Valia Lind's Blog, page 32

Lucky Seven (Writing) Meme!

Can you believe it? I'm actually participating! This is because I can't say no to the fabulous Farrah Penn. If you don't follow her, you should! She's amazing! And her Lucky Seven is Awesome!! Here are the rules for the Lucky Seven Meme:*Go to page 77 of your current MS/WIP *Go to line 7 *Copy down the next 7 lines (sentences or paragraphs) and post them exactly as they're written. No cheating. *Tag 7 authors *Let them knowMy SevenI can't comprehend the changes brewing within me. In the past few days, I have made too many trips down memory lane, too many decisions that involve him. I trust him like I've never trusted anyone before. Being with him is changing me, making me more... human. Its terrifying, thrilling, unbelievable. I don't know what to do or what to feel. But when I stop to think about it, the question still remains: can I afford to be human? Tagging:Leah FallonBethany GriffinJodi MeadowsJessie HarrellBrenda PandosJennifer Armentrout
Nova Lovette*Note: if you've already been tagged (and I missed it) I apologize!

Super Special Cover Reveal for Simplicity!!!

Hello lovelies, 
Did you see that title? Did you? You know what that means right? It means my first book Simplicity has a new face, new clothes, new whatever you'd like to call it and I LOVE it!!! A bunch of wonderful bloggers/friends are also hosting the cover on their blog and I want to publicly thank them for being so AMAZING! 
Now, would you like to see it?


Would you?


Are you sure??


Positive??


Okay, okay don't hurt me! 


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Here it is!!!

Synopsis: Driven, beautiful Alexis Sinclair lives her life to the fullest, following her dreams of running a big company. But when her world is torn apart by a storm, everything she has ever known disappears. Now, marooned on an island with a group of men, Alexis must learn to live in a world made up of simple things. Letting go of every known convenience, she realizes how insignificant her life has become. Filled with unrequited love for her rescuer she must battle the demons buried deep inside and she must look within herself and to her faith to find the strength needed to survive. Strong and influential, Jacob Peterson, has done all he can to survive. When the fate turned its tables on him, he learned to cope with the inevitable. Plagued by his past and secrets buried there, Jacob exerts a rigid control, refusing to succumb to the joys, and torturous pain, of strong emotions. Without considering love-a gift he may never receive, he believes--he chooses to live by strict set of rules. But when a strange beautiful woman washes up on his beach, the walls that he has put up long ago begin to crumble. Is she a punishment sent from God to torment his weary soul? Or is she a gift, sent from above, there to teach him how to trust? Who is this woman? And how will he stop himself from losing his heart? Will he learn to forgive the past in order to save the woman he loves?
What do you think? Are you excited? I'm excited! 
Much love, Valia

Blog Tour: The Onyx Talisman by Brenda Pandos & Giveaway

Hello lovelies, 

I'm super excited to be part of Brenda's fabulous blog tour! Onyx is book three in the Talisman series. 
Alora looked back and the corner of her lip turned up. "It's always darkest before the dawn, Julia. Good luck."
Her words sent chills up my spine as she vanished.

Unrest stirs deep in Scotts Valley. Filled with uncertainty, Julia anxiously awaits Nicholas' return. Phil, hurt and unsure of his place as a sober vampire, holds the pieces of Julia's fragile psyche together, secretly hoping Nicholas stays away forever. Scarlett bides her time, plotting for the perfect moment to prove herself and earn redemption. But somewhere in L.A., Alora conspires to reclaim her talisman and strip Julia of everything she holds dear.

Little do they know, a war is coming and more than one vampire would like to see the Prince of Vampires overthrown. As more and more vampires show up from nowhere, addicted to her scent, Julia must pick her allies carefully before it's too late. Can Julia bargain with fate? When the time comes, will she even have a choice? Find out how it all ends in this explosive grand finale of The Talisman Trilogy.
From Goodreads.com
Review:

Onyx was a great end to a great series. Brenda took the beloved characters to a whole new level. There were times where I laughed, there where times when I felt like throwing the book against the wall, but overall, it was a wonderfully told story. Brenda wrote a world and characters that stay with you long after the last page is done. I'm sad to see the series end, but I like that Brenda ended it. Its that bittersweet feeling of finally having your questions answered, and saying goodbye to characters you adore. I was so emotional about this, I had to write a letter to my favorite character (well one of them).

Dearest Nicholas, 

I remember when we met in the woods for the first time. How I had no idea you were anything but a handsome stranger. I remember that time we had a picnic by the water, and you were so considerate and sweet. I remember the time we talked, and laughed, and just walked. I remember the time you became evil and cruel, but that didn't matter, because you were still wonderful and you loved Julia despite everything. 
You, my dearest Nicholas, are a wonderful man, full of love and compassion. Yet, you're more than that. You're like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but a hotter, manlier version. I'm sorry if I'm making you blush, but since this is a goodbye letter, I feel like I must speak my mind. Yes, my darling, we have to say goodbye. I know, I know its going to be hard, but it's something that we must do.  I wish you well my dearest Nicholas. I hope you never change. I hope you live your life as a happy man. Maybe one day, we'll meet again, between the pages of a book. Be well Nicholas, and I'll sing myself to sleep to the words you wrote in that song.  All my love,  Your faithful supporter Valia 


*SOBS* 
Its a sad sad day when we say goodbye! But wait, the tour is not over yet! Hop over to the next stop tomorrow and see what awesomeness is going on there!
Next stop:


March 31- Book Reader AddictsApril 1-  Red House Books
a Rafflecopter giveaway


<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.Much love and happy reading, Valia

News & I need YOUR help!!!!

Hello darlings, 


If you follow me on twitter, you've probably seen my tweets about a cover reveal. What is this cover reveal you're talking about Valia? Well, let me tell you my awesome, happy, great news!!!
Simplicity, my first published novel, is getting a makeover!!! EEEEPPP!!!! 
(And not just on the outside)


This is the greatest news to me because Simplicity is my baby and I wanted the world to love it as much as I do. It is such a different kind of a story from what I write now. First of all, its not YA. While I feel it can be appreciated by all audiences, it wasn't written specifically for just one. Simplicity is the kind of story I will continue to tell, in between the crazy I write now. 
And this is where you come in! I'm looking for bloggers who would like the chance to reveal the new cover on their blog! If you're interested, leave me a comment below! 
Thanks awesome people for all your support and love! I want to hug you all to pieces!!
 

That's right. I just showered you with kisses! :-D


Much love, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Forgiven by Jana Oliver & Giveaway!

The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father's reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican's Demon Hunters that she's working with Hell. So now she's in hiding, at the top of everyone's most-wanted list.
But it's becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control:  something sinister is happening in Atlanta… or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm's way. Riley thinks she might know who's behind it all, but who's going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks…From Goodreads.com       I have to start out saying that I absolutely adore this series. I was late coming to the party because I didn't read book one until after book two was already out. I literally flew through both books and couldn't wait to read book three!!! St.Martin's Griffin was kind enough to send me a copy and oh my goodness the book is amazing!!!
We start out where we left off in Soul Thief. Riley is dealing with her dad being back, Beck driving her crazy, and being a warrior for Heaven and a having made a deal with Hell. There is so much going on in this book, I don't even know where to start. Riley is a kick butt, complex kind of a character with a heart earning for love. She goes through so many trials, being constantly pushed from every side. I love watching her develop as a daughter, a trapper, and a woman.  Beck, oh my holy smoking bacon, Beck!!!!!! His character is one of my favorites, as of late. I really can't get enough of him. His character develops so much in this book. He grows as an individual, as a trapper, and as a man. There is so much about him we still don't know, but we catch glimpses in this book. The relationship Riley and Beck have in this book is amazing. I love Jana's way of writing relationships, especially this one. There is just something so beautiful about these two. They're both so broken, so in need of each other, and so perfect together.  Jana created a world thats full of action, kick butt characters, and relationships that mirrors the real things in life. I love how real these books are despite the fact that its a world created on paper. My only complain is the ending! I can't believe that cliffhanger! I need book 4 now! Forgiven is out today! Get it, read it, love it!  Now, for the special little surprise! I have a giveaway for you! Thank you to the wonderful St. Martin's Griffin for the book! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
Happy reading!! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Much love,
Valia

In My Mailbox #33: The Awesome Sleepy One

Hello lovelies,
So its time for IMM! Enjoy!



Guys, I just got off full night of work and I'm soo very tired but I couldn't just leave you hanging!

Hugs, hugs all around, people! :-D
Special thanks:
Lori Foster - @lorilfoster
Kady Cross - @kadycross
Kim Harrington - @Kim_Harrington 


What's in your mailbox??


Happy reading, 
Valia

Vlog: Updates, Questions, and Hunger Games

Hello lovelies, 
Omw! Its a video! :-) I know you're shocked, but please recover long enough to watch and comment! 



Please leave your comments below! Thanks!


Much love, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

What if you were mankind's last chance at survival?


Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.


Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.


But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?
From goodreads.com



The moment I saw the cover I knew I wanted to read this book. I was part of the cover reveal with Entangled Publishing and when the copy came my way I literally squealed. 
Chosen Ones takes off from the beginning pages. We meet Tess, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in a world where everything is watched, rationed, and women can't bring life into the world. The Chosen Ones are the ones who are the future of the world, and they're not even human. This is what Tess thinks, this is what everyone thinks. Then Tess is sent to the Templeton to work and she meets James. James is a Chosen One but he is not like the others. Their relationship develops with sweet kind of beauty that takes your breath away. I enjoyed watching both of these characters grow and develop. Tess doesn't believe in love and yet James opens her heart to new heights. And James, one who is supposed to be without feeling, feels more intently than any human possible. There is so much in this story that's haunting, beautiful, and extraordinary.  Tiffany creates a world that is believable and unique. Tess is a kick butt kind of a characters that grows with the struggles she has to go through and you can't help but love her for it. James is a boy with a heart like no other, who feels deeply and loves completely. When I got to the last pages of the book, I sat there staring at the blank page, willing it to turn into book two!  Chosen Ones comes out April 10th! If you love a good story, this book is for you!  Happy reading,  Valia 

Uber Awesome In My Mailbox #32: In Which I hold the First Ever ARC of Defiance!

Hello lovelies,
So its time for IMM! And I have to say this video is super crazy, because I'm super excited and yes, a little bit nuts! Hope you enjoy!



Can you tell how excited I am??? (I think I use the word at least 20 times) Hope you enjoy this complete randomness! :-D

Special thanks to:
St. Martin's Press
CJ Redwind & Kristin @ HarperCollins (OMW I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE)

Hugs, hugs all around, people! :-D


What is in your mailbox?


Much love, 
Valia

Book Spotlight: Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

There is need. And then there is Fate... 

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. 

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her. 

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.
From Goodreads. com
Review:

If you guys follow me for any length of time you know I'm a bit obsessive over Jennifer's writing. You have no idea how excited I was to read this book. My two sentence review on Goodreads states: "Holy *blip blipedy blip* Jen is freaking fabulous...ya thats all you people get for now, and thats really all you need to know." And I'm not kidding. What Jennifer began so cleverly in Half-Blood, she continues in Pure. 
This book starts out where the first one ends. The relationships between all the characters are taken to a new level, the action (yes, even that kind of action) is ever present, and the storyline continues to grow. I can't seriously talk about this book without wanting to give everything away.  Alex and Seth are pretty much joined at the hip and this puts strains on everyone. Alex is one of my absolutely favorite YA heroines. She's real, strong, fearsome, and yet there is a side to her that's just a little girl wanting to be loved. I love the contrast and Jennifer does it well. Throughout the whole book, Alex continues to grow and I love seeing her character develop. Aiden, oh my freaking goodness AIDEN!!! Really, do I need to say anything else? No? I knew it, but I'm going to say things anyway. :) Aiden is one of my all time favorite male hero's (notice a pattern here?). There's so much about him that's wonderful. He's not only strong, hard working, honorable, sweet, kind individual but he's flipping hot as well *fans self* The sacrifices he makes in Pure will blow your mind! His relationship with Alex is so sweet and heartbreaking I just want to hug him to pieces.  Seth is a huge part of Pure and you have to love and hate him at the same time. His relationship with Alex develops in a unique way, putting a strain on pretty much everything Alex thinks and does. There is so much between these two that you will not see coming. There are plot twist and new characters and things you that will leave you speechless.  Pure is pure awesomeness, pure greatness, pure piece of fabulous literature. Jennifer created a world that is unique and beautiful in its own way and characters that make you laugh, cry, and love them all. As a writer, Jennifer pushes me in my own work to create something as fabulous as this. If you guys haven't read these books, I highly recommend it. Pure now available in digital format from amazon and the official release date for print is April 3rd! Get it, read it, love it!Much love, Valia PS I'd love to hear your thoughts. :-D