Holiday Fun with Author Alexa Bourne

Romantic Suspense author Alexa Bourne is no stranger to Romantic Interludes. Alexa is a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance and is thrilled to have the chance to share her stories with readers everywhere.

When she’s not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV, and thinking about exercising. Okay, she also spends way too much time interacting with readers and writers on social media sites. But don’t tell her editors!

 Let's welcome her today as our special guest!  

Happy Holiday Alexa!

Happy Holidays, everyone! Do you have a favorite holiday movie? I do! I love almost any version of A Christmas Carol. I will watch cartoon versions, TV movie adaptations, stage productions. As a middle school teacher, I’ve had my students perform the play for other classes and I’ve guided student groups to create their own version of the play. I love the story of Scrooge and how his heart opens to the world around him. I love that the movie expresses what our world should be like no matter what our differences are.

My favorite version of the movie is the 1951 black and white version starring Alistair Sim. I don’t know why this is my favorite. I think part of it might be because in that time period, Hollywood didn’t have all the bling and pizzazz with movie production it has now, but the actors still managed to give such a charming life to an age-old story we can all relate to.

The years I lived alone, several hundred miles from my family and with no money to fly home, it became a tradition to watch it on Christmas Eve. After dinner, I would plug in the Christmas tree lights, light up candles in the living room, open my gifts people had sent me, and then sit on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate while I watched the movie. (Don’t worry. I wasn’t alone for the whole holiday! I worked early Christmas morning & then spent the day with my closest friend and her family.)  

How about you? Do you have a favorite holiday movie? What is it that draws you to the story?

Find out more about Alexa Bourne and her books on her website

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Tuesday Teaser - Simple Treasures from Alex Bourne

Alexa Bourne has a sexy new book that is a must have for the holiday season. 

Check out this hot new romantic suspense.

Take-charge bodyguard Colin Munro believes working for the International Protective Network will be the perfect occupation for him. Unfortunately, his trial assignment is protecting a woman who has no intention of blindly following orders. Aye, he’ll bring the bonnie lass in line because there’s no way he’ll allow her to ruin his chance of securing his dream job.

Physically and emotionally scarred during her stint as a U.S. soldier, Joanna Grainger wants nothing more than to enjoy life. New Year's Eve in Edinburgh marks the beginning of her transformation. But when she witnesses a crime no one believes occurred, her plans come to a screeching halt. To make matters worse, her sexy but headstrong bodyguard has no compassion for her or the victim.

As danger hunts them during one of the busiest times of the year, Joanna must convince Colin she's a worthy partner. But first, can she convince herself?

Excerpt:

Joanna bolted upright. Darkness wrapped her in its hideous embrace. And silence reigned. Her heart raced. She flattened her hands on the mattress beneath her.

Mattress. Bed. Colin’s hotel room.

Rustling sounds came from the floor. The bedside lamp flickered on. Colin propped himself up, one knee bent and an arm dangling over it. He squinted against the brightness. “Are you all right?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” She brushed her fingers under her eyes.

“Don’t be daft, lass.”

“I had a bad dream.” She smoothed her hair back off her face. Moisture beaded at her temples.

“Here we call it a nightmare.” He smiled, and at once she relaxed her shoulders.

“Americans do, too.” After another deep breath, she said, “I’ll be all right.” Once her heart rate slowed to normal. With her forearm, she wiped perspiration from her forehead.

He stood, padded into the bathroom, and ran the faucet. When he returned, he sat beside her, tucked his finger under her chin, and pressed the cloth to her cheek. The cool moisture soothed her burning skin.

She reached up and covered his hand with hers. “I can do that.”

“I know.” He brushed her fingers away. “But you’ll not.”

After a few seconds, he moved the wet towel across her forehead and to her other cheek.

When he reached her neck, she sighed and closed her eyes for a few valuable seconds.

“Thank you.”

His gentle caress reminded her how much she’d missed simple comfort…from anyone.

“You’re welcome.” The cloth soon disappeared. “Now, will you tell me what you dreamed about?”

“Mark Rawlings. I dreamed I was back in the train car and he was bleeding out on the floor. The guy with him faded into the background, but I could see the man’s hands and lips moving. I couldn’t hear anything, though. Then somebody jabbed me with something, and my blood drained out of my body, but there was nothing I could do. The guy standing stayed in front of me. There was another voice, but the words were garbled.”

“Did you see anyone else?”

“No, but at the end I wasn’t paying attention. I was losing consciousness.” She tilted her head to one side and into her palm. “Colin, what am I going to do if we don’t find the professor’s attacker soon?”

“We’ll take it one day at a time.” Strong, confident, able to leap tall buildings and all…even in the middle of the night.

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Author Alexa Bourne Talks About Writing

On a dark rainy night,

nothing is better than reading a thrilling suspense with a compelling romance to spice it up.

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Alexa Bourne is THE author to write such a tale. She has many books out including the fast paced and incredibly hot story Wake Me (Hidden Destiny) and Chasing Gold (Beyond Fairytales) from Decadent Publishing. During her spare time she even offers on-line writing classes!  How cool is that!

 

Alexa has stopped by to give us a look into her life as a writer.

Thanks for joining us today. Make yourself comfortable. 

Help yourself to some tea and chocolate. 

So tell us, how long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. My first “book” over 100 pages was when I was in middle school a LOOOONG time ago. I have 11 books out and I’m part of 1 anthology that just recently released.

A born writer! What genre and topics do you like to write? Is there a topic you would never write about?

My favorite genre is romantic suspense. After my 11^th book came out I finally realized I love writing about people who are thrown out of their element and must find a way to gather their courage. As for something I wouldn’t write about….I’m not sure. At the moment, I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t try.

Sounds like you have a bit of an adventurous writer’s soul. Do you have a special place you like to write or a particular writing process?

I don’t have a specific place I write, but I do have a process. I start each story with only a vague idea of the plot and both main characters. The specifics of the romance, the people and the suspense all come through during the rough draft. The only habit I have is making a soundtrack for each book with at least 1 or 2 songs that specifically represent each couple. I usually listen to that soundtrack over and over as I write that book.

OMG… I do soundtracks too!!! Music always comes up with readers. Do you ever meet your readers?

I have met readers (and love it!). I’ve only had the opportunity to do 1 book signing so far but I look forward to doing more. When I’m able to go to conventions I love to do so. I hope to do more in the next few years.

I love meeting with fans. What is a question most people ask you?

The #1 question I get is “How much money do you make?” I don’t answer it or I might say, “I’m not going to tell you.”

LOL! Hey, summer time is coming fast. I’m sure you hope to find time to read. What is on your TBR pile right now?

The Lair by Emily McKay, Far Gone by Laura Griffin, The Hit by David Baldacci, a bunch of books by Jill Shalvis. Of course there are TONS more in a suitcase, on bookshelves, in boxes in storage….

Ooooo…. I love Jill’s Animal Magnetism series and the baseball novels. Would you say you are a daydreamer?

Not really. I don’t have time to daydream!

As a mom of 3 athletic boys, I don’t have a clue what spare time is. I don’t even have a chance to clean out my purse! Say…if we were to take a sneak peak in your purse, what would we find?

My wallet, promo cards, my headphones for my iphone, a pen & little notepad, tissues and lots of receipts. I know, boring.

I know about “lots of receipts”.  LOL

Time for some fun….

EBooks or Print? Both. I like to travel a lot and the Ebook works best for that.

Wine or beer? Beer, but I wouldn’t say no to a glass of white zin!

Coffee or tea? Tea. My mom’s from England and I grew up on tea.

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate. Enough said.

What is your biggest “girlish” vice? Earrings. I have more than enough to last me the rest of my life, but if I see earrings in a store when I’m shopping I always check them out. More than once I’ve had my friends help me NOT buy a bunch. I also can’t leave the house without earrings. I can be in sweatpants and makeup-free with my hair in a ponytail, but I have to have at least 1 pair of earrings in. (I have 3 holes in each earlobe.)

Romantic dinner at home or dinner out? How about a romantic dinner out? It’s not really a romantic dinner if you have to clean up after yourself!

What is your favorite flavor or ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie dough. Yum!

Yeah!!! Thanks so much for joining us today, Alexa. Let’s blow this pop stand. I know an ice cream shop that serves the best Choco-chip cookie dough on waffle cones.  My treat!

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Find Alexa Bourne

Website  http://alexabourne.com/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaBourne

Twitter https://twitter.com/alexabourne

WAKE ME(HIDDEN DESTINY)

CHASING GOLD(Beyond Fairtales)

Grownup Fairy Tales Boxed Set

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#TuesdayTeaser from Chasing Gold by Alexa Bourne

Chasing Gold is a book in the Beyond Fairytales series from Alexa Bourne and Decadent Publishing.  This exciting story is based on the Golden Goose fairy tale and takes place in contemporary Scotland. Check it out!

Blurb:

Grace McKay spends most of her time alone trying to convince the world she’s strong enough and smart enough to become one of the best treasure hunters. According to the media, though, all she’s managed to prove is she’s a frigid, narrow-minded woman who doesn’t have a chance to succeed in her current hunt.

Simon Andrews is tired of being a glorified secretary for his family’s treasure hunting business. As the youngest brother, he’s never had the chance to prove himself in the field, where his true interests lie.

When Grace’s uncle hires Simon on a whim to assist her with the search for an ancient family heirloom, he comes up against a woman determined to accomplish her goal without his—or anyone’s—help. But Simon, although captivated by her passion for her quest and her beauty, will not relinquish his chance to prove both to the client and his brothers that he has the family gift for finding valuables where others have failed.

Grace, frigid? Simon is sure the media met the wrong woman. He’s in danger of bursting into flames every time they are alone together. As they get closer to finding the heirloom, though, their growing passion for one another may distract them from the very real danger that threatens their lives and their possible future together. Whatever that might mean.

Excerpt:

After sipping her tea, she picked up another piece of pastry. Midway to her mouth, she stopped. A tall, thin man, glasses clinging to the end of his nose, strode through the doorway and scanned the room. A loose-fitting, faded T-shirt covered his chest, and khaki shorts hung on his hips. Kind of thin and bony for her liking, although the soft shade of ginger hair with a hint of blond in it grabbed her attention. It reminded her of her favorite movie star. Both hands were inside his pockets.

With a crooked grin, he walked straight up to her table. “Grace McKay?”

“Yes. Can I help you?”

He held out his long fingers. “I’m Simon Andrews.” He waited as if his name was supposed to mean something.

She didn’t shake his hand. “What can I do for you, Mr. Andrews?”

He lowered his arm. “Your uncle said you’d be helping me on my expedition here.” From his New England accent, he could only be American.

Uncle Thomas sent him? Of all the crappy things he’d done, this had to be the worst. Did he not believe in her enough to allow her to handle the job? She stood, gathering her papers. “My uncle was wrong. I don’t need any help with my expedition. Good-bye.” She shifted around him and started for the lobby. Studying her paperwork in her own room would suit her better.

“Ms. McKay, wait.” He grabbed her arm.

She froze. Every muscle tensed.

“I realize you want to help in the search, but your uncle hired me to—”

She tugged herself free. “I know what he hired you for, but I’m telling you, you’re fired.” As she stalked across the pub, many pairs of eyes stared at her, some wide in question, some narrowed. Who cared? She hadn’t done anything wrong.

“That’s not your call, sweetheart,” he said.

She jerked to a stop just inside the door and spun around, gritting her teeth. Andrews stood waiting, as cocky as could be, with his hands on his hips.

“First, I am not your sweetheart. Second, I don’t need a partner.”

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