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

Friday, April 20, 2012

Book Tour & Giveaway - Enemy Through The Gates - By, D.T. Dyllin



Title: Enemy Through The Gates
Author: D.T. Dyllin
Publisher: iUniverse Feb, 10, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Reviewer: Tawania

 BLURB: 

P. J. Stone, like most eighteen-year-old girls, is a little boy crazy and somewhat obsessed with finding the perfect boyfriend. Some days she feels like she might be the last remaining virgin in her entire high school, and maybe even the entire tri-state area.

After a traumatic night at a friend’s party, P. J. realizes what she truly wants has been right under her nose all along. Bryn O’Bannon, her best friend and partner in crime since age five, is head over heels in love with her, and she feels the same about him.

But P. J.’s life isn’t that simple. She’s a member of a separate society that exists secretly among the rest of the world; the society raises gifted individuals to protect the world from interdimensional interlopers, and P. J. was taught to put duty before her heart. She is expected to choose a suitable mate in order to perpetuate the Seer line. Unfortunately, Bryn is a Guardian and is forbidden to date—let alone mate with—a Seer such as herself.

As if figuring out her love life isn’t complicated enough, P. J. begins having visions of a threat to her world only she is able to perceive. Now, she must concoct and execute a plan to avert world disaster while at the same time avoiding the dissolution of her love life.

REVIEW:

This book was really a great story. I loved the characters, and the world building. The author did a fantastic job making this world believable.
 
Paige Joplin Stone is leading a seemingly normal life of a 18 year old girl. Her most consuming worries is trying to find the right guy to be in her life. She doesn't realize that the right guy has been in her life all along. P.J. has been friends with Bryn O'Bannon since they were children, and have always been good friends. Then at a party they really get to know each other on another level, and love blossoms.

When there relationship is found out by their society, they are tragically forced to separate. In the midst of all this P.J. starts to have visions of other beings trying to take over, and control the world. With help from unexpected places, and people, P.J. embarks on a journey that will change her life, and possibly the fate of the world. Can she save the world, and reunite with her true love Bryn? Read Enemy Through The Gates, and find out.

This story was really awesome, I love Science Fiction romances, and this one didn't disappoint. I really got a feeling for the characters, and emotionally tied to Paige. I love that, I love when I feel like I'm right there with with the character going through everything with them. The author did an exceptional job relating her empathy for her character in her writing. As I stated earlier, the world building was completely believable, as was the secondary characters. 

I also think Ms. Dyllin did a good job explaining the Gifts, and the Society. It was very creative, as was the plot twist. They were unexpected, and just when I thought I had something figured out, it wasn't at all what I thought. That's brilliant writing. I definitely look forward to the other books in the series, and am anxiously awaiting their release.

If you like Science fiction Romance with a twist, I definitely recommend Enemy Through The Gates. It will leave you breathless and wanting more.

*****5 STARS

EXCERPT:

And just as suddenly as it had begun, the kiss ended. Bryn stood quickly, leaving me on the ground to stare up at him in a daze. He swore under his breath, turning away from me to run his hands through his hair. “That shouldn’t have happened.” His voice broke an octave lower than normal, causing my stomach to do a little flip-flop.

“Bryn.” His name, carrying an unsaid plea, felt new and unfamiliar on my tongue. I wanted his lips on me again, so much so that me being almost raped didn’t even seem relevant anymore. “Bryn,” I said again, bringing the fingertips of my hand to touch my lips, imagining his were still locked with mine.

Bryn turned back towards me, acknowledging my silent plea with wide eyes. Tension was etched into every line on his face. “You’re drunk, and that shouldn’t have happened.”

Maybe I was buzzed, but not drunk. And for the life of me I couldn’t remember why kissing Bryn was such a bad idea. I’d never imagined kissing someone could feel so—right. So there was no reason why it shouldn’t have happened or why it shouldn’t happen again. “Why?” I whispered. “Why shouldn’t it have happened? I want—I want you to kiss me again.” 

 
PRIZE INFORMATION

The author will be giving away a $15 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and to the host with the most comments (excluding the author's and the host's).


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynical-Optimist. Chocolate-holic. Sarcasm Addict. Paranormal Believer. Self imposed Insomniac. Sci-Fi Dork. Animal Lover. Writer. Those are just a few words to describe D. T. Dyllin. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and very spoiled GSD. ‘Enemy Through The Gates’ is her debut novel.
Links:
Twitter:  @DTDyllin


BUY LINKS:

 



Saturday, April 14, 2012

Recipe Saturday - Layered Mexican Casserole

Hi All,

I cooked this for my family, and they loved it. I hope you will give it a try if you like Mexican food.

Layered Mexican Casserole

Prep Time: 20 Mins.
Total Time : 1 Hour.
Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 jar (16 oz) Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
8 corn tortillas (6 inch)
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (6 oz)
1 can (15 oz) Spanish rice
1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips
 
DIRECTIONS:
Step 1:
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 11x7-inch (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in 1 cup of the salsa; heat about 2 minutes or until hot.  
 
Step 2:
Line baking dish with 4 tortillas, overlapping to fit. In medium bowl, stir together refried beans and remaining salsa; spoon over tortillas, and spread evenly. Top with half of the meat mixture and 3/4 cup of the cheese. Layer 4 more tortillas over cheese. Spoon and spread Spanish rice over tortillas. Top with remaining meat mixture and cheese. Top with tortilla chips.
 
Step 3:
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until hot in center and bubbling along sides.
 
Extras:
You can add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce & sour cream if you like.
 
ENJOY!!  
 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Book Tour: Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1 - By. Amy Lignor





Title: Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1
Author: Amy Lignor
Publisher: Tribute Books (January 2012)
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Reviewer: Tawania








BLURB:


How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?


Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.


When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.


From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.


REVIEW:

I have to say, I have read my fair share of Angel books, but this book is truly one of the best.



The prologue of this book was amazing, and the author did a excellent job. I got a feel for the characters through the prologue, and was able to better understand the conflict of the story.


Emily, and Matt are a Angel/Warrior duo sent on a mission from Heaven to Earth. They are soul mates, and destined to be together. The pair has trained with the saints in heaven their whole life for their earth mission to, to save, judge, understand, and defend the humans.


I don't believe either one of them expected the events that happen once they arrive. They don't remember their life in Heaven together, and have no idea that they are soul mates. They are in a world that they know nothing about. Emily inhabits the body of Liz, a bar owner living in a small town in Ireland. Matt inhabits the body of Daniel, a young man with a troubled, disillusioned past.


Liz/Emily, and Daniel/Matt have a close friendship, and bond. Then tragedy strikes, and Liz is forced to leave Daniel, and travel with two mysterious companions Jason, and Charles. While traveling with them, Liz begins to develop feelings for one of them, but she still can't get Daniel out of her mind.


Liz begins to develop debilitating nightmares, that cause her to think of Daniel more, and more. It also causes her to question her faith. Her mysterious companions are not at all what they seem, and Emily, and Matt are at risk of losing everything. Their intended paths could be forever changed if they don't keep their faith in each other, and the plan.

Reading this story was a treat. I don't usually read much YA these days, but I'm glad I gave this one a try. The author has created wonderfully complex characters, that are completely believable, and unforgettable.


Liz/Emily is a strong emotional heroine, that I really got a feel for. I actually thought the whole book was going to be from her point of view, but was pleasantly surprised. That being said, her character made the story relate able and real. The author did a great job getting her emotions across throughout the story. I felt what she felt, I hurt when she hurt. That is what makes a story great for me, when you feel what the character is feeling.


Daniel/Matt was the perfect passionate, caring warrior. Even with Daniel's past his goodness shines through. I thought Matt, and Emily were the perfect pair. The chemistry, and love between them was real, and jumped off the pages. 


I really got the sense that the author really cared about, and was emotionally bonded with these two characters. It comes across throughout the story, and that is a beautiful thing. The secondary characters were fantastically written, and their antics bought humor into the story where it was needed. The world building was believable, even the glimpses of heaven.


This book, and its characters were well thought out, and a lot of love went into this story. It took me on a emotional roller coaster that I will not soon forget.


If you enjoy a good story about Angels, and Warriors, I definitely recommend Amy Lignors' Until Next Time. It is a truly Fantastic read that you will not soon forget.


*****5 Stars




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.



Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.


She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copy editing to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.


Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.


BUY LINKS

Kindle Buy Link (AMAZON)
Nook Buy Link (Barnes & Noble)
SmashWords Buy Link

The Angel Chronicles web site:
http://www.the-angel-chronicles.com

The Angel Chronicles Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Angel-Chronicles/168932393209654

Until Next Time GoodReads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13319888-until-next-time

Amy Lignor's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/alignor

Amy Lignor's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/HelloWritersAmy

Amy Lignor's Website:
http://www.thewritecompanion.com/

Amy Lignor's Blog:
http://hellowriters.wordpress.com/

Amy Lignor's GoodReads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5222068