Giveaway. Giveaway time.

Hello lovelies,

As you can tell by the super clever title of this blog post, I have a giveaway for you! I know, it's about time. Really. I also know that I haven't been keeping you as updated on the ways of my life, so since I'm offering up some goodies, please forgive me? :)
Now, before I show you the awesome, let's do some quick updates.
1. If you haven't seen it yet, I've finally opened up the Etsy shop everyone's been asking about. There's only a few things in it for now, but I'll continue to add to it. I'd love for you guys to check it out. What do you think? https://www.etsy.com/shop/StainedFingertips 

2. Speaking of projects, here's a glimpse into the new SmashBook I've started. I'm going for elegence and fun.

3. The new WIP is still coming along nicely. I'm trying something new and having a blast with it. Can't wait to share it with you. For now though, all you get is this picture. Aren't you curious? :)

4. And after we talk about writing, we need to talk about music. Here are a few songs that've been stuck in my head lately. Any songs  you've been obsessed with lately? 



5. And to wrap this up, here's a few books I've read lately that I've really enjoyed. 

  

What are you reading? :) 
Now, you ready for the giveaway? Did you even read the updates or were you too excited? Who can blame you, this giveaway is awesome.
Okay, okay. I'll stop with the teasing.
First of all, you guys remember how much I enjoy Jennifer Archer's writing? Well, the lovely lady has a new book out, Shadow Girl, and I have a signed copy just for you!
If you guys haven't read the amazing Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins yet, or The Collector by Victoria Scott, you get an ebook of that.
Basically, follow me and spread the word!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks lovelies for all your love and support! Now go and enter!

Hugs,

Valia

Second Book Syndrome

So I've been trying to catch up on some reading lately. My TBR pile is seriously taken over my life, so it's a work in progress. But there is something that I've noticed in recent books that I kind of wanted to discuss here. 

Relationships in sequels. 

Here's a thing I've noticed. I like first books. The fresh perspective. That first discovery of the characters and the world they live in. I especially love the struggle that the two main characters go through when it comes to discovering who they are together. You know what I'm talking about. That chemistry, that spark that ignites, the woes of the "can we be together?" When it's done right that is. I'm not big on the whole insta-love aspect, I really don't think that's plausible, so forgive me for the skepticism. I love it when the characters develop as individuals before they become anything close to being a couple. 
There are a few examples of this that I really love. If you've been following me for any length of time, I'm sure you've seen me freak out over these books before. 

The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett. You remember my love for this book right? One of the huge aspects of that was the fun and realistic development of the characters. It was about discovering who they are, and becoming better versions of themselves. There's just so much here, I don't even know what to say. Just read it people, if you haven't already. I can't wait to see what happens in book two. 

Another good example of this type of relationship is Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins. I loved this book to pieces and I loved Anna and Kaidan's relationship. I enjoyed how honest they were with each other, the obstacles they have to go through every step of the way. And when the book ended, you still have no idea what is going on between those two. 

The Assassin's Curse duology is a great example of focusing on the story versus the romance aspect of it. I've actually read book two already and there's just so much I want to say about it! Must restrain myself! The relationship between Ananna and Naji was fun and real. Never could they ever imagine the journey that they must take and it's one great adventure. 

Now, minus the Assassin's Curse, I haven't read the second books in the other series. And here's where the fear comes in. Sometimes when characters get together, the tension and excitement falls off. I've noticed this in a lot of the second books I've been reading. Honestly, I don't see this happening with these books and I think mainly it is because the relationships are not the typical ones we've grown so used to. Serious kuddos to Mindee, Wendy, and Cassandra that's for sure! 

So what do you think? Do you have the same "second book" fear when it comes to books? 

Happy reading, 

Valia