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

31 Day Blogging Challenge- March Edition! (Day #1)

Accepted Readers,

 The 31 Day Blogging Challenge is back! I participated in the October 2013 challenge and enjoyed it so much that I signed up to do it again! I posted every day in the month of October... let's see if I can do the same for this month! This challenge came at the perfect time because I have been a bit sluggish when it comes to blogging. This challenge may give me the push that I've been needing.
    
Get off your blogging behind this March! We can do it, we can do it! Join Here
  

Keep reading for more information about this awesome event. :)

What Is It?

The Goal: 
 Publish 31 posts in 31 days. 

The posts can be about anything you want and do not have to be posted by a certain time each day.

What You Need To Do:

1. Write a post
2. Publish a post
3. Tweet a link to your post on Twitter with the hashtag #31dbc
4. Comment on 1-2 blog posts

  
 Why you should join:

You will have access to a wonderful supportive team:
Once you sign up for the event (registration is free), you receive daily emails filled with tips and support to get your creative juices flowing. A little motivation can go a long way!

Increase traffic to your blog and meet fellow bloggers:

The more readers the better right? No blog can ever have TOO many followers! It's also great to chat with fellow bloggers... their tips/advice and support can help out a great deal.

A Challenge with a prize:

Every person who joins the challenge has a chance to win a $50 gift card if they publish 31 posts in 31 days.

This is just my basic run-down of the event. 
Information used from: http://conversation2sales.com/

Check out the: FAQ

Sign up

BEFORE I GO

Wish me luck guys! I'm going to need it...the October challenge kicked my butt. I need ideas for what types of posts you guys would like to see... (It can be anything; it's not limited to book related posts) 

I will be bringing back a few weekly posts that I haven't done for a long while including Hele's Top 5 and tags/challenges. I will also be getting back on track and catching up with Short Story Weekly.

If you do decide to join, please leave comment below telling me you did! I would love to stop by and check out your posts!
  

I hope you guys enjoy this journey with me!

*Release Day Blitz* Twisted Bliss

Title: Twisted Bliss

Author: C.A. Williams

Release Date: February 26, 2014

Genre: New Adult

Synopsis

Finding yourself is all a part of life, and Della McGregor is finally happy with who she has become, even though she’s still missing something. She’s learned along the way that life isn’t always a perfect love story, but she may have missed her one shot at it. Unforeseen events might just stop that from happening. Justin Parker is done with the whole love thing, Della made sure of that. Old habits are hard to break, and his world is tilted on its side when dealing with the chaos. Is their love strong enough to find their way back to each other, or will their paths lead elsewhere? 

Buy Twisted Bliss for only $2.99!!
Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~  Kobo

Chaotic, book one of the series, is on sale for only $0.99!

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~ B&N ~ Kobo

GIVEAWAY

(2) e-book sets of Chaotic and Twisted Bliss

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.A. Williams is the author of The Journey Series, Full Count, Imperfect Perfection Series, and The Crush; all of the New Adult Genre. She lives in Michigan and is married to her high school sweetheart. When she's not busy typing away at a new book, she's also trying to juggle three little ones. While being a stay at home to her three little ones, she likes to read and write, in between cleaning up messes and being a short order cook. 

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page

*NEW RELEASE* Deviant by Callie Hart

*DISCLAIMER*  

Accepted Readers,

I wanted to give warning to any younger readers that the following book is suitable for a mature audience only. The book an exotic, dark romance novella that contains sexual situations and may not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Continue at your own desire. If not, please skip this post and check out one of my all audience friendly reviews. 

*DISCLAIMER*

*BOOK HIGHLIGHT* Growing Pains Series by K.F. Breene

Title: Growing Pains (series)

Author: K.F. Breene

Genre: New Adult contemporary romance

On the tail-end of her ex-boyfriend crashing through a restraining order and putting her in the hospital, Krista realizes that the only way to effectively escape her past is to put distance between it. She gets her life back on track in San Francisco with a job that has limitless potential.

Unfortunately, to achieve her dreams, she must brave the star of the company; a charming and handsome salesman that isn’t used to the word no. Krista tries to run from him at every turn, but his pull continually sucks her back in; her hesitancy to trust the only thing saving her from being another notch on a bedpost.

Sean never has to try with women. He's the type of guy to jump in with both feet, get bored, and sprint right back out. But when a geeky new hire stumbles through the company, befuddling him with a keen intellect he doesn’t expect, he starts to lose his way. Before he knows it, all his efforts are concentrated around trying to capture the interest of the only woman to run when he tries to deliver a line. As she opens up, so does he, landing him in a terrain as disconcerting as it is invigorating.

The growing pains box set is currently on sale for 99 cents on Amazon, for a limited time! That's three books for under a buck! 

A wine country native, K.F. Breene moved to San Francisco for college just shy of a decade ago to pursue a lifelong interest in film. As she settled into the vibrant city, it quickly became apparent that, while she thought making and editing films was great fun, she lacked cinematic genius. For that reason, her career path quickly changed direction. Her next goal was a strange childhood interest, conjured at the dining room table while filling out a form. For some reason, her young self wanted to be an accountant. Thinking on it now, she often wonders how she had any friends. Regardless, it was the direction she finally took.

While she could wrangle numbers with the best of 'em, and even though she wore the crown as the most outspoken, belligerent accountant in the world, her mind got as stuffy as her daily routine. It was here that she dusted off her creative hat and began writing. Now she makes movies in her head, not worried about lighting, shutter speed or editing equipment. Turns out, a computer is much easier to manage than a crowd of actors. She should know, she was an actor at one time.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

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*COVER REVEAL* Dead Girl Walking by Ruth Silver

Title: Dead Girl Walking
Series: Royal Reaper (#1)
Author: Ruth Silver
Expected Publication: Summer 2014
Publisher: Patchwork Press
Genre: YA, Paranormal Fantasy
Cover Design: Erica Crouch

In 1346, Princess Ophelia Dacre sneaks out of the castle to visit her boyfriend in secret. A perfect night cut short when she’s brutally murdered.

Ophelia is given the rare chance to become a grim reaper. She must become Leila Bele, cut ties with her old life, and follow the rules of the reapers. Her greatest adventure begins with death.

EXCERPT

"The scroll chose you. For whatever reason, she's your reap."

"Well, that sucks." Leila chewed her bottom lip. "If I don't do it?" 

Edon hesitated before he said, "Her soul will rot inside her body. Do you have any idea what that’s like? She'll be a living corpse, a shell of a person. She won't feel anything including love. We as reapers, the undead, feel more than she ever will alive." 

Leila swallowed the lump in her throat. "How do you know that?" 

"Because I've seen what it does to a person," Edon said. "That little girl deserves better."

MY OPINION

I like this cover, but it's a bit boring to me. It needs a spark factor BUT it still catches my attention. The color scheme gives off a melancholy feel that complements the blurb. The font style and color used on the book's title goes well with the overall cover design. I think the author's name should be larger and in a different font style because it blends in with the background so much it's hardly noticeable.

I adore how the girl is looking up at the sky like she is longing for something. Her dress is really pretty, makes me wonder where is going or where she is coming from. My favorite thing about this cover is the sky and water in the background; together they draw your eyes to the girl. She is without a doubt the focal point of this cover.

What do you guys think of this cover? Does it catch your attention?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruth Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005.  While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004.  Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories.  Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. 

   

Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing.  She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories.  Her debut novel published by Lazy Day Publishing and Patchwork Press, ABERRANT, was released April 2013.  The second novel in the series, MOIRAI, continues the saga. ISAURA, is the final installment in the ABERRANT trilogy. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager.  Her current writing projects include a YA science-fiction fantasy series, ORENDA, and a YA/NA paranormal series, DEAD GIRL WALKING. Both novels are due for release in 2014. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

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*PROMO TOUR* Dissecting Lies & Intentions

 

      

Genre Romance

Release Date February 14th 2014

 Synopsis

After a less than stellar ending to her seemingly perfect relationship, Christine decided to spend Valentine’s Day at the one place where her mind would stay good and occupied. The Emergency Room had a way making the day pass by quickly, yet when her former fling elects to change his schedule with another nurse, Christine finds herself in a situation she can’t avoid. Can she finally set aside her fears and take a leap of faith? Or will her assumptions about Mitch prove her to be unlucky in love?

         

______________________________________

About the Author

Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales. Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved bounded diaries. She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat secret hobby. As a busy wife, mother and critical care nurse, Allie’s love of storytelling has been reborn through the adventures of her unforgettable characters.

 

 

Connect with Allie Jean!

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