Laura Kaye's Blog, page 80

#NorthofNeed a 2-Time Amazon Bestseller! #PNR

Thrilled doesn't begin to describe how I'm feeling right now, as NORTH OF NEED hit not one but two Amazon bestseller lists today, just 11 days after release! The sales rank started dropping yesterday, down from its already good average ranking around 10-12K, to 8500, then 7500, then 5300, then 4200. This morning, I woke up to 6500, but was excited it was still lower than it had been. Then my fantastic Entangled Publishing publicist Danielle Barclay started emailing me with more drops: 3500, 2400. Meanwhile, I'm in a jam-packed Toys R Us with my girls, buying them reward toys for letting me write for three hours this morning without killing each other or destroying the house, squeeing every time Dani sent me a new message! We get home from the toy store, I assemble one Disney Princess Tea House set and one Monster High School bunk bed set, then head to the computer, to find a sales rank of 1900 and two bestseller lists:

This may be totally gone by tomorrow, of course, but it'll still be pretty dang cool even so!

NORTH OF NEED is also on Amazon's Books > Hot New Releases in Fantasy and Futuristic Romance list, currently at #9, just below, you know, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lara Adrian, and Anita Clenney. O.o Boggles!
And on the same list for Kindle Books, it's at #8:

Gratitude is too small and inconsequential of a word right now, I swear.

So, now, I'm diving back into writing my WIP while floating on a cloud. Thanks to everyone for your support!
:D Laura

You're Gonna Wanna Eat This Snowman...

So, a huge thanks and nod to @FictionVxn for posting this picture to Twitter. I automatically fell head over heels in love. Because a) it's Pancake Owen!, and b) I love snowmen, and c) I am so making these for my girls on Christmas morning! Just had to share!

[image error] Source: ohdeedoh.com via Maryann on Pinterest

Thanks for reading! nomnomnomLaura

Welcome Guest Author Nina Croft! #entangledbooks #PNR #SciFi

I'm very excited to welcomeNina Croft to the blog today!
Welcome, Nina! And happy release!
Welcome, Nina!  Please share a little about yourself, your genres, any other pen names you use.
Hi, I'm Nina Croft, I'm English, though I live in the mountains of southern Spain. I write romance—mainly paranormal and sci-fi, but really I'll have a go at most genres (I'm a strong believer in writing the sort of books you love to read, and I read most things!)
Hold on, I'm still daydreaming about southern Spain…. Okay, now, please continue! *winks* Tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release.
[image error] Deadly Pursuit is book 2 of my Blood Hunter series which is a combination of science fiction and paranormal—think Star Wars with added fangs and fur…
The books follow the escapades of the crew of the space ship, El Cazador de la Sangre (or The Blood Hunter), with each book focusing on the romance of one member.
That's an awesome cross-genre premise! Which character is your favorite and why?
Usually when I write, the hero is my favorite character, but I think in Deadly Pursuit it has to be the heroine.
During my teenage years, I read loads of those big historical romances—the kind they term 'bodice rippers'—I loved them—and I especially loved the pirate ones where the heroine disguised herself as a cabin boy… Those books were the inspiration for Alex, the heroine of deadly Pursuit, also known as: The lady Alexia, High Priestess of the Church of Everlasting Life.
We first meet Alex in Book 1 of the series, when she is hiding out on El Cazador, disguised as Al, the cabin boy.
Alex has had twenty-four excruciatingly boring years as a priestess. She means to go back and do her duty eventually, but first she just wants a little fun. She's pretty desperate as she knows time is running out, and nobody is cooperating!
I love your inspiration for Alex!! Will there be any sequels or other books in the same series?
I'm working on Book 3 of the Blood Hunter series now. It focuses on Tannis, the captain of El Cazador—how she goes after the immortality she craves and in the process falls in love with…
Actually, you'll probably be able to guess who she falls in love with if you read Deadly Pursuit.
Haha! Evil author! Oh, well, guess we'll just have to read! What are you working on right now?
Well, Book 3 of The Blood Hunter series, which I'm writing as part of NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month—is my priority right now. But I'm also working on a couple of contemporaries, which have recently been contracted, and I'm planning books three and four in my fantasy series, The Laws of Segregation.
Ooh, that's an intriguing series title! And good luck on NaNo! What happened to the first book you ever wrote?
Absolutely nothing—it's still sitting on my hard-drive! Same with the second and the third… I first started out writing contemporary category romance. Most of them never got past the three chapter stage, but they were definitely a learning process. I eventually realized I was reading far more paranormal than anything else, so I thought I'd have a go at writing that—and I loved it! The first paranormal I wrote was Bound to Night, which was published by The Wild Rose Press.
That's a great story—learning through doing! And it's awesome that we're sisters at two different presses! *grins* What do you find easiest and hardest to write?
I'm a planner, and probably the planning stage and writing the outline is the hardest for me. It's not always a direct process, often I'll get stuck, and I have to just leave it and let the problem fester away in my mind. The answer will eventually come to me, usually in the early hours of the morning—I always keep a notebook by the bed.
Once I have the story planned, I write the first draft quite fast without stopping to edit, and that's probably the easiest part for me.
I stand in awe. I can't plan to save my life! LOL Have you incorporated actual events or people from your own life into your books?
Never!
Really??? Wow! Okay, then…is there a theme or message that runs through your work?
I think there are a couple of themes which lie at the heart of all my books: accepting what you are (and my characters often have a lot of weird stuff to accept) and, take what you want and pay for it—I love the idea of people dealing with the consequences of their (not always good) choices.
I really like that! Very cool. What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
That I'm only 5' 1" – I like to think that I come across as much taller.
LOL! My mother was the SAME height! Which romance book or series (or other genre, if you don't write romance) do you wish you had written?
Anne Bishop's, The Black Jewel Trilogy. I've just read it again for about the fifth time—and I love it.
Ooh, I'll have to check that out! Of all the characters you've ever written, who is your favorite and why?
It has to be Rico, the hero of Break Out, book 1 in the Blood Hunter series. I don't have to think about writing Rico—he makes it so easy!
I love when you find a character like that! Okay, now, just for fun:
Milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Both please.
Salty or sweet? Salty.
Bed or kitchen table? For what? Actually, I don't have a kitchen table, but I do have a breakfast bar…
Beach or mountains? Can I say both again? I live in the mountains, but I love to visit the beach.
Give or receive? These questions are so hard but I'll go with giving. 

[image error]Breaking assassin Jonathon Decker out of a maximum security prison on Trakis One seemed like a good idea at the time. Now, pursued across space by the two most powerful factions in the universe, the crew of El Cazador are having second thoughts. They'd like to give him back. Unfortunately, that no longer seems an option.
Jon is used to working alone. Now, he's stuck on the space cruiser El Cazador until he can work out just what he's supposed to know that puts him on everybody's most-wanted-dead list. He s not happy that the crew includes a runaway priestess with designs on his virtue such as it is. Jon likes women, but he gave up the role of protector a long time ago, and Alexia, High Priestess of the Church of Everlasting Life, is an accident waiting to happen.
After twenty-four excruciatingly boring years of doing her duty, Alex is finally having some fun. She never meant to run away it was a rash impulse and she means to go back eventually. But first, she's going to squeeze enough excitement out of the situation to last her a lifetime. And what could be more exciting than a stunningly gorgeous werewolf?
Meanwhile, the Church are chasing their missing priestess, and the Collective are pursuing their escaped assassin. Being hunted has never been more deadly...or more fun.

Thanks for being coming on the blog! Where can we find you on the web?
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING MY GUEST, NINA!
Thank you for having me!
Everyone, leave Nina some comment love! And thanks for reading! Laura & Nina 

Guest Author Jess Macallan Shares Her Favorite Love Triangles #entangledbooks

I'm thrilled to have fellow Entangled authorJess Macallanhere as my guest today!
Welcome Jess!
Jess has a totally fun post for us about which I know a lot of you will have opinions! Your favorite fictional love triangles! Take it away, Jess...

Laura, thanks so much for having me here today! I'm excited to visit a fellow Entangled Publishing author. I'm celebrating the release of Stone Cold Seduction, the first book in my Set in Stone trilogy, available now. In the book, Elle Fredricks, is torn between two hotties—the gorgeous gargoyle Jax, or the fiery phoenix MacLean. 
Ah yes, the quintessential love triangle.
I've discovered readers have very strong opinions about love triangles in romance. Some hate the push you-pull me element. Others love wondering who it will be. As a reader, if it's done well, I'm hooked. Below are a few of my favorite love triangles:
Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Series--Joe Morelli or Ranger. I don't know about you, but I don't envy Stephanie Plum's choice. The hot Italian cop or the steamy Latino bounty hunter? Um…both please! Seriously though, I love this series. Janet Evanovich has managed to draw this love triangle out for eighteen books, and I've loved them all. For the record, Ranger has my vote.
Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series--V'lane or Jericho Barrons. Okay, so this series has already wrapped up, and I think we all knew who Mac would choose, but wow. Karen Marie Moning did a fabulous job with these guys. Who wouldn't want a dark Fae prince and a sexy immortal fighting over her? If you haven't read the series, I won't spoil it for you, but I was happy with the outcome. *winks*
Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson Series--Adam or Sam. Again, I won't spoil it for you, but these two alphas werewolves are hot. Very hot. And what I loved most about this series is that she didn't draw it out too long, she tortured the characters in a way that allowed readers to really connect with them, and she eventually gave everyone a chance at love. Pure awesome.
Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse Series—Poor Sookie. This series offers a few options at any given time…Bill, Eric, Alcide, and I know I'm missing some. After reading the most recent release, I have to go with the Bill or Eric. Hmm…A southern gentleman vampire or a Viking vampire? Part of me will always root for Sam (I know, I know, he wasn't one of the options) but this is why I adore love triangles. Real life can be messy like this. The real challenge is having a character who can get through it and make the right choice.
Elle's decision isn't easy—Jax or MacLean. Jax is her current obsession. MacLean is an old flame who also has a claim on her heart. In a perfect world, everyone would find their perfect mate for their very own happily ever after. But Elle doesn't live in a perfect world. And deciding which man she'll spend the rest of her life with is only one of many tough choices she'll face.
What book or series is your favorite love triangle in?
Thanks again for having me, Laura! I love chatting with readers. 
You're so welcome, Jess! Great topic and enjoyed having you here! Now, dear readers, leave Jess some comment love!

I hope you'll all come find me at:| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | JessMacallanGet your copy of Stone Cold Seduction at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books On Board | Powell's | BAM | Diesel

[image error]

SET IN STONE SERIES - Book One
"Elle. It's just Elle."
When a regular night of Robin Hood‐ery results in the manifestation of some, um, unusual paranormal abilities, perfume‐maker Elleodora Fredricks realizes the normal world she lives in isn't quite… normal. And neither is she, thanks to her father, king of the shadow elves. Not only is he evil incarnate and the reason Elle moonlights as a burglar—someone has to take care of all his victims—he's stolen her memories.
And only reading her fate can fix that. Good thing she's got a trio of hotties willing to help her find said fate, but only if she gives them something in return. Saving her oracle BFF's fiancée, falling in love with the gargoyle, and making up for breaking the phoenix's heart ought to be a piece of cake for the princess of the shadow elves.
If only the king didn't want his daughter dead…

Now, read on for a hot excerpt!...
"You are my true mate."
My lips were still tingling, and my brain was fuzzy. "Jax, I'm not sure what that means."
He didn't answer, but instead pressed a kiss to my temple. And another to my cheek. Slowly, he nuzzled his way to my neck. I let my head drop to one side, giving him better access.
He whispered his approval, and lightly nipped at my neck. "It is a connection between souls. A bond determined by fate. I will show you what it means."
His lips and tongue were doing a slow, erotic dance along the oh-so-sensitive skin down my neck, and coherent thought was impossible. He could show me whatever he wanted, as long as he didn't stop.
I sighed, and Jax took that as acceptance. Before I knew what he was going to do, he'd scooped me up and was halfway up the stairs.
"Jax!" I yelped.
He stopped, but his muscles were vibrating with energy. He waited until he had my full attention before repeating, "I will show you. We are mates, connected in ways you and the phoenix will never be."
His silver eyes were bright and intense. I could admit to having had many, many fantasies where he'd carried me upstairs, and all sorts of amazing things had happened. But this was real. And he was dead serious. It scared me, thrilled me, and seriously confused me.
When I didn't respond, he lowered my feet to the floor and pressed me up against the wall in the narrow stairwell. His eyes held mine as he leaned close. "I will show you, so there are no doubts."
Then he kissed me again, and this time, he held nothing back. Possession, need, and barely leashed control. Jax's mouth told me more than words ever could. He leaned against me so our bodies were in full contact. Need burned through me. His taste, his touch, drowned out my worries. His scent surrounded me. He smelled crisp and clean. Like a sunny, winter day. But the heat he created inside me was intense. Just like the man himself.

Jess lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband and three children. She thrives on creative chaos. Curiosity drives her to try new things as often as possible.
When not writing or chasing trouble, she teaches yoga, reads, runs a mini farm, watches MMA and gardens. The only things she takes seriously are chocolate, tea and world domination. But mostly chocolate.

#SixSunday #34! Does Owen's Godhood Amuse You? #North of Need

My contemporary fantasy romance NORTH OF NEED is still celebrating its first week of release, so I've got a fun and sexy six for you!

A playful smirk framed Owen's face. "Are you amused by my godhood?"

Megan nodded, and he thrust his hips into hers, rocking the ridge of his impressive erection against her right where she craved him. Her lips dropped open as she sucked in a breath.
His mismatched eyes blazed. "Still amused?"

So, are you amused? *grins*
If you'd like a chance to win NORTH OF NEED and other prizes, check out the book tour!
Please check out the Other Sixers' Posts and follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter!
Thanks for reading and hopefully commenting, too!Laura

New Reviews & Open #Giveaways for #NorthofNeed!

Open Giveaways! Will you win? Love Romance Passion - Fun Vlog & ebook giveaway - ends 11/4Love to Read for Fun - Owen Character Profile & ebook giveaway - ends 11/6 Romancing the Book - Q&A & ebook & vampire gift set giveaways - ends 11/7Paperback Dolls - Paperback Proust Quickfire Interview & ebook/cards giveaway - ends 11/12 Parajunkee's View - 5 Things I Love About Greek Mythology & print book & Swarovski jewelry giveaway - ends 11/20 NEW APPEARANCE FOR 11/4: Romance Around the Corner featuring Megan's Character Profile! ebook giveaway
Three New Reviews! Barbara, Basia's Bookshelf, 'A'!: "It's a cozy, sexy and sweet story. I needed to keep reading to find out if Megan could get over her past. I wanted Owen to have his happily ever after with her after being alone for so long – I cared about these two characters because Kaye's writing drew me into their story. The paranormal story added some interesting twists, and the glimpses into the other Gods promises some very unusual stories to come. (There's a great epilogue too - something that's missing in a lot of romance novels these days!)"

Christi, Smitten with Reading, A-!: "Now this is a book that I can get behind. I truly loved this book with its sense of magic and whimsy for two people that have had enough heartache to last a lifetime....Owen is an amazing hero....I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. It would be perfect to read during the next snowstorm or through the holiday season curled up under a warm quilt."

Day, Paperback Dolls, 4/5 Stars!: "More than just a great idea, this author is able to pen fantastic emotions in her characters that will make even the coolest heart melt. When I find an author, no matter the genre, that is able to write a story with strong world-building and characters that make a reader feel for them and empathize with their struggles…I always return for seconds."
Thanks for reading and for all the support this week for release week!Laura

Happy 143rd Birthday, Lucien! #ForeverFreed's #Vampire Hero!

As the first book I wrote and sold, Forever Freed will always hold a special place in my heart! And, even though I'm in the midst of celebrating the release just yesterday of my contemporary fantasy romance, North of Need, I wanted to take a moment and celebrate a special occasion.
Today, is the 143rd anniversary of Lucien Demarco's birthday!
And, almost like they knew it was his special day, Romancing the Book came out with an absolutely glowing 5-star review of the book just yesterday. They said so many wonderful things about the characters and emotions of the book, but this was a favorite quote: 

"Wonderfully written with an amazing cast of characters. This was definitely not like any other vampire story I've read. It will pull at your heartstrings and having you reaching for a tissue."

Lucien Demarco was born as a human on November 2, 1868 (the Day of the Dead, for what it's worth!) on a farm outside Modena, Italy. He and his wife and young daughter migrated to New York City in October of 1894, and an evil vampire changed the trajectory of his whole life on May 14, 1895. He never considered his birthday something to celebrate until Samantha finally convinced him otherwise...
So, now, I need your help... What do you you give a 143-year-old vampire, anyway? *winks*
Thanks for reading!Laura

The Greek Gods Are Among Us! Happy Release Day #NorthofNeed!

I'm totally thrilled to announce the release of my contemporary fantasy romance, NORTH OF NEED!

Where to Buy NORTH OF NEED: Amazon Print / Kindle | Barnes & Noble Print / Nook

Reviews Excerpts to Date:Meaghan, A Bookworm's Haven, 5/5 Stars!: "The mythology in North of Need was fascinating....I knew I loved this book because whenever I picked it up to read it I had a smile on my face. It is a great book to just get lost in for a while. The best words I can use to describe this book are: warm and sexy....That love seeps out of the pages and right into your heart....I am in love with this book."

Bobby, Book Wenches, 4/75/5 Stars!: "While I've enjoyed everything that I've read by Ms. Kaye, this one truly touched me. It made me smile, it made me cry, and it pushed all the right 'happily-ever-after' buttons for me....North of Need is exactly what I look for when I reach for a romance novel. Ms. Kaye has combined playful fun, deep emotion, and sensual romance with a generous helping of holiday magic to give us a story that will have us believing in miracles and happy endings."

Heather, Book Savvy Babe, 4/5 Stars!: "The magic combined with legend in this book creates a very sweet and emotional read....The paranormal elements in North of Need are quite unique and interesting....North of Need is a very sweet romance with steamy attraction between the characters, powerful paranormal gods, and a bit of legend mixed in.  Paranormal readers, if you are looking for a good book to read, I recommend picking up North of Need."

Erika, Bad Ass Book Reviews, B+!: "Finally, something different and interesting. I like to read contemporary romance every now and again, and North of Need was a little Contemporary meets a little magic....This novel was well written and captivating. Both the grief and joy leap off the pages."
Thanks so much for reading!Laura

Happy Halloween! 5 Fab #Giveaways Ending Today! Come Win!

[image error] Happy Halloween everyone!
I hope your day is filled with lots of treats, and to that end, I want to share with you a number of open GIVEAWAY opportunities I have right now that end tonight at midnight EST! I hope you'll enter--because I love giving things away, especially to friends! Here's what you can win and where:
My Vampirific / Fangalicious Gift Set Giveaway! (Need I mention there is chocolate?)North of Need Blog Tour Day 1 Giveaway at Book Savvy Babes--print book & more!Author of the Week Giveaway at Full Moon Bites - 2 winners choose between Forever Freed, Hearts in Darkness & Just Gotta SayGoodreads Giveaway - chance at one of three print books of North of NeedNorth of Need Blog Tour appearance at Romancing the Book - North of Need ebook AND Forever Freed Halloween Bundle!
So, those are some good treats, doncha think? *grins* And not even any tricks!
Have the greatest Halloween! Thanks for reading,LauraOh! And, did I mention? This releases tomorrow!!!
 

Six Sentence Sunday #33! Release Week Edition! #NorthofNeed

This is an exciting Sunday! One day until Halloween! Two days until the release of my contemporary fantasy romance, NORTH OF NEED. So, in celebration of that and the ongoing blog tour, here's a sexy six featuring Owen and Megan:

"I'm pretty good with languages."
"Good with languages," she murmured. With everything she learned about him, he got more and more interesting. Or more mysterious, depending on how you looked at it. "So, good with languages, shovels, and igloos--anything else?"
The smug look he tossed at her was so wicked it shivered right down her spine.

Hehe! I've always liked this exchange, and it's just a small part of some sexy, playful banter between them.
[image error] Click here if you'd like to learn how to win NORTH OF NEED. Click here to read the Other Sixers' excerpts. And follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter!
Thanks for reading, and hopefully commenting, too!Laura