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

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Been Absent, Sorry





Life has been kicking my butt lately. The new school year has started and as always, I'm tired. I'm even more tired this fall as I'm with a younger group this year, and they are more demanding physically and emotionally. So, I come home, I sit on the couch, and I doze off for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Sigh. I've also still been recovering from my surgery, and 6.5 weeks later, I'm finally almost human again. Phew, just in time for surgery number two. That, if all goes well, will be in 9 days on the 25th. How long that recovery will take, who knows? I've also been busy, happily, with my editing job. I got some nice feedback on my work and I've had the opportunity to read submissions in the slush pile and offer my opinion on whether we should make an offer. Scary but exciting! One suggestion I'd like to make when you send in a submission - PROOF READ!!! Also, beta readers are invaluable. I'm just sayin'.

All of this has meant that the blog has been somewhat neglected and I'm behind both in my reading, and writing reviews. So, my apologies. I've been poking at Liz and Jax and you should see more reviews and posts from them soon, *gives them flinty stare* and I will try to get back in the swing.I have some blog tours scheduled and those posts WILL go up, including the two reviews (oh panic! Reviews with a deadline, eep.)

Now that fall is here, it's time for me to do my hermit act so maybe I'll actually get books read, and reviews written and posted.


Why a hermit act? Well, it's autumn in New England and New Englanders friggin' LOVE their pumpkin and apple foods and products (candles, etc.). Naturally, those same products have spices in them - cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, mace and allspice. For most people, those are yummy; for me, they're dangerous. I am so allergic that just being in the same room will bring on an allergic reaction. You read that correctly - I don't even need direct physical contact with the offending spices. Sigh. So, for the next few months, minimal time will be spent in stores e.g. drug stores, grocery stores, gift stores, etc and no time at all in coffee shops (spiced pumpkin coffee? Really? Gag, even if I weren't allergic). Is it February yet?

So, that's that. I am trying to visit blogs and leave comments. If you want to leave a comment on any of my posts, existing or forthcoming, I'd be delighted. In the meantime, happy autumn!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Spotlight on Rafael: The Santiago Brothers Book One by Victoria Chase





Today it's my pleasure to welcome K. Victoria Chase. From childhood, bestselling author K. Victoria Chase enjoyed writing stories and plays and reading Christian romance. She received degrees in Criminal Justice and Diplomacy and worked as a federal law enforcement officer for several years before deciding to try her hand at writing a complete novel. "Serial Games" (Virginia Justice Book One) is the third completed work and the first published by Desert Breeze Publishing. Book two of the series, "Marked by the Mob", will be released in November 2012. She has recently signed with Astraea Press [which is also the publisher I work for! Hi Victoria :)] for the first in her Santiago Brothers series, the Amazon bestselling "Rafael". Until she can make writing a full-time venture, K. Victoria Chase continues to work in the field of counter terrorism, identifying potential terrorists that threaten the United States and the world. She currently resides in Leesburg, VA and writes both clean and Christian interracial romance.   

    
There's an excerpt from the book and of course, some info about it (and I want to read this one, I love romantic suspense and series that feature siblings). Also, Victoria will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Want to follow her tour and read more excerpts? Go here for the schedule.

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“Wow. You know, you have a real talent with women.”

Rafa gave her a sideways glance but didn’t answer. She saw the corners of his mouth fight an upward pull.

“I bet they have you working all the female subject interviews.” Genie tugged hard on the door handle.

“You don’t have to be jealous Genie,” came his smooth reply.

“Jealous? Ha! Why would I be jealous of her? Over you?” She got in and slammed the door closed.

Rafa slid effortlessly into the seat, calmly closed the door, and jerked his seatbelt on when the car surged forward. Genie nearly forgot to brief the surveillance team, and she whipped the vehicle around and pulled alongside the other car. She rolled down her window. “Let’s give it another day fellas. I’ll let the Lieutenant know and if there is any change to the plan, then we’ll give you a call. Until then, your relief will come as scheduled.” They nodded in affirmation, and Genie drove away.

“Watch your speed,” Rafa teased.

“My speed? What about your speed?”

“My speed?” His voice feigned innocence to her insinuation.

“In another minute Ms. Flores Cera would have forgone the call and invited you in. I’m sure she could whip up some fajitas and rice in no time.”

Rafa roared with laughter. “Do you hear yourself? Fajitas and rice? Who knew Ms. Church could toss around stereotypes.”

Genie blinked. Did she truly say that? Shame swept through her. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “That was unkind. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“I do.”

Genie heard the smile in his voice. She wasn’t jealous.

She. Wasn’t. Jealous.

Jealousy was an emotion for the weak...for a girl who couldn’t keep her man interested in her. Sure, plenty of women fell all over Jeff. He was classically handsome, a jock, and destined to follow in his parent’s footsteps and be a doctor or a high-powered attorney. Genie’s parents were middle-class, not poor, but not rich. She was considered pretty but not the stunner that should have been on Jeff’s arm. But Jeff chose her. She had no reason to be jealous, but she was. Those women who fell all over Jeff? He fell all over them, too. Wherever smoke rose, fire always followed. Always.

“Wait a minute. Ms. Church? What is that?” Her anger suddenly rekindled.

“Oh, just what we used to call you in school.”

“Who used to call me?”

“Me and some of the other boys,” he said casually, as if it were a time long past.

He had noticed her! I must have looked cute. Plaid skirts and flowered blouses came to mind. And her hair...always in a braid. I did not look cute. “That’s not very original,” she muttered. But it was news to her, and it stung.

“Well, weren’t you president of the Chastity Club?”

“Chess Club!” Genie flushed hot. “And the Bible Club.”

His triumphant laugh enveloped her. “Close enough.”

Genie resisted the urge to stare at him, knowing if she did she wouldn’t be able to stop glaring and then they would run off the road. Instead, she silently counted to ten. Then she counted to ten again. She heard Rafa chuckle softly. Genie gripped the steering wheel. I can’t believe I even considered him a changed man. I even felt guilty! Her prejudgments were correct.

********************************************************************************************

RAFAEL: The Santiago Brothers Book One
By: K. Victoria Chase
Publisher: Astraea Press
ASIN:: B008U1MVVC
Genre: FICTION, ROMANCE, MYSTERY, CHRISTIAN
Format: EBOOK, PAPERBACK,
Length: 220 pages, 343 KB
Release Date: August 6, 2012
Website & Blog
Twitter
facebook
goodreads
Blog Tour
Buying Links:  Amazon    Astraea Press    Barnes & Noble

Book Blurb (from author):

The last time Detective Genie Green let a man humiliate her was her college sweetheart—never again. Yet, when former high school lothario Rafael Santiago returns to town as the consulting detective on her case, Genie’s rule of never allowing another man to best her is challenged. Can she trust him long enough to solve this case and get the glory?

Rafa can’t seem to outrun his delinquent past. When The Snakes, a criminal organization he used to belong to, begin murdering people from his hometown, he has a chance to right some of his past wrongs. Will arresting the murderers be enough to redeem him, or will a certain beautiful detective pay the ultimate price instead?

A Christian interracial romantic suspense

Did you enjoy the excerpt? Be sure to follow the blog tour and don't forget every comment enters you into a drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate. Of course, the book is out now, so you can also purchase it. :)

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

GIVEAWAY! Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs and Some Alpha & Omega news


Silver Borne is book five in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, and was released in 2010. There's no particular occasion for the giveaway, it's random. :D A friend of mine messaged me on facebook, said she had an extra copy of Silver Borne, hardcover, in brand new condition, did I want to give it away? Well of course, I said yes! The book is in her possession so she will mail the book out to the winner.

Enter using the rafflecopter below. If you haven't started this series yet, but are interested, the series is best read in order. Please read my Giveaway Policy.

Good luck!

I almost forgot the news about Alpha & Omega. A few years ago, Dynamite Entertainment did an 8 issue graphic novel adaptation of Cry Wolf, the first full-length book in the Alpha & Omega series. Well, they are being re-issued, in compilation form, by InkLit, Berkley Publishing's new graphic novel imprint; the first one is out October 2nd. More info is available here.

Dusty Reads Link Up



Dusty Reads is a meme started by Giselle at Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on your shelf for some time. Books don't have to be 'x' years old. If you've had the book for a few months without reading it, it's dusty! :D You can post on any day but Giselle and I usually post or put up a linky on Tuesdays. If you don't use the button, try to link back to this post or Giselle's so others will know how/where to link up.   

You can use the above button, the one below or create your own if you prefer.
 
 

Monday, September 10, 2012

2013 Fantasy Pin-up Calendar

I saw this announced by several different people over on facebook and clicked on one of the links for more info. Author Patrick Rothfuss and artist Lee Moyers have joined to create this calendar, which is a fundraiser for Worldbuilder, a non-profit founded by Rothfuss.

Twelve popular and big-name authors have agreed to lend a character to the project and the cover is HAWT. Check it out.


The calendars won't ship until November but you order now and there's a discount for ordering two or more. Click here to order.

List of authors participating

Peter S. Beagle
Ray Bradbury
Patricia Briggs (Mercy as a pin-up girl! Can you imagine? Mercy would NOT approve, lol)
Jim Butcher
Jacqueline Carey
Neil Gaiman
Charlaine Harris
Robin Hobb
N.K. Jemisin
George R. R. Martin
Terry Pratchett
Patrick Rothfuss

Go! Order! 2013 will be here before you know it. 

Friday, September 7, 2012

I'm at Romance At Random Today with a Review

I have a guest review today over at Romance At Random, Random House's romance website and blog. I'm reviewing a new PNR, "Beneath A Rising Moon" by Keri Arthur. Come on over, say hi and see whether I loved or hated the book!


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Forged In Ash COVER REVEAL

On Monday, author Trish McCallan was here with a guest post about the heroes in her Red-Hot SEALs series. Montlake Romance just released the revised version of book one, Forged In Fire, on Tuesday. Today, we have the cover for book two, Forged In Ash, due to be released March 5th, 2013. And now, for the cover! Get a glass of cold water first. :D




Interesting placement of his hands, lol. I like that his body is ashy; I like it when the book cover is actually relevant to the title or story.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Melissa Marr Twitter Chat

Melissa Marr has a new book out, "Carnival of Souls". I know a few folk who have been eagerly waiting this book for months. Now that it's out, Melissa will be on Twitter this Saturday, chatting at 2Pm EST. Use the hashtag #Marrchat. BEWARE! This chat is not spoiler free! If you haven't read the book, it might be best to skip the chat. Melissa will be sharing a deleted scene from the book.