Upcoming Books I’m Psyched to Read!

   Hello lovelies,

   So today I bring you some more excitement. Yes, I'm deep in my revision cave. I'm way more behind than I'd like to be, but that's another blog post all together. I haven't been reading as much as I'd like, but I'm getting there. I made a list of 21 books I wanted to read this summer (there's a vlog about it and everything), but there are some books releasing soon that I can't wait to get my hands on. So today, I give back to my wonderful author friends and focus on them. Because that's how we roll around here.
Anyway, here we go.

   I have to start here, people. Sorry, it couldn't be helped. I cannot even begin to explain to you how excited I am about this book. I would post a synopsis here, but since this is book 3, I don't want to spoil anyone.
   If you haven't picked up this series, you NEED it in your life. No joke. Sarah is pretty much the BEST storyteller ever and her characters are so amazing, you won't want to put the book down.  I'm just saying. I'm going to be re-reading the first 2 books before this one comes out because I NEED it.

   READ THIS SERIES, PEOPLE. That is all. :)

   Release date: September 2nd, 2014

   This is another book 2, so no synopsis for you. BUT. This book guys, THIS BOOK. I LOVED The Burning Sky. I cannot even tell you. I know some people had problems with it, but I couldn't put it down. There is just something about these characters. I can't help it. It's so great. Just everything about book one, so I'm super duper excited for book two.

   If you've read book one, tell me what you thought! Also, THAT COVER. They did good.

   Release date: September 16th, 2014

   Sorry guys, I'm all about sequels apparently. Sisters' Fate is book 3 in the Cahill Witch Chronicles and I NEED this book in my life like Oh MY!
   Seriously, if you haven't checked out this series, you need to. I love Jessica's writing, I love her characters, I love love love it all.
   There's just such a great feel about these books. I don't know how to explain it, you'll just have to experience it.
   It needs to be August already just so I can have this book in my hands. It's a need. I'm serious.

   Release date: August 14th, 2014

   Just like any other morning, Skylar Rousseau is late for school, but when she is greeted by a blanket of silent stares upon entering Blackfin High, she discovers that the whole town thought she fell from the pier and drowned on her sixteenth birthday three months earlier. However, Sky remembers the last three months living her life as normal, and since she is full, living breathing human being, she has no idea whose body is buried underneath her tombstone. 
Everyone seems reluctant to help except her steadfast friend and crush, Sean...and a secretive man who draws her to a mysterious circus in the woods. 
   Sky must wade through impossibilities and lies to discover the truth about what happened to her, which proves to be a bit difficult when someone is following her every move with the intent to harm her. And Sky's only hope of finding the answers she seeks may have already been turned to ashes. 

   Oh look, synopsis. What can I say? I've heard nothing but great things about this book and I want it now. That is all. 

   Release date: September 2nd, 2014

The girl knows she's different. She doesn't age. She has no family. She has visions of a past life, but no clear clues as to what she is, or where she comes from. But there is a face in her dreams - a light that breaks through the darkness. She knows his name is Gabriel. 

On her way home from work, the girl encounters an injured stranger whose name is Johan. Soon, she will understand that Jonah belongs to a generation of Vampires that serve even darker forces. Jonah and the few like him, are fighting with help from an unlikely ally - a rogue Angel, named Gabriel. 

In the crossfire between good and evil, love and hate, and life and death, the girl learns her name: Lailah. But when the lines between black and white begin to blur, where in the spectrum will she find her place? 

Gabriel and Jonah both want to protect her. But Lailah will have to fight her own battle to find out who she truly is. 

   So this book, guys. This book. I saw someone raving about it online and I had to check it out and wow! I cannot wait to read it. I read the opening chapter and I want more NOW. Please!

   Release date: October 7th, 2014

   So here are just a FEW of the books I cannot wait to read. What is on your wish list? Let me know below. And back I go, my revisions cave is calling my name. Seriously. It's creepy. 

   Much love, 

   Valia 

Teaser Tuesday: Chance & Dakota (plus pictures)

Hey lovelies,

   Look at me, putting up a Teaser Tuesday on a Tuesday. I can't believe how fast June has gone by. We're already a month closer to the release of book two! AH!
  *runs around screaming*
   Anyway, enough of the freaking out. Today we have a little glimpse of Chance and Dakota. I also have a few pictures I found on Pinterest that kind of inspires. Enjoy!

   "Chance, you're doing the weird staring thing again. Is there something on my face?"
   "No, sorry. Your hair is all over the place." Her hands reach for her locks automatically, a tiny blush of embarrassment on her cheeks. She tries to tame the mess, smoothing it out a little bit frantically. I surprise myself when I grab her hand, stilling the movement.
   "It looks great. Don't worry." I run my hand over her hair, distracted by the softness under my fingertips. When my eyes meet hers, there's not much room between us.

I can totally see these two here. Although, they're not there just yet :)

So sweet :)

   What do you think? Are you excited? I'm excited! :)

   Much love,

   Valia

Friday Teaser!

   Hey lovelies,

   Sorry I missed this weeks Tuesday Teaser! Things are happening and things are terrifying. But good things. I'll be sharing those things soon, but for now, here is some goodness from Falling Book Two. Meet Jackson. Dakota's adorable brother. Enjoy!

   "Anything exciting going on at school today?" I ask, taking a soothing sip of my coffee. Or nectar of life. Whichever name works. 
   "Nope. Just the regular, boring stuff." Even after all these years, I still wish he was going to the same high school as me. But the year he was supposed to test, he was incredibly sick and didn't make the deadline. After that, the school closed admissions for a year and by then it was too late. 
   "Did you get your math book from the living room?"
   "Yes, Mother dearest. I have all my books and homework and lunch money." 
   "Don't let them bullies take that away from you, you hear?" He rolls his eyes, because I say this almost every morning. I don't care. He just gets to deal. Although at almost six feet, with a body of a football player, my little brother can more than take care of himself. Doesn't stop me from worrying. We tease each other relentlessly, but before I leave, I always make sure to tell him I love him. 
   Because you really should hear those words from someone in your life every day. 

   Are you excited for book 2? Because I'm excited for book 2!

   Much love,

   Valia

My Writing Process Blog Tour!

  Hey lovelies, 

   As you can tell by the title, we're here to talk about writing. My wonderful CP, Amy, tagged me and I'm excited to share some inside information with you. Let's get it started (in here). (Sorry). 

   1. What am I working on? 

   Actually, I am a little nuts at the moment. I am working on 3, yes 3, separate projects. I'm finishing up  revisions on Dakota and Chance's story. I can't wait for all of you to read their book! It's so different from Falling by Design, but anyway. I'm getting sidetracked. 
   I'm also in revision's mode for a YA Thriller and I've started a brand new project that's a mix between a thriller, with a bit of fantasy thrown in. (I'm slightly exhausted right now. Just saying).

PITCH (I'll focus on Falling #2):

    Chance has been in love with Dakota for as long as he can remember. Now, with senior year of high school coming to a close, he's finally ready to take that giant leap into the oblivion. But then the new guy arrives, Dakota's family life comes crashing down around her, and tragedy strikes, making Chance rethink everything he's ever thought to be true. What do you do when the world you know is no longer real? What do you do when you have no plan for your life?

OPENING PARAGRAPH: 

   You'd think after all these years I'd be able to see her face and not feel a ping of longing followed by disappointment. I've been hoping, especially since winter break, Dakota would give me some kind of indication that she doesn't hate my guts. Alas, that is in vain. She still looks at me like I'm only bothering her and hers, like I'm the bane of her existence. What lovely thoughts I have to start off my morning right. I take a deep breath, shake off the stupid melancholy, and put on my brave face.

    2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?

    I'm not sure you can say it really differs, but it is my work and my words, which makes the stories unique. I strive to write good girls and good boys, and I think that last aspect is something that is missing. We love our bad boys, but I like to point out the good ones too. 

   3. Why do I write what I do?

   Right now, with all the contemporary in my stories, I think it's mostly so that I can find the good in the world. I know that may sound all dramatic, but with my job, I only see the bad. I see parents who destroy their children, I see relationships that are built on abuse, I see family life that doesn't have a good end. It's why I write my characters the way they are, because there is good in the world and sometimes we forget about it, focusing on all the bad. Yes, my characters go through heartache. In Falling #2, there is definitely some sadness and struggles in their lives, but in the end, they overcome those obstacles, because sometimes, we need the reminder that that is possible. 

   4. How does my writing process works?

    Well, I'm not an outliner. Can't do it. Won't do it. So, sue me.
    I need my freedom when I write. I need my characters to find the story their own way. And as strange as that may sound to the "outsiders", my writer people know what I'm talking about. Also, there's some Hot Cheetos eating and a little bit of dancing involved in every draft. :)

   So yep. That's me. That's your little glimpse into my writing process. Hope you enjoyed!

   Now, if you'd like to participate...

   1. Acknowledge the person and the site who invited you and link back to the post (this one :).
   2. Label your post as part of the My Writing Process Blog Tour. 
   3. Answer these same four questions. 
   4. Nominate and link up three people to participate.
   5. Let me know in the comments if you're going to participate!

   Now, for the people I tag:

   Farrah Penn - my amazing CP. This girl is a wonderful writer and if you don't follow her around on the interwebs, you should!
   Vicki Leigh - I met her at BEA & she's seriously one of my favorite people now. Can't wait for her book!
  Claribel Ortega - another awesome writer you all should follow. She's the sweetest!
  Brenda Pandos - because no writing tag would be complete without my amazing friend! (You should read her books. Just saying).

   I would love to hear from you, so if you'd like to participate, leave me a link below!

  Much love, 

  Valia 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Catch Me When I Fall by Vicki Leigh

Hello there lovelies, 

I am SO excited to participate in the cover reveal for one of my new friends, Vicki Leigh. Her book sounds awesome & the cover does it justice. Prepare yourself for the awesome!

It’s cover reveal day for Vicki Leigh’s CATCH ME WHEN I FALL! Lots of awesome stuff going on, including a giveaway! But first, here's a special message from Vicki:

And here's what CATCH ME WHEN I FALL is all about:

Recruited at his death to be a Protector of the Night, seventeen-year-old Daniel Graham has spent two-hundred years fighting Nightmares and guarding humans from the clawed, red-eyed creatures that feed off people’s fears. Each night, he risks his eternal life, having given up his chance at an afterlife when he chose to become a Protector. That doesn’t stop a burnt-out Daniel from risking daring maneuvers during each battle. He’s become one of the best, but he wants nothing more than to stop.

Then he’s given an assignment to watch over sixteen-year-old Kayla Bartlett, a clinically depressed patient in a psychiatric ward. Nightmares love a human with a tortured past. Yet, when they take a deep interest in her, appearing in unprecedented numbers, the job becomes more dangerous than any Daniel’s ever experienced. He fights ruthlessly to keep the Nightmares from overwhelming his team and Kayla. Soon, Daniel finds himself watching over Kayla during the day, drawn to why she’s different, and what it is about her that attracts the Nightmares. And him.

A vicious attack on Kayla forces Daniel to break the first Law and reveal his identity. Driven by his growing feelings for her, he whisks her away to Rome where others like him can keep her safe. Under their roof, the Protectors discover what Kayla is and why someone who can manipulate Nightmares has her in his sights. But before they can make a move, the Protectors are betrayed and Kayla is kidnapped. Daniel will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it means giving up his immortality.

CATCH ME WHEN I FALL will be available on October 23, 2014 in both paperback and e-book formats from Curiosity Quills Press. For more information, visit the book’s Goodreads page.

Now, there can’t be a cover reveal without a giveaway, right? Lots of authors stopped by and donated some fantastic books to help Vicki celebrate. You don’t want to miss out on these! Here’s what you can win:

• An e-copy of CATCH ME WHEN I FALL from Vicki Leigh
• An e-copy of HEIRS OF WAR by Mara Valderran
• Two query+first chapter critiques from YA author Emily Stanford
• Two full manuscript critiques from YA author Emily Stanford
• An e-copy of WITHOUT BLOODSHED by Matthew Graybosch
• A paperback of DESTRUCTION by Sharon Bayliss
• An e-copy of KIYA: HOPE OF THE PHARAOH by Katie Teller
• One query+first chapter critique from YA author Katie Teller
• An e-copy of DARKNESS WATCHING by Emma Adams
• A copy of DESCENDANT by Nichole Giles
• An e-copy package of EVER and EVADE by Jessa Russo
• A signed copy of DIVIDE by Jessa Russo
• A copy of UNHINGED by A.G. Howard

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win! All prizes will be accompanied by a Dreamcatcher swag package from Vicki Leigh.

Thanks for stopping by!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BEA 2014 Recap!

   Hello lovelies,

   I know, I know, FINALLY. A lot of you have been asking for a recap, but I really didn't want to post one until I filmed my BEA Book Haul. Well, I guess it'll have to be a different post, because here we go.

   Day Before.

In a cab from the airport. 

   I got into NYC on Wednesday, around 17:00, and didn't get to my hotel till about 18:00-18:30. My CP, Amy, was already in town and she went to the Teen Author Carnival. After situating myself at the hotel, that's where I headed to meet up with her and go to dinner. Getting there meant taking the Subway...by MYSELF. I walked over to Times Square (which is about seven minutes walk from the hotel) and got on the train. JUST LIKE A NEW YORKER. BOOM.

Just taking a stroll.

   I met some authors at the carnival, but ended up taking a picture with Jen and Cara only. I know, I'm horrible. Julie Kagawa was there as well! They're all such sweethearts, I can't even.

Jen Jen!!! 

The amazing Cara!!! 

   Afterwards, we went out to Mac Bar for dinner. Amy introduced me to DJ (who is the nicest ever) and Liz (she has amazing hair). New friends, yay!

Yum!

   Day One. 

   Or another name would be- LET THE MADNESS BEGIN.

The coolest CP around, Amy!

   This was my first year at BEA, so I had no idea what was going on. Amy and I walked over to the event together, since we were staying in the same hotel, and started out our day with Starbucks. Bless the book people and their love for coffee! Also, I might've freaked out over the fact that my badge said Author! :)

   I created a list of events I wanted to go to, but let me tell you, that only worked for a few. It's so different once you're there and the energy is flowing and you just want to be everywhere at once. Amy and I separated randomly throughout the day, but ended up sitting in a few lines together.
   The Harlequin Teen lines was nuts, but we actually got there in time to get to meet everyone.

   I also got to meet R.L.Stine which was such a huge deal for me, I can't even describe it. When I first came to America, I read a lot of his books and Christopher Pike's. It was fun to chat with R.L. Stine about Russia (since his grandparents are from there) and we even got to take a picture!

AMAZING!!!

   The other HUGE highlight of the day was meeting Brenda Pandos face to face (FINALLY). We've been reading each others books for years and have never met. I spent a good hour trying to find the Amazon Publishing booth and when I finally did, Brenda found me! She is seriously one of my favorite people and I'm so excited we were able to meet up.

Such a sweetheart!

   There were a few "big" names around, so I took pictures walking by. Billy Idol ended up throwing a punch my way and that was kind of cool.

   I actually ended up leaving the even around 16:00. I didn't buy tickets to some of the later signings and I was honestly so tired by then. Plus, I was so hungry. You really don't get to take a moment to eat if you don't plan on it.

   I ended up going out to dinner with Brenda, Kristi Cook, and Chrissy. We went to this Italian family restaurant and had some delicious pizza. Afterwards, we decided to walk the streets of New York, instead of getting a cab and that was just fantastic. We talked and laughed and got turned around a few times. It is definitely one of my favorite memories from this trip.

Keste Pizza and Vino

Washington Square Park

Empire State Building

   Day Two. 

   Or another name would be - OMW IT'S MY SIGNING DAY.

   It started out with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from a local deli. Fuel, baby!
   Then, while we were standing in line, DJ and Amy pushed me WAY out of my comfort zone and made me go down the line, giving out my bookmarks and inviting people to my signing. I can't even tell you how proud I was of myself, because like most authors, I just rather sit and write. Coming up to random people is not my forte.
 
   I have to be honest, I was excited about the day and all the authors I would meet, but my mind was on my signing pretty much all day. I was bummed we didn't get to Sarah J. Maas line, but people waited more than 2 hours in that line, so it just didn't work out for us.

   Also, more big names were around!

Kathy Reichs!

Jane Lynch

   I also got to meet my girl Rachel Harris. And the awesome Erica Cameron. And Megan Whitmer (who I did not get a picture with. Fail). And Kelsey Macke.

 

They're so pretty, I can't even handle it!

   Another point of awesome, I got to meet Jesse the Reader, Kat from Katytastic, Christine from PolandBannanasBooks, Ariel Bissett, and Jeremy West. Yes, I'm a huge BookTuber fan and these guys are FANTASTIC. They were the sweetest, while I fangirled all over them, so yeah. That happened.

    And I would insert a picture here but I didn't take one so ALL THE TEARS.

   Then, it was time for my signing.

   I honestly don't even know how to talk about this without tearing up a little. It was the best experience ever. I had a line pretty much as soon as I sat down, and I was out of books in 20 minutes.

    20 MINUTES, people! WHAT????

    I basically have no words. So here are some pictures.

This girl was the sweetest! So glad I got to meet her!

AH! There I am!

A LINE!! Woot woot!

   After the event was over, Amy and I ended up going out to dinner at Times Square. It was awesome to spend time with my CP, talking about books and life in general. She is the best and I am beyond blessed to have her in my life.

Day Three.

   Or another name would be - WHAT WHERE THEY THINKING?

   Seriously, MADNESS. It was the day of BookCon and they just didn't plan this out well because it was way too crazy for words.

Yes, Cassie Clare in the house!

   I did, however, get to meet Lanie from Ginger Reads, Shannon from Cozy Tea Reads, and Kassidy Voinche. I'm a huge fan of them on BookTube as well, so that was lots of fun! They are the sweetest!
(And yes, once again, I've failed at taking pictures. Boo).

   I also got to meet and hang out with two amazing ladies, Vicki Leigh and J.A. Ward. We ended up standing in line for Maggie together. I also met Tawny Bland there, which made me laugh because she's from AZ.

Maggie!!!

   Sadly, this was my last day at NYC and I had to leave the convention center by 11:30 to make it to the airport on time.

The view from my room. It was hard to say goodbye.

   I cannot even describe the amazing experience I had in the city. I loved being in NYC, I love that city so much, but what made it so much more special are all the amazing people I met.

   I know I'm forgetting names, I'm sorry! I cannot even describe how amazing it was to have people come up to you and know you before you have even introduced yourself. As exhausting and crazy as this experience was, it was the best and it has rejuvenated my author blood and I can't wait to get to know all of these wonderful people better!

  Well, this was a long post! Hope you made it through! I'll be filming and posting a Book Haul video from the event, maybe today or tomorrow.

   Also, if you did meet me, make sure to say hi! I want to keep in touch with all of you beautiful darlings!

   Much love,

   Valia
 

Teaser Tuesday & Gift Card Giveaway: Falling #2

   Hello there lovelies, 

   I know, I know. It’s been a while. But I decided I wanted to bring back Teaser Tuesday for all of you wonderful people!

   I am deep in the revision cave, trying to make this book awesome and amazing (while working on a few other things for you). Chance and Dakota are such different characters from Brooklynn and Grayson. Their story took me by surprise, but I love them too much not to write it the way they want me to write it. Anyway, without any farther delay, here’s some Chance and Grayson for you!

   “I didn’t know he was coming,” my friend states, after a few moments of silence. I grab some cups, putting them on the counter in between us before I say anything. 

“I just don’t get it, Gray. I should be used it.”

“It’s never easy watching someone you care about in someone else’s arms.”

“Please don’t get all poetic on me. It sucks okay? It freakishly sucks and I want to punch a wall.” I lean against the island, my knuckles white where they’re holding onto the side of the granite. I’m so much better at controlling myself than this. What is wrong with me? 

“Hey, you’re the writer around here. I thought you’d appreciate my eloquently put words.” He grins broadly, completely proud of himself and I grunt in response. 

“Shut up.” This makes him grin even bigger, but whatever. He can laugh at me all he wants. I remember just mere months ago he was the one walking around moping like a school girl with a crush, and I tell him so. 

“Yes, that’s true. Which is why I totally forgive you for being annoying.” 

“Seriously, man. Shut up.” He’s laughing outright now and I have an urge to punch him in the face just to shut him up. I’m really losing it, ain’t I? I don’t realize I ask the question aloud until Grayson stops dialing and looks up at me with a serious look in his eyes. 

“It’s understandable. You’re not the first guy to lose it over a girl.”

“No, but I’m probably the only guy who’s still losing it over a girl who’ve rejected him for seven years straight.” 

“Hey, at least you’re committed.”

“Or need to be committed,” I grunt under my breath.

Awe, my poor Chance. 

So, while I’m deep in my revision cave, I have not forgotten about you. 

Comment below for a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card!

Tell me what you think of the teaser, or Chance, or Dakota, or if you’re reading something interesting! I’ll pick winners at the end of the week. 

Hugs and smooches, 

Valia