From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Idolizing In: Sisters of the Craft Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1175 KB | Expected Release Date: June 2, 2015 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"In The Air Tonight" [Sisters of the Craft Series, Book 1] by Lori Handeland (aka Lori Austin)

Author's Book Description : Four centuries ago, in a small Scottish village, three baby girls escaped the wrath of a witch hunter. Today, one young woman will learn about her secret history, her heart's destiny, and the sisters she never knew she had…

With her blue-black hair and dark eyes, Rachel Larsen has never fit in with the Scandinavian community of New Bergin, Wisconsin. Being adopted is part of the reason she feels like an outsider, but what really sets Rachel apart is her ability to see dead people. Everywhere. She's learned to keep her visions to herself…until she stumbles onto the ghost of a murder victim who needs Rachel's help. Enter Bobby Doucet, a distractingly handsome homicide detective who has been tracking a killer all the way from New Orleans. Could this be the break in his case he's been looking for all along? Meanwhile, the deeper Rachel gets involved with the case—and with Bobby—the closer she comes to unlocking the mystery of her own origins. What she discovers about herself could destroy everything she knows…and everyone she loves. Is finding the truth worth the risk?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars! A little over four hundred years ago, while being burned at the stake two witches (a husband and wife) do one final spell that sends their triplet baby daughters into time in hopes of finding a place when witchcraft won’t be a crime and they’ll be “safe.” The spell works ….

Throughout her life, Raye (Rachel) has been able to see and speak to ghosts. However, when she was five year old, and overheard her adopted father talk about how he didn’t like it and wanted to “send her back,” she learned that talking to ghosts wasn’t normal and did everything in her power to stop. Now at the age of twenty-seven she might still hide her “gift” but knows that it won’t go away.

One-day Raye’s “normal” life suddenly changes when a unique murder happens downtown and homicide detective Bobby (Robert) rushes into her life. In some ways things go from bad to worse while in others things get better but as sparks start to fly between Bobby and Raye other forces try to keep them apart, can they work things out between each other or will their pasts mess up what they want for their futures?

This unexpected paranormal thriller hooked me with Raye’s sarcastic personality, its fun witty plot, its suspenseful ways, and the growing relationship that Bobby & Raye share. Spectacular! This was a wonderful introduction to Ms. Handeland’s series as well as an intriguing novel all on its own! Raye is a captivating heroine while Bobby’s boundless protectiveness and slight insecurities make him one hero I wish I could know. Together these two create a superb pairing that I could not stop but want to read of more! I hope that as this series progresses with getting to know Raye’s other sisters we still get updates on the previous ones, because I just wanted to keep reading about these two. In addition, the plot about the Venatores Mali and how the sisters will go about fighting against them really fascinated me, so it’ll be interesting to see where everything will go next.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those looking for a thrilling paranormal romance!

-- On a side note --
I really liked the interlacing covers!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : In the Air Tonight (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Heat of the Moment (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Smoke on the Water (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : In the Air Tonight (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Heat of the Moment (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Smoke on the Water (Book 3) | Alibris (Paperback) : In the Air Tonight (Book 1)

Author's Series Extras : SISTERS OF THE CRAFT Series - Overview & Excerpts

Posted by Lori Handeland on Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Book Teaser(s) :

She lifted dark brows toward hair as black as his own. The contrast of that ebony hair and milky skin made him think of Snow White. Too bad he wasn't any kind of prince.
Foolish thoughts. What was wrong with him? ~ within Chapter 2

IN THE AIR TONIGHT by Lori Handeland -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Wednesday, June 24, 2015

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Lori, then please check out her website.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Feasted On: Harmony Homecomings Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1231 KB | Expected Release Date: July 7, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Not So New In Town" [Harmony Homecomings Series, Book 2] by Michele Summers

Authors' Book Description : "Sexy and fun! This small-town romance proves you can go home again." - Macy Beckett, acclaimed author of the Dumont Bachelors series.

You can't go back, and you can't stand still...
Lucy Doolan is a marketing genius. She can sell rain to a frog and snow to a polar bear. Newly single and unemployed, she's lured back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister...only to find former crush heartthrob Brogan Reese has returned too, to open a new business in town. To add insult to injury, he's still hot.

If the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will...
Brogan never noticed Lucy much when they were young, but seventeen people have recommended her to help him. She's got his attention now. With her sweet personality, brilliant imagination, and penchant for doing the completely unpredictable, Brogan is finding a whole lot of excuses to spend his days-and nights-with Lucy.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Lucy heads back to her hometown with hopes to reinvent herself after a bad breakup and help her rude older stepsister while she's on bed rest. Once home she finds herself floundering to try to keep her teenage nephew's life on track and trying to settle into small town life again. That is until Brogan (her old high school crush and her stepsister's ex-boyfriend) makes it his mission to have them help each other out, him with her nephew and her with marketing his new business. However, old habits die-hard and it soon becomes apparent that her crush for him is alive and well. The good news is it's reciprocated too. Yet as they both have plans to leave town after a few months will their romance be just a fling or turn into something more?

With some surprising twists and a whole lot of charm, this novel keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. From all the characters' playful banter to Lucy's colorful internal & external commentary, I couldn't get enough. I especially enjoyed how unwittingly Brogan sweeps into Lucy's life and lights up her world as their romance begins. They are just SOO perfect for one another! In addition, I liked how even though Lucy's stepsister is rude Lucy tries to put an effort into their relationship, no matter how "grouchy" her sibling gets. Just I am wishing that her sibling wasn't the cause for Brogan's "big epiphany" even though I liked how she got him back on track. The ending was great!

I recommend this novel to those looking for a HOT comedic contemporary romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Find My Way Home (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Not So New In Town (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Find My Way Home (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Not So New In Town (Book 2)

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Brogan Reese...Not So New in Town | Pinterest: Lucy Doolan...Not So New in Town

Posted by Michele Summers on Sunday, May 31, 2015

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina drinking Cheerwine! Lucy Doolan's favorite drink in NOT SO NEW IN TOWN (pre-order your copy today!) Love Cheerwine and this article says it all...@ourstatemag
Posted by Michele Summers on Thursday, June 18, 2015

Posted by Michele Summers on Saturday, September 27, 2014

Book Teaser(s) :

Somehow his chest filled her vision. Lucy dug her toes into the cotton braids of the rug covering the tile floor. Suddenly she realized she'd been arguing about marketing techniques, wearing only her yellow daises sleeping boxers and green tank top, braless. How did this happen? She'd been settling down for a night of chillaxing with her favorite junk food and ended up defending the philosophy of "sex sells" in her skimpy PJs. ~ within Chapter 18

NOT SO NEW IN TOWN by Michele Summers -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, June 22, 2015

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Michele, then please check out her website.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Second Sentence Saturday: The Proposal At Siesta Key

SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab the novel/novella your currently reading

Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue

Share the SECOND sentence from that page

Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want

MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"The Proposal At Siesta Key" [Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series, Book 2] by Shelley Shepard Gray (aka Shelley Gray)

No matter what her mother was doing, or where she was, she always, always heard the distinctive snap of the front door dead bolt disengaging.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Friday, June 19, 2015

Made the Grade: Whiskey River Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1386 KB | Expected Release Date: June 1, 2015 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Southern Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"One Night with the Cowboy" [Whiskey River Series, Book 2] by Eve Gaddy

Authors' Book Description : Meet the Kellys of Whiskey River, Texas, men who have always gone through life, and women, with their father’s legendary charm.

Trey Kelly has it all. Eldest son of Boots Kelly, Trey runs the Kelly ranch, and Trey’s heart is with his “babies”, Kelly’s Champs, the World Champion cutting horses he breeds and sells. Women love Trey and he loves women, but he's never met the one he wanted for keeps. Until...

Reclusive Ariana Wright's lavender farm sits next door to the Kelly spread. Ariana is a smart, ambitious chemist and after the car accident that left her scarred, the success of her new line of lavender based beauty products is all Ariana is interested in.

Convincing Ariana to take a chance on love is a task that takes all of Trey’s cowboy determination. But can Ariana let go of the wounds of the past and give herself more than one night with the cowboy?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, in the span of one-day Trey’s life goes from surprising to pleasing. First, he finds out that his father had other sons that he wasn’t aware of and now has to share his family’s ranch with them for a year just to be able to inherit what should be his and his brother Wyatt already. Then later that same day Trey finds Ariana in a river on his property, bringing a wanting he hasn’t ever believed he wanted before. Yet, Ariana is physically scarred and has a hard time overcoming it. Will Trey be able to win her over and get her out of her comfort zone for good? Or will she feel that being apart would be best for the both of them?

I liked Trey and Ariana’s romance it was very sweet, comical, and heartwarming! I especially enjoyed the scenes with Big Boy and Little Joe. =0) My only wish is that the ending wasn’t as slow as it was which was a bit frustrating because I liked the rest of the novel.

Nevertheless, I recommend this novel to those who are looking for a quick contemporary romance.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Where There's a Will (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : One Night with the Cowboy (Book 2)

Author's Novel Extras : How It All Began

Book Teaser(s) :

"Your ankle must be better. You're hardly limping."
"It is. I may not be limping, but you are. What happened to you?"
He poured the wine and handed her a glass. "My ass and the ground had a meeting. The ground won." He clinked his glass to hers. "Cheers."
"I hope you at least put up a good fight."
He laughed. "Afraid not." ~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Eve, then please check out her website. For more information about this series check out the Whiskey River Series Website.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Disappointmentville: Love on the High Seas Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 175; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1337 KB | Expected Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Scandalous | Obtained: NetGalley

"Beauty's Curse" [Love on the High Seas Series, Book 2] by Tamara Hughes

Author's Book Description : England, 1722
Amelia Archer will be the ruin of her family. Her extraordinary bad luck is burden enough, but her sweet, trusting nature often lands her in impossible scrapes. After the last straw, Amelia’s harried father ships his unfortunate daughter off to the Colonies to live with her aunt. But wherever Amelia goes, bad luck is sure to follow…

Pirate David Lamont is taken with the lovely young Englishwoman the moment she’s pulled aboard from her sinking vessel. But sailors are already a superstitious lot and Amelia is unwelcome. In a feat of chivalry, David defends and claims her for himself…

Now their fortunes—for good or ill—are invariably tied. But as much as she longs for him, Amelia cannot allow a romance. For a lady of misfortune can only bring ruin to those she loves…

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, Amelia has been raised to believe that she has a bad luck curse stuck to herself that usually effects those around her now finds herself on a sinking ship while she was trying to make her way to the Colonies. A pirate ship comes to their "rescue" but the men on the ship are reluctant to have her aboard because of superstitions, except for one pirate--David a violinist--who inserts himself as her protector while she's aboard. Yet it seems her "curse" is in full swing as one thing after another happens to them. Will Amelia be able to overcome her fears about herself to see the fortune that happens to be around her? Or will she be blinded by old fears and try to escape the one man who might just be perfect for her?

I so wanted to like this novel because I really adored its premise. However, both Amelia and David are so wrapped up in their pasts that they keep moving forward only to step back again, which got quite annoying after a while. By 50% of the way through, I was contemplating giving up with this one. Then David really stepped up to the plate (not for himself mind you) by showing Amelia that because of the way she was raised and because of her ruthless stepmother it made her into believing there was a curse around her and not that there actually was a curse. His speech made Amelia become more independent in the ways she tries to help them out of the predicaments that await them instead of letting things happen to her. I really appreciated it. In addition, I liked how their quick friendship grew into something more. Their relationship was very sweet. If only these two characters could have stopped self-doubt to constantly creep in, than I believe I would have liked this novel a whole lot more.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend this novel because I feel those who like historical sailor/pirate romances would enjoy it.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Tempting the Pirate (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Beauty's Curse (Book 2)

Author's Series Extras :

So cool! My new bookmarks are here!
Posted by Tamara Hughes on Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

"When it comes close again, we'll strike it with our oars."
Of course. Attack a shark, a beast longer than their rowboat. Made perfect sense. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Tamara, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Made the Grade: Backstage Pass Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 232; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1453 KB | Expected Release Date: June 16, 2015 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Teen : Crush | Obtained: NetGalley

"Daisy and the Front Man" [Backstage Pass Series, Book 3] by Rebekah L. Purdy

Author's Book Description : Hell hath no fury like a fangirl scorned…

When Daisy Morris finds out she’s spending the summer with her dad, bodyguard for Seconds to Juliet – the hottest boy band around – she knows it couldn’t be more perfect. But not because she’s a fan. Oh, no. Because ever since front man Trevin Jacobs completely humiliated her by standing her up for homecoming, Daisy is out for a little revenge. Yup, Trevin Jacobs is goin’ down…

When one of his bandmates bets Trevin he can’t make Daisy – the gorgeous but surprisingly ice-cold daughter of their bodyguard – fall in love with him, it’s a bet he can’t resist. Sure, Daisy won’t give him the time of day for reasons he can’t understand, and her dad’s hell-bent against his little girl spending time with a superstar. But the terms are set, and Trevin is determined to make Daisy fall…hard.

But every front man should know never to trust a girl with a pretty face…

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! About a year ago, Daisy won a recycle contest and her prize was having Trevin (the front man for Seconds to Juliet) as her date for her high school’s homecoming dance. Well during the time Trevin was supposed to show up, she finds out that he’s not going to be there and instead gets an autographed photo of him, leaving her to be humiliated in front of her school for the rest of the year. Once summer arrives her mother informs her that she is going to be spending it with her father (who happens to be a security guard for Seconds to Juliet) while her mom visits Italy with her boyfriend. Being estranged from her father for a few years makes this time together awkward but she’s willing to take advantage of it to get back at Trevin for hurting her. However, Daisy soon learns that Trevin isn’t as bad as he seems. Yet is she willing to give up her revenge and drop her defenses to the one guy who has already hurt her?

As I loved "Mia and the Bad Boy" (Book 2), I guess I had high hopes for this novel. Too high of hopes it seems, as there were times when I wanted to give up. While I found Daisy and Trevin to be a good pair, with the ways they go about getting to know one another, Trevin’s bet, and then Daisy’s revenge plot made it hard for me to read through. Mostly because I’m not a fan of reading wishy-washy characters and both Trevin and Daisy are as wishy-washy as they come. Both start after one another because of false pretenses then because they both are “trying to stick to their plans,” they aren’t sure, if they believe their own feelings and if those feelings are accurate or not. In truth, I stuck to this novel because I liked the guys from Seconds to Juliet’s camaraderie, it hooked me a bit to see what antics Daisy was going to spring on Trevin next (I mean the cement and porta potty scene was quite funny), and its build up to "Anya and the Shy Guy" (Book 3). Yet, I am very happy I did stick to it because once everything “hit the fan” I liked Daisy, Trevin, and the plot a whole lot more. The ending was AWESOME!

I recommend this to those who are a fan of Ms. Purdy and/or a fan of this series! In addition, I think it could be read as a stand-alone novel so if you’re looking for a sweet YA rock star romance this might be for you too.

-- On a side note --
I was not a fan of Daisy's mother. I mean yes Daisy's parents are divorced. And yes the distance from Daisy father might not be all her mother's fault. But to not encourage the father-daughter relationship afterwards is just wrong! I say this because I grew up seeing it from both sides myself (being the daughter of a father who was never around and seeing my step dad try with his own kids). And no matter what the circumstances parents (if the parents are good people to begin with) should always encourage the relationship with the other parent. *shakes head* That just made me mad at the end of the novel. Sorry for ranting. =0P

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Aimee and the Heartthrob (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Mia and the Bad Boy (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Daisy and the Front Man (Book 3)

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

Author's Novel Extras : Book Cover Reveal for Daisy and the Front Man (Backstage Pass # 3) | Happy RELEASE DAY for DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN/giveaway/booktrailer

Posted by Rebekah L Purdy on Friday, April 24, 2015

Posted by The Backstage Pass series on Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Author's Series Extras : NEW SERIES- NEW COVERS! | #TeaserTuesday Mia & The Bad Boy

Only two more covers to go...... <3
Posted by The Backstage Pass series on Thursday, May 21, 2015

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN by Rebekah L Purdy -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Damn it. Trevin was her kryptonite. ~ within Chapter 11

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Rebekah, then please check out her website. For more information about this series check out the The Backstage Pass Series Facebook Page.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Blog Tour - The Baby Saga by Airicka Phoenix | Spreading the Word

Today I'm turning my blog over to Airicka Phoenix author of "Forever His Baby," "Bye-Bye Baby," "Be My Baby," & "Always Yours, Baby," which happens to be the books in The Baby Saga Series!! [Blog Tour will from June 14 - 19, 2015]

"Forever His Baby"
[The Baby Saga Series, Book 1] by Airicka Phoenix
Author's Book Description :

Two brothers. One impossible choice

Book Series Links :

Amazon (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book) | Barnes and Noble (e-Book) | iBooks (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

"Bye-Bye Baby"
[The Baby Saga Series, Book 2] by Airicka Phoenix
Author's Book Description :

Love has no expiration.

Book Series Links :

Amazon (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book) | Barnes and Noble (e-Book) | iBooks (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

"Be My Baby"
[The Baby Saga Series, Book 3] by Airicka Phoenix
Author's Book Description :

It started with a drink and ended in a night neither will ever forget.

Book Series Links :

Amazon (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book) | Barnes and Noble (e-Book) | iBooks (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

"Always Yours, Baby"
[The Baby Saga Series, Book 4] by Airicka Phoenix
Author's Book Description :

How could someone so pure want filth like him?

How could someone so broken complete her?

How could a love like theirs be extinguished?

How could love so strong ever fail?

Book Series Links :

Amazon (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book) | Barnes and Noble (e-Book) | iBooks (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

ALWAYS YOURS, BABY by Airicka Phoenix
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, June 14, 2015

About the Author :

Airicka Phoenix is a romance junkie with an incurable addiction to chocolate. She is also a prolific author of several novels written for young adult and new adult romance addicts who love bad boys, hot kisses and a gritty plot. Airicka prides herself in producing quality material her readers can fall in love with again and again.

When she's not hard at work bleeding words onto paper, Airicka can be found cuddling with her family, reading, watching TV shows, or just finding excuses not to do chores.

Be the first for giveaways, teasers and upcoming releases by joining Airicka's newsletter on her website www.AirickaPhoenix.com.

The Baby Saga Series by Airicka Phoenix
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, June 14, 2015

Find Airicka Phoenix :

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