On Taking Breaks...

Hello lovelies,

Happy Friday everyone!
If you follow me on twitter you must've heard that I started a new project. This is quite an undertaking for me because it's new and exciting and totally different from anything I've ever written before. There are aspects to this story that I've been in love with for what seems like ever and I feel like I'm finally a strong enough writer to give it a go. Sure, I might crash and burn, but it's a learning process and I'm determined to learn.
That said, I will be taking a break from this blog for the duration of the project. I feel like I need to focus my own blog more on the writing aspects and therefore I think it would be better to take a break. You can still find me and my shenanigans over at http://wordsareinnermusic.blogspot.com and I will be returning to regularly scheduled programing here, but for right now, it's vacation time!
I hope you continue to follow me on twitter, because the madness is here! :-)
I leave you with a music video for the movie Pitch Perfect that I'm in! (The music video that is, not the movie)



Much Love, 
Valia 

Books and more books...

Hello darlings, 

Today we're talking about reading. I've been doing a lot of reviews lately. To be honest, it's been a bit hectic since I don't have as much time to read as I normally do right now. It's a good thing and it's a bad thing. It's good because this means my work career is progressing and I'm getting somewhere and it's bad because obviously I'm not reading as much as I want to. 
But, I've read some awesome books lately and today I wanted to give you a few recent favorites as recommendations. Let's get this ball rolling!

I cannot start with anything but this book. Honestly, probably one of my favorite reads not only in the past month, but the past few months. I love everything about Storm. I love the characters; how real and fun they are. I love how well balanced and rounded the story is. Seriously, it's hard to manage that many important characters in one book and not forget someone or leave them with just a few points. I think is partially the reason while I love the story so much. I never felt like anyone was left behind and that's serious kuddos to Brigid because that's hard to do. I know in my own writing I'm afraid to lose that battle, but there was none of that for Storm. And guys, the boys in this book? Holy Smoking Batman!!!!  If the only reason you read this book is to find out why I said that, Do It! No seriously, just read it. You'll love it! 
Spark is the second book in the series and as soon as I'm free enough to go find a bookstore, I'll be in need of that book! 

So I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I got it for review before it came out and I wasn't really sure how I'll feel about it. First of all, the cover is awesome. Not sure about the cheer uniform (you'll understand after you read the book) but the whole thing just works for me. As for the story itself? Like I said, pleasantly surprised. The main heroine is a fun girl to read. I mean she really grew through the whole book, and I was cheering for her. As for the main guy, well it took me a moment to like him, but I did. Those qualities of a hero were a bit buried but they came out in the end and I wanted to hug him for it. The other characters added a nice touch to the story as well. Then, there were zombies. I'm really starting to like me a good zombie story and this one was interesting. My only concern with this book is that it's book one in a series and I didn't know that going in. I need to know what happens now!!! Seriously, that ending??? AH!

Yes, I know this one is not out yet, but I had to add it to my list of awesome. Seriously, Julie is fabulous and I adore her Fey series to pieces. I was sad to say goodbye to Meg and Ash, but guess what? You don't really have to!!! 
Ethan is such a darling. Yes, he'll probably go all martial arts on me for saying that but I'm not afraid (well, maybe a little). I loved seeing Ethan grow up. I really feel like I got to, because I read the first series, I was there when he was kidnapped and when Meg found him. I remember his crying and being scared. Now, he stands a man before us and his story is just as powerful as Meg's was. I love Ethan's "tough guy" attitude and his absolutely soft heart. It also helps that he's gorgeous. Yes, that boy grew up nicely. Is that wrong of me to say? Anyway, moving on. Kenzie was a fun character as well. She brought out parts of Ethan we wouldn't have seen otherwise. And the other characters? Let's just say it's a win all around. Julie, I'd like more now please! 

Last, but definitely not least, we have Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I know you all know that I am one of the biggest fangirls when it comes to Jen's writing. Her characters are just too much fun and her stories really make you get lost in the pages. Cursed is a win win for me. I love the main and secondary characters. I love the story line and the whole progression of it. Sure, Ember drove nuts sometimes. And sure, I wanted to jump Hayden (which I find normal when it comes to Jen's boy characters). Seriously, what not to love. 
For me, Cursed is just another example of how to write relationships well. I tell this to Jen all the time. She's so good at creating just enough tension, just enough of conflict, just enough of emotion, that you can't help but cheer for your characters. I wouldn't be opposed if there was a book two. Hint. Hint. 

Well, those are my recent favorite reads!! What do you think?

What are you reading?

Have a wonderful weekend, 
Valia