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 

Book Spotlight: Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum

Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.

Only a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating a city controlled by their greatest enemies.

Revolution 19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.

From goodreads.com

    Revolution 19 is a story about three siblings who, when their world comes crashing around them, set off on a journey to find their parents. Dodging the robots and their control over the world every step of the way, they have to infiltrate the city and find their family before it's too late. But the city is a place of torment and labor and harsh realities. Or so they thought. When Kevin, Nick, and Cass get inside, they find out that not everything is what they thought it was. They must stand together in order to bring down the machines that were built to save them. 
     I have to be honest and say that this book wasn't what I expected. I was a huge fan of Sarah Connor Chronicles and for some reason when I saw this blurb I thought it's be along the lines of that awesomeness. I guess I just expected a much bigger execution in this book than what I  got. I think one of my biggest concerns was that I didn't seem to connect with any one character in particular. I really enjoyed the brother/sister aspect of the story, but I couldn't focus on just one or two like I usually do. I think if I had to pick one character, I'd go with Nick. Even with his stupid decisions, he worked to help his family in the best way he knew how and I can respect that. 
    Now, the robots? I wasn't particularly terrified of the robots. Is that wrong of me? I seriously kept picturing Short Circuit rolling around with a laser pointers, shooting at people. Well, the frying a person in the spot is a bit scary, but I just wasn't as afraid for the people as I should've been I guess. 
    The thing is, I still enjoyed the book. It wasn't as amazing as I had it in my mind to be, but it wasn't bad. The writing was still good and the story itself was interesting. It just didn't deliver as well as I thought it would. I think my biggest concern was the hype it did get, at least from where I'm sitting, and I expecting this big epic battle for humanity and there was none. In my mind, it just didn't have enough unique elements for it to stand out. However, that said, I will be reading book two when it comes out. I liked the story enough to be intrigued by where the author wants to take the characters next. 
     Revolution 19 is a fast read about a world where robots rule the human and where three siblings will do anything to keep their family together. It's out now. Let me know what you think!

     Happy reading, 

     Valia

PS. Does anyone know whey there's a girl in the front cover?  

Teaser Tuesday (3): Frustration

Hello darling, 

Teaser number three is here! Our hero is a bit beside himself. Are you ready? 

This was a crusade. A mission. A personal conquest. She’d sacrifice herself in a second, and it paralyzed me to think anything could happen to her. I wished, not for the first time, there was something I could do. 

Well? What do you think? Are you excited yet?

Have a wonderful day, minions!

Much love, 

Valia

Book Spotlight: Golden by Jessi Kirby

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost may be a distant relative of Robert Frost, but she has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a mystery in her lap—one that might be the key to uncovering the truth behind a town tragedy, she decides to take a chance.


Golden is a story about Parker Frost, the perfect example of a good girl. In the beginning of the book, Parker is given a huge opportunity to be considered for a scholarship to Stanford University. But while this may be a great opportunity, Parker feels like something is missing. When her favorite teacher puts her in charge of a project, she uncovers a journal belonging to a local legend. That is where the fun begins.

I'm one of the people who fall into the category of never reading anything by Jessi until now. Let me tell you, I don't know why I waited so long. This story was fun and interesting and just perfectly emotional in a way any story should be.

Parker is a great character who has to make some tough decisions in her life. She's been a good kid for so long, she doesn't know what is hers anymore. It's the feeling every teenager goes through, the not knowing, and I loved the way Parker's journey was told.

I really liked Parker's best friend Kat, who was such a character! She was fun and outgoing. The exact opposite of Parker, which was perfect for the story. I'm also quite partial to Trevor, the flirty McFlirtster and all his gorgeousness. I really felt like Jessi had a great grasp on all of the characters, even those I'm not mentioning in this review because you'll just have to get the book and read it for yourself.

Overall, Golden was a great read, full of self discovery and sweet characters. I'll definitely be looking for more of Jessi's books in the future. Golden comes out May 2013. Get it, read it, love it.

Much love,
Valia

Teaser Tuesday (3): Fighting

Hello lovelies, 

Are you ready for some action? My girl is quite a fighter, but maybe today is not her lucky day? 

She tried to clear her head, pushing past the pain. Whatever drug they put in her system wasn’t wearing off fast enough. She struggled to her feet, but didn’t quite make before his fist connected with her face once more.

What do you think? About ready to meet my characters? 

Much love, 

Valia 

Cover Reveal: Everlost (Mer Tales #3) by Brenda Pandos

Hello lovelies, 

Today I have a special treat for you. You all know how much I adore Mer Tales series by Brenda Pandos. Well, today you get to see the beautiful cover of book three, Everlost. This one is by far my favorite!

Drum roll please!

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Seriously, how much do you love it? 

Everlost, book #3 of Mer Tales

Release Date: 2/28/2013

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16937694-

everlost

With one kiss, Tatiana has discovered a love for a man

she’d hated—the prince of Natatoria. Through the

botched rescue attempt by her father against this union,

an army of rebels has revealed their identity and

intentions—treason. When the King is fatally injured,

Azor takes things into his own hands. No one is safe as

mers are forced to choose sides. Betamers take the

blame, including Tatiana’s family’s closest friend,

Badger, and the punishment is death.

Caught between the bond and her true feelings, Tatiana, the future Queen, must

overcome the promise to fight for what’s right and uncover the truths of the past or all will

become Everlost.

Want to know more?

Brenda Pandos’ Website: http://www.brendapandos.com/

Blog: http://brendapandos.blogspot.com

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3449368

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/brendapandos

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brendapandos

Author Bio:

Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family. Working formerly as an I.T. Administrator, she never believed her imagination would be put to

good use. After her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder her life completely changed. Writing paranormal romance became something she could do at home while tending to the new needs of her family, household, and herself.

Three years later, Brenda now has five books published, The Talisman Trilogy: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, and The Onyx Talisman, and Mer Tales: Everblue andEvergreen. She is currently working on the third book of Mer Tales, Everlost, coming February

2013.

Teaser Tuesday (2): The Green Dress

Hello lovelies, 

Today I have a bit of a mystery for you. Who is this woman our hero watches? Is she an important part of the story or is she a passing fancy? 

She was stunning. Her untamable hair was pulled halfway up with soft tendrils framing her face, falling gently around her shoulders. Her make up was light, yet it emphasized her beautiful blue eyes and soft complexion. She was wearing a green dress that highlighted her features and made every man in the room stop and stare. I took a step forward and almost tripped over my own feet.

Well, what do you think lovelies? How about that dress? 

Much love, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

From Goodreads.com


     Mind Games is a story of two sisters who are not exactly like regular people. When Fia is set on an assignment, she doesn't expect that her choices are going to change the course of things. Even Annie, who is one person who can see Fia better than the others, can't predict what unravels with a single choice. Soon, the sisters are both making decisions that changes their lives forever. 
     I have to be honest and admit that this is my first Kiersten White book. I've heard amazing things about her other series, and while I have the first book and met the lovely lady herself, I have yet to read it. So basically, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started Mind Games and truth be told the book took me by surprise. 
     Fia and Annie are both fascinating characters, and quite unique to their own personalities. Being in the head of these two girls and discovering what drives them was quite the experience. I honestly thing Kiersten did a fantastic job bringing these siblings and their world to life. The book was a fast paced ride, and a quick read. The writing was interesting, especially when it came to Fia. It reminded me a bit of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi and the madness her character portrays on the pages. 
     Overall, I enjoyed Mind Games and recommend it to anyone who enjoys good story. I'm a bit bummed I'll have to wait a while to see what happens next, but that's just the life with series! 
Mind Games comes out February 19, 2013. Get it, read it, love it!

Happy reading, 
Valia 

First Book Haul of 2013!

Hello lovelies,

Here are some book awesomeness for you! Please bear with me on the whole video focus and such. Still trying to figure out. I can take pictures like nobody's business, but the video is a bit new for me.




What is in your mailbox?

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs, 

Valia 

Bring YA to YOU!!! (Vote for Phoenix plus a giveaway)

Have you ever wished that a big YA book tour would make a stop in your hometown? Well, here's your chance for that wish to come true! YA2U is a program that features five award-winning and best-selling authors who are holding a contest to see what city they should visit in an exclusive tour stop!

The authors are collecting votes from January 1 to February 15, and any city in the continental US or any Canadian city that has an international airport can win an exclusive visit from all five authors, including an author panel and book signing! Entering is super easy--and if you help spread the word about the contest, you can also enter win a signed copy of all of their books (TEN signed books in total!)--and the book contest is open internationally!

The authors in the program are:

• Marie Lu, the New York Times best-selling author of Legend and the upcoming Prodigy
• Marissa Meyer, the New York Times best-selling author of Cinder and the upcoming Scarlet
• Beth Revis, the New York Times best-selling author of Across the Universe, A Million Suns, and the upcoming Shades of Earth
• Victoria Schwab, author of The Near Witch and the highly-anticipated upcoming The Archived
• Megan Shepherd, author of the debut novel The Madman's Daughter

And they want to have an event in your home town! To participate, just got to the YA2U website and let them know what city you want them to come to. And while you're there, help spread the word about the contest and you can be entered to win all of their books--TEN signed books in total! 

Here's why the YA2U Team should come to MY hometown!

   There is much to be said about Phoenix, AZ. Have you seen these pictures? It's gorgeousness galore.

   I can sing praises about the clear skies and the great freeways. Mostly, however, this is a place of awesome winter weather. Seriously, who wouldn't want to take a break from the coldness and the freezing and come spend a day in the wonderful AZ sunshine. We can party anywhere without freezing and I think it makes for perfect reading weather. 

   I'm just looking out for all these wonderful authors, they need to come in front the cold, and I think you should help me with that. So if you be so kind and vote for Phoenix, AZ as your town of choice, I promise to send good wishes your way. And throw some confetti. I'll throw some confetti for sure. 

Why should the YA2U Team come to your hometown? Why not join in the fun today and share with others about this program and your hometown. The more votes your town gets, the closer you are to having your very own personal tour stop! Vote for YOUR town here!

And if you help spread the word, you can also participate in the book giveaway. Tell them that you learned about YA2U from me and we both get extra entries in the contest! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Tuesday: Welcome!

Hey lovelies, 

      HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Sorry, had to get that out of the way. So today marks the beginning of the WEEKLY teasers I'll be posting for the upcoming release of my newest book (title and date still to be announced). But guys, GUYS, the cover!!! Just wait till you see the cover. I'm a little bit in love with it. Okay, maybe a lot in love with it. It's perfect for the story and I couldn't be happier with it. But I digress. 
      Are you ready for the teaser? 

Blood mingling with sweat, they watched each other through the haze that seemed to surround on every side. He could barely lift his head, just enough to see the tears streaming down her face. There was so much he wanted to say to her. There was nothing he could do to make it right. 

What do you think? Are you intrigued? Who's excited with me? 

Stay tuned for more!

Much love, 

Valia