Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 16

A cool twist of fate!

In my last blog, I mentioned the upcoming release of the Summer Heat antho, which is a month away.
Summer Heat
And since then, I got the release date for another anthology I'm in, Reluctant Bride, from Evernight Publishing.
Reluctant Bride
And how cool is it that my 21st romance (Kiss Me at Sunset in Summer Heat) and 22nd romance (Arrogant CEO in Reluctant Bride) will be releasing on June 21st and 22nd?!
Excitement doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling! I'm so blessed and grateful, and I want to thank all you readers and creatives who have supported me, followed me, and loved my stories!
More promising ventures are on the horizon and I can't wait to share them all with you, hoping you'll enjoy.
Until next time, Happy Memorial Day in the US, happy reading to all, and take care!
xo

Gearing up for Summer and that means plenty of reading!

Hello, readers!
Are you getting excited for summer? The anticipation of travel? Putting plenty of reading on your list?
I've got a few suggestions:
Releasing June 21st is the Summer Heat anthology, which you can preorder now!
Summer Heat
I'll have a featured interview at Book+Main Bites this Thursday, 5/20, along with more in June on my seasoned characters from my story, Kiss Me at Sunset with Michelle (50) and Xander (52).
https://bookandmainbites.com/LauraMB/...
https://bookandmainbites.com/communit...

If you're looking for steamy erotic, check out the latest from Lea Bronsen:
Lea Bronsen
Naughty Secret

A few others on my TBR:
High Strung
Ready or Not, Grave Intentions, Book 2
Hannah (author of High Strung) and Aedyn (author of Ready or not) are excellent story-tellers you don't want to miss!

I hope to share a release date soon for the Reluctant Bride and Reluctant Groom anthologies releasing in June from Evernight Publishing, so stay tuned.

And on the writing front, I've got exciting happenings. I'm joining Rebecca Norinne and ten other authors in a shared world - Love at First Kiss - series of books which will begin releasing in August. They're NA (New Adult) romances set at a fictional college in Maine. You can check out other books by Rebecca:
Rebecca Norinne

Until next time - when I fear half the year will have already passed! But as long as you're making the most of your days, that's all we can hope for.
Take care! xo

How is it already the end of April?!

Wow! It's almost May!
Hubby is so right... the first four months of the year always seem to fly right by. But at least we're getting closer to nicer weather, having already enjoyed beautiful sunny days. Then the days can slow down as far as I'm concerned. ;)

I've been busy with edits for another upcoming anthology from Evernight Publishing - a reluctant bride theme. And my story, Arrogant CEO is smokin'! Watch for the June release date and cover release. And if you want a taste of more hot romances in a best selling anthology, check out Billion Dollar Love, containing my story, Brewing Up Love With the Billionaire. A snarky, sassy, sexy read!
Billion Dollar Love

Response to Park Avenue Princess continues to delight me! I've awarded eBooks, Audible codes, and a signed print proof. And I'm not done! I'm giving away (3) signed print copies for my newsletter subscribers, so if you're not signed up and want a chance, sign up today!
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

I recently had a spotlight feature with Coffee Time Romance on Facebook and posted a giveaway for my Goodreads followers - that's you!
I'm going to amend my giveaway for Audio books of Park Avenue Princess to include a winner from the US and a winner from Canada! So if you'd like to listen to my story come to life, comment on this post with anything you'd like me to know about you. Easy!
Park Avenue Princess
I'll message my winners here by Thursday, 4/29, 12PM PST.

So now, my next project is diving back into my New Adventures romcom series while also preparing for the June release of the Summer Heat anthology. Busy, busy!

Well, until next time, be well and happy reading!
Laura xo

Win Audible codes!

Are you on the audio book band wagon? I started about two years ago - as usual, takes me a while - but I love them. When I was commuting to work, listening to a book made the drive fly by. And while working out, before I realize it I'd walked an hour!
It's amazing how hearing a story come to life can change the entire experience. I began reading a particular story, but found it difficult to immerse myself. Then I was given an Audible code to try it and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Since the release of Park Avenue Princess, I've been delighted with the comments and reviews. I want to thank everyone who took the time to review and hope I'll continue to see more.
Park Avenue Princess
That being said, I'm running a giveaway through my newsletter for my subscribers, awarding Audible codes for Park Avenue Princess. Of course I listened to my own story come to life and couldn't have been happier! If you'd like to experience the sexy, emotional, humorous story of Lynne and Guy, sign up today, and I'll have news for you in my next newsletter on 4/16. I've got codes for the US, CA, & UK.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...
I'm sharing more reading recommendations, new releases, and free reads every month. And to give you another incentive, I'll be sharing exclusives leading up to the release of the Summer Heat Anthology this summer, including more fabulous giveaways!
Summer Heat
Until next time, happy reading and listening! ;)

TV Shows I Binge Watch(ed)

For the past year (especially during the COVID shut down) I rarely watched TV. Ironic, when most people turned to TV for shows and movies, I couldn't bring myself to sit and watch much. I wanted to write! And that turned out well for me. ;)
That's not to say there weren't shows hubby and I got hooked on at some point. Years after it began, we jumped on The Walking Dead train and were so engrossed with that show. Crazy enough, it's been a year since we've watched!
We binged The Punisher and Ozark on Netflix. Raw, gritty, dramatic, and outstanding shows (IMHO)!
And just within the last two months, we jumped on the Schitt's Creek train - yes, late to the party again; I know. Takes us awhile, and we are loving the hysterical show. There are tender moments and learning moments as well.
I recently saw in a Book Riot email (then on FB) about the PBS show Miss Scarlet and the Duke, and I thought that would be something I'd love to watch... if I'd only take the time; what between writing and reading and... well, staying busy.
It's been recommended that I watch Good Girls, about three suburban mothers who suddenly find themselves in desperate circumstances and decide to stop playing it safe and risk everything to take their power back. (per IMDb) ;) Looks good!
So, we'll see if I make time to just chill and enjoy another show. I'll be reading others' recommendations to see what else it out there.

The release of Park Avenue Princess was amazing!

After nearly a year-long journey, the release of Park Avenue Princess - my story in the Cocky Hero Club World - was amazing! Readers and early reviewers have had terrific things to say, and I'm forever grateful!
I participated in 3 parties on Facebook and had fun engagement. Hopefully I've gained life-long followers who'll enjoy my work.
I'm working at getting all formats linked, as Park Avenue Princess is available in digital, audio, and print.
(There was also a glitch in the wrong description being sent to Audible, but that's being ironed out as well.) Fingers crossed!

US: https://amzn.to/3evcRrU
UK: https://amzn.to/2OE568a
CA: https://amzn.to/38vwUCD
AU: http://amzn.to/3qDLSN4
Audio: https://amzn.to/30xL7KZ
Print: https://amzn.to/31aAGx7

A close friend who is also an author complimented me on my writing getting better with each story and I am so humbled yet proud of that statement. (I've felt the same as well.) Isn't that the goal of writers... to get better at their craft, at delivering enticing stories that will affect readers and have them talked about for some time to come? That's me! As I explore the boundaries of my imagination and expression, I hope to produce a story that will touch a reader's heart and mind.
That's not to say I'm not proud of my earlier work because I absolutely am. And while I'll continue to hope that readers will explore and enjoy my backlist, I will plow forward with my next book, and my next, and my next.
With approaching edits for my story in the romance anthology with Evernight Publishing as well as preparing for the release of the Summer Heat anthology in June, you'd think that'd be enough to fill my plate. But no. I'm definitely excited and eager for those releases, but other ideas are calling and I'll be diving into my next project very soon.
So if you've picked up your copy of Park Avenue Princess, I look forward to hearing your thoughts. And if not, hope you're enticed to do so. ;)
Happy reading! xo

Non-book gifts for readers

Well I finally took the time to engage in the Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge with Long and Short Reviews! It's entertaining and insightful to see what others have to say about a particular subject.
This week, 3/10, is buying non-book gifts for readers, and I have some thoughts. ;)

Whether a casual reader or a die-hard devourer of words (that’s a thing, because it describes me!) the need to escape, if only for a brief period, is essential. Everyone needs a break from the bombardment of life around them. Maybe it’s thirty minutes on a lunch hour or devoting several hours in the evening; or somewhere in between. The important aspect is that it’s taken!

So all else aside, focusing on gifts for the reader in your life (or spoiling yourself), consider reading habits. A set of noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds are a luxury to tune out everything except the story when reading a physical book or on an eReader. And a quality set is especially important when listening to audio books. Living in the Pacific Northwest, which means plentiful rain, I’m often on my treadmill or elliptical listening to books, so I want background noise to be minimal, allowing me to concentrate on the story.

There’s the ever-present drink of choice, making a glass, mug or tumbler a must-have. Personalized drinkware has a special touch, but cutesy ones (with animals, sassy sayings, or encouraging words) are fun too. My sister works evening shifts at a hospital, and thrives on iced coffees and reading to pass the slow hours, so I got her an insulated tumbler in her favorite color with a personalized inscription: “Penny’s Sippy-Cup”. She loved it!! And to go along with this, gifting coffee, teas, or a bottle of wine is always well-received.

For cozying up in a favorite chair, on the couch or bed, or in a porch swing, pillows and throw blankets are a nice touch. Not to mention fluffy socks. These are one-size-fits-all type of gifts and are always appreciated.

Readers are often writers as well; and not necessarily published authors. Just people who like to jot down their thoughts, quotes, or keep a physical record of books they’ve read. Journals, notebooks, and pens make a nice gift. But ensure the user it’s okay to write in those lovely items!

Did someone say snack basket? Isn’t that also a requirement when settling down with a good read? A container filled with crunchy, salty, sweet, and/or savory treats. I’m a sucker for popcorn and peanut MnMs. How about the Hickory Farms meat and cheese combination? Let your imagination take off by purchasing something pre-made or putting together something unique.

Puzzles and coloring books have made a comeback… but did they really go away? They’re fun, work the brain, and produce immense satisfaction.

And finally, there’s always the gift card option. True, it’s not personalized but when stumped about what to get someone, a gift card allows that person to get what they truly want.

These are a handful (or more) of ideas and I’m sure there are hundreds more out there. Do you have other suggestions? Something you’ve gifted that was out of this world? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy gifting!

Hello March!

Wait... March already? Does anyone else feel like 2021 is already rocketing along? I always loved the jokey analogy I heard from a patient of mine: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you come to the end, the faster it goes!"
Apropos? ;)
Well, I for one am looking forward to this month because it's my birthday month, along with the final month I'll be working as a permanent dental hygienist. I plan to take a bit of a break, concentrate on writing and promotion, and eventually do selective fill-in at a few dental offices. Plus there's plenty of family time in which to indulge.
As for my current writing, I'm a day or two away from completing final revisions on Kiss Me at Sunset, my summer story in the Summer Heat anthology releasing June 21st. We had a cover reveal and the antho is ready for preorder at Amazon!
https://tinyurl.com/SummerHeatAntho

Later this month will be the release of Park Avenue Princess; my book in the Cocky Hero Club World. Preorder links coming soon, but you can add it to your want-to-read shelf now.
Park Avenue Princess
And if you want to join in the fun of several parties on Facebook surrounding the release, be sure to head to my FB page and watch for announcements.
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...

Until next time, be well and happy reading!

How do you blow off steam?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to raise my head to the sky and scream out my frustrations. Or grab a baseball bat and start swinging away at junk tires my husband has in his shed. (Safer than swinging at people and it won't get me thrown in jail!)
And I'm not talking about blowing off steam because of the perceived crap year 2020 was and how 2021 isn't fairing much better. (I'm one to avoid political talk on my social pages and simply concentrate on the escape reading brings us.)
All in all, I had a really decent year in my author life, and I'm on a roll in 2021 so far with finishing 2 stories, promoting an upcoming release, and already planning my next projects.
I'm one to put up a strong front and tell myself I'm dealing just fine. But I should know better. Safe release needs to happen.
I guess the subconscious stress that had been building has finally coming to a boiling point. And it certainly doesn't help when my author email gets spoofed and used to send bogus emails to others asking that they verify their Amazon payment information. Yeah, the hateful responses were bad and possibly warranted; but it was nice to see when I responded with apologies, explaining it really wasn't me, their apologies were quick to come. So, people really can be decent.
Now that I've ranted to you dear ones who took the time to read this... thanks for sticking with me. My point in this is that it's okay to rant and rave and let go once in a while. We need it! We can't let it boil and fester and become worse. So go ahead and scream to the sky! Pull out those boxing gloves and pound on the bag! Go for a run until your lungs burn then eat a bag of MnMs to replace those calories! ;) Or simply tune out the world by reading or listening to that audio book you've been setting aside. Talk to a friend, whether it be in person, on the phone, or through other means... but find someone to help; even if it's to simply listen.
Me? I'm going to battle hubby in what we call Gorilla-Pong (ping-pong with no rules!) I'm going to tune out the world for a bit with my audio book while on the elliptical. And I'm going to forge on with my writing and promoting and giving my readers and followers the most honest content and stories that I can.
So again, thank you for sticking with me!
Go find your next great read! xo

Readers' Choice Awards and more free reads.

Hi, readers!
Here we are in February already ~ the month of love.
Do you and your loved one celebrate Valentine's Day? Or are you like me where I ensure my hubby knows every day how much I love him! ;) Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy.

This year is rocking along and I'm already checking goals off my list. My reluctant bride story has been accepted into the upcoming anthology with Evernight Publishing (yay!). Release date forthcoming.
Their anthologies always contain sexy stories that introduce you to wonderful authors; and last year's anthology became a #1 bestseller! I had so much fun writing the characters for my story, Brewing Up Love with the Billionaire, from last year's anthology, and this new story was the same!
Last year's antho, Billion Dollar Love is always available, so check it out.
Billion Dollar Love

Speaking of Evernight, I've got 2 books in the running for their Readers' Choice Awards, and if you're so inclined, I'd love your vote. A Rose in Time is up for best fantasy and Feral Kind of Love for best paranormal. Follow the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EPAwards
I appreciate you!

If you're looking to discover new fantastic authors, check out this Bookfunnel promo going on all month long. Every author is giving away a free read, and you can't go wrong with that!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/february...

I'm getting very close to wrapping up my steamy summer story that'll release June 21st in the anthology, Summer Heat, I mentioned before.
Then I'll begin more promotion on Park Avenue Princess, my story in the Cocky Hero Club World, that releases March 21st.
If you're a blogger or bookstagrammer (or know someone who is) and would like an ARC of Park Avenue Princess, click on the link to fill out the form.
http://bit.ly/ParkAvenuePrincessRB

That's all for now. To see more news and snippets, teasers and recommendations, check out my Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...

Be well and happy reading! xo