Laura Kaye's Blog, page 87

A WAY COOL SUPER SPECIAL TOTALLY UNEXPECTED GIVEAWAY EVENT!

I have a surprise for you, and I'm so excited to reveal it. Through a wonderful combination of gumption, generosity, and luck, I can finally answer a resounding YES to a question I've been asked at least a thousand times since April. And, that question is?

Will Hearts in Darkness be available in print?

The answer is now YES! I won't go into how and why the sausage got made, but it did, and it's oh so delicious! LOL
So, it's the perfect occasion to run a giveaway event! To enter to win one of two PRINT COPIES of HEARTS IN DARKNESS, you must do at least THREE of the following:

1) REQUIRED OF ALL ENTRANTS: Comment here & leave your email address and which TWO other requirements you fulfill2) Follow my blog, using the Google Friend Connect/Follow button over yonder on the right3) Follow me on Twitter4) Sign up for my newsletter, down at the very bottom of this blog page

I'll accept entrants through 12 MIDNIGHT EST on Sunday, August 14. Two winning commenters will be chosen using random.org. Oh, and, I'm even making this bad boy open to international entrants, too.
Thanks for reading! (& hopefully, entering!) Good luck!Laura

NEW 5-STAR REVIEW FOR FOREVER FREED!!!

Hey guys! I'm so excited! My vampire romance FOREVER FREED earned 5-stars today from the Paranormal Romance Guild, and it was the first time the reviewer had given a book 5 stars! What a great boost!
BLURB:
"A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation--talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can..."

REVIEW:
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed reading this story. The writing flows seamlessly, the editing is great, and the story is engaging to the point that I was unable to put it down once I got started. I highly recommend this story to anyone who believes in second chances at love and who likes paranormal romance...

Reviewed by Tasheka Gipson, Reviewer for the Paranormal Romance Guild
 Go read the full 5*****Star review at PRG!
Thanks for reading,Laura

Musical Inspiration for Hearts in Darkness

Because I have such complete and utter love for this song, I had to share with you guys the HUGENESS with which it influenced my characterization of Caden Grayson in HEARTS IN DARKNESS.
Parachute's "She is Love." I can't even hear it now without thinking of Caden, without picturing him trying to cope in that elevator, and finding himself able to do so because of Makenna.
Not bad imaginings, eh?
So, for your viewing and listening pleasure, here's the song that best represents Caden's view of Makenna in HiD:

What d'ya think?
Thanks for watching and reading,Laura

Aubrie Dionne Shares Her Favorite Scene from Paradise 21!

I'm so pleased to have another fellow Entangled Publishing author to the blog!
Welcome Aubrie Dionne!
About Aubrie: Aubrie is an author and flutist in New England. Her stories have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, A Fly in Amber, and several print anthologies including Skulls and Crossbones by Minddancer Press, Rise of the Necromancers, by Pill Hill Press, Nightbird Singing in the Dead of Night by Nightbird Publishing, Dragontales and Mertales by Wyvern Publications, A Yuletide Wish by Nightwolf Publications, and Aurora Rising by Aurora Wolf Publications.  Her epic fantasy is published with Wyvern Publications, and several of her ebooks are published with Lyrical Press and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. When she's not writing, she plays in orchestras and teaches flute at Plymouth State University and a community music school. Aubrie's book PARADISE 21 is one of the launch titles in Entangled Publishing's grand opening, so she's here to tell us about her book and share a favorite scene:
About the book:

Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind's last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won't be reached in Aries' lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage. 
But Aries has other plans.
W hen her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet's native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price.
The life of the man she loves.

About Aubrie's Favorite Scene in Paradise 21
I'm going to share with you a scene that was a roller coaster ride to write. This scene is between two characters with previous history. Striker, the captain of The Morphic Marauder, has had enough with his former flame, Tiff. She left him stranded on Sahara 354 and stole his map to paradise. Now the tables have turned. Striker has an even better ship, and the map as well. If she's ever going to get to paradise, she's going to have to win him back.
But he'll have none of it.
Here's the scene: Tiff resisted the urge to smile. She'd finally grabbed Striker's attention. She plunked herself down in front of him and gazed into his smoldering gray-green eyes. "I need to talk to you."
"Well, turn that music down and come on." Striker gestured for her to accompany him down the corridor.
Tiff complied, softening the music before following him into the corridor. She saw him clench his lower jaw as he turned to face her, arms crossed. "What do you want?"
Tiff tilted her head. "Don't you recognize it?"
"What?" She saw his mouth sour as recognition hit. It was their song. The song that had been playing when she'd first jumped onto his ship deck and asked to join the crew. As he registered it, the lead singer's voice oozed out the refrain in soft, velvety tones: "I'll see your sparkling green eyes in paradise."
Emotions passed through his features: confusion, pain. "Why are you playing it?"
She moved toward him. He towered over her and she had to crane her head to look into his eyes. "Because it brings back good memories, happier times."
Striker stepped back and crossed his arms, preventing her from slipping into his embrace. "What if I don't want to remember? What if I've moved on?"
Tiff ignored his question, even though it sliced her heart with a knife of regret. "We were so good together once. You and I." She ran her finger down the length of his arm. "I'm glad to see you."
He shifted uncomfortably. He'd backed into the wall, and he couldn't back up any farther.
She moved to caress his shoulder. "You know, I'm the one that insisted we go back for you. I'm the one who wanted to set things right."
"There is no 'setting things right,' Tiff." Striker grabbed her hand. "When you left me here, our relationship ended. You killed it. There's no way to resuscitate something's that been dead for five years, even if I wanted to."
Tiff's hand gripped his, squeezing hard. Even though he held her hand to keep her at bay, she shivered at his touch. "I've missed you so much."
"You've missed the map, that's what you've missed."
Tiff balked, her hand going limp. Is that really what he thought of her? She did feel love for him, but now, because of her actions, he'd never believe her.
Bitterness stung her heart. She only had one last card to play. "You don't have to do this, you know."
He raised an eyebrow. "Do what?"
"Risk our lives for some girl you barely know."
Anger flashed in his features. She'd miscalculated.
"Aries is not just some girl. She doesn't deserve to be locked up in that ship."
Tiff's voice hardened. Hearing her name was like putting a brick wall up between them. "Striker, forget about her. We could be together again, you and me."
"Yeah. I need that as much as another stab in the back." Striker pushed by her and grumbled, "I've got more important things to do."
Tiff's world shattered, like some pretty façade she'd been building on glass. She was losing him, so she clenched on tight, grasping his arm. How could a prissy, colonial snob be better than she was?
"What does she have that I don't have?"
He whirled around and crowded into her personal space, forcing her to slink back against the wall. "I'll tell you what. Aries put her life on the line for me. She gave up her freedom for mine."
Tiff loosened her grip on his arm. It wasn't what she'd expected to hear.
"Yeah, you look surprised? Self-sacrifice is a concept you know nothing about." He put up an incriminating finger and pressed it into her chest. "I'll tell you what you are: you're just another desperate pirate, putting yourself above everyone else. You left me to die here and only came back when you needed something from me."
He yanked his arm back, breaking free from her. Tiff felt the last of her hope die. Some mistakes couldn't be taken back. Like her brother's misjudgment of his ship's engine capacity. Ka-boom. ~End Excerpt~
If you want to find out if Tiff finds paradise, you'll have to read Paradise 21. 

Find Aubrie on the web: http://www.authoraubrie.com
http://authoraubrie.blogspot.comhttp://twitter.com/#!/AuthorAubrie

Hey, everyone, leave Aubrie some comment love to help her celebrate her new release!
Thanks for reading,Laura & Aubrie

Six Sentence Sunday #22!

Three years ago this week, the fiction bug bit me, sending me on this wonderful journey of words and friends. The book that came out of that first exciting rush of writing was my vampire romance, Forever Freed. So, in honor of the anniversary, here are six from the Black Moment (dun dun dun!) in this book. Lucien is speaking to a sleeping five-year-old child:

"I love you, precious Ollie. The way you accepted me, the way you looked at me—I'll never forget your kindness or your love. I hope you'll always be able to remember how much I loved and adored you. You and your mom will have long wonderful lives together. And though we won't see each other again"—I paused, swallowing down the nauseating blend of Samantha's emotions and my own turmoil—"know I'll always be thinking about you, wondering what great things you're accomplishing." I took a deep breath, steadying my voice, then whispered, "Dream sweet dreams, Ollie, forever."

Oops! Did I forgot to mention HANKY ALERT! LOL
DOUBLE HANKY ALERT if you think about/listen to Billy Joel's "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" (embedded in yesterday's post) while reading this!
Don't forget to check out the Other Sixers' posts and follow the #sixsunday hashtag on Twitter. Thanks to everyone who drops by each week to read and comment--I appreciate every one!
Thanks for reading,Laura

Musical Inspiration for Forever Freed

In preparation for tomorrow's Six Sentence Sunday post -- six from my vampire romance, Forever Freed -- I'm posting the video for Billy Joel's "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel). This song was a huge source of inspiration behind one scene in the book's Black Moment and, despite the fact I've known this song for many, many years, I now can't hear it without envisioning Lucien, kneeling beside little Ollie Sutton's bed. 

I hope you'll stop by tomorrow and read my excerpt!
Thanks for reading,Laura

Entangled Publishing Celebrates with Sarah Gilman!

[image error] I'm so pleased to welcome fellow Entangled Publishing author  Sarah Gilman!
Welcome, Sarah, and congratulations on being one of the EP Launch Authors!  Please share a little about yourself, your genres, any other pen names you use.

Hi Laura! I'm Sarah Gilman and I write paranormal romance. I'm fascinated with the allure of winged creatures and try to bring that to life in my novels. I live in Vermont with my supportive husband and two spoiled cats.
Wonderful! Okay, so, tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release.

[image error] OUT IN BLUE, book one in the Return to Sanctuary series, is available now! A fast-paced paranormal romance featuring angels and demons, OUT IN BLUE features a tender romance on the backdrop of a dark and violent world.

Guys, I have had the immense pleasure of reading the first five pages of this book—and it left me absolutely salivating for the rest! So, Sarah, which character is your favorite and why?
I love all my characters, especially when I'm writing them, but I am particularly fond of Ginger, the heroine of OUT IN BLUE. Ginger is a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to pursue her goals. In Blue, you won't find the heroine struggling to decide what to do or fretting over whether she wants to be with the hero verses someone else or doing something else. She is decisive and proactive, one of my favorite qualities in any character.  
She sounds like a compelling character, indeed. As the author, what surprised you about this story?
I am more a "panster" than a "plotter" so many of the book's twists surprised me as they emerged.
I love that—it's the same process of discovery the reader goes through (as you might guess, I'm a complete pantser myself!) Will there be any sequels or other books in the same series?
Oh yes. I'm currently finishing the draft of DEEP IN CRIMSON, book 2. More novels and novellas are planned to follow.
Ooh, that's a great title! What was the hardest thing for you about writing this story?
Developing the heroine, Ginger. Like many romance readers, I have strong opinions about what makes a good and a bad heroine. A heroine needs to have strengths without being too perfect and flaws without being too unlikable. Creating a balanced heroine is much harder than it looks. 
I totally agree! What are you working on right now?
DEEP IN CRIMSON, book 2 in the Return to Sanctuary series. When my brain needs to do something else, I work on another project I hope I can bring to readers in the future.
Good luck with both! What happened to the first book you ever wrote?

Well, OUT IN BLUE is the first book I ever wrote, as in truly finished. But many unfinished projects paved the way. A vampire romance, titled Chasing Midnight, was the first book I ever sat down to write. I made it through 30,000 words. It will remain forever archived on my computer, because I took several of my favorite elements from that story and incorporated them into OUT IN BLUE.
I'm sure many of us have a book like that! Have you incorporated actual events or people from your own life into your books?
No, but I make a point of using real landmarks as often as possible. The Return to Sanctuary series is set in my home state of Vermont and other locations around New England.
That's great for adding authenticity! What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
Hmm. Perhaps, after reading my love scenes (which don't focus heavily on graphic detail) they'd be surprised that, as a reader, I favor authors such as J.R. Ward and Jeaniene Frost, who write very hot love scenes.
*grins* Ooh, good choices! Which romance book or series do you wish you had written?
Michelle Rowen's Immortality Bites series. I adore her humor, and usually fail at humor myself.
Okay, Sarah, just for fun: Milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Milk!
Salty or sweet? Both! Just not as the same time.
Bed or kitchen table? Hmm. I'm certain I don't know what you mean. *halo gleams*
Beach or mountains? I live in the mountains. Take me to the beach!
Give or receive? Both.

[image error]In a violent world where fallen archangels are hunted for their valuable plumage, Wren knows one thing for certain: the human woman who saved him from a poacher attack will die if she stays with him. The demon responsible for his parents' gruesome deaths two decades ago pines for the chance to rip apart any woman who stands under Wren's wing.
Wren doesn't expect Ginger to stay by his side once she discovers his ability to drain life with a mere touch, yet she lingers. When an unusual talent of her own reveals the location of Wren's father, Wren's isolated world implodes. With the help of the demon protectors he's sworn never to trust again, Wren risks everything to rescue his father, confront the demon who stalks his and Ginger's every step, and claim his eternity with the most courageous woman he's ever known.

Thanks for being on the blog! Where can we find you on the web?
Website:  http://www.sarahgilmanbooks.comBlog: http://www.sarahgilmanbooks.blogspot.comFacebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Publisher's Author Page: http://www.entangledpublishing.com THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING MY GUEST, Sarah! Folks, please leave Sarah some comment love! And don't forget to check out all the Entangled Publishing Special Events all week!
Thanks for reading,Laura & Sarah

RT Book Reviews Spotlighted Hearts in Darkness!!!

Guys! GUYS! I am beside myself! RT Book Reviews spotlighted HEARTS IN DARKNESS today in their eBook Spotlight feature. They also gave HEARTS a great review:  4 / 4.5 STARS! Here's what they had to say:

For MJ and Caden it is not love at first sight, it's love at first conversation. Because neither can see each other, their attraction is based on more than just physical appearances. Caden becomes enamored by M.J.'s smart mouth and spunky personality. And MJ immediately recognizes Caden as a sweet, funny and caring man. So when Caden's looks are revealed — tattoos, piercing, scars and all — MJ, and the reader, know that he is heroic in all the ways that matter. Get ready for a unique tale that will have you swooning for this very unusual hero.

And, if THAT wasn't exciting enough, HEARTS also got featured on the RT Book Reviews Home Page! I had to screen capture it!
This review was the 20th web review for HEARTS IN DARKNESS and it sure was an exciting one! Thanks for letting me share it with you!
Thanks for reading,Laura

Entangled Publishing Celebrates with Lisa Kessler!

Please welcome fellow Entangled Publishing author  Lisa Kessler!
Welcome, Lisa! And congratulations on being one of the ten launch authors for Entangled Publishing! Please share a little about yourself, your genres, any other pen names you use.
Hi Laura!  Thanks for having me on your blog!  I'm currently writing dark paranormal romance and urban fantasy.  My background is horror writing, and I've published scary short stories in magazines and anthologies.  When I'm not writing, I also sing professionally and have two CDs out.
Wow, the creative juices run strong in you they do! *scratches head* Not sure why I just channeled Yoda! Okay, annnnyway, tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release.
NIGHT WALKER is the first book in the Night Series.  Night Walkers are similar to vampires.  They're immortal and also drink blood, but they also have a spirit animal that they can shift into at will and they originated from the Mayans, not from Europe, so the color of my world is a little more tribal.
Ooh, that's a cool twist on vampires! Which character is your favorite and why?
Calisto is my favorite character.  He's strong loyal and passionate, with a touch of dangerous mixed in. When I wrote him I was picturing Antonio Banderas from the Mask of Zorro movie.  That accent and passion inspired me.
That's some good inspiration! Will there be any sequels or other books in the same series?
Yes!  NIGHT DEMON is the second book and it will be released in December, with a novella to follow in January and the final book to release next June.
Awesome! What was the hardest thing for you about writing this story?
Hurting Calisto.  The villain in this book was really fun to write because he's incredibly intelligent, but also cold, calculating and more and more psychotic as the book goes on.  There is a point when he has Calisto backed into a corner with no good choices left.  He's forced to make a choice that wounds him to his core. So that scene was heartbreaking for me to write.
Aw, black moments can hurt so good! What are you working on right now?
I'm editing NIGHT DEMON and finishing writing the novella, NIGHT THIEF.
What happened to the first book you ever wrote?
NIGHT WALKER was my first book.  And it's been rewritten several times, then edited thoroughly by my publisher.  Shew!  But I'm really proud of how it turned out. 
Wow! That's huge to sell your first book—big, big congrats! What do you find easiest and hardest to write?
I find writing villains to be the easiest for me to write.  (What's that say about me? LOL)  Seriously though, I grew up reading horror and writing horror, and my voice tends to be dark anyway, so it's fun for me to tap into it.  A good villain can really drive the story forward and keep the hero and heroine on their toes.
I also love writing dialogue!
The hardest thing for me to write are the details.  I tend to rush from one action scene to the next and gloss over things like setting, or the fact that they got their food in the restaurant but never were seated or ordered! LOL Luckily my first readers know this and usually help me slow down and fill in the blanks… J
So interesting to get a window into authors' process! Have you incorporated actual events or people from your own life into your books?
Not people, but I have incorporated actual unexplained historical events, and added my own paranormal explanation.  I've also traveled to the places in my books.  It really helps me with setting and characterization if I can go there and experience the weather and watch how people interact there.  If it's a historical site I also like to research the history as much as I can.
Very cool. So, what would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
Although I write very dark paranormals, I'm a huge Disney lover and a total chicken at horror movies! LOL 
*Grins* That's awesome! Which books or series do you wish you had written?
Wow!  I wish I wrote Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles! J  (It's not romance, but it's vampires so I hope that counts…)
Totally counts! That would be on my list, too! Of all the characters you've ever written, who is your favorite and why?
I can't pick a favorite! LOL  That's like choosing one kid over another… *shudder*
LOL, all right, then! So, let's have some fun: Milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Milk chocolate
Salty or sweet? Sweet!
Bed or kitchen table? Bed
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Give or receive? Give

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…
Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.
She's haunted by dreams of her own death…
After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she's drawn to him in ways she doesn't understand.
They've waited in the shadows for centuries…
Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he's ever loved again.

About Lisa:Lisa Kessler is an avid reader and writer of dark fiction. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
Lisa recently signed a 4 book deal with Entangled Publishing to release her Night Series.  The first book, Night Walker, is scheduled to be released August 5th.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.

Thanks for being coming on the blog! Where can we find you on the web? Website:  http://Lisa-Kessler.com Blog:  http://LisaKessler.wordpress.com Facebook:  http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter Twitter: http://twitter.com/LdyDisney MySpace: http://myspace.com/Lisas_Lair Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/LisaKessler Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Kessler/e/B003V5RYVO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Publisher's Author Page:  http://www.entangledpublishing.com/category/lisa-kessler/ Other:  http://LisaKessler.tumblr.com THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING MY GUEST, LISA! Folks, leave Lisa some comment love!
Thanks for reading,Laura & Lisa

The Entangled Publishing Launch Celebration!

I'm totally whooping it up here, because the Entangled Publishing grand opening has finally arrived!
Entangled has a week chock-full of great giveaways and fun events you're simply not going to want to miss. Here's a breakdown of what's going on:
8/2 –  Books on Board Jumble Game!   Head over to Books on Board to unscramble the Jumble!  Winners will received digital and/or print bundles of our launch books! 8/2 –  Live Chat on Coffee Time Romance (9 EST/6PST) 8/5 –  All Day Scavenger Hunt!  We're holding a spectacular All Day Scavenger Hunt at Coffee Time Romance to celebrate our launch!  Participate each hour as we post questions about our different launch authors and titles.  The more you participate, the more chances you'll have to win a KOBO eReader loaded with our launch titles!  Come FRIEND US at Coffee Time Romance!  Starts at 10 EST!8/5 -  We'll be hanging out at Bitten by Books on August 5th .  Stop by for a chat and some fun giveaways!I know you don't want to miss out! So head on over to Entangled's page to get the details, and then go have fun and win books! Thanks for reading,Laura