Violet in Private by Melissa Walker

Summary:
Violet Greenfield knows she’s supposed to be a super-confident nineteen-year-old because she'’s done runway shows in New York and internationally. But now that she’s finally headed to college, she’s afraid she’'ll turn back into that girl who blended into the walls in high school. Vassar is just two hours away from New York City–– but her friends in fashion think she’s crazy to stop modeling now. And her old friend Roger is there...but things have been weird ever since they kissed. The real question is if she’s not going to be “Violet on the Runway” anymore...who is she? (from GoodReads)

Review:
By the end I really started enjoying these Violet books and I'm sad to say good-bye. Violet in Private is a continuation of Violet's life as a runway model, but this time she's in college, so she's trying to juggle school, modeling, an internship, friends, and body image issues. There's a lot on her plate, but Violet manages magnificiently.

I love that Violet is not afraid to stand up for herself, and doesn't need the fame and fortune that modeling brings like some of the other girls. Violet is ready to quit the fashion world and no one can understand that. But Violet is very down-to-earth, and she wants a normal life. I love that about her. She also says how she likes when people see her intelligence and brain and not just her pretty face - what a great message!

A lot of Violet in Private was the relationship mess with her best friend Roger. Violet's in love with him but he's dating another girl, which is the classic relationship drama. I thought their interactions were very well-written, and I like that the ending wasn't traditionally happy. It was open-ended which made me want to read more! I don't know if Melissa Walker is planning anymore Violet books, but I would definitely read them!

Rating: 8 out of 10.
FTC: bought.

2008/Berkley Trade/224 pages.

Violet by Design by Melissa Walker

Summary:
I was going to get out of the modeling business for good.

But now I'm having trouble sticking with my decision. After all, if it wasn't for modeling, I might still be the invisible wallflower. Hot guys like Paulo wouldn't be interested in me. And I'd never have seen Brazil or Spain-and now France! On the other hand...

I also wouldn't have to choose between my best friend from home and my agent's shrill demands. Or anguish over my body the way only runway models do. Not to mention all this trouble I'm getting into for speaking out in the press about eating disorders.

Maybe the life of an international model isn't for me. But if I quit for good, I might always wonder...What if? (from GoodReads)

Review:
I'm really starting to like these Violet books. They are just too cute, and I love Violet's voice. This is probably gonna be really short because Violet by Design is pretty much the same as Violet on the Runway in terms of writing, it's just a continuation of the plot. Except instead of modeling in New York Violet is now an international supermodel, walking shows in Brazil, Spain and France. I am so jealous of Violet's travel adventures because I would love to be able to visit those places. Violet also starts speaking out about the incredible standards models are held to, which I think is great. Also, I'm loving the relationship potential with her best friend Roger - so cute! Sorry this is probably the shortest review ever but if you enjoyed Violet on the Runway you will definitely like Violet by Design! On to the next book....

Rating: 7 out of 10.
FTC: bought.

2008/Berkley Trade/224 pages.

Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker

Summary:

A wallflower in the spotlight can do one of two things: wilt, or blossom...

Violet Greenfield's life changes forever when a lady in giant Chanel shades tells her she could be IT, the next Kate Moss-but taller, and without the PR problems. That's how Violet winds up with a business card in the front pocket of her jeans on her first day as a senior in high school. Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York City wants to put Violet on a plane and whisk her into the world of high-heeled boots and oversized sunglasses. Tall, skinny Violet, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.

And guess what? She's going. (from GoodReads)

Review:
I've had the Violet books on my shelves for a very long time and I finally decided to read them. This is going to be a quick review because I'm supposed to be working on a paper and I don't have that much to say about Violet on the Runway.

I thought the novel was very cute and was definitely a girl book. It's all about a teenager who feels unattractive (since she's so tall and thin) but ends up being perfect for the modeling world. Modeling always interested me, not that I wanted to be a model, but I love watching America's Next Top Model and reading books about it. So I liked learning more about the industry, though I'm not sure how much in this book is true. It just seemed like Violet became a superstar really quickly, and without doing that much. She sort of went into modeling blind and ignorant, and everyone just happened to love her innocence and inexperience. It's definitely unrealistic but this is a book so I'm just going to ignore that.

Since the book is told from Violet's point-of-view, you get to see her first reactions to everything and see her personal thoughts. I liked that and Violet had a great voice - she seemed like she could be a real teenager. I also liked that she didn't fall prey to the pitfalls of modeling: drug use, eating disorders, etc. Violet is definitely a role model for young girls.

Now I'm starting the second book and then I have third one, too, so I'll be curious to see Violet's adventures.

Rating: 7 out of 10.
FTC: bought.

2007/Berkley Trade/220 pages.

Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker

Music-loving Quinn is going to be an intern at Amalgam Records in Austin, the company that signed her favorite band, the Walters. So she's off to Texas to stay with her cousin Penny, a girl who is president of her sorority and is nothing like Quinn, whose wardrobe consists of jeans and t-shirts of her favorite bands. Nevertheless, Quinn is all ready to hit the Austin music scene and snag the perfect indie boyfirend. That is, until she meets frat boy Russ, who happens to be Penny's neighbor. He's annoying, likes country music and has the nerve to call Quinn by her real first name, Priscilla. Even though Russ is completely irritating, there's something about him that Quinn likes. Could he end up being the guy for her?

I was really surprised by Lovestruck Summer. I knew it was a romantic comedy, so I was expecting it to be shallow and a little corny. Instead, I was hooked after the first page. I am not like Quinn or her cousin Penny or any of the other characters, but I was able to relate to and become fond of all of them. The romance aspect was a little predictable, but the ending turned out a bit different than how I thought it would. There were a ton of funny moments and quirky things that made this book enjoyable. For example, Quinn's cousin has a cross-dressing dog, which is definitely unique. Things like that made this book stand out from other romantic comedies. I thought Lovestruck Summer was adorable and I can't wait to read Melissa Walker's other books.

8 out of 10.