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 

A Walk in the Park with Veronica Rossi

Hello lovelies, 
Welcome to another Walk in the Park with your favorite author! I have to say I'm super excited about today's guest. Veronica Rossi is the debut author of Under the Never Sky (Review here). I absolutely and completely loved that book and Veronica is quickly turning out to be one of my favorite people! Everyone, please welcome Veronica Rossi!


*round of applause*

Welcome Veronica! Thank you so much for taking the time to take a little “walk” with me.

Under the Never Sky is a fabulous story. (I’m seriously in love with the story. I couldn’t put it down. But you’ll see that in my review lol) The world building is truly fascinating. What was the inspiration behind the world you created?

Thank you, Valia! The world came out of a desire to compare past and future, technological advancement with something primitive. I read a lot and spent time brainstorming for a few weeks and it began to come together.

Aria is a strong character who overcomes a lot challenges before her. (I really liked how she struggles to overcome the prejudice of the world she grew up in.) What was the hardest part in writing her? 

Well, to be honest, the hardest part was staying true to her prejudices! In the beginning of the story, she had to be terrified, and a little cruel. Her exile into the outer world wouldn't ring true otherwise.

Perry is a very complex individual. (and fascinating, and *le sigh* I love me some tortured heroes.) His struggles are very compelling within the story.  What was the best part in writing him? 

I love writing Perry because he's quiet on the surface but there's a lot going on underneath. He's very loyal and incredibly kind, once you get through his walls. He's just a blast to write.

I know you’ve mentioned this before but who was your favorite character to write and why? 

This question is practically unanswerable! Of course, the two leads. I also adore writing Roar and Marron. Soren was quite fun, as is Hess. See? I'm just naming them all....

What can you tell us about the rest of the series? (CANNOT wait!!! :-) 

: ) Thank you! Well, I'm working on it now, and I'll say that the stakes really climb. The Aether ramps up, and people start to panic and make some surprising--and sometimes poor--decisions. The Still Blue goes from being a rumor, to the only chance for survival.

What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning writing? 

How much patience it takes! And that revision is the best part of the process. I could revise endlessly and be happy.

Do you think being an artist helped you as a writer? (Sometimes I feel it helps me to take a break from writing and just paint or have a photo shoot.) 

That's great to hear! And I do think my art background brought something to my writing. I'm extremely visual. I need to be able to see the things I write. 

Coffee or Tea (I always seem to ask this question) :) 

Coffee in the morning. Tea in the afternoon.

Favorite Desert

Not much for dessert, but I'll say anything chocolate!

One world you wish you could live in

Whatever world my sons and husband are in :D 

Favorite book growing up

Anything Judy Blume, and then later, anything Tolkein or Arthurian.

Thank you so much for joining me on my “Walk in the Park”!!! 

Thanks so much for having me, Valia!

So, what are you guys waiting for? Have you checked out Under the Never Sky? What do you think? 

Much love, 

Valia

Book Spotlight: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. 

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. 

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. 

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. 

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answer.


From Goodreads.com


Aria is a Dweller. Perry is an Outsider. One night, their paths are brought together and then everything changes. This book pulled me right in. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed Aria and Perry's characters (along with everyone else). There is so much truth in these pages, written with excellence that will leave you wanting more. But I digress. 


Aria is a wonderful character. From the beginning of the book she is growing and developing. When she is kicked out of her home, she's in despair. Yet, she doesn't give up, she becomes a fighter.
Perry has always been a fighter. After all, his life requires him to kill or be killed. When his world crashes around him, he must make decisions he never thought he would. These two become allies.
I loved Aria and Perry's characters and their relationship. Nothing about their world is easy, including the alliance they develop, and that is the beauty of the book. Veronica created a place of pain, brought two characters together, and taught them that not everything is how it seems. Even though I wouldn't want to live in a world filled with Aether and storms that burn your flesh, I wouldn't mind finding myself a Perry. This book is filled with twists and turns, beautiful characters, and a lesson we all must learn. Beauty is found in the deepest hearts of people. I sat, stunned after reading the last page of the book and I cannot wait for more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dystopian genre and characters that stay with you long after the pages are read.


Veronica is a sweetheart and she will be stopping by a "Walk in the Park" in the near future. I hope you guys get your hands on Under the Never Sky and come back to hear a few insides about the story. 


Have you guys read this book? What are your thoughts? 


Much love, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.

Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first.

Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice.

Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.

And then ditched her.

Now, as the sun rises over her small town, and with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven, Justina must piece together — stain by stain on her thrift-store dress — exactly how she ended up dateless. A three-legged Chihuahua was involved. Along with a demolition derby-ready Cadillac. And there was that incident at the tattoo parlor. Plus the flying leap from Brian Sontag's moving car...

But to get the whole story, Justina will have to face the boy who ditched her. And discover if losing out at prom can ultimately lead to true love.

From Goodreads.com

Ditched is a story of Justina and her prom night. Her dream came true when best friend (and hopefully something more and soon) Ian asked her to prom. We meet Justina in the early morning as she is pushed out of a car and lands in a ditch. Her dress torn and stained, she walks to the closest gas station for some help. What she finds is a place and people who want to hear her story. So she takes us back to the beginning and tells us what happened.
From the first pages this book captured and held my attention. Justina is a fun, real character who has a problem with assuming things which leads her into a lot of trouble. Following the journey on her prom night, we discover how she sees the world and people around her. It was intriguing getting to know the characters as she sees them, and it added a special touch to the story.
Enter Ian. He was such a epitome of a perfect teenage boy I just need to take a moment to fan myself here. He's kind, energetic, and with a heart of gold. They really should make more of them like it, just saying. His relationship with Justina is heartwarming and sweet. Above all else, he is her best friend, and isn't that how the best love stories start?
Robin created a prom night that made me wish I actually went to mine. She tells the story in a delightful way that leaves you laughing and crying right along with the characters. If you enjoy movies like Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles, Ditched is a story for you. Ditched will make you fall in love and leave you smiling long after you read the last pages.

Ditched is a fabulous debut from Robin Mellom, so go out and get it now! Also, make sure to check back for a little "Walk in the Park" with Robin sometime next week! 

Much love, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

NEWSOUL 
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why. 

NOSOUL 
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame? 

HEART 
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 
From Goodreads.com


Review:
Incarnate is a story of Ana, a Newsoul. Ana was born into a world where she should not exist. Newsouls are not part of the rotation, until she comes along. Everyone, including her own mother, looks at Ana as if she's a mistake, as if she's the enemy. After all if one soul didn't return, how many are next?
So Ana decides to find some answers. Enter Sam, a handsome stranger who saves her and welcomes her in when no one else would. Their relationship blossoms in a beautiful and sweet way that makes your heart smile. I very much enjoyed watching their relationship develop because it felt real and heartwarming. Ana is a fabulous character who has to overcome many obstacles, while her love for music keeps her grounded. Sam the guy every girl wants. He's real, kind, and looks beyond the obvious into what is truly important.
If being the "new kid on the block" isn't enough, dangers lurk on every corner. When sylph and dragons attack, no one is safe. Opposition follows Ana on every side whether it is human or creature. Yet, thru it all, Ana learns, fights, and develops in a way that makes for a great story.
Jodi creates a world full of wonder, lovable characters, dangerous creatures, and a love that breaks all barriers. This world is just as magical as it is real. I cannot wait to see what happens next! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting for more.
Incarnate comes out January 31, 2012! Get it, read it, love it! Also, I'll be posting a very special interview with Jodi on Monday. Look for that (and maybe even a giveaway).

Much love,
Valia

Book Spotlight: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 


From Goodreads.com

When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued but not exactly sold on the concept. Sure, I like my super awesome technology just like any other girl and Cyborgs are definitely part of that list. However, I just wasn’t sure how it was going to look on paper. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised!

Cinder is a story about a girl mechanic, part Cyborg, part something else. She is harassed by her step mother, hated by her step sister, and looked down on for being who she is. Yet, she stands tall and works against all odds. I loved Cinder as the main character. I felt myself cheering “You go girl!” more than once during the book. Then, enters Prince Kai. Well, hello gorgeous! Right away, I enjoyed the relationship weaving between the two. It wasn’t just your ordinary “love at first swoon”, it was a real working relationship. Marissa takes two characters and makes them their own. Doom hangs over them at every step and they are forced to make tough decisions, and yet, they keep coming back to each other. That is real love story in the making.

And that ending, oh. my. goodness. that ending!!! What a cliffhanger! Book 2 is going to be fabulous, I can see it already!

The writing is beautiful, with just enough heart to keep you up at nights. Marissa weaves all aspects of a good fairy tale and makes it her own. The world Cinder lives in is painted with the best colors of words. The setting and the people are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. Cinder will grip your heart and leave you gasping for more. You are going to fall in love! 

Cinder hits the shelfs January 3, 2012! I highly recommend this book to anyone! 

Happy Reading, 

Valia 

PS. Let me know what you think!