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The Goodbye Year Goodreads Giveaway ends soon!
I'm beyond excited for May 3rd, the day The Goodbye Year arrives in the world and in a bookstore near you! If you'd like a chance to win a copy before it's officially released, please hop over to Goodreads and enter the giveaway! My publisher is offering 10 print copies! Good luck!
Laguna Sights Chapter Reveal! Preview of book out March 29
LAGUNA SIGHTS Synopsis:
Is the price of fame the chance at true love?
Scott Cassidy has lived a blessed life. Growing up in Laguna Beach with a loving family, he was discovered in high school when he appeared on the popular reality TV show, Laguna Nights. Now cast as a doctor on the number one soap opera, his star keeps rising. Finally free from his long-term girlfriend, Scott isn’t looking for love, but when a popular dating app matches him with Jamie Kane, he can’t deny the sparks. But is she really everything she seems?
Jamie Kane isn’t lucky in love or life. Her childhood was tumultuous with a single mom who moved to Hollywood for fame but ended up waiting tables in Malibu. Certainly not one of the spoiled kids she went to high school and college with, Jamie has worked hard to achieve her dreams of being an actress, even as she begins to realize it’s not her calling. Jamie believes Scott may be the answer to everything unless a past mistake makes him doubt their future together.
Once you become a star, can you trust other people’s intentions?
PRE-ORDER IT NOW
Amazon
Chapter One
Scott Cassidy
Scott Cassidy made record time on his drive from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach. He sat in his black Prius at the end of the long driveway that led to his former girlfriend’s childhood home in Three Arch Bay, an exclusive gated community. He was early, so he rolled down his window and took a deep breath of the salt-infused air. It smelled, as always, like his hometown: warm, breezy and salty. To him, Laguna Beach was safe and beautiful, where nothing bad ever happened, except the occasional lack of a good swell to surf. He knew it probably would be the last time he’d be here, at this house, so he’d decided to take a couple of moments and breathe. A few moments to reflect on all of the time he’d spent here in Laura’s family home. He was certain Laura would be mad that he was here, but she hadn’t told him not to come. Maybe they both needed closure. Mrs. Kinkaid had unwittingly provided that opportunity in her quest to bring them back together. It was time to face them both. He drove his car down the long winding driveway, arriving at the impressive California contemporary style home Laura’s dad had designed and had built on the highest lot in the community. He stepped out of the car and felt as he always did when he arrived at the Kinkaid’s home: The feeling of being at the top of the world. He walked up the front walk and rang the doorbell. The door swung open revealing Laura’s mom, Marge Kinkaid, dressed in her typical golf attire: a bright pink golf shirt and gray golf skirt. “Scott, so wonderful to see you! Congratulations on being the new Dr. Drake! I watch Days and Nights every day, and you’re doing a great job,” Mrs. Kinkaid wrapped him in a tight hug. He could smell bacon cooking in the kitchen. His stomach growled. “You’re like a dream, son. Your parents must be thrilled.” “Yes, they’re certainly glad, although they hope I’ll keep the travel agency going.” “Where are my manners? Come in, Come in.” Scott followed her inside the home that was like a second home for him. Spectacular views of the Laguna Beach coastline spread out in front of him visible through the floor to ceiling windows. Just outside the windows was the hot tub made famous on the TV show Laguna Nights. He and Laura had a lot of off-camera fun in that hot tub, too, he remembered with a smile. “Laura’s running a bit late. She had a meeting in town.” Laura’s mom seemed nervous, embarrassed even. He suddenly wondered whether Laura knew he had been invited here. “Coffee?” Mrs. Kinkaid asked. “Black, right?” “Yes, thank you.” He pulled out his favorite chair from the kitchen table and sat down as Mrs. Kinkaid placed a cup of coffee in front of him. “So, Scott, is there a possibility that you and Laura will get back together? You always do.” She took the seat across from his. He now knew why he was here. He needed to dash her hopes now. “No, Mrs. Kinkaid, Laura and I are better off being friends. That’s how we started, and it’s what we are now.” He took a big drink of his coffee and grimaced as the hot coffee burned his tongue. Mrs. Kinkaid drummed her long, pink, polished fingernails on the kitchen table. Then, she stood up and walked to the oven. “I hope you’re in the mood for an omelet. I made your favorite ham and cheese. With bacon, of course.” She placed the plate in front of him and pulled off the aluminum foil. It was as though she had ignored everything he’d just said. “Aren’t you joining me?” Suddenly he was weirded out to be sitting at his ex-girlfriend’s mom’s kitchen table eating brunch alone. Where was Mr. Kinkaid? Where was Laura? “I’m not hungry. Please, start eating. Don’t let it get cold.” The only sound in the room was Marge’s long fingernails drumming on the table. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. As he hurried to finish his meal, Scott decided Laura was right. Her mom was crazy. He made a mental note to tell Laura that, by text, as soon as he could get out of here. “Oh, I hear a car in the driveway. That must be Laura. I’ll be right back,” she said and hurried out of the room like a frightened deer. Scott sensed Laura’s presence before he saw her. She walked into the kitchen, her blonde hair swirling around her shoulders, and froze in the doorway. It was evident she had no idea he was coming to brunch. “Hey Laura,” Scott said. Standing up awkwardly, he wondered if he should walk over to her and give her a hug, or stay put. Scott looked at Mrs. Kinkaid who nodded at him, shooting her eyes in Laura’s direction. Scott crossed the room and gave Laura a quick squeeze around the shoulders. A side hug. A friend hug. “So good to see you, Laura.” Laura laughed. “No it isn’t. Why are you here?” Scott looked at Mrs. Kinkaid. Mrs. Kinkaid looked at Laura with the odd smirk. “I asked him to come down for brunch. He has been part of the family for so long. I miss him.” Oh, shoot. Scott knew for sure Laura had been ambushed. He felt terrible. “Well, sorry you made the trip. I was on a date. Did Mom tell you that?” Laura asked. Her blue eyes flashed at him. He knew that look. She was angry. Very angry. At least she’d been on a date. That was good news. She was moving on, as he was trying to, or at least acting like it. “She mentioned you had business.” He smiled. “I’m happy for you, though. Good for you. I’m glad you’re moving on. I was just telling your mom that we’re both better off as friends.” “Yeah, well, at least I waited to move on until after our relationship was over,” she said. “How’s Tinder Jamie?” Scott felt his face flush all the way to the top of his head, which he knew from too many embarrassing experiences would be shiny and red, too. Baldness had its downsides. “Jamie’s great, and so is the new show. I love the cast and crew and there are even some new sets to go along with the new Dr. Drake. It’s all really great.” Laura glared at him, hands on her hips. This wasn’t his fault. It was her mom’s. He hoped she’d realize that. Scott wished he’d never agreed to come down here. It was awkward that Mrs. Kinkaid was standing between them, as if the force of her desires could pull them back together. “Good. Great. Well, as I told Mom, I’m selling the house. It should be listed by tomorrow afternoon. I think you got all of your stuff, but if not, please go get it by tomorrow.” Turning to her mother, she added, “Anything else, Mom?” “Look, you two have been together for so long. I know you can work things out.” Mrs. Kinkaid’s eyes were huge, her mouth turned down. She looked like she could cry. Scott needed to get out of here. “We don’t want to work things out, Mother! It’s over,” Laura said. She locked eyes with Scott and finally, he could see they both were ready to move on. He smiled. “Laura’s right, Mrs. Kinkaid. We care for each other but we’re not meant to be together. Someday, I think maybe we’ll be friends again.” Scott grabbed his keys and his phone off the kitchen table and with a quick peck on Laura’s cheek, and a quick hug and a smile for her mother, he threw out a parting shot before he scooted out the door. “Thanks for brunch, Mrs. Kinkaid. I’ve got to get back to LA.” Scott hurried past Mrs. Kinkaid, who seemed frozen in shock, and out the front door. He sensed Laura following behind him. He reached the side of his Prius and turned around. He had spent ten years with this woman. He cared about her. He always would. “Laura, I wish you nothing but the best. We had a great run together.” He slipped his sunglasses on. He didn’t want her to see his eyes misting over. He swallowed a lump in his throat. I’m a sap. Laura kicked at some loose gravel on the driveway. Then she looked up at him with a smile. “We did.” Scott felt relief wash over him. This was a much better goodbye than their last date in Los Angeles. At least Mrs. Kinkaid had enabled that. He stood silently as Laura turned around and walked inside her house, closing the door behind her. He opened the car door and slipped behind the wheel. This was what closure felt like. This was what freedom felt like. He liked it. Very much. After ten years of stops and starts, of living together and working together in two different reality TV shows, their love story was over. “Stick a fork in it. We’re done,” Scott said out loud, rubbing his hand over his bald head, an annoying habit he had developed about the time all of his hair started jumping off his head. Premature baldness. Nothing could be done about it, he’d been told by the doctor. The casting director on the soap opera said it made him look older and distinguished. Perfect to play Dr. Drake. Scott smiled at the memory. His baldness had actually gotten him the role. Who would have guessed? The thing was, even though Laura had decided he was a self-centered, non-trustworthy boyfriend, he knew he still was a good guy. Laura’s parents thought so, too, obviously. Her mom had invited him to brunch on this fine Sunday hoping to talk some sense into her daughter. On the phone, Scott had told Mrs. Kinkaid they were over. He’d moved out after their final disaster of a dinner date in LA when Laura had caught him on the dating app. Despite that, Mrs. Kinkaid had insisted. Plus, he needed a proper goodbye with Laura. He had been a jerk, he knew that, but he also was sick of being treated like he was a child. Laura was too dominant, too controlling, and he had finally rebelled. She treated her dog Tucker with more love and respect than she had Scott the past few years. He’d only recently started to see how stifled he was, and how depressed he’d been. The fog started to clear when he got the callback for the soap opera role. They’d been drifting apart ever since her reality TV show, Hollywood Nights, had been cancelled. Their relationship had been strong when they were celebrities, had been since they’d starred together in high school in Laguna Nights. When they were equals. Without the bright lights and the common show, she was a hollow shell of a person: unreachable, unfriendly and mean. Scott knew they were finished. That’s why he’d broken up with her. Not because of any real connection on Tinder. He barely knew Jamie Kane. Scott had a full life. His travel agency, an offshoot of his parents’ successful Laguna Beach agency, was booming. Now that he’d secured the role of Dr. Drake on the long-running Days and Nights soap, he also was a working actor. Laura had Tucker, her dog. That was about it. She took out her frustrations on Scott, and he knew it. He’d tolerated it for as long as he could, because he’d loved her, but he just couldn’t take it anymore. When he landed the gig on the soap opera, it had been the final straw. As she struggled to find her way as an actress, the call from his agent that he was cast as Dr. Drake had been the end of them. She’d barely covered her jealousy as her face flushed and her eyes filling with tears as he told her the news. She couldn’t help it, Scott knew. Laura had been accustomed to having the brightest star in their relationship. He shook his head at the painful memory. It was time to drive back to LA, but he couldn’t leave Laguna without stopping in to see his parents. He drove out of the driveway of Laura Kinkaid’s parents’ home for the last time and headed down the hill to Coast Highway. As always, it was a beautiful day, the sun sparkling on the ocean in front of him. Scott headed north, winding his way along the highway that connected his hometown. At Bluebird Canyon, he turned right. He decided to surprise his parents and knew they’d be home on this sunny Saturday afternoon, enjoying their day off from the travel agency. Driving into the canyon solidified the feeling of being home. Scott pulled over next to Bluebird Park nestled in the hills of the canyon. He’d spent hours playing here as a child. Later, in his teen years—when he wasn’t shooting Laguna Nights—he could be found here, with various girlfriends or partying with friends during concerts. It seemed like every sight, almost every place in Laguna Beach, held a memory for him. Even though the memories were positive, mostly happy, he suddenly felt stifled. Laguna’s sights, while beautiful, were too constricting. He took one more look around and drove up the steep canyon road to his parents’ home. He parked in the driveway, and then looked up at his childhood home, perched along the side of a cliff, its contemporary lines perfect for the rugged setting. He jogged up the two flights of stairs that led to the front door and pulled open the all-glass door. “Mom? Dad?” Once inside he had another set of stairs to climb. Scott huffed and puffed his way to the top, having little doubt why his folks were in such great shape. He reached the top step and entered the open family room and kitchen. “Scottie!” his mom, Sheila, said, hurrying from the kitchen to give him a big hug. “What a wonderful surprise!” His mom seemed even tinier than usual as she stood smiling at him, her dark eyes shining with happiness. She was a full head shorter than he was, the top of her head barely reaching his shoulder. He loved her with his whole heart. He loved that no matter what, she had always believed in him and his dreams. She’d never tried to force her dreams onto him, like Mrs. Kinkaid had done to Laura. “Great to see you, Mom.” “Are you hungry? What are you doing in town? Are you spending the night?” His mom’s shotgun questions showed him just how excited she was to see him. He knew it had been too long since he’d been back, but he’d been wrapped up in his life in Los Angeles. He resolved then and there to make sure he came back more often. “No, I was just here for a quick chat with Laura.” Scott followed his mom back to the kitchen where they each pulled out a barstool and sat down. His mom placed her hand on his. “How did that go, honey?” “Great, actually. I think we finally have some closure. It felt good,” he said. “I can finally move on.” “Yes, it’s time. You’ve got your new job and your successful travel agency. You have so much going for you right now. We’re so proud of you,” Sheila said. “What about Jamie Kane? That young woman you were photographed with?” Scott felt himself blush. He hadn’t realized the reach of that particular entertainment reporter’s story, or that his mother read the entertainment magazines at all. So much of what was in the tabloids was conjecture or outright fabrications. He’d told his parents long ago not to believe anything they read in those magazines, but he apparently needed to remind them again. “Jamie, well she’s gorgeous, that’s for sure. We had a lot of fun together.” “And?” Sheila said. She’d walked around the kitchen island and pulled out the stool next to him, sitting down. “We’ll see, Mom. She seems like she’s a happy, normal person. It’s a great feeling to be with someone who isn’t jealous and well, we’ll see,” he said. “Did you really meet through one of those dating apps?” she asked, a twinkle in her eye. “We really did, Mom.” He knew his mom was old school. A dating app match just wasn’t in her realm of understanding. For that matter, it was the first time he’d used the app to actually hook up with someone, he’d been with Laura so long. “Well, I’m glad you’re having fun, honey. Nobody says you need to be serious with anyone after such a long relationship with Laura. Take it slowly. Focus on yourself for a little bit,” Sheila said. “A brunette is different for you.” Scott smiled. His mom and Marge Kinkaid couldn’t be more opposite. Sheila only wanted what was best for him while Laura’s mom only wanted to live through her daughter. “Jamie is very different than Laura. We’ll see what happens,” he said. “I need to head back to LA. Tell Dad hello for me. I’ll be home again as soon as I can.” “I’ll be here, honey,” Sheila said, her eyes misting over as usual whenever he visited and then left town again. “Hurry home, and bring your new girlfriend?” Scott smiled. Would Jamie ever meet his parents? What was next for the two of them?
PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach, #1)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | iBooks
Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach, #2)
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Laguna Lights (Laguna Beach, #3)
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Redbook magazine names The Goodbye Year one of the best books of spring!
Here's how Redbook magazine described The Goodbye Year in its list of the 20 best books you absolutely must read this spring!
The Goodbye Year, by Kaira Rouda
Will, Melanie and Sarah are all parents in three separate families grappling with the same issue: their children are graduating high school and soon will be off to college, leaving them with empty houses and no buffer to distract them from their domestic and personal problems. Told from the perspectives of both the parents and the kids, the novel covers how the uncertainty involved with children leaving home for the first time affects family as a whole.
Why we're looking forward to it: The family dramas and dynamics are things that we can all relate to while experiencing them in new ways through the characters.
Thank you, Redbook magazine! Here's the entire list! 20 Best Books to Read This Spring!
Happy reading!
So excited! THE GOODBYE YEAR made the list!!
The Goodbye Year made the list! What list you wonder? Well, the SheKnows media list of "10 Spring Book Releases by Women We Can't Wait to Read" list!
The Goodbye Year is in GREAT company and I can't wait to read all the rest of the books on the list! So, thank you SheKnows and thank you to everybody who has pre-ordered The Goodbye Year, coming out May 3rd! If you haven't reserved your copy yet, print or digital, you are just one click away!
In other exciting news, THE GOODBYE YEAR has been receiving amazing reviews from early readers, including bestselling authors like Kate Hilton! Here is what she thought!
"The Goodbye Year is a book about the profound transition that takes place in families as children prepare to graduate from high school and begin independent lives. Told from varying perspectives – husbands, wives, sons, and daughters – The Goodbye Year offers a fascinating glimpse behind the façade of perfection in small, well-heeled community where image is everything. As college acceptances roll in, or don’t, and marriages evolve, or don’t, parents and children alike struggle to write a future for themselves that may not be the one they planned. A compassionate, wise, and suspenseful tale about the end of one life stage and the beginning of another."
– Kate Hilton, International Bestselling Author of HOLE IN THE MIDDLE
(If you haven't read Kate's book, Hole in the Middle, you should by the way!)
I can't wait until The Goodbye Year is out in the world! I hope you'll add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads, too!
In other book world news, I finally have a new headshot. Why is that process so nerve-wracking, I just don't get it? But my photographer Kristin and her partner Deseree of Blue Sky's Studio in Laguna Beach made the experience fun, and I think the photo turned out as good as it, could given the subject!
Have a wonderful day!
xo
Kaira
Writers who Read Interview and a Happy 2016!
Hi all, Kaira here! I was thrilled to be asked by G.G. Andrew to be her first interview for 2016 in her Writers Who Read interview series, which features a writer each week geeking out over books and reading: The first Writers Who Read interview of 2016 begins with author Kaira Rouda. Welcome, Kaira!
Who are you? Hi! I’m Kaira Rouda, and I write sexy modern romance and women’s fiction novels sparkling with humor and heart. New to the romance world, I’ve been a published author since 2009. My family and I live in Laguna Beach, California – the setting for my most recent romance contemporary romance series.
Which book or series was your gateway into the world of reading? Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. Second grade. I knew I wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember.
Nowadays, what makes you crack open a book instead of pressing play on your favorite Netflix show? Same thing. I’ve always been a reader. I have a pile of TBR books beside my bed, and on my eReader. Reading is life…that said, you do have to socialize in the real world sometimes!
Which authors are auto-buys for you? Why? Jane Porter, because she’s my mentor. Melissa Foster, same reason. Beyond those two, I read widely and at different heat levels in the contemporary romance world. I’m also a women’s fiction or mainstream fiction writer, whatever that means, so I read a lot in the women’s fiction world. Recently, I’ve been reading stories with a little edge, like The Dinner by Herman Koch, and all of Gillian Flynn’s books. I go through phases, because I’ve also had my murder-mystery phase. See, there is no end to the fun in books.
What is your book kryptonite–those unique settings, tropes, or character types that make you unable to resist reading? For me, setting has been the key. My books, no matter the genre, typically start with place. My Indigo Island series of contemporary romance are set on a fictive South Carolina Sea Island, called Indigo Island, based on the real life island called Daufuskie. Laguna Beach Series is, obviously, set in my hometown of Laguna Beach. When I start with place, it gives me grounding and the setting becomes a very important part of the story. My women’s fiction novels to date have been set in a Midwestern Ohio suburb called Grandville, a place very similar to the suburb of Upper Arlington where we lived for many years. Lately, with my romance stories, I’ve been writing about billionaires, tycoons and celebrities – and these folks tend to hang out at the beach, and in LA and New York City. It has been a blast. All three of my Kindle Worlds novellas are set in New York.
What is your ideal time and place to read? At night. In my bed, with my puppies cuddled close.
Are you a re-reader? Why or why not? Nope. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve re-read a book.
Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing? 
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
What makes a book a satisfying read for you? A book is satisfying to me if it lingers on the brain after the last page. When I’m thinking about the story, its characters, long after I’ve finished, that’s a good book. Years later, well, that’s a great book.
What are you reading right now? Tenth of December by George Saunders. My book club read it, but I was on deadline so I couldn’t read it, didn’t even buy it, before we met. I know, a slacker. But I still went to the meeting and was mesmerized. (We have a fabulous book club leader who speaks with a South African accent and makes literature sparkle and shine.) After book club I knew I had to get the book – a collection of short stories – and read it. It’s fabulous. And yes, memorable.
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Happy Holidays, everybody! I hope you have a chance to experience the magic of the season which truly is the sparkle in a little child's eyes, the glow of a warm fire, the laughter with good friends, and the love of family. The best things in life are the experiences shared with others. Treasure these moments. And thank you, so much, for reading my stories. It's wonderful to have you here sharing the journey. Happy reading. Happy holidays. Merry everything! I look forward to spending a fantastic 2016 with you!
xo
Kaira
Below, Santa is enjoying my newest story, Laguna Lights, featuring a sparkling Christmas wedding at the beach. No wonder he's so jolly!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love this holiday. It reminds us of the important things in life!
Be thankful.
Live Simply.
Be Kind.
Do your best.
Use please and thank you.
Cherish family and friends.
Never give up. Believe in yourself.
Listen with your heart.
Help others.
Laugh often and lots.
Have a wonderful day!
Laguna Lights Blog Tour Happening Now!
Hey, guess what? LAGUNA LIGHTS, featuring Laura and Paul, is on tour and there's a fun giveaway, too!
LAGUNA LIGHTS by Kaira Rouda was just released and we are having a blog tour for the book. This is the 3rd in the Laguna Beach series. Each book in this series is a standalone, contemporary romance title. Be sure to check out the buy links below, along with links from the previous books in the series. The blog tour stops are listed below. Follow along and enter to win the rafflecopter for a terrific prize pack!
LAGUNA LIGHTS Synopsis:
Welcome back to Laguna Beach... Laura Kinkaid’s glamorous Hollywood life is falling apart. After years of reality television stardom beginning in high school on Laguna Nights, her career and relationship with her long-term boyfriend Scott are fizzling out. Laura decides to go home to Laguna Beach for the weekend to attend a baby shower for her high school friend. That decision – and a car accident – will lead her to a new future, if she’s ready to take a chance at love.
Paul Dorn’s former life in New York City is far behind him and he’s working in a popular Laguna Beach surf shop when fate brings the most beautiful woman he’s ever met into his life. The attraction is instant and he has an overwhelming desire to protect her. While Paul’s retail sales career is a short-term job for market research purposes, his focus on Laura is long-term.
Will Laura allow a handsome stranger to help her create a future unlike her past, or will the bright lights of Hollywood pull her back to LA?
PURCHASE IT NOW
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play
PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach, #1)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | iBooks
Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach, #2)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | iBooks
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, November 23
What Is That Book About Trulee V's Spot Book Blog
Tuesday, November 24
Wednesday, November 25
Witchy Richey's Booktastic Reviews Ashleyz Wonderland Ellesea Loves Reading
Thursday, November 26
Indy Book Fairy Collector of book boyfriends
Friday, November 27
Pretty Little Book Reviews A Sky Full of Stars Blog
Saturday, November 28
Sunday, November 29
Pretty Little Book Blog Evermore Books
WEEK 2 Monday, November 30
My YA NA Book Obsession Becca Reads A Lot
Tuesday, December 1
Southern Yankee Book Reviews Love Affair With Fiction
Wednesday, December 2
Sweet 'n Sassy Bookaholics Blazinbear's Book Blog Renee Entress's Blog
Thursday, December 3
Once Upon A Story Sassy and Delicious Books
Friday, December 4
Book Angel Booktopia Fictional Rendezvous Book Groupies SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews Echoing Books Got Nikki?
Monday, December 21
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Kaira Rouda is a USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women's fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart. Her women's fiction titles include HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and IN THE MIRROR. Her bestselling short story is titled, A MOTHER'S DAY. Kaira's work has won the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader's Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer's Digest International Book Awards. Her books have been widely reviewed and featured in leading magazines.
Her sexy contemporary romance series set on INDIGO ISLAND includes: WEEKEND WITH THE TYCOON, Book 1; HER FORBIDDEN LOVE, Book 2; THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, Book 3; and THE BILLIONAIRE'S BID, Book 4. Each of these novellas can be read as a stand alone, or enjoyed as a series. Her new series is set in LAGUNA BEACH and includes: LAGUNA NIGHTS, Book 1; LAGUNA HEIGHTS, Book 2; and LAGUNA LIGHTS, Book 3 coming winter 2015. She also helped launch Melissa Foster's The Remington's Kindle World with her bestselling novella, SPOTLIGHT ON LOVE, and is part of Carly Phillips Dare to Love Kindle World with THE CELEBRITY DARE.
Her nonfiction titles, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, and REAL YOU FOR AUTHORS: 8 Essentials for Women Writers (available for free download on her website) continue to inspire.
She lives in Southern California with her husband and four almost-grown kids, and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books and on her website, KairaRouda.com.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Yay! It's pub day for Laguna Lights, Laguna Beach Book 3!
Available today for your eReader or in paperback, Laguna Lights is "it girl" Laura's story and can be read alone or as part of the Laguna Beach series. Here's the scoop: Welcome back to Laguna Beach, California ...
Laura Kinkaid’s glamorous Hollywood life is falling apart. After years of reality television stardom beginning in high school on Laguna Nights, her career and relationship with her long-term boyfriend Scott are fizzling out. Laura decides to go home to Laguna Beach for the weekend to attend a baby shower for her high school friend. That decision – and a car accident – will lead her to a new future, if she’s ready to take a chance at love.
Paul Dorn’s former life in New York City is far behind him and he’s working in a popular Laguna Beach surf shop when fate brings the most beautiful woman he’s ever met into his life. The attraction is instant and he has an overwhelming desire to protect her. While Paul’s retail sales career is a short-term job for market research purposes, his focus on Laura is long-term.
Will Laura allow a handsome stranger to help her create a future unlike her past, or will the bright lights of Hollywood pull her back to LA?
Get your copy here!
Amazon Kindle: http://smarturl.it/LLAMZBarnes and Noble Nook: http://smarturl.it/LLBNKobo: http://smarturl.it/LLKbiBooks: http://smarturl.it/LLiBGooglePlay: http://smarturl.it/LLGPAmazon Print: http://smarturl.it/LLAMZPrintBarnes and Noble Print: http://smarturl.it/LLBNPrint
***Laguna Lights can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. And if you enjoy Laura and Paul's love story, please consider reading the rest of the Laguna Beach series.
Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach Book 1), Madison and Josh's story Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach Book 2), Annie and Hank's story Laguna Lights (Laguna Beach Book 3), Laura and Paul's story Laguna Sights (Laguna Beach Book 4), Coming early 2016!
It's the 99 cent InkHeart Authors BUCKtoberfest!
From today until October 26th, grab your choice of these fabulous books from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, for just 99 cents each! Including LAGUNA NIGHTS, Laguna Beach Book 1!! Click on either image or here to visit the official BUCKtoberfest page and start reading!! This promotion is all treats, no tricks!
Happy Halloween!!
LAGUNA HEIGHTS is here!
Just in time for cooler temperatures (unless you happen to live in Laguna Beach where it is blazing hot) and cozy reading spots, the latest installment of the Laguna Beach series - Laguna Heights - is out today! I hope you'll enjoy Annie and Hank's story as much as I enjoyed writing it! Here's the blurb: Annie and Hank have created a perfect life in Laguna Beach but when a dark secret is revealed, will their marriage survive?
In high school, Annie Johns was the calm, supportive sidekick to the rest of the tumultuous female stars of the hit reality TV show, Laguna Nights. Today, she’s living the happy life as a mom that she predicted on the show long ago. There’s only one problem: the secret from her past that haunts her most nights, a secret that if revealed could ruin everything she shares with her husband, Hank, a man who saved her from the heartache.
***Laguna Heights can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novella. And if you enjoy Annie and Hank's story, please consider reading the rest of the Laguna Beach series.
Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach Book 1), Madison and Josh's story Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach Book 2), Annie and Hank's story Laguna Lights (Laguna Beach Book 3), Laura and Paul's story coming November 10th (Pre-order NOW!) Laguna Sights (Laguna Beach Book 4), Coming early 2016!
PS: I LOVE my covers for this series, and hope you do too! Photography by my son, Trace Rouda, and cover design by Sarah Hansen. Love it!
Coming soon! Laguna Heights, Laguna Beach Book 2
Hopefully, you had a chance to read Laguna Nights, Laguna Beach Book 1. In it, you met Annie Johns, Madison's best friend in high school. Oh, and if you haven't read the first book, don't worry. Each Laguna Beach book stands alone. 
I love the cover, and hope you do, too! My son, Trace Rouda, shot the photographs for all of the books in the series and Sarah Hansen designed the cover.
About LAGUNA HEIGHTS, Book 2 in the Laguna Beach series
In high school, Annie Johns was the calm, supportive sidekick to the rest of the tumultuous female stars of the hit reality TV show, Laguna Nights. Today, she’s living the happy life as a mom that she predicted on the show long ago. There’s only one problem: the secret from her past that haunts her most nights, a secret that if revealed could ruin everything she shares with her husband, Hank, a man who saved her from the heartache.
LAGUNA HEIGHTS releases October 15th – add it to your Goodreads TBR list!
And if you'd like, you can preorder LAGUNA HEIGHTS now! Amazon · Kobo · iBooks
Happy October
Season changes always make me feel retrospective, how about you?
Especially abrupt changes. Yesterday, I travelled from 90-degrees and sunny Tampa, Florida, to 50-degrees and raining Boston. In the blink of a three hour flight, I'd arrived in heavy fall. I'm settling in for a long, cool weekend in Boston.
It's Family Weekend for my son's college and we'll be busy. We'll be bundled up and reconnecting in that awkward and wonderful way that you do when it's the first visit with your college freshman. It has only been 29 days since we dropped him off - and yes, I'm counting - but it seemed like forever, and yesterday at the same time. But now I'm with him, or about to be when he arrives at my hotel, and it's a happy start to my October.
Hope your weekend is great, too.
Have you read Annie and Hank's love story yet?
LAGUNA HEIGHTS, Laguna Beach Book 2, Exclusively Available in LOVE EVER AFTER boxed set!
Grab it for just 99 CENTS: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Price goes up after this weekend!
Laguna Heights: In high school, Annie Johns was the calm, supportive sidekick to the rest of the tumultuous female stars of the hit reality TV show, Laguna Nights. Today, she’s living the happy life as a mom that she predicted on the show long ago. There’s only one problem: the secret from her past that haunts her most nights, a secret that if revealed could ruin everything she shares with her husband, Hank, a man who saved her from the heartache.
Laguna Nights Pub Day and Giveaways!
To celebrate the release of Laguna Nights, the first in my new romance series set in Laguna Beach, I'm hosting a week of giveaways on my Facebook fan page and I'd love for you to join me there! To start the celebration, there will be a virtual Laguna Beach Bash today beginning at 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. Pacific! And what could you win at the beach bash? I'll be joined by fabulous romance authors including Michele Scott, Melissa Foster, Zoe York, Melanie Shawn, Rachelle Ayala, and more, each with her own fun beach-themed contest. Plus, I'll be giving away a fabulous Laguna Beach themed gift that includes an autographed copy of Laguna Nights!
I'm so lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and I hope, as you read Laguna Nights, you'll be transported here, too! Here's a bit about Madison and Josh's story:
Madison Alcott left her Laguna Beach childhood in the past as soon as she could, never imagining she’d be forced to return. Caring for her ill mother and holding down a high-pressure position at the best resort in town, Madison’s life is as good as it could ever be in Laguna Beach. And blissfully, nobody knows her as Holly anymore, the name she used on television. Everything changes when her high school boyfriend appears in the lobby. He was the reason she’d left Laguna in the first place when he humiliated her on national television.
Josh Welsh’s star has been dimming ever since he shot to fame as the high school heartthrob on the reality TV series Laguna Nights. Hoping to reignite his career, he agreed to host a travel show, with the first episode shooting in his old hometown of Laguna Beach. Of all the negative scenarios associated with filming in Laguna, Josh hadn’t calculated a run-in with Madison, or that the same deep connection he felt for her in high school would still be there.
Madison and Josh’s reality TV relationship exploded years ago but when the new series forces them together, they must face Laguna Nights past and present.
I hope you'll grab your own copy of Laguna Nights, print or ebook and spend some time in beautiful Laguna Beach!
Laguna Nights Goodreads Giveaway until July 14th
Great news! Ten copies of the first book in my new modern romance series, Laguna Nights, are available to win on Goodreads! Enter here! It's an exciting time around here, preparing for my first print book release in more than a year! Please enter to win, add Laguna Nights to your to read shelf and good luck!! Happy Summer!
New Romance Novel The Billionaire's Bid out today!
Book birthdays are fun! And scary, and well, a lot of other things. Having your book come to life, leave your imagination and your desktop for well, however far it flows, is an amazing and daunting process. I'm so blessed to have been able to try my hand at writing contemporary romance and I have to say, I love it. I hope you will, too! The Billionaire's Bid is Book 4 of my Indigo Island Series, but you don't have to read the other three to jump in! Here's the story - and the gorgeous cover!
Handsome tycoon James Putnam is acting CEO of his family’s logging company, Putnam Industries. He needs to land a big deal to prove to the board he’s capable of leading the company. If not, his father’s right-hand-man is more than willing to fill the role. James hurries to Indigo Island alone, certain he has what it takes to win the bid, earn the CEO title and save the island from uncontrolled logging.
Aubrey Templeton is a gorgeous magazine reporter facing a mountain of debt after her parents’ tragic deaths. The only asset she has to leverage is 2,500 acres of old growth forest on Indigo Island. She hires Dirk Cooley, a forester, to create a forest management plan for her family’s land and to solicit multiple logger bids to lease the land. Aubrey insists James Putnam’s company is included since she still hasn’t forgotten the one night of incredible sex they shared over a year ago, and she’s sure he’ll be eager for a repeat performance.
What Aubrey doesn’t know is that James is a changed man, who is determined to prove he didn’t get his job as a birth right. He is determined to never again mix business with pleasure, although keeping Aubrey at arms length during their negotiations tests James’ discipline and will power, especially as he finds himself in the role of tour guide for the sexy landowner and later as her protector when an unscrupulous forester targets them both in a revenge plot hatched to destroy the Putnam family.
Ready to read? I hope so!
Real You: What makes you happy?
What makes you happy? An interesting question, right? And, if you're like me, on any given day, at any given time, your answer about happiness what brings it to you could be very different. It could be the beauty of the sunset, the smile of a child, the vibrant colors of a flower, the embrace from a loved one. All of those things can bring us happiness, but it all starts from within. We know this, yet, often we seek happiness externally, afraid to trust that we are enough. That we are in fact in charge of our own happiness, protecting and loving ourselves enough to make that happiness come to life. And when we take charge of that thought, really believe it, it makes all the outward expressions of joy that much more special.
I know, it's not easy, but we're all on this happy journey together, so keep at it. I will, too. Next month, I'll celebrate the four year anniversary of my debut novel, HERE, HOME, HOPE. That story is filled with happiness, and gratitude. A dream come true, actually, and it has been a blessing to have readers from all over affirm its impact on their lives whether simply from the story or more profoundly, from the Things to Change list sprinkled throughout. Either way, that makes me happy! 
Another happy event is the upcoming release on April 20th of THE BILLIONAIRE'S BID, book four in the Indigo Island Romance Series - preorder is available now!! - and the rebranding of Book 2, HER FORBIDDEN LOVE. It has been such a joy to become a member of the romance writer's community and in fact, I'm excited to be leading a workshop at the national Romance Writer's of America conference in New York in July!!
I hope you are having a happy life and that your on a path to make your dreams come true. Because, life is short and happiness is an inside job! Namaste!
New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors - and me!
FALL IN LOVE Twenty
FIRST IN SERIES
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Twenty First in Series Romances from New York Times, USA Today and national bestselling authors!
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Lovers at Heart (The Bradens, #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Melissa Foster: Handsome, wealthy resort owner Treat Braden is used to getting what he wants. Max Armstrong has been hurt one too many times. When a chance encounter turns into a night of intense passion, Treat realizes that the mistake he made six months earlier may cause him to lose Max completely. He will do everything within his power to win her heart forever—and Max is forced to face her hurtful past head on for the man she cannot help but love.
Tainted (Blood Lily Chronicles #1) by New York Times bestselling author, J. Kenner: "Can I just say that dying sucks"
Tear (A Seaside Novel #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken: Life as a teenager is never easy. But for Natalee Murray, things have just gotten way more difficult. Bored with life, she can't wait to graduate high school and get out of town, especially considering the famous band members from AD2 suddenly start attending her school, making her once boring life, absolutely insane.
My First - Jason & Katie (The Crossroads Series #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Melanie Shawn: Jason "Romeo" Sloan can have any girl he wants. Except one. Katie's the one girl who isn't putty in his hands and the only one he's ever wanted in his arms. You never forget your first and Jason was Katie's first friend, first kiss, first...everything. She’s always loved him, she just didn’t know it.
A Bride for a Billionaire (A Billionaire, A Virgin, and a Marriage #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Hawkeye: Matteo Benenati has spent his life wrapped in wealth and privilege. He is shallow, selfish, jaded—and he likes it that way. When bold American art student Riley Tremaine crashes into his life, her light forces him to examine the dark places inside of his soul, the ones he thought he’d buried with his father. He knows he should let her go… but he’s never claimed to be a good man. When Matteo is pitted against his unscrupulous stepsister Emilia Guerra in a bid for his late father’s empire, he must decide between honor and vice. In need of a wife—and desperate to possess her—Matteo makes Riley an offer she can’t refuse. She will be his bride—in every meaning of the word—so that he can protect his legacy. But Matteo soon learns that Emilia’s soul is darker even than his own. And by marrying Riley, he has made her a pawn in a power struggle that could shatter their world.
Crashing Down (Stone Cliff Series #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Cathryn Fox: Will the fire they created turn to ash when it all comes crashing down?
Getting Out of Hand (Sapphire Falls #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Erin Nicholas: Genius Mason Riley can cure world hunger and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he’s not sure he can get through his high school class reunion. Then he meets the new girl in town. Sapphire Falls has been Adrianne Scott's escape from her fast-paced, high stress lifestyle. Now she just wants to open her candy shop and live a quiet, drama-free life. Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her. Good thing no one falls in love in a weekend.
Arouse (A Spiral of Bliss Novel #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Nina Lane: After three years of a blissful, lusty marriage, Liv and Dean West are forced to confront dark secrets and temptations that threaten everything they believe about each other.
Two Are Better Than One (Carnal Coeds #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Suzanne Rock: Irish exchange students Quinn and Declan have lost hope of ever finding a permanent third to complete them. Then they meet she, reclusive Hannah and everything changes. Will the straight-laced graduate student be open to a three-way relationship? They’ll have to do everything they can to convince her that two men are better than one.
Come Monday (Wild Irish #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Mari Carr: After the death of her mother, Keira became a surrogate parent to her younger siblings, her dreams put on hold. Now, at 27, she’s finally pursuing a college degree. She has no time for romance. So why is she spending all her free time fantasizing about hot Professor Wallace bending her over his desk?
Through My Window (Red Light #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Jayne Rylon: What happens when a sex worker falls in love with her client but doesn't plan to quit her job?
Love in a Small Town (Pine Harbour #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Zoe York: Six years. Two break-ups. One divorce. They should be over each other. A small town military romance.
One Hot Fall Term (Yardley College Chronicles #1) by New York Times bestselling author, Sharon Page: I’m Mia Reynolds, 19 years old, and I have to give up the guy I love to go to the college of my dreams. Hardened by a tough life, but sexy and loyal, Ryan Taylor is to die for. Can we make a long distance relationship work with hot texts and scorching weekends? But when Ryan starts to discover my darkest secrets, will I lose him forever?
Tempt Me Cowboy (Montana Millionaires #1) by USA Today bestselling author, Megan Crane: She's the good girl schoolteacher who's never been anything but admirable, he's the bad boy Texan billionaire who's invaded her Montana hometown and worse--plans to turn the historic railway depot that was once her family's into a microbrewery. But what happens when sparks fly between these natural enemies?
Weekend with the Tycoon (Indigo Island #1) by bestselling author, Kaira Rouda: Pretty Woman, island style. An alpha tycoon selects his innocent assistant to be his "date" for his sister's wedding. He has everything planned until sparks start to fly and the romance takes flight. This could change everything.
Summer of Change (The Springs #1) by bestselling author, Elena Aitken: Samantha Burke likes her town just the way it is. A major resort is certainly not welcome, nor is the arrogant, and way too good looking owner, Trent Harrison. Change is the last thing she wants, but it just might be everything she needs.
Grif (Redstone Clan #1) by bestselling author, Bianca D'Arc: Grif seeks peace in the country after too much sorrow. Lindsey must repay a debt - if the locals will let her. Thrown together, neither can deny their attraction, but will an old enemy rip them apart?
Rumor Has It (Limelight #1) by bestselling author, Elisabeth Grace: All publicity is good publicity, right? Yeah, unless you're Ellie Wagner. After a viral video gone bad Ellie wants nothing to do with her new found fame. But what's a girl to do when she falls for Mason Nash, hip hop's rising star? Hello spotlight.
The Temperate Warrior (The Warrior Sagas #1) by bestselling author, Renee Vincent: He was her champion. She was his weakness. Together, they loved with wild abandon.
Rocked (Lost in Oblivion #1) by bestselling authors, Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliot: Opening for their idols on their first tour, Oblivion is living the dream. Deacon McCoy, used to managing the band, is at loose ends now that the label has taken over. Brutal workouts keep him sane, but romancing the deliciously cute tour chef gives him a glimpse of something more important than his bass guitar. As the child of roadie parents, Harper Pruitt sees musicians as one step above the scraps on her cutting board. Until Deacon. But she has her own dreams to chase...even if what she's building with him might be the biggest one of all.