Violet in Private by Melissa Walker

If you haven't read the two books previous in the Violet on the Runway series, then I pity you greatly. They are marvelous. But to bring you up to speed: (SPOILERS! DON"T READ ON UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED FOR SPOILERS!!!!) Violet is your home-town girl with a home-town future before she is snapped up by Tryst models and thrown headfirst into the high fashion world of the backstabbing and beautiful. She has to keep her head above water without losing herself and her possible career. (Second book now) When Violet scores a huge Brazilian bathing suit campaign, she doesn't expect to be so attracted to the designer. Can she juggle a high profile relationship while resisting the eating disorder lifestyles of the couture models? And when did her friendships become so complicated?

Now we come upon Violet as the newest celebrity attendee of Vassar college. She's left modeling behind forever and is in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. But it seems like her glamorous past won't leave her alone. Angela is still calling and leaving persistent messages. A huge campaign (her last) has just been launched. And maybe Violet isn't ready to sink back into the background. But all of that seems unimportant next to her newfound feelings for you-know-who (HA! Spoiler hunters, you have been foiled again!). With a whole new cast of friends and some refreshing scenery, this was my favorite Violet yet. Not the most creative series on the market, but definitely and completely begging to be read.

I continue to loooove how the fabulous Melissa Walker presents her characters and their growth. I wouldn't think it would be able to relate to the beautiful faces that decorate tabloids and Cosmo, but this series has made it completely possible. Violet is likable and surprisingly vulnerable. There are sometimes when you just want to reach through the page and hug her. And as for background characters, they are all perfectly executed. I am especially fond of Kurt, a new addition to the awesome friends that make up Violet's most important fan base.

The new background really spiced up the series for me. This particular book was more introspective and gut-wrenching than the others. Which is definitely okay with me. There was no slam-bang model action, but plenty of intensity on the "home front".

My only complaint was with Violet's relationship with Oliver. I feel like she has been this place before. In book 1 and 2. Just change the name and the setting. Maybe I'm wrong, he just seems so...familiar? Anyway.

Violet in Private is ready and set for sale tomorrow, August 5th. The buzz is true! This is a great series that reaches beyond superficiality and celebrates the face of strong and independent girls everywhere. 5.5 out of 7 lightnings!

Dying for the Fourth Violet,
Aella