Interview & Giveaway with Karen Amanda Hooper!

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Karen Amanda Hooper, author of Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity!

I’ve loved mermaids since as far back as I can remember. I grew up watching movies like Splash and The Little Mermaid, and you could find me swimming around the pool in our backyard with my legs stuck together, pretending I had a tail and fins.

Fast forward a couple (maybe a few) decades and I’m still playing make-believe with mermaids–except now they’re in my novels instead of a toy box.

I’m a self-proclaimed twisted little pixie. I believe that magic and true love really do exist, even in a world that can be ugly at times. I like to dance down rabbit holes and ride shooting stars while playing a never-ending game of “Imagine If…” Then I write about my impossible and fantastical musings and call myself an author. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love storytelling way too much.

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, but I’ve also lived in Colorado. Eventually, I had to move to a place where I’d be surrounded by water, so I now live in Florida.

When I’m not writing I can be found reading, people watching at Disney World, hanging with my amazing friends and family, listening to music, dancing, traveling, pondering the Universe, or enjoying breathtaking sunsets and a good glass of white wine.

I love great food, desserts, more desserts, movies that make me laugh or cry, thunderstorms, butterflies in my stomach, curtains blowing in the breeze, my dogs tails wagging because they are happy to see me, thrilling rides, books that make me think or learn something new, Ravens football, long warm baths, smiling uncontrollably, flavored coffee, an amazing dream that stays with me all day, popping popcorn the old-fashioned way, jumping out of airplanes, board games, lotto scratch-offs, and flying to Neverland.

I’m a constant work in progress.

Check out the teen focused blog that I co-founded with some other awesome YA authors: YA Confidential

I’m also grateful and lucky to be part of a talented group of authors called the Indelibles.

Let’s get to know a bit more about Karen, shall we? :)

1. Favorite movie? Oh, there are so many. Recently, I have a new movie crush on Crazy Stupid Love. 

2. Favorite candy? Twix. Or chewy caramels. Or York Peppermint Patties. (I like candy.)

3. Book you are currently reading? Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca. Love me some angels.

4. Current literary boy crush? Gavin from Inhale by Kendall Grey. An Australian rockstar bad boy who saves the world. Yum. But be warned, that book is adult and rated R.

5. Favorite animal? My two sweet and spoiled dogs.

6. Favorite guilty pleasure? Drinking a cocktail on the beach of the Polynesian Resort at Disney World. I'm there quite frequently.

Now, onto some harder questions!

1. What is one of your favorite things about writing your books and sharing them with the world?

Most definitely the comments and emails from readers who love my stories and characters. They make me all warm and fuzzy, and they inspire me to be a better writer and story teller.

2. Were there any differences between writing Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity? Was one book easier/harder to write than the other?

Yes, I wrote Grasping at Eternity first. It was the first time I ever attempted a novel and I cranked out a 150k word first (and very rough) draft in two months. I was obsessed. I didn't write in order, I didn't know how it would end, or even if my scenes would ever tie together to make a complete story. Somehow, magical intervention maybe, the pieces of the story all clicked into place. 

Tangled Tides was a slower process and I mostly wrote it in chronological order.

However, with both, I never plotted. My mind works best in creative chaos mode.

3. What is one of your happiest memories?

The day I got hugged and kissed by a honu (Hawaiian sea turtle). I was snorkeling in Hawaii and a giant sea turtle appeared beside me. We swam side by side for a few minutes and he led me to a whole family of turtles. I surfaced and took off my mask to talk to my friend about how amazing it was to see so many honu, but something brushed up the front of me and I squealed in surprise. I looked down and was nose to nose with a giant turtle--so I kissed him. And I swear, I think he smiled at me.  It was very surreal.

4. What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Jumped out of an airplane with no one to instruct me except a radio strapped to my chest. Except the radio had no batteries. Of course, we didn't realize that until I landed dead center in the drop zone all on my own. *fist pump*

5. Being a Florida native, I just have to ask: besides the amazing weather and beaches, what is your favorite thing about the Sunshine State? Also, have you ever been to Weeki Wachee, the home of the mermaids (and my hometown!)?

So weird. We were JUST talking about going to Weeki Wachee on July 4th, but we weren't sure if they'd be open on a holiday. So, no, I haven't been there YET, but we ARE going this summer. My favorite part about Florida is Disney. I spend way too much time there, but it's my happy place.

6. Do you have any juicy tidbits from Taking Back Forever or Dangerous Depths that you would be willing to share?? :)

Ooooh, I WANT to share so much, but I can't because then it would ruin the surprise factor. 
How about a link to my Pintrest boards? Those have a few fun clues. 
http://pinterest.com/karenhooper/dangerous-depths-book-2-of-the-sea-monster-memoirs/ 
http://pinterest.com/karenhooper/taking-back-forever-book-2-of-the-kindrily-seies/

WOW! Thank you so much for stopping by, Karen, and for letting all of us get to know you better! *bear hug*

Also, Karen, being the amazingly wonderful and super kind person that she is, is going to be giving out one free copy of both of her books! (Click on the cover for Goodreads info!)

I loved Grasping at Eternity and Tangled Tides, and if you have not read them yet, then I would definitely recommend doing so!! This contest will be international, and just sign-up below to enter to win!

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100 Followers Giveaway!

Wow! I have reached 100 followers! *squee* Thanks to everyone who has followed the blog and for all of your support! Since I am so excited about this, what better way to celebrate than with a giveaway? :) There are many highly anticipated titles coming out in July and August, and the winner will be able to choose one upcoming release from the following selection (click on the cover for Goodreads info):

This contest is international, so anyone can sign up! Thanks again for following my blog, and happy reading!

Contest details:

- Open internationally

- Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen

-  If the selected book is not out by the time the contest ends, it will be pre-ordered and shipped to the winner’s personal address upon release

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HUGE Giveaway and Review for Auracle by Gina Rosati

*A HUGE thank you to Gina Rosati for providing me with an ARC of Auracle to review! Thank you, thank you! *

Auracle by Gina Rosati

Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Author Information: Website / Twitter / Facebook
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Available Formats: Hardcover and eBook

My Shelf: Own (ARC)
Other Information: Debut

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million

Add to Goodreads!

16 year old Anna Rogan has a secret she's only shared with her best friend, Rei; she can astrally project out of her body, allowing her spirit to explore the world and the far reaches of the universe.

When there's a fatal accident and her classmate Taylor takes over Anna's body, what was an exhilarating distraction from her repressive home life threatens to become a permanent state. Faced with a future trapped in another dimension, Anna turns to Rei for help. Now the two of them must find a way to get Anna back into her body and stop Taylor from accusing an innocent friend of murder. Together Anna and Rei form a plan but it doesn't take into account the deeper feelings that are beginning to grow between them.

Review:

I point to my chest, mouthing the word me.

“Me,” he says softly. “‘That’s not me.’ That’s not you? Well, then, who is it?” He looks more confused than ever. Over at my house, the front door opens. Taylor comes out barefoot and walks slowly up the driveway toward the mailbox. She doesn’t look over, but Rei sees her, and he knows I can’t be here and there at the same time.

I mouth the word very slowly. “Taylor.” 

Auracle was a real treat to read. Rosati smoothly blends vivid details and evocative writing with an original, emotional story, heartfelt and down-to-earth characters, and a plotline that will keep you reading until the very end.

Growing up, I watched the show Charmed religiously, and I remember thinking Prue’s ability of astral projection was one of the most amazing abilities ever. To be able to escape from both your body and life, traverse to places of unforetold wonder, experience things such as sight, smell, and sound more intensely than in your physical body, it would truly be a life-altering experience. While the concept of astral projection was what drew me to Auracle initially, I quickly discovered there was so much more to love about it.

The characters themselves were exquisitely rendered, each with their own strengths and imperfections, and they felt genuinely real. Roasti brilliantly constructs deep bonds between the characters, and portrays what it means to be a true friend. Personally, I found the strongest and most compelling part of this story to be the growing relationship between Rei and Anna. Having been best friends since childhood, there were already close to one another, but I loved watching their relationship realistically and gradually change as they became aware of the romantic connection between them. (I was totally giggling the first time Anna realizes that Rei has abs! Yum! :D)

Utterly unique and emotionally gripping, Auracle is easily a book I would recommend to anyone. It has quickly been added to my list of top favorites, and it is the type of book you will reach for again and again. To put it simply, Auracle was an absolutely mesmerizing read, and I hope it dazzles you as much as it did me.  

The Greatest Escape!

Well, if that is not enough to inspire you to read Auracle, I’ll share a funny story from the author –

“I was having trouble visualizing Rei, so one day while I was using my husband's computer, I decided I needed to find a picture. Rei is half Japanese, so I Google Image-searched "Hot Asian Guys". NEVER do this from your husband's computer (or boyfriend or parent, etc.) because there is this little thing I was unaware of called Google Search History. Later that night, my husband asked me 1) why I had been Googling "Hot Asian Guys" on his computer and 2) why his computer was infested with malware. Oops! (I now know that anything Googled with the word “Hot” can lead to big trouble!) Fortunately, my husband has a really great sense of humor and he's a whiz at fixing computers.

As soon as I saw this picture, I knew I’d found my Rei (although this is really actor/singer Takeshi Kaneshiro!) And since he looks so good all drippy wet, I felt compelled to keep Rei wet as much as possible, which explains Rei’s shower obsession. Seriously. This is character development at its finest! ;)”

To view the picture of Rei, click here!

And now it is GIVEAWAY TIME! Gina is giving away a bunch of awesome prizes: a signed ARC of Auracle, two bags of Auracle swag, and a Swarovski crystal bracelet! (^o^) This giveaway is international, so anyone can join! The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. To enter, just sign up below!

The prizes (detailed): Signed ARC, beaded bookmarks, buttons, magnets, silicone bracelets, Swarovski crystal bracelet and stickers! About the bracelet: The center star and fastener are lead-free pewter. The blue crystals are Swarovski, but the large clear beads are quartz crystal, which (according to newly minted crystal geek, Gina) absorbs negative energy. Leave your bracelet on a sunny windowsill from time to time to let the crystals clear and charge up.  The bracelet pictured measures seven inches. If you need your bracelet bigger or smaller, let me know and Gina will restring to fit.

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Giveaway and Blog Tour: Retro Geeks by Karen Mueller Bryson

Retro Geeks by Karen Mueller Bryson

Release Date: March 29, 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace
Author Information: Website / Twitter / Facebook
Genre: Contemporary
Available Formats: Paperback and eBook
My Shelf: Own (eBook)
Buy the Book: Amazon

Retro Geeks is a Short on Time Books for Teens, fast-paced and fun novels for readers on the go. Remember when it wasn't cool to be a geek? That's so yesterday! Retro Geeks, chronicles the (mis)adventures of two self-proclaimed geek girls, Molly and Ally, as they attempt to land super-hot dates for their senior prom. The 80s obsessed BFFs attempt a variety of date-finding schemes, including spying on the popular girls for the 411 on fitting in, in their quest for top-tier prom dates.

Review:

What a fun, fluffy read! Retro Geeks is a nice coming-of-age story of how two girls come to embrace their individuality. Molly and Ally are self-proclaimed retro geeks, but being retro does not equate to being ‘cool’. Determined to become part of the In-Crowd, they devise a series of plans to land them popularity and handsome prom dates.

The story itself is light, and there are a few fun moments that make Retro Geeks an entertaining read. Molly and Anna have a very tightly bound friendship, and some of the schemes they concocted together were so crazy it was ridiculous. Their story is all kinds of adorable, and it really made me recall (and not miss) how over-the-top and dramatic everything was in high school.

Some moments in this book were very reminiscent of the movie Mean Girls, and Elisa and friends reminded me a lot of Regina and her crew, cattiness and all. Also, as an added bonus, there is a guy named Tucker who just so happens to be a cowboy, and his kindhearted personality is very similar to Unearthly’s Tucker Avery (*swoon* I <3 Tucker Avery!). Overall, the story can be kind of silly and juvenile at moments, and it is easy to see how the storyline will progress, but it serves well for a short, fun read.

A Decent Escape

Enter the giveaway below to win a copy of Retro Geeks! (International)

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Giveaway and Blog Tour: Caterpillar by Kate Oliver

Caterpillar by Kate Oliver

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Publisher: MAB Books
Author Information: Facebook

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal/Sci-fi

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook

Other Information: Debut Work

Buy the Book: Amazon

In a small college town in northern California, a lonely young man is working himself to the bone to solve a sixty-year-old problem ... a stranger with a will of iron and eyes the color of ice is searching for someone he can't identify ... and a girl who loves plants is about to grow roots of her own.

When Cara Gallagher's parents are transferred overseas again, she's off to spend her senior year of high school living with her sister, a graduate student at the famed McNair University. Cara, a girl with a passion for science and an indifference to people, hopes this move will be her first step in claiming the independence she craves. Cara has her future planned down to the letter: her college, her major, her career.

Then she saves Will Mallory's life, and both of their futures are completely rewritten.

The last years of Will's life have been spent shifting from one identity to the next, dodging the FBI, and trying desperately to find a way home. But Will's home is forty-four light years away, and to reach it he'll have to outwit the man who's hunting him--and leave behind the only love he's ever known.

Review:

I have to admit, I was a little worried about this book once I started getting into the story. I tend to stray from stories involving aliens falling in love with humans (unless the story has Daemon from the Lux Series in it- I would not mind at all then!), and seeing how Caterpillar is exactly that type of alien/human love story, I approached it with trepidation. I ended up being worried for nothing! Overall, the story was well written, and the romance, save for the slight instant attraction factor, was very believable. (I did not get any creepy alien-loves-mortal vibes, so that was a good thing!) Caterpillar was a pleasant surprise and a wonderful debut by Kate Oliver.

I liked Cara as a female lead, but my heart went out to Will. He is a guy who is wracked by loneliness, has never really experienced what it means to care for someone else or be cared for, and just seems to have an inability to connect to those around him. He feels like he lives on the periphery, and he just ends up feeling a large disconnect to the life he is leading and his emotions. He meets Cara, and he is slowly able to show more of himself and find beauty and love in the life he is leading. I loved the deep, emotional connection between Cara and Will. Cara is also a bit of a loner, a girl who is just looking to outrun her emotionally turbulent past and her mother’s complaints. When she and Will come together, they bring out the best in each other, and I loved reading about their budding relationship.

Caterpillar is the first book in The Metamorphosis Series, but it can be read as a stand-alone work. There is a no cliffhanger and the conflicts with the villain were resolved. Seeing as to how this novel can be read by itself, I am not too sure how the series will progress. The issue with Will being basically immortal and Cara being only human is still open, so maybe the next book will settle that? I am not too sure what to expect, but I will definitely be checking it out!

A Great Escape!

ITS GIVEAWAY TIME!!! 

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Swag Giveaway and Cover Reveal: Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The cover for Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy has been revealed! Here it is!

Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Release Date: September 2012

Author Information: Twitter / Blog

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Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

So what do you think? The cover was designed by Phatpuppy Art, and I, personally, am a fan of the darker hues and the background setting. I also like the way the couple is posed. It looks so romantic!! *swoon* I cannot wait to check this book out!

WAIT! There is more! Want to win some signed swag from Ms. Ivy? She will be giving out signed bookmarks for Flight, so if you are interested in winning one, sign up below!

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Blog Tour and Giveaway: Swipe by Evan Angler

Interested in this book? Stay tuned for a giveaway!

Swipe by Evan Angler

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Author Information: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Genre: Dystopian, Middle Grade

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook
My Shelf: Own (eBook)

Other Information: Debut Author
Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books-A-Million

Logan Langley is just months away from his thirteenth birthday and the biggest day of his life- the day he will finally be Marked. The Mark lets people get jobs, vote, and even go out to eat or buy concert tickets.

Becoming Marked means becoming free. Or so he is told. Five years ago when Logan's sister went to get her Mark she never came back. Now Logan can't shake the feeling he's being watched...

And then he finds the wire.

Review:

Logan Langley cannot help but be afraid of the dark. While other kids his age might poke fun at him if they knew of his fear, Logan knows that there is something lurking in the shadows, constantly watching him. He does not know who, and he does not know why, but he knows that someone is there. As his 13^th birthday draws closer, he prepares to receive his Mark and make his Pledge, officially becoming an adult. However, his paranoia over the Pledge increases as recalls his sister’s disappearance after leaving to get Marked, and when he finds a wire in his room proving he is being watched, he begins to discover that not all is how it seems and getting Marked might be more dangerous than he initially thought.

Swipe is what I consider a ‘true’ dystopian novel. There has been an inundation of YA dystopian literature recently, but many of the books seem to have hardly any dystopian elements or the future world/people created are rather unrealistic. However, Swipe has abundant dystopian components, and the future reality of the world that Angler provides is so plausible it is scary. In fact, certain characteristics of Swipe remind me of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (which shall forever be one of my favorite books). The world building is fantastic and it is easy to envision how the new world looks and functions. Angler does a brilliant job explaining how everything comes to be and I loved discovering more about this futuristic reality.

The intensity of the book picks up slowly until it is literally non-stop action and plot twists. The beginning was a bit creepy for me (especially since I am a big wimp who is still afraid of the dark at my age. I wish I was kidding *sigh*). When Logan felt like he was being watched and when he found that wire, I was literally shaking in my boots myself. Then the story begins to unfold, discoveries are made, there is plot twist after plot twist, and I found myself completely enraptured.

I liked the two main characters, Logan and Erin. I connected with Logan quickly (and for more reasons other than the fact that we have a mutual fear of the dark). He is a very likeable character who is mature and smart for his age. Even when adults tell him he is wrong or mentally unstable, he is steadfast in his beliefs, and I appreciated that about him. The same can be said for Erin. I loved the interaction between the two of them, and I thought their budding relationship was adorable. I am hoping to see more of them together in the next book!

Overall, this was a great read and one of the better dystopian books out there for teens. Swipe is listed as middle grade, but it actually reads more along the lines of a normal YA book, and I think anyone of any age will enjoy it. If you are looking for an engaging, fast-paced read in a well-crafted dystopian world, look no further!

The Greatest Escape!

It is giveaway time! WHOO-HOO!

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Giveaway and Blog Tour: Embrace by Cherie Colyer

Interested in the book? Stay tuned for a giveaway!! 

Embrace by Cherie Colyer

Release Date: December 20, 2011

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook
My Shelf: Own (eBook)

Buy the Book: Amazon

How far would you go to save the people you love?

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve.

Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him.

Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own.

Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.

Review:

What a wonderful book! I would be lying if I said that I was not surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. The synopsis of the story is rather ambiguous, so even though I was expecting for there to be some paranormal elements present, I was not too sure what they would be. (I will not be giving anything away, either!) Embrace really is a fantastic book. The plot was intriguing, the characters were wonderful and well-developed, and the action just got more intense as the story progressed. I was captivated from the very beginning, and I enjoyed reading every page.

Madison is a great female lead. She is a normal, practical girl, and I found it very easy to connect to her. She is smart, fearless, and I love the relationships she has with her friends and family. My one (and only) complaint is that when she found out she had some paranormal abilities, she immediately accepted them, no questions asked. I would have liked to see her at least question or ponder her new abilities and their existence, but I will take what I can get. Isaac, the male lead and love interest, is mysterious with a hint of dangerousness about him that made him an intriguing character. I really wish we could have learned more about him. There was not nearly enough of him in this book (at least for me)! The attraction between Isaac and Madison is pretty instant, but their feelings for one another deepen as the story continues, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Overall, the characters were well-crafted, and I found myself really invested in Madison’s story.

With an excellent storyline and characters, Embrace is a book you should not miss out on. It is one of the few standalone paranormal YA books out there, so if you are looking for a nice, entertaining read, look no further! This was a wonderful read by Colyer, and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next! 

A Great Escape!

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Grave Mercy Giveaway!

So remember that Waiting on Wednesday post (I think it was #3) where I mentioned I was dying to get my hands on Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers? Well, both you and I are in luck! There is currently an ARC giveaway being held by PJ Hoover. You can sign-up for the giveaway here! Good luck!!!


(Click on the cover for link to Goodreads)