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Wednesday, February 16

**Author Interview/Giveaway: Laurie London**

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Today we have author, Laurie London here discussing her debut novel Bonded by Blood, which hit the shelves January 18, 2011. Check out my review HERE. Just a side note, if you are a vampire lover like me, this book is a Must Read! To celebrate her release, Laurie has offered to give away a “signed” copy of Bonded by Blood to one lucky reader. Keep reading for more....
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Thanks so much, Kristin, for having me on Nocturnal Bites today!

1.) First off, what would you like readers to know about Bonded by Blood?
Here’s the back cover copy:

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors.

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she’s cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her…

2.) Since this is your debut novel, what was it like the first time you walked into a book store and saw Bonded by Blood on the shelf?
It was almost two weeks after the release of Bonded that I actually saw it sitting on a book shelf. Every time I visited my local Barnes and Noble, they were sold out because my friends got to the books before I did. My closest Borders wasn’t getting new releases for awhile, so they didn’t have it either.

When I finally did see it, I was in a Barnes and Noble store about thirty minutes from my home.  Sure enough, there it was—Dom stared out at me from the book shelf like he wanted me to touch him. My face got hot, my heart started racing, and I felt as if I had this aura-like beacon that radiated, “Author-Author.” Then my daughter began laughing and I became the normal me again.

3.)  Everyone seems to be talking about vampires today. What do you think the appeal is with vampires and why did you decide to write about them?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved reading and watching films about vampires, so I suppose, it was only natural that I started writing about them. Maybe I was “glamoured” as an infant. :)

To me, the appeal of vampire romance is the dichotomy between life and love, a dangerous conflict you won’t necessarily find in other romances.

In a conversation Dom has with his co-worker Lily, he sums up the problem of a relationship with a human woman by saying, “Ha. ‘Excuse me, but you’re my soul mate. Pardon me while I kill you.’ Riiiight.”

Vampires need humans in order to survive, so what happens when they fall in love?
Disaster. Conflict. Temptation. Passion. And not just your typical roll-in-the-sack passion. I’m talking about the kind of fatalistic, this-might-be-the-only-chance-we’ll-be-together-like-this passion. It makes for some intense love scenes!

More than any other paranormal character, vampires have a mystique about them that’s very compelling to me. They’re powerful, sensual, mesmerizing.

In a clip from Embraced By Blood, the second book in the Sweetblood series which comes out in June, an older human character reflects about Alfonso, ‘A bad boy who knows he’s not good for you? Oh, to be young again.’

Yeah, now that’s what I’m talking about!

4.) I am a huge fan of Paranormal Romance books and some of my favorite authors include J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Jeaniene Frost. (I should probably be banned from their websites for stalking!!) With that said, is there an author(s) or series out there that you absolutely love?
LOL Those are some of my favorites as well! I also love books by Lara Adrian, Charlaine Harris, Gena Showalter, Nalini Singh, Cherry Adair, and Alexis Morgan.  And I recently discovered new authors Jessa Slade and Erin Kellison. Give me a dark, tortured hero and I’m totally in love.

5.) If you could be a character in a book for a day, (any book you have read) who would it be and why?
Although I love nurturing characters—women who don’t think it makes you weak because you have a large capacity to love and take care of others— but since we’re talking fantasy for one day, I’d lean toward being one of the stronger, urban-fantasy like characters. Women who may not have realized how powerful they are but who end up kicking some serious booty. Like Cat from Jeaniene Frost’s books. Heck, I’d love to be her with those high-heeled boots, the motorcycle, the silver stakes, the sharp wit, and *gasp* Bones!

6.) Book #2 in the Sweetblood series, Embraced by Blood is coming out in July of 2011, featuring Alfonso and Lily. Myself personally, I can’t wait to read Alfonso’s side of the story. Can you tell us anything about this book?  Maybe a hint or two or what readers should expect?
Oh, I’m so glad you’re looking forward to reading about Alfonso. Because he’s been undercover and lived a lie for so long, he kept his true emotion locked up behind iron bars. I had to really torture him to get him to break. Poor guy.
 
He and Lily shared a passionate relationship in the past. So when they see each other again, both are flooded with a range of emotions—anger, desire, longing, betrayal, a renewed sense of loss. They remember vividly how things used to be, yet they can never be together again. It makes for a lot of sexual tension...or at least, I think it does. :) And when they get their happily ever after, it makes it all the more sweeter.

7.) Do you have any advice for newbie authors/writers out there?
Read a lot. While there are many great how-to books out there (I have a list of my favorites in the FAQ section on my website), in my opinion, there’s no substitute for reading the kinds of books you want to write. Not old classics, but recently published books. You’ll absorb how successful stories are paced and structured and what today’s readers and publishers of that genre expect. If there’s a book you don’t like, try to determine why it didn’t work for you (being in a book club or active on book blogs/forums can really help), then avoid doing the same thing in your own writing.

And write something EVERY day

8.) Thanks so much for stopping by. Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love hearing from readers! You can find me on...

Facebook Twitter Email Website
I’ve also put a few goodies on my website (www.LaurieLondonBooks.com) on the For Readers tab that people might find interesting. Photos from the actual cemetery that inspired the first scene in Bonded. Book club discussion questions. Fan fiction prompts. I have friends who write fan fiction, so if you do too, check out my “assignments.”

Thank you so much for having me on! This has been a lot of fun. 

Now it’s your turn—I’d like to give away a signed copy of Bonded By Blood to one commenter who can tell me what book character you’d like to be for a day and why.

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Thanks so much for stopping by Laurie!! Oh, and before I forget check out my review of Bonded By Blood HERE. To win a signed copy of Bonded By Blood, just leave a comment stating who you'd like to be for a day and why! Also, make sure you include your email address.  Winner TBA 3/5/11.
 

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42 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I would like to be Gin Blanco from Jennifer Esteps Elemental Assassins series. She rocks, she is a kick butt heroine that leads a life of adventure and danger.

    Chllybrd(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I'd want to be Renata from Lara Adrian's Midnight Series. Why? I like her breedmate power and she can kick vampire's a$$.

    I'm yet to read anything by Laurie London and I'll be pretty excited when I finally get my hands on this one. Thanks for the giveaway!

    cunninghamm at gmail dot com

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  4. My first thought was Eve Dallas to get some sheet-time with Roarke, but I think I'll go with a very early Anita Blake (like the first two books early). She was dedicated, didn't take crap from anyone and did what was right even when it meant working herself into the ground. She had some awesome weaponry too.

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  5. Cripes - can't even post a comment right - e-mail is either in blogger profile or you can use
    bwalkerreview at (gmail) dot (com)

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  6. This is gonna sound weird but I would love to be Gregori from Christine Feehan's dark Series. Yes, he's a male character and I'm a female but he is so intimidating, huge and powerful. He's one of their most powerful healers and can leave his own body and go inside others to fix them. I just think all of that combines would be cool as all get out, to live for a day.

    miztik_rose@yahoo.com

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  7. I'd love, love, love to be a character that hasn't been written yet, the heroine in Jason's novel from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. I have an unhealthy about of love for Jason.
    But based on already written ones (LOL) I'd go with Sabine from Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark. SOOOO hilarious, badass, yet sensitive. Love that chick : )

    lildevil911@sbcglobal.net

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  8. It's a toss up between Nix from IAD or Apollymi from the Dark Hunters. These 2 awesome ladies have some obstacles to overcome but they are the epitome of omnipotence and confidence.

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  9. I say I would want to be Simi, I love sparkly things and would love to kick the heifer' goddess's ass too :)

    Don't enter me just thought stop by I have a copy and started to read it and I am loving it :)

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  10. I would want to be Heather from Adrian Phoenix's Makers Song series; would love to be with Dante Baptiste.

    lillieblue613(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I'd love to be Rose from VA series: she's smart, sexy, strong, sometimes makes some stupid decisions and she's ironic. And she's self confident!

    aliasgirl at libero dot it

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  12. I'd LOVE to to be Mercy from Patricia Brigs Mercedes Thompson series! She is one Kick azz gal with bunches of moxie!


    Thanks!
    mleger0546{@}rogers[.]com

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  13. I'd love to be Kresley Cole's Nyx for a day. Not only is she fun, she's a kick a** Valkyrie and loves to blow things up. My kinda gal ;).

    Thanks fo rthe contest.

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I would love to be Cole's Nyx for a day. I love her character and can't wait for her story.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. In general I would like to be a Valkyrie in one of Kesley Coles book, after reading one there's just know way you couldn't wonder what it would be like.

    Great review!!

    shera.bookwhispers@gmail.com

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  16. I would love to be Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter Series. Yes he is a guy but he is an awesome guy that is so sexy who can sing and he yeilds all power to change the world and control events that the Faiths throw at us. I'd love to have that kind of power.

    mrsqueentutt@yahoo.com

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  17. Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by today. I LOVE all of your choices. Some of them are from books I haven't read yet, but I can see that I need to now!

    What's not to love about being being larger than life and have special powers?

    xxooxo
    Laurie

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  18. Sookie Stackhouse....Hello! She's married to Eric & Alcide is still sniffing around!

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  19. Hi Kristin and Laurie!

    I have read the book and LOVED IT AND DOM! I also can't wait to read Alfonso's story too!

    I'm not entering since I have the book but just wanted to stop by and say hi and that I loved the interview! LOL I love the way you think Laurie!

    I would love to be Cat for one day too so I could spend the most memorable 24 hours with Bones! LOL maybe he could turn me and I could spend another day with him in the future. :)

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  20. I have heard good things about Bonded By Blood so here is my two bits... I would like to be Kiera Kelly from Maria Lima's Blood Line series because for one thing she is a character based in Texas and I am a Texan and two she has a vulnerable side that appeals to me as well as her tough chick shifter persona!

    jacabur2008(@)gmail(dot)com

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  21. I can't wait to read this book. It looks so good and I have had it on my wishlist for months now. Can't wait to buy it.

    I want to be Nucking Futs Nix from Kresley Cole's IAD series. She cracks me up. Plus she's got this thing for Mike Rowe who is pretty hot.
    His voice is just so sexy!

    iqb99@yahoo.com

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  22. I've only heard good things about this book, and it's in my list for "next to purchase when I get paid". :) That being said, I'd still love to enter the competition!

    I think I'd like to be Mariketa from Kresley Cole's IAD series - Bowen MacRieve... Mmmmyes. *Ahem* You never said it had to be anything other than a totally shallow reason! ;)

    rusted ivory at hotmail dot com

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  23. I would love to be Sookie from True Blood. I like her character, her ability and her men.

    artgiote at gmail dot com

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  24. I think it would be neat to be Sookie Stackhouse for a day and get to hear people's thoughts.

    juliecookies(at)gmail.com

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  25. Oooh, yes, Sookie has great taste in men! Cursed Eric in book 4 anyone?

    Rusted, a shallow reason works for me. ;-)

    Thank you, DarkBloodyVamp! xxooxo

    Thanks, Danielle and Jackie!

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  26. Stacy—I have yet to read the Elemental Assassins series, excusies while I go update my TBR pile.

    About Me – Ahhh, Renata…now that’s a girl who can kick major arse…Of course it doesn’t hurt to have a smexy, gold haired mate at your back.....Sign me up chica, I’ll play fight with Niko any day!

    Barbara – Yes, how I do miss the old “Anita Blake.” Post Porn-Star Anita…not so much!!

    Mary – Ooooh….Gregori….Girl you walk on da wild side…That is one very intense, Uberlicious Alpha male… “Savannah you are my mate, you must do as I say or I will put your arse underground in a deep, deep sleep, RAWR, RAWR, RAWR, and so on !!” U are brave Mary, very brave, lol!!

    Sam – okay…you can be Jason if I can be my precious Illium, aka Bluebells! {sighs….}

    Dukediva32 – Nixxie, the everknowing, balls to the walls, crazy arse valkyrie…She’s definitely Good Times!! And Apollymi…well anyone related to Ash is cool in my books. Plus, who wouldn’t want to check out Atlantis!!

    BLHmistress – Me wants 2 be Ashy’s Simi too… Yes, if I was that little demon, I would put that Heifer’ goddess, Artie out of commission once and for all… Afterwards, I’d head to Sanctuary and play with the pretty bears and one particular tiggard..(ahem… Dev & Wren) they goes good wit’ da Simi’s Barbeque sauce..lol.

    Andrea – Ummm heck yeah!! Not many people can say their Boy toy is both Rockstar & Vampire..Yes, please sign me up for a night with Dante Baptiste!!

    Reading Mind – Ahhh, the Vampire Academy…Would this have anything to do with a certain someone named “DIMITRI?” {ha, ha, lol…}

    YzhaBella – Great pick.. Mercy Thompson is one bad arse chick, um I mean fox!!

    Victoria, mbreakfield, Danielle – Ummm girls??? I hate to break it to ya, but Mike Rowe is married, I think….LOL, sorry I couldn’t resist… Yes, Nucking Futs Nix is da shizznette. I heart her and her crazy arse bat and her stupid ***squirrel***, and her, and her, and her,……Um, what was I just talking about??? Bah, hah, hah, hah….

    Shera – Valkyries ROCK, For Realsies!
    Ronda – you pull at my heartstrings…. Acheron my poor, beauteous, love slave….what I wouldn’t do to have one night with that vampire, demi-god, demon, apollite, whatever the heck he is…lol.

    Ojeda, Diana, Julie S – Yes Sookie and her men. Team “TALL BLONDE & VIKING” in da’ building.

    Rusted – Marieta the Awaited??? I love that sassy little witch… Aye, and her little dog, I mean Lykae too…

    DarkBloodyVamp – Cat?? Bones??? Lucifer’s Bouncin’ Balls girl, this is “Nocturnal Bites,” not the Animal Planet. Ya heard??? …………………………….P.S. Bones is mine….go pick another fictional character, lol.. (Just kiddin’ Ollie!!)

    Jackie b – I have never heard of the Blood Line series… so I’ll have to check it out… Afterall, everything’s bigger in Texas, so that means the MEN are too, right?? Lol…

    Laurie – FYI, I am a rescuer….I rescue dogs, cats, and lost Nekid vampires runnin’ in the woods.. Just so you know!!

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  27. Nina Dobrev, simply because she stars on the CWTV's Vampire Diaries Show and she gets to mack on both Paul Wesley and Mr. Ian Somerhalder *swoons*

    Well her and Mrs. J.R. WARD since she gets to spend all day writing about the beloved black dagger brothers

    lexus_delorme@hotmail.com

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  28. Cat from Night Huntress series!For no other reason than having Bones mine even for a day!

    Nice interview!I really enjoyed it.

    anniech85(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. Sophie from Debra Cooke's Dragonfire Novels. I'd love to be the "Great Wyvern" for a day, especially this beautiful one who answers to no one, can see the future and has such power.

    Please enter me.
    cathysdesigns@yahoo.com

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  30. LOL Kristin! Aw, and I didn't know you rescue animals. Me loves you. (Did you see all the animal pics I tweeted this morning? We have a menagerie around here.)

    Thanks, everyone! I love all your picks.

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  31. Uh...I hate to break it to you all but Bones is so totally MINE. I've got the half nekkid pictures to prove it so you're just going to have to find yourselves another bookboyfriend crush ladies.
    But to answer the lovely Laurie's question I would say Cat, so I could fully enjoy all of Bones centuries worth of expertise/experience. *insert eyebrow waggle here* And Ollie darlin', it would take far longer then a mere 24 hrs for what I have planned. ;)
    LoL
    Great interview ladies!

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  32. Cat from the Night Huntress series. Shes a great character many different aspects to her personality and would be fun to be her for a little while.

    Great interview. Looking forward to reading the book soon.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  33. I think I would like to be Nix from the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. She knows about things before they even happen and that would be pretty cool to experience.

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  34. Mac from Karen Marie Moning series Fever.

    loveangel132@yahoo.com

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  35. Wow this is a hard one, there's so many characters I would love to be.

    It would have to be Kira from Jeaniene Frost Eternal Kiss of Darkness. Kira was kiss butt in this book. Plus she gets the most delisicous man in the end. I do love me some Mencheres with his waist length hair. Mmmm Yummy.

    Laurie your book sounds wonderful also.

    Teresa,
    tcwgrlup41(at) yahoo.com

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  36. This is a really hard question. I can this of so many answers! The character that first comes to mind is Cat from Jeaniene Frost's Dark Huntress series. She's got amazing abilities, good and loyal friends, and the best thing that she has...is Bones. That man makes me drool!

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  37. There are lots of great characters in my mind right now but the one that is sticking out the most to me would be the character Camille from Yasmine Galenorn's Otherworld: Sisters of the Moon series. Camille is married to 3 hunky paranormal husbands, is beautiful and smart, can do magic and has a lifestyle that is never boring. What more could I want in life?

    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

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  38. I'd find it nice to be Dracula for a day, because he is the symbol of vampires, plus it would be interesting to haunt a castle.

    petra_socaciu(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. Oh, my God, I can't wait to read Bonded by Blood! I read the excerpt on Laurie's site and.. wow...
    I would like to be Seline from the movie Underworld. This is one of my favourite films, and although I know it's really bloody and messy, I would like to see how I could live and not die in such a world. Oh, I would like to kiss Michael, too :P (L)

    Thanks again,
    mikki-mano@hotmail.com

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  40. This book sounds great. I'd like to be Elena from Vampire diaries, she's feisty and could go out with Damon at any time. susankmann[at]blueyonder.co.uk

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  41. I'm going to be a sap here and say, I'm not worried about who, I would just want to be loved...hnwhitlock2000 at gmail dot com...

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  42. I've like to be Cat from the Night Huntress series for a day because then I'll have her awesome weapon wielding ability, heightened senses and of course, BONES! <3

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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