We are so excited to have Laura Kaye with us today! Her, book One Night With a Hero, is on tour hosted by Entangled publishing and as part of it we were one of the lucky blogs chosen to host an interview with the lovely Ms.Kaye. Take a look below!
You seamlessly cross genre boundaries between contemporary and paranormal romance and make it appear so easy! So tell us, which of the two do you feel most comfortable with?
Thanks for hosting me here today! This is an interesting question. I enjoy writing both paranormal and contemporary very much. I grew up reading Stephen King and Anne Rice, so it was only natural that I’d start my fiction writing with a paranormal story (what became my vampire romance, Forever Freed). If I had to choose, I would probably say that I’m most comfortable writing contemporary romance because, since your characters are operating in the real world, there’s significantly less world-building to do. But that doesn’t mean you have to work any less hard to make the real world feel real and authentic.
How is One Night with a Hero different from your other books?
One Night with a Hero is probably the funniest book I’ve written. It still has all the heart and heat I always strive to put into my stories, but Joss and Brady were just playful and filled with snarky banter. They were a ton of fun to write!
For those that haven't read the book, can you read One Night with a Hero as a stand alone or does it blend with any of your other novels?
One Night with a Hero can definitely be read as a stand-alone story. You won’t miss anything by reading this book on its own. However, it is the second in the Hero Series. Her Forbidden Hero is the first book in that series and is where One Night’s hero Brady is first introduced. If you have a strong preference toward reading books in order, start with Her Forbidden Hero!
Brady Scott is quite the soldier! He is modeled after someone in your life or a complete figment of your delicious imagination?
Brady is mostly a figment of my imagination! *grins* However, in my day job, I’m a civilian who works on a military installation (Navy), so I work around military guys all day and am very familiar with their humor, their sense of camaraderie, etc. I do have a big soft spot for Brady Scott, there’s no doubt about it!
What would you say is your favorite scene in this book?
LOL! This isn’t easy! Okay, if I have to pick, I’d go with the Halloween scene, which was totally unexpected. It’s funny and sweet and moving and even a bit hot at the end!
What projects are you working on next?
I’m currently writing South of Surrender, the third in my Greek-mythology-inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series. It’s scheduled to release in late spring 2013!
Now for a special treat!! We have an excerpt from Laura’s favorite scene –
What you need to know here is that Brady and Joss aren’t exactly talking as this scene begins:
Brady was out thirty-five bucks when he saw her for the first time.
He’d been shelling out money to a gorilla when Joss answered her door to another group of trick-or-treaters. It had only been a quick glance as she leaned out her screen door, but damn if it hadn’t been like dining on a decadent, fresh-made four-course meal after a lifetime of choking down MREs.
And holy hell did he want more.
The next time a group of kids came to the door, Brady couldn’t help but linger when they turned from his porch to go to Joss’s. And boy was he glad he did. The littlest kid in the group hung back from the others, too shy to come forward to get her treat. So Joss walked out to drop the candy in the girl’s bucket.
And took Brady’s breath away.
She was dressed as a Gypsy. Her hair hung wild and loose and curly, a red scarf knotted around her head. Some sort of a peasant shirt left her creamy shoulders uncovered, while layers of colorful skirts and scarves fell over her curves to her bare feet. She jingled when she moved.
The sound beckoned him.
He was immediately and painfully hard. Damn, he wanted her in every way he could have her.
Thank God the Power Rangers showed up when they did, or he wouldn’t have been responsible for his actions.
When he finished dishing out…he didn’t even know how much money, his gaze drew immediately toward her house.
She was standing on her stoop looking at him.
Every muscle in his body tensed. For the love of God, she was beautiful, exotic, and utterly desirable. Ask me. Just say the words. He willed her to hear his thoughts.
Joss dropped her gaze and disappeared into her house.
Disappointment threatened to sink through his gut, but Brady would have none of it. She’d more than met his gaze—he’d bet his life that she’d been struggling over whether to speak to him. Otherwise, why would she have stood there so long?
Adrenaline roared through his veins, had him planning, scheming, strategizing.
A vampire came to the door. Brady dropped coins into his bag. “Hey, vampire dude.”
The boy turned back. “Yeah?”
“You been next door yet?” He pointed toward Joss’s. The vampire shook his pale head. “Think you could handle a special mission?”
“Like what?” “Tell the Gypsy next door I think she’s pretty.”
The boy grimaced. Brady dropped two more dollars in his bag. Shrugging, the vampire said, “Okay.”
Brady grinned, freaking loving this plan, and waited, his shoulder holding the screen door open.
The vampire knocked at Joss’s place.
A moment later, her gaze cut to his. Her blush felt like the sweetest triumph.
Yesiree.
All of a sudden, he didn’t care how much money he spent tonight. Every penny would be worth it.
Giveaway: One commenter will win an ebook of One Night with a Hero. What to comment?
Share a favorite line from the excerpt! Open to international! Giveaway ends tonight! Good luck!
Our winner is Amiee! Congrats!!
Our winner is Amiee! Congrats!!
“Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”
~NYT Bestselling Author
Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst
About One Night with a Hero:
He wants just one night… After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night- only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away. …what they need is each other. Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?
About Laura Kaye:
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 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. A published non-fiction author, Laura’s work as an historian and training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of other times and places. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
Laura thank you so much for stopping by! It was a real treat to have you on the blog!
Okay everyone don't forget to enter to win a copy of this amazing book!! Good luck!!
Thanks for hosting me here today! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteDamn, he wanted her anyway he could have her.
ReplyDeleteTalk about Good Mornin' *swoon*
LOL! I totally agree =D
Deletehehe! Love that one! :D
DeleteOoo very nice. Great interview ladies :) I've got a copy of the book and can't wait to start reading it! I'm all curious about this Halloween scene now :)
ReplyDelete~Anna
LOL! It just gets better and better! ;)
Deletethis sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI love this set-up:
She was dressed as a Gypsy. Her hair hung wild and loose and curly, a red scarf knotted around her head. Some sort of a peasant shirt left her creamy shoulders uncovered, while layers of colorful skirts and scarves fell over her curves to her bare feet. She jingled when she moved.
The sound beckoned him.
Yay! I'm glad you liked that! :)
Delete"Tell the Gypsy next door I think she's pretty"
ReplyDeleteI thought that was so cute. I find that a lot of steaming reads forget the simple little things that can make a girl's heart flutter.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh, yes, I love your point! :)
Delete"Every muscle in his body tensed. For the love of God, she was beautiful, exotic, and utterly desirable. Ask me. Just say the words. He willed her to hear his thoughts."
ReplyDeleteWow, I look forward to read this!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!
DeleteAll of a sudden, he didn’t care how much money he spent tonight. Every penny would be worth it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read it!
LOL! Yay! And wait til you see how much he spends! :D
DeleteThank God the Power Rangers showed up when they did, or he wouldn’t have been responsible for his actions.
ReplyDeleteThis one just made me giggle! Love the excerpt.
Jyl22075 at gmail dot com
grins! That's one of my favorite lines in the whole book! :)
Delete"Thank God the Power Rangers showed up when they did, or he wouldn’t have been responsible for his actions." I am going to say- that seriously cracked me up cause I have a 9 and 7 year old who, love the Power Rangers- so, yeah- funny. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAwesome awesome!!! Seriously one of my own personal favorite lines!
Delete"He’d been shelling out money to a gorilla when Joss answered her door to another group of trick-or-treaters. It had only been a quick glance as she leaned out her screen door, but damn if it hadn’t been like dining on a decadent, fresh-made four-course meal after a lifetime of choking down MREs.
ReplyDeleteAnd holy hell did he want more."
I'm a military brat and I know what MRE's are like LOL this made me chuckle and realize he REALLY REALLY loved what he saw ;-)
LOL! Yay! I love that you totally got that! :D
DeleteI think I like Brady's directness... :)
ReplyDelete"He was immediately and painfully hard. Damn, he wanted her in every way he could have her."
yadkny@hotmail.com
*grins* That is niiiice, isn't it? Thanks yadkny!
Delete"Hey, Vampire dude..." I like romances with humor in them...and "snarky banter."
ReplyDeletecatherinelee100 at gmail dot com
LOL! Awesome, then you might really like One Night with a Hero...Brady and Joss excel and humorous banter!!! :D
DeleteI loved the end of this excerpt -- You been next door yet?” He pointed toward Joss’s. The vampire shook his pale head. “Think you could handle a special mission?”
ReplyDelete“Like what?” “Tell the Gypsy next door I think she’s pretty.”
The boy grimaced. Brady dropped two more dollars in his bag. Shrugging, the vampire said, “Okay.”
Brady grinned, freaking loving this plan, and waited, his shoulder holding the screen door open.
The vampire knocked at Joss’s place.
A moment later, her gaze cut to his. Her blush felt like the sweetest triumph.
Yesiree.
All of a sudden, he didn’t care how much money he spent tonight. Every penny would be worth it. --- awh I am hooked just from that :) getting a kid to tell the girl you like thats she's pretty I haven't heard that in a while! :) Thanks for the great excerpt and giveaway
amieesnow@gmail.com
Aw, yay! So glad you liked that! :D
Delete"Tell the Gypsy next door I think she’s pretty.”
ReplyDeleteyourloveisasong (AT) gmail (DOT) com
LOL! Yes!
DeleteLaura, you work on a military installation?!! You lucky girl! No wonder you can come up with these sexy stories! I have to say I LOVED Hearts in Darkness, it's one of my all-time favorite spicy reads.
ReplyDeleteThis scene is really cute, I can't wait to meet Brady and Joss. :)
I do! LOL And so glad you enjoyed Hearts in Darkness!!! :)
DeleteI love the last line ;) - All of a sudden, he didn’t care how much money he spent tonight. Every penny would be worth it.
ReplyDeleteforgot the email vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Delete