Blog Tour: The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes - Character Interview + Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure of taking part in the Canadian blog tour for Paula Stokes' upcoming The Art of Lainey. I've already had the chance to read this book and I absolutely loved it. If you're looking for a fantastic read for summer, this is it. And if you want a glimpse at what awaits you in the book, keep reading to learn more about Micah, my favourite person in this story.

What prompted you to start working at Denali? Did it have anything to do with your culinary aspirations?

Actually my culinary aspirations came from working at Denali. I got my job there when I was fifteen. It’s a long story, but basically I lied to my mom and told her I had gotten offered a job in order to avoid our yearly trip to the cemetery. (I hate that place.) So then I had to find a job ASAP so she didn’t bust me for lying. I went wandering around Hazelton, saw a Help Wanted sign in the window of Denali, and filled out an app. I’m pretty sure the manager only hired me because she liked the rock band T-shirt I was wearing, but hey, whatever works. It turned out that I’m naturally good at cooking an baking. I especially like baking because it’s a real challenge to get the ratios and flavors just right. 

What has it been like growing up without your dad? It seems to have made you and your sister really close.

Sorry, I don’t like talking about my dad. But yeah, Trinity is the shit. After Dad died, she basically kept our family running while Mom and I took turns self-destructing. My mom did my trinity tattoo in her honor. She had to keep stopping in the middle because she kept crying.

Be honest, what was your initial reaction when Lainey asked you to be her fake boyfriend?

I thought it was a ridiculous idea, but sometimes ideas work, you know? Plus my sadistic side liked the thought of dragging Girl Jock Lainey Mitchell to a bunch of places where she’d be uncomfortable so I could watch her flounder. I guess that’s kind of mean, huh? Whatever—she did the same thing to me.

Knowing what you know now, would you do things differently?

As far as all the “dates” and stuff, I wouldn’t change a thing because they were a fun way for Lainey and me to get to know each other. If I could do things over, I hope I would be less of a wuss, though. And less of a douchebag to both Lainey and my ex. I did them both wrong at one point, but that was mostly because I was a wuss. 

From what I know about you, you’re not really what you seem. Do people often misjudge you because of how you look? Have you ever taken advantage of that?

Yup—they do. Take advantage of it? You mean I can use this to my benefit? Please elaborate.

What do you think the future holds for you? Is Lainey going to be featured prominently in that future?

I’m kind of hoping the future holds my own book, but right now I’m settling for a lengthy novella ;-) As far as Lainey goes, who knows, right? I mean, this is high school and shit can get pretty volatile. I think the end of the book makes my feelings pretty clear, but it’s not just up to me.

Thank you Micah for answering my questions, I can't wait for more people to get to know you. 

About the book:

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is greasing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, nor warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help form her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they’re sure they can sue the book to lure Jason back in Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few “dates,” it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What’s a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you’re meant to be with, if you’re still figuring out the person you’re meant to be?

About the author:

Paula Sokes is half writer, half RN, and totally thrilled to be part of the world of YA literature. She few up in St. Louis, Missouri where she graduated from Washington University and the Goldfarb School of Nursing. When she’s not writing, she’s kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands. Paula loves interacting with readers! Find her online on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Pinterest.

Giveaway!

Does The Art of Lainey sound like something you would be interested in reading? Then be sure to enter the giveaway below for your chance to win one of two copies of the book. To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway