"I am ready to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared to meet me is another matter."
-Winston Churchill

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Book Review: Hell's Belle by Karen Greco (Happy Halloween Too!)





Hell's Belle
Karen Greco

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 1484830202
ASIN: B00DEUDXH0

Number of pages: 238
Word Count: 74,722


Book Description:

Half-vampire, half-human, Nina Martinez spent most of her life underground as part of an elite secret team of government agents who quietly take down rogue monsters -- the human world none the wiser.

She moves back to her hometown of Providence, RI to keep an eye on the recent uptick in supernatural activity, and to help run the bar she co-owns with her aunt. Her attempt at a “regular” life, not to mention a budding relationship with smoking hot FBI agent Max, is cut short because of a string of ritual murders targeting the city's community of witches.

But Nina's investigation unearths deadly secrets from her long buried parents. Now the target of supernatural assassins, could Nina be the most dangerous vampire hybrid to ever exist? No wonder she can’t get a date.

An urban fantasy set in a decaying Providence, Rhode Island, HELL'S BELLE is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled roller-coaster ride through a city on the cusp of becoming an urban wasteland. An energetic, expansive, and cinematic, HELL'S BELLE was called "captivating" by Kirkus Reviews.

Book Chick City gave it 5-stars, calling it "one of the best urban fantasies I have read this year!"





Oh.My.God! Okay, let me start off by saying that through the entire book I was literally on the edge of my seat. The prologue opens with action, the first chapter is action, and I think only, maybe, one chapter may have slowed down!


I was chewing my nails as I worked my way through scenes, but in a VERY GOOD WAY! I can't tell you guys enough how much I LOVED this book! I couldn't get enough!

Nina is amazing and one Kick-Ass heroine! I totally loved her and Max, well who wouldn't want a hot, FBI agent knocking on their doorsteps? Whew!

Frankie was nothing short of "I want him for a BFF", oh man do I ever! Think about this...

You're half vampire half human, you can kick ass right along side an old vampire, and people look to you to help save their world! Yeah! That's what you get not to mention Nina rides a freakin' Triumph!

She ROCKS!

If you're looking for a fast paced, can't-put-it-down-until-you've-reached-the-end kind of book, then you are going to want this one in your Kindle, on your shelf, however it is you read! Greco is an amazing writer and I can not wait for the next book!

Easy 5 flaming roses! Well written and must-read!




About the Author:



An award-winning playwright, Karen Greco has spent close to twenty years in New York City, working in publicity and marketing for the entertainment industry.

A life-long obsession with exorcists and Dracula drew her to urban fantasy, where she can decapitate characters with impunity. HELL'S BELLE is her first novel.







Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Interview with Karen Greco - Hell's Belle (Bewitching Book Tour & Giveaway)

Hell's Belle
Karen Greco

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 1484830202
ASIN: B00DEUDXH0

Number of pages: 238
Word Count: 74,722


Book Description:

Half-vampire, half-human, Nina Martinez spent most of her life underground as part of an elite secret team of government agents who quietly take down rogue monsters -- the human world none the wiser.

She moves back to her hometown of Providence, RI to keep an eye on the recent uptick in supernatural activity, and to help run the bar she co-owns with her aunt. Her attempt at a “regular” life, not to mention a budding relationship with smoking hot FBI agent Max, is cut short because of a string of ritual murders targeting the city's community of witches.

But Nina's investigation unearths deadly secrets from her long buried parents. Now the target of supernatural assassins, could Nina be the most dangerous vampire hybrid to ever exist? No wonder she can’t get a date.

An urban fantasy set in a decaying Providence, Rhode Island, HELL'S BELLE is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled roller-coaster ride through a city on the cusp of becoming an urban wasteland. An energetic, expansive, and cinematic, HELL'S BELLE was called "captivating" by Kirkus Reviews.

Book Chick City gave it 5-stars, calling it "one of the best urban fantasies I have read this year!"



Welcome to IAB. I'm so glad you could stop in today to chat. May I offer you a beverage? 
I'd love a Witches Brew, thank you!



Now that we are settled in, let's get to know you better.

BK: Looking out the nearest window, describe the scene you see.
It's dark. I can see my neighbor's front porch--they have their front night light on. I see trees, cars on the street but they are in shadow. We have few streetlights.

BK: Tell us about your office. Is it a mess like mine, or is everything in its place?
I wish my office was organized. Right now, it's like a tornado passed through.

BK: What is a must-have, such as coffee or a favorite pen, that you need to write?
I was a smoker for a long time, so writing without smoking was really tough at first. Now, I always need something to drink, coffee or tea, or even just water. Sometimes I'll have a beer or glass of wine. But I usually forget it's there. It's like a crutch. I just want it. Just in case!

BK: Do you like to write in silence, or do you need music or background noise?
It really depends. Some days I do better in complete silence, sometimes I like some music. But I don't need either to write. Since I write in weird places at weird times, I am pretty adaptable.

BK: Tell us a bit about your hero/heroine, and their development.
Nina is in her early 30s, half vampire, half human. I wanted her slightly older than the usual urban fantasy heroines. She had a weird, almost sheltered upbringing. She was raised on a secret military base where she trained to be a member of Blood Ops, this wild government organization takes down rogue supernatural creatures. So her world view is a little skewed. She's never really dated, her only friends are supernaturals since she never really spent time in the human world.

BK: As a writer myself, I'm always curious how other writers get through stumble blocks. When you find a story not flowing, or a character trying to fight you, how do you correct it?
I write through it and then go back and edit out the stuff that doesn't work. Sometimes I have to walk away and start the next chapter. Then I can go back to the problem spot with a fresh pair of eyes.

BK: Using the letters of your first name as an acronym, describe your book...
Kriptonite Ass-kicking Rocking Exciting N

BK: How did your writing journey begin?
I started writing plays in high school and all through college. That's what I thought I Wanted to do with my life. Then reality sunk in--it's near impossible to make a living as a playwright. So I just stopped, and worked in entertainment for 20 years. I wrote on and off but just kind of filed it away, forgot about it. A few years ago, I decide to just go for it.

BK: Using the letters from the word, Summer, how would friends and family describe you?
Silly Unhinged (sometimes) Madcap Magnanimous Enthusiastic Resourceful

BK: What is the craziest thing you've ever written about, whether it got published or not?
This is a tough one. I once wrote about someone lighting themselves on fire. I was 10.

BK: Tell us one thing you've done in life, that readers would be most surprised to know.
Another tough one! Maybe that I've worked the red carpet at an Emmy Awards? That was kind of wild. And super stressful.

BK: What can we expect from you in the future?
I am working on the Hell's Belle follow up, as well as a horror novel. I have the idea for a paranormal YA novel as well. Hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more books!



This or That...

Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke. In a glass bottle.

Night Owl or Early Bird?
Night owl when given a choice, but lately early bird

Fantasy or Mystery?
Fantasy

Pen/Paper or Computer?
Computer

Pizza or Burger?
Burger

Rock or Country?
Rock

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla

Beach or Mountains?
Beach


Thank you so much for having us as one of your stops today. It has been great getting to know more about you and your book, and hope you will come back when the next release is out (*hinthint*)

Wishing you much success! Watch for my review of Hell's Belle tomorrow! Whew! Good stuff!!!

BK Walker



About the Author:



An award-winning playwright, Karen Greco has spent close to twenty years in New York City, working in publicity and marketing for the entertainment industry.

A life-long obsession with exorcists and Dracula drew her to urban fantasy, where she can decapitate characters with impunity. HELL'S BELLE is her first novel.







Tuesday, October 29, 2013

CookBook Review: Signs of the Tines by Joan Porte (Tour & Giveaway)



"The perfect gift with great recipes for the holidays!" 
~BK Walker, Author of Wolves of Shadow Falls Series

About the Author - Joan Porte

Joan started "playing" with Astrology when she was in grammar school. She always had a fixation with the planets - Pluto being her favorite (surprise she is Scorpio Sun!) Yes, Pluto is still a planet to her! She put her astrology "toys" away when she grew up and went into the "real world," sadly convinced that it was time to do more important things. The universe and her North Node in Sagittarius woke her up in her mid-thirties after which she began an intensive study of Western astrology.

According to Joan, "Modern Man takes for granted the Sun and how its energy propels and sustains life. Moon energy controls the tides yet we ignore the other more personal influences it has on our bodies and lives. We have lost the art of appreciating and reading the stars as messengers from the god and goddess. Humanity has disconnected from its source
and consequently suffers emotionally, spiritually and physically."

"Each person is born with a map - a soul map - that is his or her astrological chart. It is a map through the maze of life that shows the karma we need to balance our soul's desire for a life that leads to enhanced soul growth. I simply read the map - illustrating where you have been and where you are going to make your journey through life less bumpy." With this cook book Joan is combining her astrological knowledge with her lifelong love of cooking in her own inimitable way.


She is the author of the blog
Karmic Astrology.


Her other book is Fortyish: Lessons For the Ages From a Baby Boomer.




Website | Signs Of The Tines FB | Karmic Astrology by Joan Facebook | Blog




Watch Media Videos with Joan



Genre: Astrological Cookbook
Publisher: Soulsign Publishing Company Ingraham Press
Release Date: April 2013
Amazon



Book Description:




A new breed of cookbook that combines personal astrology with a love for preparing and sharing delicious meals. Astrologer and gastronome Joan Porte brings a new, fun twist to cooking by showing anyone who loves to cook how to personalize a menu for your family and friends. Beautiful photographs complement the more than 120 featured recipes organized by zodiac sign. Choose a dish or plan a multi-course meal with selections from: Appetizers, Soups, Pasta, Veggies & Fruit, Meat & Fish, and Dessert for each of the twelve signs. SIGNS OF THE TINES is a heart-warming and mouth-watering invitation to eat in alignment with our stars!
Adam Gainsburg / Soulsign



The 295-page book with more than 120 recipes is written to celebrate a unique pairing of food and astrology.
Discover why:

Scorpios have a craving for pasta puttanesca
Librans feel grounded when they dig into a chocolate mousse parfait
Cancerians stand tall with their bowl of Brunswick stew
Virgoans set aside their healthy-conscious habits when faced with chocolate raspberry ramekins
Aquarians respond to the sustainable fish used in Pollock with berry prosecco sauce
Pisceans beat a common ailment when feasting on quinoa with roasted root veggies.

"These recipes are taken from a number of sources; some are family gems, others I've concocted and tweaked over the years," says author Joan Porte.

The home cook will discover how astrology as a source for new food ideas and new ways to entertain friends. And the astrology enthusiast will discover how cooking can be a new use for astrology as a way to add more meaning to the daily ritual of eating we perform to survive and thrive.



I love finding new recipes and I love when they're easy! Signs of the Tines gives both, plus it provides Astrology for each sign. 

Okay, maybe you're not into astrology so much, but Porte offers characteristics of each sign, providing famous people that may share in that sign, then offers recipes that are tasty, easy to make and some of them even YUMMY! I didn't get through all of them, but you can bet I will.

I've been into astrology since I was a kid, always curious about the meanings behind each sign. I love that Porte is an Astrologer, and can even offer you a food analysis that goes with your sign analysis.

In my experience, Astrologers are usually pretty right on, and I can guarantee you're going to love the pages in this cookbook. Take that as a Must-Have cookbook!






Tomatoes Stuffed With Artichokes & Feta

Taurus is a bit confusing when it comes to color. Bulls are drawn to the color red; however, the color associated with Taurus is emerald green, symbolizing the pastures in which they love to laze comfortably. Therefore, I offer here a very red veggie dish with a dash of green.
One of the first dishes I made when I was a kid were tomatoes stuffed with chicken and tuna salads. I thought they were just the neatest things. As I grew as a person and a cook, I encountered many recipes that stuffed tomatoes with some kind of creamy spinach messes or ones that were all breadcrumbs and cheese.

This recipe is my grown-up version of the stuffed tomato that embraces the artichoke as well and is easy enough for the sometimes lazy Taurus to make. (Did I say lazy? Oops. I hope they don’t stampede.)

6 large firm tomatoes*
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 14-ounce cans un-marinated artichoke hearts, diced
3 shallots, diced
3 garlic cloves, diced
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
10 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 big basil leaves

Serves 6

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the stems off of the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp, leaving the shell. Set the pulp aside in a small dish. Drain the artichoke hearts in a colander.

Heat the oil in a medium sautĂ© pan over medium heat. Rough chop the tomato pulp and add to the pan; cook down until most of the moisture of the tomato is gone. Add the shallots and garlic and sautĂ© until soft – about 2 minutes. (You may have to drizzle more olive oil into the pan to keep the veggies from sticking.)

Remove the cooked vegetables to a small dish to cool and add the artichoke hearts to the pan. Cook until they begin to turn golden brown. Squeeze the juice of the lemon in a small dish (watch the pits) and pour over the hearts. Let the lemon juice cook down and add the olives. Stir in the oregano and remove immediately from the heat. Add all of the vegetables together in one dish and let the mixture cool to the touch.

Fill the tomatoes ½ way with artichoke mixture, add a layer of feta, fill the tomato to the top with more artichoke mixture and top with more feta. Place a basil leaf on top of each tomato.

Place tomatoes on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and lightly brown.

Serve warm.


*Depending on the size of your tomatoes you may have some artichokes left over. The mixture is great reheated and used as a topping for steaks or salads.






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