Review: Falling By Design-Valia Lind

4/5 Stars

Falling by Design-Valia Lind

Genre: YA contemporary

Published: March 12, 2014

My heart fills with emotions I cannot describe, stealing the very essence of my being, as his words take root in my soul. There’s no mockery, no lies, no undercurrents in that simple statement. His eyes shine with the truth of what he says and all I can think is, I’m in trouble.

***

I see the flecks of green in his deep blue eyes, and I swear it should be illegal to be this gorgeous. Not that a pretty face will sway me, but it’s a little distracting. “We’re not friends Grayson, so whatever scheme you’re planning, I’m not a kid anymore.” “No, you are definitely not a kid anymore.” Oh the way he says that. It’s like a whispered secret, racing over your body into your very being. We’re a breath away and I can feel his sweet voice like a careful touch. I can tell my face is heating up, and I know he’s trying to unsettle me. He’s so good at it. Always has been.

Brooklynn Summers has a plan for her life: graduate from high school, get into a top fashion school, prove to her family that she’s not a failure. She wishes someone in her life understood her need to create because her parents sure don’t support her dreams, her sister hates her, and the deadlines are soon approaching.

Enter Grayson Banks.

There are a few things in life Brooklynn can’t stand: mismatched patterns, cheap polyester, and Grayson. No boy has ever publicly humiliated Brooklynn like Grayson has. When he suddenly moved away in eighth grade, Brooklynn happily wished him good riddance. But on the first day of senior year, Grayson comes back, with his piercing blue eyes and a smile that melts icebergs, he is not exactly the boy Brooklynn remembers. She quickly realizes that Grayson’s intentions have completely shifted, but she’s not sure if she can put their past behind her.

Grayson understands Brooklynn’s creative ambitions and he devises a plan to showcase her work to the world. When the two agree to work together, suddenly, there is more than just fabric paint that’s having a chemical reaction to its environment. Brooklynn cannot help but feel pulled into Grayson’s arms, but memories and misunderstandings surface, putting in danger whatever small comradeship these two childhood enemies have constructed.

Can Brooklynn overcome her own insecurities, finally making her dreams come true? Even a dream she didn’t know she had.

This is a story about a girl with big dreams and a boy who helps her achieve them.

PROS:

Brooklynn is an epic protagonist. She’s a dreamer. She has a vibrant personality, full of sarcasm, snarky comments, and a playfulness that exudes confidence. What is so magnetic about Brooklynn is that she is a contradiction. While she’s got so much going for her, her home life leaves her feeling unaccomplished and drained. At home she is quiet, passive, and afraid to speak her mind because no one listens. Her world is full of expectations that Brooklynn wants to escape, she wants to be herself but has a legacy of torment and disappointed looks. When Brooklynn takes the leap, speaks her mind, and finally expresses herself and is heard, it’s a beautifully transcendent moment. You’ll feel so proud. Brooklynn really is a truly admirable character who fights for her dreams against severe protest.
Dialogue. This is some of the BEST dialogue I’ve seen. The internal monologues are hilarious, full of that wonderful, face-palming embarrassment and confusion when thinking about the opposite sex. It’s hilarious, it’s real, and completely witty. Expect a constant smile and sudden laughter. If you’re looking for a feel good book that will warm your heart and inspire you to follow your dreams, this is it.
Grayson is gorgeous. It’s easy to picture him as a sneaky little boy who spent his free time pestering Brooklynn. Grayson is a sweetheart, he’s responsible, creative, a great brother, and so attentive to Brooklynn. He understands her feelings and tries to give and take without being too forceful. Grayson is always thinking of Brooklynn and her happiness, he’s totally swoon worthy. The interactions with Grayson and his little brother, brace yourself for the feels, so intoxicating and cute. Grayson makes his presence known, it’s a dominating, confidence that fills the room and leaves you breathless.
The chemistry between Brooklynn and Grayson is fiery hot. They have this charming, teasing banter that oozes mutual attraction. They’re flirty, the heated glances, the way Grayson is always near, bringing light, charm, and arrogance is addictive. The way they are together is incredibly cute and just the sort of genuine adoration that every girl yearns for.
Dakota and Chance are the best friends everyone needs and wishes they had. They’re the pushy, semi-obnoxious yet honest female friend and the compassionate guy friend who can take you in his arms and hold you without any awkwardness. Every character is developed, has a powerful voice, and unique characteristics. They all leave a lasting impression, even the smallest character.

CONS:

There was the occasional typo and odd phrasing.
Some of the arguments with her father and sister, while emotionally poignant and moving were a bit repetitive.

Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first full book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and have found her voice in Young Adult fiction. Falling by Design is her debut young adult novel. You can visit her online at http://www.valialind.blogspot.com or follow her on twitter, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.