Author Interview & Giveaway: Laurie London, Author of "Bonded by Blood"

Laurie London is the author of the Paranormal Romance novel Bonded by Blood. I recently read and reviewed the book, and I loved it, so I am thrilled to have a chance to chat with Laurie about the book. If you haven't already checked out my review, please do so. I definitely recommend checking this one out!

Laurie has also offered to give away a signed copy of the book as well, so read on to learn more and be sure to sign up!

Thanks Laurie! 

Q: I believe your debut novel, Bonded by Blood, is being released on February 1st. Can you give a brief overview of the book? 

A: First of all, thanks for having me on today, Becky. And actually, it’s my understanding that it’ll be out on shelves starting today! If you hear screaming coming from Seattle, don’t worry. It’s just me seeing my first book on store shelves.

The Sweetblood world follows a team of Seattle-based vampire warriors, Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity against Darkbloods, rogue vampires who kill humans and sell their blood on the vampire black market. The rarest blood type, called Sweet, commands the highest street price and is highly addictive to vampires.

Bonded By Blood, the first book in the series, is the story of Dominic Serrano, head of the Seattle field team, and Mackenzie Foster-Shaw, a sweetblood human who works as a movie location scout, a job that takes her into some pretty unusual places.

From the back cover:

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…

Q: In Bonded by Blood, vampires live amongst humans, but in secret. Many recent vampire stories have featured vampires revealing themselves to humanity. Why did you decide to not reveal vampires' existence?

A: What a great question! I think it’s because I grew up in the Pacific Northwest at a time when several high profile serial killers were active. I can remember driving on the freeway, wondering if the guy in the next car over was the Green River Killer. In fact, my grandmother, who was a legal secretary, remembered meeting Ted Bundy and thought he was such a nice young man. It turns out that many of these killers were the guy next door. Call me twisted, but the idea of being surrounded by something sinister, yet being totally clueless, is strangely fascinating.

Q: Your vampires differ from the traditional vampire lore. Can you give an example of this, and what inspired the decision behind the change? 

A: Again, I think it stems from how my environment influenced me. During the long winter months, many people here suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, myself included (but hopefully, I don’t get as bitchy as Corey’s girlfriend, Vanessa). When I’ve traveled to sunny climates during this time, the rise in my energy level is amazing. To combat the winter blues and give us energy, we exercise, take lots of vitamin D, and use full spectrum lightboxes. I got to thinking—what if these symptoms weren’t all caused from a lack of sunlight? Maybe there are vampires out there secretly drinking our blood and stealing our energy, and that the reason they can’t go into the sunlight isn’t because they’ll burn up or sparkle, but because it greatly saps their strength. They need humans because their bodies can’t convert sunlight into energy like ours can.

Q: I loved the characters in the book, but especially Mackenzie's independence and feisty personality, and her unique way of seeing life. Was she based on any real person?

A: Aw, thanks! I’m so glad you liked her. I’ve guess I’ve always admired women who are nurturing and creative, yet independent and feisty. Both my grandmothers had professional careers at a time when most mothers stayed home. They were fun, witty, sometimes bitchy, and they didn’t take crap from anyone. Back in the 50’s, one of them actually bought a house and told my grandfather after the fact. Now that’s ballsy!

Q: Both Dom and Kenzie have painful pasts that make it difficult for them to move forward and be at peace with their lives. So, one of my favorite scenes in the book is when they discuss their happiest childhood memories with each other. What is your happiest childhood memory?

A: That was one of my favorite scenes too. In fact, I had to cut some of it out because I got too carried away at first.

One of my favorite childhood memories is when I was about ten years old and my horse and I won the grand championship at the county fair. She was very high spirited, but I got her to go over all the obstacles that other horses wouldn’t. The judge came up to me afterwards and said something like, “Young lady, you had your hands full dealing with that horse of yours, but you made the best with what you had and you out-rode everyone.” I learned that you don’t have to be perfect to win. You just have to make the best with what you have and, if you work hard, it’s possible to beat those who are better than you.

Q: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and who are some of your inspirations?

A: Although I’ve always enjoyed writing, it took me a long time to consider myself a “writer.” My stories were just my private indulgences. My biggest inspiration would have to be my sister who is now a published author too. Unlike me, she wasn’t afraid to tell people she was a writer. For many years, she belonged to writers’ groups, entered contests, and attended conferences. When she became a finalist in RWA’s Golden Heart contest, it inspired me that maybe I could do the same thing one day too.

Q: What do you most hope that people take away from the book?

A: First, I sincerely hope people enjoy the Sweetblood world and Dom and Mackenzie’s story as much as I enjoyed writing about them. But on a deeper level, I hope the reader takeaway is that the power of love changes everything and makes the impossible, possible.

Q: I know that a sequel, Embraced by Blood, is due out later this year. Can you tell us how many books are planned?

A: The Sweetblood world is big and the possibilities are endless. I hope to have news to share with you soon.   

Q: What is your favorite vampire book or movie?

A: I’d have to say the old vampire movie Fright Night is one of my favorites. My sister and I saw it eight times in a row as teenagers. I had a mad crush on Chris Sarandon’s vampire character and imagined myself as Amy. If you’re not familiar with the film, the club scene and the seduction scene are both on Youtube. I just wished he hadn’t turned into such a monster at the end.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thanks so much, Becky, for having me on today. These were fun questions! I’d love to give away a signed copy of Bonded By Blood to one lucky commenter.

Thanks Laurie! :) 

So here are the giveaway details:

• The Giveaway is open in the US and Canada only. 
• You do not need to be a follower to enter for the giveaway. 
• All that is required to enter is to fill out the form below. 
• Entries will be calculated on January 25th and a lucky winner will be drawn via Random.org. 

For Extra Entries!

• Spread the word by Tweeting a link to this giveaway with the hashtag #BondedByBlood and you'll earn an extra entry. Max 1 extra entry & you must link to the tweet for verification. 
• Share your favorite vampire book or movie and why, or your favorite childhood memory and earn another entry. Max 1.

That's it! Good luck everyone! :)

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