Blog Tour - Idolizing In: Spellbound by Michelle M. Pillow | Review & 4 print book prize pack Giveaway(s)

Today I'm turning my blog over to Michelle M. Pillow, with a review of her novel "Spellbound," which happens to be the SECOND BOOK in her Warlocks MacGregor Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run on July 7, 2015 & the Giveaway will run from July 7 - 9, 2015]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 184; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2931 KB | Expected Release Date: July 7, 2015 | Publisher: The Raven Books | Obtained: InkSlinger PR

"Spellbound" [Warlocks MacGregor Series, Book 2] by Michelle M. Pillow (aka Natasha Logan, Madelyn Porter & Naomi Kalling)

Author's Book Description : Let Sleeping Warlocks Lie…

Iain MacGregor knows how his warlock family feels about outsiders discovering the truth of their powers, its forbidden. That doesn’t seem to stop him from having accidental magickal discharges whenever he’s around the woman who has captured his attention. Apparently his magick and other “parts” don’t seem to care what the rules are, or that the object of his affection just might be his undoing.

Warning: Contains yummy, hot, mischievous MacGregor boys who may or may not be wearing clothing and who are almost certainly up to no good on their quest to find true love.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! All her life Jane has known that she was going to die, because of that she has been distant to others and accepted her fate. Yet, when she meets charming Iain all her best laid plans dissolve and she's left with an unexpected she never imagined before ... a future for herself. Now if only Iain and Jane can prove her worth to the rest of his family everything might just be okay...

Ms. Pillow cast an exemplary spell when she wrote this novel! Funny, thrilling, and destiny finding; this novel was one that had it all. From Jane's mysterious background to Iain dealing with his powers to Iain's family and their quirky ways, I didn't want to put this one down!

I am enamored with Jane and Iain! They're just so cute together. Iain unconsciously stops time to be with her longer. Jane fits into the MacGregors world easier than expected. Add in the slight twisted "Sleeping Beauty" plot and you have a wonderful paranormal romance! I can't wait to see where this series will go next.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are interested in paranormal and/or fantasy romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Love Potions (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Spellbound (Book 2)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Call of the Sea | Commanding the Tides

Author's Novel Extras : Spellbound - Overview, Reviews, Specification, & Excerpts

Author's Series Extras : Warlocks MacGregor Series - Overview | Love Potions - Overview, Reviews, Specification, & Excerpts

Book Teaser(s) :

SPELLBOUND by Michelle M. Pillow -- REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY TO BE POSTED TOMORROW (JULY 7TH 2015) on http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, July 6, 2015

SPELLBOUND by Michelle M. Pillow -- REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY TO BE POSTED TOMORROW (JULY 7TH 2015) on http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, July 6, 2015

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

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About the Author :

Author of All Things Romance
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

Michelle M. Pillow, is a multi-published, award-winning author writing in several romance fiction genres. She has been a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, on the Amazon bestseller list multiple times, the winner of the 2006 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, and nominated for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award 2011. She has a BGS in History/Business with an English Minor, and a Photography Degree. In 2009 she and fellow author Mandy M. Roth started their own highly successful self-publishing endeavor named The Raven Books.

Readers can contact through her website: www.MichellePillow.com

Michelle has titles published with The Raven Books, Pocket Books, Random House, Virgin Books, Adam’s Media, Entangled Publishing, Samhain Publishing, Running Press and more.

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Book Excerpt :

Jane meets Iain’s family.


“Iain MacGregor,” she whispered longingly, looking up. The woods were quiet. Strips of moonlight shone through tree limbs that reached like surreal black fingertips across her vision. A single tear slid down her cheek. She touched her mouth, imagining his kiss.

Taking a small pocket knife out of her cargo pants, she looked about. A mystic had once told her that if she left pieces of herself around while she lived, it would expand her haunting territory when she died. Jane wasn’t sure she believed in sideshow magic tricks—or the Old Magick as the mystic had spelled it on her sign. She had no idea what had possessed her to talk to the palm reader and ask about ghosts. Still, just in case, she was leaving her stamp all over the woods.

She cut her palm and pressed it to a nearby tree under a branch. Holding the wound to the rough bark stung at first, but then it made her feel better. This forest wouldn’t be a bad eternity.

The sound of running feet erupted behind her and she stiffened. No one ever came out here at night. She’d walked the woods hundreds of times. Her mind instantly went to the creepy girl ghosts chanting by the stream.

“Whoohoo!”

Jane whipped around, startled as a streak of naked flesh sprinted past her. The Scottish voice was met with loud cheers from those who followed him. “Water’s this way, lads, or my name isn’t Raibeart MacGregor, King of the Highlands!”

Another naked man dashed through the forest after him. “It smells of freedom.”

Jane stayed hidden in the branches, undetected, with her hand pressed to the bark.

“Aye, freedom from your proper Cait,” Raibeart answered, his voice coming through the dark where he’d disappeared into the trees.

“Murdoch, stop him before he reaches town. Cait will not teleport ya out of jail again,” a third man yelled, not running quite so fast. “Raibeart, ya are goin’ the wrong way!”

“Och, Angus, my Cait canna live without me,” Murdoch, the second streaker, answered. “She’ll always come to my rescue.”

“I said stop him, Murdoch, we’re new to this place.” Angus skidded to a stop and lifted his jaw, as if sensing he was being watched. He looked in her direction and instantly covered his manhood as his eyes caught Jane’s shocked face in the tree limbs. “Oh, lassie.”

“Oh, naked man,” Jane teased before she could stop herself.

“That I am,” Angus answered, “but there is an explanation for it.”

“I don’t think some things need explained,” Jane said.

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Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... TWEET about this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

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Find Michelle M. Pillow :

• Michelle M. Pillow - Website & Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Goodreads

Disappointmentville: The Nox Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1702 KB | Expected Release Date: July 5, 2015 | Publisher: Raven Companies Press | Obtained: InkSlinger PR

"Dare" [The Nox Series, Book 1] by T. A. Foster

Author's Book Description : Hey Everyone!
Dare releases July 9th, so get ready to enter a new world of she-panther shifters. This is my first paranormal novel in a year, which makes me extra anxious to get it in your hands. I've added the Goodreads link for you and I hope to have a few pre-order buttons soon!

Here's the back cover synopsis for you.
#TheNoxAreComing

Choices should come easily to a queen.

Especially the queen of panther shifters. But Dare, leader of the Nox, faces the most difficult decisions of her life as she struggles to keep her freedom and keep the Nox safe.

Destined to marry when she turns twenty-two and give up the magic that is her birthright, Dare fights back, determined to change the course of history. Only along the way she falls for a human who forces her to face the reality that there are some things she can’t resist.

Zac Morgan has crossed the globe hoping to find comfort after a tragic loss has left him empty. He hopes Sullen’s Grove will give him peace and just a little taste of home. Even though he’s worked hard to keep his heart protected, he can’t stop the attraction he feels for the mysterious green-eyed college girl Dare.

When Zac is thrust into the middle of a dangerous shifter war, Dare may be the only one who can save him.
Sometimes the choices we make are the ones we least expect.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, this intense novel builds the reader up for an intriguing series. Over the last few years Dare has taken it upon herself to defy the counsel by shaking up protocol and organizing a way for she-panther shifters to choose a life for themselves instead of what is dictated to them, in doing so she created her group called The Nox. However, Chase, the jaguar who the counsel planned for her to “marry,” is determined to stick to the counsel’s plans and will do whatever it takes to become “king.” Fate has other plans for them both by having Dare meet Zac, a history buff wanderer, who makes her question her wants in regards to her personal future. What will they all decide? Will Dare give in to Chase’s demands? Can Dare trust Zac enough to let him into her world?

This novel is a good build up for its series. Intense, highly dramatic, with multiple plotlines, it definitely keeps the reader on their toes. Yet, I found this novel to be a struggle to get through.

My reasons I had trouble with this novel:

1. The first chapter really didn’t hook me at all. I had to force my way through the novel until I got into its rhythm and liked something about it, which I found wasn’t until I started reading from Zac’s POV in Chapter 3.
2. Zac and Dare really didn’t discuss anything of consequence through most of this novel and it irritated me. They were both wrapped up to much into themselves (Dare dealing with Chase while Zac can’t get over his tragic past) to really go far in their relationship.
3. Because of them not talking about magic, she-panthers, etc. when Zac unknowingly falls into getting involved with everything that surrounds Dare he makes some really stupid choices. Those choices made me start not liking him a bit. I mean he was acting desperate and it wasn’t flattering.
4. For Dare’s part, I got annoyed with her half-effort into her relationship with Zac. I understand that she doesn’t believe it’ll go anywhere but when they have that kind of connection with each other, it was hard reading about her wanting to have him in her life yet still not be willing to share her true self with him. Since if she did share about herself I know, some of the scenes would have been quite different.

With all that being said, the reason I stuck with this novel was because I was rooting for Dare and Zac’s connection. Their connection is explosive and I feel that if they worked on it better, I’d have liked this novel a whole lot more!

I recommend it ONLY to those who are fans of Ms. Foster and/or those who REALLY ENJOY suspenseful paranormal romances.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book): Dare (Book 1)

Author's Novel Extras : New things are happening

Only 16 days until I release the panthers on you!#TheNoxAreCominghttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25780805-dare
Posted by T.A. Foster on Tuesday, June 23, 2015

I wanted to say thank you to Sommer at Perfect Pear Creative for such a gorgeous cover for Dare. #TheNoxAreComing
Posted by T.A. Foster on Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Author's Series Extras : Meet the Nox - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

"What if we agree for now I'll drop it?" I suggested.
"Really?" She smiled.
"Really." I felt like I had accomplished something monumental. I made her happy. ~ within Chapter 9 - titled 'Zac'

DARE by T.A. Foster -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

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

Made the Grade: Again, Alabama by Susan Sands

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 978 KB | Expected Release Date: June 12, 2015 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Southern Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Again, Alabama" by Susan Sands

Author's Book Description : Cammie Laroux is back in Alabama—again.

Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.

Among the many secrets Cammie’s family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that guy.

Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master architect and carpenter.

As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants her to stay with him in Alabama… forever.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. This is a riveting tale about a woman who comes home to pick up the pieces of her life while setting to rights her family’s business and dealing with a ten-year-old betrayal by having her ex back in her life.

Ten years ago Cammie and her longtime boyfriend Grey (both being in college at the time) got into an argument, misunderstanding ensue, and Grey made the drunken mistake by having sex with Cammie’s then best friend Deb. Because of how Deb manipulates Grey after their drunken encounter, both Cammie and Grey never got to get over Grey’s terrible mistake and their lives have irreconcilably change from then on. Now ten years have passed, Deb (Cammie’s ex best friend and Grey’s wife) recently died in an accident, and both Grey & Cammie are back in their hometown for personal reasons. With them working and living closely together again, old hurts are back out to play while they find that their interest in one another hasn’t gone away. However, will they be able to reconcile after everything that has happened? In addition, if they can get over the past will they be able to try for a new future together no matter the cost?

Yet, as riveted as I was with the plot I found the pacing slow and hard to stick with at times. I liked both Cammie and Grey. Moreover, while I did root for them to be together it was hard to do so with all the angst that is a constant play in this novel, which at times had me resenting Grey for what he did when he was younger. Then to top it off this novel has secrets galore, which seemed to keep coming out of the woodwork and mostly from Cammie's mother Maureen. A majority of the surprises were dramatic twists that were hard to handle, especially on top of Grey and Cammie’s “relationship.”

While I liked the ending, Grey’s commitment to Cammie by making a relationship and family with her work, and how Grey hopes to improve his daughter’s life by working with a counselor as much as possible, I thought it was very rushed and wrapped up to quaintly after everything the characters go through. In addition, I kind of wanted to read a scene or two between Cammie and Samantha (Sammie) that would show that their relationship was improving.

Overall, this novel was a good read. I would recommend it to those looking for a contemporary romance high on drama.

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Again, Alabama


Author's Novel Extras : The Big News!

Posted by Susan Sands on Sunday, June 28, 2015

***AGAIN, ALABAMA RELEASE BLITZ W/EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY*** By Susan Sands! Visit our blog for Synopsis, Excerpt, Social and Buy Links along with a Giveaway! TBP~~~~> http://bit.ly/1KqVtQ9
Posted by Two Book Pushers on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

AGAIN, ALABAMA by Susan Sands -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, July 4, 2015

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

Second Sentence Saturday: The Evolution of Emily

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

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MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"The Evolution of Emily" [Kennedy High Series, Book 2] by Kate Scott

The only thing separating me from the world was a worn old pair of running shoes.

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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!

Made the Grade: Montana Born Brides Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 367 KB | Expected Release Date: May 4, 2015 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Fairy Tale Bride" [Montana Born Brides Series, Book 1] by Scarlet Wilson

Authors' Book Description : It seems that wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta...

Lisa Renee loves weddings. As owner of Marietta’s bridal salon, Lisa takes charge when a celebrity wedding rolls into town and does what she does best: hosting the fairy tale wedding her clients dream of. But the celebrity’s badly behaving bridesmaids shatter Lisa’s poise, excitement, and hopes of putting Marietta and her boutique on the map. The only place she can find peace is on the pediatric ward of the local hospital where she volunteers, a place that holds more meaning to her than anyone knows. Leave it to the handsome and charming new doctor to change all of that...

Dr. Adam Brady is enjoying his new job and anonymity at Marietta’s hospital, but he hasn’t been able to focus entirely since the gorgeous business owner and hard-working volunteer piqued his interest. As he spends more time with her, sparks fly, and he realizes that he’s not the only one in Marietta with secrets…

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! This is a cutely quaint story about Lisa, a bridal shop owner who is still getting over her disastrous ex fiancé, and Adam, the "Millionaire" doctor who recently moved to Marietta. Both have secrets that they'd rather keep hidden, yet after getting so close will they be ready to trust each other with their truths?

I found the setup and plot of this novel very well portrayed. Lisa & Adam a good matchup and complemented each other well. However, the novel itself didn't capture and hold my interest, as I'd have liked which is why it got the rating it did.

Nevertheless, I recommend it to those looking for a sweet quick contemporary romance.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : The Fairy Tale Bride (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : His Blushing Bride (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Bride by Mistake (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : Finally His Bride (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : Kiss The Bride (Book 5) | Kobo (e-Book) : Two Nights With His Bride (Book 6)


Author's Novel Extras : Cover reveal - Montana Born Brides Series

The new Montata Born Bride Series!
Posted by Scarlet Wilson Author Page on Saturday, March 28, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

THE FAIRY TALE BRIDE by Scarlet Wilson Author Page -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, June 30, 2015

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

Feasted On: The Ugly Stepsister by Aya Ling

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 452; Kindle Edition - File Size: 535 KB | Expected Release Date: June 10, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Ugly Stepsister" by Aya Ling

Author's Book Description : To-do list:
*Persuade the prince to give the ball
*Learn how to act like a noble lady
*Find fairy godmother
*Prevent other stepsister from sinking her claws into Prince Charming
*Find out why Cinderella has a mother and two brothers in the poorhouse


When Kat accidentally rips apart an old picture book, she's magically transported into the world of Cinderella--as Katriona, one of the ugly stepsisters! Life turns upside down now that she’s a highborn lady and must learn how to survive the social season, including how to get through the door in a huge metal hoop skirt. To get back, she'll have to complete the story, right to the end of happily ever after. But the odds are huge: the other stepsister is drop-dead gorgeous, the fairy godmother is nowhere to be found, and the prince, despite being insanely hot, openly dislikes balls. Can she ever return to the modern world?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Typical shy seventeen-year-old Kat (Katherine/Katriona) transforms into a confident young lady after being sent into the Cinderella story-world because she fell and accidentally "broke" the Goblin kings book. Her only way home or back to her family and her "reality" is by insuring the Prince's (Edward) happily-ever-after. But with her being thrown into the "ugly stepsister" role, finding that her "sister" is model-worthy gorgeous, and that she suspects her maid (Elle) is really Cinderella yet she's without proof, Kat isn't sure how she'll accomplish her goal of getting home. Nevertheless, she's determined no matter what obstacles or lovelorn hearts get in the way...

I LOVED this novel!!! I just wish that the scenes after the happily-ever-after happen could have been a bit more magical, I suppose, as if those scenes were more magical than I'd definitely have given it the full 5 stars. However, I was enchanted with how Kat puts up with and tries to change the storybook world for the better. It was endearing, entertaining, heartwarming, and delightful!!! I was so wrapped up in every scene (I laughed, got teary-eyed, etc.) that I wish it didn't have to end.

As a huge fan of fairytales, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the new twists this Cinderella plot had and how you could see both Edward and Kat falling for one another even though she fights it to the very end. They were a very forward-thinking fairytale couple that charmed me. I couldn't get enough of their relationship.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those looking for an intriguing YA fantasy fairytale romance!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : The Ugly Stepsister


Author's Novel Extras : The Ugly Stepsister - Overview & Excerpts | First Draft of Ugly Stepsister Done! | Sequel simmering | Endless Editing | Fairy Tale Retellings: Cinderella | Endless Editing | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (I) | Endless Editing | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (I) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 2 & 3) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 4) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 5) | Excerpt from Ugly Stepsister (part 6) | Excerpt from Ugly Stepsister (part 7) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 8) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 9)

Posted by Aya Ling on Wednesday, May 27, 2015

HOW "The Ugly Stepsister" CAME TO BE by Aya Ling -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, June 28, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

THE UGLY STEPSISTER by Aya Ling -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, June 28, 2015

"Doesn't the prince have a say in his own future bride?"
Bianca smirks, but Claire actually looks thoughtful. "His character, from what I have heard, does lean heavier toward making his own decisions, but since he hasn't shown a strong attachment for any woman, he might not care if his parents choose a bride for him."
Dang. Please don't let it turn out he's gay. How am I to marry Elle to the prince if he swings in the other direction? She is most definitely not a man in drag. ~ within Chapter 5

In the courtyard I look for my carriage. But after a frantic search, all I find is the pumpkin, shrunk back to its normal size. The coachmen and horses have transformed as well; in fact, the cat is chasing after the mice under the carriages.
No. Freaking. Way. ~ within Chapter 41

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

Second Sentence Saturday: Perfect Summer

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

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MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Perfect Summer" [The Lone Stars Series, Book 1] by Katie Graykowski

With a can of Diet Coke in each hand, she jumped into the cab of her grandfather's 1959 Chevy Apache pickup and stowed the drinks in the two plastic cups holders she'd super-glued to the dashboard.

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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!