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

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Excerpt from Frost by Taryn Kincaid




Book Blurb ~

Dagney Night, a sought-after succubus, is no stranger to blazing hot sex. But as Valentine’s Day approaches, she longs for something more. When oddly erotic paintings arrive for display at her art gallery, arousing everyone who views them, she wonders about the mysterious artist who created the works.

Maxwell Raines, a fire-sex demon, lives a life of solitude and seclusion behind the walls of his compound at Sleepy Hollow, channeling his lustful impulses into his art—until his muse deserts him and his temperature rises past the danger point. He needs sex. Now.

When Madame Evangeline arranges a torrid Valentine’s 1Night Stand for them, will the flames of their encounter b
e too hot to handle?

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Genre: Romance, Erotica, Fantasy
Format: ebook
Release Date: January 30, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Decadent  ARe


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About the author:

Taryn Kincaid lives in beautiful Bora Bora. Or wishes she did. When she's not parasailing up and down the Hudson River, taking care of her aging pet walrus, or volunteering at the local animal shelter [oh, HELL, no], she loves to arrange her voodoo doll-pin collection and practice chanting. Taryn is dedicated to eradicating the Kardashians and Honey Boo-Book from the face of the earth, along with The Bieb and sparkly vampires. At this moment, she is busy adjusting the tin foil to throw the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) off her trail. She hangs around a lot on Facebook and Twitter with her trillions of fans and pops in at Goodreads from time to time. You can catch her on her website, http://tarynkincaid.com, and her blog, http://dreamvoyagers.blogspot.com where she lives for comments!

Find Taryn online:

Twitter
Video
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon

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 Excerpt 

Dagney followed her sister’s glance, and her heart flipped like a gymnast unable to nail a vault. Darkness swathed the gallery with the exception of the lights above or below each of the paintings. The large man emerging from the shadows held her rapt. Waves of pure, unadulterated lust smacked her with such force she didn’t even see Lily and Campbell leave. The blast of raw desire crumpled her to the floor. Her gaze remained riveted on the tall hunk of ferocious male stalking toward her, radiating undiluted carnality. He set something carefully on the floor and grasped her by the elbows, his touch surprisingly gentle when he lifted her to her feet.


“I’m Maxwell Raines.”

Yeah. No kidding. Who else could a guy so hot, so studly, possibly be?

She told herself not to swoon. Ordered herself not to swoon. But, Goddess, that rumbling voice. More potent than a train barreling over the tracks. And he smelled so good. Sinfully masculine. A bit of musk, a bite of pine, an essence of dark, smoky nights. Sexy scents. Reminiscent of tangled satin sheets that had been given a good work-out.

Her legs turned to rubber, and she doubted they’d support her on their own. She’d be mortified if he’d have to scrape her puddled body up again. But he hadn’t yet relaxed his grip. Could she bullshit her way through the meeting without collapsing? “You’re late,” she said.

“I’m never late.”

“Well, the party’s over, Mr. Raines.” She waved a hand around the empty room.

“Depends on your perspective.”

“You’re big on perspective, are you?”

“I’m a painter.” A brief shrug accompanied his blunt words. “Obvious connection.”

“Right. But as you can see, everyone’s left.”
 
“You haven’t.” He gazed down at her, a black brow flaring. “And you’re what I’m here for.”



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You can read a review of "Frost" here.

Taryn will be giving away Valentine's chocolates, candy and book swag. Grand prize: a copy of Lightning, or another ebook from her backlist, chocolates and book swag to one randomly chosen commenter at the end of the tour.



The more you comment during Taryn's blog tour, the better your chances of winning a prize are. The tour dates can be found here:







Blog Tour Review: Rally 'Round the Corpse by Hy Conrad

Publisher: Seven Realms Publishing
Series: Abel Adventures Mystery #1
Format Read: Trade paperback
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Buying Links: Seven Realms Publishing  Amazon  Barnes & Noble

Book Blurb from goodreads:
It's been two years since her fiancĂ©'s death. Amy Abel needs to start over. What better way for a shy, risk-averse woman to start than to sink all her savings into a travel agency specializing in adventure? Her first project is a mystery road rally through the European countryside.

At the starting line in Monte Carlo, Amy finds herself attracted to Marcus Alvarez, the most mysterious of her two dozen game-loving clients. But the rally gets off to a rocky start when an eccentric writer, the only person who knows the game's solution, is himself murdered back in New York.

Who would kill a harmless mystery geek, and why are weird accidents beginning to happen along the way? To her horror, Amy discovers that this fictional mystery was based on a real, unsolved case, one that Marcus knows too much about. Now she has no choice but to join forces with Fanny, her domineering mother, and solve this on her own, before the killer strikes again.
 Bea's thoughts:

 I've been a mystery fan for about as long as I've been reading. When I received the email about this book and tour, it sounded interesting - a mystery, a travel tour, a hint of romance - how could I pass it up?

Amy runs a travel agency along with her mother Fanny. They offer travel packages that have some risk or an adventure as part of the trip. Their first one is the Monte Carlo to Rome Mystery Road Rally. They hired a writer who specializes in writing mystery games for dinner theaters, house parties, etc. But this story, though Amy and Fanny don't realize it, is based on an unsolved real murder mystery.

Before the trip the writer, Otto, is killed. Throughout the trip, there are incidences - wrong clues, robberies, etc. - and finally one of the travelers is murdered. One of the travelers, Marcus, who is actually the assistant to the mystery writer and is there to keep an eye on things, has been flirting with Amy. However, he lies as easily as he breathes and she's never quite sure if she can trust him. He finally reveals himself as Otto's assistant when things continue to go wrong. Near the end of the tour, one of the travelers is murdered and another is arrested for it.

Back home after the end of the trip, Amy and her mother Fanny try to investigate the various mysteries - the minor incidences that occurred, the murder of one of the travel guests, the murder of Otto, and the original murder that the rally was based on.

Amy and her mother stumble a bit and make mistakes as they try to sort out who killed whom and why. But, they are both amateur detectives, so it's to be expected. Some of the other travelers help with the investigation and that doesn't always go smoothly either. There are some unlikely coincidences throughout the story but it's complex and twisty and will keep you on your toes.

Conrad gives depth to his characters, making them real, flawed, and believable though Marcus could have used more depth. Fanny was meddling, domineering, and a know it all; she meant well but I found her annoying at times. Amy was timid at times and bold at other times, judgmental, kind and reserved. The travelers on the tour were well developed and intriguing. Although the story slowed down at times, overall, it held my interest and made me want to go visit Monaco and Italy. Conrad spins a story and keeps your interest.

One thing I want to make note of is how Conrad handled the topic of food allergies. I was delighted to see that he didn't make a mess of it but actually knew what he was talking about. I get so frustrated and even angry with books, movies and TV shows that can't be bothered to get their facts right. 


"Rally 'Round the Corpse" is intelligent, clever, occasionally humorous and a pleasure to read.

I received a paperback from the author as part of the blog tour.  

Monday, February 11, 2013

Madame Eve of 1Night Stand - A Guest Post by JoAnne Kenrick


Today's guest is erotic romance author JoAnne Kenrick. Born n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee sea-side town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick! Get exclusive sneak peeks at her new and upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here: http://tinyletter.com/joannekenrick

Find JoAnne online:

website
blog
twitter
facebook
youtube

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If you're looking for something a little bit extra spicy, but very sweet, then Threesome Sweetness may just be the perfect ebook to warm up this winter's day for you. A married couple get their menage on to try bring back the heat into their relationship -- apart of Decadent Publishing's 1Night Stand series, the Irish Kisses books are hawt little novellas set in and around Bell's Irish Pub and the staff who work there.

Of course, a menage in a pretty extreme way of spicing things up in a marriage. Most couples reach for the toy box or some sexy lingerie.

But then, fictional characters do like to walk on the wild side of their options.

And Madame Eve does have a way about her; she seems to know exactly what her clients needs are before they do.
 

When Elizabeth discovers her husband has arranged for her fantasy to be a reality, though, she isn't best pleased. Has Madame Eve finally lost her touch? Or is there reason behind this match? (Guess you'll have to pick up the book to find out, eh? mwahaha)


For those who aren't familiar with the 1Night Stand series, here's the deal:

The multi-author series is based around Madame Evangeline’s match-making skills. A woman to be reckoned with, and owner of a highly successful matchmaking service. She firmly believes if you put the right two people together for just one night, anything is possible. Especially when the dates take place at the fabulous Castillo Hotels and Resorts in some of the most exotic places in the world. 

I think I've shared this before, but I've always seen her to be just like Lesley Ann Down, or to be exact, the character she plays in North And South, Madeline Fabray. Of course, she'd be more up to date and in this century. But how graceful she is, and how romantic and full of old fashioned manners.  It helps me to imagine what she might look like, or be like, when writing my 1NS stories. What about you, the reader? If you've read 1Night Stand stories, do you find yourself wondering what she might look like? If so, who did you imagine her to be? 

I'd love to set her up on a date ;) 

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Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Series: Irish Kisses #3
Format: ebook
Release Date: November 9th, 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Decadent Publishing   OmniLit

I have this one in my TBR pile but I read and enjoyed the first one, "Sweet Irish Kiss". 

For an excerpt from book two, "Shamrocked", click here.
For an excerpt from "Threesome Sweetness", click here
For an excerpt from book four, "Hot Winter Kisses", click here.

Guest Review of Frost by Taryn Kincaid

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Series: Sleepy Hollow #3, 1NS
Format Read: kindle
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Buying Links:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Decadent  ARe

Book Blurb from goodreads:
 Dagney Night, a sought-after succubus, is no stranger to blazing hot sex. But as Valentine’s Day approaches, she longs for something more. When oddly erotic paintings arrive for display at her art gallery, arousing everyone who views them, she wonders about the mysterious artist who created the works.

Maxwell Raines, a fire-sex demon, lives a life of solitude and seclusion behind the walls of his compound at Sleepy Hollow, channeling his lustful impulses into his art—until his muse deserts him and his temperature rises past the danger point. He needs sex. Now.

When Madame Evangeline arranges a torrid Valentine’s 1Night Stand for them, will the flames of their encounter be too hot to handle?
Reviewed by: Carol. Carol was raving about this book over on facebook so I asked her if she's write up a review and she agreed. 

Carol's Thoughts:

Dagney Night is a bored succubus and Gallery owner. Maxwell Raines is a reclusive, talented artist and a Fire Demon.

When Dagney sees the response to Maxwell's paintings she decides she needs a real date and contacts 1Night Stand to set something up.

When Maxwell finds out it is Dagney who is hosting his show, he rejects the idea of a public meet at the Gallery Party. He also contacts 1Night Stand but to set up a private party for him and Dagney on that night.

Dagney had just about given up on him when he finally shows up. Everyone has departed except for Dagney's sister who is on her way out the door.

One of my favorite lines in this book is when Dagney decribes Maxwell's work to him:
"Oh, yeah. Your work talks. Like a bullhorn in a library reading room."

As we watch these two delightful characters sort out their individual issues the sparks start flying. It's steamy...let me rephrase that... HOT with hints of romance.

Not too far fetched to think a HEA may be brewing going forward.

I couldn't put this down once I started reading and read it again to warm up with all the snow.

I give this read 5 stars. Bravo,Taryn! I am looking forward to the release of "Blizzard".

Carol owns this ebook.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sunday Book Share #23




I'm participating in Feed My Reader Friday hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A WriterThe Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews. The  memes allow book bloggers the chance to share print and digital books they've received and different posts and events at their blog.

Hello from the depths of Blizzard Nemo! I'm typing this up Friday night, in case I lose power. So far, the snow accumulation in my region isn't too bad but the winds have been strong and the weather reports on the tv show downed power lines and regions with heavy accumulations. Many schools, including mine, announced on Thursday that we'd be closed on Friday. It was good knowing in advance and being able to plan accordingly. One benefit to being home on Friday? I gobbled up a new book coming out next month, "Frost Burned" by Patricia Briggs. Happy sigh. 

ETA: As of Sunday noon time, my town had about 2 feet of snow and we didn't lose power, though other towns did.

The Week In Review








Books

I had a most awesome week for books. It was amazing but my TBR pile is, well, scary. As I'm writing this post, I'm reading 2 books for review and I still have 835 books to be read. That figure includes digital and print, personal and review, and some that I don't own but have gotten/will get from the library. It's a good thing I'm participating in Kimba's Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge next month. There's still time to sign up if your TBR pile is also out of control.

Click on the book cover to go to the book's goodreads page.

Review - Kindle


I have an excerpt from this scheduled for this Saturday and the review is scheduled for April. 

Review - Print


I squeed so hard when this arrived. I love this series, it's an all-time favorite. I hadn't requested the book since I was planning on buying it anyway and I'm backed up on reviews. But, the publisher sent it, and I gobbled it right up. I'm not sure when the review will go up but sometime in the next few weeks, possibly this week if I can manage it.


I got an email from the publicist for this and though I shouldn't have, I said yes. Somebody hide the computer so I can't request or agree to any more books or download any. :D There will also be a giveaway along with the review, some time this month.

The rest of these were sent unsolicited; some will likely end up being reviewed.


Astraea Press Freebies - Kindle

Remember, my publisher is giving away 2 different books every day this month. Go to their blog each day and get the coupon codes to download that day's free books, available in all major digital formats.


I worked on both The Corruption of Mila (content edits) and A Forbidden Union (proofing).

Kindle Freebies



Hey, I said I had an amazing book week! :D I have lots of reading material to keep me busy during the blizzard, though I have to work on some editing too.

I hope you all had a good week. Remember to leave a link to your post in your comment and I'll stop in during the week.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Moving from FeedBurner to FeedBlitz

As you've noticed, FeedBurner has dropped the ball and is no longer providing subscription services for the blog. I lack the skills to fix the problem and there's no customer support. I am moving to FeedBlitz and moving all current subscribers to their services. FeedBlitz has support and they have been helpful so far. Ideally, about mid-week, you should once again start seeing the Nook in your reader or receiving an email or whatever RSS service you signed up to use.

There are a few things you need to know:

  • Please add feedblitz@mail.feedblitz.com to your address books
  • Keep an eye out for the message from FeedBlitz advising you that the change has taken place.
  • You do not need to do anything to stay on the subscription list or email list.
  • You will receive an email notifying you of the change and giving you the chance to opt-out. If you choose to unsubscribe, please do so by using the links provided in the email, and not your ISP's spam or abuse buttons.
I have my fingers crossed that this all goes smoothly. If you have a question or encounter a problem, please email Bea at beasbooknook @ gmail . com

Excerpt from The Talisman of El by Alecia Stone

Excerpt, The Talisman of El, Alecia Stone, Bea's Book Nook

Excerpt, The Talisman of El, Alecia Stone, Bea's Book Nook

Book Blurb ~
WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet.
Two Worlds.

Population: Human ... 7 billion.

Others ... unknown.


When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He's afraid to tell any one. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one
he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.

Charlie doesn't know why this is happening. He would give any thing to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home. He belongs with the others.

Double Review of Secret Lives of Princesses by Phillipe Lechermeier


  • Publisher: Sterling
  • Format Read: Hardcover
  • Publication date: 6/1/2010
  • Purchasing links: Barnes and Noble Amazon
Blurb from the back of the book:
Revealed for the first time in history...the secret lives of princesses you've never heard of.
Stepping from the shadows at last are such unique and captivating characters as Princess Claire Voyant, who can see into the future, but always muddles her predictions. Then there's Princess Tangra-la, known for her exquisite dancing and Princess Babbling Brooke, who chatters on about everything and nothing. And who wouldn't want to meet the Princess of the Disorient, who invents all manner of nonsensical celebrations?
Reviewed by: Jax and Lil Miss -  Ok...I've been MIA for quite some time, but this is a book my 8 year old daughter and I have enjoyed together. Thought it would be fun to share her thoughts as well as mine.
Lil Miss’s thoughts:
I like the Secret Lives of Princesses because of all the different princesses. Each princess is special in their own special way. Some are even related to other princesses, ones whose stories we know.  I like how it’s illustrated. It has things that princesses wear, like crowns and tiaras. It shows some of the different kinds of castles, too. I like the way they are named. They are sometimes silly. I love the fan alphabet, it’s funny. The real reason I like this book is because of the Princesses, it says on the cover that these are the stories of Princesses that have never told. It was nice to hear new stories. This book is awesome to me and this I hope you like this book as much as me.

Jax’s thoughts:
I’m not the girliest of girls, but my Lil Miss is. So after a deluge of princess books over the years, it’s about time we found one that I not only can tolerate for more than one reading, but one that I keep going back to read again. The humor and whimsy of this book is priceless. And the illustrations bring to mind Tim Burton, Edward Gorey and Mary Engelbreit. Bright colors, eerie faces and slightly odd body proportions. And yet completely endearing. Every page has lovely details, both in the art and the prose. I invite you to come meet Princesses Miss Hap, and Molly Coddle. Learn about the mystery that is Prince S. This book makes me want to be a princess. I don’t think I’ve said that in years, if ever. Inventive, eccentric, wonderful. Definitely one of my favorite kids books. I’m not sure I’ll let the little one take this with her when she grows up. Even if it was her birthday present. :D
The Lil Miss owns this book.
Oh, and check out the book's site when you have a chance. It has some fun games.