*Cover Reveal* Almost Too Far by A.O. Peart

Title: Almost Too Far

Series: Almost Bad Boys (#3)

Author: A.O. Peart

Genre: New Adult, Romantic Comedy/Mystery

# of Pages: 189 (Novella) 

Expected Release Date: March 30th, 2014

Published By: Three Graces Publishing

Interested in reading an ARC for Almost Too Far and entering two awesome giveaways? Head over to A.O. Peart's blog for more information!

A martini glass of sizzling romance, a jigger of suspense and crime, perfectly shaken with a twist of wacky humor.

 

Where would you draw the line between love and trust? 

When Colin’s feisty great grandma Helga mysteriously disappears, Natalie and the gun-toting Svetlana rush to the rescue. With the help of Russian mafia goons and Natalie’s girlfriends, they get more than they bargained for. Natalie invites trouble into her life all over again. She could find herself

questioned by the police, or worse, her relationship with Colin could become rickety once more.

And so the race begins: with grandma Helga on the loose, Colin turns to the police for help, and Natalie is a stiletto heel tip outside of the law. But beingin the wrong has never felt so vindicated.

********************************************************  

**Disclaimers**

*Warning: due to sexual situations, nasty language, and a high dose of sarcasm this book may not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old.*

*Not intended for prudes who get easily affronted*

The books in the Almost Bad Boys series should be read in order. They are NOT stand-alone books.  

How hot is this cover? Damn steamy... just like the series!

One of my favorite aspects of the covers from the Almost Bad Boys series is how well they go together. I can only imagine how beautiful they would look on a bookshelf! I seriously need to get a set of print copies ASAP because seeing the covers on my Kindle just doesn't do them justice.
 

(I took the liberty of including images for all 3 books below for your viewing pleasure.)

 The color schemes, models, and overall layout just works in the favor of these books. They are without a doubt attention grabbers! If I saw these books in the store the appeal of the cover alone would make me want to buy them... the synopsis of each would close the deal. Hook me, sink me = brought. Yep... that's how it works in the mind of a book nerd. (In my case anyway)

The models chosen for Natalie and Colin have nailed the magnetic chemistry that the characters have when they are together. I am curious to see why they are dripping wet... is it too pervy of me to be hoping for a sexy shower scene or possible sex in the rain? Ha...sometimes my inner perv has no boundaries. Fortunately for me this book caters to that side of me. 

Check out what they look like side-by-side:

Be on the look out for my review for Almost Too Far. It will be up within a few days. I can't wait to see what this book has in store for me. If you're interested in reading my reviews for the two previous books in this series just click the links below.

Almost Matched (#1)

Almost Broken Up (#2)

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / BLOG / GOODREADS / PINTEREST

I was born and raised in Poland. When I was just seven-years-old I decided to learn English, because I wanted to translate my favorite Polish fairytales.

I write in multiple genres, including paranormal, fantasy, urban fiction, sci-fi, contemporary, and short stories. I am a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Western Washington Chapter, author critique group, Writers In the Rain, and several authors’ and readers’ networking groups on Linkedin, Facebook, and Goodreads. 
 

I love reading good books almost as much as writing them. I describe myself as “European born, American by choice”. I can never decide which season I prefer—summer or fall. I speak with Polish accent and love listening to the Southern drawl. I am passionate about watercolor painting, fashion—especially stilettos, rock climbing, environment, and organic food and gardening. I live in the Seattle area with my family and a chronically curious cat, Cinnamon.

Hosted by:

*BLOG TOUR* After Life Lessons by Laila Blake and L.C. Spoering

Accepted Readers,

Today is my stop for the release blog tour for After Life Lessons by Laila Blake and L.C. Spoering. I had the chance to have a chat with the main protagonist Emily and asked her some pressing questions about her story. She is officially one of my favorite people ever! I can't wait for you guys to see what she had to say!

If you're in need of a new zombie survival kit... you will have the chance to win one just like Emily's! It's loaded with stuff I totally never would have thought of...it so freaking awesome! 

Stay tuned for more information about After Life Lessons; the author's Laila and L.C. are hosting two tours... the first half consisting of mostly promo material (character interviews, spotlights, author interviews, guest posts, excerpts, and more!) and the second half consisting mostly of reviews. You can see the HUGE list of participants and get a preview of what they are posting by clicking here  or (http://www.liltliterary.com/after-life-lessons-tour-schedule/)

Be sure to check out http://www.liltliterary.com/  for more awesome stuff from the authors!

ABOUT THE BOOK

After Life Lessons

Book 1

Laila Blake & L.C. Spoering

Available: April 8, 2014
Format: E-book & Paperback (POD)
Genre: Post-Apoc Romance, Adult
Length: 81,000 words

Warnings: Contains language some might find offensive, some gore and situations of a sexual nature.
 
Hulking shadows emerge out of the chaotic flurries of the blizzard. Something is dying, and so they come, like vultures.

After months of struggling south to escape the zombie-infested remains of New York, a snowstorm traps 23-year old artist, Emily, and her son in an abandoned gas station. Starving and desperate, they encounter Aaron, an Army medic on a mission of his own, who offers them a ride to ease the journey.

The road is a long and dangerous place to travel, and every day brings a new threat. But fear and adrenaline also drive the two closer together; they find laughter and a budding attraction that starts to thaw at their numb and deadened feelings. And that’s when the pain really starts to hit, when places long thought lost prickle back to life. Eventually, they will have to fight not just for survival, but for a future together, or their broken world will swallow them whole.

Book Links:

 | Goodreads | Lilt Literary | Pinterest Board |

*COVER REVEAL* Deadly Mates (Deadly Trilogy, #2) by Ashley Stoyanoff

 Accepted Readers,

I have been dying to share this cover and finally the time is here. Deadly Mates is one of my most anticipated releases for this year. I am a huge fan of the author Ashley Stoyanoff and I am proud to say I have read and reviewed all of her released books up-to-date. I am even more delighted to say that I've LOVED them all. (All received 5 stars from me) If you haven't read anything from this wonderful indie author, you are totally missing out! 

Interested in finding out more about Ashley? I would love if you went to check out the author spotlight featuring her that I posted in February. It showcases all of her books and includes the links to all of my reviews for each book. The spotlight is a great guide for anyone wanting to dive into the wondrous world created by Ashley Stoyanoff.  

Quick Book Facts 

Title: Deadly Mates

Series: Deadly Trilogy, #2

Release Date: April 26, 2014  

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance 

Formats: All e-book formats and Paperback.

The cover for Deadly Mates 
(Deadly Trilogy, #2)

Jade never thought she’d embrace being a werewolf, but after having accepted her new role as alpha female of Dog Mountain’s pack, she finds herself doing just that. She’s training with the enforcers and learning to use the alpha within her to her advantage. And for the most part, Jade is content, well at least with her training she is.

But Dog Mountain is a small town with big problems. The new alpha pair is divided, splitting the already unstable pack with them, and to make matters worse, Jade’s father is on his way home. Except Jade’s father and his twisted pack of werecourgars aren’t the only threat.

When Aidan brings in a new set of enforcers to weed out the problems within the pack, Jade is forced to delve into the center of the issue. She soon realizes that she is the indirect cause of the uneasiness within the pack, and if Jade doesn’t fix it, she’ll lose everything, even Aidan.

My Opinion

*Insert fan girl scream here*

I think that sums up my excitement pretty well.  This cover is gorgeous, absolutely breathtaking. 

 -In regards to the cover models-

Aidan is far more attractive than I pictured him... and I feel the urge to touch him. However, I just know Jade won't stand for that, unfortunately. His eyes are hypnotic, his hair is dashing, and that smirk makes me feel weak. *dreamy sigh* I have a weakness for bad boys and he fits the bill. I dig his tattoo and facial stubble as well... hell everything about him equals sheer perfection. Jade is gorgeous as always, it seems the wolf life is suiting her quite nicely. She looks far more mature now then she did on the cover of Deadly Crush. Her facial expression makes her look a bit snotty though and I'm not sure I like that. In a way I hope she grows out of that phrase. 

-In regards to the color scheme and design-

I adore the autumn color scheme used on this cover, it's quite soothing. The font color makes the writing stand out without drawing away too much attention from the overall cover. The backdrop featuring the forest and wolves really ties in well with the synopsis. Ashley has done it again, another 5-Star cover!

Want a teaser? 

What about a giveaway? 

Keep reading ...

Dreadful Snowy Weather

The Christmas season is over, so why are we still having dreadful snowy weather? It's the middle of March and here in Indiana we are getting more snow then we did in December. I'm beginning to think we should change the order of months. February could be the new December and March the new January. It could totally be believable.

Spring is supposed to be 8 days away and yet we woke up to at least 5 inches of snow, possibly more due to drifting. The wind is bitterly cold making the nearly 30 degree weather feels closer to negative digits. My desire for warmer weather is becoming quite insatiable.
 
The roads are treacherous not only because of the snow and ice but beware of the hidden potholes... they are the deadliest. I had to be at work by 6 a.m., so I had to deal with unplowed streets and massive snowflakes still falling. The worst combination to pair with the freaking potholes, I'm shocked I managed to avoid blowing out a tire or two. I did invent a slew of new phrases to use. (Damn you son of a biscuit, what the hell ass monkey...you can suck it. Is one of my new favorites)

I'm annoyed because the snow was almost all melted yesterday and now it's back with a vengeance. I can almost bet that by the time I leave work the snow will be melting again. (It was.) It's like Mother Nature is having a serious case of PMS and the woman needs to chill out... like now. Snow, rain, and ever changing temperatures just aren't cutting it anymore. It's coming to the point that I'm confused on what to wear; I may need a heavy winter jacket with warm clothing by day and no jacket with shorts at night.

Things could be worst for me though, at least my city isn't experiencing power outages. I've heard many neighboring cities are... My heart goes out to them. I do slightly wish the electricity would go out at my work so I could go home and take a nap. I can dream can't I?

Please my friends, if you live in an area that is being hit by the snow... be safe. Drive slowly; take your frustration out by cursing at the potholes or snow... Trust me it works like a charm. Just remember this hopefully will be the last storm before Spring comes.

Book Hangovers

Accepted Readers,

Have you ever read a book that has left you feeling utterly and completely drained? Sometimes I come across books that leave anlasting effect on me. Some leave me feeling either emotionally or physically flushed. In rare cases, a book can cause both. I call them book hangovers. They consist of emotional breakdown (i.e.: euphoria, depression, etc.), weakness, and overall tiredness. They are an interesting phenomenal sensation. All I know is that a book has to be REALLY something special to be able to induce such feelings. 

I just literally finished a book that impacted me in both ways. I truly wasn't expecting this book to floor me like it did, I am quite shocked in fact. It was a genre that I normally lack interest in but this book changed my perception all together.  I'm not going to reveal the book as of yet... you just have to wait for the review that I will be posting this Friday but trust me you will want to come back and discover what book it is. I will say that it is a dystopian novel that deals with a paranormal creature with a splash of romance. 

I'm still feeling a bit out of it... I need to go recover from this amazing book. I think I may need a nap and a nice warm shower. *sighs*

In the meantime, I would love to know what books left you with a book hangover... Leave a comment below telling me.

Glitches All Around

Accepted Readers,

I am pretty positive that all electronics, small devices, mobile phones, and any other type of machine hate me today. It seems like the moment I touch anything that requires electricity, it malfunctions or gets glitches. When I attempt to plug anything in I see sparks. I seem charged with static electricity and for the love of me I don't understand why. I'm a bit afraid to be sitting in front of my laptop typing this...I'm waiting for something to smoke or the screen to go black. I'm thinking about covering myself in cushions to protect all my important devices. If nothing else, I'll be really cozy. lol.

The cash register went down work. I unplugged the system to reset it and BAM... it crashes. Every time I touched unplugged and plugged in the cord, the socket sparked. I had to manually write down all transactions until the stupid thing came back up. It took nearly two hours to function properly. The funny part, it started to work out of the blue. I was keeping myself busy cleaning up and turn around and it was working. We still don't know what caused it to go down or why it started to magically work again, but eh we just kinda of went with the flow.

Even blogger is glitching on me today. For some reason I am unable to schedule my posts to go live at a later time or date. I know I'm doing everything correctly, but the time and day comes and it doesn't post. Tell me fellow blogger.com users... do you have the same problem? It happened again to me today and now because it didn't post when I needed it to, I may not be able to tour with the company I was working with. (They have strict posting rules; they want things up by a certain time) It would be one thing if this was the first time this happened but it's not. I've also been having formatting issues but that is a whole other subject. Needless to say I'm completely upset. If problems keep happening like this, I will have to switch website servers. WordPress never looked as good as it does this very moment. *sighs*

How is your day going today? Hopefully a bit better than mine. I would love to hear about some of  your "glitchy" days. It would make me feel better to know that I'm not the only one who deals with days like this. lol. Leave a comment below... make my day =-P

Until Tomorrow,
Helena

The Book Buying Tag

Accepted Readers,

I found this tag on YouTube and it looked so fun that I wanted to do it also. It is an older tag but I haven't seen it around too much. It was created by a YouTuber Megan Olivier and you can find her video by clicking here. Since I don't currently have a video camera I've decided to do a blogger version of this tag. Enjoy <3

1. Where do you buy your books from?

I buy book from anywhere they are available .I do mean just about anywhere including:

-Various major retail stores such as  Walmart, Kmart, and Meijer

-Independent and Mayor book stores such as Barnes & Nobles, Disc Replay, and other small owned shops

-Online websites such as Amazon,  Ebay, Barnes & Nobles, BookOutlet, and The Book Depository

-Yard Sales, Library Book Sales, 2nd hand stores

2. Do you ever pre-order books and if so do you do this in store or online?

No. I have never pre-ordered any books. I seldom have the chance to read a book as soon as I buy it.

3. On average, how many books do you buy a month?

Oh my, this is a hard question for me because it various. Are we talking just physical books or adding in e-books as well? If I combine both, I would say I buy an average 15-20 a month.

4. Do you use your local library?

No, I haven't used a library in years other than to purchase books from the sales they have. The last time I used the library I think I was in 10th grade.

5. If so,  how many books can you/do you borrow at a time?

I don't but when I used to, I remember being able to borrow up to 10 and I would borrow that exact amount every time. lol.

6. What is your opinion on library books?

It's a great idea really, just not for me. I get possessive of books I enjoy and find it rather difficult to have to return them.  I also don't like the time limits; it makes me feel like I have to rush. The lack of copies libraries offer is another downfall for me, most books I want to read are already checked out and are on wait lists.

7. How do you feel about charity shop/second hand books?

I love love love them! I would say over 75% of the books on my shelves are from second hand stores. As long as they are in acceptable conditions, I have no issue with them. I usually try to find most books I want used unless it's a newer release that I need like ASAP.

Fun Fact: My local library has a book sale room that is opened every day and I'm a frequent shopper there. So much in fact, they know me by name now. lol.

8. Do you keep your read and TBR pile together/on the same book shelf or not?

My book shelves look like ground zero of a disaster site. The only books with a special shelf are my favorite  books I've read. The rest are just wherever they will fit. I own 4 book shelves that nearly touch my ceiling, all of which are filled to the brim with books. I also have a table that sits in front of my shelves that has stacks of books piled on it along with 2 plastic bins filled with more. 

Don't even get me started on all the books on my Kindle and Nook.  That is whole other type of problem. *bows head in shame*

Fun Fact: I hope to reorganize my shelves soon but seriously need to enlist in the help of a few people. It's that bad.

9. Do you plan to read all of the books that you own?

I certainly hope so but I'm not sure I will be able to. The sheer amount of physical and e-book format books I own that are unread is probably somewhere  around 1000. I would have to read 300+ books a year just to put a dent in my TBR. Unfortunately there is not enough time in a day because I work full-time. :(

10. What do you do with books you that you own that you feel you will never read/felt you did not enjoy?

Actually this is a problem I hope to work on soon. I will be doing a book-shelf sweep and clearing out books that I've lost interest for. I will then donate the books to my local library and give some to a few of my friends.  This task I'm sure will take me days to complete but will be worth it in the end.

11. Have you ever donated books?

Yes I have. I've donated them by the box actually to my local library. The one thing I refuse to do is sale books... I just don't have it in me to charge someone for the books I've brought... it seems wrong.

12. Have you ever been on a book buying ban?

I am on one now. I've been trying really hard to avoid buying so many books lately. I've only been purchasing ones that go along with sets I already own or some that have been on my wish list for a very long time. 

It's providing hard to do this when I visit the library sale room...I used to go there once or twice a week every week. Now I've cut back to twice a month. It's been so difficult for me. :(

13. Do you feel that you buy too many books?

Yes, but as I like to say, you can NEVER have too much of a good thing. I am addicted to books and I am proud. One thing is certain, if a zombie apocalypse breaks out tomorrow...I will have a whole lot of reading material to keep me company and some that could be donated to a fire. Yep... I went there.  

THE END.

Okay everyone that is the end of the Book Buying Tag. Now I'm tagging YOU! I am curious to know your book buying habits, I would love to meet someone with the same obsessive addiction I have. It would make me feel so much better...post your responses in a comment below or do your own blog post/video and leave a link to them in the comments so I can go check them out. :)

Short Story Weekly #12: Green Angel by Alice Hoffman

Accepted Readers,

I am back with another Short Story Weekly. I hope to post these more often. This week I am reviewing Green Angel by Alice Hoffman. This was the second time I've read this wonderful book, the first time being when I was still in High School. I remember loving the book then and I still do. I recently found out that a book two was released for this book called Green Witch; once I can track down a copy I will be featuring it on Short Story Weekly as well. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Green Angel

Author: Alice Hoffman

Series: Green Angel (#1)

Genre: YA

Published: May 1st, 2004

# of Pages: 128

Price: E-book- $5.99 | Paperback- $5.49

Buy Link: Amazon| B & N |  

 

Left on her own when her family dies in a terrible disaster, fifteen-year-old Green is haunted by loss and by the past. Struggling to survive physically and emotionally in a place where nothing seems to grow and ashes are everywhere, Green retreats into the ruined realm of her garden. But in destroying her feelings, she also begins to destroy herself, erasing the girl she'd once been as she inks darkness into her skin. It is only through a series of mysterious encounters that Green can relearn the lessons of love and begin to heal enough to tell her story.

MY REVIEW

Writing Style: 
My favorite aspect of this book is the manner in which it is written. Many literary devices are present including elements of imagery and symbolism making this book read like a poem. 

My Opinion:
I treasured this book when I first read it and adore it even more now. I didn't realize it at the time, but this book was one of the first dystopian novels I ever read. Green Angel is a tale about a teen girl recovering from despair and finding hope when the world she knows is destroyed. At only 128 pages, this book may be short but holds an incredible story.

The way Green views the world around her shows she is mature beyond her years. She is rational but notices things that others refuse to see. I would best describe her thoughts as lyrical poetry. What I find the most interesting about Green is how she deals with her loneliness and fear. To hide how vulnerable she truly is on the inside, she does everything she can to make her appearance look rough and rugged. She refuses to show weakness even when she is breaking inside. She may have flaws but it's her imperfections that make her feel realistic. Green is a beautiful character with depth and values. She will make you feel emotions you had no idea you were capable of feeling.

To Read or Not To Read:
I say stop whatever you're doing and read this book now! If you enjoy lyrical prose, imagery and symbolism, you will LOVE this book!

*Update* Week One Of The #31dbc

Accepted Readers,

Today marks day 7 of the 31 Day Blogging Challenge. I have successfully posted every day this week! This is a huge improvement for me and I am proud of myself. I wasn't sure I would be able to post every day, but I've really surprised myself with my dedication.

I am grateful for the blogger app that I downloaded on my Android phone. It has been a real-life saver on my busy days. It enables me to blog on the go. It's a bit confusing, but I've mostly figured it out. If only I knew how to change my text size/color and skip lines between paragraphs. Until I can figure that part out, I'll just be editing the post as soon as I can via computer. So you may end up seeing some posts in rough format, I apologize.

 Have any of you ever used the app? If so, what do you think about it? 

If you haven't tried it, here is a link to it in the Google Play Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.blogger

Update-On-My-Progress

Each week on Friday, I will post a progress report with links to all the posts I managed to post for the challenge for that week. This way everything can be found in one place. Nice and simple just like it should be.

In case you missed any of my posts for the challenge:

Day #1: 31 Day Blogging Challenge March Edition

Day #2:  Just A Random Post

Day #3: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 

Day #4: Inspiring With Words

Day #5: Hele's Top 5: Book Pet Peeves

Day #6: Bookish Questions: Should certain books be banned?

As you can see, I have been posting a lot of different types of posts. I hope you guys are enjoying the variety. Please let me know if you would like to continue seeing certain posts after the challenge ends. Comments make me a very happy girl! :) 

See You Later

I totally gotta get going, I have to get ready to head over to my best friend's house. Her brother just got married and they are having an epic after party. I can't wait! I will be back again tomorrow with another post. I hope all of you are having an amazing Friday! 

Sincerely,
Helena

Bookish Questions: Should certain books be banned?

Accepted Readers,

 Welcome to Bookish Questions, where we discuss various book related questions. I share my honest opinion on the matter and you tell me yours. No need to alter your opinion, this is all about honesty. All I ask is to be respectful towards each other. Everyone has a right to their opinions. 

The Question

Where do you stand on the issue of book banning? Do you think certain books should be banned? Why or why not?

My Opinion

A lot of buzz has been hitting the online book community lately about books being banned. I was shocked and appalled to learn that it is happening in the United States via Amazon.com. I know this happens frequently in various International countries due to their strict laws and religious rules but I had no idea it happens here too.  

I feel that no book should ever be banned because of its content. Many authors will include a warning in the description if explicit or controversial material is included in their book. If you know certain things offend you, simply don't read books related to the subject.  If an author is being forthcoming and letting you know what to expect then why be upset if you decide to read it? I just don't get it. 

Sometimes I think certain people want to be offended so they can cause a ruckus. I also think some people feel that because they find something detestable that everyone else should too and make it a point to try to turn others against whatever it is they don't agree with. As I said, everyone has a right to express their opinion but it should be done so in a respectable manner. I don't think it is right for people to want a book banned because they are offended by it. If this were the case for everything else, most things on the internet would be banned. 

To sum it up, I feel that if you know a book will offend you then just don't read it. Move on to a book you know you will enjoy. There is no need to be belligerent about it. Someone else may enjoy the book you find offending. Everyone should have their chance to decide by having the chance to actually read the book themselves. If it becomes banned... that makes it unfair for everyone who did not have a say in the matter.

Your Turn

Okay, so there is my opinion. Now I want to hear yours. Do you agree with me? Or do you disagree? Let me know. I want to see opinions from both sides of the fence on this matter.

Hele's Top 5: Book Pet Peeves

Accepted Readers,

I think everyone who is a bookworm has a few rants in regards to books. They can cover physical aspects of books and/or the overall storyline of a book or the characters. I thought it would be fun to share my book pet peeves, a mixture of physical and storyline rants. 

1. Cliff-Hanger Endings

I despise cliff-hanger endings. They make me want to throw-books, turn off movies, cry, and sometimes scream. I don't handle suspense well; it infuriates me especially if I have to wait months or years for the next book.

For the fear of cliff-hangers, I tend to not start reading book series unless it is finished and all the books are published. This way if I encounter the dreaded cliff-hanger, I can rush and read the next book ASAP.

2. Cover Changes/Mismatched Designs

I will admit I am a vain book owner. I enjoy admiring the books on my shelves. It warms my heart when covers/spines designs of books match. When books in a series complement each other, they have a dignified look. When they don't pair together, it makes them look tacky and out-of-place. 

I don't understand why publishers think it's okay to change the covers of books half-way through the series. They must not understand that is drives readers crazy! I also hate it when the change the size of one book in a series, when all the rest have the same perfect height. Just grrr!!

3. Exclusive Single Format Editions

Another thing that annoys me, is when I own an entire series in soft/hard back format, and the next book/novella releases is an e-book ONLY exclusive. It also bugs me in reverse, if I own all the books in e-book format and the next book/novella is released only in soft/hard back books.

I want my series to be all in ONE format. Not half in one way and the other in a different way.  This is the main reason I have books in both the physical and e-book editions. Nothing like double spending for the EXACT same content. *sighs*

4. Waiting For The Next Book To Release

As I said before, I hate to wait for the conclusion in a series. I lack patience. I don't mind waiting a few months... but waiting over a year? I blame my e-reader for this problem. I'm so used to having any book I want within moments with just a touch of a button.

5. Unfinished/ Unsatisfying Endings

One of the worst things I've encountered while reading is coming across a book that has an ending that seems incomplete. This becomes worst when it's the last book in a series. This is one surefire way to make me a bit leery to read more from the same author. I sometimes will skip to the end of a book and read the last page just to see if the ending seems to fit. (I know, this is taboo... but I can't help it.) 

The End.

So now that you have read my top pet peeves... I want to know what your book pet peeves are, leave a comment below telling me. I'm curious to know if anyone has any similar to my own.

Inspiring With Words (Day 4 #31dbc)

Accepted Readers,

Today is day 4 of the 31 Day Blogging Challenge. I was inspired by a fellow blogger, Cindy Jones Lantier, to share a few words of wisdom and quotes with you. I encourage you to click her name so you can see her video, my source of inspiration. 

Words are a powerful weapon. They can encourage and enlighten when used correctly. They can be embarrassing and hurtful when used in spite. They can tug at your every emotion. I try to be mindful of the words that escape my lips, but sometimes I say things I regret. Nobody is perfect and mistakes are meant to be forgiven. 

Here is a list of quotes that reassure me in my times of doubt and uplift me when I have fallen. I hope they can become your ammo against dreary days.  

"I can only be me, take it or leave it, because it's all I can ever be." -- One of my personal quotes... hence my username: icanonlybehele3 (Hele is my nickname)

"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there." -- Unknown

 

 "Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up." -- Jesse Jackson

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I...I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." -- Excerpt from the poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

"It's not enough to speak, but to speak true." 

-- William Shakespeare 

"Nothing changes, if nothing changes." --Unknown

"I Hope I Die For A Principle or A Belief that I had Lived 4" -- Excerpt from In The Event of My Demise (A poem by Tupac Shakur)

"It is a happiness to wonder, -- it is a happiness to dream." 

-- Edgar Allan Poe

“We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.” ― C. JoyBell C.

 “Your conscience is the measure of the honesty of your selfishness. Listen to it carefully.”  -- Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

 The quotes above are some of my favorites I've found throughout my life. Each represents an important value I have on life and the experiences I have gained from it. 

Now I want to hear from you! 

Leave a comment telling me:

What are some of your favorite quotes? 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Ever since I've read "Almost Matched" by AO Peart... I've been a connoisseur of martinis. The apple martini was mentioned so frequently in the book that I just had to go out and try it. Eventually the need to try more flavors of martinis soon followed. 

Today I went to a local Hooligan's with my cousin. I tried a total of 7 types of martinis... Yes 7. 

2 Hibiscus martinis with actual hibiscus flowers along the rim.
2 Key Lime Pie martinis
3 Adam and Eve Apple martinis
1 Cosimo martini
1 Chocolate martini
1 Lemon Drop martini
1 Apple martini

Needlessly to say, I'm a bit drunk, but in my defense I'm out with a cousin I haven't seen in years. So that makes it okay right?

I'm pretty positive that the waitress digs my cousin because we are getting free drinks. Woot! What's better, the waitress is hot.  (she's a beautiful woman, excuse my  matters.) 

Have you ever read a book that convinced you to do what to  something you normally wouldn't do? 

"Almost Matched" opened so many doors for me. It was also the first contemporary romance book I've enjoyed.  If you haven't already, you should check it out. It's currently only .99 cents on Amazon.

I'm on way home, I'm pretty sure this is the latest I've stayed out for nearly a year. Whew I'm such a rebel. Lol. Granted it's not even 9 a.m. yet. I promise tomorrow will be more book related... Remember I don't condone anyone drinking if they aren't 21 years old or older. I'm 26... So it's totally okay I'm loaded and I'm not driving. Drinking and driving is not cool.

Be safe,
Helena

Just a random post...

Accepted Readers,

I apologize that I haven't been posting like I should. I've been living my life in the fast lane. In this past week alone I've done a complete 180 in my appearance with a new haircut and tattoo. I don't really know what's been going on with me, I've been in such a weird mood lately. I've been craving change, maybe because there is so much in my life happening that I have no control over. Or maybe the moon is in a strange phase..who knows? Sometimes I think I'm going crazy, or having a midlife crisis. (But I'm not quite that old yet)

I haven't read/finished a book since February 7th. Which is so unlike me. I was doing so good and all of a sudden I went on a downward spiral. I miss reading and will be getting back on schedule this month.... No excuses.

I've been posting more frequently on the Facebook page for Accepted Wisdom (link is in the right sidebar) ; If you haven't already I would love if you check it out and maybe give it a like while you're there. You're missing out on giveaways and other pretty cool stuff.

Be expecting a lot of Short Story Weekly posts in the upcoming weeks, along with lots of other book related material. If you're a fan of anything Shakespeare, you won't want to miss tomorrow's post. I have so many cover reveals, book blasts, and reviews in store for you guys as well. So excited!!

I know this post seems a bit rushed, I'm actually writing it via my cellphone. (Not an easy task.. AT All) So if you spot any grammar mistakes, opps. Lol. I gotta get going, it's almost dinner time.

Take care,
Helena