April 10, 2012

WEST OF WANT - Excerpt, Guest Post & Giveaway! (18+)





Happy WEST OF WANT Preview & Prizes Event, everyone! 


Today, April 10, was the original release date for Book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, West of Want. And then some really cool things happened: my publisher, Entangled Publishing, signed a huge deal with the nation’s biggest book distributor, which means for the first time ever, my books will be shelved in brick-and-mortar bookstores. And then, West of Want received a very nice pre-sales estimate by the booksellers and Barnes and Nobles bought it for all their stores nationwide (and it got bought for airports, too—squee!). The only bad news in this whole scenario was this: the release date got pushed back, by three LONG months! LOL So, I thought I’d celebrate the original release date with a preview of the book and a big contest, and give you a small taste to whet your appetite until the actual release date arrives.



"Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans."

~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series

Forty sites are celebrating with me today, and there are different posts at those different sites. To see the whole list of participants, click here. Now, without further ado, here’s the book blurb and one of four different never-before-seen excerpts from the book available for you to enjoy: 




WEST OF WANT BLURB:
Betrayal is all he's ever known, but in her, he'll find a love strong enough to be trusted...

When Marcella Raines' twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she's gravely injured--and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce--Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn't protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he's sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph's heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting...everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want--a love that can be trusted.

WEST OF WANT EXCERPT:
Zeph concentrated and allowed his mind to travel in search of his brother’s unique energy signature. As polar opposites, their energies were connected. Yin and yang. Life and death. West and East. So he found Eurus, easily. Within blocks of Ella’s house. Thunder rumbled around him as he flowed through the air in pursuit.

Corporeality returned in a blaze of light, his seething rage crackling around him.

“Ah, brother. I’ve been expecting you,” Eurus said. In the gloom of twilight, he lay prone on the dock in the middle of the marina where Ella’s boat had been taken that first day. Ankles crossed.
Fingers making lazy designs in the air as if he were conducting a symphony. Cold wind whipped up around them, turning the calm waters of the inlet choppy, jostling the sailboats in their slips.

His brother’s calm, casual repose was more disturbing than if Zeph had found him petulant and ranting. Because it meant he was planning. “What the fuck are you playing at, Eurus?”

He sprung to his feet and tugged the lapels of his leather coat. “You see? I offer civility, and what do I get in return?”

Zeph squared off and braced, ready for anything. “You don’t have a civil bone in your body.”

Eurus pinched the bridge of his nose, shifting the wraparounds up the smallest bit. Though not enough, Zeph was relieved to see, to reveal his dead black irises. “If what you say is true, brother, whose fault exactly would that be?”

“Not. Mine.” It was a fruitless conversation, but it was their little dance, and Zeph’s own special corner of hell.

“Of course not yours. Not perfect Zephyros. Not the god of life and renewal. Gods forbid.”

Zeph ignored the barb. Perfection was the last thing he believed of himself. Eurus was jealous of a figment of his imagination. “What do you want?” he finally bit out, hoping to defuse the other man, to delay the confrontation long brewing between them.

Eurus whipped off his glasses and drilled his disturbing, blank gaze into Zeph’s very soul. “Leave the woman alone.”



Pre-order West of Want on Amazon | B&N

So, what d’ya think? Want more Zephyros and Ella? Visit more participating sites to read all the excerpts, meet the characters, see the the West of Want romance trading cards, and enter to win! Thanks for reading! July 10 can’t get here soon enough for me! *grins* ~Laura Kaye



“Using ancient winter mythology as an allegory for grief, Kaye has written a sexy story that packs a powerful emotional punch. NORTH OF NEED is pure winter magic and Kaye’s sparkling talent warms the heart.”

~Stephanie Draven, author of the Mythica series about
multi-award-winning Book 1 in the Anemoi series, North of Need




WEST OF WANT PREVIEW CONTEST!

Seven participants who enter through the Rafflecopter form will win gift cards from winners’ choice of Amazon or B&N valued between $15 and $100! Those prize winners will be announced on West of Want’s release day, July 10, 2012. Want the best chance of winning big? Pre-order the print West of Want through Amazon or B&N and enter your order confirmation number on the appropriate Rafflecopter line. Pre-orders are hugely important for an author because they determine how many books bookstores will actually stock and they count toward an author’s first-week sales which is when most authors have their best chance to hit the big bestseller lists. Pre-orders/purchases are not required to enter. Open to international.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

One commenter from each participating blog site will win a West of Want bookmark and the romance trading cards for North of Need and West of Want. Simply comment to enter to win and be sure to leave your email address. These prizes will be announced soon after May 10. Open to international.

About Laura Kaye:Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is a bestselling and award-winning author paranormal and contemporary romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, 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.


Buy Laura's BooksWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp



158 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for hosting me here at GCR! Good luck everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations! Can't wait for Zeph :)
    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing the excerpt.And thanks for the giveaway.
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the not-so-cold, not-so-warm weather. I also like the plants blooming

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like spring because it's almost summer, so the air is warmer but not hot or sweaty. I like the short and sweet showers, and the smell just after it rains. Thanks for this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love spring because of the sunshine, flowers, fresh air, warm weather, sun dresses and shorts, sun roof open, walks around the neighborhood, going to the park and river, bike riding! I just love spring and summer!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the longer days, more sunlight, flowers and warm weather! Thanks for the giveway! lfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for hosting the give-away!
    arlene(dot)sweet(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  9. Loved the excerpt! Very tension filled. This promises to be an exciting read. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway opportunities.

    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. What I like about Spring is the weather and Spring cleaning. Thanks for the giveaway!
    -Maritza R

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats Laura on getting your book out into the book stores, that is such a coup. I'm enjoying hopping around to the sites to read the excerpts.
    luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on getting into the bookstores! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for all the great comments and for celebrating with me guys! Good luck! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations!! and thank you!
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. What I like the most about spring is the flowers.
    austma7@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. i like the longer hours of daylight

    catherine0807 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. the cool weather and the sometimes hot weather(midwest atleast).

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the pleasant weather and longer days.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like spring because it is warm enough to start going bike riding with my daughter.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love spring for the beautiful and colorful flowers and the birds singing

    ReplyDelete
  21. I like the warmer weather and the flowers blooming

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the warm weather, sunshine and flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  23. more sunshine!
    klconn7 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love the spring flowers!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love that it finally gets warmer and the snow melts away.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love listening to the birds in the early mornings, walking in the now warm sunshine, and smelling the lilacs or the mock orange bushes.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love everything getting green again and seeing all the flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love being able to work out in my garden again.
    jodysis at windstream dot net

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love income tax and cleaning out the house.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. thunderstorms
    thanks for a great contest! Janna Johnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on GFC

    ReplyDelete
  31. YAY another series to start! Great post

    Supagurl

    ReplyDelete
  32. Zeph!!! want!!!

    smile_1773@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love sleeping with my window open and getting all the nice fresh air!.
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  34. i love spring because of all the pretty colors it brings :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the warmth!!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the flowers in the Spring and the change of the season. The book sounds great!!

    rachel at thejeepdiva dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. The pretty spring flowers are my fav

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the safer travelling with no snow or ice on the roads!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love being able to leave the windows open all day!
    klconn7 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love the spring flowers and the smell of rain

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the warmer weather of spring!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  42. love the warm weather and the sight of the flowers but the darn pollen sucks.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love the flowers blooming and warmer temperatures!

    sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  44. i love the scent of the spring air with- so nice and clean and flowery!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  45. What I love most about spring is the beautiful flowers in blooom :-)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love the pink & white budding trees and all the tulips and daffodils
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  47. i love all the sounds of nature that disappear during the cold weather!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love to put the winter clothes away!!! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love that the sunshine and the warmth is back and that I can open my windows to my house again and let fresh air in!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the warm weather and all the flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love the flowers!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Like others, I love the flowers and warm weather! (commenting as Justine)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Enjoying all your comments everyone! Thanks so much for taking the time! And good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love sleeping with my windows open!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I hate having cold blue fingers, so I love the warmth of spring!

    ReplyDelete
  56. spring flowers are my favorite!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love sitting on the porch and looking at the flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I love to wear shorts and tees instead of heavy sweaters!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love the warmer temps....but I hate the bees, I hate the bees but I love the flowers so I must live with and run from the bees. Congrats on the wonderful contracts.
    S
    Seawitch Reviews @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love all the flowering plants

    Email address is in blogger profile

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love having the windows open all day
    klconn7 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  62. love the spring flowers!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Not the inches of spring snow we are supposed to get today~

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love leaving the windows open all day.
    klconn7 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I love sleeping with the window open!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love the thunderstorms!

    Email address is in blogger profile

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love Spring because everything comes back to life.
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    ReplyDelete
  68. Opening the windows and let the cool fresh air in during the spring is great!

    ReplyDelete
  69. loving the fresh air in the house! Especially when I sleep!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I love the extra sunlight, and flowers!

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I love the warm weather and the flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I love the warmer weather!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love seeing the baby bunnies! (but they're not so cute once they grow up and eat all my plants!)

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love to watch all the plants getting buds and flowering

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love sleeping with my window open!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I love opening the windows and getting the fresh air in the house!

    ReplyDelete
  77. warm weather is one of my favorite things about spring.
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love watching the birds build nests and then seeing the babies hatch.

    Email address is in blogger profile

    ReplyDelete
  79. Let's put away the heavy clothes and galoshes!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I do love the spring flowers!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love being able to leave the windows open

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love how fresh and new everything smells

    ReplyDelete
  83. I love the warmer weather!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  84. love the spring flowers!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Congrats on the release!

    My favorite part of spring is the warmer weather.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love sleeping at night with the window open!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  87. The fresh greenery and the flowers.

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I like watching all the new baby animals!

    ReplyDelete
  89. more daylight - yea!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I love the flowers and the mild weather. Well, I hope for mild weather. :)

    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  91. I love wearing tanks and shorts.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I love how everything smells so fresh

    ReplyDelete
  93. I am so happy to sit outside on the porch and enjoy a cool fruity drink!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'm so ready to put away the heavy clothes!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love seeing the flowers blooming in the yard.

    rsbryswrrl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. spring flowers! But NOT the spring rain - I need to mow my lawn and it's raining everyday :-(
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  97. weather is great - not too hot, not too cold

    ReplyDelete
  98. I enjoy the spring thunderstorms. I like to sit on the porch and watch the rain and lightning.

    ReplyDelete
  99. I like to see all the pretty flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I love the smell of the air - it's so fresh

    ReplyDelete
  101. Really enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share with us and for this awesome giveaway opportunity. West of Want looks like a treat of a read :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I go carried away with enjoying the post and did not answer the question ;) I love that in the spring we get sunshine and it is not too hot, I love not having to wear a sweater all the time, and I really love the daffodils that bloom in the neighborhood :)

      Delete
  102. people seem happier in the spring. I know I am.

    ReplyDelete
  103. It's great to see the sunshine and flowers blooming!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I love the smell of the flowers whenever I walk out my front door

    ReplyDelete
  105. LOL Denise! Wow! You guys are rocking the comments here! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love the warm weather and pretty flowers. Not a cold weather gal.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I like it when it rains in the spring and I get to snuggle at home with a good book

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by! We love reading your comments and we try to reply back to each comment. So make sure to check back with us.