Short Story Weekly #6- Waking Dreams by Ashley Stoyanoff

Accepted Readers,

I'm thrilled for this week's novella Waking Dreams by Ashley Stoyanoff! I've been waiting to read it until the last book in The Soul's Mark series was released... (The Soul's Mark: CHANGED..I received it early, woot! I will be posting my review later this week) I have been dying to read this one so without further delay...

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Waking Dreams

Author: Ashley Stoyanoff

Series: The Soul's Mark (a novella)

# of Pages: 94

My Rating: 5/5

In The Soul’s Mark, Eric Carter felt a burning spark when he first laid eyes on Amelia Caldwell. There was just something about her—something familiar—that pulled him to her. The problem was acting on the spark was suicide. Amelia was marked for his father.

Eric had been around for a long time, and before Amelia, life happened. One day he was a simple rancher and then the next, he was thrust into a world that he had never known existed, and dreaming of a girl that he knew he couldn’t live without.

In this novella, Eric Carter’s history is revealed.

Interested in reading Waking Dreams? It's currently available on Amazon and Smashwords for download for FREE!

My Review

 In honor of Eric's beautiful green eyes, I have made everything green! 

My first impression: 
Count me in! A novella about the dashing, charismatic, alluring, and gorgeous Eric Carter? What more can a girl ask for?

Writing Style:
It's no secret that I love anything that Ashley Stoyanoff writes. Her writing transports me to a different place, a glorious beautiful place that I never want to leave! If I could live in the worlds she creates forever, I would gladly accept, no questions asked. Her novels = sheer perfection.

My Opinion:
Eric Carter holds a special place in my heart. From the moment he was introduced in The Soul's Mark series, it was an instant bond. He's what my dreams are made of. I would choose him before any other male fictional character. Deep down I secretly hope he is a real person and that maybe, hopefully, he is looking for me. Eric honey, I will be your soul mate even if it's temporary. (Shh, a girl can dream right?)

I had a lot of expectations for Waking Dreams and I'm glad to say I wasn't let down. Since I'm so fond of Eric, I was hoping this novella would be epic. It was! I enjoyed reading about Eric's softer side and stepping into his mind. He normally oozes with confidence but to see him at his weakest; it just made me fall for him just so much harder. I was fascinated on reading about how he became a vampire and learning more about his life. He is such an intense and emotional person, you can't help but to love him!

I absolutely adored reading his perspective on the first time he met Amelia. Everything played out so much different in his head than it appeared to everyone else. The way he reacts and what he is really thinking, always seem to be the complete opposite. *sighs* He's just so chill and perfect! 

The Soul's Mark: FOUND (book #1) picks up directly after this novella ends.  I hope that Ashley writes more novellas based on other characters in the series, maybe even another one about Eric? =-)

If you haven't read The Soul's Mark series, 

what in the heck are you waiting for? 

The Soul's Mark: FOUND (Book 1)  is currently ONLY $1.49 on Amazon and Smashwords 

Waking Dreams  is currently FREE on Amazon and Smashwords 

Go get it, Eric is waiting!!

Ending Notes

I'm sorry that I'm posting this week's SSW a date late. Things have been chaotic lately! I've recently picked up a second job a few days a week so I've been putting in long 12-hour days. I work my main job 5 days a week (Mon.-Fri.) and my second job three days a week. (Mon.-Weds.-and Thurs.) So due to this I may have to change the day of the week I post some features. I will update the schedule as soon as I get everything together.

If you want to check out my reviews on the other books included in this series:

The Soul's Mark: FOUND

The Soul's Mark: HUNTED

The Soul's Mark: BROKEN

The Soul's Mark: CHANGED 

(Review coming soon. Book available December 2013)

*Book Blast* The Remade: Akila’s Psalm by Casse NaRome

The Remade: Akila’s Psalm

The Reborn Book # 2

By- Casse NaRome

Publication Date-November 2nd, 2013

Dain has lost everything. His mom and Tara are both gone. The face that he once used as a solace, he can no longer bear to see. He’s unraveling; Akila may not be enough to hold the strands together.

For Akila watching Dain become a shadow of the guy she once knew is torture. She knows she is losing him but how can she stop it while holding on to secrets of her own? All she has to do is keep everything together long enough to stop the evil scientists that are out to sabotage their destiny.

They are both fighting their own demons but whose will destroy them first?

   

Error 404?

Accepted Readers,

How are you all doing? I've been receiving an error message every time I try to access the main blogger website. Not only does this message appear when I attempt to go to the homepage but it also happens sometimes when I try to view some of my posts. Are any of you having the same problem with blogger?

The message simply says:

Not Found

Error 404

The page is plain white with black text and the url says:

http://draft.blogger.com/

If you are receiving this message or have any idea what it means, please let me know. 

(My contact information can be found in the upper right hand corner sidebar)

Thanks for reading,

Helena

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Image from: http://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=451231

I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Halloween! This has always been my favorite holiday! I love to do crazy makeup styles and visit haunted houses! This year, I have to work all day and have to wake up early Friday morning, so I can't enjoy it.  :(

Do you think you guys could do me a favor? Since I have a bad case of the blues, do you think you could cheer me up? I would love to hear about what you're doing to celebrate Halloween! It will make me feel better to know that you're enjoying this spooky day for me! Maybe you could share a scary story with me? Or maybe your favorite Halloween inspired recipes? Or you could share pictures with me via my Facebook page! Just anything! Help me keep my Halloween Spirit alive! 

 Another bittersweet fact of today... it is the last day of the October 31 Day Blogging Challenge. I officially posted something every day for this entire month! I had a lot of fun and I'm so happy I decided to be a part of this wonderful challenge! I hope to give it another try in the future. 

After today I may not post every single day, but I will be posting more than I ever have prior to this challenge! I hope you guys enjoyed my random posts and the new weekly features I came up with. I want to thank each and everyone one of you that stuck around and joined me on this experience! It was grand! 

Peace Be Wild,
Helena

PS: 
Don't worry; I will still be doing some of the weekly features. Short Story Weekly (Saturdays) and Hele's Top 5 (Mondays) will now be permanent weekly features. I'm still trying to decide if I will continue doing the others that will be up to you guys! If you have a moment please take this short survey about the content I've been providing on Accepted Wisdom, this will be how I determine what to keep. 

 You can take the survey by clicking this link: http://www.instant.ly/s/K6h8G 

Or by going to this post: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-quick-survey.html
 

*COVER REVEAL* Wasteland by Lindsay Leggett

Accepted Readers,

Today I have a cover reveal for you! Wasteland (Flight #2) by Lindsay Leggett. I haven't read book one in this series, Flight, but I added it and the sequel to my wish list and TBR!

This cover reveal was organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

Flight (Book #1) is currently on sale for .99 cents

Buy Links:  | Amazon | Smashwords |

The Reveal

Book Info

 Title: Wasteland

Author: Lindsay Leggett

Series: Flight (#2)

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Wasteland, the next book in the FLIGHT trilogy, takes place a few months after the ending of book one.

Trapped in a cell and experimented on, Piper Madden’s only hope is remembering Asher. Then, Elder Corp President Rupert Elder gives her new orders: to be a leader in a war against the Harpies. Without a choice, Piper must obey Rupert’s commands or suffer from paralyzing and painful Nanomachines. But the war is just beginning, and Asher has gone missing. The resistance is slowly building, and the upcoming war will be larger and bloodier than anything seen since the Devastation that ruined the earth. Throughout all of this, Piper remembers the time before she ran to Ichton, when David was alive and her hope in Elder Corp was still strong.

My Opinion

I just adore everything about this cover! I like how the text stands out against the background. The title of this book is an attention getter all on its own!  It makes me wonder what the Wasteland and what caused it. The burning building just adds more mystery to the entire cover.

My favorite thing about this cover is definitely the woman. Her dress appears to be from the Victorian era, which I absolutely love! Her expression makes her seem like she may be a little off, possibly insane or maybe she is being controlled? 

I'm really starting to think that I have a thing for anything in disarray and in bold, darken colors. My Gothic days seem to be making a fierce comeback! 

But anyway, what do you guys think of this cover? Does it catch your attention and make you want to read the book? Do you think it's missing something? Do you like it? Let me know in a comment below! I would love to hear your opinion!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Birthday Book Haul + More News!

Accepted Readers,

I wanted to do a book haul showing all the books I got for my birthday. My first book haul! I also have some awesome news regarding the last giveaway I held for an e-book copy of The Secret Eater by Ros Jackson!

Thank you for stopping by today, I currently have another giveaway going on and I would love if you went to check it out and enter to win some pretty cool stuff! :) *Ends November 10th*

100+ Follower Giveaway Bash

The Secret Eater E-book Giveaway

I received an email from the author of The Secret Eater a few days after the e-book competition ended. Ros Jackson was nice enough to donate another copy of her book! So I went back to the original rafflecoper form and picked another winner! I will be emailing you soon Alison F.!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Book Haul

This year made off like a bandit when it comes to books! This is the first year my friends and family all banded together to get me some of books highest up on my wish list! :)


I received:

The Divergent Box Set (includes all 3 books + bonus book)

A Divergent Gift Pack (includes stickers, bookmarks, and magnets)
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels

Goodbye

This is a short post, I'm sorry. I'm working two jobs again, 12- hour shifts and haven't had much time to much of anything. I'm not sure how long I'll be working like this, but hopefully not too long. I will be back tomorrow with a cover reveal, it's going to be a good one! 

Until then,
Byes!

Hele's Top 5: Fears

 

Accepted Readers,

In the spirit of Halloween, I thought it would be a great idea to do a Hele's Top 5 that goes along with the spookiness of the season. Halloween and fear usually go hand and hand, so here are the things that scare the living crap outta me!

1. CLOWNS

I have always been terrified of clowns. Circus clowns to be specific. My fear is so irrational because I have no idea why they scare me. I think it's the huge red nose, giant shoes, outfit, and the painted on smile. Well, okay everything about them freaks me out. For goodness sake, serial killer John Wayne Gacy performed as a clown at kids parties in his spare time! If I happen to see a clown, I will literally freeze up; have panic attacks, and sometimes even cry.

The strange thing I'm not afraid of mimes and I love The Insane Clown Posse (ICP), their face paint doesn't scare me. 

2. 
Spiders 
& Centipedes

I'm going to sound like such a girl here, but eww I hate spiders and centipedes. Any other type of insect or creepy crawly I'm usually okay with. I even play with other certain types of bugs. (Gross I know, but some of them are awesome) Let a spider or centipede come along, I will be gone within a matter of seconds. So quickly in fact, you would think my bum was on fire. Yep, I'm not even man enough to kill them.

3. Something Lurking In The Dark

I just recently realized that I had this fear... a fear of something/someone sneaking up on me while I'm lying down in a dark room or when I come home late at night. I'm always peering into dark alleyways to make sure nothing is waiting in the shadows to get me and never let any part of my body hang off the bed. (That way nothing/no one can grab me)

Ever turn out the lights in your bedroom and notice strange shadows that you can't figure out what they are? I'm pretty sure that's the reason I've developed this fear. It's not the darkness I'm afraid of;  I'm scared of whatever may be hidden by it.

4. Raw Meat

Now don't get me wrong, I love a good cheeseburger or a skinless chicken breast... just don't expect me to prepare it. I refuse to touch raw meat with my bare hands. I hate the way it looks and feels, it's disgusting! My fear is of the bacteria that live in meat... it's some nasty stuff.

5. My Demise

Ever since I was a young child, I've been terrified of dying. The thought of what happens after death still plagues me often. If I knew what to expect I wouldn't be so bothered by it, not knowing is truly scary. I honestly wish I was immoral! 

Your Turn

So now it's your turn... tell me your fears! Do you have some of the same ones as me? I would love to know! Leave a comment below... that's if your not too afraid =-P

Special Announcement + 100+ Follower GIVEAWAY BASH

Accepted Readers,

How are you guys doing?! I'm so excited today; I couldn't wait to get home from work to write up this post! I have a few awesome announcements along with an epic giveaway! October has been a great month for me and I hope that November turns out to be just as great. :) 

I truly hope you guys have been enjoying my daily posts and ideas for new weekly/monthly features... in order for this blog to work I need you... yes you! 

If you haven't already, please take a moment to take a quick survey regarding this blog and the content I provide, it will help me decide on what type of posts to keep doing! Thanks in advance! :)

You can take the survey by clicking this link: http://www.instant.ly/s/K6h8G 

Or by going to this post: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-quick-survey.html

Announcements

Accepted Wisdom is going to get a revamped look!  I feel it's something that can bring in more readers and improve how people view this blog. Laurynne from CBL Book Review Blog will be designing the new layout and I'm so excited to see what she comes up with! I'm not sure exactly when the revamp will be done, I just know it will be soon. Once I have more information, I will be sure to share! :)

The 31 Day Blogging Challenge is almost over and I'm proud to say that so far, I've posted every single day in the month of October! Only a few more days... do you think I can make it? I guess we will have to wait and find out... =-P

GIVEAWAY BASH

Whew! At this moment I have a grand total of 124 followers!!! (Via GFC, Email, and Linky) We have hit over 100! I couldn't be happier! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I said a long time ago, once we hit over 100 I would do a giveaway and the time has come! Woot!

The Details

*Note the time to enter this giveaway has been extended, read the update here.*

First off, let me start with all the basic details: 

Who can enter: EVERYONE (US Residents and International)

I want everyone to have the chance to win, so there will be two separate giveaways going on at the same time, one for anyone in the United States and another for everyone who lives ANYWHERE else!

How to enter: I have created two rafflecoper entry forms: One for US Residents and another for International residents. 

When does it start and end?: It will start today October 27th and end on November 10th.

The Prizes

Here's the best part! The Prizes! Here are the current prizes that I have for you... There will also be multiple winners! 5 of them total!

USA ONLY 

(3 Different Winners)

First Prize: Winner's choice of any physical (paperback or hardbound) book from  The Book Depository or Barnes & Nobles  *valued up to $10.00 dollars.* (the book must equal $10.00 dollars or under after shipping costs and taxes)

Second Prize:  Winner's choice of any e-book from Amazon or Smashwords *valued up to $5.00 dollars.*

Third Prize: A Swag Pack of random book related items, could be anything from bookmarks, stickers, postcards, magnets, etc. (I'm currently gathering up some things, once I have everything together I will post a picture)

INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS ONLY 

(2 Different Winners)

First Prize: Winner's choice of any physical (paperback or hardbound) book from  The Book Depository *valued up to $10.00 dollars.* (the book must equal $10.00 dollars or under after taxes)

Second Prize:  Winner's choice of any e-book from Amazon or Smashwords *valued up to $5.00 dollars.*

*Note: Due to shipping costs and restrictions, I am currently unable to send swag packs through the mail to International Residents, I'm really sorry. I will make it up to you guys in my next giveaway!*

ENTRY FORMS

VERY IMPORTANT: 
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!

 Make sure to use the correct entry form based on where you live. The first entry form is for anyone living anywhere in the US and the second is for anyone living elsewhere. 

US RESIDENTS USE THIS FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct link in case form isn't showing: 

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7005014/

INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS USE THIS FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct link in case form isn't showing: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7005017

GOODBYES

Okay everyone! I think that's about all for today, if you have any questions regarding the giveaway please just ask, by either leaving a comment or contacting me on Facebook or by email. All links are located in the upper right hand sidebar. 

Good Luck and May the odds be ever in your favor! 

Short Story Weekly #5: Almost Matched by A.O. Peart

Accepted Readers,

I'm so excited to be doing this SSW! I'm normally not a reader of Contemporary Romance novels, but this one sounded far too good to pass up! I also recently participated in the cover reveal for this novella. (If you missed it, you can check it out here.)

Anyways, I'm a huge fan of A.O. Peart and I've been looking forward to reading something completely different from the other novels I've read by her! So without further delay... let's move on to the review! 

*Note: I'm sorry this is horribly late, my internet was down but thankfully I got it back up and working!

 Interested in reading Almost Matched?

 The author is looking for beta readers. If you are a book reviewer and would like to beta read and review Almost Matched, please sign up HERE ASAP. She will send you the ARC copy in the PDF file.

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: 111 (But my Kindle says 150?) My Rating: 5/5  Buy Links: | B&N | Amazon |
Warning: May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old 

Would 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:

My Review

My first thoughts:
I was quite afraid that I wouldn't enjoy a contemporary romance novel. This is a new genre for me and I wasn't sure it would be for me.

Writing Style:
Almost Matched has some of the best writing I've ever encountered. Every character has a distinct personality that comes to life within the pages portraying genuine-raw emotion. An attention grabbing plot from the very beginning that ends with an unexpected twist that will leave you craving more, you won't be able to read it fast enough.

My opinion:
A must read! I literally read this entire novella in two hours flat. Witty, fast-paced, humorous,  arousing, and sarcastic... are all romance novels like this? If so, I've seriously been missing out! I just want book 2 right now, right now, not later! Can someone make this happen for me? Pretty please?

I laughed so hard at some of the scenes that I couldn't breathe and tears filled my eyes. It reminded of the girl's nights I have with my best friend and gave me some awesome ideas for our next get-together. 

In many ways, Almost Matched has the feel of the show Sex and the City, but is so much better! I loved how all the women in this book were all so open about sexuality and shared a close bond with each other. Dare I say, it's not only men who have one track minds, and it's refreshing to see that demonstrated in a no-holds-barred kind of way! What I enjoyed most was the turmoil each of them faced, each with a different type of insecurity that every woman can relate to. Best friends forever, they are there for each other in the time of need, to build each other up, and laugh away their troubles! Girl Power at its finest!

The relationship between Natalie and Colin... *sighs* is so dreamy and passionate. Colin is nothing like I expected him to be... I won't spoil any details, but whew he's something special. When they are together, the world ceases to exist. Enough said. Just go read it and find out for yourself!

Are you still sitting here and fighting the urge to read this devilishly delicious book? 

You can request to  beta read it but you gotta do it ASAP! sign up HERE

Internet Woes

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give you all a heads up that I'm currently having trouble with my internet. I'm actually having to post this via my cell phone... (not an easy task, may I add) We are trying to fix the problem and hope to have everything up and running within a few hours.

Short Story Weekly may be posted a bit later then usually, but have no fear it will be up later today, even if I have to write the review using my cell phone. Thankfully, I worked on most of the post earlier this week and just need to finish writing in my review.

I'm terribly sorry for this inconvenience and I hope you guys can forgive me.