Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have our pal Laura Kaye back on the blog today to chat about her newest book “One Night with a Hero”. One Night with a Hero is Laura’s second book in her Heroes’ series.
Laura, can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’d love to! And thanks for hosting me here today! I write contemporary and paranormal romance and am celebrating the release of my ninth book, a contemporary romance called One Night with a Hero (Heroes #2). I am also a wife, mom to two young girls (ages 8 and 6), college history professor, total vampire addict, and Marylander.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Not exactly. When I chose college teaching as a career, I knew I’d publish because it’s an expected part of the job. I have published two non-fiction books in history as a result. However, I wasn’t interested in becoming published in fiction until about four and a half years ago. I had a head injury that, once it healed, left me interested in all sorts of creative pursuits. I began my first novel, what became my vampire romance, Forever Freed, shortly thereafter.
Are you a plotter or a pantser or combo of both? And you explain the difference?
Plotters are writers who outline a story (to varying degrees of detail) before they begin writing. Pantsers are writers who write “by the seat of their pants”—that is, they tend not to outline or do much pre-writing preparation before they start a story. They figure it out as they go along. I lean toward being a pantser, but once your progress in a writing career to the point where you can sell books on proposal (rather than having to have the entire manuscript completed), you’re forced to do more plotting/outlining because publishers have to have an idea of what the story will be to buy it on proposal. So now I plot some and pants some, too.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Hmm… The last couple of books I’ve written, I’ve written while listening to the same song on repeat over and over. For One Night with a Hero, that song was Coldplay’s Yellow. For Her Forbidden Hero, that song was Switchfoot’s Your Love is a Song. Currently, I’m writing South of Surrender, the third book in my Greek-mythology-inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series, and the song is Blurry by Puddle of Mudd.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Yes! One Night with a Hero is the story of a one-night stand that turns into a lifetime love for two lonely people struggling to overcome difficult pasts. Here’s the blurb:
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?
One Night with a Hero is also the first book I’ve ever had to hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. It was thrilling and amazing and a dream come true.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
The idea for One Night with a Hero grew out of the first book in the series, Her Forbidden Hero. From the moment the first images of Marco Vieri, the hero from the first book, came into my mind, I knew he would have a best friend who had gone through everything with him, and that that friend would have his own story. That was Brady Scott.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently writing South of Surrender, the third book in my Hearts of the Anemoi series that comes out in late May 2013. And I’m also about to start writing the third book in my Vampire Warrior Kings series, which will also release summer 2013.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I have had the chance to meet several authors who have greatly influenced me, including Anne Rice, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and J.R. Ward. I’d also love to meet Stephen King because I grew up reading his books and he more than anyone helped foster my interest in all things supernatural.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Number one would be to write. You can’t revise or sell what you haven’t written. And finishing your first manuscript is hugely confidence-inspiring. Number two would be to do everything you can to perfect your writing—read books on writing, take workshops on writing, get other writers to critique your writing, join professional organizations of writers, etc.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
A lot of my bucket list is travel related. I want to go to Russia, Ireland, Egypt, and somewhere I could see the Northern Lights, for starters.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
The book I am most salivating for is J.R. Ward’s Lover at Last, which doesn’t come out until March 26. I am a diehard Black Dagger Brotherhood fan and have been yearning for Blay and Qhuinn to get their happily ever after! Right now I am reading Kate Avelynn’s Flawed, and it’s just so dark and compelling.
What is your favorite time of year & why?
My favorite time of year has always been summer. I love the sun and the warmth and the beach. Always have.
Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?
Oh, geez. Just one??? LOL Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, Hugh Jackman, et cetera, et cetera!!! If I ever met any of them, I would be totally freaking out inside. For real!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just thank you so much to my readers who make it possible for me to do what I love!
Also, how ‘bout a giveaway? Her Forbidden Hero has recently released in paperback with the new cover that coordinates with One Night with a Hero. To celebrate, I’m giving away a signed print copy of Her Forbidden Hero to one commenter.
What to comment?:
Who is YOUR celebrity crush???
Open to international!
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL!!!!
NO EMAIL??? NO ENTRY!!!!
Good luck!
See the whole One Night with a Hero Tour here and enter Laura’s Pandora Bracelet Giveaway (ends 11/30) here!
Buy One Night with a Hero at Amazon | B&N | Kobo
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?
“Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”
~NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst
About Laura Kaye:
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.
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Just when I didn’t think she could get things hotter than in Her Forbidden Hero she came out with One Night with a Hero… I anxiously await her next Hero…. love love love all books Laura Kaye 🙂
You rock, Lisa!
Matt Bomer!! <3 that man!!
Oh. Oh, yes. 😉
Love, love, love the Vampire Warrior King series! Hero’s are now on my list. My fave celebrity crushes are Jensen Ackles and Alexander Skarsgard.
Also verra verra nice choices! 😉 And yay!
Charlie Hunnam (Jax from Sons of Anarchy) I <3 him to pieces! Congrats on the book release! Loved "Her Forbidden Hero" and can't wait to read this one!
kristinelaw03(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you so much! I don’t know him but will have to check him out! 😀
Gerard Butler is my celerity crush! Thank you for this great giveaway!
Julie K
kornhsl@yahoo.com
Oh, he’s good. You’re welcome!
Tom Selleck!!!! Hot, hot, hot!!!
lgm52@hotmail.com
He’s some old school man candy! LOL 😉
Thanks for a fun post and congrats to Laura on all her success 🙂 Love her books!
Jeremy Renner… yummmmm!!!!!!
efender1(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you! And 🙂
Sam Elliott, hands down.
Awesome! 😀
Hands down Chris Hemsworth aka Thor! YUM!!!!!! Thank you.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Yes. A thousand times. Yes.
I adore you Miss Laura and thank you so much for sharing with us. I will admit that I have a wee crush on one Joe Manganiello! He is HOT not matter how he dresses or what role he plays. *sighs* I want to wish you a Happy Holiday and Happy Writing!
I guess it would help if I put my email address where it can be viewed! rana.adams@verizon.net Thank you once again.
Aw, thank you! <3 And I crush on him too. In fact, he's my inspiration for the third hero in the series! 😀
joe manganiello~Alcide from True Blood. Holy Cow that is one hot werewolf!!!!!
minidoc36@gmail.com
Couldn’t agree more!
Congrats on the new release. This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. Love your Vampire Warrior Kings series.
My celebrity crush would be Manu Bennett. Yum!
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Ooh, will have to check him out. Unfamiliar! And so glad you like that series! 🙂
My celebrity crushes are Chris Hemsworth and Johnny Depp. 🙂 Thanks for this giveaway!
julierimpula@gmail.com
Good ones! 😀
I swoon over Oliver Platt – hey I’m ols wioman!! And Phil from Amazing Race!!!
LOL! Love it!
opps
Picardsmom at yahoo dot com
I love the BDB also Laura! So cool! For now, I think my celebrity crush is Idris Elba!
BDB love! Woot! Not sure who Idris is but will check him out!
Congrats on the new release!!!! Alexander Skarsgard! lol 🙂 alliemathews(at)ymail(dot)com
Thank you! Mmm, Alex!
Hi Laura! My celebrity crush is Hugh Jackman. Like your book cover! Can’t wait to read! Thank you for sharing. 😀
jukyjoauka(at)aol(dot)com
So glad you like the cover! Me too! 😀 Hugh, oh, Hugh! Le sigh… 😉
All of your “Hero” men are super hawt! Thanks for the interview, my crush would have to be Joe Manganiello, love that big werewolf! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Thank you thank you! And I crush on him too!
I forgot to put this where it can be seen clperry2009@gmail.com 🙂
Mine is Dave Grohl from the foo fighters. Hot!!
Love it! Thanks Melanie!
mpashon at hotmail dot com
I always read about the supernatural hot males and stuff like that but it is nice to have a more realistic story, nice book can’t wait to read it.
Thanks Gloria!
Colin O’Donoghue as Captain Hook/Killian Jones in Once Upon A Time.
olga_sergejeva (at) hotmail.co.uk
Will have to check him out! Thanks Olga!
Tim McGraw. I think he is gorgeous. Tore923@aol.com
Fun choice!
Great interview! Man candy??? I love me some Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Craig. YUM!
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
Oh, me, yes!
James McAvoy is a fave of mine >.>
Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
My celebrity crush is Tom Hardy!! I love him, he is mine 🙂
LOL! Okay, all yours! 🙂 He is a cutey!
Thanks for the giveaway too!!! forgot to put my email
marlenamaier@ymail.com
Chris Hemsworth is definitely my crush!
yadkny@hotmail.com
He is very crushworthy, isn’t he???
Just saw him on NCIS – Mark Harmon!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Aw, yeah. Did you ever see the movie Stealing Home? My Mark Harmon crush goes way back… 🙂
Alex Rodriguez from CSI oved him in Magic Mike Too! honeyb717@gmail.com
LOL! Good pick!
Hugh Jackman all the way. Easy on the eyes & talented as well.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Yes, hard to argue with Hugh!!!
Ryan Gosling does me in every time!
mmafsmith AT gmail DOT com
Cannot wait to read these…my crush is Tatum Channing. There are not a whole lot of celebrities I ooooo an ahhhhhh about but he is most definitely one of them!!
Thanks for the chance to win,
Tanya
my1lulabug at yahoo dot com
My celebrity crush is Ian Somerhalder. I have watched him in a few movies and love him in Vampire Diaries. He could be my Brady Scott, he could be my everything 😉 Oh and I am also waiting for Lover at Last. I have all the Black Dagger Brotherhood books 😉
barbiedollnurse@hotmail.com
Was there but isn’t in post.
Love Matt Bomer! But Taylor Kinney has really got my attention lately!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net
I think Hugh Jackman and for rockers it would be Bono from U2 and Adam Levine
Great interview and congrats to Laura on the release of One Night With A Hero! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
My celebrity crush is Alexander Skarsgård! He’s the perfect 1,000 yr old Viking Norse God Vampire <3 *MAJOR SWOON*
Thanks for the giveaway!
Tess
tess_halim(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have 2 celeb crushes…Tom Hardy and Daniel Craig. They’re both seriously yummy…handsome and accents. Score!
Keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll win the signed copy. It’d look great next to my other signed book by Ms. Kaye! 🙂
harlan_michelle AT yahoo DOT com
Hugh Jackman!!! I love your covers and thank you for the giveaway.
artgiote at gmail dot com
My celebrity crush is well its between two very hot guys Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and Ian Somerhalder 😀 Thank god the question wasn’t about fictional character crush because we would’ve been here for ages listing them all! lol I think Z from BDB or Bones from Night Huntress would’ve topped my list 🙂 Congrats on the release of One Night with a Hero, I just got it and plan on reading it this weekend if I can get all the xmas shopping done I’m really looking forward to it I loved the first book and Marco 😀
amieesnow@gmail.com
Really enjoying reading all your celebrity crushes everyone! You guys are too funny! (and ya have good taste!)
So many gorgeous men out there! Some have already been mentioned. Some are up there in age and are still flippin hot! Sam E. and Tom S……
Jensen Ackles, Joe Manganiello, Charlie Hunnam, Matt Passmore….Mmmmmm!
Thank you so much,
Sebrina_Cassity at yahoo dot com
Paul Walker
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
my crushes are Anson Mount and Charlie Hunnam
pagangell at gmail dot com
Really enjoyed reading about all your crushes everyone! Thanks!