Valia Lind's Blog, page 12

BEA 2014 Recap!

   Hello lovelies,
   I know, I know, FINALLY. A lot of you have been asking for a recap, but I really didn't want to post one until I filmed my BEA Book Haul. Well, I guess it'll have to be a different post, because here we go.

   Day Before.

In a cab from the airport.    I got into NYC on Wednesday, around 17:00, and didn't get to my hotel till about 18:00-18:30. My CP, Amy, was already in town and she went to the Teen Author Carnival. After situating myself at the hotel, that's where I headed to meet up with her and go to dinner. Getting there meant taking the Subway...by MYSELF. I walked over to Times Square (which is about seven minutes walk from the hotel) and got on the train. JUST LIKE A NEW YORKER. BOOM.
Just taking a stroll.

   I met some authors at the carnival, but ended up taking a picture with Jen and Cara only. I know, I'm horrible. Julie Kagawa was there as well! They're all such sweethearts, I can't even.
Jen Jen!!!  The amazing Cara!!!    Afterwards, we went out to Mac Bar for dinner. Amy introduced me to DJ (who is the nicest ever) and Liz (she has amazing hair). New friends, yay!

Yum!   Day One. 

   Or another name would be- LET THE MADNESS BEGIN.

The coolest CP around, Amy!   This was my first year at BEA, so I had no idea what was going on. Amy and I walked over to the event together, since we were staying in the same hotel, and started out our day with Starbucks. Bless the book people and their love for coffee! Also, I might've freaked out over the fact that my badge said Author! :)

   I created a list of events I wanted to go to, but let me tell you, that only worked for a few. It's so different once you're there and the energy is flowing and you just want to be everywhere at once. Amy and I separated randomly throughout the day, but ended up sitting in a few lines together.
   The Harlequin Teen lines was nuts, but we actually got there in time to get to meet everyone.



   I also got to meet R.L.Stine which was such a huge deal for me, I can't even describe it. When I first came to America, I read a lot of his books and Christopher Pike's. It was fun to chat with R.L. Stine about Russia (since his grandparents are from there) and we even got to take a picture!
AMAZING!!!
   The other HUGE highlight of the day was meeting Brenda Pandos face to face (FINALLY). We've been reading each others books for years and have never met. I spent a good hour trying to find the Amazon Publishing booth and when I finally did, Brenda found me! She is seriously one of my favorite people and I'm so excited we were able to meet up.
Such a sweetheart!   There were a few "big" names around, so I took pictures walking by. Billy Idol ended up throwing a punch my way and that was kind of cool.

   I actually ended up leaving the even around 16:00. I didn't buy tickets to some of the later signings and I was honestly so tired by then. Plus, I was so hungry. You really don't get to take a moment to eat if you don't plan on it.

   I ended up going out to dinner with Brenda, Kristi Cook, and Chrissy. We went to this Italian family restaurant and had some delicious pizza. Afterwards, we decided to walk the streets of New York, instead of getting a cab and that was just fantastic. We talked and laughed and got turned around a few times. It is definitely one of my favorite memories from this trip.
Keste Pizza and Vino Washington Square Park Empire State Building
   Day Two. 

   Or another name would be - OMW IT'S MY SIGNING DAY.


   It started out with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from a local deli. Fuel, baby!
   Then, while we were standing in line, DJ and Amy pushed me WAY out of my comfort zone and made me go down the line, giving out my bookmarks and inviting people to my signing. I can't even tell you how proud I was of myself, because like most authors, I just rather sit and write. Coming up to random people is not my forte.
 
   I have to be honest, I was excited about the day and all the authors I would meet, but my mind was on my signing pretty much all day. I was bummed we didn't get to Sarah J. Maas line, but people waited more than 2 hours in that line, so it just didn't work out for us.

   Also, more big names were around!
Kathy Reichs! Jane Lynch   I also got to meet my girl Rachel Harris. And the awesome Erica Cameron. And Megan Whitmer (who I did not get a picture with. Fail). And Kelsey Macke.


  They're so pretty, I can't even handle it!   Another point of awesome, I got to meet Jesse the Reader, Kat from Katytastic, Christine from PolandBannanasBooks, Ariel Bissett, and Jeremy West. Yes, I'm a huge BookTuber fan and these guys are FANTASTIC. They were the sweetest, while I fangirled all over them, so yeah. That happened.

    And I would insert a picture here but I didn't take one so ALL THE TEARS.

   Then, it was time for my signing.

   I honestly don't even know how to talk about this without tearing up a little. It was the best experience ever. I had a line pretty much as soon as I sat down, and I was out of books in 20 minutes.

    20 MINUTES, people! WHAT????

    I basically have no words. So here are some pictures.

This girl was the sweetest! So glad I got to meet her! AH! There I am! A LINE!! Woot woot!
   After the event was over, Amy and I ended up going out to dinner at Times Square. It was awesome to spend time with my CP, talking about books and life in general. She is the best and I am beyond blessed to have her in my life.


Day Three.

   Or another name would be - WHAT WHERE THEY THINKING?

   Seriously, MADNESS. It was the day of BookCon and they just didn't plan this out well because it was way too crazy for words.
Yes, Cassie Clare in the house!
   I did, however, get to meet Lanie from Ginger Reads, Shannon from Cozy Tea Reads, and Kassidy Voinche. I'm a huge fan of them on BookTube as well, so that was lots of fun! They are the sweetest!
(And yes, once again, I've failed at taking pictures. Boo).

   I also got to meet and hang out with two amazing ladies, Vicki Leigh and J.A. Ward. We ended up standing in line for Maggie together. I also met Tawny Bland there, which made me laugh because she's from AZ.
Maggie!!!   Sadly, this was my last day at NYC and I had to leave the convention center by 11:30 to make it to the airport on time.
The view from my room. It was hard to say goodbye.   I cannot even describe the amazing experience I had in the city. I loved being in NYC, I love that city so much, but what made it so much more special are all the amazing people I met.

   I know I'm forgetting names, I'm sorry! I cannot even describe how amazing it was to have people come up to you and know you before you have even introduced yourself. As exhausting and crazy as this experience was, it was the best and it has rejuvenated my author blood and I can't wait to get to know all of these wonderful people better!

  Well, this was a long post! Hope you made it through! I'll be filming and posting a Book Haul video from the event, maybe today or tomorrow.

   Also, if you did meet me, make sure to say hi! I want to keep in touch with all of you beautiful darlings!

   Much love,

   Valia
 

Teaser Tuesday & Gift Card Giveaway: Falling #2

   Hello there lovelies, 
   I know, I know. It’s been a while. But I decided I wanted to bring back Teaser Tuesday for all of you wonderful people!   I am deep in the revision cave, trying to make this book awesome and amazing (while working on a few other things for you). Chance and Dakota are such different characters from Brooklynn and Grayson. Their story took me by surprise, but I love them too much not to write it the way they want me to write it. Anyway, without any farther delay, here’s some Chance and Grayson for you!

   “I didn’t know he was coming,” my friend states, after a few moments of silence. I grab some cups, putting them on the counter in between us before I say anything. “I just don’t get it, Gray. I should be used it.”“It’s never easy watching someone you care about in someone else’s arms.”“Please don’t get all poetic on me. It sucks okay? It freakishly sucks and I want to punch a wall.” I lean against the island, my knuckles white where they’re holding onto the side of the granite. I’m so much better at controlling myself than this. What is wrong with me? “Hey, you’re the writer around here. I thought you’d appreciate my eloquently put words.” He grins broadly, completely proud of himself and I grunt in response. “Shut up.” This makes him grin even bigger, but whatever. He can laugh at me all he wants. I remember just mere months ago he was the one walking around moping like a school girl with a crush, and I tell him so. “Yes, that’s true. Which is why I totally forgive you for being annoying.” “Seriously, man. Shut up.” He’s laughing outright now and I have an urge to punch him in the face just to shut him up. I’m really losing it, ain’t I? I don’t realize I ask the question aloud until Grayson stops dialing and looks up at me with a serious look in his eyes. “It’s understandable. You’re not the first guy to lose it over a girl.”“No, but I’m probably the only guy who’s still losing it over a girl who’ve rejected him for seven years straight.” “Hey, at least you’re committed.”“Or need to be committed,” I grunt under my breath.
Awe, my poor Chance. So, while I’m deep in my revision cave, I have not forgotten about you. Comment below for a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card!Tell me what you think of the teaser, or Chance, or Dakota, or if you’re reading something interesting! I’ll pick winners at the end of the week. Hugs and smooches, Valia 

BEA 2014, Here I Come (in gif form)!!!!

   Hello lovelies, 

   So, in case you can't tell by my title, I am excited about BEA! So SO excited. 



Does that mean that in my excitement I am all ready to go? That would be a definite no. I have one outfit in my suitcase. Maybe. 
   But that's besides the point because it's BEA time and I'M READY!




   Now, if you're going, I WANT TO SEE YOU!


   In case you missed it, I have a signing:

        Friday, May 30th       1:00-2:00pm        Location: Table 3005

   I'll be signing copies of Falling by Design and talking about my new book, if you're into that kind of a thing. 
                                                 
   I'm so excited to have the opportunity to go and meet all the wonderful bookish people. If you're around, come say hi! I'll probably be the one giddy with glee, walking (or skipping) around. Seriously, if you see me, DON'T BE SHY. Come say hi!!!




   Much love, 

   Valia 

Book Spotlight: The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz

   Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

Goodreads.com

   Paige hasn't had an easy life. She sees people no one else does, everyone thinks she's crazy, even her parents are more than concerned. Then, she gets attacked at school and the new kid, Logan is there to save the day and also to explain to Paige that she is definitely not crazy. And that's when the real fun begins. 
   You guys know I'm a huge fan of Cara's writing. There's just something about the way she tells her stories that are very fun to read. I like Paige as a main character. She's got some real issues she has to deal with throughout the book, especially when it comes to figuring out who she's supposed to be. There are some things that come into play, and I was thinking, yep, you go girl! I'm excited to see where Cara takes her next. I feel like there's a lot of potential in Paige's character. 
   Now, let's talk about Logan. Yay for an adorable good guy character! Seriously. I feel like there are so many bad boy characters out there (not that I mind. I LOVE me some bad boys). But I also LOVE me some good guys and Logan is all kinds of good. He's just genuine and I adore that. And I liked his and Paige's friendship. 
   Cara has created a great story, with interesting characters and a crazy world that I honestly do not want to live in. Ha. (Once you read it, you'll understand). And I really think you should read it! I look forward to more of Cara's books and can't wait to continue with this series. Dark World comes out May 27th! Get it, read it, love it!

   Happy reading, 
   Valia 

Bout of Books 10.0 TBR!!!

   Hey there lovelies,

   So, I guess this is the year I try to participate in read-alongs. I've seen people's videos on YouTube about the Bout of Books read-a-thon but I've never participated before. I was also going to film a video, but since I've been a little under the weather, no one wants to see that. Ha.
   Anyway, I'm being a little ambitions. I'm planning on reading a total of 6 books this week, which is a big number for me. With work and finishing this book, I'm going to do my best, but I guess we'll see. I am off to a good start tho! I've already finished one book today.
   I'm going to go ahead and post a picture of my reading pile and then add the covers and goodreads links if you want to follow me and gauge my progress.
   Good luck to everyone participating! I'm excited!


   And the ebook I've already finished...
Such a cute read!! I need more of these stories in my life. If you click on the cover, it'll take you to the Goodreads page. 






So excited to finally read this book! Did you know this book has a soundtrack? Yes! Love that!







This book has been on my TBR for way too long. I got it for review and never read it. Look at that cover tho! So beautiful.







So basically everyone I know has read this book, but me. I'm on a huge contemporary kick right now and after reading On the Fence, I can't wait to get into this one! It sounds awesome!






Okay, I have no idea why I've waited this long to start this series. I LOVED Vampire Academy and been looking forward to this series for a while. And then it just kind of slipped through my fingers. I own the first two books, so it's about time I started it.






I really enjoyed book one and book three just came out a few days ago. I'm excited to dive back into this story and see how it resolves itself. I love me a good survival adventure.






So, that is it for me! What are you guys reading? Anyone else participating? Let me know!

I'll see you on the other side.


Much love,
Valia 

Tempting the Bodyguard (Gable Brothers #3) by J.Lynn Release Day!!!

   
   We are extremely excited to celebrate the release of J. Lynn's TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD!!! TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD is an Adult category romance novel being published by Entangled Publishing’s Brazen imprint and is a part of Jennifer’s Gamble Brothers Series! 


   TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD Synopsis: 
   A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint… He can protect her from everyone except himself. Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous. Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy. She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...  

Amazon Barnes and Noble  


Jennifer L. Armentrout/J. Lynn Bio: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  
Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Jennifer L. ArmentroutGoodreadsNovel Goodreads ** J.LynnGoodreads

The Warrior by Victoria Scott Release Day!!!

   Entangled Teen is excited to be announcing the release of Victoria Scott’s, The Warrior, the third and final book in the Dante Walker series, which readers are already raving about!


About The Warrior:
   War between heaven and hell is coming, but Dante Walker makes it look damn good.

   Dante’s girlfriend, Charlie, is fated to save the world. And Aspen, the girl who feels like a sister, is an ordained soldier. In order to help both fulfill their destiny and win the war, Dante must complete liberator training at the Hive, rescue Aspen from hell, and uncover a message hidden on an ancient scroll.

   Dante is built for battle, but even he can’t handle the nightmares where spiders crawl from Aspen’s eyes, or the look on Charlie’s face that foretells of devastation. To make matters worse, the enemy seizes every opportunity to break inside the Hive and cripple the liberators. But the day of reckoning is fast approaching, and to stand victorious, Dante will have to embrace something inside himself he never has before—faith.
Find The Warrior Online:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FOB3IVI B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-brough-scott/1108160925?ean=9781622662784 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18621882-the-warrior?from_search=true
Author Bio:
Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe of the Harvey-Klinger Literary Agency. She’s the author of the FIRE & FLOOD series published by Scholastic, and the DANTE WALKER trilogy published by Entangled Teen. Her books have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets including the UK, Turkey, China, Poland, Israel, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.

Find Victoria Scott Online:
Website: http://www.victoriascottya.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VictoriaScottYA Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictoriaScott   Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3251728.Victoria_Scott

BEA, BEA Signing, and Other Randomness!

   Hello lovelies,

   Today I'm here to talk about shoes. No, I'm kidding. You all know I'm here to talk about BEA because DID YOU SEE THAT HEADER?
   That's right, ladies and gents, yours truly is going to BEA.
   *Round of applause*
Oh thanks you guys!   I can't even tell you how much of a dream come true this is for me. It was complete and total miracle for me to get the time off necessary to go and I'm so beyond excited. The MOST exciting part (except for meeting all you wonderful people) is the fact that my book is to be feature in the New Title Showcase. That's right. You get to see my pretty for the duration of the conference, in all of it beautiful glory. (No, I'm not biased at all).

   This brings me to the other MOST EXCITING part of BEA. I have a SIGNING! That's right. I, Valia Lind, author of Falling by Design, will be signing books at the New Title Showcase on Friday, May 30th at 1pm.

  CAN I GET A HOORAY???
  Okay, yes, I'm excited. I can't wait to go to NYC and spend time with all the wonderful people who make up the book community. If you're planning on being there, LET ME KNOW! I'd love to meet you and I'd LOVE for you to come to my signing!

   In other random news you all want to know....

   1. My YouTube channel is getting a bit of an upgrade. I decided I wanted to feature some book reviews along with all the other things I already do on the channel. Make sure you come and check that out!
   2. Book 2 of Falling series is in full swing! Chance and Dakota are having a blast dominating my writing right now and I'll be sharing some snippets of their story soon. So be on the lookout for that!
   3. In case you missed the little doodley-do on the side, you can now order SIGNED copies of Falling by Design from yours truly. If you can't make it to BEA, this is a great opportunity for all of you.
   4. Speaking of Falling by Design. Some of you have had questions for me in regards to the story and I want to be able to answer all of them. So if there is something that you would like to know when it comes to my book, ASK!!! I'll do a post where I answer all the questions I can!

   Okay, phew! I think that's all for now. HOW EXCITED ARE YOU?? I'm excited. Excited. Excited.

   Hope you all have a fantastic week!

   Much love,

   Valia

Book Spotlight: Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

So I haven't done a book spotlight in a while. Sorry about that. I'm going to try to get back to reviewing books more often for you wonderful people.

  
  After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking.

   From Goodreads.com

   
   Before I begin, can we please talk about this cover? I saw this book on Goodreads when the cover was first released and I added it to my TBR right then and there. Granted, I also really enjoyed the premise for the story, and let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. 

   I won't dive into the summary too much, because I feel like the small tidbit actually covers it pretty well. I loved the whole best friends on a road trip story, and this one pulled me right in. 
   Meet Reagan. She's your average troublesome tough girl. Honestly? She took me by surprise a bit when I first started the story. Maybe it's just because I haven't ready many stories with bad girl protagonist, but I have to say, I had to love Reagan. Well, except at the end of the book when she was stubborn, but that's a different point. What I liked about Reagan is how real she was. There wasn't any fluff about her, she just tells it like she sees it. Sure, she's cynical and untrustworthy and broken, but aren't we all a little? And I think that's why I could relate to her so much. 
   The other part of the story that I truly loved is the Reagan and Dee's friendship. Maybe I just need more contemporary in my life, but sometimes I feel like friendships get overlooked in books in leu of romance or other big deal problems. I really liked seeing how real Reagan and Dee were with each other, how it was truly about the other person for them. It's having one person pick up the broken pieces and hold you while you're trying to put them together, while, sometimes, crying your eyes out. It's what best friends are for and these two showed it well. 
   And yes, Matt. Let's talk about Matt. Oh holy goodness, that boy. He's just so undeniably sweet and good and everything a girl needs in her life. I loved how basically good he was, no pretenses with those he cared most about. He took care of those around him and he fought for what he wanted. Yes, his life wasn't perfect, but he did good with what's been handed to him and I respect that. I especially loved him and Reagan together. The tension between them was thick and real and so much fun to read as it all unraveled. It was just so good!
   Open Road Summer is the perfect read for all those whole love stories of true friendship, figuring out who you are, and finding those special people you can trust. I'm excited to see what Emery Lord has in store for us next! Open Road Summer is now out. Get it, read it, love it!

   Happy reading, 

    Valia 

BOOK 2 Questions Answered!!!!

   Hey lovelies,

   Okay, I know you've all been waiting to hear things about book two. Some of you have asked, some of you have hinted, and I just vaguely smiled and waved at you passing by. I'm SORRY! Really, I am. I hate keeping things from you, but you know how it is. Waiting and hoping and wishing is just part of this crazy world.

   Well, the wait is OVER!

   Because I can finally answer that burning question on everyone's mind who have read and loved Brooklynn and Grayson's story.
   Drum roll please...


---



----




-----


   Okay, I am torturing you for no reason.

   YES! THERE WILL BE BOOK TWO!!!!

   *Throws confetti*

   But WAIT!!! It's not a sequel. It is a COMPANION NOVEL.

   Book Two is about Chance and Dakota. AH!!! *Happy Dance*

   A lot of you have said how much you loved Brooklynn's friends and now you will get to know them better and hopefully, love them even MORE.
   And don't worry, there's still plenty of Brooklynn and Grayson in book two.
   This book is SO MUCH fun to write, but it's definitely different from Falling by Design. The first book concentrated on following your dreams and fighting for what your heart desires. Well, book two takes the other side of things.

   WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR HEART WANTS? What if you don't know what your goals and dreams are? What if life throws rocks your way and you have no idea how to deal?

   I know it may not be what you would expect, but I promise you, the book is still true to the first one in all its sweet and heartbreaking moments. I hope it will be just as big of an encouragement to you as the first one.
   Make sure you follow me on all the social media because I have MORE news to share with you in the future. I'll also be posting teasers and giveaways, so keep your eyes out!

   I heart you all to pieces!

   Valia

   PS. Also, if you'd like to order SIGNED COPIES of FALLING BY DESIGN, now you can!! Just click here ---> SIGNED BOOKS

HUGS