Book Review: Violet on the Runway

Title: Violet on the Runway
Series: Violet #1
Author: Melissa C. Walker
Publisher: Berkley JAM Books (Penguin Group USA)
Original Publication in: 2007

Reviewed by Ginny, originally published in Fly
 
Violet Greenfield, who thinks of herself as a quiet, shy  wallflower, has always been teased because of her height (six-one, or 1.85m). She longs to be popular like those BK girls (stands for Bee’s Knees, not Burger King), even though she’d never admit it to her best friends, Julie and Roger.
But when she catches the eye of a Tryst agent Angela Blythe, things change dramatically… because Angela is sure Violet can be “the next Kate Moss – but, you know, taller and without the cocaine problem” (that was Violet’s soon-to-be agent). In the following months, Violet will have to wade through the castings, photo shoots, runways, bitchy models and other difficulties to find herself and what she really wants.

As far as I know, the author Melissa Walker used to work in a fashion magazine and has now (well, five years ago) written a series which gives us backstage insights on the glamorous fashion life.
Let’s talk about Violet first. Violet Greenfield is insecure about her height and her body in general – she’s too bony and all angles, she thinks. Of course, those two complexes are what caught Angela’s attention. Angela is persistent on letting Violet fly out to New York (she lives in North Carolina) for the Fashion Week, and when her parents give in, Violet is whisked away to a world in which she feels beautiful, strong and desirable.
Long story short, designers and photographers are taken by Violet’s naturalness, Angela convinces the Greenfields to let Violet graduate a semester early and live in the Tryst’s model apartment in New York – and make a name as a model!
Now, I know, I know that Violet needs to make stupid mistakes in order to learn and grow up, but I was quite exasperated when she ditched her best friends for the BK. What pissed me off, however, was Julie’s response to that. I get she has a valid right to be angry, I don’t blame her for that. What I consider a true BF reaction is Roger’s, Violet’s other friend. He’s mad, gives her silent treatment, but in the end he cares, and he comes up to check on Violet. They fight, but he forgives. Julie’s just petty.
Back to Violet. I think she is a good and nice person at core – that’s her personality, and her nature. She hardens up in this vicious tangle of competition and criticism, but she never develops an eating disorder or turns to drugs. She is hurt by the harsh words people and fellow model Veronica throw at her – about her weight, her nightlife, her privacy – and yet she remains a softie (in a good way) inside.
Violet on the Runway is a book about self-discovery and mocks the fashion world, but in a light-hearted and believable way.

Library Book Review > This Song Will Save Your Life

By:  Leila Sales
Published By: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Published Date: Sept. 17th 2013 
Pages:  288 hardcover
Tags: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Stand Alone, Music 

Source:  Community Library (Save A Tree)

There is a raw and powerful story to be had in between those covers. Once the Mad Scientist embraced This Song Will Save Your Life, MS could not stop devouring.

Starting late into the night, my tea went cold twice and the minutes ticked by yelling at my hard head that the sun would rise in a few hours. A scientist I maybe but a lady should never have bags under her eyes so I stubbornly buried myself under the duvet closing my eyes. Only to wake up as the sun was rising to read till the book was done!

Elise is the one person who never quit belonged with a particular group of kids at school.  Oh, how kids can be cruel. She was a special girl who tried her best at whatever she wanted to learn. However, she found out being special or good at something is just uncool.

Planet & Book Love <3

Lonely is what Elise was determined not to be any longer. She researched being cool and tried so hard to find a friend. Desperation turned into the consideration of suicide. Awe, my dear Elise, MS just wanted to crawl into the book and hug you. Let us just say thank you to the gods above for she did not go through with it.

"Sometimes you just have those days where everything goes wrong. But sometimes, and totally unexpectedly, something can go right."

Now Elise finds herself going through the aftermath of the situation. Soon after the scare she stumbled around late in the night near a business district trying to ward of her wound up nerves. Even in such a unseeming area Elise ran into Vicky & Mel, whom befriended her. Leading Elise into the teaming hectic world of an underground dance party. Music thumps through her body and soul, she is someone else here. The music loving self, not the unpopular HS self. Elise gathered strength from her new friends to survive and recover.

Elise takes it upon herself to learn how to DJ. The young and dashing lad, Char, the leading DJ of the night was needed elsewhere. Taking the reins of the dance party with her efforts and knowledge of music she easily rules the dance floor. Char, takes Elise under wing when realizing she is talented and different. Learning all she can, Elise becomes the hottest DJ in the area! 

Surviving high school surrounded by friends and music, Elise learned that it is alright to stay true to the person you want to be and can be. 

Undoubtedly my favorite Quote!

"I was smiling like a crazy person because I had just made a hundred people dance, I had just made a hundred people scream, I had just made a hundred people happy. I, Elise, using my own power, had made people happy."

Source

Here is how I picture Elise: 

Many lovely groups and songs are mentioned throughout the novel, in which the playlist from within can be found and thoroughly enjoyed at Spotify. As MS developed this mad review the sounds whirled around my skirts and rattled my pinned up hair.  

"I believe that a person's taste in music tells you a lot about them. In some cases, it tells you everything you need to know."

** Thanks to the Oneida Community Library and Inter-Library Loan! All Mad thoughts are presented in the right mind of a twisted brain of the Mad Scientist!**

It was so extremely good I kissed it everywhere & licked the spine.

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

ARC Book Review > Homecoming

Cloaked Devices 0.5

By:  Cecilia Robert
Published By: Cecilia Robert
Published Date: October 25th 2013 
Pages:  121 ebook
Tags:  Adult, Steampunk, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy Fiction, Series 

Source:  NetGalley (Save A Tree)

Homecoming is a new imaginary world by Cecilia Roberts which is full of shapeshifters & steampunkery combined with swoon worthy lads. An introductory novella for the coming Cloaked Devices series.

Sera Czedar was mated with Levian Grayson five long years ago. Five long years ago, Sera ran away from her wedding bed, her home & family without leaving a snippet of a clue as to where or why. 

Dear Lev's tormented panther paced around in need of his mate. He would do anything to bring her home, to have the other part of his soul home.  The time has come to do just this after finally finding a clue to where abouts. 

"Soul mates aren't supposed to break their partner's heart. They should be the ones holding it, guarding it against the world."

Vanezia is a city known for its outcast citizens. Sera made herself home among the rift raft as a tenacious woman not to be trifled with less you want to fell the hurt. Known as Storm in the underground fighting ring she has solidly brought down robust opponents in order to bring in extra income. 

"He rubbed his neck, curbing his wayward thoughts, then watched her as she swung her hands and punched tiny fists into the air, looking completely harmless."

Source

Here is how I picture Sera:

Even more has changed when Sera shocks Levian with some most shocking news. The Mad Scientist was most surly shocked with the spinning twist of the plot. Pleasantly so!

Get ready to flutter your fan and blush as the alpha male panther makes you swoon through some raw emotional desire and primal hotness. *Prr* Seriously, he is one intense dominate kitty that made me grin on more than one occasion. Leve even had stead fast Sera swooning and weak at the knees... several times over. 

Primarily a shifter genre novel, however, there are notes and dashes of steampunkery elements sprinkled through the pages. Leaving this novella to be a most desirable fast fun read with some forbidden steam. Luckily for us there will be more to this series to enjoy in the coming future.



The only note of negative thought from the Mad Scientist has to be that the novella is just too short. MS wanted more. With this being just a glimpse MS eagerly awaits the series. 

** Thanks to NetGalley for the ability to read this ebook which so ever did not influence or bend my thoughts in any manner. All Mad thoughts are presented in the right mind of a twisted brain of the Mad Scientist!**

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder (Second Review!)

The Lipstick Laws
By Amy Holder
Publisher: Graphia, 2011
237 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 11/6/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Chick Lit

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her. For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Sitting near Darci Madison on the schoolbus is enough to put anyone with woman-sprout issues over the edge."
~Last Line: "And with that, I go to bed a proud Lipstick Lawbreaker and an ex-bra-stuffer."

Review: Talk about an awesome book! I really didn't expect it to be that good! It sort of showed me what high school could be like this upcoming year (I doubt it'll be anything like this book, but anything's possible, right? :D).

The main character, April Bowers, is a sophmore in high scool -- with no friends. Her best bud has moved away to Kansas, and somehow, on the first day, April manages to be accepted by the most popular girl in school. Things are amazing for her so far, even though her best friend warns her to stay away.

The plot was really awesome. You could tell that Amy seriously (maybe not too seriously) thought about the best way to write the characters and what happened throughout the 237 pages of the novel. Everything was just so teenish, and the reader can relate to April and her friends so weel. It all just sort of seems real!

The Lipstick Laws was most definitely an ahmazing book. I wish that it was a series, though. I've heard that they are thinking about making a tv series off of it. Hope that follows throught! :)

and a half :)

Quotes from the book:

"No girl wants to hear that she needs a makeover. I know I'm not a supermodel, but c'mon, I'm not a wilting weed in desperate need of Miracle-Gro, either."

" 'Ah, to be a teenager again . . . when noon is morning and midnight is going to bed early.' "

"I get the tortellini alfredo. It's to die for. Technically, I guess it really could be to die for . . . hence my father's nickname for it: heart attack on a plate. Regardless of its artery-clogging qualities, it's delicious."

"Mr. Stuart jumps in horror when he sees me. 'Holy smokes, April! What happened?'
'Tennis balls are hazardous weapons,' I respond cooly.
The class laughs. I'm happy that others find humor in my suffering."

________________________________________________________

And now I have an awesome interview with Amy herself! :D Enjoy!

1. What made you want to be an author?
I've always loved to write, and I dreamed of being an author when I was little. However, it wasn’t until after college that I really started thinking about pursuing it professionally. I studied psychology in college and once I was out in the real world working in the field, I realized I wouldn’t feel completely fulfilled unless I was able to do something I truly adore. Writing is that something … and I feel very lucky to have accomplished my childhood dream.

2. What gave you the idea for The Lipstick Laws?
The idea for the book was very character driven. April, the main character, was the first aspect of the story that came to me. I always knew I wanted to write a fun story about the ups and downs of high school, but the whole plot evolved by free-writing in April's voice and putting her character into what-if scenarios.

3. Would you say that you’re a Lipstick Lawlord, or a Lipstick Lawbreaker?
I'm a Lipstick Lawbreaker through and through! I could never follow the Lipstick Laws... especially Lipstick Laws two, three and four!

4. What can we expect from you in the next couple of years?
In the next couple of years, I'm hoping to have another book or two out. Also, The Lipstick Laws was recently optioned for TV, so there's a chance that it may go to production at some point -- fingers crossed. There are still many steps that would have to happen before it gets to that point...but the possibility is exciting regardless.

5. Who are your favorite authors of all-time?
The authors who sparked my love of reading and writing at a young age will always have a soft spot in my heart. Those authors are: Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Madeleine L'Engle. I also adore Sophie Kinsella, J.K. Rowling, and Charles Dickens. And I may be biased, but I think my fellow 2011 debut authors are pretty amazing as well!

6. Do you enjoy eating asparagus?
Haha! This may be one of the most random questions I've ever gotten in an interview.... but, yes, I do enjoy eating asparagus. Thanks for asking. :)

7. What are some of your hobbies when you’re not writing?
I love art, photography, anything that makes me laugh, baking, shopping, going to plays, spending time with family/friends...and I'm a huge animal lover, so I like spending time with my pets and/or getting involved with animal rescue groups.

8. What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! In fact, I'd love to be a holiday elf - even just for a day. Preferably the day would be Christmas Eve....because dressing like a holiday elf in the middle of July would probably be a little creepy.

9. How can my followers and I stay in top of what’s happening with you and your books?
You can find me at the following links (please don't hesitate to say hi!):

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amyholderbooks
Website: www.amyholder.com
Blog: amyholderbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amyholderbooks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amyholder

Also, if you'd like to meet me in person, check out my news and reviews page for information about upcoming events: amyholdernews.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for the interview, Zakiya!

Thank YOU, Amy, for participating!!! I really appreciate it :p

Adult Book Review ---> Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler

Adult Review!!

Tempest's Legacy 

         Jane True #3

By:  Nicole Peeler

Published By:  Orbit

Published Date:  January 1st 2011

Pages:  Softcover 352
Tags:  Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Selkies, Mystery

Why the Mad Scientist read this book:  Mad Scientist just had to find out what happened with Jane & Ryu & Anyan!

First Lines:  I love it when people pre-laugh at their own jokes.

Concoction of a Review:

Nicole Peeler's Jane True Series has me on edge.  I read one book one earlier this year.  Jen the Bibliophile sent me book 2 & 3 because she knows my infinity for starting a series but never continuing with it.  After completing Tracking the Tempest a book full of snark and supernatural hunks I quickly decided that this series would not be left unread.

**Note to self:  Go buy book 4, Eye of the Tempest, soon!!!**

Tempest's Legacy jumps in shortly after Tracking the Tempest ended.  Jane continues to train her offensive and defensive magical technique.  Her relationship is still a ball of tension from the end of the last book.  Which leads us to seeing more of Anyan.  Jane's eyes start to wonder toward the Barghest.  *waggles eyebrow*

Nonetheless, there is a surprising bout of news that ruffles Jane's feathers.  Someone found out that supernatural females were being taken.  Not kindly I might add.  This horrid news includes information about someone who she most would love to meet and know more about.  Dying to know who??  *grin*

The mystery takes Jane out of little ol' Rockabill, her hometown in Maine, as she tags along to figure out what exactly is going on and how to stop it.  We have a mix of characters from the first book, from Ryu's Boston team & even a few brand new characters!   Interactions are hilarious at best!!  We are even pulled into a new area... The Borderlands!!  (Many exclamation points but it truly is exciting!)

Here is how I picture Anyan:  As Eric Bana... 

*As previously stated!*

This book has little to no nookie in it so I was a bit disappointed in that but I'm looking forward to Anyan.  *blushes*

It truly is a great series!!!  Peeler's snark is completely sprinkled throughout this novel like the others, however, the demeanor is a lot darker.  The events that unfold are a bit harsh and force Jane to grow even more, powerfully and emotionally.  Jane True is Truly Bad A$$ in this book!

*I received this book free of charge from my sassy friend Jen!  My Mad review is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very yummy men inside. *

For Jane True this is a story of standing up and accepting herself.  Oh, there is also an incredible mystery to he had!

4.5 Kisses


Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.