Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Interview and Giveaway with Alexa Grace


Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?

I began my writing journey in March 2011 when the Sr. Director of Training & Development position I'd held for thirteen years was eliminated. A door closed but another one opened. I finally had the time to pursue my childhood dream of writing books. My focus is now on writing riveting romantic suspense novels including my popular Deadly Series (DEADLY OFFERINGS, DEADLY RELATIONS DEADLY RELATIONS, and DEADLY HOLIDAY.  I became a USA Today Bestselling Author in 2013.

Readers are describing my new Profile Series (PROFILE OF EVIL and PROFILE OF TERROR) as "edge of your seat reading from page one to the end".  PROFILE OF FEAR is coming in 2015.  My books are in ebook and print formats.

I currently live in Florida with my daughter and five Miniature Schnauzers, three of which are rescues.   As a writer, I am fueled by Starbucks lattes, chocolate and communicating  with my street team and readers.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to tell the story of the terror a community would experience if two teenaged thrill killers and an escape serial killer were abducting innocent victims and killing them at will. In addition, there were two tender romance stories that needed to be told.

Please tell us about your latest release.

In PROFILE OF TERROR (Book #2 of the Profile Series):

A missing coed named Abby Reece.

Two clever thrill killers are committing the most brutal, public, and horrifying abductions and murders in the county’s history.  The killers, known as the Gamers, have done this before, and are now upping their evil game to a new level.  The question is — can they be stopped before they kill again?

Things get complicated.

When an ex-girlfriend goes missing, Private Investigator Gabe Chase is obsessed with finding her.  But once her naked and posed body is discovered, the investigator becomes the investigated.  His passion for the victim’s beautiful sister is a complication he doesn't need, as he helps solve the county’s most baffling, terrifying murder cases ever.

Add a sociopathic serial killer who calls himself the Master.

A serial killer so deadly, the FBI’s behavioral analysts want to know when and why he began killing, as well as the identification and location of additional victims.  He will speak only to former federal agent, Carly Stone, a woman he blames for his capture.  When the profiler finds herself at the mercy of this ruthless killer, his becomes the most terrifying profile of all.

Profile of Terror

Three chilling villains, two passionate love stories, and pulse-racing suspense with startling plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats from page one of this heart-pounding and unforgettable romantic suspense.

Profile of Terror is available in ebook and print versions on: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords.  (Note: Amazon has an app for iPad users.)

Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?

The sexual sadist, serial killer (Jim Ryder) in both Profile of Evil and profile of terror has been the most challenging to write because his character required so much research.  I was determined that his character, behaviors, and actions be credible so I researched by reading books written by profilers, discussed with my subject matter experts, and did extensive Internet research.   This research was also needed so I could write an accurate profile for my profiler, Carly Stone, character.

What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?

One of my favorite scenes in PROFILE OF TERROR involves the characters Kaitlyn and Gabe when someone is shooting at her house.  This short excerpt may explain why it is a favorite.
Suddenly a small dot of red light appeared on the wall next to them. 
"What is that?" asked Kaitlyn.
Recognizing it as the laser light from a gun, Gabe grabbed Kaitlyn out of her chair and hit the floor, landing on top of her.
"Ouch!"  She squealed.  "Okay, I get it.  You're into rough sex.  But you're killing my back. Besides that, I'm famished. Can't we have pizza first?"
Gabe shifted, balancing his weight on his elbows, placed his hand over her mouth, and whispered, "Kaitlyn, that red light is from a laser mounted onto a gun.  Someone is outside."
"Oh, c'mon.  You can think of a better reason to jump me than that."
Shots rang out, shattering the window, as well as the china and wine glasses on the table, shooting splintered glass projectiles throughout the room and cutting Gabe's back.
Now terrified, Kaitlyn tightened her arms around Gabe, clamping down like a vise grip, as her heart hammered against her chest.
"Damn it!"  Gabe cursed.  "I left my gun in the glove box in my truck."
"Gun?  I've got guns!"  Kaitlyn pushed at him.  "Get off me.  They're in my bedroom closet."
Looking down at her, Gabe shook his head.  "Why am I not surprised?"
"As much as I'm turned on by your buff, sexy body pressing against mine, if you could please roll off of me, I'll get my guns."

What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?

I attended and graduated from the local Law Enforcement Academy where I learned everything there is to know about solving crimes.  I met at one of the classes a man who heads the major crime department and he became one of my best subject matter experts for each of my books.

When did you consider yourself a writer?

I started looking at myself as a writer when my first book DEADLY OFFERINGS was released on Christmas Day 2011.  The positive reviews motivated me to write the next book and the next.

What are your guilty pleasures in life?

Unfortunately most of my guilty pleasures in life are fattening, like turtle ice cream sundaes made with hot caramel, hot fudge, and pecans sprinkled on top.  I think I gained a couple of pounds just writing that.  I'm also crazy about Starbucks' mocha lattes.  Few people know that I celebrate the release of each book with Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream. (My secret is now out.)

Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?

I love spending time with my family and friends.  I believe they are our true gifts in life.  I also like exploring small towns, eating at their restaurants, shopping at their stores.  Also, I love watching Lifetime movies curled up on my sofa with my warm and cuddly miniature Schnauzers at my side.

What was the last amazing book you read?

I just finished James Patterson's new book INVISIBLE which has to be his most chilling stand-alone book ever.  FBI research analyst, Emmy Dockery finds the link between hundreds of unsolved murder cases — but no one will believe her.  Add her ex, field agent Books Bookman and the two races against time to catch the prolific killer.  There are lots of suspense and twists and turns.  My kind of book.

Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?

My favorite time to read is at bedtime.  As an author, I work a regular work day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. so it's the best time to relax with a good book.

What can readers expect next from you?

I am in the research phase of my next book PROFILE OF FEAR (Book #3 of the Profile Series).  The book involves human trafficking so I am reading a lot of information on how traffickers operate.  The information is interesting but terrifying at the same time. 

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website is: http://www.alexa-grace.net/ .  I invite readers to join my author Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaGrace .  Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AlexaGrace2
My Amazon Author page, where you can take a look at all of my books, is: http://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Grace/e/B006QKYVB2

Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?

The scene in PROFILE OF TERROR that cracks me up is when Gabe bumps against Kaitlyn's purse and send it flying along with all kinds of self-defense paraphernalia across the floor.  The way she describes each self-defense tool is hilarious.  Here's a short excerpt.
He nodded, and picked up another pink object.  “Is this what I think it is?”
“Ah, the Blaster stun gun, a girl’s best friend.  Actually, it’s one of my favorites.  Notice it’s dual-purpose with the built-in rechargeable flashlight,” Kaitlyn began.  “The Blaster may look pink and girlish, but that baby delivers a powerful punch of 19,000,000 volts.  Just firing it into the air should be enough to stop any attacker with half a brain.  It makes a scary electrical popping sound as the blinding electric current pulsates between the test prongs.  One touch and the Blaster is guaranteed to bring a would-be assailant to his knees. Very cool.”
Shaking his head, Gabe said, “I don’t know whether to think you’re a modern-day female avenger or a sales rep for self-defense weapons.”
  
Profile of Terror
Profile Series
Book Two
Alexa Grace

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Publisher:  Golden Publishing, L.L.C.

Date of Publication: May 2014

ISBN-10: 0985593962
ISBN-13: 978-0-9855939-6-4
ASIN: B00KAMWA7Y

Number of pages: 263
Word Count: 80,583

Cover Artist:  Christy Carlyle of Gilded Heart Design

Book Description:

A missing coed named Abby Reece.

Two clever thrill killers are committing the most brutal, public, and horrifying abductions and murders in the county’s history.  The killers, known as the Gamers, have done this before, and are now upping their evil game to a new level.  The question is — can they be stopped before they kill again?

Things get complicated.

When an ex-girlfriend goes missing, Private Investigator Gabe Chase is obsessed with finding her.  But once her naked and posed body is discovered, the investigator becomes the investigated.  His passion for the victim’s beautiful sister is a complication he doesn't need, as he helps solve the county’s most baffling, terrifying murder cases ever.

Add a sociopathic serial killer who calls himself the Master.

A serial killer so deadly, the FBI’s behavioral analysts want to know when and why he began killing, as well as the identification and location of additional victims.  He will speak only to former federal agent, Carly Stone, a woman he blames for his capture.  When the profiler finds herself at the mercy of this ruthless killer, his becomes the most terrifying profile of all.

Profile of Terror

Three chilling villains, two passionate love stories, and pulse-racing suspense with startling plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats from page one of this heart-pounding and unforgettable romantic suspense.

Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/wZKSJmrHrRM   

Available at   Amazon US  Amazon UK  Amazon CA   Amazon AU   BN


About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Alexa Grace began her writing journey in March 2011 when the Sr. Director of Training & Development position she'd held for thirteen years was eliminated. A door closed but another one opened. She finally had the time to pursue her childhood dream of writing books. Her focus is now on writing riveting romantic suspense novels.

Alexa Grace is consistently listed in top twenty of Amazon's Top 100 Most Popular Authors in the categories Romantic Suspense and Police Procedural.  In 2013, she was named one of the top 100 Indie authors by Kindle Review. A chapter is devoted to her in the book Interviews with Indie Authors by C. Ridgway and T. Ridgway.

Her books Deadly Offerings, Deadly Deception, and Deadly Relations are listed in e-retailer's Top 100 Bestselling Romantic Suspense and Police Procedural Books.  Deadly Offerings has not left the top ten bestselling free mystery romance and police procedural books since 2011.

Deadly Holiday, published in November 2012, is her holiday-themed romantic suspense novella, featuring all her Deadly Trilogy characters.

Alexa Grace's book Deadly Relations is included in the bestselling book set The Perfect Ten along with Dianna Love, Norah Wilson, Nancy Naigle, Andrienne Giordano, Misty Evans, Sandy Blair, Mary Buckham, Tonya Kappes and Micah Caipa.

Profile of Evil, the first book of the Profile Series was published in May 2013. Profile of Terror was released in May 2014  and Profile of Fear will be released in 2015.

Earning two degrees from Indiana State University, Alexa currently lives in Florida. She's a member of Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.

Her writing support team includes five Miniature Schnauzers, three of which are rescues. As a writer, she is fueled by Starbucks lattes, chocolate and emails from readers.

You can visit her website at - http://www.alexa-grace.net/

Subscribe to her newsletter at - http://eepurl.com/sJ-Df


Tweet her - @AlexaGrace2






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9 comments:

Trin said...

If you are looking for a good fast paced keep you on the edge of our seat book pick any of Alexa Grace's you will not be disappointed

Alexa Grace said...

I'm very excited to be a guest today. Thank you for inviting me.

Unknown said...

I've read all your books and I love love love your books. So excited for Profile of Fear to be released.

Anonymous said...

Love your books, a very skilled author. You keep me on the edge of my seat with the stories the characters want you to tell.

Teresa Stirewalt

Jackie Dickson said...

Alexa Grace is a masterful storyteller. You can't go wrong with any of her work.

Mistie Lamb said...

Never knew when I downloaded a free book called "Deadly Offerings" I would become so addicted. Love all of Alexa's books!

Books Books and More Books said...

Still stalking the amazing Alexa Grace.

You nailed the bad guy - he freaked me the hell out.

bn100 said...

Nice teaser

Kimberly Sue said...

Definitely adding this to my TBR list!

 
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