A CHANGE OF PACE: DRIVEN

Fact or Fiction? I used to love NASCAR racing. My friends and I would travel the east coast, camping out at tracks and watching the races.
FACT.

Fact or Fiction? I gave Elliott Sadler my phone number at the Winston Cup Preview and he not only used it, but we carried on a whatever-ship for a couple months.
FACT. (What a hussy. Kidding! I'm so not a hussy.)Fact or Fiction? Lisa Nowak writes awesome young adult novels about racing. They are exciting and enthralling and make me long for my old days at the racetrack.
FACT.
The last thing on 16-year-old Jess DeLand’s wish list is a boyfriend. She’d have to be crazy to think any guy would look twice at her. Besides, there are more important things to hope for, like a job working on cars and an end to her mom’s drinking. Foster care is a constant threat, and Jess is willing to sacrifice anything to stay out of the system. When luck hands her the chance to work on a race car, she finds herself rushing full throttle into a world of opportunities—including a boy who doesn’t mind the grease under her fingernails. The question is, can a girl who keeps herself locked up tighter than Richard Petty’s racing secrets open up enough to risk friendship and her first romance?

“The first romance is captured beautifully—just the right combination of natural and awkward, of eager and scared.”
~ Bob Martin, writing professor, Pacific Northwest College of Art

You know you want to buy a copy, so here's some linkage:
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
SMASHWORDS
Add DRIVEN on Goodreads

In addition to being a YA author, Lisa Nowak is a retired amateur stock car racer, an accomplished cat whisperer, and a professional smartass. She writes coming-of-age books about kids in hard luck situations who learn to appreciate their own value after finding mentors who love them for who they are. She enjoys dark chocolate and stout beer and constantly works toward employing wei wu wei in her life, all the while realizing that the struggle itself is an oxymoron.

Lisa has no spare time, but if she did she’d use it to tend to her expansive perennial garden, watch medical dramas, take long walks after dark, and teach her cats to play poker. For those of you who might be wondering, she is not, and has never been, a diaper-wearing astronaut. She lives in Milwaukie, Oregon, with her husband, four feline companions, and two giant sequoias.

Lisa's Blog
Lisa on Twitter
Lisa on Facebook

Other books by Lisa that will make your heart race...


Want to win an eBook of one of Lisa's books?
All you have to do is comment below to enter and tell me your favorite kind of car.
It doesn't necessarily have to be fast. It just has to be your favorite.

TO RIDE A PUCA and GIVEAWAY

Happy Memorial Day! Need a great read for the holiday? TO RIDE A PUCA by Heather McCorkle is a wild ride that I absolutely loved. Today, Heather is here celebrating her new release with me.

I'll let her take it from here.

I'm excited, and honored, to be stopping by Karen's blog to celebrate the birth of my new book, To Ride A Puca. It is a young adult historical fantasy about the last of the druids in ancient Ireland. This one was a bit heartbreaking to write and because of that it became very special to me. I hope it will be to you as well.

Invaders are coming to take what isn't theirs, again.

Neala wants to stand and fight for her homeland, but as one of the last druids, she may be standing alone.

Persecuted, hunted down, forced to live in obscurity, the druids have all but given up. Can the determination of a girl who has barely come into her power bring them together? Or, just when she finally finds her place among her kind, will they end up losing a homeland their very magic is tied to?

Disclaimer: This novel contains some violence and difficult subject matter. It is recommended for mature YA and up.

I’ll be giving away great prizes, a new one, every week for the next three weeks. This week I’m giving away a signed paperback of TANGLED TIDES by Karen Amanda Hooper! Since you're dropping by her blog you may already know about it, but for those who don't here is a tidbit: Tangled Tides is about a girl who finds herself tangled up in the underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. It is one of my favorite books of the year so far, which is part of why I'm so honored to be stopping by. The contest will be open until June 3rd, the winner to be announced on the 4th. To enter go to this link.

Did you catch that? You could win a signed copy of my book, Tangled Tides by stopping by Heather's blog and entering.

Congrats to Heather on releasing such an amazing story.

Enjoy your holiday!

GRASPING AT ETERNITY BOOK BIRTHDAY!

"If you love someone, put their name in a circle; because hearts can be broken, but circles never end." ~Anonymous

GRASPING AT ETERNITY has been almost four years in the making, but finally, today, I'm releasing it into the world.

*throws star-shaped confetti*
*pours everyone Mimosas*

All of my stories are near and dear to my heart, but this was my first novel. This is the story that started it all and made me discover my passion for writing books. This is the series that can go on for as long as I'm alive, because these characters live forever--and I can't imagine ever getting tired of them.

The eBook is releasing first, but the paperback version will be available sometime this summer. Want a chance to win Grasping? Head on over to Twitter and tweet about my release. I'll choose several winners throughout the day. Here's a ready made tweet to make things easier:

Happy Book Bday to #GraspingAtEternity by Karen Hooper. Soul mates and superpowers forever! http://amzn.com/B0085CI5IE #YA

Want to increase your odds of winning? Use my beautiful cover (designed by the uber talented Alexandra Shostak) as your profile image:
It's available for purchase on AMAZON, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.
And as always, I appreciate any and all Goodreads support.

Just in case you have no idea what the story is about:

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

I couldn't have done this alone, so some quick but heartfelt shout-outs...

My eternal thanks to my original betas/critique partners: Natalie Bahm, Megan Rebekah, and Marie J. Devers (my final editor and superhero). They have watched this story grow up and evolve over the years, and they've helped it go from a 110k word mess (it was originally 150k--eek!) to a better, tighter, more loveable book. Sara McClung and Alexandra Shostak swooped into my life not too long after, and read my revised-five-times story with fresh eyes and offered new perspectives. The fabulous Sara Megibow at the Nelson Agency also suggested a couple things that improved the story. My publisher Rhemalda was very understanding about me wanting to be a hybrid author, and they have been incredibly supportive. The Indelibles gave me the knowledge and courage to release this book. My beautiful friend Andrea who is the cover model. Alexandra again for designing the cover. My mom for reading twenty version of the story and loving each one. John for supporting me and my dream. I am forever grateful to everyone above.

Now, LET'S PARRRTTYYYYY!

Want to win more stuff? Leave a comment for a chance to win Grasping PLUS your choice of TWO (like soul mates) ebooks from the Indelibles. I'll send a list of participating books to the winner but there are LOTS of fab choices. Open internationally and winner will be announced on Monday.

BEACH BASH

Summer is almost here! That means you're going to need new books to read for your Memorial Day weekend (and the rest of the summer). Lucky for you, The Indelibles are releasing a load of new books. And to celebrate all of our new releases we're giving away winner's choice of a Kindle or Nook loaded with all the Indelibles new releases.

Wanna win? Find the secret word on each of our blogs, put them all together to discover the secret phrase, then go to The Indelibles blog and enter that secret phrase to win! (Hint, my secret word is a pretty color and bold and BIG.)

I'm so proud to be an Indelible. I owe a huge thanks to the entire group for giving me the knowledge and courage to release my new YA reincarnation story.
Book 1 of The Kindrily Series is GRASPING AT ETERNITY.

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

X-MEN meets MY NAME IS MEMORY in my latest young adult release, available on May 25th! (That's THIS Friday. OMG! *bites nails* *breathes into a paper bag*)
It will be available on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and other fine book retailers.
Click here to add it on Goodreads.

Also, I'm giving away an ebook of Grasping at Eternity AND Tangled Tides to one lucky commenter chosen at random. Open to everyone! You only have to do two things to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog.
   
2. Leave a comment and be sure to leave your email so I can notify you.
   

But enough about me, it's time to visit the next fierce and fabulous Indelible author.
CLICK HERE to visit Karly Kirkpatrick.

HOW TO BREAK UP WITH AN ALIEN

One of my favorite people is releasing a new book today! *throws confetti*
I'm so excited to get more of yummy Ace! *swoon*
Check it out!

The Highly anticipated second book in the My Alien Romance series is here!

Face it, long distance relationships in high school are hard, especially when the other one in the relationship is an alien. Alex Bianchi may have survived an intergalactic battle, but that still doesn't excuse her from her senior year of high school, or qualify her for any sort of scholarship. To make up for college tuition costs, she takes a job at a local coffee shop. If only coffee could solve all of her problems. As Alex's senior year progresses, everything changes and she can't figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.

It is available now on Amazon and Smashwords.

Check out the series that Lydia Kang, author of The Fountain, calls

A tiny bit Twilight, A tiny bit Men in Black, and a whole lot of fun!

For a limited time the first book in the series, How to Date an Alien is only 99 cents for the Ebook. The #1 Alien Romance on Goodreads!

Get it to day at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Smashwords.

Stay tuned for more details and a giveaway coming up with The Indelibles!

**********************************************

Magan is a self-proclaimed geek-to-glam poster child who channels her inner geek by writing science fiction for teens, even though she slept with a night light until she was in middle school for fear of alien attacks. She now lives with her husband, daughter, and dog in central Illinois where she still sleeps with a night light...just in case.

You can find her online at www.maganvernon.com

TANGLED TIDES IS FREE

Time is running out! TANGLED TIDES will only be free until tomorrow (Tuesday). Want a free eBook about merfolk, sirens, selkies, gorgons, Medusa, Poseidon, magic, danger, secrets, romance and forbidden love? Go get your copy of TANGLED TIDES now. http://amzn.com/B006E4PEE8

Thanks so much to all of you who helped me spread the word this weekend, and to those who downloaded TT. I am a million shades of grateful. (And no, I haven't read THAT book yet, I just like the saying.)

This weekend has taught me that if I ever win Powerball I'm going to give away all my books for free because I love knowing my story is in the hands of so many readers. It's also a little terrifying because I know some people won't like it--magic and merfolk isn't for everyone--but that's all part of this subjective world of storytelling.

Also, as a thank you to those who tweet, Facebook, or blog about TANGLED TIDES being free, I'm offering a free eBook of my newest release, GRASPING AT ETERNITY. No mermaids in this series; it's about a supernatural of family of perpetually reincarnated souls and undying love between soul mates. You can read the summary here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13505141-grasping-at-eternity

If you'd like to get it on the tweet giveaway action here's are some ready made tweet you can copy and paste:

TANGLED TIDES is #FREE http://amzn.com/B006E4PEE8 "Adventure, family secrets, & sizzling romance. I couldn’t put it down!”~Rae Carson #fantasy #YA

"Blue has never been so sexy.” ~Elana Johnson, POSSESSION. Dive into #ya #romance Get ur #FREE copy of TANGLED TIDES http://amzn.com/B006E4PEE8

Fun #giveaway ! Tweet about #TangledTides being #FREE & win an ebook of Grasping at Eternity. http://amzn.com/B006E4PEE8 #ya #amreading

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Happy belated Mother's Day to all you moms out there, and Happy Monday!

NECK AND NECK WITH HUNGER GAMES

You peeps are awesome. To those of you who downloaded your free copy of TANGLED TIDES yesterday, THANK YOU! To those who tweeted, Facebooked, or anything else to help spread the world, THANK YOU to the umpteenth power.

I can hardly believe it, but this morning I woke up to see my Amazon ranking was at #10 in the free list. Holy frackin' mackerel! I was shooting to break into the top 1k and due to the luv and support of awesome friends, writer peeps, and readers, I somehow made the top 10! I still think it might be an error on Amazon's part but I'll take it! :)

Here's one of the coolest parts about the whole experience. I NEVER thought I'd see the day when one of my books sat side by side with the HUNGER GAMES. But because of the way Amazon chooses to promote their lists, this bit of magic awesomeness is currently going on...
WHAAATTTT? See #2? That's me! My barely-known book is sitting pretty, right beside THE HUNGER GAMES! *dies* I realize it doesn't mean much because TANGLED TIDES is on a free list and HUNGER GAMES is on a paid list, but STILL. I can live in a dream world and tell myself that for a brief moment in time TANGLED TIDES was neck and neck with the HUNGER GAMES. Woot! *fist pump*

So, thanks again. And for anyone who didn't get their free copy (or forgot to tell their mom, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, hairdresser, daughter, or sports team about the free book opportunity), it's still free! Go tell them to download it from Amazon and tell them I said pretty please and thank you. http://amzn.com/B006E4PEE8

Have a wonderful weekend!

PLEA FOR HELP

I'm not proud. And I'm not ashamed to ask for help, so imagine me on my knees begging you wonderful and supportive peeps to PLEASE download Tangled Tides from Amazon today (or even tomorrow or the next day). It's FREE. All it takes is a minute of your time, but the more downloads I receive, the better my Amazon ranking is, and as most of you know, a great Amazon ranking does wonders.

So please, I beg of you, help a poor struggling author break the top 10k on Amazon. It's my one and only wish in life. (Okay, that's a lie. I wish for lots of stuff, and most of it is much more meaningful than my Amazon ranking, but for today it really is a big wish of mine.)

I promise to pay it forward whenever you need help from me. Just email me and be like, "Hey, Karen, you owe me from that time I downloaded Tangled Tides for free, so I'm cashing in and need you to give me a kidney." (Or whatever else you need from me. And if I'm out of kidneys when you ask, I will figure out something else to donate to you instead.)

Plus, if we ever hang out in person, I'll buy you a mermaid martini. (Simon, Matthew, do you hear me? I'll buy you a COCKTAIL! Tail, get it? Ha. Okay, lame sea joke.)

PRETTY PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE with a cherry and whipped cream and sprinkles and hot fudge and peanut butter sauce on top.

Here's the link. http://amzn.com/B006E4PEE8
Again, it's FREE! FREE. Only takes a minute of your time and NO MONEY.

Thank you in advance.