Thursday, November 21, 2013

*REVIEW* The Soul's Mark: CHANGED (#4) by Ashley Stoyanoff

Accepted Readers,

 A few weeks ago, I wrote a post that included my top 5 most anticipated book releases... I am so excited to say that I got my hands on my number one pick early!  (The Soul's Mark: CHANGED by Ashley Stoyanoff) When I received the email with the ARC, my emotions ran wild.

A demonstration of my reaction:
Yep. That just about sums up how I felt...
add in a funky dance + some jumping around.

I have read every book that Ashley had released up-to-date and have been a huge fan of her writing since the very moment I picked up The Soul's Mark: FOUND. (Way back in 2012) The Soul's Mark series holds a special place in my heart and this review may be a bit bittersweet because as of right now, The Soul's Mark: CHANGED is meant to be the final book. *epic sad face*
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Soul's Mark: CHANGED
Author: Ashley Stoyanoff
Series: The Soul's Mark series (#4)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult/ Paranormal Romance
Release Date: November 23, 2013
Publisher: Ashley Stoyanoff Books
Source Of Copy/Format: Author/ARC
Buy Links: Smashwords (Pre-Order for $2.99)
My Rating: 5/5

Ever since college student Amelia Caldwell moved to Willowberg, her life has been in turmoil. But with the evil vampire hunters no longer terrorizing the town, Willowberg is once again peaceful.

With a little help from Mother Nature and a dream for a better future, Mitchell has found himself in a predicament—after eight hundred years of being immortal, he is now a human while his soulmate is a vampire.

Now all Amelia and Mitchell have to do is hide from the world until his body can handle the change. But when Mitchell gets a cold, all hell breaks loose.

With an unexpected resistance rising, and an unexplained deadline from the spirits, Amelia realizes that this is a fight she cannot win alone. One thing is clear, though: to save Mitchell, he needs to change—again. But if he does, what chance does he have of surviving it?

My Review
 
*NOTE*
Normally I do not summarize the novels I read, but I wanted to try something different. Let me know if you guys like the idea of this or not.

My Break-Down:
In this latest installment (and possibly the last) of The Soul's Mark series, Amelia is forced to face many crucial events. As if being a newbie vampire isn't enough, she also has the challenge of caring for an ill and now fully human Mitchell. A dangerous resistance is arising and Amelia needs Mitchell to control the problem, but in order to help he needs to be a vampire again. Can he survive the change and is it a risk Amelia is willing to take?

As the deadline to solve the dilemma given to them by the spirits quickly approaches, Amelia and Mitchell struggle to find the right solution; the choices they make can alter every aspect of their life, but not necessarily for the better. 

Amelia must also decide on which path in life is willing to take; to remain a vampire and remain in her current life with her friends and Mitchell or take the choice the spirits are offering her that will lead to the unknown.

 Writing Style: 
In comparison to the other books in this series, The Soul's Mark: CHANGED is definitely the best. With every new novel, Ashley Stoyanoff's writing just keeps getting better! When I read her writing, it feels like I'm watching a television show because everything seems so realistic. This book covers many critical events in the plot, all of the key events that make up The Soul's Mark series. The plot could have easily became a jumbled mess, purely do to all the things going on. I was amazed at how she brought everything together and how smoothly everything panned out to be. She did a fantastic job in particular with the ending because it leaves you feeling satisfied. A wonderful conclusion for a brilliantly addictive series!  

 My Opinion:
Can somebody say, OMG WOW like seriously! This book blew me away. I read the entire thing in one sitting, only stopping to take mini breaks to eat and use the bathroom. I couldn't put it down or read it fast enough. I was so terribly afraid to read this because I knew this could possibly be the very last book in The Soul's Mark series. It took me many months to prep myself to deal with the idea of not being able to read more from this series. All good things must come to an end I guess, right?

 What I loved most about The Soul's Mark: CHANGED was how the relationship between Mitchell and Amelia developed. I have to be honest, I used to hate Mitchell like hardcore. I felt that Amelia could have done so much better but now I take that back. I'm not sure if it was due to the fact of the roles between them switching or what, but I can see now that they are without a doubt, meant for each other. What one lacks the other has, they truly complete each other. The best part? They actually realized that in this book. FINALLY! All fighting ceased and they became at one with each other, words cannot explain the happiness I felt. I loved to see them happy!

I will miss this series. I wish it could continue on forever. I'm really hoping for more novels/novellas. The book has a satisfying definite ending BUT it did leave open a slight possibility for another book. Or maybe it's just me trying to keep the series alive in my mind. Whatever the case, The Soul's Mark series will always be one of my favorites!
OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

Book 1
Book 2
Book 3

 A Soul's Mark Novella

Want to read my reviews on each of these books?

A Soul's Mark Novella:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Ashley Stoyanoff, the award winning author of The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, lives in Whitby, Ontario and loves diving into the magical world of creating fiction. When not writing, she can be found reading sappy novels, watching cheesy chick flicks, and buying far too many clothes.  
Connect with Ashley Stoyanoff Online 



 Haven't read The Soul's Mark series yet? 

What are you waiting for? 

You have to read this awesome series! 

Hurry and go download it... like right now. 
 
The Soul's Mark: FOUND (#1)   ONLY $1.49 | Amazon | Smashwords |
  
The Soul's Mark: HUNTED (#2)  ONLY $2.99 | Amazon | Smashwords |

The Soul's Mark: BROKEN (#3)  ONLY $2.99 | Amazon | Smashwords |

Waking Dreams (Novella)   FREE   | Amazon | Smashwords |

 (Current prices at the time of this post)
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100+ Follower Giveaway Winners!



Accepted Readers,

 First off I want to say thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway! I wish everyone could have won, but the lucky 5 have been chosen! Here's just a quick rundown of the winners and what they won! :) 

I will be contacting the winners shortly via email. Each winner will have 1 week to respond to me, if they fail to do so after that time, I will choose another winner.

The US Winners:


1. Holly J. you won any book of your choice (up to $10.00 dollars) from http://www.bookdepository.com/ (they offer free shipping) or Barnes and Nobles

 2. Crystal Y. you won any e-book of your choice (up to $5.00 dollars) from Amazon or Smashwords

 3. Celsey B. you won a swag pack filled with various goodies
The INTERNATIONAL Winners:
 

1.   Francis C.  you won any book of your choice (up to $10.00 dollars) from http://www.bookdepository.com/

2.  Jenna O. you won any e-book of your choice (up to $5.00 dollars) from Amazon or Smashwords

 

Congratulations Celsey, Crystal, Francis, Holly, and Jenna! Thank you for stopping by and entering. :)
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Monday, November 11, 2013

*COVER REVEAL* Ungifted by Kelly Oram

Accepted Readers,

 I have a cover reveal for you guys today. It's entitled Ungifted and is by author
Kelly Oram. Before today, I never heard of this book but once I read the summary, I knew I had to read it. If something regards anything supernatural, especially Count Dracula, I'm totally in! I added this series to my TBR, you should do the same! :)

 Ungifted is book two in the Supernaturals series, so I will also be posting some details about book one Chameleon. 
THE REVEAL


Title: Ungifted 
Author: Kelly Oram
Series:  Supernaturals (Book 2)
Genres: YA paranormal/fantasy
Expected Release Date: March 2014
Even though her father is running for President of the United States, Grace St. Claire is as normal a girl as they come. She’s clumsy, shy, and an outcast among her peers. She even manages to nearly die in a freak accident in front of the entire school. But when Grace survives a vampire attack she quickly learns that she is anything but ordinary.

 There’s something about human Grace that has all the supernaturals around her going crazy. Her best friend’s brother suddenly wants to date her. Her worst enemy has sworn to protect her even against her wishes. Someone with very powerful magic wants her dead, and the vampire that attacked her has developed an obsession with making her his eternal mate.

 In order to survive—and not as Count Dracula’s undead bride—Grace dives head first into the terrifying world of the supernatural. She teams up with a charming but mysterious warlock who strolled into town causing trouble and spouting stories of a Prophesy and Chosen One that looks exactly like Grace. Together they must figure out why Grace is different, who wants her dead, how she’s connected to the Chosen One, and who they can really trust.

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES
Title: Chameleon
Book #1 of the Supernaturals series
# of Pages: 356
Release Date:  June 25th, 2012
Buy Links: | Amazon | B&N |

For small-town rebel Dani Webber magic and monsters are no more real than the Easter Bunny… until the day she accidentally stops time. Dani quickly discovers that not only do supernaturals exist, but she herself is one of them. This is great news for her life-long best friend Russ, who can finally come clean about his own supernatural status and his undying love for her. Before the two can start to enjoy the long overdue relationship, Dani is taken by a powerful council of supernaturals who believe she is the Chosen One destined to save them from extinction.

As if being kidnapped and expected to save the world isn’t bad enough, an ancient prophecy warns of the Chosen One’s dark nature: “Only the truest love will keep her an agent for good.” The council believes they know who this “true love” is and, unfortunately, that person isn’t Russ. The mysterious, powerful and devastatingly handsome Seer is the last person Dani wants in her life, but when she starts having visions of a horrific future, she has no one else to turn to for help.

Soon Dani finds herself torn between two very different boys with two very different opinions of whom she can trust. With the visions getting worse and time running out, Dani is forced to put aside her feelings and work with both the Seer and Russ before an ancient evil is unleashed upon the earth.

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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Almost Matched BOOK BLAST


Accepted Readers,

 Yesterday was the is the official release of Almost Matched by A.O. Peart! I recently wrote a review for this book that was featured on Short Story Weekly. (You can read my review by clicking here)

 I loved this book and was so excited to take part in the BOOK BLAST for it! If you haven't already, go get your copy of this amazing book!
This Book Blast was organized by: My Family's Heart Book Reviews

To see the other blogs participating in the Almost Matched Book Blast please check out the event page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/655311824500901/?source=1
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Almost Matched
Author: A.O. Peart
Series: The Almost Bad Boys #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Release Date:  November 8th, 2013
# of Pages: 150 
Buy Links: | B&N | Amazon |
 
 Disclaimer
This contemporary romantic comedy blends humor, sensuality, and angst, with zany characters and witty dialogue. You will laugh out loud while blushing in embarrassment.

**Warning: contains sexual situations (some quite vivid!), profanity, and a high dose of sarcasm. Oh, and there is a lot of appletini and beer drinking. May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Not intended for prudes and killjoys with no sense of humor**

THE SERIES: The Almost Bad Boys series are the stories of four feisty twenty-something women who refuse to let their past drag them down.
Almost Matched-AOPeart-highWould you take another shot at love? Or just settle on a friend with benefits?

 THEIR HEARTBREAKING PAST WILL MOVE YOU. THEIR PASSION WILL MAKE YOU BLUSH. THEIR ANTICS WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD. 

 Twenty-five-year-old Natalie Davenport lugs substantial baggage. One boyfriend after the next has been a total disaster, leaving Natalie distrustful toward the male population in general. So when Colin Hampton crosses her path, she’s cautious. Her heart (and some other body parts!) nudges her to go for it, while her head wants her to run for the hills. 

 Colin is one of those gorgeous guys who attract women, no matter the age or marital status. With a successful career at a popular Seattle radio station, hard body, and charming personality, he is the complete package. But something dark lurks in the corners of his soul; some murky experience that has changed him—maybe for the better, but maybe for the worse. 

Will he steal her heart and stomp over it like other guys did? 

Will she let him into her heavily fortified world despite herself? 

Or will they settle somewhere in the middle—establishing the emotional boundaries to protect them from falling in love?
Add Almost Matched to your book list on GoodReads:
add to goodreads
EXCERPT

I lean over the sleek slab of wood that serves as the bar and signal the bartender. He frowns at me, murmurs something in response, and turns his back to me. O-kay, not a big deal, maybe he’s having a bad day. Or maybe he is a grumpy dickhead every waking minute of his life. I take my cell phone out and check for emails and texts. There is a text from Jena. She’s wondering if we could get together. Any other night I would say ‘yes’, but not tonight.

I’m busy, typing the response to Jena and don’t pay attention to what’s happening around me. The Grumpy Dickhead stands in front of me, buffing a tall beer glass, his mouth set in a grim line. “So what’s it gonna be?”

 He startles me, and so I jump, dropping my phone onto the bar. Fuck. My heart wedges itself semi-permanently into the bottom of my throat. The Grumpy Dickhead continues to stare as if I killed his first-born. Well, if his first-born is as nasty as him, he probably deserves to die. No, I honestly didn’t just think that.

 “Uhm… appletini please,” I choke out.

 He grunts something and turns to mix my drink. I decide to watch him. You never know. Maybe his other job is delivering mail. He seems on the verge of going postal. I stretch my neck to monitor what exactly goes into my drink. I feel a pat on my shoulder. I jump again. Geez! What the fuck? Am I destined for a heart attack today?

It’s Colin. His smile is nothing short of radiant. My heart does that little flip I know way too well. Steady, I tell myself. Steady, girl.

 “You look nice,” Colin says, settling onto a stool next to mine.

 “Thank you,” I murmur, horrified at the effect he already has on me.

 “Were you waiting long?” He glances at his watch. “I’m not late, am I?”

 “Nah. I just got here.”

 The Grumpy Dickhead slams my drink in front of me. The contents almost slosh. I ignore it. He takes Colin’s order and leaves.

 “What are you drinking?” Colin asks.

 “Appletini. I seem to always stick with appletinis. Unless I drink beer. Or sometimes red wine. Not so much white wine though. Nah, I don’t really care for white wine.” Okay, I’m blabbering. It’s time to shut my mouth and dip my lips in my drink.

 “Good stuff.” Colin lifts his eyebrows in appreciation. “I need to try it next time.”

 “You can try mine now.” Whoa! Where did that come from? That wasn’t my mouth speaking. It was that other body part—the one that always gets so brainlessly excited and doesn’t care about consequences.

 Colin wraps his long, slim fingers around the glass stem and unhurriedly lifts it to his mouth. He keeps his eyes on mine while taking a small sip. That’s way too sensual for me to remain calm. My hands shake and so do my thighs. And I feel my mouth going dry. Dammit, Natalie. Keep it together.
 
SOUNDTRACK
Aretha Franklin “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”
Three Days Grace “Riot”
Pink Floyd “Goodbye” (The Wall)
Awolnation “Sail”
Evanescence “Bring Me To Life”
Family of the Year “Hero”
Brandi Carlile “Hallelujah”
Imagine Dragons “It’s Time”
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole “Over the Rainbow”
Anberlin “Innocent”
Sara Bareilles “Gonna Get Over You”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela Orlowski-Peart was born and raised in Poland. She describes herself as European born, American by choice. She was just seven-years-old when she decided to learn English and translate her favorite Polish fairytales. 

Angela is the author of the Young Adult and New Adult fiction novels. She writes in multiple genres, including paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, contemporary, sci-fi, and short stories. She is a member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Western Washington Chapter (http://www.scbwi.org), and several authors' and readers' networking groups on Facebook, Linkedin, and Goodreads. 

Angela speaks with Polish accent, and loves listening to the Southern drawl. She is passionate about watercolor painting, fashion—especially stilettos, rock climbing, environment, and organic food and gardening. She lives in the Seattle area with her family and a chronically curious cat.
 
STALKER LINKS:
Amazon Author Page | Website | Newsletter Signup | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads | NetGalley

A GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY - This is within the continental US only:
1 copy signed Almost Matched paper back. This prize will be mailed within one week from the publishing date. Winner must provide valid mailing address.2 copies of Almost Matched ebook. These prizes will be emailed within two days from the publishing date. The winner must provide valid email address and specify the format (mobi, ePub, or PDF).5 signed Almost Matched postcards. These prizes will be mailed by November 11th. 1 Almost Matched wine bottle charm and wine bottle stopper (wine and wine bottles not included, hehe). This prize will be mailed by November 11th. 

The direct link to the giveaway in case the form isn't showing: 



 
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Friday, November 8, 2013

100+ Follower Giveaway Update! Important Please Read!

Accepted Readers,

 I extended the giveaway until November 18th for both the US and International portion. I hope you guys don't mind. I haven't been able to promote the giveaway like I wish I could due to working doubles. So get out there and spread the word!

I also wanted to give an update on the Swag Pack Prize (US ONLY)  The pack will include various author signed book marks and I literally just found an awesome artist who makes book related items, all kinds of cool stuff.  I'm in the process of ordering some items from her. If you're interested in seeing some of her work: Cassie's Crafty Creations

 Anyways, I will post both giveaway forms again, tell your friends to come check it out! 

The original post in case you missed it: 
http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/2013/10/special-announcement-100-follower.html

IMPORTANT: 
BE SURE TO USE THE CORRECT ENTRY FORM, ONE IS FOR US RESIDENTS & THE OTHER FOR INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS.

U.S.  RESIDENTS ONLY ENTRY FORM:



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INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS ONLY ENTRY FORM: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Supernatural Six Blitz + Giveaway


Accepted Readers,

 I have a very special book blitz for you today! If you haven't noticed, I love anything that's paranormal related. So when I saw this incredible deal of a boxed set of 6 paranormal books on sale for $0.99, I knew I needed to share! If that isn't epic enough on it's own... there is tour wide giveaway to go along with this blitz!

This pack includes 6 novels by 6 authors at a special sale price of only $0.99, regular price for all these stories is $16.79, you save $15.80! Pretty sweet deal right?

Buy Links: | Amazon | B & N |
 
This book blitz was organized by Xpresso Book Tours
BOOK & AUTHOR DETAILS
Since this set includes 6 different stories all with different authors, I've decided to highlight each book separately along with sharing details regarding the entire set. 

Title: Supernatural Six 
Authors: Allie Burton, Brenda Pandos, Elle Casey, 
Juli Alexander, L.G. Castillo, Tawny Stokes
Publication date: November 1st, 2013  
 Genres: Supernatural, Young Adult
 Buy Links: | Amazon | B & N |

 
Secret powers, genies, mermaids, angels, vampires and demons. There’s something for every paranormal enthusiast. 

Supernatural Six brings you six novels from six authors who know how to raise the stakes and tame the darkness.



Duality by Elle Casey (New York Times Bestselling Author) – 

Malcolm’s had a problem for as long as he can remember. No matter where he goes or what he does, he leaves misery in his wake. But then Rae shows up in his life, and everything changes. Darkness cleaves to light. Anger yields to joy. The question is whether she’ll be his salvation or his destruction.

GoodReads Link: Elle Casey
Three Wishes by Juli Alexander – 

Not every seventeen-year-old girl works part time granting wishes, but when you’re a genie, you have obligations. Jen finally gets a shot as a drummer in her brother’s band.  Just when it’s looking good for her, Leo Fuller shows up, and this bad boy genie’ s after more than just her drummer gig.  

GoodReads Link: Juli Alexander
Atlantis Riptide by Allie Burton –

 Teen runaway Pearl craves anonymity, but when she saves a toddler from drowning she draws attention to her special water skills. Unknown to her, a war rages under the ocean and each side wants to use her powers for their cause. Pearl must choose her own destiny—ignore the churning seas or swim into battle.

GoodReads Link:  Allie Burton
Lash by L.G. Castillo – 

Banished angel Lash seeks to redeem himself by protecting Naomi, a woman who has lost her faith. But when danger threatens — and his passion for her swells — will he choose his cherished home or his heart?

GoodReads Link:  L.G. Castillo
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos –

 Julia Parker would trade her ability to feel others emotions in a heartbeat, especially half the boys in school. When a vampire hunter rescues her before she’s devoured by a bloodthirsty stalker, Julia discovers no one is safe. Unsure how to help, she seeks the advice of a psychic, only to find out she alone is the key to stopping the madness, problem is it’ll require her rescuer’s life.

GoodReads Link:  Brenda Pandos
Static by Tawny Stokes – 

Salem, a teenage groupie for the punk band Malice, gets more than she bargained for after a night of partying with the band–a headache, a stomachache and a sickness that’s turning her into something inhuman. Only Trevor, the roadie, can help her navigate her new world of danger, darkness, and love.

GoodReads Link:  Tawny Stokes

An Excerpt From:
 Static by Tawny Stokes 

Coming out of a strange and eerie dream that I couldn't quite remember, I rolled over onto my side to try and get comfortable. Once Chloe left at around nine, I fell asleep and I'd been in and out of consciousness ever since. I think my mom checked up on me when she got home from work, but I couldn't be sure.

Unable to get truly comfortable I'd been tossing off the covers and rolling up into them alternatively. I didn't know whether I was hot or cold.

Now, I was definitely cold. Not wanting to open my eyes, I reached blindly for the covers. If I dared open them then I might consider staying awake. Being awake meant thinking, and I really didn't want to do much of that any time soon. Yet, I couldn't find the damn covers.

Slitting my eyes to half-mast, I raised my head to search for the covers. But they were long gone.

About eight feet below me.

Gasping for breath, I tried to dig my fingers into the ceiling stucco. Anything to anchor me. My heart pounded in my chest and I was dizzy and light-headed. I wasn't one for heights. Vertigo settled in, and it looked like the room was spinning in a circle below me.

"OhmyGod. OhmyGod. OhmyGod," I chanted over and over again hoping that somehow it would save me from the harsh reality that I was stuck on the ceiling and not tucked safely into my bed on the ground.
Although technically, I wasn't stuck. I could move.

Carefully turning onto my stomach, I reached for the light fixture. My fingertips just brushed it. Taking a deep breath, I sort of bounced/shimmied across the ceiling to get closer to the light.

Thankfully, I didn't sleep naked. I could just imagine how it would look if someone walked into my room and saw a naked girl stuck to the roof. I'm sure it wouldn't be all that pretty of a sight. Well, maybe for a guy it would. Being seen in my tank tap and boy's glow in the dark Sponge Bob boxer shorts was bad enough. Plus I imagined rubbing against the hard stucco on the ceiling wouldn't feel all that pleasant on my body.

I grasped the light fixture in both hands and wondered how the hell I was going to get down. I had no idea how I got up here, or why, but really all that mattered was putting my two feet back onto solid ground. Everything else had to wait until that glorious thing happened.

I could call out for my mom, but I imagined she wouldn't be too calm seeing her daughter floating along the ceiling. Besides that, she'd definitely take me back to the doctors. Since floating was definitely not on any symptom list of diseases known to man, going to the doctors wasn't going to do me any good anyway.

No, this was something else. Something unnatural. Something even supernatural.

Images of actor Tobey Maguire crawling up a brick wall in the first Spiderman movie came to mind. I lifted my hand and inspected my fingertips for tiny barbed hairs. Although I had no delusions of grandeur of becoming a superhero, I pondered the notion that maybe I'd been infected with something noxious or alien. But then that just spawned images of zombies running through London streets circa the movie 28 Days Later. It was a stupid notion.

Yet, I had died earlier this week.

A GIVEAWAY
Grand prize giveaway


Prizes (open internationally):
--A choice of a $50 GC to Amazon, B&N or iTunes.

*Note: This giveaway is being provided by the blitz and is NOT being sponsored by Accepted Wisdom. All blogs participating have the option of sharing this giveaway. *
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