Where The Wicked Read.... My Spot To Talk About, Review, Share My Love Of Books, and Anything Else That Comes To Mind..

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesay is Poem Day! Broken Dreams.. By.William Butler Yeats

Broken Dreams



There is grey in your hair,

Young men no longer suddenly catch their breath

When you are passing;

But maybe some old gaffer mutters a blessing

Because it was your prayer

Recovered him upon the bed of death.

For your sole sake--that all heart's ache have known,

And given to others all heart's ache,

From meager girlhood's putting on

Burdensome beauty--for your sole sake

Heaven has put away the stroke of her doom,

So great her portion in that peace you make

By merely walking in a room.



Your beauty can but leave among us

Vague memories, nothing but memories.

A young man when the old men are done talking

Will say to an old man, 'Tell me of that lady

The poet stubborn with his passion sang us

When age might well have chilled his blood.'



Vague memories, nothing but memories,

But in the grave all, all, shall be renewed.

The certainty that I shall see that lady

Leaning or standing or walking

In the first loveliness of womanhood,

And with the fervour of my youthful eyes,

Has set me muttering like a fool.



You are more beautiful than any one,

And yet your body had a flaw:

Your small hands were not beautiful,

And I am afraid that you will run

And paddle to the wrist

In that mysterious, always brimming lake

Where those that have obeyed the holy law

Paddle and are perfect. Leave unchanged

The hands that I have kissed,

For old sake's sake.



The last stroke of midnight dies.

All day in the one chair

From dream to dream and rhyme to rhyme I have ranged

In rambling talk with an image of air:

Vague memories, nothing but memories.


~William Butler Yeats~

Monday, August 30, 2010

My FB Fan Page Giveaway!

Hello My Lovelies,

Happy Monday to you! :) I recently started a fan page on facebook for Wicked Readings by Tawania. To celebrate my fan page, I have decided to do a small giveaway. I will be giving away two $20 gift cards to any online book retailer the winners choose. All you have to do to be entered is "like" my fan page by September 5, 2010.The winners will be randomly chosen & notified on September 6, 2010. You can find my fan page HERE. So.. go on... Check it out & don't forget to hit the "like" button on the top.

There is still time to enter my CSN Stores giveaway, the giveaway doesn't end until 9/2/10, so just hit the link on the left side bar to be entered in that giveaway as well.

Have A Great Week & Happy Reading!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Recipe Saturday - Biscuits and Sloppy Joe Casserole

Hi All,

It's Saturday and recipe time again! This weeks recipe is something for the kiddies, and anyone who likes sloppy joe with a twist. This biscuit and sloppy joe casserole is easy to make, filling, and can be made in advanced, and baked later. My kids love this recipe and is a favorite in my house. I hope you will give it a try, and see how good it really is.



Prep Time: 20 Min - Total Time: 50 Min - Makes: 5 servings

INGREDIENTS


1 lb. lean ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped red pepper

1 (10 3/4-oz.) can condensed chicken gumbo soup

1 (10 3/4-oz.) can condensed tomato soup

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce


1 (12-oz) can Pillsbury® Grands!® Jr. Golden Layers® refrigerated biscuits

DIRECTIONS


1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, green pepper, red pepper, and celery over medium-high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain.

2. Stir in all remaining ingredients except biscuits. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Spoon mixture into ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish.

3. Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each in half crosswise. Arrange cut side down on top of hot beef mixture.

4. Bake at 375°F. for 20 to 28 minutes or until biscuits are deep golden brown.

Enjoy!!


Friday, August 27, 2010

Review: Demon From The Dark by. Kresley Cole

Heidi Cheramie
Review: Demon From The Dark
Author: Kresley Cole

Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark Series, Book 8)


DEMON FROM THE DARK REVIEW

I must confess Kresley Cole’s The Immortals After Dark Series is my favorite paranormal series ever! I adore these books. Her women are super tough and the men are HOT! Lots of action, violent fights, sultry, steamy love scenes, modern humor and wit, and tender sweet emotions. These novels are well written with intricate plots that are building to the Accession. An all out apocalyptic war of immortals. This is a world full of incredible mystical creatures, demons, vampires, ghosts, witches, valkyrie. You never know what you are going to find in a Kresley Cole book

Demon From The Dark is her newest book. It is the story of Malkom Slaine. A demon that is poisoned by vampire blood and is now a Scarba, also known as a Vemon. They are the strongest of sentiant beings but are considered abominations by most other immortals. Malkolm is the most tortured hero I have ever read. He has a very sordid, abusive past that many might find hard to read. Can he overcome this past?

Carrow Graie is a witch. A very powerful witch that readers of the IAD series know well as the frivolous, party girl. Carrow is arrested for disorderly conduct and spending another night in the Orleans Parish Jail when she is abducted with several other immortal beings. She wakes up to find a collar on her neck that makes it impossible for her to use her magic. She is imprisoned with other immortals on a cloaked island that is hidden from the world. They are tortured and experimented upon. Carrow is told she can win her freedom if she brings her kidnappers, Malkom Slaine from Oblivion, a demon hell plane.

When Carrow first meets Malkolm they can’t communicate. He speaks Demonish and she speaks English. How they communicate with each other was great fun. It reminded me of Jane meeting Tarzan for the first time. It just shows how wonderful Kresley Cole writes that she makes these scenes so exciting and alive though the two main characters cannot speak the same language.

Carrow and Malkolm’s love story is beautifully written and their relationship to a little seven year old cutie named Ruby is tender and sweet. Ruby is Carrow’s adorable witch cousin that they must protect and save from the island. The action is exciting and the fight scenes brutal. It keeps you on the edge of your seat rooting for these wonderful, complex characters.

Demon From the Dark sets up several exciting books in the future. Many of IAD’s favorite secondary characters are still trapped on the island of HELL! I can’t wait for Kresley’s next book!! I give Demon From The Dark **** 4 1/2 STARS!!!! Fantastic book! Happy Reading!

Product Details


Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Pocket (August 24, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439123128
ISBN-13: 978-1439123126
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches

Thursday, August 26, 2010

It's Thursday... What are you reading?

Hi All,

It's Thursday again, and I want to know what everyone's reading. I have been having a great week so far, their were some great new releases on Tuesday. I have so many books on my wishlist and TBR pile, it's sad.. It's OK though, I will persevere and get through them one day.. eventually... sigh.. On a happy note, I'm hosting a Giveaway for CSN Stores. They are offering a $60 Gift Card to be used at any of their 200+ websites. You can enter the giveaway HERE, or use the link on my left sidebar. OK.. I think that's everything... This is what I'm reading this week...

Sweet UltimatumSweet Ultimatum by. Naima Simone

From the back cover..

Caitlin has returned home after a self-imposed exile. Haunted by the erotic memories of the man she once loved and abandoned, Caitlin is unprepared to come face-to-face with Selig and the hunger resurrected under his golden gaze. Even as her body craves his touch, she denies him, realizing her reasons for terminating their relationship so long ago are as valid now as they were then. Six years have passed since Selig left New Eden, Washington, disillusioned and bitter after Caitlin-s cold denial of him and his love. Now he-s returned, demanding retribution for her cruel rejection. The payment-her body.

I love the cover for this book! This is a new author for me, but I have heard wonderful things about her other book "Desire In The Dark" I am interested to see if this book is as hot as the cover.

I am also reading...


Water Bound (A Sea Haven Novel)Water Bound (A Sea Haven Novel) by. Christine Feehan

From the back of the book...

Off the shores of Sea Haven, a beautiful diver rescues a man from drowning, a man with no memory of who he is-or why he seems to possess the violent instincts of a trained killer. But soon, he and his savior will be engulfed in a storm of dizzying passion and inescapable danger...

I am a big fan of Christine's Dark Series, Drake Sisters Series, and her Games Series. I have peeked at a few reviews for this story, and they have been mixed. I'm curious enough that I have moved it up on my list, now I can form my own opinion and share it with all of you. So.. Stay tuned :))


















That's my rundown...

What Are You Reading??

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

It's Giveaway Time!

Hello My Lovelies,

You heard me right! It's giveaway time, and boy do I have something special for you. A $60 gift certificate from CSN Stores for one of my lucky followers to use as they wish on any of their 200+ websites. Now how cool is that? CSN carries an array of products; you can get anything from dinnerwear to classroom supplies. Now, if you are anything like me.. A catering mom..  dinnerwear and classroom supplies go hand in hand. If you're not like me don't worry, they have plenty of other things to choose from. Here are a few things that I found.

I thought this bookshelf was too cute!
Who doesn't like fondue?

They have thousands of other products to choose from, so there's something for everyone.

So.. You want to know how you can be entered to win the $60 gift certificate? I will tell you..

All you have to do to be entered is..

1) Be a follower of my blog
2) Leave a comment about anything you want for this post
3) Leave your email in your comment so I can contact you

That's it! Easy huh?

The contest will end on September 2, 2010 & is open for US & Canadian residents only (CSN rules not mine)

I will let random.org choose the winner & I will forward your email to Jessica at CSN Stores, and she will get your gift certificate to you.

Good Luck!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tuesday Is Poem Day! Raccoons by. T.K. Varenko

Raccoons






Raccoons are very lovely creatures,

Cute little rascals to be just,

Misleading you with their features

Of sweetness worthy of your trust.



Tramps as they are, they are deceiving

And can’t refrain themselves from crime

Preferring above all food stealing,

Yet other stuff may do just fine.



By night time sneaking in your house

And feeling perfectly at ease

Causing a chaos to arouse

They clearly intend to please.



When caught at the crime scene red-handed

They always have the nerve to stay

And face you there undefended

Calling for pity all the way.



These charming fluffy little bandits

Are very skillfully disguised

To get away with their habits

Whenever they are jeopardized.



With manicured tiny fingers

They always must lay hands on all

While their gaze forever lingers

Watchful for danger to befall,



And their mask-shaped coloration

That outlines smart beady eyes

Is a distinct manifestation

Of how sly they are in lies.

~T.K. Varenko~


Monday, August 23, 2010

Review: The Hunted Of 2060 by. Ami Blackwelder

Tawania
Review: The Hunted Of 2060
Author: Ami Blackwelder


From the back of the book...

Three Lovers. Two Species. One Way to Survive...

Set in Alaska in 2060, when April enters her Sophomore year at University, she thought Robert might be the love of her life, but as she discovers, she is hiding something inside her, something the rest of the world believes to have died out. She struggles with who she was and who she is becoming as she learns of a family she never knew existed and of enemies she will have to outrun, outfight or outwit to survive. As April embraces her new identity, will she have to leave the life she loves behind?

Review:

Nineteen year old April is studying at college, when she suddenly comes down with a strange illness. As April's illness progresses, she can't explain her heightened senses, her increase in speed and strength, or her craving for meat. April is confused about all these changes inside of her, and terrified of what they might mean. April knows what's happening to her isn't normal, and more importantly she has to be careful who she trust and confides in.

April's boyfriend Robert wants to be there for her, to comfort her and be what she needs. April keeps avoiding him, but he doesn't give up on her, he just wants to get closer to her.

Then one day without warning April falls unconscious while on the campus. When she awakens she is in a unfamiliar forest staring at a face exactly like her own. April finds out that she has a twin sister, and her sister tells her about the truth of their existence. That she is a hybrid, that her father was an alien shifter, her mother a human. April was given up for adoption at birth, her sister Arguet, was raised with other hybrid clans in the forest. They believe that no humans can be trusted.

April is informed that her kind is hunted by The Rogue Militia, an organization dedicated to wiping out their species. She learns that she must fight for survival with the rest of her clan. April doesn't know if she will ever be able to return to her normal life or love. April is also torn by her dual nature, her human side longs for her sweet, loving boyfriend Robert, while her wolf nature craves Arkin a shifter like her.

As April and her clan fight for their lives, April is also fighting for love. She has to convince her clan that some humans can be trusted. She has to prove that she can be what she once was.

This was a terrific read! Ami pulls you in to the story at the first page, and their is no going back. April is a strong and interesting heroine, I had great empathy for her. This story was completely original, and believable being set in the year 2060. I can absolutely see things being that way in future. The story was fast paced, and action packed. With battles happening one after another, the story kept you on the edge of your seat. The characters were memorable, and the love story was sweet and tender. I will say that I was surprised with who April ended up with at the end of the book. I won't spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet.

All in all, this was a wonderfully written story, with awesome world building. I couldn't put this book down, and was hoping and wishing the whole time I was reading that the characters survived and moved on to their next challenge. The book was extremely detailed, there were even pictures/descriptions in the back of the book, so you would know what the characters looked like. How cool is that?

If you are looking for an exciting, action packed, fast paced read with a touching love story, then I definitely recommend this book for you.

****4 Stars / 5




Product Details

Paperback: 290 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (April 12, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1452805474

ISBN-13: 978-1452805474

Friday, August 20, 2010

What you know about me ? Better Know A Blogger.



Hi All,

Happy Friday! My good friend Karen is sponsoring a month long Ultimate Reviewers Challenge on her blog "For What It's Worth" As part of The Ultimate Reviewers Challenge they've been posting a feature called "Better Know A Blogger" I am the featured blogger for today. Please stop by Karen's blog For What It's Worth and see if you can learn something about me or my blog that you didn't know before. Also if you are a reviewer you can join the Ultimate Reviewers Challenge, and link your reviews. Karen also has a mini contest going on for the Ultimate Reviewers Challenge, and A CSN gift card giveaway. So hop on over to  For What It's Worth and leave a comment, I love comments.



Happy Reading :))

Thursday, August 19, 2010



We get so caught up with THINGS!! We forget to live in the moment and enjoy the simple, important joys of life. When I find myself worrying, ruminating and not really living I pick up the TAO and read the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. The Tao is only 81 short verses but is considered by many to be the wisest book ever written.
I choose to be strong
by being soft and pliable
rather than inflexible,
brittle and hard.


I live in a state
of radical appreciation.
I give humble thanks
for all that I have.
Paradise is
wherever I am.

It's Thursday... What are you reading?

Hello My Lovelies,

It's Thursday again, and you know what I want. I want to know what everyone's reading. I have come across two new series this week, and believe it or not I won the books on goodreads. So... If you didn't believe it before, you can believe me when I tell you that people really do win the first reads giveaways. I'm living proof. So... This is what I'm reading this week...

Wild EvolutionWild Evolution (Book 1 of the Wild Series) by. C. Fern Cook

From the back of the book....

When Dan defends his livestock against a wild dog attack, he is put in a 'kill or be killed' battle. When he takes the head of a wild dog in to be tested for rabies he discovers he has the head of a human male instead of a wild dog. Now he is forced to cover up a self-defense killing because no one would believe he killed a wild dog when he has a human head. A werewolf by contamination, Dan's life spins out of control. All his senses are heightened including his passion for the wild. His passion for the wild compels him to try to stop a new housing development that threatens the local wildlife from loss of habitat, but things don't go according to plans and now he has a second body to dispose of.

This is a new author for me, but I plan on reading this book and giving a honest review. It seems interesting, so stay tuned to find out my thoughts on it. I also won the second book in the series, so we will see how it goes.

I'm also reading....


Amaury's Hellion (Scanguards Vampires)Amaury's Hellion (Scanguards Vampires Book 2) by. Tina Folsom


From the back of the book...

Vampire Amaury LeSang is cursed to feel everybody's emotions like a permanent migraine. The only way to alleviate the pain is through sex. When he meets the feisty human woman Nina, a cure for his ailment seems within reach: in her presence all pain vanishes.


Unfortunately, Nina is out to kill him because she believes he's involved in her brother's death. And she would succeed if only Amaury's bad boy charm didn't play havoc with her hormones and catapulted her into his arms and his bed every time she was near him.

As every kiss brings them physically closer, danger is lurking and threatens to destroy the little trust they have in each other.

This is also a new series for me, but I am already really getting into it. I'm on page 76, and I find that I can't put this book down. I will definitely be letting you know how this one turns out.
















That's my Rundown...

What Are You Reading?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Tuesday is Poem Day!: The Cloak of Distance..by. John Cogan

The featured poem for this week is very special to me, It was written by my very good friend John Cogan. I asked John for something special for my blog this week, and he didn't dissappoint. Thank you John, for your beautiful words that always put a smile on my face.





The Cloak of Distance




The textured cloak of distance lies soft and gentle on my skin;


Instead of keeping us apart, indeed, it brings me in

Much closer than, perhaps, I would have usually come;

I think that it is owing to the fact that we are one



And distance doesn’t count among such lovers as we are.

The morning breeze comes off the sea and whispers love afar;

And with each tide I am beside the Twin Flame of my Heart

Who knows and holds within the soul the lovers’ only art.



‘Tis adoration, don’t you know; a secret lovers guard

And hide from all but those who feel and touch and live life hard.

My dove of peace, I send release in hopes that one day soon

We’ll walk the beaches of our Light ‘neath Love’s own radiant moon.



The scent of Jasmine carries far and wide across the sea;

And on its fragrance, light and airy comes your love to me.

And with the wings of morning’s light I send my love to you;

Dawn’s breathless sighs and waking eyes are washed with Love’s sweet dew.



For now, the cloak’s a silhouette, an empty, vacant form;

Its hood hangs limp, no need to primp, it’s drained of all its charm.

But soon ‘twill dance and catch the wind; ‘twill leap with joy and glee,

For then the cloak will harbor two and shelter you and me.

© John Cogan 2010

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Recipe Saturday on Sunday - Chicken Marsala

Hi All,

Happy Sunday to you. I wasn't able to do my recipe Saturday post yesterday, so I thought I would post it today. The recipe for today is Chicken Marsala, this is one of my favorite chicken  recipes and it's always a big hit with my clients. This recipe is also fairly easy and cooks in 20 minutes. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.



Chicken Marsala


Ingredients:


4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)

All-purpose flour, for dredging

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced

8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved

1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine

1/2 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.



Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.



Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy!!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Heidi Reviews.. Battle Royale by.Koushun Takami

Heidi Cheramie

Battle Royale Review
Koushun Takami-Author
Battle Royale: The Novel


BATTLE ROYALE REVIEW

My niece read this book when she was fifteen and recommended it to me. This violent, controversial first novel takes place in the Republic of Greater East Asia. A fictional fascist empire that includes Japan and China. It is a simple story. The government runs a compulsory game yearly that pits a group of teenagers against each other until there is only one survivor. Forty-two fifteen year old junior high students are kidnapped and brought to an island. There are twenty-one boys and twenty-one girls from the same junior high school. They are fitted with collars that will explode if they try to leave the island or don’t play the “game.” (If no one is killed in a twenty four hour period the collars will detonate.) Everyone is also given a different “weapon” that vary from a boomerang to a machine gun.

This book presents us with a simple moral dilemma. What would we do to survive? How would we behave in this situation? Would we kill our friends, best friends, boyfriend or girlfriend to live? This is a great novel to read with a group because it would certainly stimulate many interesting conversations about our moral and ethical beliefs.

My niece stated this book makes a political statement when she asked me to read it. Battle Royale certainly addresses country politics and economic issues however I feel the real strength in this book is the psychological and emotional issues it stirs up. What kind of person are we? Are we born that way or do environmental factors make us who we are?

Battle Royale is a creepy, violent cult novel and I loved it! I felt the translation from Japanese to English was rough at times but I was able to overlook the small mistakes and couldn’t stop turning the pages! (600+ pages) It is addicting and you can ‘t wait to see how the next student survives or dies. It isn’t a comfortable read and I felt tense and discomfited while reading certain pages. The scene where the students wake up in a room and are told they must kill each other and told the rules of the “game” is especially difficult to read.

The book is seen through almost all of the 42 characters point of view at some point and I really cared about them. Or hated them depending on the character. I felt some of the students were a little too stereotypical but I rooted for the three main characters in the novel and I became emotionally invested in them.

There is a newer version of Battle Royale with a newly revised English translation and a twenty-two page afterword by the author. It is currently published under the Haikasoro imprint and the Viz version is currently out of print. Also a Japanese movie was made in 2000 from the novel and it is quite popular as well.

This book reminded me of one of my favorite YA books, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Both of these novels stir up many emotions and make you think and feel and isn’t that all we can ask for from a book? I recommend Battle Royale and give it ****4 STARS!!! Happy Reading!


Product Details

Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (November 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421527723
ISBN-13: 978-1421527727
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches

Thursday, August 12, 2010

It's Thursday... What are you reading?

Hi All,

It's Thursday again, and as usual I want to know what everyone is reading this week. I have personally been reading my butt off, but have sadly been lacking in posting reviews. I'm getting back on my A-game, but I have had a few personal setbacks in the last few weeks that haven't left me any real time to write my reviews up. Never fear though, my reviews are coming. I have read some really great books lately.

So this is what I'm reading this week...
















Vampire In The Basement by. Susan Hanniford Crawley

Blurb... (From the authors website) Here

A broken heart can never heal. That’s what Lorraine believes until this shapeshifter who keeps forgetting her clothes meets Theo.


Tall, blond, and handsome Theo, ‬vampire and‭ ‬Arnhem Knight,‭ assists supernaturals in need but when he meets Lorraine, he needs her in everyway. It’s more than desire. He wants her heart.

I am totally excited to be reading this ARC! I love Ms.Crawley's Vampires In Manhattan Series, and If you give it a chance you would love it too.

To learn more about Susan's Vampires In Manhattan Series check out her website Here

I am also reading...

Sins of the Soul (Hqn)Sins Of The Soul by. Eve Silver

Blurb... (From Amazon)

Alastor Krayl's world shattered when he learned that his father was the Underworld god of chaos and evil. All that saved him from self-destruction were his new found brothers and the bond they shared as soul reapers. So when one of his brothers is murdered, vengeance becomes Alastor's obsession. And the enigmatic Naphré Kurata, a witness—or is she the killer?—has the answers he seeks.


A reluctant Underworld enforcer, Naphré trusts no one, especially not a seductive soul reaper who makes her burn with lust. Torn between duty and desire, she fights to keep her secrets safe from Alastor, even as she longs to surrender.

Sins Of The Heart Rocked!! I am totally loving this series, and I am so happy that NetGalley gave me the opportunity to read these ARC's. I can't wait to finish this one so I can read Sins of The Flesh.

So... That's my rundown...

What are you reading?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Tuesday's featured poem...Reflections on Life.by.T.K. Varenko

Reflections on Life



Life is an everlasting battle

People are forced to lead since birth.

And every choice is but fatal

As it entails a change of course.



One of the ancient Chinese curses

Is living at the times of change

As it is when chaos immerses

All the affected in its rage.



No one can tell what morrow’s bringing

With nature venging for neglect,

With people rotting in the sinning

Preferred to virtue and respect,



With profit being a sole reason

For their actions, their lives.

Decoy is what is in this season.

Money’s the God in times of lies.



How can humanity have yielded

To so much filth and so much hate,

Become so roistering and gilded,

Abusive of the smiles of fate?

~T.K. Varenko~





Saturday, August 7, 2010

Recipe Saturday - Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs

Hi All,

It's Saturday and recipe time again. I found this great recipe in the Neely's cook book, and my family loved it. I then decided to cook them for a barbecue that I catered, and they were a hit. I have had several request for this recipe, so I decided to share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy :))



Memphis-Style Hickory Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs

Cook Time 6hr 15min / 4-6 Servings

Ingredients


Neely's Dry Rub:

1 1/2 cups paprika

3/4 cup sugar

3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder

2 (about 4 pounds each) slabs beef spareribs

2 (about 3 pounds each) slabs pork spareribs

2 cups Neely's BBQ Dry Rub

Neely's BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

Directions:

For the rub:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Rub. Wrap ribs and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F using hickory and charcoal.


Use indirect heat and cook with the cover down.

Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Cook beef 2 hours, adding more coals as needed. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Cook the pork ribs 3 hours. Turn and cook another hour, or until ribs bend. Remove from grill.

For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ seasoning over ribs, cut bones and serve.
For wet ribs: Coat ribs with Neely's BBQ sauce, cut and serve.

Neely's BBQ Sauce:

2 cups ketchup

1 cup water

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

5 tablespoons light brown sugar

5 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 tablespoon onion powder

1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cooked uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Yield: 3 1/2 cups

Enjoy!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

It's Thursday... What are you reading?

Hi All,

It's Thursday again, and this week is going by so fast. I have found some really great authors this week, I've read some great reviews, and I am totally motivated to keep it moving. I love reading and reviewing books, I would say it's my calling, but I know we all feel that way. I will say that the best part of my day is working on my blog and posting reviews, poems, and recipes. Soo.. I just want to say thanks to all my followers, fellow bloggers, and the authors that make all this possible. You all rock to the highest!! So without further ado..
This is what I'm reading...

The Hunted of 2060 (Volume 1)The Hunted of 2060 By. Ami Blackwelder

From the back of the book...

Three Lovers. Two Species. One Way to Survive. Set in Alaska in 2060, when April enters her Sophomore year at University, she thought Robert might be the love of her life, but as she discovers, she is hiding something inside her, something the rest of the world believes to have died out. She struggles with who she was and who she is becoming as she learns of a family she never knew existed and of enemies she will have to outrun, outfight or outwit to survive.

This is a new author for me, but I'm already loving this book. I can't wait to write the review.

I'm also reading...


Sins of the Heart (Hqn)Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver

From the back of the book....

Half human, half god, Dagan Krayl is the Underworld's most powerful soul reaper. When one of his brothers is murdered, Dagan must use every ounce of his power to hunt down those responsible for his brutal death. But he must move swiftly—and carefully—if he's to have any chance of resurrecting his brother.


Yet that resurrection could wreak havoc on the mortal world. As an Otherkin, Roxy Tam has sworn to protect the human race, and it's her mission to stop Dagan. But when she sees him face-to-face, she realizes that she has seen him once before—a meeting that changed her life forever.

Neither Dagan nor Roxy expect to join forces for the sake of mankind. Or to have their loyalties tested as they struggle against the potent desire that threatens to consume them both….

I have heard only good things about this book, and I'm totally excited to be reading this one as well. I'm sur I will have a blast writing this review too..
















So... That's my Rundown...
What Are You Reading?

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Review: Ordeal.. By. T.K. Varenko


Tawania
Review: Ordeal
Author: T.K. Varenko





From the back of the book..


Luella, fierce, strong vampire,


Falls for a pretty human catch

Sent on her fiancé's desire

To celebrate they are engaged.


This unexpected turnabout

Is doomed to come to a dead end:

Her human sweetheart's dead to shroud;

Her fiancé's avenged for that;


And she is punished for blood treason,

Banished into a mortal child,

Whose human body is a prison

For all her powers to bind.


Her memories obliterated,

She is to find her love at last

Who proves to be too much related

To the misfortunes from her past.


Review:

All I can say about this book is "WOW" I have never read a book like this before, and it was a wonderful read. This book was written like a poem, a unique experience that I really enjoyed.

The story begins with teenage Allison dreaming of the birth of a child. At the time she has no idea what the dream means for her. Allison has been going through her life since she was a child knowing she was different, that she didn't quite belong. On a hiking trip Allison is almost killed in a raging river, but she is saved by a mysterious man who disappears right after her rescue. Allison starts dreaming of this man every night, she doesn't know if he is real or not, but she can't stop thinking of him. As a few years go by she starts seeing her mystery man more and more, but she can't tell if he's real or not. Then one night she is awakened by a racket inside her home, and she comes upon a fight between her mystery man and a stranger. The mystery man runs off the assailant, and introduces himself as Derek.

Derek has been watching out for Allison since the day he saved her from the river. He couldn't understand his attraction to her, prey is prey, and she was definitely prey but he couldn't bring himself to drink from her. Derek decided that until he could figure it out, he would take up the job of her protector. He stays hidden from her until she becomes an adult, then he reveals himself to her and they become great friends. Derek is in love with Allison, and he suspects that she loves him as well, but love of a mortal is forbidden and he will have to face the consequences eventually.

This story had so many twist and turns. It started out a little slow, but as the story took off I was enthralled and couldn't put the book down. Allison and Derek had so many things to over come, so many things to find out. There was unbelievable heart ache and tragedy for Allison, she didn't even realize that she had a former life and what it entailed. It was heartbreaking when she got her memories back, and realized she was fated for the same doom.

The characters in this story are very strong, Allison and Derek's trials and triumphs stay with you after you finish reading the last word. When the truth of their past is finally revealed it is so shocking that you have to keep reading. I literally couldn't put this book down, Ms. Varenko's take on the Vampire lore is fresh and exciting. The idea of a totally hidden world that humans know nothing about, isn't new to us but in this story the perspective is fresh and totally different from any story I have ever read.

I don't feel like I'm giving this book the justice it deserves in this review, but I don't want to spoil the experience of reading this book for the next person. All I can say is... If you want to read a unique paranormal romance, written in the form of a lyrical poem, a book that you will not be able to put down no matter how hard you try. Then, this book is definitely for you.

*****5Stars

Product Details


Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 186 KB

Print Length: 212 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (February 11, 2010)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services

                                  Language: English

                                   ASIN: B0038BQIE0



Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tuesday's featured poem..If.. By. Rudyard Kipling

If



If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;



If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master;

If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same:

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;



If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings,

And never breathe a word about your loss:

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"



If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings -- nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much:

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son!



~Rudyard Kipling~



Monday, August 2, 2010

Review: Wolf's Obsession by. Charisma Knight

Tawania
Wolf's Obsession
Author: Charisma Knight


The Blurb:

The man with the dangerous eyes mesmerized her. Starr noticed him moments before stepping upon the stage, although she pretended not to. She loved dancing, and put on an especially seductive show for him, since he had paid her a visit the evening before.

Review:

This was a free story that was sent to me, and a very good read.

Thorne Cloudfeather is a werewolf on a quest for his mate. He sensed her from his hometown in New Orleans, and now that he's found her Thorne is determined not to let her get away. She is human, and she was having an effect on him. Thorne couldn't understand why it was so strong when he had never laid eyes on her before. Thorne, the Alpha of his clan the leader, he was in this town for one reason and one reason only to claim his mate, and return home to New Orleans. The Werewolf clan is dying out, in New Orleans, werewolves and vampires live secretly among humans. There is a unsteady truce between the werewolf clan and the vampire clans while Thorne tries to rebuild his race.

Starr, her real name is Melanie is excited to see the mysterious man again. She doesn't know what it is about him, but she feels a bond with him. Melanie dances only for him, she is attracted only to him, when he ask her to leave with him, she doesn't understand why she feels compelled to go with him. Then she is stopped by a another mysterious man whispering in her mind, taking her over. Melanie needs Thorne to rescue her, and he does. When Melanie's father enters into the picture, her secrets are revealed to Thorne. Will Thorne be strong enough to accept the truth about his mate, or will he walk away from the most important thing in his life.

Like I stated above this was a short free story, and I really liked it. The author brought a new element into the werewolf origins. It was different but believable. I also liked the characters, and appreciated the Native American back ground of the hero, and the African American back ground of the heroine. It was different and interesting. The story was interesting from beginning to end, and I was eager to find out how it all played out. The sex scenes were hot and explicit, and I was continually fanning myself while reading them. The secondary characters were interesting as well, and I loved the sci-fi twist.

If you are looking for a short hot read that will have you wanting more, then I suggest you pick up this book.

***3 1/2Stars

Published By: Night Owl Reviews

ISBN # NORFRCK
Word Count: 33,500
Heat Index
Categories: Vampires/Werewolves Paranormal/Horror Free Reads
Available in: Epub
Price: $0.00



Excerpt :(Taken from all romance website)


Thorne Cloudfeather returned to Club Ravenous a second evening in a row, eager to see “her.” This town, nothing like his New Orleans disgusted him completely. A certain “aura” hung over the city like a dark cloud. Thorne was here for one reason, and one reason only, to claim his mate and return to his precious New Orleans.

As he strolled into the club, human scent and sex tainted his nostrils. As he confidently walked through the crowd, he exuded the appearance of a predator. His demeanor was that of a leader, laced with a hint of danger. Women shot appreciative glances at him, hoping to land him as one of their clients for the evening.

She was human, so hard to believe a mere human woman could entice him in this manner, especially never having laid eyes upon her. She was here, his instincts led him to this town, and her scent led him to this club.

Thorne found a vacant seat at the end of the bar, and sat down. Ordering a scotch, he scanned the room for “others” of his kind. Oddly enough, neither werewolf nor vampire lurked within, although he had sensed a few vampires in another part of the town.

In New Orleans, werewolves and vampires thrived, secretly among the humans. Thorne planned to maintain peace with the bloodsuckers, until his clan, The Black Claws recovered from the brink of extinction. Thorne planned to run the vamps from New Orleans. He did not care where they went, as long as every one of them evacuated New Orleans. Apparently, this town was crawling with the vile fiends as well.

The view was excellent, his stomach churned with anticipation of seeing “her” again. The evening before, she was actually entertaining a couple. It was hard for him to leave her, especially with those horny young human males. Tonight would be different; he would have her in his bed before daylight approached.

The music ended, and the lights dimmed. The bartender sat several large white pillar candles along the edge of the stage, lighting them with a cigarette lighter. “She” was going to dance next. Every muscle in Thorne’s body tensed, and the very site of her caused his cock to swell! She was beautiful – wearing a black leather bikini adorned with studs and chains. Breathless, Thorne imagined her riding him with nothing except her thigh high leather stiletto boots.

The girl seductively gyrated to “It’s a Man’s World.” She was awesome, athletic, and the acrobatics she performed on that pole caused his cock to twitch with anticipation. Mesmerized, Thorne’s eyes scanned every luscious inch of her body. Inhaling her womanly scent caused precum to form on the head of his engorged cock. A low growl formed within his throat as he shifted in his stool.

No woman had ever held such control over him as the woman who dominated the stage at this particular moment. No one managed to hold his attention for this long, not the way she had. Scanning her entire body again, he searched for the shred of proof that would bond her to him for the rest of their lives.

Three women approached Thorne, hoping they would obtain the chance of retaining him as a client. The name of the game was persuading clients to the champagne room. Politely dismissing them, only one decided to push her luck.

“I possess no interest in you; however I do not mind giving you a tip.” Thorne confessed dryly. “Please leave me alone and be on your way.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing out on honey!” The woman said.

“I’m waiting for her.” Thorne insisted, gesturing toward the stage, handing the scorned dancer a five-dollar bill.

“Ok darling, suit yourself. You can put it in my g-string.” The dancer turned her bottom towards Thorne, trying to entice him.

“I would advise you to take it or leave it.” Thorne growled a warning, as he was not a man of patience and did not take kindly to repeating himself.

Sensing the danger in his voice, the girl turned, snatching the bill, heeding Thorne’s warning, but not before rolling her eyes at his rejection of her.

Exhaling sharply, Thorne directed his attention to “her” again. He was successful in capturing the woman’s attention. Her voluptuous, statuesque figure glistened with moisture. As her eyes held his, she seductively released her full breasts from the bikini top, causing Thorne to moan with want. His jaw clenched as he gripped the glass of scotch in his right hand, trying not to shatter it.

Glancing around the bar, Thorne noticed others watching, waiting to buy her a drink. Beckoning the bartender, Thorne purchased a $1,000.00 champagne bottle.

“You have exceptional taste, my friend, the bartender grinned. Starr is one of our finest women. Hey, weren’t you in here last night?”

“Yeah,” Thorne replied. She was busy with a couple of her best clients, I would assume. Give me another scotch please, make it a double.”

“You’ve got it man! I’m Randy, let me know if you need anything else tonight” The bartender happily obliged, since Thorne was a great tipper.

The man with the dangerous eyes mesmerized her. Starr noticed him moments before stepping upon the stage, although she pretended not to. She loved dancing, but put on an especially seductive show for him, since he had paid her a visit the evening before. She tried in vain to break free from her customers; the couple she entertained often. This awesome stranger waited for her until the bar closed. Unfortunately, her customers bought her out when the bar closed. She could have sworn the handsome stranger was angry. For some strange reason, she knew he would return.

He spoke to her with his eyes, almost controlling her. Dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt, the man possessed expensive tribal tattoos and a wolf’s head on a medicine shield around his left bicep. His features were sharp, exquisite, as though chiseled from marble. His high cheekbones and hooked nose proudly announced his Native American heritage. He was completely bald and clean-shaven, with the exception of a small patch of hair along the cleft of his chin. His ears and nose were pierced with small golden hoops, and his large fingers sported gold bands, displaying exquisite tribal designs.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
SENECA