"...her secret is patience..." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday, March 30, 2012

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:


April 1-  Red House Books

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Much love and happy reading, Valia

Thursday, March 29, 2012

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 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

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


Happy reading!! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Much love,
Valia

Saturday, March 24, 2012

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

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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 

Monday, March 19, 2012

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 

Saturday, March 17, 2012

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

Thursday, March 15, 2012

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 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Book Spotlight: Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig (Debut)

Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones. 

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”-known to everyone as the Glitterati-without them suspecting a thing, is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected. 

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her-evening the social playing field between the have and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan. 

But when the cops start investigating the string of burglaries at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could he wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

From Goodreads.com
Review:

As soon as I saw the cover and synopsis for Pretty Crooked I had to get my hands on it. I love Robin Hood type of stories and Pretty Crooked didn’t disappoint. 

The story starts out with Willa running for her life and thinking about everything she’s done. Then we flashback to her first day of school and that’s where the story begins. Willa is a fun character to read and explore with. She has many tough decisions in front of her and she tackles them one at a time. She meets lots of interesting people at her school, including a trio of mean girls, a rich bad boy with a bad reputation and a gorgeous prankster Aiden. I liked Willa’s development throughout the story. She decides on the whole Robin Hood ploy and she runs with it. I also like Aiden, a lot! That boy can make anyone blush. Their relationship is sweet and fun, loaded with obstacles. The last chapter is probably one of my favorites in the whole book. We’re left with so many unanswered questions I was mad at the end of the book. Well, maybe not mad mad, but no, you know what yes, mad mad! I turned the page and “NO! You cannot do that to me you evil author!” 
Overall, Pretty Crooked is a fun interesting YA Debut. Elisa crafted a story that is entertaining and meaningful. I really enjoyed reading it and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Pretty Crooked is out today!
PS. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading, 
Valia 

Monday, March 12, 2012

Cover Reveal: My Super Sweet 16th Century by Rachel Harris & Excerpt!

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze. 

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. 

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?



Now for super special excerpt:

Alessandra jerks back like I just suggested she prance around the square naked or something. “No! I believe I understand your meaning, and Lorenzo is certainly not my suitor. He is like a brother to me—the three of us grew up together.” 

She resumes walking and I fall in step beside her, understanding there has to be more to the story. And as we near the end of the row, I finally ask, “If you’re not into the guy, then what’s the problem?”
At that same moment, a rich, deep chuckle hits my ears. My stomach involuntarily clenches and my gaze sharpens on the back of this mysterious Lorenzo. 
Alessandra sighs. “That is the problem.” She places her hand on my arm and solemnly looks me in the eyes. “You must be careful. Lorenzo is beautiful, and it is not uncommon for a girl to walk away from meeting him with a piece of her heart left behind. But he is just eighteen, and not yet ready for marriage.”
I roll my eyes and laugh, then realize she’s serious. “Yeah, I assure you, there’s no danger on my end. I’m not exactly looking for marriage myself.” Because that would be crazy-town.
Alessandra wrinkles her nose as if she doesn’t believe me, but she removes her hand. We close the distance and Cipriano flashes me an open, honest to goodness, lighthearted smile. 
“Lorenzo, this is the cousin I was telling you about.”
Slowly the guy turns and I fall head first into the richest chocolate-brown eyes I’ve ever seen. He blinks and long, luscious lashes feather across his bronzed cheeks. I can feel myself gawking, but I physically can’t drag my eyes away. Lorenzo doesn’t smirk or act all conceited, either. He simply stares back, his eyes casually skimming over me, causing my skin to warm and break out in a whole body tingle.
Time seems to stop, and the sounds of the market mute. Alessandra was right. This boy is beautiful. 
And he’s looking at me.


Now, doesn't that make you want to read it right now??? :-)



My Super Sweet 16th Century, by Rachel Harris is available for pre-order on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads


Be sure to connect with Rachel at:
                                  www.RachelHarrisWrites.com
                                www.goodreads.com/RachelHarris
I can't wait to read it!
What do you think? Do you like the cover? What about the excerpt? 


Much love, 
Valia

Saturday, March 10, 2012

In My Mailbox #31: The One With Lots of Thanks!

Hello lovlies,
Its time for another In My Mailbox! Woohoo!





I don't know whats up with my video and the sound. It wasn't doing that earlier so I apologize.
Special thanks to:

Super cool Lori Forster lhttp://lorifoster.com/
Fabulous Jennifer Archer http://jenniferarcher.blogspot.com/ (@jenniferarcher1)
Awesome Jen @ jenryland.blogspot.com
Random house @randomhousekids 



What's in your mailbox?


Don't forget my giveaways!! :-) 


Happy Reading,


Valia

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Blog Tour: Table for One by Ros Clarke Interview & Giveaway!

When food critic Claudia Thomas gets dumped on Valentine’s Day, she finds herself occupying a table for one at London’s hottest new restaurant. If her job wasn’t on the line, she’d skip the whole affair, but her editor’s waiting for a review—and with luck, an interview with sexy chef Ward Nicholls. 

Ward, intrigued by the single woman in a restaurant full of couples, sets out to tease her palate. Claudia has never tasted anything so luscious as the special meal Ward prepares for her, but when the seduction moves from the restaurant to his bedroom, Claudia discovers the only thing more tempting than his food is the chef himself. 

Their connection is instantaneous, sizzling, and spicy—until Claudia comes clean about her job, reopening a wound Ward had thought long-healed. Could one accidental lie of omission end a delicious relationship before it even has a chance to start?

From Goodreads.com
(THIS IS FOR ADULT AUDIENCE)
This book starts out with a break up and ends with a plan. The read is quick and cute, with lots of food references. I love a man who can cook and Ward does it well. He's an interesting character, full of intrigue and swagger. Claudia is a independent woman who needs a man like him. Their relationship has its bumps and bruises but in the end they work through it just like any real relationship should. This is definitely one of those cute novellas that is perfect for Valentine's Day romance (or anytime you need some spice in your life).

Now Ros has been kind enough to answer a few questions for us! Welcome Ros!
Thanks so much for having me at Words are Things!

What inspired you to write?
I can’t imagine life without writing. I’ve always scribbled stories in notebooks and on the computer. The imaginary world is so much more fun than the real one!  This particular story was inspired by food.  I love eating and cooking and I think food involves so much sensuary experience and emotion that it’s a natural choice for a romantic story.
Why chose romance? 
I couldn’t write a story without a happy ending. I’m just not wired that way. And I’m so much more interested in people and relationship than, say, murder mysteries. Romance gives so much freedom to write about different settings and different characters. I love the resolution of a happy ever after.
Who was the most fun character to write and why?
Ward was great fun to write. He’s an instinctive chef who know exactly what to cook for people in different moods. I loved researching all the dishes he creates and thinking about the kinds of food he’d produce in different settings.
Who was the hardest character to write and why?
I always find it hard to write secondary characters. I want to give them enough personality to be real but not let them take over the page, but that’s a tricky balance to get right.
Do you find it harder to write shorter stories?
No, I love writing short stories!  I’m writing a longer book at the moment for Entangled’s Indulgence line, and it’s much harder keeping all the different strands of the story together and getting the pacing right to keep the reader turning the page. With a short story, you can keep it all much more tightly controlled.
Who are some of the authors that inspire you?
Sarah Morgan. I love the way she effortlessly blends humour and romance. Kelly Hunter who writes sparkling dialogue like nobody else I know. 
One thing you wish you knew before starting your career as a writer.
I’m only just starting out so I’m sure there are loads of things I still don’t know. Mostly, I wish I knew how to write a book right the first time!
Coffee or Tea
Tea
Favorite Dessert
I have hundreds of favorites but I am very fond of sticky toffee pudding.
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
Home. I already live in the best place in the world.

More details and an excerpt are available here: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/table-for-one/
About Ros:

Ros is a writer, a student, a church worker, a crafter, a blogger, a twitterer, a lazy gardener, and an appalling housekeeper. She lives in a sixteenth century shed in England and is very glad that it has twenty-first century plumbing. She is interested in almost everything except cricket and football (US and UK) and mostly she likes happy endings in fiction and in real life.  
Ros has been writing stories for as long as she can remember, never dreaming that other people would be interested in reading them. A few years ago, she discovered a writing forum on the internet, and has never looked back. Her head—and her hard drive—are full of ideas for fresh, fun, contemporary romances that she hopes you’ll love as much as she does.
You can find her at:
twitter, at Goodreads, and at her own blog. Come and say hi!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and Happy reading!
Valia

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Blog Tour: True Connections by Clarissa Yip - Interview & Giveaway!

Lia McEvil is back in town, and Max is in trouble. 

Max Sheraton and Lia McEvers have been rivals since childhood. Not even the kiss that chased Lia away could make them stop fighting. Now, five years later, Lia's back in her hometown of Grant to open a new branch of her matchmaking business, True Connections--and Max finds himself in the line of fire when their families conspire for Max to make a connection of his own. Under pressure from both their grandmothers, Lia and Max embark on a scheme to find Max a suitable match, but it doesn't take a compatibility profile to tell the real connection is between Max and Lia. Between sizzlingly hot kisses that turn into tempestuous fights, their attraction turns explosive enough to break down the antagonism between them. 

But Lia has a secret that's chased her home...and that may be the one thing that can stop Lia and Max from making the true connection they so desperately crave.

From Goodreads.com
(THIS BOOK IS FOR ADULT AUDIENCE) 

In True Connections we meet Lia and Max, childhood enemies. Lia has opened a new branch in her business, True Connections, after coming home from a broken relationship. And while she’s the one with the matchmaking business, her grannies can give her a run for her money. This book is a fun read, with interesting characters, great relationships, and a romance that’s sizzling and real. I really enjoyed Lia and Max’s complexity, the love they have for each other while hating each other’s guts. Max is definitely one of my favorite hero’s. I love seeing Lia and Max interact. 

If you like a good romance, this book is for you. 
Now, Clarissa was kind enough to answer some questions for us!
What inspired you to write?
My love of stories and need for happily ever afters, whether it’s mine or someone elses. 
Why chose romance? 
Because it’s wonderful! I love that heart pumping, warm fuzzy feel when I see two people fall in love and find a happy ever after. Guess I’m a total romantic.
Who was the most fun character to write and why?
I loved writing about Max in True Connections. Seeing him deal with his nemesis and knowing he had feelings for Lia was fun to watch. 
Who was the hardest character to write and whY?
I actually had issues working with Lia, because on one side she hated Max, and the other, she loved him. Totally love/hate relationship and watching her overcome her fears was hard. I felt like I was there conquering it all with her. 
Do you find it harder to write shorter stories?
I actually find short stories easier to write than longer stories because of the simplicity of it. It has all of the same elements as any story should, but there’s more room to have some nonsense in it, I guess. 
Who are some of the authors that inspire you?
I love JR Ward, Judith McNaught, and Julie Garwood. They’re one of the reasons why I started writing romance. 
One thing you wish you knew before starting your career as a writer.
LOL. Sorry, I had to laugh at this question because there are so many things I wish I knew before I started writing…like it’s okay to cry when you get a rejection, but make sure you hold your head up high and keep going. I used to mope for days…almost like I was mourning, but I would eventually get over it. A good cupcake fixes everything for me. 
Coffee or Tea
Definitely coffee! I can’t live without it!
Favorite Desert
Cake. Cupcake. Cakepops…see the pattern?
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
Tough question. Hawaii popped in my head since I’ve lived there for so long, but then I remembered I got island fever so often, so I’m going to say somewhere nice in Europe because I’ve never been there. 
Thank you so much for having me! One lucky commenter will win a copy of True Connections! 

Contemporary romance author, Clarissa Yip, leads a life of adventure and mischief. Constantly on the run, she’s always hanging out with her muse, plotting the next best story, and looking for anything that will fuel her imagination. Besides being an avid reader and writer, Clarissa enjoys scrapbooking, video games, immersing herself in addictive TV shows, and engaging in anything that will challenge her mind. A lover of food and languages, she also loves to try new things. Her dreams involve finding the ultimate way of sharing her world with yours. From the Hawaiian island of Oahu to the beautiful season-changing New York, you never know where she’ll be.
Find her at: 


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Happy reading,
Valia

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