Thursday, January 31, 2013

Feature and Follow #8


So what is feature and follow you ask? Why it is this awesome meme hosted by  Parajunkee and Alison Can Read; that gives you the opportunity to meet as many bloggers as possible!!!

Q: What is the first thing you would do if you woke up to find yourself in your favorite book? 

A: Well this one is a doozy, I have so many favorite books I wouldn't know which one to choose. So let's say that I am going to pick them all!

I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice and if I woke up to find myself in that world I think the first thing I would do would be to go find me Mr. Darcy and well I am pretty sure you can fill in the rest.....really I think this would be everyone's first choice, so no surprise there really.

Now if I were to wake up in the world of Harry Potter I think the first thing I would do would be to levitate my bed. Who wouldn't want a floating bed. Or maybe I would levitate Ron's bed or Neville's just to hear them scream!!! I know I am evil aren't I?

And if I were to wake up in Release by M.R. Merrick the first thing I would do is kick Vincent's butt because he seriously needs a butt whooping and it might as well come from me. Vincent needs to be knocked down a peg or two!

And last if I were to wake up in Psion Delta by Jacob Gowans the first thing I would do is find Katie Carpenter and feed her to a Bobcat or deliver her to Sammy and hold her down while Sammy get's his revenge!!

Wow I am pretty vicious huh?! You know I never really knew I had it in me, but when bad characters mess with my favorite characters the least I could do is help put them in their place.

So, what book would you wake up in and what would you do?

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Frustrating Book Characters Ever

Top Ten Tuesday is an incredibly awesome meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

Okay, so I am in love with this weeks topic: Most frustrating characters ever because there happen to be a lot of characters that frustrate the hell out of me. But I love them anyway. In fact that is probably one of the reasons I love them. :) So here it is, the list of characters that frustrate the hell out of me, the ones I want to hug and choke at the same time!

1. Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
I don't know about the rest of you, but Harry was frustrating. He was whiny, untrusting, naive, stupid at times, and sometimes too trusting. There were so many times throughout the series that I wanted to choke him. Oh, woe is me! (that's Harry by the way, not me!)

2. Eve Duncan from the Eve Duncan Series by Iris Johansen
There is not a book that goes by that I don't want to both choke and hug Eve Duncan. She is probably the most stubborn and pig headed character I have ever read. She is determined to catch a killer and bring home her daughter, putting everyone at arms length. She is always running head first into danger without thinking of the consequences or what it could mean for those that love her. She thinks of no one but her lost daughter again shutting everyone out. She takes unnecessary risks and just never listens to anyone. If you have ever read one of her books you will completely understand.

3. Chase Williams from The Protector Series by M.R. Merrick
Chase is one of those frustrating characters that with every book I love him more and want to smack him more. He is such a strong character but he is ruled by his emotions, stubborn, set in his ways, often naive, slow to trust, and jumps into battle without thinking of the consequences. He is quick to act and often makes decisions without the consideration of others. But I love him anyways!!

4. Marcus Starkraven from The Protector Series by M.R. Merrick
Not only does Marcus frustrate me, but there are times where I flat out hate him. Since the first book he has been secretive, manipulative, stubborn, and he always makes decisions based on what he thinks is right. He has never given Chase the full story always thinking it is best to keep him in the dark. Of course it usually bites him in the butt. However, he does it anyway. After all Marcus knows best.

5. Cherise Gautier from The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon
In every book I want to smack her. I think she might be the only character I don't want to smack and hug at the same time. I simply just want to smack her. Being a single mom and wanting her son to be better than his father she is harder on Nick then she has to be. She never believes a word Nick says, often believing the worst of her son. When in fact her son was just doing what she told him to do. She treats Nick with disrespect and just assumes that he is going to be a bad kid simply because of who his father is. If something happens it must be Nick's fault.

6. Daemon from Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I have only just recently discovered this series and I have to say that Daemon is one of the most frustrating characters. EVER. He is such as jerk. But you know that he can be a real gentleman and he is, when it works for him. And when it no longer works for him, he puts his jerk face on! I swear you could get whiplash watching him flip flop from gentleman to jerk. He's arrogant and rude and completely egotistical, he knows he is handsome and good at what he does. Just writing this makes me mad at him!!!

7. Bella from Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Really there are no words......you know the reason she's on here! I will say no more!

8. Frodo Baggins from The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R Tolkien
All I am going to say here is that there is no way that Frodo could have survived if it wasn't for Sam. Frodo is so......he is just........so smug, arrogant, rude and he acts like he is the only one who can do his job. Well Frodo, it was really Sam that was the hero! There I said it!

9. Zoe Morgan from The Just Breathe Series by Kendall Grey
Okay I love Zoe, I think she is head strong and doesn't take crap from nobody. But.....I also think that she is quick to judge. She is hard on people and doesn't forgive easily. She is too dedicated to her job. So much so that she is willing to put it before her own personal happiness. Thinking that the job will make her happy. She is blind when it comes to her own feelings and I can't help but yell at her through the pages.

10. Joe Quinn from The Eve Duncan Series by Iris Johansen
All I need to say about Joe is this........he is so in love with Eve that he quits his job with the FBI just to be closer to her, he does everything he can to put himself in Eve's path, he get's married so that Eve can have a friend and he pushed Eve into the arms of another man in hopes that she could learn to love again. I mean really?? Really? Need I say more? I don't think so.

Well there you have it, the characters that frustrate me the most! Do you have any characters that frustrate you?


"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."



Monday, January 28, 2013

Review: Wings of Arian by Devri Walls


Wings of Arian (The Solus Series, #1 )
*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads
Kindle Version 2012

Synopsis
Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.

With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life.
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar.

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation.

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My Review: 4 Delectable
I love stories where the main character has no idea who they really are. Especially when they have no idea they are magical. I really enjoy getting to watch them grow into their powers and morph into the strong leading character that the story needs.

And that's exactly what happens in this book. Kiora led her whole life never really knowing why she was different. She saw things, often times bad things. And they always happened. But she didn't understand why or what it was. Thinking something was wrong with her and blaming herself for all the bad she saw Kiora hid her ability away. Until the day that Aleric shows up and tells her all about the world of magic and the role that  she is destined to play.

In the ultimate battle of good versus evil, Kiora races to learn all there is to know about the magical world around her and of her abilities that lay within. But she can't do it alone. A Protector is summoned, one who is a pain in her side and doesn't particularly care for her either. Will they be able to learn to work together for the sake of themselves and the world around them? Or will they be their own downfall?

I have to say that I liked Kiora. I thought that she was a relatively strong character who did a good job of overcoming the diversities in her life. Despite struggling with her role in this battle of good and evil Kiora stays true to herself never allowing evil to change who she is. Though she is emotional, it doesn't bug me. Devri Walls does such a good job making the emotional outbursts of Kiora work for the story. For once we don't just have a spoiled, emotional girl throwing tantrums just because things didn't go her way. Kiora uses those emotions to help her advance magically and win over the hearts of many.

And I really wanted to love Emane. And part of me did love him. I mean he is sarcastic, strong, dedicated to his job and kingdom, a prince, a swordsman, and he's handsome. All qualities that I love in a male character. Well this character anyway. But the thing that kind of bugged me was the way he was portrayed as the Protector. There were times when I wondered why Kiora even needed one. After all she was far more powerful than Emane. I just felt frustrated that Emane didn't get to shine more in this tale. I mean he is the Protector after all. I would have liked to have seen him kick a little more butt and take a little less orders I guess.

Overall I loved the story and I thought that Devri Walls did a great job of putting a spin on the battle of good versus evil. Keeping readers in the dark while revealing the information to both the characters and the readers at the same time, but in a good a way. Normally this would cause the reader to be confused, but I found that it added a certain level of suspense to the story. And I really enjoyed finding things out as Kiora and Emane did. It really helped me feel like I was part of the story.

The Wings of Arian is a refreshing tale on the battle between good versus evil and I love the way that Devri Walls describes the world in which her characters live allowing the reader to travel these lands as well. A tale of adventure, magic, suspense, action and love; Wings of Arian is a story not to be missed by young adult fantasy lovers!!

Favorite Character Moment:
"Let your magic help you." She touched his forehead, "Change what's in here," she touched his heart, "and listen to what is in here," she touched the band wrapped around his arm, "and feel what is in here." (kindle, loc. 3420). 

I picked this moment from Kiora because I think it really shows how strong she is as a character. Despite all that she has been through Kiora continuously shows leadership and strength especially when it comes to helping others.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Recipe: Balsamic Cucumber Salad


One of my favorite things from my childhood is my mom's cucumber salad. Well I call it a salad. It was simply cucumbers, vinegar, oil, onions, salt and pepper, oh and water. I call it a salad you can call vinegar cucumbers. Doesn't matter, it was one of my all time favorites. Still is really. And the above pictured cucumbers were created in my desire to do something different with that cucumber salad. 

Different is good right?! Well in this case yes. Now I will admit when I first made it I wasn't too sure about it. In fact after I made the vinaigrette I dipped the cucumbers in it in order to make sure the dressing would work. Of course I couldn't tell. It tasted all right, different, but I wasn't sure my family would eat it, so I called in my husband and he dipped and ate. He wasn't sure either. At this point I was frustrated and ready to just say forget it. But then my 11 year old came in and I had him try it. He liked it. And then my 7 year old walked in and I asked him to try it. 

I knew that this would be the ultimate test because he can find problems with just about anything. And I knew if he liked it that it would pass the entire families test and could therefore be declared edible. I held my breath as he took a bite, waiting for him to spit it out. And when the spitting out did not happen I let out the breath I had been holding, declared it edible and doused the vegetables in the dressing. I had success!!

Balsamic Cucumber Salad
2 English Cucumbers, sliced 
1/2 Medium Red Onion thinly sliced

For this recipe you can peel your cucumbers before slicing or you could do like I did and leave some of the peel on. I used a garnishing tool in order to cut out some of the peel. Once you either peel or garnish the cucumbers cut them in half lengthwise and then slice. As thick or as thin as you like. Cut red onion in half and thinly slice. Place both in a medium size bowl. Now you can prepare the vinaigrette. 

Balsamic Vinaigrette
2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
7 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
3-4 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1/4 Tbsp. Dried Oregano
1/4 tsp. Ground Mustard
1/4 Tbsp. Dried Basil
2 Turns of Pepper Mill (Pepper to taste)

In a small bowl whisk together the above ingredients. And really that's it. Pour over cucumbers and onions, cover, and place in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Before serving you could also add some tomatoes and sprinkle on some fresh parsley. And there you go, eat up!! Yo Ho!

Do you like cucumbers with vinegar? Do you have your own version of vinegar and cucumbers, share it here.


"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Guest Post: Jonathan Muse by Ally Malinenko

*Bounces in* *Taps screen* Guess what? We have a muse in the house. That's right a real muse, from Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb but really he is not just a muse, he is the muse. That's right William Shakespeare's muse, Jonathan Muse, is right here. I'm kind of excited *But don't tell him that, I don't want it going to his head* Oh wait, that's right he already has a big ego. But that doesn't change anything. Seriously, keep the praise to the minimum we want him to fit through the door when he leaves. 

Big ego aside, Jonathan is here to divulge all there is to know about being a muse....well as much as I could get him to divulge. You see Jonathan is kind of secretive and he believes in telling you just enough information to hang yourself with. Just kidding...well maybe a little, but not about the secretive part. Jonathan has lived a long life, he is sort of immortal, so he is a walking encyclopedia of information. Hmmm, I wonder if he was the inspiration behind the encyclopedia *shakes head* sorry getting sidetracked. Well I think that is enough from me......Please join me in giving Jonathan Muse a great Consuming welcome!!! *Applause*


Jonathan I know you are busy with this whole Lizzy, Marlowe thing so I will just cut to the chase.

1) You seem to be quite passionate about being a muse. What exactly does being a muse mean to you? 

Ah, I’ve heard this one before. Why is it that no one goes around asking humans what it means to be human, eh? Being a Muse…well, it’s a gift. It’s a blessing. I’ve worked with some of the greatest writers, and well, let’s not split hairs here, the greatest writer of all time. I wasn’t kidding when I told Lizzy that I was a direct descendant from Polyhymia – the Muse who inspires legends. And I’m not saying that to brag. I’m proud of the work I have done – the work that my artists and I have done together. A universe without poetry, without art, is a terrifying place. Muses have always been here, helping people along, driving them towards their destiny. In what is often a cruel and senseless world, we are a part of something better - something beautiful that lives in the heart of every man. Something he, or she, just might need help finding. 

Me: Wow kind of poetic. But you are a Muse after all.
2) We all know that William Shakespeare was a genius, and that he had some mad skills. And I imagine that being his muse you got to know Shakespeare on a pretty personal level. So tell us, what was Shakespeare really like? Did he have any quirks you want to share with us? You know something to make him seem a little more human; because let’s face it, in the world of literature he is a bit of a God.


Ha! Will is a bit of a God isn’t he? Ah, what can I say? He was really just as human as anyone else – except within him flowed a river of untapped potential. The man practically thought in verse. It was a gift, to be sure but one that I have to admit would have been washed aside had someone not been there to guide him. You want to know what Will was really like? I’ll tell you. He was a dreamer. He was a hopeful sap most of the time. A bounding lovestruck puppy. There was one time that I took him over to the Fey – where Queen Titania rules. The poor boy was tripping over himself trying to woo these fairy women, who of course just laughed him off. He left a bit heartbroken – okay probably more than a bit. I remember him grabbing my shoulders and swearing he would win their hearts as we stumbled out of the wood. From that we wrote Mid Summer Night’s Dream. And he did win some hearts – even Queen Titania which, I must tell you is not an easy prize to gain. She said he had a wicked tongue. But when Her Majesty says it, it’s a compliment….I think!

Oh! Also, he constantly mismatched his doublet and breeches. His shoes even! He quite literally showed up at the opening performance of Romeo and Juliet with two different shoes on. He was always distracted like that. A man of pure genius but the simple things in life – dressing oneself and remembering to eat lunch and dinner, they proved a bit of a challenge.

He was my very good friend. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. I feel honored to have worked with his descendants – in each of them I see a bit of Will. A bit of his love, his passion, his fear. Lizzy by far has the most. She’s lucky – more than any of the others, she inherited his sense of wonder. Creativity cannot exist without wonder. It is the soil in which magic takes root.

3) I know that you take being a muse very seriously, but have you ever wished to be recognized for the work that you help produce? It can’t be easy watching others get fame and fortune for what you created. 



Fame and fortune. That’s a big one for you humans. I have my theory that your focus on it comes from your unfortunately brief lifespan. Muses live forever and let me tell you, that definitely puts things in perspective. When you know you will live through all the subsequent ages your viewpoint shifts. It stops being about what other people think. You can zero in on creating something grand, bringing it to life and letting it breathe and flower and change the world. Once you do something like that, you realize it never belonged to you anyway – you were just the vessel through which it came to be.

Can a great musician be jealous of his cello? Can a cello be jealous of the hands that play upon her? They need each other and without they are only one half of a potential beauty. Man and Muse have always worked together. And they always will. 

Me: Now if only we all could look at the world that way 



4) Now on to something a little more personal. You and Marlowe seem to have a pretty interesting past. And one day I hope to get to the bottom of that, but tell us, why do you think Dimitri holds so much anger for the Shakespeare family? And don’t tell me that you can’t talk about it either because I know there is more to the story than you are telling Lizzy. I promise not to tell, cross my heart!
Must we talk about that cretin? Has he not already destroyed enough? Look, I will admit to the fact that mistakes have been made. The wrong people were trusted. I should have been paying closer attention to what was happening in the Shakespeare line. Less focused on the work perhaps, more focused on the family. Marlowe….if only my poor Kit knew what lay before him, what would happen to his family. To think that such greatness, such beauty has degenerated into that. That ball of rage and jealousy and anger.
But that doesn’t answer your question does it? You want to know why – Why one man would hold such anger for one small girl. Why he would hang upon her all the ills of his life, all the pain and sorrow and heartache – simply because her namesake is Shakespeare….

Look, I have made mistakes. I admit that. And Dmitri once had the potential to be so much more than he is. Is that my fault? Maybe…I don’t know. The things that happen to us when we are young, they change us. Dmitri cannot cast off his past. He cannot forget what wrongs he suffered at the hands of Balthazar and Gwen - my poor poor Gwen. For him everything has been shattered. When your life is broken, you wish only to break the lives of others.

That’s really the most I can say. Lizzy has her choice to make. And I may be her Muse and I may try to help her, but in the end, the key to forgiveness, the key to healing, for all of them, has always laid in her palm.


You know Jonathan, once you stop being so secretive you are a pretty deep guy. You really should let your Muse shine through more often. Well thanks for being here today. Look forward to chatting with you again!!


Make sure you check out this great start to what is sure to be an amazing adventure.

Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb (Lizzy Speare Book 1)

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon


About the Author:
Hi. I’m Ally.
 I live in Brooklyn which is good except when it’s not which is horrid. I’ve been writing for awhile, and have some stuff published and some stuff not.
 I don’t like when people refer to pets as their children and I can’t resist a handful of cheez-its when offered.
 I have a burning desire to go to Antarctica, specifically to the South Pole so I can see where Robert Falcon Scott died.
 I like to read books. I like to write stories and poems. I even wrote a novel. Rumor has it, it got published. But I don’t believe rumors. And you shouldn’t either.


 Contact Her: Website | Twitter

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Review: Blind Alley by Iris Johansen

*Synopsis and Cover from Goodreads
Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling author of Firestorm, Iris Johansen, returns with a psychological thriller so terrifying, so relentlessly paced, it won’t leave you time to catch your breath before the next shock comes. A forensic sculptor is locked in a deadly duel with a serial killer determined to destroy her—one life at a time.

Eve Duncan’s job is to put a face on the faceless victims of violent crimes. Her work not only comforts their survivors—but helps catch their killers. But there is another, more personal reason that Eve Duncan is driven to do the kind of work she does—a dark nightmare from a past she can never bury. And as she works on the skull of a newly discovered victim, that past is about to return all over again.

The victim is a Jane Doe found murdered, her face erased beyond recognition. But whoever killed her wasn’t just trying to hide her identity. The plan was far more horrifying. For as the face forms under Eve’s skilled hands, she is about to get the shock of her life. The victim is someone she knows all too well. Someone who isn’t dead. Yet.

Instantly Eve’s peaceful life is shattered. The sanctuary of the lakeside cottage she shares with Atlanta detective Joe Quinn and their adopted daughter Jane has been invaded by a killer who’s sent the grimmest of threats: the face of his next victim. To stop him, Eve must put her own life in the balance and question everything and everyone she trusts. Not even Quinn can go where Eve must go this time.

As the trail of faceless bodies leads to a chilling revelation, Eve finds herself trying to catch a master murderer whose grisly work is a testament to a mind warped by perversion and revenge. Now she must pit her skills against his in a showdown where the stakes are life itself—and where the unbearable cost of failure will make Eve’s own murder seem like a mercy killing.
Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon 

My Review: 3 Up to Snuff
I am a huge fan of the Eve Duncan series, and I have read just about every book in the series. Granted out of order, but I have read them. What I love about the series is the consistency. The consistency of the characters, the action, suspense and the over all ride. But I am sad to say that I did not find this book very consistent. 

Oh, it was consistent in the fact that it delivered suspense and an all around decent ride. The thing that had me seething was the inconsistency with the characters. Being a huge fan and all I kind of make it a point to know the main characters, Joe Quinn and Eve Duncan pretty well. You see they are two of my favorite all time characters. Especially Joe. Joe is this kick butt ex-SEAL, ex-FBI agent, now detective who doesn't take crap from anyone and will do anything to protect his family. But in this book he was not portrayed this way. Instead he took a back seat while another man came in and protected his family, sitting idly by while a mad man threatened his family. This is not the Joe I know. And this bugged me to no end. 

Now I understand that the author was trying to tell the story of one of the secondary characters, and I love the fact that she did. However, I did not like the fact that she changed one of the most essential characters in the series. Now please don't think I am author bashing because I'm not. I love Iris Johansen and the entire Eve Duncan series. But the way this book was written just really grated on my nerves. 

That aside. I did enjoy the story. Jane is not a character that has been focused on in the series and it was nice to get a glimpse into what made her tick. There was a good story to be told with suspense lurking around every corner. However I did miss the action that is usually found in an Eve Duncan book. I found the action in this book to be slightly disappointing. With their only being two real action scenes.

If you have not read many Eve Duncan books then I highly recommend this book. It is a good book to get your feet wet. If however, you have read quite a few of them then I feel I must warn you as it is not the typical Eve Duncan story, as it is really not about her.
"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy


One of my 11 year old's favorite meals is Chicken Fried Steak (CFS), not sure why, but he fell in love when he had the CFS that was on the menu of one of the restaurants I worked at. Ever since he had it for lunch that day he has been in love. And every time I ask him what he wants for dinner, he asks for CFS. Now before I worked at the above said restaurant, I will admit I was not a huge fan of CFS, but the way the Chef's made it definitely made me change my tune. You see their's was no ordinary CFS, they made theirs with ribeye.

Now I don't make mine with ribeye, if I could afford it I would, but alas I can't. So usually I make it with thin sirloin steak. But of course you can make it with whatever cut of meat you choose.

Anyone who has ever cooked CFS knows that one of the hardest parts is getting the breading to stick to the steak. You know what I'm talking about. When you go to grab that CFS out of the oil or to flip it and your tongs come away with half the breading. Yeah, that. Big problem--probably the most annoying one too. I know it is for me. To me the CFS isn't successful if the breading comes off.

Well I am proud to say that the recipe I am going to share with you was a success. In that the breading stayed on........well that and that it was delish!!

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe:
Yield: 6 Steaks
6 Tenderized Bottom Round Steaks
2 Cups of Flour
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
1/2 Sleeve of Keebler Club Crackers, Crushed
1 Tbsp. Lawry Salt (Season Salt)
2 Tbsp. Ranch Powder
4 Eggs
Canola Oil for frying

First take steaks out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature, usually this takes about an hour. In large skillet preheat oil over medium heat, you are not deep frying so you shouldn't need a lot of oil. Just make sure that the oil comes about a quarter of the way up the pan. You can buy already tenderized meat, but if you didn't then at this point you would need to tenderize your meat using a meat mallet. In a shallow dish, I use a 9x9 brownie pan, combine flour, cornstarch, crackers, lawry salt and ranch powder. In another shallow dish crack and scramble all four eggs. Now that your breading ingredients are ready, using paper towels pat dry meat. Now I can't prove that this is what made the breading stick to my CFS, but I am pretty certain that it is. So don't skip this step. Make sure to pat the meat dry on both sides. If you have ever made fried chicken then I am pretty sure you know the process for breading the steak, but just in case, let's review.

Once the meat has been dried, place in flour mixture and coat both sides. Then place in egg mixture and coat both sides. Shake excess egg off then place it back in the flour mixture. Coat both sides again, this time patting the four into the steak. Shake off excess flour and place on sheet pan to rest. Repeat until all steaks are breaded. Once oil has come up to temperature, you can test this by placing a little bit of flour in the oil. If bubbles form around the flour and the flour rises to the top then your oil is ready. Place steak in oil being sure to place steak in away from you. (Make sure to fry the steak you breaded first.) Cook about 5 minutes on the first side or until side turns a nice golden brown. Turn over and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Again or until it turns a nice golden brown. The nice thing about steak is that you don't have to cook it until it is 100% cooked through. Place on a cooling rack and allow some of the oil to drain off. I also recommend patting the CFS with paper towels in order to remove some of the excess oil.

Now while the CFS rests you need to make the gravy. Because everyone knows that you can't have CFS without gravy. Oh, you didn't know that, well now you do. And the good news is--it is super simple.

Cream Gravy
4 Tbsp. Butter
4 Tbsp. Flour
3 1/2 Cups of Milk
3/4 tsp. of Salt
Pepper to taste

In a medium sauce pan melt butter over medium heat. Once butter has melted add the flour and whisk.  Being sure to get out all the lumps. Congratulations, you have made a roux.Cook for about 30 seconds to allow some of the flour flavor to cook out. There's nothing worse than a gravy that tastes like flour. Once the roux has turned a nice blonde color add milk, making sure to whisk. This helps prevent lumps. Lumps are bad. Once the milk has been added allow the mixture to thicken. Make sure that you whisk occasionally otherwise your milk will scorch. And make sure you stay close because it won't take long for the gravy to thicken. Add salt and pepper. Once it has thickened serve on top of CFS. Now you eat!!

Now I have to apologize I do not have a picture of the CFS with gravy. By the time I was done cooking this meal and I served my family I completely spaced it. But I assure you it looked like any other CFS with gravy!!

So, do you like CFS? Do you have any tips you would like to share? Love to hear your thoughts.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Monday, January 21, 2013

Gavin Cassidy (Character Time #5)



It has been a while since I have done a character time and when I was thinking about who I should write it on literally tons of characters floated through my head. Each one deserving in their own right and each one solidifying their permanent place on my list of favorite characters. With characters abound I decided that I had to spotlight a character that stole my heart the minute he graced the page.

Gavin is one of those characters that you love to hate. He frustrates the hell out of you one minute for not only his actions, but his words, as he has been known to put his foot in his mouth more than a time or two. And just when you are so mad at him, he goes and does something incredibly sweet and selfless, sending your heart a flutter.

You see Gavin has a way with words and in a matter of seconds he can literally reduce you to a small puddle. An absolute rock god that sends girls swooning, Gavin wants nothing to do with the life he is living. He wants more. He wants to be better.

And despite being a kick butt Sentinel who can wield elemental magic there is a part of Gavin that is lost. A part of him that is so vulnerable. He has the strength to fight wars, but the war that rages within him is a war that will melt any heart. He literally makes you want to hold him until everything is okay. But Gavin is not that kind of guy. He is more of the suffer in silence type, taking whatever crap people have to give him.

But when Gavin opens himself up to possibility.....the possibility to be whole again, to love and the possibility to end the suffering of thousands, he does. And he does so in a way that no other character can. In the face of his inner demons Gavin is the guy who will put it all aside to save one soul. He would make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of the world.

With wit, sarcasm, humor, elemental magic, strength of a warrior, grace and looks of a god, Gavin Cassidy from the Just Breathe series is a character that I am pretty sure any girl would be glad to see on screen and in living color.

If you haven't read this amazing series then for goodness sake you should!! And guess what? Right now Inhale, the first in this breathtaking series is FREE on Amazon!!!

                  Inhale (Just Breathe, #1) Exhale (Just Breathe, #2) Just Breathe (Just Breathe, #3)
                        Inhale Amazon     Exhale Amazon    Just Breathe Amazon
Are you familiar with Gavin? Share your thoughts on this character. Is he the kind of character you could drool over???

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Review: Inborn by J. Lawrence


Inborn (The Sagas of Di'Ghon, #1)
*Synopsis and Cover from Goodreads

Synopsis
The Code sings.
The Caller has returned.
The Blood of Ontar will rise again.

Thaniel was just trying to save his girl from a monster. He didn’t mean to awaken any ancient lurking magic. Now, powerful people have plans for his newly discovered Inborn abilities. As he does his best to extricate himself, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that might cost him everything and everyone he loves.




Helpful Links: Goodreads |Amazon | Barnes and Noble

My Review: 4.5 Delectable
One day I was trolling Twitter when came a tweet from J. Lawrence advertising that his book Inborn now had a book trailer. Intrigued, I watched, and I knew instantly that I had to read that story. So, I immediately went to Amazon and purchased the book. I didn't get to read it right away, but the book was never far from my thoughts. The story of Thaniel calling me from a distance beckoning me to his tale. Finally I could bear it no longer and I gave in, I read the book and absorbed every detail that J. Lawrence gave me as if it were my next breath. 

The tale of Thaniel instantly tore at my heart strings. All he wanted was a kiss from his hearts desire, but what he got was so much more, his entire world being turned upside down as he suddenly discovers that he may be the cause of destruction across the nation. Talk about an ego killer.

One minute Thaniel is dreaming of his kiss and the next he is releasing something that is beyond his control and his understanding. I couldn't help but feel for the guy, I really liked him as a character. He is dedicated, loyal, strong, caring--sometimes overly so--brave and trusting. And unfortunately it is some of these traits that get him into trouble throughout the story. Although I can't help but blame Elycia for most of it. I know the fault lies with Thaniel, but once you read the story you can come back and tell me how much you wanted to smack her, and then we'll talk. 

I found all the characters completely enjoyable and I instantly fell in love with all of them. J. Lawrence managed to put a new spin on elemental magic both bringing us those elements we love and sparking our curiousity with one's we have yet to meet. I loved all the powerful forces at work in this story and can't wait to see where it all goes. 

The biggest problem I had with the book was the lack of explanation on the new elements that J. Lawrence introduced in the book. You go throughout the whole book not really knowing the magic that is being used by certain key characters only to discover it towards the end. And even then a description was not really given. So I still wonder about those new elements introduced into the magical mix. But that did not in any way get in the way of me enjoying this story. 

It was a great adventure from start to finish full of magic, action, mystery and humor. Definitely a fantasy series that will keep my imagination working overtime for a while. I definitely look forward to reading what is next for Thaniel, hoping that he is given the opportunity to be all that I know he can be. (I know it sounds cheesy, but I can't explain what I want without giving stuff away, so there).

Favorite Character Moment:
"You did that. Now remember, if you fail she dies with you."
"No pressure." Gabril said. (kindle, loc. 5372).

Well there are a few reasons I chose this moment. First, because I love Gabril's sarcastic attitude. Second, well because until that moment I was literally holding my breath as I waited to see if something happened (again can't tell you, cause that would be spoiler-y). And third, because it is where we finally get to see Thaniel dabble in his new found Inborn abilities. 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

What is in a Review??

We all know that one of the most crucial parts of being a book blogger is reviewing books. Now there are many ways to view the task of reviewing books. You see not that long ago I was the kind of person that didn't really like to leave reviews, *gasp* I know. I just never knew what to write. Now I could talk your ear off about a good book, I just didn't know how to put it in writing. So, frankly I didn't. I know shame on me, *hanging head*, but the good news is I am a born again reviewer and now leave reviews! Yay for me!!

When I first started blogging I didn't set out to review every book I read, I wanted a few of those books to be for pure pleasure. Of course, I still left a review on both Amazon and Goodreads it just wouldn't be as in depth as the one's I do for books I chose to review. But the more I read and the more I communicate with awesome authors and bloggers alike, I realized that a lot rides on a review.

One review can sway a person to read or not read a book!! That is a lot of pressure. And when it comes to reviewing a book that I love, a book that I really think people should read, a book that I got completely lost in I feel like the pressure is even higher. Now my blog doesn't exactly get overwhelmed with hits everyday, but I feel like my reviews need to be stellar for those that do visit my blog. I'm not saying I think my reviews are awesome or anything--far from it actually, my reviews need a lot of work. And with every review, I agonize over what to write.

How can I get my thoughts and feelings across to a reader without just saying this book is awesome, you should totally buy it? How do I take all the things that the book made me feel and put that on the screen? And not only that, but how do I say it in a way that is unique to me?

Then there is length. Is the length of the review a reflection of the thought and work put in by the blogger? If the review is short does it make it any less effective or good? Is the review any good? What will potential readers think? And the worst one of all, the one that kills me every time I write one, what will the author think? *heart palpitations* seriously every time.

You see all the things that I think about when I review a book?? And I am sure that I am not alone in this. I'm sure that every blogger out there agonizes over what to write in a review and how to write the review. Or maybe I am alone in this, but I seriously doubt it.

So the question I pose to you authors, bloggers, and readers--What makes a good review?

Maybe one day I won't agonize so much about reviewing a book, but I highly doubt it. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I feel like I have accomplished something just by simply publishing my reviews. Or even this post!! The longer I think about what I am writing the more inclined I will be to change it or doubt the words.

I love writing reviews and I love blogging. People think I'm crazy for doing this for fun and maybe I am, but I can honestly say that if what I write on my blog moves even one person to buy a book, read a book, or even borrow a book I can honestly say that all my agonizing has been worth it. Supporting awesome books, great adventures, magical worlds and their completely amazing authors is why I do this. So if what I do supports them in any way my agony will not be in vain.

What about you, what makes you review a book? What makes you not review a book?

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."


Friday, January 18, 2013

Review: Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb by Ally Malinenko


Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb (Lizzy Speare Book 1)
…a normal twelve year old girl with a talent for writing, who has a very not normal family secret. And when Lizzy’s father vanishes, that secret will change her life in ways unimagined. (Spoiler Alert! It turns out that Lizzy, or Elizabeth S. Speare, is the last living descendant of William Shakespeare. Shhh! Don’t tell anybody!)

Then Lizzy and her best friend Sammy are kidnapped, awakening in the faraway land of Manhattan. Their host is Jonathan Muse, whose job is to protect Lizzy from becoming the latest victim in a family feud nearly five hundred years old. Could that be why the mysterious, eye patch-wearing Dmitri Marlowe is after her? (Spoiler Alert 2—he’s the last living descendant of Christopher Marlowe, a friend and rival of Shakespeare’s. But keep it to yourself!) Is Marlowe after Lizzy’s family fortune rumored to be kept in Shakespeare’s tomb? Does he seek artistic immortality? Or Revenge (with a capital R) for a death long, long ago?

In a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, Lizzy and Sammy are thrust into the realm of the mythical and fantastic—from satyrs and Cyclopses to Middle Eastern cab drivers and Brooklyn hipsters—in what is truly “an improbable fiction” as the Bard himself once wrote.
Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon

*Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

My Review: 5 Must Devour
I have to tell you that this book definitely had me intrigued. You see I love adventure and I especially love adventure that involves the secret world of magic!!

On the night of Lizzy's 12th birthday her entire world is turned upside down as she and her best friend Sammy are whisked away by a strange man claiming that she is the last living descendant of William Shakespeare. As a whole new world is revealed to Lizzy she learns that she is being hunted. Confused with who she can trust Lizzy stumbles through a world full of mythical and magical creatures that she never knew existed to find the one man she knows she can trust, her father.

I immediately found myself swept up in the story of Lizzy as she searched for her father and family secrets. This story was fast paced and easy to read. I remember picking it up to read a couple of chapters and the next thing I knew I was half way through the book! The characters were fun and Ally Malinenko did a great job making you feel like you were right there in the middle of all the action and excitement.

As I was racing through this story I constantly found myself wondering what Marlowe's real motive was for hunting Lizzy. There were times in the story that I wondered if Marlowe really wasn't just a misunderstood character. Like Lizzy I was left wondering who the real villain was. Of course that is what makes a great villain--one that you feel empathy for and leaves you thinking that there is definitely more to the story. Ally Malineko did a great job unraveling just enough of the mystery to solve this adventure's secrets and yet left it open for more adventures to follow.

Being a huge fan of 39 Clues I found myself thinking that this could be the next big adventure series! Filled with magic, mystery, humor, action and suspense the story of little Lizzy Speare will definitely leave you wanting more!

Favorite Character Moment:
"We just stripped the cables, flipped the switch, and fried the witch," Sammy said with a grin." (Kindle, loc. 4004). 

I chose this as my favorite moment because I like humor and because I think it shows some of Sammy's true character.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Feature and Follow #7


So what is feature and follow you ask? Why it is this awesome meme hosted by  Parajunkee and Alison Can Read; that gives you the opportunity to meet as many bloggers as possible!!!

Q: Who is your favorite villain from a book?

Release (The Protector, #3)Well I absolutely love this question! And it just so happens that I love a good villain!! And I really love those villains that have depth and appear to be more than just the bad guy, you know, the one that makes you question their motives, their behavior and whether or not they really are the bad guy. That is the kind of villain I can sink my teeth into :) 

That being said there are many villains that I love, but I think for this feature and follow I am going to go with a villain from a book that I recently read, okay, I may not have read it all that recently, but it is still totally with me in my heart; Riley Williams from Release  by M.R. Merrick. Riley is one of those villains that really makes you wonder what the hell is going on in that head! Cause I am pretty sure his mind is warped and that he got hit in the head one too many times. I mean what kind of dad exile's his son from the only thing he has ever known because things didn't work out the way they were supposed to? And on top of that what kind of dad gives his son the choice to join him and rule or die? Talk about dad of the year, NOT! Anyway Riley is crazy strong, determined, is backed by gods, and completely thinks he is going to make the world a better place, can you say cra--zy!!

Well there you have it, my favorite villain of the moment!! If you haven't read this series then you seriously need to jump on it!!

So what villain do you love....or love to hate?


"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Review: Near Death by Richard C Hale

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads
Synopsis

For Jake Townsend, the loss was shattering. And every night for the past two years, he has relived the horror of what happened. The moonless night. The piercing screams. The horrific crash. The night his wife was taken from him. The last time he saw her alive.

Everyone tells him to move on. But for Jake, there can be no closure. A message appears in his dreams--a warning he is reluctant to heed.

The omens ignored, Jake finds himself caught between the desire to see his beloved wife again and disrupting the delicate balance of life and death. The technology he developed has shown him the path, and others will do anything to use it, but at what price?

He must choose, and the consequences may ultimately shatter his world.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

My Review: 4 Delectable
After reading the synopsis for this book I knew that despite it not being my usual type of read I just had to read this book. And I will just tell you that Richard Hale did not disappoint! From page one I was completely raptured by the story of Jake and his incredible loss. Leaving me completely curious as to where this story would lead. I mean how many of us wouldn't want to see our lost one's again or what lies in the great beyond?

I was impressed by how easy this book was to read and get hooked to. Richard Hale has a great ability to weave a story that not only leaves you wanting more, but satisfies your desire for suspense, sci-fi and love. The one thing that I wish I could have had more of was action. There was a brief glimpse of it, but it left me wanting more. Even though I knew that was not the kind of character Jake was I couldn't help but want it.  But I was happy to see that the elements in this book dabbled on the side of supernatural without actually going there, giving you just a teaser into this world.

I was completely blown away by the idea of the technology that Jake created in this book. By not only the ingenuity of it, but by the sheer believability! This is something that I could totally envision and could understand. Everything was vivid and Richard Hale's descriptions allowed my imagination to create the world in which Jake lived.

Favorite Character Moment:
"I would rather die than have this happen and I'm willing to do that to get her back."

I chose this moment because I think it is a pivotal moment for Jake. He has finally come to terms with his loss and realizes the ramifications of what he is creating. In this moment he realizes that there is more to life then his quest and he is willing to let love in his heart again. And to me that is just one of the things that makes this moment so great.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."



Free eBooks

What was that, free ebooks? Yup, you heard right, today Twitter has been alive with tweets about free books! After running to Amazon and downloading all these fabulously free books I decided that I needed to do a post to let all you wonderful people out there know about these lovely little finds!! So check it!

Frozen Past Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis, #1) Airel (The Airel Saga, #1)
Frozen Past (Amazon)   Pyxis (Amazon) Ariel (Amazon)
                                  Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame #1)                                        
                                    Surrender (Amazon)
Witch Way Bends (Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy, #1) Five (Elemental Enmity, #1) Wings of Arian (The Solus Trilogy, #1 )
Witch Way (Amazon)    Five (Amazon)   Wings of Arian (Amazon)

 Entangled (Spellbound #1)    Inhale (Just Breathe, #1)  Blood Skies (Blood Skies, #1)
 Entangled (Amazon)    Inhale (Amazon)      Blood Skies (Amazon)

Well there you have it, free books folks!! So go, run to Amazon and download, download and read!! And come back and let me know what you thought of them, as I too will be reading these little lovelies!! Of course these are not all the free books out there, but these are just some ones that I heard about today! So go out and find yourself a deal!

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Review: Just Breathe by Kendall Grey

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads
Synopsis

He made a deal with the devil to save the woman he loves…
After tragedy rocks the foundation of their relationship, Australian Sentinel Gavin Cassidy and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits. Gavin can’t forgive himself for shattering her trust, and being with the sexy rock star is killing Zoe. Literally.
But love—and duty—are powerful motivators, and alliances are forged in the most unlikely places. With the key to salvation locked inside the mind of an unconscious child, Gavin must find another way to snuff out the Fyre Elementals before millions of humans die, or make good on his deal with the devil and lose the one he loves. Again.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kendall Grey's Website

*ARC given by author in exchange for an honest review
My Review: 5 Must Devour
After reading this the third and final installment in the Just Breathe series, my first reaction was Holy Freaking Hotness!!! 

Desperate and willing to do anything to stop the Fyre's Gavin make's the ultimate deal with the devil, and it absolutely killed me. I remember whispering the words no as Gavin met with the devil to discuss the details and when the deed was actually done I actually held my breath, hoping, praying that he wouldn't go through with it. But he did, because finally Gavin accepted the fact that he was the leader of the Sentinel's and as much as he fought against being a Sentinel and being their leader, he realized that sometimes being a leader involved sacrifices. Over the span of this series Gavin has solidified his place among my favorite all time characters! 

Again I was blown away by Kendall Grey's amazing ability to build a world where I felt like I had been, bringing up very vivid pictures in my mind. And I loved the way she described the use of elemental magic, the way it felt from within, from how to use the power, to how the power made the characters feel. Never before would I have equated water with love, but now I don't see it any other way.

Just Breathe is one of those novels that gives you everything you have ever wanted from a book. Fabulous characters, action, mystery, suspense, magic, love; while also managing to give you those things that you never knew you wanted, like steamy hotness. And Kendall Grey manages to combine them all in a way that only adds to the incredible story of a young Sentinel struggling to save the dreaming, the world and the one he loves. 

I am sad to see this series end as I have truly come to love the characters in this series, especially Gavin, but hopefully it won't be the last time I see some of these characters! Kendall Grey delivered what I would say is the perfect ending to a completely breathtaking story!!



Favorite Character Moment:
There are so many moments in this book that were my favorite and that helped solidify Gavin as one of my all time fave's, but this moment I think really shows how much Gavin has grown throughout the series.
"I love you more than anything in the universe. But if I had to do it over again, I would make the same decision. If I have to lose you to save innocent people in this country, I'll let you go. It'll haunt me for the rest of my days, but I'll do it. This is who I am." (kindle, loc. 4392).
Make sure you stop by my blog on February 2 for my stop on the Just Breathe Blog Tour as a certain rock god will be coming here, to talk to yours truly! That's right folks, Gavin will be here!*Swoon* 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Books to be Devoured

Okay I have to admit, my to be read pile (TBR) is getting a little out of hand. Between my obsession with Coas (my local used bookstore), the library and the kindle bookstore, I now have 55 books to be read!!! 

You know it all really started out innocent enough. I would visit these fabulous blogs telling me about these really great books that I absolutely needed to read, and of course I agreed, I really had to read those books so I ran to one of my three obsessions (hint: listed above) and got said book. And I would do this almost everyday, checking blogs, checking goodreads, gaining new books, and not making a big enough dent in the one's I already owned. 

So now here I am, 55 books staring at me, thanks to the Bout of Books read-a-thon I knocked 5 books off my list, before that it was 60. So clearly, I need to stop obtaining new books and read those I already own, but there is just so much temptation out there. So many blogs to visit, so many books to read!!! Oh, the agony!

Just kidding, as far as problems go, it is a pretty great problem to have. And I don't mind carrying this burden. For I am sure that I am not alone. You see this is the problem that I have found with blogging. There are just too many books, too many great series, and too many great authors to pass up!! I know great problems!!!

So, what is my plan for devouring this pile of books? Well to read of course!! You see I really don't have much of a plan. As much as I would love to say that I will read those I have owned the longest, I am a mood reader and I can't just read any book at anytime. I have to read a book that really calls to me. Some days the call is for mystery or thrillers, some days that call comes from fantasy or YA, but whatever the call or whenever the call I  am there ready to devour any book! :)

Of course I would love to say that I will never have this problem again and that I will curb my thirst for gaining new books, but I can't, so I won't. I can only promise that I will devour all the books that I can and enjoy every minute of it!!!

So, do you have any books that are calling you to read them????

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Monday, January 14, 2013

Review: Blood Skies by Steven Montano

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads
Synopsis

In the time after The Black, human survivors of the Southern Claw Alliance clash with vampire legions of the Ebon Cities in a constant war for survival. Earth as we know it has been forever damaged by an arcane storm that fused our world with distant realms of madness and terror. Things that once existed only in our nightmares stalk the earth.

Now, humanity is threatened by one of its own.

Eric Cross, an enlisted warlock in the Southern Claw military, is part of an elite team of soldiers and mages in pursuit of a woman known as Red -- a witch whose stolen knowledge threatens the future of the human race. The members of Viper Squad will traverse haunted forests and blighted tundra in their search for the traitor, a journey that ultimately leads them to the necropolis of Koth.

There, in that haven of renegade undead, Cross will discover the dark origins of magic, and the true meaning of sacrifice...

Experience a dark and deadly new world in the debut novel of the "Blood Skies" series from author Steven Montano.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

My Review: 3.5 Up to Snuff
I wanted to love this book so much, unfortunately our relationship did not grow to love, and by the time the book was finished I was more confused about where I stood. I mean I loved parts of the book, liked parts of the book and disliked parts of the book.

Let's start with what I loved. I absolutely loved Steven Montano's completely unique take on the vampire. We are definitely not in Kansas anymore Todo!! These vampires are far from the vamps that girls dream of dating. They don't sparkle, they don't have a soft side and they most certainly will not hesitate to rip your head off. Steven Montano brings vampires back to the dark side, and I have to say that I like it! But I would have loved to have more of them.

And his witches and wizards bring a whole new layer of complexity to what is one of my favorite supernatural beings, won't go into any details here, but let's just say that he brings a new meaning to the word soul-mate!

Everything about this book was new and different, as the world was literally built from the ground up, which I liked, but I also disliked. Though it was incredibly descriptive, at times I found it to be too descriptive, making it hard for me to envision the incredible world that he created. It took me a while to really get into the story because I felt that most of the beginning of the book was dedicated to descriptions. But once the dialogue took over and I got to dive in to the meat of the characters the story took off. There was a brief confusion during a few chapters where I was trying to figure exactly which character's POV I was reading from.

All that aside, this book really delivers an incredible world that definitely shows the darker side to some of my most loved supernatural beings!!

Favorite Character Moment:
"His muscles were on fire. He felt like he was covered in nothing but wounds. Cross chopped and hacked in every direction. He swam in a field of meat....." (kindle, loc. 5315).

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time." 

Bout of Books (6.0) Wrap Up

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

Okay, this is it, the end of my first Bout of Books read-a-thon, but most certainly not my last!! I absolutely loved this event and can't wait for the next. I am already planning how I will change things for next time! Hehehe........So what did I accomplish, you ask?

Allow me to Show You.....I read:







Goodreads



Part of my goal was to review 5 books on my list (Goals and Updates), unfortunately due to life I was unable to review all 5 before the end of Bout of Books!! :( So, the reviews for Blood Skies and Near Death will come after the event is over. 

So no I did not reach all my goals, however, I had fun and still accomplished a lot!!! I attended two twitter chats, which was a first for me, and I participated in two challenges, visited a ton of blogs and met a lot of new people :) So really not bad for my first try! Hopefully next time I will do better because yes there will be a next time!!!!!

I want to say thanks to Kelly at Reading the Paranormal and Amanda at On a Book Bender for hosting such a wonderful event, it was awesome, you girls rocked!!! 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."