NEW WEBSITE!!!

Hey there lovelies,

So I've moved sites. The blog and all of its glory is now over at http://valialind.wordpress.com

I've been posting lots of goodies, so come and check it out!

Much love,

Valia

What's Going On in 2015?

   Hello lovelies,

   So here we are. It's officially three days into 2015 and it still feels unreal. (It's also my birthday month so there's that). But anyway, I thought I'd take a minute and just do an overview of my year for you. Here's the thing. I'm not big on resolutions and such, but I am big on goals. Especially writing and reading goals. I always try to push myself a little bit farther, and last year I definitely did that by publishing 3 books. 3 BOOKS! That's insane (at least to me). But this year, I want to do better. Not just for myself, but for my readers.

   Now, this is just a tentative list of goals and ideas of goals. Not all of these will be met, but that is okay. I shall try.

   Reading:

       100 books!

   I failed last year by only reading 86. Writing more books this year it will be harder for me to read more, but I shall try.

   Writing:

        Falling, Book 3 - yes, you all have been patiently waiting for Jackson's story and it will happen this year.

        Titanium, Book 2 - this one will probably be the first one to be published, but that still won't be till a bit later.

        Titanium, Book 3 - right now, it's a trilogy. So book 3 should be out by the end of the year.

        New UF YA series, Book 1 - I have a huge plan for this new series and I will have, at least, information on it by the middle of the year.

Holy Batman and Robin, right? 

  Art/Photography:
 
       I will be posting a lot more artwork and photos this year, because I want to be better at documenting my life through pictures.

   Well, I think that's it. At least for now. I have some other goals as well, but these are my priority, so it's the ones I'm sharing with you.

I might later on tho...

    Before I go, I wanted to take a moment and thank each and every single one of you who have supported me this last year (and years before). You are what allows me to continue on this journey and I am truly blessed to have such awesome fans!

   I would to hear what you have planned for this year, so let me know!

   Happy New Year!

   Much love,
   Valia

Brooklynn and Grayson's Christmas Story!

   Hey lovelies,

   Merry Christmas!!! Today, I have a special gift just for you! All of your favorites from my Falling Series are making a cameo in the Christmas story below. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who's read my books this year and allowed me to share their stories with you!
   Merry Christmas!

“Chance, I swear, if you don’t get your butt over here in the next hour, we’re eating without you.” Dakota rolls her eyes in my direction, before walking into the other room with her phone. They’ve been together for less than six months and I’m happy to report that they haven’t changed a bit. They still fight more than they discuss things calmly and I can’t say I’m complaining. It’s nice to know that some things do stay the same. 

I make my way to the kitchen, making sure the food hasn’t burned down. Even though Chance’s dad is in charge, I like to double check. That will never change either.

“Brooklynn, is your family on the way yet?” Mr. Monroe asks me, not looking away from chopping up the onions. As soon as I take a whiff of the vegetable, I stop in the doorway. Mr. Monroe looks up at me, and I shrug a little. 

“I’m not sure, I need to give them a call. I’m going to go do that. In the other room.” Before he can ask anything else, I escape. My eyes are already starting to water.  Dakota is still on the phone with Chance in the living room, so I find a quiet place in the back patio and dial my parents. 

“Hey honey,” Mom answers as if she’s expecting a call. Which, granted, is not that far fetched. “We’re on our way. Your father had to stop at the store.” 

“No problem, Mom. No one else is here yet. Drive safe.” 

  Ever since the summer before college, my parents and I have been working on our communication. I know Dad still worries about my career choices, but he’s definitely doing better in keeping an open mind on the matter. I can’t really ask for more than that. I just wish my sister could’ve made it to the festivities, but she’s off on some business trip. She’s a lot more supportive now, than she’s ever been before. Which makes me happy, but it also makes me miss her that much more.

I don’t hear the door behind me slide open, but then arms circle me from behind and I know my boyfriend has arrived. I turn my head, just slightly, to smile up at his handsome face. 

“I knew I’d find you out here. I heard Dakota giving Chance a hard time in the other room.” Grayson hugs me closer, and I lean farther back into his arms. No matter how much time we spend together, there’s always that new thrill of being in his presence. I pray I never get over that feeling. He entwines our fingers on my waist as I lean my forehead against his neck, snuggling closer. 

“You know how much Dakota needs her drama.” I murmur into his skin. “But actually, I had to make a call.”

“And escape Mr. Monroe’s famous onions.” Grayson adds knowingly. I chuckle at his tone, and at the fact of how well he knows me. Chance’s dad has a tendency to smother anything he cooks in with onions, which makes me bawl like a child on Christmas morning. 

“I love anything he makes. I just don’t love the process.” 

Grayson places a small kiss on my forehead, squeezing me tighter against him. Even though we go to the same school, we don’t spend as much time together as we’d like. With both of our class loads full, and Grayson picking up various photography jobs, it seems like we’re always on the run. Standing here, in his arms, it’s nice to know that no matter how busy we get, we still have each other. 

“While I’d love to stay out here with you forever, there’s another boy who’s begging for your attention.” Grayson turns us toward the door and I notice Noah leaning against the glass, waiting for his turn. I laugh, stepping out of Grayson’s arms and beckon for the little boy. Noah doesn’t need much of an invitation. 

“I thought you’d never stop being all gross.” He almost shouts, yanking the sliding door open and launching himself into my open arms. I hold him close, giving his unruly hair a small kiss. He wiggles from under all the love, grabbing for my hand. I reach my other hand back, letting Grayson’s fingers entwine with mine, before we’re both pulled inside. 

“Did you see the Christmas tree Chance got?” Noah exclaims, pulling me past his dad. I give him a small kiss on the cheek, before we continue our journey to the tree. Dakota is in there and so is Chance. 

“Cosmopolitan!” He shouts, grabbing me around the waist and lifting me high in the air. I squeal, as my hands are still attached to the two Banks boys, before being lowered back down. “Now the party can finally start, now that I’m here.” 

Surprisingly, Dakota doesn’t comment on that, just weaves her hand through the crook of Chance’s arm as he pulls her closer. Now that her boyfriend is here, she’s all mush and I love seeing my best friend so happy. I hear noises from the front of the house as my parents are greeted by Chance’s dad. In the next moment, they’re all in the room with us and I tug Grayson away from the middle of the commotion. We move over, standing by the tree, my arms wrapped around his waist, his wrapped around my shoulders. 

Our families greet each other, shouting and laughing, as they normally do as Grayson and I take it all in. I can’t help feeling so blessed. Last year at this time, I wasn’t this blissfully happy. I was confused and nervous. But now, as I stand next to my handsome boyfriend, watching our families interact, I can’t help but thank God for all that He’s done in my life. 

Grayson takes a few steps back, shielding us from the onlookers by the giant tree Monroe’s always insist on getting. 

“How are we feeling, Ms Summers?” he whispers against my hair. 

“Loved and blessed, Mr. Banks.” I reply. 

“Merry Christmas, Brooklynn.” He doesn’t give me a chance to reply, as his lips find mine and I get lost in the taste and feel of him. He pulls me closer still and I’m just as excited today as I was months ago to know that he’s mine. I could stay like this forever.

It’s the jeers and cheers from the family that finally breaks us apart. I guess the tree wasn’t much of a cover. 

Top 10 Tuesday: Best Books of 2014!

   Hey lovelies,

   So, I haven't been very blog-like around here lately considering I've been writing like the wind. But today, I decided to participate in the Top Ten Tuesday created by the awesome bloggers at Broke and Bookish. Why? Because I love talking about books I have read and LOVED. So here we go (in no particular order).

   Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell - Okay, I picked up this book and I wasn't sure what I was expecting. But I can tell you what to expect now. A bunch of awesomeness. This book is so full of adventure and excitement and awesome characters that you will want to keep reading and reading and reading. Seriously, one of my absolute favorite series! 

   Open Road Summer by Emery Lord - This books cover definitely pulled me in right away, but the writing didn't disappoint. I think it was one of my favorite contemporaries because not only the writing was great, but the characters were so real. Yes, even the famous one. I cannot wait for more from Emery Lord because I know she'll wow me again. 

   Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine - I adore anything Chelsea write, and this book was no different. This was her first try in NA and I think she nailed it like nobody's business. I loved the characters in this book to pieces and I'm excited to see Chelsea branch out in different genres. When you're good, you're good. 

   Written in Red by Anne Bishop - If you've been with me for any length of time you know I'm obsessed with this book. This whole series is amazing (I'm reading book 3 now) and I cannot even explain to you why because I will be talking for days. Every single part of this book is outstanding and I cannot get enough of the characters! Seriously, read it if you haven't yet. You won't be disappointed.

   The World Without A Future by Nazarea Andrews - I've never read anything by Nazarea until I stumbled into this series and let me tell you, I want to read everything by her now. This series is so good. I love it to pieces. Everything about it is so exciting and thrilling and good. The characters are great and real, the storyline is like a TV show full of action and adventure. Book 3 just came out so you guys have some catching up to do because I highly recommend it.  

   Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins - Guys, this series. I love each and every book and I was so excited to finally have book 3 in my hands. Wendy does not disappoint. This trilogy is everything you want in a trilogy and more. I love Wendy's writing, her character development, her storytelling. I can't wait to read more books by her. She's definitely one of my favorites!

   Drowned by Nichola Reilly - I really didn't think I would like this book as much as I did, because I loved it. The writing was so engaging. I couldn't step away. The concept was interesting enough, but it was the storytelling that really sold it. I'm excited to see what happens next and I wish I could read that book right now. 

   The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon - I'm sure this book will be on a lot of lists, but I couldn't help adding it to mine. I loved loved this book so much. It's like 500 pages and I almost read it in one sitting. There was just something so special about Samantha's writing and her characters. I had to know what happened next right away and I just sat there, with the book in my hands, when I read the last page. It's hard getting over a good book ending and I definitely had book hangover after reading this one. 

   Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins - I have been Rachel's fan for some time now and I'm so happy that this book didn't disappoint. In fact, as you can see, it made it to my top ten because I just loved it to pieces. I love the way Rachel writes her characters. Seriously. They're so real and sometimes unlikable and that makes it for a great story. I wasn't a fan of Harper's in the beginning, or David's, really. But by the end of the book, I was routing for both. That's a great story! 

   The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel - This book is a new favorite. I just read it last week and I couldn't help myself adding it to the top ten. I just loved it so much. It had just enough of adventure and angst to get me through the pages. The writing was so well done and that ending! People, I'm not sure how I'll survive till next November! 

   Well, that is it for me. I could've kept on going, but these are the ten that popped in my mind. I'm sure I'll be doing another post on some of my favorite books because there are just too many awesome authors out there! 

   What are some of the books you loved this year? Let me know!

   Much love, 

   Valia

Pieces of Revenge Blog Tour!! (+Giveaway)

   Hello lovelies,

   So today kicks off the week long blog tour for Pieces of Revenge! There are a lot of goodies in store for you, and of course a great big giveaway at the end! Make sure you follow all the stops for your chance to win!

 

The Tour

December 15th

-        Bibliophile Mystery, http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.fr/ | Promo

-        WS Momma Readers Nook  | Teaser

-        Chaotic Reader, http://chaoticreader.blogspot.com/ | Review

December 16th

-        Deal Sharing Aunt, http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/ | Promo

December 17th

-        A Little Slice of Romance, http://allittlesliceofromance.blogspot.com/ | Promo

-        YA Book Madness, Http://youngadultbookmadness.wordpress.com | Review
-        Words I Write Crazy, http://writingcrazyme.blogspot.com/ | Review

December 18th

-        Bookwyrming Thoughts, http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com | Promo

-        Kelly P's Blog, http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/ | Promo

December 19th

-        Typical Distractions, https://typicaldistractions.wordpress.com | Review

-        Toni Decker Books, http://tonideckerbooks.wordpress.com/ | Promo

-        Good Choice Reading, http://www.goodchoicereading.com/ | Interview

#HappyDecember + #Updates + #Giveaway!!!

   Hello lovelies,

   Wow. December. Can you believe it? It's the end of 2014 already. I'm not exactly sure where the time have gone, but here we are. On the brings of Christmas. 

   I love this season. I love it so much. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the lack of snow outside my window. But I guess it could be worse :) 

   

   So, I just wanted to take a quick minute and update you all on the happenings in Valia Universe. 

   Obviously, Thanksgiving happened. And it was a good, relaxing one.

Some Russian food + some American food. <3 td="">

   Pieces of Revenge came out on November 20th and I am SO happy with this book being out in the world. My paperbacks came in and they're gorgeous!

Yes, my hair is purple again. :)

   Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Revenge-Titanium-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00PVQEXHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417542561&sr=8-1&keywords=pieces+of+revenge

   I'm also a little obsessed with these Crafted Van bookmarks and keep posting all the pictures! 

LOVED Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

   I've also done some more doodles and updated my Society 6 store! If anyone is interested, Christmas presents. Wink wink.

 

Store link: http://society6.com/valialind

  

 I got my Christmas tree set up in my room and it's all cozy and ready for some serious writing in December. 

  Project wise, I have a few exciting things coming up! Sequel to Pieces of Revenge is coming along...nicely. The third book in Falling series is still in the works. And I might have a new book series coming your way! I know, right? Because I don't have enough to do. 

  Anyway, you're probably here for the giveaway. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who have supported me and all the nice messages and comments! You guys are awesome. 

So I have a prize pack of ALL THESE GOODIES and MORE,  so GO FORTH AND ENTER! 

WIN THESE & MORE!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

   Much love,

   Valia

Pieces of Revenge is LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

   Hello lovelies,

   I can't believe this day has already come! PIECES OF REVENGE, book one in Titanium series, is now available!!!

Thank you, thank you :)

Here are the links:

 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PVQEXHY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_RhABub12Q3PV9 

 
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PVQEXHY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_HkABub0GCVQWP

 
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PVQEXHY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_JjABub19SHW46

 
Paperbacks: COMING SOON!

And don't forget to add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23377941-pieces-of-revenge

If you guys are around, I'm having a Facebook Release Party! There will be tons of giveaways and all kinds of authors stopping by, so you should too! 

   Before I go, I just want to say thank you THANK YOU to every single one of you who have bought and read and loved my books. I couldn't do this without your support and it means the world to me! I hope you enjoy Tasia and Logan's story! 

   Much love, 

   Valia