The Spell of Summer by Dianna Hardy Blog Tour {Review + Giveaway}

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Stop 6: Second Chances

In many ways, The Spell of Summer is a story about second chances: second chance at love, second chance at living, second chance at getting things right – at throwing off all the things that hold you back. It's about plunging into the deep without knowing if you'll survive, because, for once, the promise of what you want outweighs the safety of keeping everything as it is

And it's not just the main two characters that explore this theme throughout the book, but every single one of them in their own way. The secondary characters are just as important as the main ones and we get their points of view too, making this a rounded read for the summer.

Words can change everything, but can they change your destiny?

Meredith is leading a straight-laced life in London with her straight-laced fiancé, determined to forget her reckless, wild-child past. They're about to get married.

Jamie is an old, poetic soul with a broken heart returning home to Cornwall to get his life back in order.

What binds them?

One chance meeting thirteen summers ago; one innocent spell spoken after one perfect night...

And now history is unravelling; the past and present, merging...

Words can change everything, but can they change your destiny?

And in the messy world of magic, what part does love play?

It's summer all over again, but the spell has only just begun.
           Defined as Practical Magic meets a Nicholas Sparks novel, written

'Dianna Hardy-style' - do not miss this summer's must-read story!

Ebook links: Amazon US| Amazon UK| Kobo| B&N| iTunes| Smashwords

Paperback Links: AmazonUS| Amazon UK| Book Depository

 

 My Review!

  

I just finished The Spell of Summer and I am crying happy tears. I’m also crying sad tears for the hardships everyone in the book went through. It was a travesty to learn what happened to them, but it was joyous to learn how they overcame it. It was a magical adventure. Everything happens for a reason and what is that reason was destined from the beginning. What if words that you didn’t know the meaning to ended up being the most important words you have ever spoken. Merri finds that out in more!  

I’m going to try and give a lot away with my review, so it’s going to be short and sweet. I don’t want to give y’all any hints. (because I’m evil muhahaha).

 The Spell of Summer took me by storm. I was expecting a romance story with a little magic and what I got was a journey to where all the magic began and how the decision you make determine your future. I have no idea if that made sense, but I’m going with it. Don’t live your life by what you think you should do, live it by what you want to do. No one has any control over your life but yourself and this is just another wonderful thing you take after from The Spell of Summer. Oh and just one more though. The ending was perfect and I wouldn’t have ended it any other way. I’m going to be biting my nails for the next one!

Merri: Bless her heart. LoL She thought she knew what she wanted, but she had no idea. I found her to be courageous and strong. I love her spirit and how she always seems to pick herself up when she is down. She had lied to herself for years and all it takes is the change of wind for her to wake up.

Jamie: What a romantic. He is so open about his life and love. He is dreamy and understanding and just what Merri needed, that sound like she needed a sip of him like a drink…..and moving on. ;) How can you resist a guy that is smoking hot and shows you that he cares…that’s right you don’t :D

Overall: The Spell of Summer is Magically Delicious! I think it had some kind of spell over me because I couldn’t put it down. I don’t care who you are, what genre you like, The Spell of Summer is for you. If you don’t like then read it again because you obviously didn’t read it. LOL

Quotes:

We must be careful with our words – we’re like superheroes and words are like our super powers. Super powers should always be used to help others…

“I love the sea. It’s full of secrets just waiting to be discovered,” his gaze met hers, “kinda like you.”

“I get that events can colour a person, but they can’t change who you are deep down – they can’t change your soul.”

“Don’t be sorry for the truth. A harsh truth is less damaging than a tender lie, and the worst lies are the ones we tell ourselves.”

5 Stars

Author Bio: 

Dianna Hardy is the international bestselling author of The Witching Pen series, and the Eye Of The Storm series. She writes paranormal / urban fantasy and contemporary fiction that's twisted in plot, big on the romance, high on the erotic, with a dusting of humour. She currently lives in Surrey (United Kingdom) with her partner and their daughter, where she writes full-time.

Official site: http://www.diannahardy.com

 

 GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

Win yourself a signed paperback copy and a signed promo card! All you have to do is answer this question: Do you believe in magic or second chances? or you can say something about the book. :D As long as you leave a comment and please share this post if you can. International giveaway – ends in two weeks! OH and don't forget your email so I can contact you.

{Cover Reveal} Soulless by Amber Garr

Title: Soulless

Author: Amber Garr

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Expected Release Date: August 23, 2014 Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press

Blurb:

When it comes to death and love…only one is guaranteed.

Four decades ago Nora died. A tragic event for someone so young; however, four decades ago Nora was also given a second chance to walk among the living. A Death Warden with a mysterious past, her job is to escort the newly expired towards the light, battling with the Soul Hunters who want the freshly dead to help with their own evil purposes buried in the dark.

When Nora’s charges suddenly become targets, she realizes that the hunters are after far more than just souls. A shift in power between good and evil threatens to change everything, risking the lives of the only family Nora has ever known.

Devastated and angry, she’s forced to face the man she once loved - a man who chose darkness over her - in order to find the answers she needs to stop the horror from escalating. Yet, while a lost relationship still haunts her broken heart, a new Warden with secrets of his own will enter the mix and quickly alter everything Nora believed to be true.

Death is unavoidable…but sometimes, so is love.

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, The Water Crisis Chronicles, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie. Find out more at www.ambergarr.com.

Author Links: Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Email * Twitter

Goodreads * Facebook * Web * Twitter

[Cover Reveal!] Benton: A Zombie Novel Volume 2! [Giveaway]

[Book 2 Cover Reveal]

[Book 1]
Benton: A Zombie Novel

Amazon (ebook) | Goodreads
(Available in print after June 1)

Zombies have killed everyone in the Benton household--all except twenty-something Jennifer. She's escaped her bedroom, but what now? Waterbank, Illinois is overrun. Where can she go?

A chance encounter with seven other young survivors points her toward Texas. A charismatic, handsome young man named Mark says he can lead them all to his family's ranch. He's sure they'll be safe there. Jennifer wants to trust him, with her life and possibly her heart.

There's no place else to go, there's no way to escape the zombies but through, and there's no telling if Jennifer and Mark will live long enough to act on the emotion building between them.

Giveaway!

Book- Marks The Spot is running a giveaway for a 5 dollar Amazon GC HERE. Go to the link. Like, comment, and share the image [at the link] to your Facebook or Twitter. Leave a link to where you shared and you are automatically entered! Again, this is a giveaway on Facebook that will last until June 22nd. (: You can share once daily. Tag friends for additional entries!

100 Proof Stud by A.J. Lape Blog Tour {Review + Giveaway}

 
Title: 100 Proof Stud

Author: AJ Lape      

Genre: YA Mystery, Thriller, Humor, Mystery Series Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
 

Blurb:  

Sometimes life smacks you right in the kisser with a whole lot of ohhhh craaaaap.

Just ask Darcy Walker.

100 Proof Stud picks up four months after No Brainer's cliffhanger ending, and Darcy discovers the aftermath pales in comparison to the crisis her heart is in. All of a sudden it's raining men, and this teenage heroine’s personal life turns her inside out. 

Before she can sort out her feelings, she chases a spray-painting vandal and stumbles upon a case of identity theft right in her own backyard. Darcy jumps into the fray headfirst to prove she can hang with the big boys. 

But it’s not just to hang…nope, she’s chasing reward money.

Tapping her band of misfit brothers for help, she turns Valley upside down trying to unearth the criminals. Problem is, the cloak and dagger goes high-octane, and she raises the bar on “crazy" in the process.

Bullets ring out…dead bodies appear…and Darcy rubs shoulders with the ultimate sociopath. In the midst of murder and mayhem, will she finally follow her heart or build a fortress of lies around it? Will she even get the chance?

100 PROOF STUD US buy link: Amazon

GRADE A STUPID and NO BRAINER US buy links: 

 GRADE A STUPID & NO BRAINER UK buy links:

Review

[Insert random ramblings about Dylan here: Gorgeous, athletic, hot bod,knows how to love, smart, DIMPLES, tall, and guy I'd like to meet. :D Oh how I love Dylan let me count the ways. lol but seriously I wish this guy existed, I would be all over that like a bowl of ice cream. I love his alphaness and he would give alpha wolves a run for their money. I could go on forever how amazing he is, but I'll let you figure out that yourselves. and you can think my best friend Snyder for putting insert things about Dylan. All I did was gush about him. So yeah Tiffany out ] LOL ;)

BEWARE READER! This book contains guns (not the water guns), Testosterone, Lots of flirting, Danger at every turn, and DYLAN!!!!!!!!! *Swoons*

Darcy never seems to disappoint me. I never know what to expect and I love her for it. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a character more. I feel connected to the characters in this book like no other. A.J. Lape knows how to make you love someone and hate someone. I quote frankly think she is a genius. :D Let’s get back to the book shall we lol

100 Proof Stud was everything I imagined it to be! There was mystery, bone chilling creeper men, and hot guys….ok make that one hot guy with a semi hot guy on the side (Ben). I don’t know how she gets into the things she does, but she has a knack at finding out the truth. And I swear I get the paranormal vibe from this book, like with Ben and the Ouija board. That was some freaky stuff! You will just have to read the book for yourself to find out what I’m talking about. I feel like I should say more. I was practically read half the book to my best friend; she was over while I was reading it. I was laughing at practically everything. Darcy does not have a serious bone in her body and I freakin love it. She is the sweetest girl ever, but if you mess with one of her friends you better watch out. Oh and her friend Justice was awesome and I just loved Rudi. She was the cutest little thing and I wish she was more confident in her self. OH MY GOSH I have not talked about Dylan!!!!!! I must be on something, seriously. Dylan is a guy that you wish you had. He may have a protective streak and be all alpha male, but he is ALL lover. I practically swoon every time he and Darcy are together. They are like moths to a flame. Why does this remind of an Edmund Spenser poem I read? It is sonnet 30 from Amoretti and it states “How comes it then that this her cold so great / Is not dissolved through my so hot desire, / But harder grows the more I her entreat?” Darcy inst cold to him, but she doesn’t really encourage him either….well she does but doesn’t. And well Dylan he is hot for the Darcy. LOL he just gets hotter for her the more she tries to pull away. ;) But yeah this book rocked my socks off. This is seriously one of the best books ever and I will forever remember everything in it. Darcy like I’ve probably said in a lot of my other reviews has a special place in my heart. I can’t get enough of her crazyness! It is always a crazy adventure and there is always always the possibility that she won’t make it out alive. Like I said the whole thing is a mystery and I freaking love that A.J. can keep you guessing till the very end! And then WHAM BAM Out comes all the dirty little secrets. I feel exhausted after reading it but fully sated as well. Darcy can about give me a heart attack at times. I feel for Murphy. Lol He is the best by the way. He gets the best dad ever award. I’m totally rambling right now. This book was just too good for words. Just take my word for it and buy it! You will not be dissatisfied.

Overall: 100 Proof Stud was action-packed, laughs danger in the face, highly addicting, and just plan ole amazing! This is what you call the whole package. If you want it, 100 Proof Stud has it. Darcy is all verb and you better buckle your seat belt because you are about to go on a wild and slightly crazy ride.

5 STARS

 

Website | Author Twitter | Darcy twitter

Facebook | Amazon | Email: aj@ajlape.com

A. J. Lape's Darcy Walker Series broke into the Top 50 books in Teens Literature & Fiction within 36 hours of its release. It has spent numerous weeks in the Top 100 in Mystery Series and Teens, Mysteries & Thrillers Categories as well as being one of the Top Rated in its genre. A self-proclaimed neurotic and troublemaker at heart, a perfect day for A. J. consists of writing, watching her kids play sports, drinking Coke, then lounging in her pajamas by 8PM.

She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two feministic daughters, an ADD dog, a spoiled hamster, and an unapologetic and unrepentant addiction to Coca-Cola, with a lifelong love affair with bacon.  She studied English, Journalism, and Political Science at Morehead State University and left the business world when her daughters were born.  Her love for suspense and a good story was born from watching Mystery Science Theater with her sister during childhood.  That and any B movie with comedic undertones they could get their hands on.

When she’s not riding that razor-thin line between creativity and insanity, she  likes to read, watch too much cable TV, or cheer like a banshee at her daughters' sporting events. She’s a huge hometown sports fan and loves to watch the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds whenever she can.

A. J. loves to connect with fans!  If you would like to receive emails of upcoming releases, please sign up for her distribution list by visiting her homepage at http://www.ajlape.com and clicking the “contact” tab.

A. J. Lape is the Amazon bestselling author of the Darcy Walker Series. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters, an ADD dog, a spoiled hamster, and an unapologetic and unrepentant addiction to Coca-Cola--and a lifelong love affair with bacon. If the FBI ever checks her computer, she'll be wearing prison orange due to the various "wiki" articles she looks up. She swears the dead body, mob, and drug related stuff is only career research.

Find out more about A. J. at http://www.ajlape.com

Thirteen things you didn't know about AJ Lape

AKA - Ada Miracle Lape

1. I can dislocate my left shoulder on command.

2. My favorite movie is It's a Wonderful Life...cry like a baby when George Bailey starts yelling, "I want to live again...I want to live again."

3. I hate clowns and chicken wings ... not necessarily in that order.

4. I'm a notorious sleepwalker. It happens when I'm troubled. As far as I can tell, I always have my clothes on.

5. I had an academic scholarship. I know that's shocking, but looking at homework today, I'm pretty sure I'm tapped out at fifth grade.

6. I like to shoot 9mm guns...look out Target World, every once in a while you have to walk your inner hillbilly.

7. I started running high school track when I was in the sixth grade. Don't ask me to run now. After two kids, I pee my pants when I walk across the floor.

8. I'm like Rain Man when it comes to fractions.

9. I used to write and record songs. I won Honorable Mentions in the John Lennon Song Writing Contest and Music City Song Festival. Verrrry short career.

10. I've cliff-dived off a 40-foot cliff into a lake...wouldn't recommend it ..that sucker can burn.

11. I'm the only human I know that got turned down twice when trying to adopt handicapped dogs. What the heck...those dogs would've loved me.

12. I would've been a police officer or journalist if life didn't land me where I am.

13. I occasionally have the foul mouth of a truck driver ... sorry, Mom and Dad. I try to change it. So far, the message hasn't made it to the execution part of my brain.

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