Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Guest Post w/ Laura Kaye + Giveaway!


Aw ladies (and gents) one of my favorites from the year is joining us today with a guest post just for you. Laura Kaye was a new-to-me author until not too long ago when I picked up a copy of North of Need and fell completely head over heels smitten with her hero Owen. And I was officially hooked on Kaye's books. They're all absolutely delicious and damn she's got some of the sexiest covers you'll see these days. And they definitely fit the insides of her books too. They're amazing! 

Anywho. I'm handing the blog over to Ms Kaye for the day. Check out her guest post and leave her some love. She's giving away an e-copy of her book North of Need *swoon* (you even get to learn how to make an igloo, now tell me, have you ever seen a hero build his heroine one of those before?! So cool!) 



An Open Letter to My Readers

Thanks so much to Anna for including me in this awesome event! I’ve just wrapped up my blog tour for my newest contemporary romance, One Night with a Hero. This book, my ninth, was the first one I ever had hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists, and I was just so utterly thrilled. And who do I have to thank for that? Well, a lot of people. I have maybe the world’s best editor. And I’ve got great critique partners. And I have a hugely supportive family. And I can’t overstate the importance of any of them. But who I really have to thank is you. My readers. And that’s what I want to talk about today.

Do you realize what you do for authors? What you mean to them? I’ll tell you.


You make me want to do my job. With every tweet you send me telling me you loved a book. With every Facebook post where you ask me when I’m going to write a sequel to that book you’re just dying for more of. With every message you send me asking if there’s going to be more to a series. With every review you leave. With every squee you share with me and milestone you celebrate with me and “good job” you say to me, you make me want to do my job.

And not only that, you make me want to do my job better. If you love a book, I hope I can make you love the next one even more. And what a challenge this has been with Hearts in Darkness being my first book. I mean, I know, for some of you there will never be anyone better than Caden Grayson. And that’s okay. Because even if I never surpass him, for you, you’re going to make me try. And I’m going to be a better writer for the effort. And if you don’t love a book, I’m going to do everything I can to win you over next time around. Either way, with your love and your criticism, you push me to do more, to be more, and I feel like I’m always learning. And it’s such an exciting, fulfilling thing to experience.

You also make me love my job. In fact, I love it so much, I don’t even think of it as work. Sometimes, when I’m out doing something totally fun, something I love, I’ll still find myself thinking, man, I wish I could finish that chapter. You do that for me. You’ve made it that way for me. Because you care about my stories and my characters, you’ve made it so that something I love has meaning. And that’s the best feeling in the world. Who could ask for more than that? Not me.

You make me feel like I’m a part of something much bigger than myself. Readers and authors, we’re a community of people who all love the same thing. We get excited about the same thing. We squee, we stalk, we talk fictional boyfriends, we drool over cover art, we cry when a series we love ends, we stand in line at midnight book releases, we whine because it’s still three freaking months and eight days until Lover at Last releases, and WE. ALL. GET. IT. And that’s an amazing thing, being a part of something with other people. Everything is more meaningful when you share it with others. And you make that happen, for me.

So, I just wanted you to know that I’m filled with gratitude to each and every one of you. Truly. YOU are the best Christmas present I could ever have.

I wish you the happiest holiday evah.

With love,
Laura Kaye

 “Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”
~NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst


Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.




Ahhhhh!!!! Laura's giving one of you lovely commenters an ebook of North of Need! Thanks Laura!
This was one of my favorites this year. Owen...*swoon* he's...amazing.

Leave her some love and fill out that Rafflecopter!

89 comments:

  1. North of need is a book i really want to discover ( but i so much prefer print book^^)i wa sreally happy to see it offer with other books on your blog a few days ago with excerpt etc

    i really appreciate that you think about your readers like that ( and i just saw on your blog today that your readers showed you how myuch they loved you lately^^- wonderful gift)

    happy holidays and thank you

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  2. I haven't read anything yet but have had you on my radar for awhile now. I've heard so many really good things about your books and have been seeing them everywhere so you are there on my list. I've just recently been dipping my toes into other genres outside of historical and am asking myself what took me so long! Thank you for visiting here today. :)

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  3. Awe I love the post! Also thank you Laura! Makes all warm and fuzzy inside reading this and seeing that, although all I do is read the books and gab on and on (sometimes to the annoyance of my friends and family) about the books I am reading and love, the authors really appreciate it. :-) My mom says she would never have to read a book again is she just sat there and listened to me talk after reading a new book. So I try to stem my talkative nature when talking about them so I don't ruin it for her! *giggles*

    I love your books and have been wanting this one for a while!

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    1. LOL! I love that you love to gab books! Keep it up!

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  4. Awwww Laura you are so sweet! Thanks and we love you and your talent too :)
    Lori

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  5. I bought my first book of yours last week and it us next on my list to read and I can't wait! I have read do many good things about your books, u started adding them to my wish list.

    susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com

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  6. I have you on my wish list!! Can't wait to read them!
    modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

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  7. I'm putting this book on my to-read list for the cover alone!

    Happy Holidays!

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  8. Hi Laura! I'm a big fan of your books :)I love One Night with a Hero and Her Forbidden Hero. I can't wait to read North of Need. Thank you for the opportunity to win an e-copy of your book (how exciting).

    Happy Holidays!
    Julie K
    kornhsl@yahoo.com

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  9. Just wanted to say that I absolutely loved North of Need! Such a wonderful book. West of Want was great too and now I'm waiting sort-of-but-not-really patiently for South of Surrender.

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  10. Loving reading your comments, guys! Thanks so much! I really appreciate all the kind words! xo!

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  11. HEARTS IN DARKNESS is one of my most favorite books EVER. I talked about it for weeks after I read it and nagged all my friends until they read it too. And of course, they loved it as much as I did. I can't wait to read more of your books!

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    1. OMG this is awesome! Thank you! And thanks for nagging your friends! :D

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    2. LOL I still haven't read that one but OMG I'm that way with North of Need and it's been like 6 months ;) So glad I'm not the only one! LOL

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  12. Laura.... you are such a lovely person. I was touched with this letter of gratitude to your readers. It's obvious that every endeavor you take on ...whether it be writing, reading, teaching, nuturing family...you put your whole heart into it. You understand every aspect of it. This is what makes you a successful writer....you see the true soul of every character and share it with us readers. Thankyou! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a highly successful New Year. We readers love you!
    mrs.robinbird@gmail.com

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    1. Aw, thank you for that! It means a lot! Merry Christmas to you, too! :)

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  13. Thank you very much for the wonderful things you have said about readers! It's nice to know we're appreciated! I love to read and review, and in getting to know authors realize the sacrifices you make to get a book " out there" ! Thank you for your hard work! I have One Night ........haven't read it yet, but would love to read North of Need. Ana is right, the covers are amazing!

    Hope you have a great holiday! fordycep@gmail.com

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    1. Woot! Thank you! And you are so, so appreciated! :)

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  14. Laura, your post is lovely.
    If I could add anything for the readers who are waiting to read your books It would be - I've read them all. Each is as good as the others. They're well worth any amount of time and money.
    To you, Laura, I'd like to say that you're a true inspiration to all your writer friends. We appreciate your amazing energy, great imagination, and dedication to the craft.

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    1. Aw, thank you so much, Sandra! Truly! xo!

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  15. Oh... I read this book and loved it!

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  16. Not entering the contest, I already have North of Need, and am reading West of Want right now. Thanks for the great guestpost Laura, and you obviously deserve it all!

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  17. Laura - Like I said on Twitter, this is the nicest letter. Thank you. I own the ebook so don't enter me.

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  18. I love reading about Laura! I have watched her from her first book to what she has become...Laura, you ROCK! Keep it up!

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    1. You HAVE been there the whole way! Thank you for that!

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  19. ooh - very intrigued! would LOVE to win & read!! PICK ME!!!
    PicardsMom at yahoo dot com

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  20. Laura is the best! Thank you so much for your letter to us readers and I really want to read this book!!

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  21. Laura thanks for the letter! You are such an amazing author! Keep the book boyfriends comin.

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  22. I love reading anything you write. I've only recently come upon your books (in September/October), but I've loved everything I've read so far. Best of luck in future! :) I can't wait so see what more you have in store for us! <3

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    1. Oh, this is awesome! Thanks, Stephanie!

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  23. I haven't read Laura's books yet, but they get such good comments that I think I should.

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  24. I will tell you what Laura Kaye. I am not a paranormal reader. But I have never heard of a book with such a description. Sounds very different. And between Annas review of West of Want and your touching, genuine posting, it makes me want to read your books. You told us what the readers mean to you. Now, I am no writer, but I can tell you, writers that interact with the readers. Show appreciation. I know, its impossible to personally reply to everyone. But you can tell when a writer is sincere. When they are truly glad to have the chance to write.
    It means so much to us. Truly, it matters. Authors gain a reputation with readers. We talk and share our experiences. It really does matter to us.
    Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us!! Merry Christmas!
    lisakhutson at cox. net

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    1. Ooo just sneaking in here real quick but wanted to pass on to Lisa that Laura writes flipping amazing regular romance/erotica books too!! I read One Night with a Hero last month and it was fabulous and pnr free :)

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    2. Aw, thanks for saying this, Lisa (aka krazymama < love that LOL)! I'm glad to know you enjoyed the post! And I hope you enjoy the books if you try them! :D

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    3. "pnr free" >> *snarf* So glad you liked One Night!!

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    4. All day, this post had stayed with me. I finally figured it out. Checked my "Manage your Kindle" and found it. I downloaded One Night with a Hero, last month. haha I must have really thought it sounded great. It was so unlike me. But I have not had enough reading time. Even less than usual. So it is there. But now I know.....LOL
      Laura Kaye, I can only think, I am destined to read you!! haha
      :-)

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  25. Wonderful post! I read the description of North of Need on goodreads and have added it to my TBR list. It sounds fantastic.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    kitcat76(at)hotmail.com

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  26. Love your books!!
    Thanks for the giveaway!!
    Nicole.nobles@aol.com

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  27. Congratulations Laura...I love all of your books...as you know...lol

    sandy@thereadingcafe.com

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  28. I'm proud to be on your street team Laura and I have all of your books and can't wait for the next one! <3 you!

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    1. I'm really glad you're with me on this journey, Jean! xo!

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  29. That was a beautiful note to your readers band eing one of them I thank you. You get us and we do get you. I've read 3 of your books (Hearts in Darkness and both Heroes)and I love them all. I look forward to reading more of your works. Have a Happy Holidays!

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    1. Awesome! Thank you! And happy holidays to you, too! :)

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  30. Can't wait for your next book! Your work is super sincere. Your hero books are written with so much feeling.

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  31. Lovely thank you letter.

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  32. I want to read all of Laura's books. I love all the covers. I have a couple books and I haven't had a chance to read them yet. I wish Laura all the best.

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    1. I have had some good cover luck, haven't I??? ;) Thanks Julianne!

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  33. Congratulations Laura!! I love all of your books, especially i like pics your cover books.lol!

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  34. The nicest things about blogs are they give you that chance to get to know a 'new to you' author. North of Need sounds like a really good book.

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  35. Thanks for sharing the great book.. Looking forward to reading this one.. Really enjoyed the last book in the series.

    A part of Laura's group on FB (Laura's Lair) :)

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  36. You are such a talented writer!!! :)

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  38. I missed North of Need when it first came out, so it would be fantastic to win a copy. Wishing you a Happy Holiday as well Laura!

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  39. Already download the ebook, will read it soon :)

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  40. What a great thing to say to readers. I love how romance authors are so appreciative of their fans and take the time to talk with us, do blog posts for our blogs and just be cool with us in general. It's taken some time for me to come out of my shyness and talk with some of my favorites (I'm intimidated by them, they're like Rock Stars to me).

    Adria
    Breath of Life Reviews

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    1. Aw, we're tally chatty cathies, so we love it, too! ;) Thanks Adria!

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  41. Ah-ha! A new author to me - but not for long! Thanks for participating in this fabulous giveaway!

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  42. Have several of Laura's books. I need to catch up on some of reading.
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

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  43. This was a wonderful post, Laura..thank you! You're a new author to me but I definitely am heading over to check out your books! Happy and safe holidays and wishing you a fabulous 2013!
    ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  44. I've had Hearts of the Anemoi on my radar for quite a while. Every time I get wind of a blog post concerning one of the books I'm there...I'll admit it ...I'm fiending. I saw a excerpt on one of my 'stalking'outings that involved chocolate and snow cones...yep, I was drooling and then Owen just had to go counting the moments that he would have to share with Megan (2 + million was it??)... and yes I was hyperventilating!! I don't remember which site you shared that on but I'm drooling and really need to get my hands on this book. And now I've got to add Hearts in Darkness and One Night with a Hero to my TBR list because they sound so delectable. Thanks for being you and supplying this reading addict with such delectable reads to look forward to.

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  45. This series is on my wishlist...can't wait to read them! Are there any plans for more books in this series Laura!

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    1. That should have been a question mark not an exclamation mark

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  46. Laura your books look wonderful, oh and your covers are drool worthy <3 i cannot wait to read them!

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  47. Love this, =) can´t wait for my chance to read more!

    Happy New Year!
    //Linda

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  48. Thanks for the great post. Love the stories keep them coming!

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  49. I wonder how it is that I have not read any of your books! But, now that I have read a few reviews and your guest post I can't wait to get started. I haven't even finished the BDB series (reading book 6 right now). I am excited to start reading your books. I just have to decide which one I will read first.

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  50. I loved North of Need! Thanks for the post Laura, I love all your book covers! Who designs them?

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I always enjoy hearing what YOU think so come on and leave a comment. Everyone's welcome :) And feel free to leave comments on old posts. I'll check in on you there too :)

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~Anna

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