not person or animal) Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on July 17th (and then posted here on the blog as well on July 18th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday July 17th posted on this post on Monday July 18th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!This movie has had three parts, and one prequel. Well, better make that two prequels starting July 1st. "Despicable Me" is the movies with those cute little bananas, well minions if you want to get technical here and go by their real name. Oh and there’s Gru, and those adorable little girls he ends up adopting in that first movie. I like them as well, but if we’re being honest here I think those cute little minions steal the show every time and it looks no different in the newer movie coming out. I mean they had me just laughing from the trailer, so I can’t wait to see it. But if you haven’t seen any of these yet, my suggestion is start with the first 3 "Despicable Me" movies, than watch "Minions" and then see the newer "Minions: Rise of Gru" starting July 1st, only in theaters. Melanie - The pineapple code word for this article is Banana
And now for the giveaway! Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Despicable Me" Prize Pack featuring the DVD 2 Movie combo pack and a "Frankenbob" Minion Funko Pop from Jenn, and a Unicorn Facemask, ring, tickers, and slap bracelet from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Would you want to own a minion (or 20)? lol Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on July 10th (and then posted here on the blog as well on July 11th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday July 10th posted on this post on Monday July 11th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"When you first see the headline stars of the Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building", you may think we are still in the mid-80's. Steve Martin and Martin Short were 2 of the shining comedy stars of the era. But the 3rd star of this series brings you back to the present. Selena Gomez. Where does she fit in and how, you may ask? That is why we watch the show. OK, I'll tell you a little bit but that's all. Starting out as apparent strangers living in the same building, fate sees them sharing an elevator. As we see each of them enjoying the latest episode of their favorite mystery podcast, an emergency forces them to evacuate the building. Meeting up again, they learn they have this common interest. This starts the journey of friendship while investigating a murder the police have written off as suicide. Seeing who you can trust, as well as how well you really know someone you just met are important lessons along the way. Victims and clues lead to suspects as they unravel everything. Follow our three lead wannabe detectives down the rabbit hole of humor, suspense, and mystery, not to mention the sexiest game of Scrabble you have ever seen. Yes, you read that correctly. If humor and mystery are right up your alley, this 10 episode series is a quick binge. Chiming in at about 30 minutes per episode, you can kill it in a weekend if you have nothing else to do. Melanie -When Greg and I saw the original trailer last year we knew this was going to be one for us and we weren't disappointed. This "solve a murder" is very reminiscent of the old style murder mysteries but with a contemporary twist. Looking for and trying to solve the clues in this was definitely half then fun, and with 30 minute weekly episodes it is easy to stay on top of it. Of course if you haven't watched season 1 now is the PERFECT time to binge it. Streaming exclusively on Hulu in the US (I am not sure where it would be streaming outside the US but check out your Disney+ support options - I know for example in Australia recently a Hulu Original movie was on one of the Disney Streamer as they are all the same family umbrella). If you HAVEN'T seen season 1 - watch for the "There's Our Musers" scene. OK so technically it isn't actually Musers - but it is the best little group of fans that are following their podcast - just like our awesome Musers follow us. The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Murder
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!You always see men being bad ass on your screen or even in the theaters. But I don’t want to talk about them. Why? Because there’s plenty of them around. What I want to talk about is the women on our screens who through the characters they play kick ass and take names. This article is honoring them, and boy are there many I’ve come to absolutely adore over the years.
Now there’s a lot of other badass female characters like Grace from "Peaky Blinders", Dani from "Game of Thrones", even if she was screwed over in the end. There seems to be a lot of that with female characters and it really should stop, now before I get to preachy on that how about you tell me some of your favorite badass take no prisoners female characters.
Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Women
Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"You've had "Spaceballs the VHS Cassette", "Spaceballs the DVD", "Spaceballs the Blu Ray". Now its time for "Spaceballs the Article". We've tackled Mel Brooks and his masterpieces a few different times and its all well deserved. His catalog is loved by many and rewatched many times over. This one is no exception. Primarily a spoof of "Star Wars", Spaceballs" also parodies other scifi movies such as "Alien". With an all star cast like Bill Pullman, John Candy, Daphne Zuniga, Rick Moranis, George Wyner (who we will be seeing at FC3 in September!) and Joan Rivers, along with other recognizable face in smaller roles it is a film designed for the 80's. If you didn't grow up in that era, you may not even know half the cast. In that regard, you could say it didn't age well but on the other side, seeing faces you don't recognize could leave you in the world of the movie instead of taking you out of it for a second to realize "hey, that's what's-his-name from that show". Follow the adventures of Lone Starr and his furry sidekick Barf to save a princess and her droid from Dark Helmet and meet the edible characters of Yogurt and Pizza the Hutt along the way. It has so many classic lines that I can't possibly recite them all or else this will be a super long and boring article. If you saw the movie, you know them already. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? I can't tell you all the lines out of context and you having a blank look on your face, not getting the joke, saying 'yeah, that sounds hilarious" in a monotone voice. Classic Mel Brooks at his finest. If this gem eluded you somehow in the last 35 years, get to immediately-- at ludicrous speed. Melanie - The pineapple code word for this article is schwartz Be sure to scroll down to watch the trailer if you haven't seen it and then enter the giveaway. Click the George Wyner picture for details on Fc3 including other guests (Including ME and Susan Harris!!!)  And Now For The Giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Spaceballs" Prize Pack featuring the BluRay combo pack from Jenn, A Pink Yoda from Bea, Baby Yoda stickers from See Rad, and a Toothpaste cap squeezer, bracelet and Pineapple Sticker from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is your favorite movie related merchandise? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on July 3rd (and then posted here on the blog as well on Julu 4th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday July 3rd posted on this post on Monday July 4thh Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook pageComments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question! Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 26th (and then posted here on the blog as well on June 27th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday June 26th posted on this post on Monday June 27th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook pageComments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question! Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 26th (and then posted here on the blog as well on June 27th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday June 26th posted on this post on Monday June 27th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
The first ever M/M romance to be released on its own from Susan Harris (and CTP Publishing) is available now! The paperbacks are still in process (they are done but Amazon seems to take time for them to catch up). The story was available in the special edition trilogy that was released over Christmas but now you can get NEW covers, and the novella separately!
To celebrate Susan and CTP are offering the eBooks at a CRAZY BARGAIN PRICE! This can't last - so grab them now and then enter the giveaway. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE THE SERIES ON YOUR KINDLE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO REFRESH THE DOWNLOADS TO UPDATE TO THE NEW LOOK! 
How would you like to win PAPERBACK copies OF All 4 books? (The Defy The Stars Trilogy with their new covers and never released on its own before Courting Darkness)
To enter just send proof of purchase for Courting Darkness! You can get your copy from Amazon at the link above or here (Or it should be available on any eBook platform) ALL ENTRIES MUST BE EMAILED TO melaniesmuses.scavhunt@gmail.com BONUS ENTRY IF YOU ALSO SEND IN A LINK FOR A REVIEW ON COURTING DARKNESS!! BONUS GIVEAWAY OF A PAPERBACK COPY OF COURTING DARKNESS IF SUSAN HITS THE BEST SELLER FLAG IN ANY CATEGORY!! Once your review is posted just email the link to the same address as above! Winner will be announced during the live on 10th July (and then posted here on the blog as well on 11th July if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Mercy Good luck everyone! Rules
** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!This is a older movie that I actually saw when I was a kid, and then again as adult but I still enjoy it. Actually this is one that could be on our remake list. It’s gone from book to movie, and then to many more movies and that’s "Secret Garden". I’m sure many musers might have already seen this movie, but if not it’s basically about a girl from India who ends up being orphaned and moving to a manor with her uncle. There she meets new friends, a new cousin and discovers a secret world/garden that’s been locked up and closed for a very long time. By bringing this garden back to life, she ends up bringing the people she cares about to life as well. So if you haven’t seen it maybe check it out, because there’s a lot of different versions to look at. It’s also a good family movie that everyone can enjoy, no matter what time of day. The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Secret And Now For The Giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Secret Garden" Prize Pack featuring the DVD and a paperback copy of the book from Jennifer. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Where would your secret place be? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 26th (and then posted here on the blog as well on June 27th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday June 26th posted on this post on Monday June 27th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Basic Info Standalone or series? Book 14 in the Nocturne Falls Series (Can be read as a standalone - more about that in the actual review) Category Paranormal Romance Official Blurb About The Book (From the Amazon Page) Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. Sunday Wells comes from a long line of powerful witches, but that doesn’t explain why she’s plagued by dark shadows everywhere she looks. It’s not a great way to live, especially for a preschool teacher with young impressionable minds to watch over. Desperate to get control of her questionable powers, she gets help from the only reliable source she can think of. Her very powerful great aunt, Alice Bishop. But what Sunni finds out about herself will change everything. Vampire Lorenzo Robillard has dedicated his life to rescuing kidnapped children. It’s dangerous work with high stakes, and Ren ends up with a lot of enemies. Like the European crime boss who’s currently after him. With a target on his back, Ren runs to the safest haven he knows, his distant great aunt, Elenora Ellingham. But his troubles are far from over, and not just because there’s a woman in his aunt’s house he wasn’t counting on. Sunny and Ren clash like night and day. They’re so very different. And yet, so much alike. Love isn’t something either of them wanted, but the heart wields a magic neither of them can control… How did I get this book? PA Perks lol Why did I choose to read this book: I read EVERYTHING Kristen releases! And Now To The Review! First Impressions: Followers of my reviews will know that the Nocturne Falls series holds a special place in my heart, yes even the books with the damn werewolves, not that this one features a werewolf but I am just throwing that out there! This 14th installment is actually a little different in the fact that BOTH of the main love interests are new characters to the series. They come with very strong connections to characters we know and love, but they are both completely new all the same. General Review I am constantly in awe of the new creative ways Kristen Painter switches these stories up. I have to say I am seriously annoyed at myself for NOT catching the HUGE clue that she dangled with regard to the mystery. Sometimes the clues are subtle with the AH HA moment coming for me as hindsight - this was one I SHOULD have definitely seen so Kristen wins this round. As I have said before - Although new fans could probably jump right in with this story as they are all complete in their own rights (no cliffhangers), and this book perhaps more so than ever as with two new characters a lot of things are introduced again, but not in a way that feels redundant to established readers. That being said I am more convinced than ever at this point that by doing so you are missing out on many little things if you don't start reading them from the beginning. There are SO MANY layers to the characters and inside jokes that just don't work if you don't know the world. And as ALL the previous installments are currently on KU I highly suggest checking them out too. Final Thoughts A quick extra kudos for a new supernatural creature that I am 99.9% sure Kristen might have invented. I certainly haven't read about them before and we all know I read a lot. I have read variations but never this - and THAT is always fun for me (when it's done well .... which this was). Rating An Easy 5 stars from me and definitely Melanie's Muses Approved! Pineapple word for this article is Cherry ** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Are My Amazon Affiliate Links. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!) Click the picture for more info on the previous books with KU!
Join us for Book Club (Click the picture for details and to grab your free copy).
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Pirates! Pirates and more pirates! Well at least that’s what you’d be saying if you marathoned these five movies. And yes I’m talking about "Pirates of the Caribbean" and that famous movie character, played by Johnny Depp. Actually that was the first time I’d ever heard of Johnny Depp. I remember sitting in that theater thinking this is amazing, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. The movies ended at "Dead Men Tell No Tales", and for an ending it wasn’t bad . But let’s go back to the beginning with the first movie, because let’s be honest that one was the best. This movie starts off with our heroine Elizabeth Swan finding a pirates coin, one that causes her and our hero a lot of trouble, and did I mention our main pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. I didn’t? Well shame on me, because this is the pirate who these movies revolve around. Trouble seems to follow him everywhere he goes, and of course those that travel with him. The first three movies revolve around Jack, Elizabeth and Will. The fourth kind of gets away from them and can make you go what’s the point of this, but don’t worry "Dead Men Tell No Tales" brings it all to a satisfying conclusion. Well at least I thought so. I’m sure you’ve seen these movies and have heard of the amazing Captain Jack Sparrow, but if you haven’t what? Have you been living under a rock? Mel -OK so fun fact - this movie is actually based on the ride of the same name from the Disney Parks, but they turned the basic idea into a movie (rather than there being a movie and the ride coming after) - and Johnny Depp stole the show. Yes that was all I came to add - that and a Hollywood Vampires video as well as the Pirates trailer .... just because. Oh and the pineapple code word for this article is Jack All 5 movies are currently streaming on Disney+
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!You probably know by now that we like to highlight the older stuff, and this movie is no different. "Splash" is actually the first movie about mermaids that I ever saw. Typical story of boy meets girl, just this particular girl happens to be a mermaid. Yes, that’s right, a mermaid. She also happens to be the same girl he met as child, and one that saved his life. So many years later, deciding to go find him, she ends up in NYC and that’s when everything gets crazy. She finds him and they end up hitting it off, but he does not remember meeting her as a child until much later on. He even freaks out at first when he finds out that she just happens to be part fish. But he comes to her rescue when she’s in trouble and in the end realizes that no matter what she may be, he loves her. So, musers if you haven’t checked this older but enjoyable movie. I highly suggest that you do. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies" "Splash" brings back early childhood memories for me. It was actually the first VHS cassette we rented. And if I'm not mistaken, we didn't have a VCR yet so we rented that as well. Ron Howard was already a big name in television and movie world as an actor but in the early 80's, he started to step behind the camera. 1984's "Splash" was one of his first few directorial features. Hard to believe we're coming up on almost 40 years of this beloved film. Its not every day you have a movie about a guy dating a fish, except for "The Shape of Water" which I never watched. I don't usually go for the award winners. But back to our story. Tom Hanks, John Candy, Daryl Hannah, and Eugene Levy lead this delightful comedy about a mermaid in the big city. You know with a secret like that, someone will be after you. So, you better be careful and keep that secret safe. A few years later, in 1988, they tried to capitalize on the success and make a tv sequel "Splash, Too" with different actors. I believe it was when Disney had Sunday night movies on ABC. Remember this was years before everyone had cable and there was no streaming services. I don't remember much about it but I know it didn't come anywhere near the original, as most sequels do. You could say that "Splash, Too" failed to make a splash. Ha! Melanie - Fun fact ... Ariel in the little Mermaid has red hair because they didn't want her to be a blonde as Splash was such a hit. The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Madison And now for the Giveaway! Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Mermaid" Prize Pack featuring the Splash! DVD and Ariel Plush from Jennifer, & a paperback copy of "The Mermaid", Shark Sunglasses, wrist bands, a pop out hairbrush, and gold mermaid glitter from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is your favorite Mermaid story / movie? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 19th (and then posted here on the blog as well on June 20th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday June 19th posted on this post on Monday June 20th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Melanie - Normally with these shows it is me nagging Jenn like crazy to watch something because I know she will like it. This time it was the other way around. I had seen the trailer and added it to my "to be watched at some point" list, but Jenn just would not stop going on about it and so I watched it. And I LOVED IT! Having attended part of my schooling as one of the first girls in an all boys 6th form program, this had memories flooding back, some good, some bad, all worth it! There is SO little GOOD representation for teens / young adults out there that might be struggling with thoughts and feelings they don't understand. I LOVE that they included an actual YouTuber Courtney-Jai (You can check out their channel here), so not only does the show provide an excellent resource, fans can follow up too. Based on the series of Graphic Novels by Alice Oseman this show is not going to be for everybody, BUT there is such an adorable romance underlying, and so many people I feel this will connect with, I hope you all decide to give it a try. I know I am glad I did! Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Being bi, you don’t really see much representation for us in media. Now knowing who I am, it doesn’t really matter to me because I know who I am. I like guys and girls, and I have ever since high school. It really wasn’t hard for me to come to terms with being bi, but knowing how it’s very different from some people, I’m really glad this show from the graphic novels now exists. Even watching it as a adult I’m just like wow, and that show is "Heartstopper" which debuted on Netflix in late April, although the graphic novels have been out a little while. I can really resonate with this show because like Nick, I realized I like girls by falling for my best friend in high school. And like Nick and Charlie I happened to just get lucky that she felt the same way that I did. It shows LGBTQ representation like I’ve never seen before. You have gay, lesbian, bi and trans representation which is amazing. This show follows these English high school students from a all boys and all girls school as they try to navigate and just figure out who they are, which is absolutely amazing. If you haven’t checked out this show I highly recommend that you do, because if you don’t believe me just ask Mels. Like me she’s now obsessed with "Heartstopper", and we definitely need a season two. (Since this was written Seasons 2 & 3 have been confirmed by Netflix) Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"Don't trust first impressions. When I first heard of this show "Heartstopper", I thought -- eh, not sure about this one. But the more Jenn obsessed about it, the more I looked into it. I checked out the trailer and it had a little more going on than I would have thought. I don't really do relationship movies and shows but this was far from a straight line and focusing on the relationship . The obstacles and questions, figuring things out, and even the changes in friendship and status (for more than just our main characters) takes a few sharp turns. Some changes of heart. When you have feelings for your friend, it can be good if they feel the same way. But if they don't, it could spell disaster. Do you say something and hope for the best or wait for them to speak up? The cast of characters is all over. One downfall is it hits a hard note for some with the bullying. I've been there and don't really like seeing it in shows but it's harsh fact. They do exist and the homophobic ones make it worse. Getting bullied because of who you like and getting told not to date that person? Excuse me but why it is any of your business? Would you listen if anyone told you that you shouldn't be with your significant other? Didn't think so. Moving right along. Harry is the all around jerk who bullies everyone for any reason he can think of. Dumb ass. I was hoping he got worse than he actually did. And Ben, who is actually beyond words. He needed punishment too. Far more than what he got. If getting Season 2 means we get to see him get his ass kicked, sign me up! Mostly in season 2, I need more Tori! Charlie's sister was under-utilized in this show. Short cameos, popping in out of nowhere, being quirky and gone. I want to know more about her! Summary. 8 episodes, roughly 30 minutes each. You can plow through it on a Sunday afternoon. Netflix won't even have time to ask if you are still watching. The Pineapple code word for this article is Leaves
Basic Info
Standalone or series? Book 1 in a new series (Previously released in the Aged To Perfection Anthology) Category Paranormal Women's Fiction Official Blurb About The Book (From the Amazon Page) Turning forty isn’t for the faint of heart! My name’s Florebelle Fairfield. I thought when you hit this age, your life’s supposed to be sorted out? Nope! Mine fell apart! I’ve heard of midlife crises, but a whole magical destiny no one prepared me for? That requires reinforcements! Luckily, I have my childhood besties, Star and Amira, a couple of kick-ass witches, who’ve always got my back. If anyone can help me through this mounting magical mess, it’s them. Hopefully, they can save my sanity, too. This isn’t what I signed up for... Can I just skip to forty-one? How did I get this book? I originally read it in the Aged To Perfection Anthology. Why did we choose to read this book: I read the Anthology and enjoyed this one - so now I have it all by itself too. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: As many of you know, my thoughts on the anthology were a bit of a mixed bag. This was one of the hidden gems I found by debut author Stephanie Berchiolly. Written in the first person you quickly get a feel for the sort of story you are going to be getting, and a real feel for the author's personality. General Review This a good example of how PWF should be written. A midlife crisis that results in crazy magical mishaps that were not an issue before. At times, it was clear that this was a debut novel, with areas that I 100% predict over time will see 5 star work emerging, but this didn't detract from the story for me. This book is laugh out loud funny, and anyone who thinks ice cream is the general first call answer to issues - well I can relate! Final Thoughts A great debut by an author, who right now, is my favorite new voice of 2022! Rating A Solid 4 Stars! Pineapple word for this article is Cherry ** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Are My Amazon Affiliate Links. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!) 
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Robin Hood, I’m sure we’ve all heard this story whether it be from books or even movies. It’s been told and retold several times. It could actually be on the remakes list as well, but one re-telling I want to talk about in this article has to be my absolute favorite and that’s "Robin Hood Men in Tights". Now we’ve talked about Mel Brooks before, but this I wanted to highlight on its own. It’s just that good. It has the same characters we love like Robin Hood and Maid Marion, but also new characters that may have you going "What?!?". Some say it’s making fun of the actual Robin Hood story, but honestly if it is I don’t care. It’s just that good and if you haven’t seen it then I suggest you remedy that as soon as possible and even if you’re not into the whole Robin Hood lore, that’s alright because, like I said, this movie is different and apart from some of the characters it definitely goes it’s own way. Melanie - This is actually one of Greg's favorite versions too lol. The Pineapple Word For This Article Is Tights And Now For The Giveaway! Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Robin Hood Men In Tights" Prize Pack featuring the Robin Hood Men In Tights DVD from Jennifer, & a paperback copy of "The Hunt", Good Luck Band, Mardi Gras Beads, and Cat Ears from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard. For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is your all time favorite version of Robin Hood? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 12th (and then posted here on the blog as well on June 13th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday June 12th posted on this post on Monday June 13th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Bond James Bond. This famous line is one you hear from one famous character and his movies. Which there have been many of, and Daniel Craig is just the latest in a slew of actors that took up the mantle, though he just recently finished his run in "No Time to Die", which I was loving at first but then the ending took a turn that I definitely couldn’t get on board with, and honestly I don’t think I ever will. It makes me wonder where they’re headed next with this famous character and if they have it in mind to do a total redo because apparently Bond is not the only agent with the number of 007—— also his famous "shaken, not stirred" still resonates with people, even though that’s technically not how you’re supposed to drink a martini, though this writer finds those disgusting anyways. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"Clocking in at nearly 2:45, there is plenty of time to die if you plan on seeing "No Time to Die". The Daniel Craig era of the Bond series comes to an end with this installment. His series of films differs from the others because they seem to all be connected and tell a concise story. They reference previous Craig era films, which I don't think they have done before. Or at least not very often outside of the occasional mention of his wife (from 1969's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"). Madeleine is still present in this one as she was in the previous film, "Spectre" and there is talk of Vesper from "Casino Royale". We've had Bond team ups before but not quite like this. During his 5 years of MIA, there is a new 007 in town. It isn't just assigned to him. Anyone can wear the number, unless they retire it. On opposite sides at first, they come to work together as he takes back his 007 status. That's not the only change in this movie. There is a serious WTF moment in the intro. The world famous beginning. Bond coming out, turning, shooting at the target, blood trickling down. All that happens....except the last part. No blood! What the bloody hell, people! It isn't even real blood! I know its PG 13 but you'd think they'd let a little fake blood go by the screen. They let an F bomb drop but no fake blood? "Casino Royale" opened a new chapter of Bond movies being dubbed "Bond Begins", shortly after the Batman reboot series started with "Batman Begins". Not sure how much they were contemplating the whole reboot since Judi Dench stayed in place as M, who was in the last few movies, even though they clearly state James was new to the 007 assignment. But she eventually got replaced anyway. So moving on. Closing off this chapter of movies leaves the door open for future movies, or it could kick the door down for a completely new direction. Will a new actor take on the role of James Bond for a new "mini series" of connected movies? Will they go with a single movie story again? Will it open the door for other 00 agents in their own movie? Hmm, I don't think that would be the same though. James Bond sells movie tickets. Not a random agent that nobody knows. Whatever the case, the world of James Bond may never be the same. Melanie - The pineapple code word for this movie is Bond
Melanie -Followers of the show will know that Greg and I have been very fond of a couple of these shows for a long time. Contrary to popular belief we actually watched The Last Kingdom first, and then Vikings came later. Vikings was however, the one that Greg loves the most and even has a tattoo on his arm to represent it. For me The Last Kingdom comes out on top (and if you missed my review of the book we are giving away today you can check it out here.) Greg will say it's just because of Uhtred, and whilst he IS a nice bonus, there is so much more to the show. The series for me is complete with the 5 seasons. I would have been totally happy if they ended it there - but there is a movie coming. We will see if they manage not to ruin it. Vikings was slow to start but then got really interesting, but finally lost the plot completely towards the end ...... and then Vikings Valhalla is really fast paced. Greg really enjoyed that one, although I think story was sacrificed for the sake of fighting and moving things along. That being said, we will be watching season 2 when it comes out. (As a note Greg said episode one is like Vampire Diaries made a Vikings show because it was a super well lit flashback - but that feeling does ease off). Of the three, if you like historical action, or are interested in the Vikings, there should be one that you can enjoy. Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!I’ve always been interested in Viking lore. Down from what they wore, to how they conducted themselves and what they believed, though I didn’t agree with the other aspects of Viking life. I also found myself immersed in stories about Vikings including books, but this article is about those Viking TV shows. With "Vikings" I didn’t like Ragnar so I stopped watching, well at least until he was no longer there. I do however though love "Vikings Valhalla", and thanks to Mels "Last Kingdom" now as well. I also think it’s because I like the main guy characters of Uhtred in last kingdom, and Harald and King Canut in Vikings Valhalla, which when I first saw King Canut I thought that’s Greg, so maybe that’s why I like the character. "Vikings Valhalla" starts to show more Christian Vikings. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever understand it or wrap my head around, because you can’t think Vikings without thinking Valhalla or the gods, like Thor, Freya and Odin. Vikings to enter Valhalla had to die with honor, which basically meant sword in hand, to die without it meant going to Helheim. "Last Kingdom" is Uhtred's story from childhood through being adult and everything he’s lost along the way. "Vikings Valhalla" basically is Christian Viking vs old ways Viking. Sounds dumb and boring but no, it's not. From the first episode it hits the ground running. It will leave your head spinning because even through the very last episode the action does not stop. And that cliffhanger! Yikes! Well, if you liked the original "Vikings" then check it out, and even if you didn’t check out "Last Kingdom" and "Vikings Valhalla" anyways, though Valhalla has a lot of callbacks to Vikings that had me rolling my eyes. Melanie - Check out the trailers and then scroll down for the giveaway! Pineapple Word For This Article Is - Vikings
And now for the giveaway! Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Vikings" Prize Pack featuring the Vikings Season DVD and the first Last Kingdom paperback from Jennifer, and a Hardcover copy of The Half Drowned King from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is your favorite Historical TV Show / Book Series (based at least in part on actual historical events)? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 5th (and then posted here on the blog as well on June 6th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday June 5th posted on this post on Monday June 6th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
It's Friday and today's feature is a review of The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Book 1) by Bernard Cornwall and how it compares to the Netflix show that was based on it! Even better the book I reviewed will be part of next week's Win It Wednesday Pack!
Blurb About The Book
In the middle years of the ninth century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England—and the course of history—depended upon one man, one king. From New York Times bestselling storyteller Bernard Cornwell comes a rousing epic adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love, and battle as seen through the eyes of a young warrior who straddled two worlds. ********** Standalone or series? Book 1 of 13! (That's a big series - as a note the 1st season covers events from books 1 & 2) Genre Historical Fiction How did I get this book? Jenn sent it as part of a prize pack for Win It Wednesday. Why did I choose to read this book: Having watched the show I wasn't going to read the books - but then it was there. And the Musers agreed that it was fine for me to read it before I gave it away. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: Coming to a book series after seeing the TV show or Movie is always going to lead to a little bias and I have noticed that I generally favor the first I come across. This is even more accurate here - I honestly don't think I would have read the book if I wasn't so invested in the series. The writing is excellent, but not really my cup of coffee BUT because I had seen many of the general events unfold on screen I enjoyed reading it and getting a new perspective. General Review Bernard Cornwall is an award winning writer for a reason! He adds a lot of detail and even following the fighting scenes tracked really well for me. There are a lot of differences from the show - for example in the book Uhtred has blonde hair, (those of you that have read my reviews before know that means nothing to me and I continued to imagine him exactly as his screen character), and we get a lot more story about his younger years and how he grew up with the Danes. The book is written in Uhtred's voice so I as I read it I could hear it very clearly, just like the intros on the show. There are a LOT of differences, none of which bothered me. Characters are introduced and play different roles that I was used to, but in the context of the book it all worked nicely. Final Thoughts Overall this is, in my opinion, a good read for someone who has already watched the show. I am almost 100% sure that I wouldn't have picked up the book as a random choice for me without having watched the show first, but now I am tempted to read more if only to see what else changed. Rating: A solid 4 stars with a note that this rating is how I felt about the book because I had seen the show. I am not sure what my rating would have been without that. It may even have ended up as a DNF. Check out the trailer for the Netflix series below! All 5 seasons are now streaming and there is a conclusion movie coming to wrap it up. (A note on the movie - I am a little concerned as to what their plan is there because for me, the ending of Season 5 was PERFECT. The movie may become one of those things that I watch once, and then pretend doesn't exist.... but we will see! Code word for this article is Uhtred ** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!
Melanie -I'm a big fan of James Spader, have been for many years, and have watched lots of his more unusual features but this is probably my favorite one that doesn't get talked about very much. Secretary, a story of obsession, and a peak into the BDSM lifestyle (not in the Fifty Shades Of Grey kinda way), fits nicely into my wheelhouse of movies that are definitely not everybody's cup of coffee. Full disclosure now - this is one of those movies that if it is streaming anywhere today will have a plethora of "Warnings" attached to it - so consider yourself "informed". This, and the movie 9 1/2 weeks are ALWAYS the ones I suggest to watch over Fifty Shades. I did watch those movies too (mainly because Em is OBSESSED with them, and as movies - ignoring the books - they aren't too bad), but that trilogy will never grab my attention the way this movie did. James Spader's performance is mesmerizing. It's the perfect storm when this couple meets - and the ending? I love it! As an addendum written after I finished this ........ I was looking around to see if there were other pieces about this - as we all know that strange and unusual are the VIPers middle names .... and I found a piece explaining how problematic this movie was and how it would never be made since the #MeToo movement. For anyone that feels that might be true ... PLEASE DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE - because you obviously won't "get it"! Jenn (With Additions From Dave)- Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Before “Fifty Shades of Grey” ignited the flames and shed a light on the darker side of inner desires there was this little known 2002 gem called “Secretary”. Honestly if you’re into anything like that then this would be a way better movie to watch than “Fifty Shades” but that’s just my opinion. I don’t think I’m alone in that but I don’t expect many to be in my corner. Now, again if you know what “Fifty Shades” is then you can pretty much guess what this is about. Rich guy (also named Grey..... Coincidence?) needs a secretary, hires a girl that’s pretty much just a plain Jane and it takes off from there. Girl falls for guy, but it takes the guy awhile to realize this girl is everything he ever wanted. Sounds like “Fifty Shades”, but well it’s different in a lot of ways and the biggest one is that I think this shows that lifestyle better, and has more class. So if you liked “fifty shades” or hey, just that stuff in general, or even if you just want something different and out of the ordinary, then I would definitely check out “Secretary”. This is one movie that proves that higher box office numbers doesn’t mean its a better movie. Melanie - Check out the trailer and then scroll down for the giveaway! Pineapple Word For This Article Is - Carrot And Now For The Giveaway  Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Secretary" Prize Pack featuring the Secretary DVD from Jennifer, and Beauty Awakened and Finding Willow (because they had sexy couples on the cover) and stickers (Twilight - because obsession - and the Pineapple Pizza just because) from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is your favorite James Spader Role? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on May 29th (and then posted here on the blog as well on May 30th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday May 29th posted on this post on Monday May 30th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page |
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August 2022
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