Valia Lind's Blog, page 19

Road Trip Wednesday: Check in - Writing/Reading Goals!

Hello lovelies, 

     So I saw the Road Trip topic for this week and I realized, this is a mighty fine question and one that needs to be answered. 

     This Week's Topic: Quarterly check-ins! We're already 1/4 of the way through the year--where are you on your reading and writing goals?

     This Week's Road Trip Song: Tonight I'm Getting Over You by Carly Rae Jepsen (because I'm slightly obsessed with this jewel at the moment). 

     Let's talk writing goals. Seriously, I may need an intervention, or whatnot, when it comes to this particular topic. I need to stop staring projects! My head is just overflowing with ideas and I seemed to have to get them all on paper at the same time. 
     How crazy am I? (Don't answer that.)

     But seriously, I have two distinct WIP's on my plate right now and I decided that I'm going to work on both of them. 
     At the same time. Que the screaming and the hollering. 

     I know I'm probably taking too much on (especially considering my work madness) but I want to give it a try. One is a magical kind of a story and one is an adventure suspense. I'm having too much fun with both of these at the moment and I'm hoping I don't go stark raving mad and actually finish both.


     Now, let's talk about reading goals. Mostly, right now, I just want to make sure I'm reading. I know that's not much of a goal, maybe, but sometimes, when I'm in the middle of a story, I forget the part where I NEED to read. Reading makes me a better writer. Reading makes me think. Reading is just all together a good brain exercise. I have read 19 books to date and I kind of love that. I'm hoping I'll keep up. 

    So what about you? Where are you on your reading/writing goals?  

     I'd love to hear all about it!

     Much love, 

     Valia 

Book Spotlight: The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

From goodreads.com

   Guys, I've been sitting on this review for two months! I don't even know how I contained my excitement until now, but somehow I did. Well, mostly it's because I talked about the book nonstop anyway. *snickers* But I'm way ahead of myself here. 

   The Nightmare Affair is a story of Dusty Everhart, a real life Nightmare. This is not a technical term, it's a magical one. It's her job to sit on top of unsuspecting victims and drink their dream juice. Then, she is partnered up with Eli Booker, the hot guy from her old school. Not that sitting on a hot guy is all that hard, but then things turn wonky and the real fun begins. 

   I loved everything about this book. The cover? Gorgeous to boot. The characters? Fun, fresh, and all so real. The adventure? Exciting! The hot boy? Swoon worthy. 
Dusty was a great main character. Sure she had her ups and down, but that's what makes any character a real one. I could totally see myself going to school with this girl and becoming her friend. 
   Eli, oh man, Eli. Well, he's all kinds of hot and swoony and I loved his character. I loved seeing him develop as an individual, just like Dusty did. And them together? Oh boy! I think one of the biggest parts of their relationship that I enjoyed is that it wasn't insta-love and bam, they're together. No, they had their ups and downs, their other relationships, but in the end, the chemistry between them was just a little too sizzling. 
   There is so much more I can tell you about this book but really, you just need to read it for yourself. If you are fans of magic and good solid writing, then this is a book for you. 

   The world Mindee created is magical, exciting, and fascinating, with characters who keep you on your toes and tug at your heart strings. 
TOMORROW!!! IT COMES OUT TOMORROW!   The Nightmare Affair comes out March 5th, 2013. Get it, read it, LOVE it! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Road Trip Wednesday: Favorite Read of February 2013

Hello lovelies, 

It's been a while since I've participated in the Road Trip Wednesday, but today, I just couldn't pass it up. 


Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question that begs to be answered. In the comments, you can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.
We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link - or, if you prefer, you can include your answer in the comments.
This Week's Topic: What's the best book you've read in February?
The best book I've read in February is none other than The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

First of all, look at that cover. I'm a huge fan of the lettering and the shadows and the color. Seriously, Tor Teen did GOOD! You know who else did good? Mindee!!! This book is all kinds of AWESOME. Seriously, do you see the caps? Because I'm using caps here. I'm seriously in love with this book! Guys, I read it in one big swoop. Couldn't put it down! I love the story, the characters, the EVERYTHING. The story is fun, quirky, and unique. It reminded me a bit of Hex Hall series, which is one of my FAVORITES. I'll be posting a full review in March, but I had to share something about it. It was just that AMAZING ;)
WANT MORE NOW!
Because I'm pretty much feeling like this about this book:

And maybe a bit of this?
And one more for the road.
I'm done for now but there will be a full blown review sometime in March. 
What's the best book you've read in February? 
Much love, Valia 

Cover Reveal & Big News: Wait for You by J.Lynn

Hey guys, I am SO BEYOND excited to share this amazing cover and book with you! You know how much I adore everything Jennifer writes and I've been looking forward to this book for what seems like ever. Now, on to the reveal and awesome news!
What do early readers have to say about WAIT FOR YOU?“J. Lynn creates a wonderful cast of characters that will make you laugh, swoon, and cry. Cam stole my heart.” – Cora Carmack, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of LOSING IT“For the love of all that is Cameron without a shirt on! Wait for You will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself and anxiously waiting to know what will happen next.” – Molly McAdams, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of FROM ASHES and TAKING CHANCES“I don't think I have ever read a NA Contemporary novel with as much depth as this one. It really moved me and by the end I was just speechless over how inspirational and uplifting it was as well as being sexy and cute and funny and emotional.” - K Books
“Wait For You is uniquely different from anything else J. Lynn's written but it might possibly be her best work yet.” – Jenuine Cupcakes
“For all of you in love with Aiden and Daemon, PREPARE YOURSELVES! Your heart will have to expand a little more for Cam.” Total Bookaholic
“For the love of all things CAM, this book deserves more than 5 stars.” – Mundie Moms
“I cannot even begin to explain how much I adored this perfectly crafted contemporary.” – Shortie Says
Excited? Ready to see the cover for WAIT FOR YOU? 



SynopsisSome things are worth waiting for…Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.Some things are worth experiencing…Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.Some things should never be kept quiet…But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?And some things are worth fighting for…
WAIT FOR YOU is available now!Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Wait-for-You-ebook/dp/B00BLTOXEI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1361963407&sr=8-11&keywords=wait+for+you
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wait-for-you-j-lynn/1114701569?ean=2940016231921

 J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the adult romance Gamble Brothers’ series, the young adult Lux Series and award winning Covenant Series. She pretty much writes everything—contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. All of her books have one thing in common no matter the name or genre: kissing… and stuff. When she’s not busy writing, which is never, she’s usually hanging out with dog Loki, watching reruns of The Walking Dead, or procrastinating on the Internet. You can find out more about Jennifer by visiting the following websites:Twitter
https://twitter.com/JLArmentroutFacebook
http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentroutWebsite:
http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/I'm so excited I don't even know what to do with myself. Oh yes, I'm just going to go read the book now! 
Happy reading, Valia 

Book Spotlight: Spellcaster (Spellcaster #1) by Claudia Gray

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed. 

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

From goodreads.com

   The story begins with Nadia and her family moving to a new town. Her mother left, leaving Nadia to fend for herself in the world of magic, and now she needs her more than ever. New town is not all it seems and Nadia must do everything in her power to protect the people she loves. 
   I'm a fan of Claudia Gray and I enjoyed Spellcaster and all the magic. Nadia was a good character that had to undergo some growing. I really liked seeing her love for her father and brother. I love when siblings get along in books, and especially when there's an older sister protecting her younger brother. I liked Nadia's relationship with her father as well. I really thought the family dynamic was good in the story and I enjoyed that aspect. 
   The other characters in the story were interesting enough. Mateo, oh Mateo. He's a sweetie for sure. I would like to see more of the romantic interactions between Nadia and Mateo, but I guess I'll be satisfied for now. I liked seeing Mateo grow as a character and I'm looking forward to finding out more about them. 
   I think my favorite part of the story was the unique way Ms Gray wrote the magic. Pitch Dark website posted a few of these rules and spells on their website and I couldn't help but post them here. I loved the way the spells were written and executed. It was unique and beautiful. 


 Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The world of magic was beautiful and poetic, the main characters lovable and sweet. I look forward to seeing where Ms Gray takes the story in the coming books. Spellcaster is out March 5th, 2013. Get it, read it, love it!

Happy reading, 
Valia 

There is something I wanted to share with you...and a GIVEAWAY

So it's been a while. 

I know, I know. I always say I'll be better at the whole blogging thing and here I am over a week later, finally posting something. I've been a little preoccupied with querying and starting a new project. 
Did I mention I'm starting a new project??? Well, my feels are as follows:






Seriously, don't you love the feeling of starting something new? The unknown? The freedom to do anything you please. No rules, no accountability. Well, beside accountability to yourself but still. I'm excited. Can you tell I'm excited? 
Because I am! 

In spirit of my excitement, I decided to share some pictures from my Pinterest board of ideas for this new book (and a GIVEAWAY) This is just a little glimpse into where my story is going. You ready? 

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What do you think? Are you intrigued? What do you think I'm writing about? 
Leave a comment below and be entered to win a random swag pack.
Happy Valentine's Day world! :-D

Much love, 
Valia 

Blog Tour: Open Heart by Emlyn Chand & Giveaway!

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead broke and insanely overprotective, and... oh yeah, he's blind.

Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger.

With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.

Amazon † BN

Simmi Shergill's life is a mess. Her powers of psychic feeling are on the fritz, and Grandon Township's sudden population boom has brought quite a few unsavory characters to town. She also looks like an over-blown balloon in her size 14 pants, but not even starving herself seems to be helping.

At least she has Alex, the boyfriend who loves her so much he'd do anything for her. Last summer, he even risked his life to protect her from the mysterious boy everyone was convinced wanted to kill her.

Just one problem: she's not so sure she feels the same way. Is Alex really the man of her dreams? Why can't she stop fixating on her would-be killer, Dax? Part of her wants to run screaming in the other direction whenever Dax is around, while the other part longs to run into his embrace, no matter whom she'd hurt or what she'd risk.

Simmi's loyalty is on the line. Whom will she choose—the blind seer who loves her, or the charming telekinetic with "bad idea" written all over him? Emotions run high in the tension-packed book two of the Farsighted series.

Amazon † BN
MY REVIEW:Open Heart is the second book in the Farsighted series and it's a unique book at that. This book is different from the first one because now we get to read the story from Simmi's point of view. Her story is unlike other stories of every teenage girl. She struggles with the same concepts of life we all go through. Everyone has a point in their lives when they compare themselves to others and want to be like someone they're not. Simmi struggles with that throughout the book. It's something relatable, something understandable, and it's written well. Emlyn takes an important issue and shows it play out in a lovable character's life. You kind of hate and love Simmi for most of the book. On the other side of things is Alex, the perfect boyfriend. He's sweet and considerate and he's desperate not to loose the girl he loves. It's interesting to read him from the "outside" point of view. Simmi has to make a lot of decisions in this book, concerning herself and her relationship with Alex. There are other characters that come in to play and I'll be interested to see how the story plays out in the future. This is definitely one of those series that are different and lovable. I'm excited to see what's coming! 
Other books in the series...



About The Author... From an early age, Emlyn Chand has counted books among her best friends. She loves to hear and tell stories and emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). Her affinity for the written word extends to absolutely every area of her life: she has published three novels and three children’s books with plans for many more of each, leads a classics book group with almost five-hundred members, and, of course, runs the whole shebang at Novel Publicity.

The book that changed Emlyn’s life is Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson. It opened her eyes to the world that could exist if only she was willing to create it—a lesson she has never forgotten. While she enjoys all types of novels, her greatest loves are literary fiction and YA. She’s best known for her Farsighted series and is developing a slow but steady following for the Bird Brain Books. She’s eager to see how her women’s fiction novel, Torn Together, will be received by the reading masses.

Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Blog
GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Happy reading, 

Valia 

Friday Five: It's Update Time!

Hello lovelies,

Can I honestly say that I never know what to talk about here? Seriously, I'm probably the worst blogger out there. My mind has been a little jumbled lately, considering I've been working on edits of every kind for the past few weeks. 
So let's talk some updates:

1. Last saturday, I went to YAllapalooza and met some awesome people. I adore book events. Even as tired as I was after full night of work, I'm glad I made it. If you guys have never been to a book signing or an event, MAKE TIME. It's worth it. :)
Suzanne Young and Shannon Messenger :-D2. You know how I have that NaNoWriMo project? How I've been working on revisions for that? Well, last night (or more accurately this morning) I finished. This is revisions number--I'm not exactly sure actually. I've rewritten parts of that book and deleted chapters and just went crazy too many times to count. But GUYS, it is finished! And pretty. And off to make my CP nuts (probably). 

3. So, today is February 1st (in case you guys missed that). I looked on my goodreads page and realized I read 12 books last month. WHAT? I'm not exactly sure how I managed that. Seriously, NO idea. But here's a few I will recommend without a shadow of a doubt. My review for Scarlet is up and you can see all the all there. The review for The Nightmare Affair will be up closer to the release date, but guys, you NEED this book (there's a small review up on goodreads. It's full of fangirling). 
4. A week from today, I'll be going to California and I CANNOT WAIT!!! My bestie and I are taking a weekend trip for my birthday and I just wanted to let everyone know because there will be pictures and lots of pictures during that time. Just FYI! :)

5. Last but definitely not least (this has nothing to do with writing or reading) but I started walking every morning and I'm loving it!!! If you've been following me for any length of time, you know I'm not a morning person. But since I get off work at 7AM, I decided to get home and do some walking (and sometimes running). I love it! Clears the mind and keeps me moving. Also, I get to see things like sunrises :) 
 Well, that is all for me! What's going on in your life, beautiful people? I'd love to hear all about it!

Much love, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

From Goodreads.com

     In the second book of the Lunar Chronicles, we meet Scarlet. She's a hardworking and loyal young lady, set in her ways. When her grandmother is kidnapped, Scarlet goes against everything everyone tells her and determines to do whatever it takes to get her back. When her path intersects with Wolf, a mysterious street fighter, she must decide if she can trust him to help her in her quest. On the other side of the things is Cinder. Imprisoned, she works her way out of her predicament and sets off on a journey of her own. Scarlet is an adventure like no other. 
     Honestly, I had no idea what to think of this book. I LOVED Cinder to pieces and I mean LOVED. I had no idea what to expect from the first book and the same was true for book two. Let me be honest and say, IT BLEW ME AWAY. 
Seriously, prepare yourself for a lot of feels. 
     Scarlet is an amazing character. I loved seeing her come alive on the pages. Her attitude, her strong convictions, the fact that she won't give up on her family are all characteristics of a great person. I had so much fun following her story. Then there's Wolf. Who would've thought you can get swoonie over him, but HOLY MOLY did I ever?! I loved the different perspective on his character. His tortured soul and protective instincts will make all girls go "awww". Together, these two, complement each other in a way that is refreshing. Honestly, I had no idea what I was going to think reading about them, but I definitely didn't expect to read all of 464 pages in one day. 
     On the other side of the story is Cinder and her journey. I was very interested to see just how Marissa will write these two characters into the same book and I wasn't disappointed. I loved seeing Cinder and her strong spirit and her journey. (Also, need more prince Kai). I'm really excited to see what happens next because OMW the ending is AHH!!! 
     Marissa's writing is excellent, her characters outstanding, and her storytelling fabulous. Seriously, I had no idea how something like Cinder or Scarlet could exist, but now I can't imagine it NOT! I've read the reviews on goodreads and can now join the rank and say, SCARLET IS EVEN BETTER THAN CINDER.  I cannot tell you how excited I am for what's to come. I'm sure Marissa is going to crush our little fangirl (or boy) hearts, but I'm looking forward to it! :-)
     Scarlet comes out February 5, 2013. Get it, read it, love it!

     Happy reading, 

     Valia 

Book Spotlight: Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

From Goodreads.com

Things I Can't Forget is a story about Kate, the good girl who has to make some tough decisions in her life. Summer time comes and Kate sets off to work as a counselor at the local camp. There she meets a boy from her childhood, Matt, who is no longer how she remembers him. Together, these two must overcome their own insecurities and make choices that will change their lives forever. 

You guys all know I adore Miranda's writing. Her characters are what drives her stories and I love that. Kate is unlike your typical heroines. She is a good girl and she's not ashamed of it. I loved that about Kate because so often, it's the bad girls who get all the attention. Even though she had some things to work through, I loved that she took a stand and stayed true to it. 

Now Matt, oh darling Matt. I swear Miranda cannot write bad male leads. I have loved Henry and Will to pieces, and Matt is no different. He is also a good boy and he's not afraid to be. I think this is the part of the book that I love the most; the fact that you can be the "good" child with strong convictions and be happy. You don't have to be rebellious and such to have fun. I loved Kate and Matt together and I really enjoyed seeing the mutual respect between these two. For how young they are, they acted mature when it came to their relationship and it was great to see. 

Yes, this book wasn't all beds of roses, but it was well written and showed different aspects of teenage life that people may not think about. Things I Can't Forget is a sweet story of standing up for what you believe, loving with your whole heart, and being who you are. The book comes out March 1st! 

Happy reading, 
Valia