Laura Kaye's Blog, page 42
March 26, 2014
Welcome Guest Author Sofia Grey! #CrashIntoLove
Happy release to Sofia Grey for Crash Into You! I’m super excited to have her on the blog today with a fun post and a giveaway! Read on…
Stranger Things Have Happened – Foo Fighters
“Oh stranger, stranger, stranger things have happened I know”
Living a short walk from the beach I go there often, and believe me, you see the strangest things. Quite apart from the odd debris that washes up after a storm (including entire tree trunks!), I’ve made a short list of the most bizarre things I’ve seen so far (I like lists).
Tiny blue jellyfish, locally known as ‘blue bottles’; they look like the plastic inner lids from bottles of milk & juice.
They wash up in shoals and litter areas of wet sand, covering hundreds of yards at a time. They look pretty, but deliver a sting if you walk on them in bare feet!
The-dog-that-ran-off-with-a-dead-fish
It’s not uncommon to find a washed-up-dead-fish, and they provide an easy meal for the gulls. One lazy Sunday afternoon though, an over excited dog was bounding past me as I walked, and it pounced upon a large dead fish, just as the gull dove for it. What is it about dogs that they love rotting things? Anyway. Picture the scene.
Dog runs off, fish dangling from its mouth.
Gull, screeching abuse, launches attack.
Dog runs back to his owner, lying peacefully in the sun.
Dog: Look what I found you! (Drops the rotting fish on his owner’s stomach)
I couldn’t decide if the gull was angry or laughing, it could have been either…
The quad-bike-pulling-the-sofa-in-the-trailer
Quad bikes are normal on the stretch of deserted beach near my home, and quad bikes pulling trailers are commonplace too.
But a quad bike / trailer combo with a sofa in the trailer is unusual… and when the sofa has a guy sitting on it reading a newspaper, with a dog sitting placidly beside him… I didn’t expect to see that!
A car splashing through the shallows, the tailgate open. Sitting in the back, with their legs dangling over the edge, two young guys hold a rope that leads to a surfer in deeper water, doing a little impromptu water-skiing. It was so much fun to watch, I pretty well incorporated it as it stood into Crash Into Love.
Here’s the scene as it ended up in the book:
With my bags even heavier now, I lifted my head at the sound of an approaching car. On the sand? I was momentarily confused, disoriented as though I’d woken sharply from a dream. The students’ car roared along the wet sand, splashing through the shallows toward me. Hollers and whoops accompanied it, and I felt a surge of annoyance. I’d been happy in my little world, and they were disturbing it. What idiots would drive through the sea anyway? Saltwater would wreck the paintwork, to say nothing of the engine.
Feeling grown up and self-righteous, I straightened my back and hoisted my bags once more, ready to glare at them as they cruised past.
Layla drove, Kari in the passenger seat, and for some reason, the tailgate was open. Turning to watch them pass, I realized why. Loner and Greg sat in the empty back, their legs dangling over the edge, with Greg holding a length of rope leading out to Surf Dude in the sea, careering along on a surfboard. They’d made an impromptu water ski through the shallows. Greg yelled insults at Surf Dude, he shouted back, and the two girls added their own level of noise. Loner watched everything, dark eyes crinkling in the corners, his lips tilted in that half smile.
As I watched, unable to hold back a smile at the sight of their fun, Loner caught my eye. A frown creased his brow, and he stared directly at me once again. My mouth felt dry at the heat in his gaze. I’d been out in the sun too long…I just needed a cold drink.
A little farther on, the car slowed to a halt, and Surf Dude jumped off his board with another rally of catcalls. Loner got out and strode toward me, the sun behind his face. I couldn’t interpret his expression. I clutched my bags tighter, feeling stupidly anxious at the intrusion. Meanwhile, the car set off again, Surf Dude resuming his wave dancing. A few steps away, Loner paused, his face impassive, and gestured toward my bags with his fingers.
“Need help?” His voice was gruff, as though he didn’t use it much.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cass thought spending a month at a beachside hideaway relaxing and collecting shells would be the perfect escape to finish her novel. When she meets the dark and brooding and much younger Jonah, who’s staying next door, her book becomes the last thing on her mind.
Jonah would rather stay home alone than go on vacation with his brother and their friends, but does his best to tolerate the situation after being convinced to go. But when he sees the beauty next door, he can’t avoid his attraction.
Together, they break all the rules, but will Cass be able to bring Jonah out of his shell forever, or will he leave her with only the crash of the surf to keep her company?
Trailer link: http://youtu.be/PGsW53sFGro
Book links:
Amazon | Goodreads | All Romance eBooks | Entangled
Author links:
Website | Blog with Allyson Lindt at Gemini Girls | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter
Romance author Sofia Grey spends her days managing projects in the corporate world and her nights hanging out with wolf shifters and alpha males. She devours pretty much anything in the fiction line, but she prefers her romances to be hot, and her heroes to have hidden depths. When writing, she enjoys peeling back the layers to expose her characters’ flaws and always makes them work hard for their happy endings.
Giveaway!
One lucky commenter who includes their email address will get one of these gorgeous little fridge magnets! Open to international! Contest open through midnight EST on 3/28! Good luck!
Thanks for reading!
Laura
March 24, 2014
Look how pretty the Hard Ink books look in STAR!
So, yes, I’m a huge dork! But how would you act the first time you see your books advertised in a national entertainment magazine??? LOL So, thought I’d share my dorkiness with you…
The rough cut at the end is because a check-out boy started watching me! LOL Now, here’s the actual beauteousness of the ad!:
Isn’t this fun??? I’m right up there with the Kardashians!!! LOL Thanks for watching!
Laura
March 23, 2014
Vampire Warrior Kings Box Set Releases Today!
Hey guys! I’m pretty excited to be celebrating the release of my first-ever box set, featuring the three books in the Vampire Warrior Kings series! If you haven’t read the series, or you’ve only read one book in the series, the pricing on the box set makes it a really good deal. If you have read the individual books already, I want to let you know that there isn’t any additional content in the box set so that you don’t purchase something you already have! So, here are the details:
New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye sizzles with this sensual series featuring virgins and vampires…
In the Service of the King [Finalist: PRISM Award for Best Paranormal Novella of 2013]
Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn’t enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate. Until he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon, who will give him anything he wishes. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire—even if it means risking Shayla’s life?
Seduced by the Vampire King [Winner: PRISM Award for Best Paranormal Novella of 2013]
Kate Bordessa has fled to Russia to escape her family’s hopes that she’ll become one of the Proffered. But when she stumbles upon a wounded vampire, she’s instinctively driven to protect him. Will her connection now to Vampire Warrior King Nikolai Vasilyev be strong enough for her to embrace a destiny neither of them was expecting?
Taken by the Vampire King
Henrik Magnusson is supposed to be immortal but, thanks to a mysterious ailment not even the blood of the Proffered can sustain him now. Then he rescues a beautiful young woman, and is filled with blood lust and desire he hasn’t felt for centuries…
Order the box set at:
Thanks for reading!
Laura
March 21, 2014
Virginia Festival of the Book and Upcoming Appearances! #vabook
You can find me tomorrow at the Virginia Festival of the Book! I’ll be on one of four romance-oriented panels sponsored by the Virginia Romance Writers.
Here are the details on my panel, which starts at 2pm:
Publishing Alchemy: How Romance Authors Quickly Master New Publishing Trends
Sat. March 22nd, 2014 – 2:00 PM
Tina Glasneck (Thou Shall Not), Jane Friedman, Alma Katsu (The Descent), Paige Wheeler , Laura Kaye (Hard As You Can), Madeline Iva (Dark Desires).
Location:
CitySpace-Piedmont Council for the Arts
100 5th Street NE
(434)971-2787
Other Upcoming Appearances:
April 4, Discussion and Signing with Jennifer L. Armentrout, B&N, Newport, KY, 6-8pm ~ Join the Facebook event!
May 1, Discussion and Signing, Library of Congress Science Fiction & Fantasy Forum, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 12 noon
May 14-18, Multiple panels and signing, RT Booklovers Convention, New Orleans, LA ~ See all my RT appearances!
June 28, BookBash Author Event, Orlando, FL
Thanks for reading! And hope to see you on the road!
Laura
March 13, 2014
Find Me at the 3/15 Create Something Magical Conference!
Hey guys! If you’re in the New Jersey area, you can find me this Saturday at the Create Something Magical Conference where I’ll be giving several workshops, hosting a couple of fun games, and signing books at the public signing. Here’s my schedule at the event:
Saturday, March 15:
9 a.m. ~ Writing at All Lengths: Novella, Category, and Single-Title Romance
11 a.m. ~ Romance Family Feud with me, Damon Suede, Elisabeth Staab, Stephanie Julian
1:30 pm ~ Seven Steps to Sensual Tension with me, Christi Barth, Joya Fields, Eliza Knight
3:30 pm ~ Book Cover Bingo with me, Christi Barth, Joya Fields, Eliza Knight
4:30 – 6 pm ~ Book Signing
For the complete schedule, go here!
I hope to see you on Saturday. But if you can’t make this event, perhaps I’ll see you the following Saturday at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Va!
Thanks for reading!
Laura
March 7, 2014
I’ve joined the 1001 Dark Nights Project!
I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be participating in an exciting new project with several other New York Times bestsellers. It’s called 1001 Dark Nights, and is inspired by The Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights.
In the original, Scheherazade desperately attempts to entertain her husband, the King of Persia, with nightly stories so that he will postpone her execution. We’re taking a unique spin on the premise and creating new stories that a new Scheherazade might tell – novellas that are sexy and romantic. Some paranormal, some erotic. All compelling and page turning.
2014 Authors and Stories (click to enlarge):
The project started in January 2014 and one novella in the series will publish every month. Mine will be released in 2015 and…drumroll please…will feature a BONUS STORY from the Hard Ink world! Who will it be about? I’m not telling…yet! So that makes the series as follows:
Hard As It Gets ~ now available!
Hard As You Can ~ now available!
Hard to Hold On To ~ 8/19/14
Hard to Come By ~ 11/25/14
Untitled Novella ~ Spring 2015
Untitled Full-length ~ Spring 2015
1001 Dark Nights Novella ~ Summer 2015
Until then, I hope you check out the other stories written by my friends involved in the project. And hook up with the project online here:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
Happy reading!
Laura
March 6, 2014
#HardAsYouCan is a Bestseller!
You guys! I am beyond excited! And it’s all because of YOU! You guys turned out in droves to support the release of Hard As You Can last week and the proof showed up on this week’s bestseller lists!
Last night I got the call from my editor that Hard As It Can hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! And I was all
NYT:
USA Today:
And then, as the news sank in, I was all
So thank you thank you thank you for making the release of this book so amazing! I couldn’t do it without you guys! And I want you to know I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!
Thanks for reading,
Laura
Cover Reveal for Jennifer L. Armentrout’s #StoneColdTouch!
It’s Time!!
The Stone Cold Touch cover is here!
We cannot wait to share the cover for Jennifer L. Armentrout’s STONE COLD TOUCH with you all! STONE COLD TOUCH is a young adult paranormal romance by Jennifer L. Armentrout and is the second full-length novel in The Dark Elements Series being published by Harlequin Teen. You’ll want to add this to your TBR pile ASAP. Check out this amazing cover!
Isn’t it awesome?! You can Pre-order it right now!
**Amazon** **Barnes & Noble** **iTunes** **Kobo**
Stone Cold Touch Synopsis:
Every touch has its price
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.
But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…
“Constantly entertaining…the narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance.”
—Kirkus Reviews on White Hot Kiss
And…Don’t forget to check out the first book in The Dark Elements Series,
WHITE HOT KISS!
About White Hot Kiss:
One kiss could be the last.
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she’s anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.
Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she’s crushed on since forever.
Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she’s not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn’t an issue, considering Roth has no soul.
But when Layla discovers she’s the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.
**Amazon** **Barnes and Noble** **BAM** **iBooks** **IndieBound** **Kobo** **Walmart**
About Jennifer L. Armentrout:
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
The Dark Elements Series Website
Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads
March 3, 2014
The Hard As You Can Blog Tour is Here!
Hey everyone! I’ve got ten fun days planned to continue the celebration of the release of Hard As You Can (Hard Ink #2)! Up for grabs along the way: four $25 Amazon or B&N gift cards AND a chance at Shane’s butterfly necklace at every stop on the blog tour, plus lots of other surprises you can find out about by checking out the following:
The Tour
(direct URLs will be added as posted):
March 3 – Hesperia Loves Books - Excerpt & 5 STAR review
March 4 – Vilma’s Book Blog - Interview with Shane & 4 STAR review
March 4 – Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads FB Page Takeover ~ 8-10pm EST!
March 5 – Avon Romance FB Page Takeover ~ 7-9pm EST!
March 5 – The Geekery Book Review-Facebook Chat 9pm EST ~ Join us!
March 6 – Natasha is a Book Junkie
March 7 – Romance Addict
March 10 – A Book Whore’s Obsession
March 11 – Jenuine Cupcakes
March 12 – Schmexy Girl Book Blog
March 13 – Three Chicks & Their Books
March 14 – Angie’s Dreamy Reads
So don’t miss fun guest posts and tons of ways to win! Hope to see you hopping along!
Thanks for reading!
Laura
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About Hard As You Can:
Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.
Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.
Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn’t want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can–and never let go.
Read an Extended Excerpt of Book 1, Hard As It Gets
February 28, 2014
New Website, So...This is my last post on this blog!
So reset your bookmarks and come on over and visit me at www.LauraKayeAuthor.com where I have a new blog, a brand new FAQ page, and fun extras!
Thanks!
Laura
