Empire Season 2

Welcome back to the Lyon’s den, with all its passion, music, and jaw-dropping performances! Three months have passed since Lucious Lyon’s (Terrence Howard) shocking arrest. Now, released from prison, he and Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) enter a hostile competition to dominate the music industry. Despite an ongoing feud between their sons Jamal and Hakeem, a stunning betrayal may unite the family against an outside takeover of Empire Entertainment Records. Meanwhile, Cookie learns a frightening truth about her new lover, and tragedy tests Andre’s newfound faith. Featuring off-the-charts guest stars, the acclaimed second season of EMPIRE is here, along with exciting special features that grant you backstage access!

EMPIRE stars Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Gealey, Kaitlin Doubleday, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta’Rhonda Jones and Serayah McNeill. In addition to the regular cast, the series has featured guest appearances by a wide range of talented performers, including Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, Marisa Tomei, Naomi Campbell, Ludacris, Adam Rodriguez, Vivica A. Fox, Rosie O’ Donnell and Andre Royo. 

AVAILABLE NOW!!

Rated TV-14

5 dvds

844 minutes

AMAZON US   |   AMAZON CA   |   AMAZON UK

My review for Empire Season 1

Season 3 returned September 21!

REVIEW:

I love this season!
Picking up where the last season left off, and it left off with a BANG, we dig deeper into the musical family of the Lyon's. I still think Cookie is the best character on the show. She is tough. She's to-the-point, and she doesn't take crap off anyone. She knows what is best for her boys, and for the music. Lucious, on the other hand, is arrogant, money-hungry and bent on destroying people. Even if it's his own blood.
Makes you wonder if the music business really is that cut-throat. If it is, I can see why some people leave it and the spotlight all together.
The music on this show is phenomenal though. So many stars visit the show, like Alicia Keys, and sing some beautiful songs that always seem to stick in my head.
That is probably the best part of the show, the music. I do like the drama but it's the music I watch for. Some of the best tracks come on the show.
I can't wait for Season 3. It's gonna be epic!

4/5

**No compensation was received for posting. Compensation will be earned if purchases are made from the links within. A copy was provided to facilitate a review. Opinions are owned by Freda's Voice.

The Friday 56 (With Book Beginnings & Instagram 56)

Welcome to Week 292!

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. 
*It's that simple.

Or join The Friday 56 on Instagram!

Rules:

* Grab a book and find a creative way to showcase your 56.

It can be a photo of the book and the 56 in comments, or whatever you come up with.

Make sure to use the hashtag #Friday56

*Add your Instagram url to the Linky.

Read my review HERE.

PAGE 56

This week's #Friday56 is from a Canadian comedian.

A photo posted by Freda Mans (@fredasphotos) on Sep 22, 2016 at 5:48pm PDT

                               ONLY FRIDAY 56 PARTICIPANTS MAY USE THE LINKY.

Book Beginnings leave your links in the comments if you didn't join in the Friday 56.

Book Beginnings

**No compensation was received for posting. Compensation will be earned if purchases are made from the link within. This is a meme post.

#Win The Sheikh’s Baby Scandal by Carol Marinelli (US)

Carol Marinelli was born in England then emigrated to Australia. She lives in Melbourne and is the mother of three children. 

1)      Where did you gather inspiration for Zazinia?

I could just see it in my mind’s eye. I like desert settings and have written a few of them but each desert and palace appears differently to me. I wanted Zazinia to have an ancient and traditional feel, in contrast to the modern and glittering Dubai, where the book is also set.

2)      How do you think the setting affects the story? 

The setting is vital. The Sheikh’s Baby Scandal takes place in London, Dubai and Zazinia. The location changes reveal more facets of both characters personalities. Kedah is a very rich playboy but all that has to change when he returns to Zazinia and he reveals a more formal side. Felicia is a very independent heroine. Instead of being taken out of her comfort zone in Zazinia, she comes into her stride. I really liked that about her.

3)      Is anything in your new release based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

My imagination is so vivid that I sometimes feel as if it’s real life but no, it’s all imagination. I am sadly lacking in royal sheikhs J

4)      How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It is very variable. I tend to work on two stories at the same time. Both are usually at different stages and I dip in and out of each. Near the end of writing a story though, I can only focus on one and so it gets my full attention then, until it’s complete. Generally, at that point, I get a new idea for a story and start to write it, while going back to the other story I left sitting. On average I think I work on a story for 3-4 months.

5)      Any tips to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

 Everyone handles it differently and what works through one rough patch might not work for the next. Going for a walk certainly helps me. I forget to, of course, or I tell myself I’m too busy and too behind to justify taking a couple of hours to walk. But I should remember, because it helps me a lot. I listen to a podcast or some music and then for the last half hour or so I take out my headphones and start to think about my plot.

6)      What is your favorite book and why?

Bryce Courtenay’s, April Fool’s Day. It is a true story about the life of his deceased son. There are so many life-lessons within it and it is beautifully written. The book touches on many issues and Bryce did not paint himself with a perfect brush. It is honest and sad, wonderful and warm and it still makes me cry.

7)  What is your current end-of-summer read?  

I am extremely behind with my reading and am just about to dive into my TBR pile. At the top is Sarah Morgan’s Sunset in Central Park and I can’t wait to get started!

• Series: One Night With Consequences
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (August 23, 2016)
• ISBN: 9780373134656
• 
  

Playboy sheikh Kedah of Zazinia has loved every minute he's spent earning his outrageous reputation! But about to claim the throne, and with a list of prospective brides being prepared, Kedah knows he must soon accept his royal duty… 

A scorching night with his poised assistant, Felicia Hamilton, seems the perfect distraction—and her cool beauty masks a desire Kedah is hungering to ignite! But even Kedah isn't prepared for the biggest scandal of all, when their one night together leaves Felicia pregnant with his baby!

WANNA WIN A COPY?

US only

1 winner

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**No compensation was received for posting. Freda's Voice is not responsible for the prize shipment, lost, damaged or stolen prizes.