BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Bea's 2016 Reading Challenges

Bea's Book Nook,  2016, Reading Challenges

It's almost 2016, eep. How has the year gone by so quickly? I've been thinking about next year's challenges for a while now. I'm making some changes, joined some different challenges and dropped a couple. I'm also hosting some this year. :) Join me!

Challenges I'm hosting:

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Mega Thanksgiving Giveaway! 10 Books, 10 Winners!


I've been waiting for this to post; I have lots of books to give away and I've been counting the days until it could happen! Thanksgiving seemed like a good day to give away books. I'm grateful to all of you who visit, read, and comment. Without you, Jax, Steph, and I would just be talking to ourselves. :D

I'm also grateful to authors and publishers who choose to send me books to review or giveaway and who offer to work with me. Today's books are courtesy of St. Martin's Press Romance, Avon Books, Witness, and Minotaur Press.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Thanksgiving here in the US; a day to be grateful for what you have. I am grateful, among other things, for good health, a home, family, friends, cats, books, a job, and all the wonderful people I meet through blogging.

From our house to yours, wherever you and whatever you celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving!


Bea, Claude, and Goof

Cat Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving!


 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving today or it's just another Thursday, I hope you're able to spend time with the cats and people you love. If you're celebrating, may you have lots of good food and no drama.



Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Recipe & A Giveaway: A Wrong Bed Christmas by Kimberly Van Meter & Liz Talley

Recipe, giveaway, Christmas, romance, Van Meter, Talley

Today I have authors Kimberly Van Meter ad Liz Talley here with some favorite recipes to share and a print copy of  the book, "A Wrong Bed Christmas" to give away to one US reader. So get your recipe cards ready and enjoy!

KIMBERLY VAN METER started her writing career at the age of 16 when she finished her first novel, typing late nights and early mornings, on her mother’s old portable typewriter. She received The Call in March 2006 with Harlequin Superromance and hasn't looked back since. She currently writes for Harlequin Superromance and Harlequin Romantic Suspense.

LIZ TALLEY writes romance because falling in love is the best feeling a person can experience. A 2009 Golden Heart finalist in Regency romance, she's since found her niche with Harlequin Superromance writing sassy contemporaries with down-home warmth and Southern charm. She lives in North Louisiana surrounded by a loving family, a passel of animals, and towering loads of laundry.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

EXCERPT from You Are Dead by Peter James

EXCERPT, You Are Dead by Peter James, thriller, Bea's Book Nook

 Today I have an excerpt from an exciting new thriller, "You Are Dead" by Peter James. It starts out with a woman having a bad day and then it goes downhill. Grab a drink, and enjoy!

Come back on Thursday for a chance to win a hardcover copy the book!

Peter James has been a screenwriter and film producer, and is now the author of best selling crime novels. James has written 25 books, the most recent of which feature Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. His books have been translated into 29 languages. In England they are published by Pan Books and in the US by Carroll & Graf Publishers. James has written supernatural thrillers, spy fiction, Michael Crichton-style science-based thrillers, and a children's novel, as well as the introductions for Graham Masterton's collection 'Manitou Man' and Joe Rattigan's collection 'Ghosts Far From Subtle'.

He also wrote, as 'a labour of love' the children's novelisation for the 1986 movie 'Biggles', which he also produced. James is a lifelong fan of the Biggles franchise, at one time owning the rights to the books, and having translated some foreign editions.

Monday, November 23, 2015

EXCERPT from Marred by Sue Coletta

EXCERPT, Marred, Sue Coletta, thriller

Member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Sue Coletta writes psychological thrillers, mysteries, and suspense with grisly plots and complex storylines that are sure to keep readers flipping pages late into the night. A four-thousand-word excerpt of Marred scored first placement in Murder, USA, an anthology. When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys nature, animals, and family. Bear shows and zoos at places that treat animals with respect are her personal favorites.

For readers, join her mailing list and have fun in the Crime Lover’s Lounge

For writers, enjoy a complimentary copy of 60 Ways to Murder Your Fictional Characters

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sunday Book Share #168

http://tyngasreviews.com/category/meme/stacking-the-shelves
http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/category/sunday-post Sunday Book Share, The Sunday Post, Stacking the Shelves, Bought Borrowed & Tagged

 I'm participating in The Sunday Post, hosted by Caffeinated Book ReviewerStacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews; and Bought Borrowed and Bagged, hosted by TalkSupe. It's a chance to share the print and digital books we've received and posts and events on the blog.

I had a busy week at school and reading books for the Ho Ho Ho Read-a thon. I got a little bit behind on reviews but I'll get caught up. This week is the American Thanksgiving and my school is closed Thursday and Friday so I'll have a 3 day work week. Not too shabby. :) I may start writing my Christmas cards; most years I run late with cards. If you're celebrating Thanksgiving, what are your plans?   

Saturday, November 21, 2015

COYER: Going Back to Basics Challenge Sign Up

COYER, Back to Basics, 2016, 2015, reading challenge

COYER is one of my favorite reading challenges. Between freebies and review copies, I have way too many ebooks crying out to be read. Shush books, your turn is coming! They're noisier than a hungry cat, lol. COYER's focus is exclusively ebooks, and now audio; sorry print book, go to the end of the line.

Bea & Steph Review #BabyLove: My Social Life by Corine Dehghanpisheh

Publisher: My Art to Inspire
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: July 9, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

A humorous look at raising a baby in the social age.

"Click." "Tap." Tag and post.

An adored baby tells a modern tale about life in today's digital world. #BabyLove: My Social Life highlights the social phenomena of sharing daily activities using technology and social networks.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Excerpt from The Opposite Of Right by Christi Barth


I enjoy Barth's romances so I am delighted to have an excerpt for you today from her new book, "The Opposite of Right", a new adult romance. Get comfy, and enjoy the excerpt!


Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.  A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning.  Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance.  Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

Find Christi Online:



Short & Tweet Reviews: Knotty Magic by Jodi Redford & Hot Summer Nights by Cathy Clamp

Publisher: Dancehall Diaries
Anthology: Hunks, Hammers, and Happily Ever Afters!!
Source: the author (Jodi Redford) in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo | ARe* | iTunes | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

An anthology of novellas about hunky blue collar, hammer wielding heroes and the women who tame them. Stories are by USA Today Bestselling Authors Cari Quinn, Cathy Clamp, and Anna J Stewart, and featuring authors Jodi Redford, Amie Stuart, Leah Braemel, and Chudney Thomas.

Get down and dirty with this sexy blue collar bundle featuring seven original contemporary romance novellas that range from sweet to sizzling.

KNOCKOUT – Cari Quinn
All Emerson Knapp wants…is everything he shouldn’t have. When all his secrets come to a head, the only question left is how much he’s willing to lose.

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS – Cathy Clamp
Sophie Green is smart, gorgeous, and good with her hands. Can Gabe convince her to make her stay at the Starlight Motel a permanent one?

MARKED FOR LOVE - Anna J. Stewart
Overworked pub manager Regan Murphy is about to have her hands full with Lantano Valley newcomer and tattoo artist Brodie Crawford: a sexy single father who is far too distracting.
*this version of MARKED FOR LOVE is a spiced up version of the original sweet novella of the same title. Includes a never before published epilogue, available ONLY in this boxed set.

KNOTTY MAGIC – Jodi Redford
Hormones be damned, Tully Eastwood won’t succumb to her attraction for a sexy lumberjack—until she finds herself trapped overnight with him in the woods.

AGAINST THE WALL – Amie Stuart
Construction Supervisor Lexi Kimball is the one person everyone loves to hate. Everyone except a sexy foreman with an adventurous streak, that is.

UNASHAMED — Leah Braemel
Two sexy construction workers double Hayley O’Connell’s fun. But can they convince her the fun should last forever?

LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR – Chudney Thomas
Mica Lawson is a failure and a flake; at least according to her family. Then one stalled elevator, and a sexy repairman, change her life.
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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Steph Reviews Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson


Steph, Review, Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson, Bea's Book Nook
Publisher: Penguin Books
Series: Walt Longmire 
Source: publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Ten years ago, Craig Johnson wrote his first short story, the Hillerman Award–winning “Old Indian Trick.” This was one of the earliest appearances of the sheriff who would go on to star in Johnson’s bestselling, award-winning novels and the hit television series Longmire, now streaming on NetFlix. Each Christmas Eve thereafter, fans rejoiced when Johnson sent out a new short story featuring an episode in Walt’s life that doesn’t appear in the novels; over the years, many have asked why they can’t buy the stories in book form.

Wait for Signs gives Longmire fans a chance to own these beloved stories—and one that was published for the first time in the Viking edition—in a single volume. With glimpses of Walt’s past from the incident in “Ministerial Aide,” when the sheriff is mistaken for a deity, to the hilarious “Messenger,” where the majority of the action takes place in a Porta-Potty, Wait for Signs is a necessary addition to any Longmire fan’s shelf and a wonderful way to introduce new readers to the fictional world of Absaroka County, Wyoming

Ho Ho Ho Read-A-Thon Wrap Up

http://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/2015/11/ho-ho-ho-read-thon-sign-up.html

The read-a-thon is over and I made my goal. Whoo hoo! *tosses confetti*

Hosted by hosted by Bookshelfery and Caffeinated Book Reviewer Nov. 12th-17th, the idea was to read holiday or winter themed books. I had an extensive list of titles to choose from and added two more during the challenge.

My goal was 5 titles from my list. I read 7 1/3, though only 7 count. I got a third of the way through book 8 but then the read-a-thon ended. The stories ranged from short stories to 300+ page novels and the genres were romances, mystery, and even erotica.

I read:

  1. A Silver Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear (Read 11/17, review to come)
  2. Summer Beach Vets: Playing Santa (Christmas Special) by H.Y. Hanna (Read 11/12; Click to see review)
  3. The Christmas Bake-Off by Abby Clements (Read 11/12; click to see review)
  4.  What Happens At Christmas (Millworth Manor) by Victoria Alexander (Read 11/14; click to see review) 
  5. Christmas Kink: Five Festive Fantasies by Kay Jaybee (Read 11/12; click to see review)
  6. The Cop Who Stole Christmas by Christie Craig - (Read 11/13-11/14; click to see review)
  7.  Killer Christmas by Harper Lin (Read 11/14; click to see review)

 How did you do? If you didn't participate, do you plan on reading any holiday themed books?

Cat Thursday: Your Leg? No, That's My Pillow

Cat Thursday, Your Leg? No That's My Pillow, meme, Bea's Book Nook

 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict

 
 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Steph & Liam Review The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen Pictures by Dan Hanna

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Series: Pout-Pout Fish
Source: pr firm in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

"A gift should be big,
And a gift should be bright.
And a gift should be perfect-
Guaranteed to bring delight.
And a gift should have meaning
Plus a bit of bling-zing,
So I'll shop till I drop
For each just-right thing!"

Will Mr. Fish find perfect gifts for everyone on his list? Will he finish his shopping in time?

Swim along with Mr. Fish on his holiday shopping quest. He might just discover that the best gifts of all come straight from the heart.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Bea Reviews Rendezvous in Rio by Danielle Bourdon

Series: The Inheritance #2
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Challenges: Finishing the Series | NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Danger finds Madalina Maitland when a letter from her late grandfather arrives on her doorstep, bequeathing her his treasured Rain Dragon, an ancient stone figurine. But first, she’ll have to find it through a series of clues scattered across South America.

Charting a course for passion and adventure, Madalina and her boyfriend, Cole West, a private security specialist, soon discover they aren’t alone. Hot on their trail is a cabal of Chinese agents, and these deadly adversaries will stop at nothing to get their hands on the prized dragon.

From the posh communities of Southern California to the favelas of Brazil to the gorgeous beaches of Ipanema, Rendezvous in Rio is a sexy, thrilling tale that travels the world to stay one step ahead of danger.

EXCERPT from Christmas At The Castle by Jenny Kane

excerpt, Christmas At The Castle, Jenny Kane, romance

Jenny Kane is the author the contemporary romance Christmas at the Castle (Accent Press, 2015), the bestselling novel Abi’s House (Accent Press, 2015), the modern/medieval time slip novel Romancing Robin Hood (Accent Press, 2014), the bestselling novel Another Cup of Coffee (Accent Press, 2013), and its novella length sequels Another Cup of Christmas (Accent Press, 2013), and Christmas in the Cotswolds (Accent, 2014). Jenny’s fourth full length romance novel, Another Glass of Champagne, will be published in 2016.

Jenny is also the author of quirky children’s picture books There’s a Cow in the Flat (Hushpuppy, 2014) and Ben’s Biscuit Tin (Coming soon from Hushpuppy).

Jenny also writes erotica as Kay Jaybee.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Bea Reviews Mind Games by Laura K. Curtis

Bea's Book Nook, Review, Mind Games by Laura K. Curtis, romantic suspense
Series: Harp Security #2 
Publisher: InterMix 
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 17, 2015
Challenges: Finishing the Series | NetGalley and Edelweiss ARCs
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo | ARe* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Mind games turn fatal in the second Harp Security novel...

The daughter of a schizophrenic, Dr. Jane Evans prioritizes order, control, and—above all—her work in a psychiatric research lab. When an attempted kidnapping threatens to derail the project she’s on, her boss hires a bodyguard. He’s everything Jane is not, and if she can survive, she may even learn to like the difference.

Eric Sorensen owes Jane a debt he can’t possibly repay. Without her tutoring, he would not have made it through college, would not have the life he does. But none of his memories of college Jane prepare him for adult Jane. When she suddenly disappears, he follows her trail to a secret lab in a cartel-controlled Mexican jungle. Rescue seems impossible but Eric’s not the type to give up, even if it means trading his own life for hers.
 

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Sunday Book Share #167

http://tyngasreviews.com/category/meme/stacking-the-shelves
http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/category/sunday-post

 I'm participating in The Sunday Post, hosted by Caffeinated Book ReviewerStacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews; and Bought Borrowed and Bagged, hosted by TalkSupe. It's a chance to share the print and digital books we've received and posts and events on the blog.

The first half of the week was good, the second half was a mess with various car problems, which are still not sorted out. Sigh. It's times like this I wish I lived in a city with public transportation instead of a small town out in the boonies.