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Friday, June 22, 2012

Interview with Author Laura Kaye and Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome to the blog author Laura Kaye. Laura has stopped by to answer some questions and is sharing some info on her newest book Her Forbidden Hero. Before I get to the questions, lets get to know a bit about Laura.

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Winner for Best Romance Novella, Forever Freed is the NJRW Golden Leaf Winner for Best Paranormal of 2011 and is a finalist for two GDRWA Booksellers’ Best Awards, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, is a finalist for a FF&P PRISM award, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Places to find Laura:



First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
Thanks, I’d love to! But first, thank you for hosting me here! I write paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. My 6th (Her Forbidden Hero, contemporary romance) and 7th (Seduced by the Vampire King, dark paranormal romance) books just released and my 8th (West of Want, fantasy romance) releases on July 10. I’m also a wife, mom to two young girls (8 and almost 6), college history professor, total vampire addict, and Marylander.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Not exactly. What I wanted to be from the time I was in high school was a teacher. In college, I realized I wanted to teach at the college level, and at that point, I know writing would be a part of my life because writing/publishing is an expected part of being an academic. Four years ago, I started writing fiction after a head injury rewired some of the circuits in my brain (I say that only half facetiously!), but now truly couldn’t live without it in my life.

What kind of writer are you? Pantser or Plotter?
Total Pantser. Characters come to me first, not plots. So it’s hard for me to plot because the story literally comes to me as I’m writing it. This is how Her Forbidden Hero came to me—first, just the image of a damaged man sitting in the near dark struggling to play the guitar. Now, I’ve gotten better about plotting. I can plot if I have to. But I really more enjoy the process of discovery that comes with writing and seeing what’s going to happen as it’s happening.

Where do your ideas come from?
A lot of things inspire me—music lyrics, turns of phrases, overheard snippets of conversation, real life stories. But where my ideas come from? I don’t know. I don’t feel like I “make up” stories so much as that they just come to me, or through me. It’s very exciting and feels like something special when it happens.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
A tortured alpha hero & former Special Forces soldier struggles to resist his best friend's/teammate's little sister in #HerForbiddenHero

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
Truly, I can enjoy almost anything if the characters are compelling. However, my first love as a reader has always been all things supernatural. I grew up reading Stephen King and Anne Rice, and my current favorite authors are J.R. Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is hands down my favorite, and I’ve reread a few of those books too many times to count! Recently, I’ve been totally sucked into Lisa Kleypas’s contemporary series about the Travises.

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
There’s no way I could pick just one!!

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
I don’t struggle with types of scenes, per se, but I do find that I need to go back through a story and layer in emotional reaction. Physical blocking and dialogue flow easily in the first draft, but deepening the story usually takes a second pass.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Oh my!
  • Stephen King – because he is my single longest favorite author and a master at storytelling.
  • J.R. Ward – because she is my current favorite author, I saw her at the Romantic Times convention and fell even more in love with her, and I feel like a lot of what I know about writing male point of view I learned from her.
  • Shakespeare – because we’re still retelling his stories 400 years later (plus, I’m a historian of the early modern era, and I could pick his brains about that, too!).

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Yes! So many things, in fact! I’m currently writing the follow-up story to Her Forbidden Hero—the heroine’s brother Brady will get his own book which is tentatively set for release in late summer/early fall. Also, I’m gearing up for the release of West of Want, the second book in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, and my first book to release nationwide to bookstores! I’m so thrilled about that!


EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY: Her Forbidden Hero is set at the fictional Whiskey’s Music Roadhouse in Frederick, Maryland, and now you can own a T-Shirt from Whiskey’s! How fun is that? Two winners, open to international, sizes large and x-large available. Fill out the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win!

Good luck!


You always want what you can't have...

She's always been off-limits...

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...but now she's all grown up.

When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection--not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she's determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...

Places to Purchase:
| Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Want to win some goodies from Laura? Check out what's up for grabs.


Up for grabs:
  • 2 lucky winners will win a Whiskey's T-Shirt
  • 1 lucky winner will win a eBook copy of  Her Forbidden Hero

To Enter:
  • Leave a meaningful comment for Laura.
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. 

Good Luck =)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

78 comments :

  1. I can't say what my favorite book is either, but Her Forbidden Hero would be in the line-up!

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    1. Right? It's too hard to pick just one! There are too many great ones out there! And xoxo for the love for HFH!

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  2. hi Laura! Fancy seeing you over here:) hop to win one of those nifty tees! I shared from here;)

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    1. Helloooo Kimberly! ;) Thanks for stopping by! And good luck!

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  3. I read (& loved) North of Need, and Her Forbidden Hero sounds like a fantastic read!

    Do you have any writing quirks? Do you write "in silence" or "with a soundtrack"?

    elizabeth @ bookattict . com

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    1. Yay! So glad you enjoyed North of Need! Normally, I don't have any writing quirks. I like to say, have laptop, will write! I don't need to be in silence, but this was the first book I wrote while listening to music--the same song, actually, over and over (500+ times, I think my iPod says!) I usually do make playlists for my books, and find music very inspirational to a scene or a character, but I haven't in the past usually listened while writing because I like to sing too much and I distract myself! LOL But this book was about music and it couldn't be helped! :D Fun question, Elizabeth!

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  4. Hi! Great interview! Im so excited to read Her Forbidden Hero. Sounds so good! I do adore your work. You have a great weekend!

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  5. Morning - as always a wonderful interview!! My question is - knowing that you are a mom to two young girls - and a college professor - how do you find the time to write and is it something you plan out or cram it in when you have time??? Looking forward to West of Want! But just so you know - missing me some Owen!!!

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    1. Hi Erin - I write whenever I can, but especially in the evenings after the girls go to bed. Honestly, I sleep a whole lot less than I used to! LOL Don't miss Owen, he's waiting for you right there in North of Need! ;)

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  6. I have got to read Her Forbidden Hero. Marco is calling me :). I love your Owen too. It looks like you're giving me too many book boyfriends ;).

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    1. Is there such a thing as too many book boyfriends??? Thanks Victoria!

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  7. Just out of curiosity...do you outline or let it flow when you write?
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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    1. Hi Yvette - I'm much more of a let it flow kinda writer. I hardly ever outline. Now, I did totally outline my first novel, and I think that's what allowed me to write it so fast, so I know outlining can be useful. But now I just let the words flow and see where the story takes me! Thanks for the question!

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  8. Great interview Laura :)
    I'm sorry if this is a repeat comment (wonky computer)
    Is Her Forbidden Hero part of a series?
    I read North of Need & LOVED it, now I can't wait for West of Want to come out.

    Mindy :)
    Birdsooong@aol.com

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    1. No worries! There will be at least two books set in this world in which these characters will appear. Brady Scott, the heroine's brother, will get his own book--in fact I'm writing it now!

      So glad you liked North of Need! I'm almost burst at the seams over West of Want's release!

      Thanks Mindy!

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  9. I agree with Victoria...thank you for all my imaginary boyfriends:)

    Debi01760@hotmail.com

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  10. Hey Laura - congratulations on this book and hope to see more!!

    kerryjcj@verizon.net

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  11. I just popped in to visit the blog and fancy finding Laura Kaye here. I've read four of her books so far and loved each one. That's an interesting set of authors you chose to have at the dinner table. I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that meeting. The blurb on this newest book sounds good and I look forward to reading it.

    Thanks for the post!

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    1. Yay! Hi Sophia! Wouldn't that be a great dinner? Thanks!

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  12. I've read alot of books where the guy falls for his best friends little sister and I never get tired of them. It's become one of my favorite type of story. Can't wait to read it, Laura!

    chamblinh@gmail.com

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  13. I am so happy you could turn an injury into a blessing! I wish you continued success in your creative writing career! :)

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  14. Great interview! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  15. Her Forbidden Hero is a great book. Everyone should check it out and fall in love with Marco. :D

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  16. Interesting interview. Do you like to work on one storyline at a time? Or do you like to work on a couple of storylines at the same time?

    Jess1
    strive4bst at yahoo dot com

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    1. Good question, Jess! Usually I focus on one story at a time. Right now, I'm also co-authoring a book and we have occasional joint writing days, so when we get together, I set aside whatever I'm working on to write a chapter or two of that. But that's the exception to the rule!

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  17. I loved Her Forbidden Hero and Hearts in Darkness is one of my all-time favorites! :)

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    1. Woot! So glad you enjoy these books, Tracie! :)

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  18. Congratulations, Laura.
    I love the look of Entangled. The covers are wonderful. And I love Nina Croft, so if their writers are as good as she, I can't miss. :) I'd love to win your book.
    Have a great weekend.
    Bethanne

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    1. Woot! That's awesome, Bethanne! Nina's great, no question there! :D

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  19. I don't see how any reader could pick a favorite book. For me, it changes depending on what mood/reading phase I am in at the moment. But I can't even pick "a favorite" author, lol. There are so many wonderful authors who write terrific books to pick just one.
    Congrats on the releases recently and the ones that are coming soon :)

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    1. I can't say I disagree with you, June! Easier for me to pick a favorite author, but book? No way! :D

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  20. Some romance novels are so heart-wrenching, some characters so intense, that they're able to reach and touch the readers' hearts even just through a synopsis or a well written review. Her Forbidden Hero is one of those books, Marco one of those charactets. I am so longing to read this book...
    minadecaro@hotmail.com

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    1. Aw, Mina! That means a lot! I hope you enjoy it!

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  21. Sounds like a winner Laura - I come from a musical background, so I tend to gravitate to these types of stories!;-)
    morticiaknight (at) gmail (dot) com

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  22. I am a total pantser when I write too. Love your books Laura, and just devouring Her Forbidden Hero. Can not wait for West of Want!! :)

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    1. Squee! That's awesome to hear, Becca! I'm so excited for West of Want's release! :D

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  23. Hi Laura thank you for sharing with us today and for having this awesome giveaway.Have a great weekend

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  24. Hi Laura, Congratulations on all of your success! I've read a few great reviews of your work on some of my favorite blogs. I've have Her Forbidden Hero on my Birthday book list. I can't wait to read it. I'm also a Maryland girl! I love the Chesapeake Bay & am lucky enought to have a great view of it every day. I work at the Bay Bridge Police Station. So next time you drive over the bridge, wave Hi ;) Best wishes.

    ~Selena Mc

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    1. Selena! We must be neighbors! I live less than 10 minutes from the Bay Bridge! If you're around, you should totally come to my release party for West of Want at Ukazoo Books in Towson, MD on July 14! There will be chocolate! LOL And happy birthday, so I don't miss the chance to say it later! Woot!

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  25. This book sounds really good, I can't wait to read it! I do personally have books that I consider favorites, they are the ones I reread frequently. I know don't people never reread a book because once they've read it they don't see the point in reading it again. Not me. There are those handful of books that have sucked me in and touched me in such a way that I am compelled to read it again. Even though I know what happens I still get pulled into the story and react as if it's the first time I've read it. Those are the books I will keep forever....and keep replacing when my copy gets worn out (excluding the ones I have on my Kindle).

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    1. I get what you mean. I do actually have a few re-reads as well - any of the first five Black Dagger Brothershoods, for example, but especially Lover Awakened. :)

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  26. Congrates Laura on all the success you are having with your books! I really enjoy the comedy romance stories when it is a bad day I open up my Kindle and pick one out and makes the day better :)

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  27. I've been seeing reviews all over the place the Her Forbidden Hero. Love finding out about new to me authors through the book blogging world. And being nosy at you reply to bdulin12, I have to agree on Lover Eternal--though I did persevere past the first 5, and I'm a big fan of JM in Lover Mine, too. Thanks for the great giveaway. :o)

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    1. Ah, another BDB fan! Love it! So glad you've been seeing HFH about! :) You're so welcome!

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  28. Congratulations on all of your success with your book!!
    I still haven't read your book yet. But i am willing to read your book.

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  29. Congratulations! All you books sound good.

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  30. Hi Laura,
    thank you for the chance at such a great giveaway and interview. i am looking forward to reading the book. i'm a Huge fan if your books and always on the lookout for the next on, in fact i have a TBR for you all your own. LOL! so far i think Hearts in Darkness is still my favorite but all others are closing in fast. :D

    tammy ramey
    trvalagnt1t@yahoo.com

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    1. That's awesome, Tammy! I can certainly understand the love for HiD - Caden is still one of my personal faves! :D Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  31. Despite not knowing Laura personally and i know this sounds silly, but I'm proud of how far she has come in such a short period of time. I've been following her since day one and have read almost all of her books...all are great! Keep it up, Laura, can't wait to see what else you come up with!

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    1. Aw, what an awesome thing to say! Thanks books4me! Well, I wouldn't be where I am without all of you all, so I love the idea that readers have been taking this journey with me! xoxo This comment gave me a great start to my day! :D

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  32. i love love story between friend or ur bestfriend's sister/brother...
    i hope i win this giveaway because i want to read her forbidden hero by laura kaye...
    thx u 4 the giveaway :)

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  33. What an awesome giveaway! I think it's great that you had T-Shirts made Laura!

    Your fave authors are similar to mine. Though I'm a Koontz fan not a King

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  34. Oh, I enjoy Koontz too! :) I'm glad you like the t-shirts, Megan, it was just too perfect for this story to pass up! :)

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  35. I love it when the military is highlighted in a book.
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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    1. Awesome Yvette! Then this just might be the book for you!

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  36. I really can't wait for this book
    and great interview!

    dark_gothic_angel_tr@hotmail.com

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  37. Omg! I'd love to meet J.R. Ward too! I love her books, just haven't had the time to read her last book yet.

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  38. Have you ever thought of writing your own fairy tale, or maybe adding some sexy twists of your own to some old classics?

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    1. I do love fairy tales, Lisa! I'd totally do that! :)

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  39. My meaningful comment consists of wanting to run out and get laid because the love scene between Marco and Aly was hawt! Thank you

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  40. well Miss Laura - you know I love you - and I sooooo need one of these shirts to wear for the signing next month!!! Can't wait to meet you!
    Erin

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