Interview and Giveaway with Amanda Carlson!

Welcome back to UTC, Amanda! We're so glad to have you! Since your last visit, you released BLOODED, the prequel novella and now FULL BLOODED, the first book in the Jessica McClain series is out. Could you please describe your new Urban Fantasy series for readers?

Thanks for having me back! So happy to be here. The series is about the only female werewolf ever born. It starts out with her shifting and takes off from there. I’m writing a fun, fast-paced urban fantasy. Jessica is surrounded by her extended family and there’s a lot of happy snark involved. I’m hoping readers who love action or romance will both find something to enjoy.

Jessica McClain is smart and sassy. She's a little feisty as well. And I love that in a heroine. How do you balance such important characteristics of her personality so that she is relatable to readers? 

I love that it comes across to you that way! My goal with all my writing is to make it as normal as I can. As Jessica weaves her way through the novel, I write the most natural path I can. I often ask myself, “Well, how would I handle this?” She spent twenty-six years as a human and she’s not shedding her persona as she becomes something new. She keeps her integrity and fights hard to stay true to herself.

Okay, I’ll spill. I have a not-so-secret crush on Rourke. What do you think makes him so sexy?

Tattoos! LOL. I definitely made him how I’d want him if I were in Jessica’s shoes. YUM. Jessica needed something unique, not just a Pack member. Rourke had to bring something more to the game and I think he did that. He’s got an air to him that women like. Strong and sexy, but also smart and protective. Who doesn’t like a smokin’ hot smart guy?

 How did you celebrate the release of your first full-length novel, FULL BLOODED?

 I went out to lunch with one of my best pals and signed books at a local bookstore! Then I went out to dinner with my husband and friends. It was a fantastic day! And it was so damn fun to see my book in print. Amazing!

 Can you give us a little teaser from FULL BLOODED please? 

I’m not sure what you’re looking for, but how about one of my favorite Jessica lines? “This is your brilliant plan?” I stood knee high in the middle of a swift current, my lovely pantsuit swirling around my legs. “You know, man-eating werewolves aren’t afraid to go swimming. If our trail leads to a river, they won’t hesitate to get in.”

 You know I’m already dying for HOT BLOODED, the second book in the Jessica McClain series. What can you tell us about that book? 

HOT BLOODED releases this April and it’s all about Jessica’s journey. She’s on a wild ride to find her man, defeat her enemy and figure out who and what she is. So many fun things pop up in this story. It was so much fun to write. I literally had a smile on my face the entire time. Jessica needed some growth and perspective because everything had happened to her so quickly in FULL BLOODED. The reader gets to adjust with her as she figures out what she’s capable of doing with her new life. I also introduce a few new characters.

 I think you’re familiar with the fact that I love the girl on your covers! Does she match your description of Jessica? If not, which actress or model do you think fits her?

I think the cover is a great representation. It’s so hard for me to pinpoint the exact physical attributes of Jessica because she’s all these different things in my mind. Casting a movie would be next to impossible for me. I described her features to the Creative Director at Orbit as a young Catherine Zeta Jones, mixed with Jennifer Garner, mixed with Angelina Jolie, mixed with Eva Green (who I adore). I’m sure that was very helpful. I think they captured a great Jessica on the cover. She is sexy as hell.

 What is the single most important thing you've learned since releasing your first books? 

There’s never enough time in the day. I’ve had a hard time trying to juggle my life to fit the new deadlines. As a writer, you’re at home in your own little world. As an author, the world is a very different place and the expectations for you to be present are huge. I think I’m finally finding a good routine, but I still have trouble separating my home life from my work. When I’m home I always feel the need to work. My kids and husband have been wonderful. It’s been an adjustment for us all, but we’re coping well.

We swap a lot of book recommendations. What is one book and/or series that you think readers should check out? 

Amanda Bonilla’s Shaede Assassin series! I’m reading them right now and I love her world.

 Lastly, if you could have a girls night out with any Urban Fantasy heroine, who would you pick and why?

 LOL, it would be Jessica McClain for sure! It’s funny you should ask that, because people often ask if my heroine is a part of me or has my personality. The answer is always no. I wrote a heroine I’d love to hang out with—so if I ever had a chance for that to happen, it would be a dream. Jessica all the way! Thanks so much for having me back! You guys are always so much fun. If any readers out there decide to jump in and try the series, I hope you enjoy. Can’t wait to come back in the spring.

8/23: Goldilox and the Three Weres
8/26: Review at Literary Escapism
8/27: Between Dreams and Reality
8/28: Tyra’s Book Addiction & Tynga’s Reviews: Paranormal Summer Camp Event (BLOODED giveaway — same link)
8/28: Review at Smash Attack Books (Signed ARC of FULL BLOODED giveaway — same link as review)
8/29: Red Hot Books
8/30: Paranormal Cravings & Review by Rabid Reads (BLOODED giveaway + werewolf short story here)
8/31: Review at Vampire Book Club
9/03: Bookaholic Cat (SIGNED ARC giveaway) & Jeanz Book Read N Review (UK)
9/04: The Hyper Monkey & Review at the Qwillery
9/04: The Book Nympho: Double review of BLOODED & FULL BLOODED & (3 ARCs to GIVEAWAY!)
9/04: The Book Obsession: FULL BLOODED review
9/05: Urban Fantasy Investigations interview & Review
9/05: RT MAGAZINE REVIEW + Author Discussion + Excerpt from FULL BLOODED (exclusive)
9/05: UK Review at Falcata Times
9/06: Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks: Interview (TWO signed ARCs here — same link) Review here
9:06: Lovey Dovey Books: Review
9/07: Kindle-aholic’s Book Pile + SIGNED ARC giveaway
9/07: All Things Urban Fantasy: Review
9/08: Gizmo Reviews interview + Review
9/09: Literary Escapism: School is in! (Giveaway of FULL BLOODED e-book)
9/10: Author Faith Hunter’s blog & Paperback Dolls
9/10: Kristen Painter interviews me at ORBIT BOOKS! (Snark ensues)
9/11: RELEASE DAY! Interviewed by Author Amanda Bonilla at Wicked Lil Pixie
9/12: My Bookish Ways + FULL BLOODED giveaway – (International!) + Review
9/13: Smitten with Bad Boy Heroes Top 10 + SIGNED ARC giveaway + Review
9/14: Smexy Books Review & The Reading Cafe Interview + BLOODED giveaway
9/15: Between Dreams and Reality: Top 10 Favorite Fall Things + giveaway for TWO SIGNED BOOKPLATES!
9:15: Talk Supe Review
9/17: My World…in words and pages Interview + (Personalized signed ARC giveaway!) & Review
9/18: All Things Urban Fantasy Interview
9/18: Falcata Times Interview (UK)
9/18: My Keeper Shelf review + GIVEAWAY (Scotland, UK)
9/19: John Scazli’s: The Big Idea & Magical Words: On Querying as a guest of Faith Hunter
9/20: Urban Fantasy Reviews: Review of FULL BLOODED
9/21: She-Wolf Reads Interview
9/22: Frodo’s Blog of Randomness Review
9/24: Short & Sweet Reviews
9/25: Under the Covers
9/26: That’s What I’m Talking about…withTwimom
9/27: Miss Vain’s Paranormal Fantasy
10/1: Book Chick City (UK)

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.  

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.  

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves.  

 When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life. 

READ OUR REVIEW 

Amanda is graciously giving away a print copy of FULL BLOODED to one lucky maiden. Open to all. 

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ARC Review: Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson

4.5 Feathers

Full Blooded

by Amanda Carlson

(Jessica McClain # 1)

Jessica McClain is one of a kind; a female werewolf the first one ever born unfortunately the rest of her race doesn't view this as a miracle, instead thinking she is the daughter of evil and will destroy their race. Until now though she has been living in relative obscurity under an alias to keep her safe, but her first change hits her and all hell breaks loose as different sects of the supernatural world seem to want to get their hands on her, including the very sexy but extremely dangerous Rourke...

Both myself and Annie wanted to read this after having read the novella Blooded, but I managed to beat Annie down, Jessie style, and grab the book of course I also decided to let her have a peek being a nice girl and all, so here is our combined review!

Describe this book in three words

Annie: I. WANT.MORE.

Suzanne: Action packed mayhem!

What do you think of the newest UF heroine on the block – Jessica McClain?

Annie: I loved Jessica! I thought she was fun and smart without being too snarky or cocky. She was kickass even when she wasn’t fighting and I loved that there is still a lot to learn about her. As the token woman of her pack, she’s going to be in the spotlight a lot. So it will be interesting how she handles it!

Suzanne: I know Annie loved her, and I did like her, I like that she wasn't overplaying the bad ass chick thing all the time and instead was a good balance between attitude and sense. But, I didn't feel like she was anything original or new, she was likable and I will read the next book, but she doesn't stand out in the crowd of heroines that are cram the UF section.

The author, Amanda Carlson said that humor and action are her two biggest passions while writing. What did you think of the balance of humor and action?

Annie: I can definitely see the emphasis on both the humor and the action. There was a great balance that fit Carlson’s writing style. I think Jessica’s character definitely held the most appeal to me in terms of humor. I loved her witty comebacks and spit-fire attitude. And the action? I was blown away by how fast-paced this read was. I finished it almost immediately.

Suzanne: There was definitely a lot of action in this book, which I loved, it kept the book moving at a nice fast pace that had you dying. Ow what would happen next. The humour was good as well, it stopped the book from getting bogged down with blood 'n guts, I especially liked the interactions between Jessica and her wolf, especially when it came to a very sexy werecat.

What are you most looking forward to in the next book?

Annie: I want to learn more about Rourke! That guy is sex on a stick! Hopefully, we get some sexy time too :P

Suzanne: I am 100% with Annie, I want more Roarke, and especially nekkid Roarke *starts panting*

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

Covers to Covet

Hot Blooded

by Amanda Carlson

(Jessica McClain # 2)

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

Available April 23, 2013

Covers to Covet

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Urban Fantasy author Amanda Carlson has released her gorgeous cover of her debut book, Full Blooded! Doesn't Jessica look like she can kick some ass?

I have to say that I'm really excited for you all to read this book! This series is promising, I can tell you that! Full Blooded is set to release in September 2012.

Preorder now:

Amazon

Interview and Giveaway with Amanda Carlson!

AMANDA CARLSON

Hi Maidens! Today we are pleased to introduce you to Urban Fantasy author, Amanda Carlson! Amanda has a brand new funny and kickass urban fantasy series called Jessica McClain! We got a chance to chat with Amanda recently about herself and her new series. Fans of Kate Daniels and Patricia Briggs would definitely like Carlson's writing style. But to find out if this new series is your thing, why don't you read the interview and find out for yourselves! You can find more info on Amanda and her books on her website here.

Hi Amanda! Thanks so much for coming to UTC! Welcome! As a new author on the block tell us five things about yourself that may surprise us!

1. I attended the 8th grade in Haleiwa, HI
2. I’m an only child, but have a large extended family
3. I’ve traveled all over the world, but I’ve never been to Europe
4. I drove without a license with my parents blessing at age fifteen
5. My favorite smell in the entire world is a Magnolia 

What can we expect from your new Jessica McClain series? 

 

Lots of action and humor! My two favorite things to read. They say you write what you love, and Jessica McClain is a true testament to that. I wrote a character I’d love to take out for a beer. It’s been a joy to go on an adventure with her and each time I write a new scene that surprises me I’m giddy!

Congratulations! This is your first book, what was your experience like trying to get getting published? 

It was a whirlwind once I finally reached the end. I let the book sit for almost 8 months, and from the first line to the last, it took over two years to complete. I started querying agents with the intent to stop writing and get a “real” job if this didn’t pan out. I started getting interest fairly quickly, which was an amazing feeling! I signed with Nicole Resciniti, of the Seymour Agency, in January. We extensively revised before submitting. This is something aspiring writers need to be aware of—no matter how wonderful your manuscript is (or you think it is) it always needs more. We sold it to Orbit in late May. It was a banner day, and one I will never, ever forget. So much fun! I feel incredibly lucky to be at Orbit. It’s a dream.

Do you have a writing process? Do you have to listen to music, have complete silence, where your shirt backwards and eat only rice pudding? 

HA! I love that!! Hmm, I don’t have dietary issues, and I don’t wear my shirt backward, but I do wear yoga pants that have never been to yoga almost daily! Why? Because they’re comfy as hell. I can’t write with music and I even have an industrial sized pair of earmuffs next to my computer. If there is any noise in the house (I have three kids so that is often) or noise outside my window I whip them on. I do play music to get me pumped up on occasion and it’s usually something with a kickin’ beat. I recently got a stability ball as a chair at my desk, so imagine me in yoga pants (that have never been to yoga), a messy binder for my hair, green earmuffs, bouncing on my ball. It’s a glamorous picture.

Is writing something you have always dreamed of doing, or something you have grew to enjoy?

I’ve always love writing. I wrote stories as early as junior high. I still have the notebooks! I’ve been writing seriously, as in trying to get published, for over ten years. I’ve had non-fiction projects, I’ve written for a small food and wine publication, I was writing contemporary romance, but finally finding my voice in urban fantasy was the ticket! It’s so much fun!! I’ve never enjoyed writing anything more than this genre. It’s exciting, fast-paced and you get to invent stuff. Seriously, what’s better than that? I LOVE it.

Who are your favourite authors? Have any authors/books that have inspired you?

When the Lord of the Rings move came out in 2001, I dove into Tolkien. I was anxiously awaiting the next Harry Potter and was amazed I’d never read Tolkien before. The novels were so utterly amazing; I was lost for days reading them. I don’t write anything like Tolkien, lol, but his world, voice and characterization were so vivid and rich—it was right after that I was hooked back into fantasy as an adult. After than came urban fantasy. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. I hit a dry spell in late 2008 and decided to try my hand at creating the kind of a novel I’d want to read shortly after that. Four years later—here it is!

Okay some fun questions!

If your Jess from your series had a dinner party what other UF chicks would she invite?

Man, if she could, I’d imagine her out with all the heavy hitters: Kate Daniels, Rachel Morgan, Mercy Thompson, Jane Yellowrock – that would be an amazing table to sit around. I want to go too!

If we were unforgivably rude and pulled at random five things from your hand bag, what would we find?

1. Mints (I have two or three different kinds)
2. Lip gloss. The only makeup I ever reapply
3. A handful of receipts
4. A reusable bag
5. A fabric swatch for my couch. I’ve been meaning to buy accent pillows for months.

What was the last movie you watched? What was the last you hated?

Last movie was The Hunger Games. LOVED! We love movies and we’ve had a streak of winners: 21 Jump Street, This Means War, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Horrible Bosses (rental), but maybe…Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol? I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t great.

Tell us the first thing that comes to mind:
* Shifter: Jessica
* Vampire: Creepy
* Tattoos: Have one (inside left ankle, Anasazi symbol)
* Piercings: Hate the gages (huge holes)

Thanks so much for the chat!!!

Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.

When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .

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We are giving away 5 KINDLE copies of BLOODED to some lucky maidens! Open to all.

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ARC Review: Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Blooded

by Amanda Carlson

(Jessica McClain Prequel)

Jessie is the only female born from a werewolf, unfortunately that comes with a few draw backs, one, her father's pack think she is evil and will destroy all were kind and two, they want to kill her before she hits her 20th birthday. So if challenging one of the alphas in the pack is the only way to save her self, that's what she is going to do.

Although this was a novella, it packed a punch, it was all action from the first sentence and I couldn't put it down. The main character and from whose point of view this was told from, Jessie was the kind of heroine I like, tough and sarcastic and the world that is starting to be built in this book sounds interesting. What was also great was how polished the writing was, it didn't seem like a first book, the only aspect that felt a little clumsy was the dialogue, although the banter between the characters was fun, when there was a long conversation it didn't always sound very natural.

This was like a little taster for the Jessica McClain series, it was short but gave you enough to get a feel for Amanda Carlson's style and give you a glimpse into the world she has created. A glimpse that I enjoyed and will definitely be reading the first book when it comes out.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon