S. Elle Cameron

All love is a tragedy...

Filtering by Tag: Rihanna

Crazy Little Thing Called Love Update!

As most of you already know I started writing a new book, entitled Crazy Little Thing Called Love. It's inspired by my last short story of the same name (http://bit.ly/1RAhI4k). 

Readers of the A Tragic Heart series may find it odd that I'm writing about 2 characters who never shared a love interest and barely interact in any of the books but this book would be an extension of What Could've Been (TBR). It's really just a hypothetical story told in present tense to make it seem like it happened. 

The cool thing about this story is that it is a totally Rihanna inspired book. Now, I know that may sound weird but let me explain! Every chapter is a one liner from a different Rihanna song from a different Rihanna album. Basically, Rihanna's music inspired a pretty cool novel. 

Initially I said the novel would be about 120-200 pages, now it looks as if it will be about 180-220 pages...so basically it's another full length novel as opposed to a short one; but it is shorter than my previous work. 

I'm not counting this novel as part of the A Tragic Heart (http://amzn.to/1SH7qCYseries but it will definitely help if you read the series in order (A Tragic Heart, RED, Turn It Off, What Could've Been) before reading this one. The series will end with What Could've Been but there will be other short stories and short books to the series. Think of it as a TV series with multiple seasons and just about anything can happen. Lies, cheating, deceit, joy, anything...

Always remember, all love is a tragedy! 

Ronan: It's Always Her... (Continued)(Short Story #9)

It's been since October that I've written a short story (remember those?!). I missed writing short stories on my characters from the A Tragic Heart series. I believe this series will always be my favorite and the characters will always be the most real to me which is why I write little blurbs about them...so I never have to let them go.

As promised, this one is a continuation to the last one and it's from Ronan's point of view. Clearly it would belong with the second novel, RED and jumps eight years into the future (from where RED left off). You can check out the first part to the story here: Ronan: It's Always Her...

Listen to "Close To You" by Rihanna on repeat while reading to get the full experience:



Ronan: It’s Always Her (Continued)

                There she was. Sitting across from me in an expensive restaurant in Los Angeles just talking away. She had a smile painted across her face as she spoke and her red hair was now dyed blonde; a new look is what she called it. She looked beautiful…even more beautiful than I could remember. Adulthood looked good on her and it was clear that she was far from that high school girl who broke my heart way back when. 

                She went on about her idea for the photoshoot she wanted to collaborate with me on. For the most part it sounded like a good idea but I couldn’t really tell you because I wasn’t listening much. I just kept thinking about how she was the most beautiful girl in the room…in the world. Just a few days ago I was with a gorgeous model in my bedroom and now here I am with my high school lover and thinking about just how unattractive that model was compared to her. She has no idea. 

                “Enough about work,” I interrupted her as I reached across the table and grabbed her hands. Her nails were painted black and her skin was smooth. “How have you been, Peyton?”

                She gave me a smirk before answering, it was almost a blush. “I’ve been great, actually. I’m in a really good place and things just keep getting better. I never thought I’d say that but…here I am,” she replied.

                “That’s good. You seem really happy,” I responded with a little disappointment in my tone. I was happy that she was happy but there was a part of me that wanted her to confess that she missed me. I wanted her to say that she still needed me even though we’ve been apart for eight years. 

                “Before coming here I got to spend time with Mason and the rest of the family. The kids are getting so big…they’re not even kids anymore. Can you believe that?!” she asked. “Lila’s going to be starting college soon!”

                Lila’s her baby cousin. Mason is her dad’s first cousin who took her in after both her parents died while she was still a baby. For her, his kids are basically her little sister and brothers. 

                “That’s crazy. Time really does fly. Who would’ve thought we’d be here? A lot has happened,” I said taking on a slightly tighter grip onto her hands. 

                “It really has. I can’t even keep up anymore,” she basically mumbled. 

                Before I could say another word the waiter came and interrupted us asking if we were ready to order. She wasn’t sure what she wanted so I ordered for the both of us. I told her not to worry she’ll love it and she responded with a “you always knew me so well.” 

                We talked more over dinner, mostly about work and how I would make her vision come to life. She loved my input and told me this is why I’m her go to person for things like this. We make a great team. If only she knew what that truly means to me. It’s crazy how she was the one to hurt me so I let her go but I’m the one longing for her again. Most people will say I’m insane but they’re obviously the ones who never met Peyton Hayley Giordano. 

                She suggested we go back to my condo where I have an in house studio. She wanted to get a visual of how things will be set up. Of course I wouldn’t object to it. She’s always welcomed in my home. Aside from being my ex she’s also one of my oldest friends. Nothing will ever change that. 

                We walked inside together and I offered her a drink. She declined. All she wanted was for me to show her to the studio so I did. 

                “I have an idea,” she announced. 

                I lifted my head to look at her, letting her know she had my attention. “What is it?” I asked. 

                “Let’s do things a little differently. I want a photoshoot tonight. Just on a whim kind of thing. All natural,” she replied.

                “Okay. Let me get my camera set up,” I said about to walk out of the room before she stopped me.

                “Here’s the catch!” she said staring at me biting her bottom lip. 

                “Go on,” I urged curiously.

                “I want to be nude. Nothing covered. All natural, like I said. No retouches, nothing but my natural self.”

                I was speechless. “Peyton-“

                “I wanted a shoot like this for a while and I could’ve asked anyone but I wanted you to do it. I mean, who better than you? You’ve already seen the package.”

                “That was years ago,” I replied. “It’s different now.”

                “Are you seeing someone?” she asked.

                “No. Not really,” I responded quickly.

                “Then what’s the problem?”

                The problem was I was still in love with her and seeing her that naked will definitely send me over the edge. I couldn’t tell her that though.

                “I’ll go get my camera.”

                When I came back she started to undress slowly. I watched her take off every piece of clothing and I wanted to forget about the photoshoot. I just wanted her. 

                “Ready?” I asked not able to take my eyes off of her.

                “As ready as I can be,” she said pushing her newly blonde hair out of her face. 

                We took shots on the bed, the shower, my balcony…almost everywhere. Not once did she feel uncomfortable. The photos came out beautiful. She was just about to start putting her clothes back on when I said something to get her attention.

                “What if I didn’t want you to put those back on just yet?” I asked boldly.

                She stopped and stared for a bit so I walked closer to her. She didn’t make a move. She seemed shocked. 

                “Roe, what are you saying?” she asked as I ran my fingers up and down her arm. I always loved the softness of her skin. 

                “I’m saying that I still have feelings for you and I can’t let you leave me tonight…not like this.”

                “Roe-I don’t think-“

                I cut her off with a kiss. She pulled back but before she could interrupt I kissed her again. This time she let it happen. She let her panties drop out of her hands and wrapped her arms around my waist. I guess this was happening on my balcony in the middle of the night. Let’s just hope paparazzi didn’t follow us here…

Don't forget to pick up your copy of RED and the rest of the series here: A Tragic Heart Series

 
 

American Oxygen (Music & Video Review)

Okay, so I know I'm late but I've been busy! The song was released over a week ago (basically two weeks now) and I've been listening to it since then, I just haven't had the chance to review it (which may be good because I can now review it with a clearer opinion). Anyway, check out my review below for one of Rihanna's new songs from her upcoming album (still called R8 for now), American Oxygen.

Initially when I first heard American Oxygen I thought "hmmm, it's okay but it's not FourFiveSeconds or Kiss It Better" and while I do feel almost the same way, the song has grown on me a bit more. American Oxygen depicts the struggle of making it in America (as does the music video) and I think it's an important message for society, especially in times like now.

Now, I've read it took about a year to write this song and at first I thought "why?" but after a few more listens I can see why. It's one of those songs you have to get right if you're going to go there. You can't "half fast" it and the production of the song shows just that. It's well written and of course Rihanna makes it her own as she does every song given to her.

Now, while the song is an easy listen, I don't expect it to impact radio the way FourFiveSeconds did (I don't care, I still love that song!) American Oxygen is an anthem for the new generation of Americans but it's also a bit too "safe" to be considered a huge anthem in the way "Empire State of Mind" was for New Yorkers. It just doesn't have that strong feel.

I have been listening to the song for a while now and it's found its way onto a few of my playlists but I wish it hit harder. Although I can relate to the lyrics and I completely understand sweating for a nickle and a dime in hopes to turn it into an empire but the song doesn't have that "now press repeat" factor that most Rihanna songs have. I appreciate the seriousness and message of the song but when I initially heard the snippet, I thought it may hit harder. Honestly, the snippet didn't even have that "Higher" effect (now that's a song she needs to release ASAP).

Now as for the music video, it bumps the song up a few notches in my opinion. The video is ON POINT! Rih Rih didn't miss a beat with the visuals and the story of America. Depicting how the new and old America are so different yet pretty much the same was ingenious. It's heartfelt and inspiring and honestly, the video is what gave me more appreciation for the song. Reaching the American Dream takes blood, sweat, and tears (literally!) and even then you may fall short.

After all the country has been through, Rihanna stands to say "we are the new America!" and those lines I would love to shout proudly knowing there are millions willing to shout the same thing. American Oxygen's music video is the perfect example of why music videos are important to a song and why that companionship is needed. The video gives the song MUCH more meaning.

Overall, I would rate American Oxygen a 3.5/5 stars. It's definitely no "Higher" or "Kiss It Better" or even "FourFiveSeconds" but it'll do as I still get my dosage of new Rihanna music. Still waiting for the release of R8...maybe I should review BBHMM even though it's even older than American Oxygen...just a thought...

Buy American Oxygen here on iTunes.

Lyrics:



I'm FourFiveSeconds From Hitting Repeat!

So this is my first music post on this blog and I'm so excited because I plan to do things like this more often. I recently announced on my Twitter page that I would incorporate more posts about pop culture and it just so happened that current Queen of Pop, Little Miss Sunshine herself, Rihanna, released her new single featuring Kanye West and the legendary Sir Paul McCartney.

Now everyone has an opinion about this song (as they should) because it's ENTIRELY different from anything else Rih Rih has ever done. I, for one am glad about that. If I got another "club banger" or radio friendly EDM song I would've just quit on modern pop music (okay, not really but you get what I'm saying).

Point blank, I think FourFiveSeconds is great. Is it a masterpiece? No, but it's genuinely good music. Rihanna's voice is strained during some parts but it fits the mood of the song. I've waited for the folksy, acoustic sound in a pop song for so long now it's not even funny! I just didn't think Rihanna would be the pop goddess to give it to me (but I'm happy she did). Kanye's voice falls flat (and autotuned) but he sort of saves himself in his second verse.

This song gives me vibes of being in a bar while a small band plays for the crowd. It's chill and relaxing and it's something you can vibe to while you're in your car (take that for radio friendly). Not only that but it's a catchy song that will remain in your head after just one listen (regardless of your opinion of the song).

Generally the song talks about being fed with someone (or people) who constantly takes your kind for weakness and you're a couple of seconds away from blowing up. It's a nice departure from the "ratchet" music that has been up and coming (and that I will never understand). It's something cool about hearing an acoustic track that talks about the feelings you get before you go off on someone.

For most people the song is a grower but for me, it made its mark on the first listen. Radio will eat it up and fans will be satisfied for now since it's something new from Rihanna. Honestly, if her album sound like this and her snippet of Kiss It Better, it' safe for me to say that this just may be my favorite Rihanna album (sorry Good Girl Gone Bad). I'm excited for R8!!!! Take a look at the lyrics below and listen to the song. Also buy FourFiveSeconds here on iTunes!



Lyrics to Four Five Seconds 
 I think I've had enough, I might get a little drunk
I say what's on my mind, I might do a little time
Cause all of my kindness, is taken for weakness

Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh thats all I want

Woke up an optimist, sun was shining I'm positive
Then I heard you was talkin' trash
Hold me back I'm bout' to spaz

Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh thats all I want

And I know that you're up tonight
Thinkin' how could I be so selfish
But you called bout a thousand times wondering where I been
Now I know that your up tonight
Thinkin' how could I be so reckless
But I just can't apologize, I hope you can understand

If I go to jail tonight, promise you'll pay my bail
See they want to buy my pride, but that just ain't up for sale
See all of my kindness, is taken for weakness

Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh that's all I want

Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh that's all I want