‘Fifty Shades of Snow’ is the new urban life novel by A. Roy Milligan. Photo: Amazon
In today’s book news, here is a new book from acclaimed African American author A. Roy Milligan. If you like urban life fiction, in particular African American urban life fiction that brings the street life to the mainstream, may I suggest “Fifty Shades of Snow.”
Author A. Roy Milligan was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. While in prison for a second time for selling drugs, he started writing urban fiction books when he was 21 years old after being inspired by authors like Terri Woods, Wahida Clark, and Ashley & JaQuavis. He now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where he runs his own car hauling company. On his free time, he enjoys bowling, shooting pool, reading, and traveling. He wrote “From Prison To the Car Hauling Game” to motivate people that have been in similar situations where they lost hope and do not know what else to do since they have felonies on their record. His new book “Fifty Shades of Snow” is a gritty and realistic urban fiction crime drama. (A. Roy Milligan, 2023)
“Fifty Shades of Snow”– When Steve found the love of his life Angelia in bed with a flashy street thug loaded with cash, he knew his meager factory wages and part-time drug dealing were not going to cut it. Steve was a celebrity football star in high school, but now 10 years later, he is barely making ends meet by slinging a couple of ounces of cocaine here and there on the side. Now, things are getting worse. Angelia’s got a thing for street dudes with bling, and Steve’s got no bling. Despite being enraged by Angelia’s adultery, Steve decides to keep her around and find a quick way to improve their financial situation to keep her faithful. He knows life as a part-time drug dealer is not going to stack cash, but a trip to San Antonio, Texas to meet with the head of a notorious Mexican cartel might just be the ticket into the dangerous and lucrative street life that he has been looking for. Can Steve make the moves that he needs to make to save his relationship and elevate himself from barely paying the bills to straight-up street hustler?
‘Bag Girl’ is the upcoming new memoir from Tozanee Smith. Photo: Tozanee Smith, used with permission.
If you like biographies and memoirs of strong women who survived a tough childhood against all odds, this upcoming new release is just for you. “Bag Girl” by Tozanee Smith will be released on Kindle on September 22, but don’t worry, it’s available for pre-order through Amazon. Reserve your copy today!
Tozanee Smith is a teacher, a mother, a nurse, and a cook (at heart). She loves spending time at home on the couch with a good romance book with the occasional glass of wine. From time to time, she likes to spend quality time with close personal friends. She lives in Martinsburg, WV and enjoys going to the movies and long road trips. Her new book “Bag Girl: Memoir: Home Is Where The Bag Is” is a memoir of strength, courage, survival, and resilience. It will be released on September 22, 2023. (Tozanee Smith, 2023)
“Bag Girl” – Trying to survive the chaotic world of being the eldest of my family comes with its own baggage. On top of being diagnosed with diabetes and PCOS at a young age, dealing with a bipolar sex crazed mother who cared more about men then her own children was a whole different fight. Having being taught to stay in a child’s place and that my feelings did not matter, nor did I have a say in anything, I knew I was brought into this world for one thing and one thing only. To mother, not be mothered. Battling my own personal demons along with my anxiety and depression was enough for my mother to keep me grounded, that alone came with its side of verbal abuse and humiliation.
End Times is available in limited theaters and Video On Demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In movie news today, get ready for another post-apocalyptic zombie movie as End Times releases today.
End Times stars horror icon Jamie Bernadette and Craig Stark and is available now in limited theaters and Video On Demand. Jim Towns is the writer and director and The Asylum is the distributor. (The Write Way, 2023)
End Times follows a pair of mismatched travelers, Claire and Freddie (Bernadette and Stark), as they try to escape a deadly pandemic that has turned Los Angeles into a zombie-infested wasteland. Claire is a privileged young suburbanite ill-equipped to survive in this hostile new landscape, until she meets Freddie, a retired soldier who lost his daughter to the virus. As they travel together to reach the perimeter, Freddie teaches Claire the skills that will enable Claire to survive, and the uneasy partnership between the two grows into something more akin to a father/daughter relationship. Before they can reach safety, the two will have to escape brutal gangs, cannibals, cults, and the undead.
“We have a heartfelt horror here that has not only scared those who have previewed the film, but has also left them in tears at the end. Perhaps the toughest acting I have ever done is in the last 20 or so minutes of this film—yes, maybe even tougher than I Spit on Your Grave if you can believe that ha ha. It tried me as an artist, pushed me as an actor, and tested me as a person. I owe a big thank you to actor Craig Stark for being an incredible scene partner throughout this film and to writer and director Jim Towns for his brilliant vision and guidance.” – Jamie Bernadette
“I’m excited that after a lot of hard work, End Times is being unleashed on the world. This film was a battle to make from start to finish, but I’m so very proud of it and of everyone who came together to make it. I think it tells a universal story about the bonds between people that get us through tragedy and disaster, and finally bring us to a place of hope. My thanks to my producing partner Jamie Bernadette, our stars Jamie and Craig Stark, Dominique Swain, Kaiwi Lyman and Sadie Katz, and to the Asylum for their trust in the film.” – Jim Towns
The supporting cast includes Dominique Swain, Jessica Morris, Kaiwi Lyman, Dan Buran, Stefanie Estes, Maria Olsen, Sadie Katz, and Victoria De Mare.
Hominy Valley is the first single from Morning Shift, out September 8, 2023. Photo: Steep Canyon Rangers
Steep Canyon Rangers are made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums, dobro, guitar, and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals. Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages. In 2013, Nobody Knows You won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, while 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category. Steep Canyon Rangers unearth layers of human history with Hominy Valley, the first single from upcoming Darrell Scott-produced album, Morning Shift—out September 8. (IV-PR, 2023)
Produced by the distinguished Darrell Scott and engineered by the legendary Dave Sinko, Morning Shift found the Rangers recording their 14th studio album in Bat Cave, North Carolina, at the Inn Bat Cave, a historical refuge settled near a long-forgotten crossroads of Southern Appalachia. This was the perfect space to feel confident in expanding upon that Carolina sound, the perfect runway to let their well-oiled machine do what it does best- craft stories from the ground up, as a unit. Morning Shift also marks the band’s first album with new band member Burdett on guitar and vocals, bringing a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a student of folk tradition providing a fresh, emotional context to the Rangers’ songbook.
Last month, Folk Alley premiered the track, writing “‘Hominy Valley’ perfectly kicks off the anticipation of another excellent new album from the Steep Canyon Rangers.” Fans can listen to Hominy Valley now and pre-order or pre-saveMorning Shift ahead of its September 8 release. Steep Canyon Rangers are on tour throughout the summer with a string of dates with longtime collaborators Steve Martin & Martin Short beginning in September.
Morning Shift track list: Hominy Valley Deep End Second in Line (Junior) Old Stone House/Handlebars/Chimney Rock Harvest Queen Ghost of Glasgow Above My Burdens Birds of Ohio Alabama Calling Morning Shift Fare Thee Well, Carolina Gals Recommend Me
Catch Steep Canyon Rangers on tour: July 13 – Grey Fox – Oak Hill, NY July 14 – Rams Head – Annapolis, MD July 15 – Sellersville Theatre – Sellersville, PA July 16 – Long’s Park – Lancaster, PA July 21 – Midtown Listening Lawn Outdoor – Grand Rapids, MI July 22 – Murphy Theatre – Wilmington, OH August 2 – Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, CO ^ August 3 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO August 4 – Matthews Opera House – Spearfish, SD August 5 – Centerfest – Lewistown, MT August 12 – Podunk Bluegrass Festival – Goshen, CT August13 – Stone Mountain Arts Center – Brownfield, ME August18 – North Carolina Museum of Art – Raleigh, NC ^ August 19 – Shenandoah Valley Music Festival – Orkney Springs, VA September 2 – The Blue Ridge Music Center – Galax, VA September 8-9 – Mountain Song Festival – Brevard, NC September 14-16 – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts – Pittsburgh, PA * September 21 – AmericanaFest – Nashville, TN September 22-23 – Encore Theater – Las Vegas, NV * September 28 – Brooks Center for Performing Arts – Clemson, SC September 29 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre – Wilmington, NC October 13 – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts – Greensboro, NC * October 14 – Township Auditorium – Columbia, SC * October 15 – North Charleston Performing Arts Center – Charleston, SC * October 26 – Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre – Red Bank, NJ * October 27 – Academy of Music – Philadelphia, PA * October 28 – The Lyric Theatre – Baltimore, MD * October 29 – Altria Theater – Richmond, VA * November 3 – The Lyric Theatre – Stuart, FL November 4 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL November 5 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL November 10 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME * November 11- Providence Performing Arts Center- Providence, RI * November 12 – Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY * November 30 – Salle Wilfrid Pelletier – Montreal, QC * December 1-2 – Meridian Hall- Toronto, ON *
^ With Amythyst Kiah * With Steve Martin & Martin Short
‘Melissa Weller and The Curse of Branford Manor’ is the new paranormal horror novel by Robert Sounvonnakasy. Photo: Robert Sounvonnakasy, used with permission.
In today’s book news, here is a new one I want to put on your radar if you like paranormal horror, urban fantasy, and horror suspense – “Melissa Weller and The Curse of Branford Manor” by Robert Sounvonnakasy.
Robert Sounvonnakasy is known for his captivating works in the realms of paranormal horror and urban fantasy. With two acclaimed titles under his belt, namely “The Prescott Legacy: A Medical Urban Fantasy Novel” and “Melissa Weller and The Curse of Branford Manor,” Robert has established himself as a master of crafting unique and innovative storytelling experiences. Robert’s passion for video games has been a lifelong inspiration for his writing. Games such as Final Fantasy, The Last of Us, and Street Fighter have fueled his creative fire and influenced his storytelling style. In his new book “Melissa Weller and The Curse of Branford Manor (The Prescott Legacy Spinoff Volume One): A New Adult Paranormal Horror Novel,” prepare yourself for a ghostly tale that will send shivers down your spine, featuring a one-of-a-kind fusion of The Karate Kid and American Horror Story. (Robert Sounvonnakasy, 2023)
“Melissa Weller and The Curse of Branford Manor” – In Russelfield, Alabama, the youth have long shared a bone-chilling legend of Branford Manor—a haunted house that seals the fate of anyone who dares to enter. Melissa Weller, an unsuspecting taekwondo student seeking personal growth, becomes the latest victim of the manor’s horrifying curse, unleashing ghastly apparitions that will torment her very soul. Despite the overwhelming odds against her, Melissa is determined to break the curse that has claimed numerous lives before hers. However, the supernatural manifestations are fearsome, and will relentlessly pursue her until her demise reaches a grisly conclusion. Can Melissa triumph over the malicious phantoms, or will she be lost forever in the infamous cycle of tragedy and horror?
“Overall, this is a brilliant first installment of a paranormal saga that lovers of the genre will relish.” – Readersfavorite.com
“If Stephen King, Colleen Hoover and Jackie Chan were to join forces and write a novel, this book would be a byproduct of their combined imagination.” – Amazon customer review
Sebastian is now available for digital streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Sebastian is now streaming on Tubi, Plex, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. The crime-driven horror film in which a serial killer ravages a city stars horror icon Jamie Bernadette, Darius McCrary, Torrei Hart, and Luca Della Valle. The supporting cast includes Clifton Powell, Cocoa Brown, Jermaine Hopkins, Jayson Warner Smith, Tracey Graves, Michael Emery, and Jermel Howard. The film is written and directed by Mann Robinson. (The Write Way, 2023)
Synopsis: Sebastian (Luca Della Valle), a reincarnated Christian martyr who is reborn every 60 years, goes on a pursuit to win the love of Irene (Jamie Bernadette), eliminating anyone who gets in his way.
Sebastian (ac. AD 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. He was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, initially being tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows, though this did not kill him. Irene of Rome came to his rescue and nurtured him back to health. Although he survived, Sebastian was later killed by his enemies. For centuries after this event, there has been a mass number of young women named Irene murdered and missing around the globe. Legend has it that Sebastian has been living among us disguised as a regular civilian named Augustus and is the murderous, revenging spirit that is reborn every 60 years because of the blood of Irene. The present day Irene is first charmed by his gentleman aurora and his world sophistication but then becomes put off from his aggression. Sebastian will not stop until he gets her blood. Or her love. (IMDb, 2023)
Sebastian is already climbing Tubi’s most-watched lists, having gone viral on social media the day of its release with opinion leaders in film openly praising the movie. Noted film producer Jan O’Connell compared the film to the popular 1995 film “Se7en” and praised the entire cast and Director Mann Robinson in a tweet. Darius McCrary, who is also a producer on the film, says, “I am honored to have had the pleasure of working with my partner Torrei Hart and the brilliant cast she and Mann assembled. Sebastian is one small step for a brilliant independent filmmaker named Mann and one giant step for all his Mankind.”
Director Mann Robinson stated, “It was an honor to work with true legends on this project. Felt like I was working with 7 acting instructors!” Jamie Bernadette commented about joining the cast, saying, “It was a no-brainer to accept the lead protagonist role of ‘Irene’ after I read the brilliant script by Mann Robinson and watched his excellent past directing work. Add to that a really strong cast of seasoned actors and an awesome producing team, and we have gold. They all made my job easy.”
The new horror movie Aged is now available on digital streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In today’s movie news, if you love horror movies as much as I do, here is a new release. I am so watching it this weekend.
Aged, a new thriller starring Morgan Boss-Maltais, Carla Kidd, and Dave McClain, and directed by Anubys Lopez is now available on digital platforms. Viewing options include Tubi, where you can watch for free with ads, and Amazon Video, where you can rent or purchase. (October Coast, 2023)
Synopsis: After taking a temporary job as a caregiver, a young woman realizes her employer and the house have a dangerous, dark past.
Filmed in Houston, Texas, the unnerving character-driven dramatic thriller is the latest film from writer/director Anubys Lopez and his Harrowhouse Films, whose previous film the horror film Those That Call was released in 2022. Lopez works are usually horrors or thrillers based on true events or small town’s folklore. He is known for having abrupt, shocking, or unexpected endings to his films.
William Matheny’s new album That Grand, Old Feeling will be out August 4, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
William Matheny is a West Virginia-based singer-songwriter whose brand of Americana music is firmly steeped in the Appalachian storytelling tradition. Written and recorded before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Matheny’s latest record That Grand, Old Feeling is his most expansive work yet, taking narrative inspiration from the eclectic characters who inhabit dive motels and roadside haunts and sonic cues from the work of artists like Magnolia Electric Co. and Drive-By Truckers. Highlights include the slick, brooding “Every Way to Lose,” which Matheny wrote after discovering Alabama’s Wall of Jericho trailhead, and “Down at the Hotel Canfield,” the latter inspired by a visit to a real hotel in Dubuque, IA, that infamously boasts a ghastly history. (IV-PR, 2023)
“Grand Old Feeling” is the first single from Matheny’s new album That Grand, Old Feeling—out August 4 via Hickman Holler / Thirty Tigers. That Grand, Old Feeling follows Matheny’s 2017 album Strange Constellations, which drew critical acclaim from outlets like NPR and PopMatters. Matheny recorded the LP with producer Bud Carroll at Trackside Studio in Point Pleasant, WV. Carroll joins the proceedings on guitar, with Adam L. Meisterhans (guitar), Clint Sutton (drums), Jeremy Batten (piano, organ), John R. Miller (bass, vocals), and J. Tom Hnatow (pedal steel) rounding out the band, and recent Grammy-winner Justin Francis mixed the final product. All of these fantastic players are fellow West Virginians and Matheny’s longtime friends.
Fans can hear “Grand Old Feeling” at this link and pre-saveThat Grand, Old Feeling; fans can pre-order the album straight from Matheny ahead of its August 4 release right here.
Matheny’s style is that of a keen-eyed observer whose stories exist in a beautifully between-the-lines style narrative; equal parts curious and compassionate. Lines in “Grand Old Feeling” like “My mother once said ‘son, you’re a good man,’ like she was trying to convince herself” let the listeners in on more of the story than pages of simple narrative could, granting Matheny more real estate within a four-minute song to bring to life his “grand old feeling” of what it all means. While his personal examples come from years of touring, Matheny admits that the “grand old feeling” isn’t just about his gigging musician life. “For the non-road dogs out there, I imagine you’ve been looking too, maybe in some different places than me, but I’m sure you’ve been searching all the same,” he says. “Speaking to you pilgrim to pilgrim, I hope you find it.”
The sci-fi documentary Aliens Uncovered: The Golden Record will premiere this July 4. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In the late 70s, the US government sent a message to our distant neighbors. Twenty years later, the response we received sparked the biggest UFO sighting in history. Now, the Pentagon confirms Alien mothership could be sending probes to Earth. Could this be the same mother ship that showed up during an event that was nine times stronger than the Carrington event? The answer to that question could be hidden deep in Arizona’s High Desert. Clive Christopher’s third film in the ALIENS UNCOVERED series, Aliens Uncovered: The Golden Record is a compelling watch, and it is coming to digital July 4 from Breaking Glass Pictures. (October Coast, 2023)
“I am thrilled to bring ‘Aliens Uncovered: The Golden Record’ to audiences worldwide. This thought-provoking and captivating film takes viewers on a journey into the mysteries of the universe, exploring the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and our profound connection to the cosmos. With its intriguing storyline and compelling revelations, the film challenges us to question our place in the universe and sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity. We are proud to be a part of this project that pushes the boundaries of exploration and discovery. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure as ‘Aliens Uncovered: The Golden Record’ unveils secrets that will leave audiences awe-inspired and craving further exploration.” – CEO Rich Wolff of Breaking Glass Pictures.
The song Billions Of Suns is from their new album Afterworld. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In music news today, if you are into death metal, Carcariass recently released a new lyric video from their latest studio album.
This month, French melodic death proggers Carcariass unveiled a brand new lyric video for Billions Of Suns, the third single from their sixth studio album Afterworld, out now. Afterworld is available for purchase via Bandcamp. (Ebony Jeanette, 2023)
“Billions Of Suns evokes a gigantic Intergalactic Empire and its Inquisition, which ensures that the immutable word of the Emperor-God is respected to the very ends of the universe and exterminates all opposition!” – Carcariass
Released in March, Afterworld was recorded and mixed by “Drop” (Samael guitarist) at Downtone Studio in Switzerland. Jens Bogren (Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Sepultura, At The Gates) mastered the album at Fascination Street Studio in Sweden and produced by GSI Records.
For another taste of Afterworld, check out the first two album singles, No Aftermath and The Hive now.
Carcariass is: Pascal Lanquetin (musical composition and lead guitars) Jerome Thomas (vocals) Bertrand Simonin (drums) Raphaël Couturier (bass) Bob (rhythm guitar for live shows)
Afterworld track list: 01- No Aftermath 02- Billions of Suns 03- Identity 04- Angst 05- Fall of an Empire 06- Black Rain 07- Generational Rot 08- The Hive 09- Machine Kult 10- Afterworld
“Masterpiece!” -METALLIAN
“An album of impressive musical richness and extreme beauty.” -HARDFORCE
“The guitar solos are breathtakingly musical.” -ROCK HARD Magazine
“A highly entertaining listen with the right grooves put in place to demonstrate a keen sense of harmony. – HEAVY MUSIC HQ
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