Featured Interview With Hilary Wynne - Author Of The Alexa Reed Series

Hilary Wynne is with us today, sharing a little about herself, 

So lets get started.

Hi Hilary

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm originally from sunny Southern California and spent my summers in South Florida. I attended college at FSU and received my Masters in New Mexico. I finally settled in the Washington, DC area. My happy place has always been anywhere near the water.

I am an avid reader, but find my characters feel neglected when I hang out with other author's characters for too long. When I do read, historical fiction is my favorite genre. I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, places, and times.

How did you become a writer, and did you always want to write?

Have you ever woken up one day and said, "Today's the day I'm going to do (insert thing here)?"

Well, I did, and the result is my first novel, Stay.  I always thought of myself as a decent writer, and then a trip down memory lane through my ninth grade book of poetry confirmed it.  I realize that I have always had a romantic side and a way with words. With support from my husband and kids (and an unspoken agreement to leave me alone for a few hours every night), I embarked on this incredible writing journey.

How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?

I really just want my readers to connect with the characters I have created and the story I am telling. Anytime I can make a reader feel something emotional it is positive. Of course I want everyone to fall in love with my characters too but what author doesn’t J

What responses to your writing have affected you the most and why?

In my first novel, STAY, I touched on some very serious life issues. Since it was released I have had some very deep and meaningful conversations with readers who were very affected by what I wrote. I never intended to have an impact on my readers and hearing that I have is so rewarding. Most of my reviews have been very positive and I love reading about what my words mean to a reader. Of course I have had to deal with some negativity too and hopefully I’ve grown from it as a writer. That part is never fun.

Other than writing great stories, what other goals do you have for your life?

I have an amazing family and a very fulfilling life. I honestly am living a dream with this writing journey and am concentrating on getting my third book written!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I'm not writing, I help run a business with my husband, watch an inordinate amount of sports (my kids play something 365 days a year), indulge my competitive spirit on the tennis court, and spend time with my awesome family and friends.

What can you tell us about your latest works?

In the last year I have written and released two novels. STAY and HOLD On are books 1 &2 in the Alexa Reed Series. I see the series as a trilogy but who knows if I will stop there! The books are in the contemporary romance genre and are give you everything you are looking for in a romance novel: love, passion, drama and some very real and relatable characters.

What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?

I am knee deep in the third book in my series and hope to have it released by September 2014.

What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand and others worldwide?

One of the most amazing things to me is that I have fans in New Zealand. I had no idea when I started writing that I would be reaching readers around the world and I honestly love it! I know I would love to visit New Zealand one day!

Do you have any parting words?

Thank you so much for having me on! I truly appreciate the support and hope you enjoy my books!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some Excerpts from Hilary's Books

I don’t want to admit I’m not ready for him to leave. I want to spend every second I can with him and that means walking with him to his car.

I try to mask my sadness by being funny. “Now what kind of date would I be if I didn’t at least walk you to your car after all of that?” I point and twirl my finger at my rumpled sheets, making reference to the sex we just had.

He laughs as he put his clothes back on. “A tired date. I guess you didn’t get enough of a workout. Maybe we should go again.”

“Hmm … I assure you I was worked out good, Julian. But if you think you can go again, I’m in.” I’m only half kidding. I really do want him to stay.

He walks over to me, pulls me to a standing position, and holds me close. His eyes are blazing, and I can feel him hardening against me. “I can go all night, baby. You should think about that before you challenge me.”

“I’m going to require some proof of that, maybe not tonight, but soon.”

“I’ll be happy to give you all the proof you need. As a matter of fact, I’m looking forward to it. But right now, I’m going to walk out of here before I end up back in your bed.”

Julian holds my hand tightly as we walk outside to his car. He gets inside and rolls the window down. He reaches out and pulls my face to him so he can kiss me again. I feel his tongue in my mouth, and I only let it last for a minute before I pull away.

“I’m going to drag you back to my bed and make you stay if you keep kissing me like that, Julian.” He groans but lets me pull away.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you did great tonight.” I know exactly what he means, and if I’m being honest, it makes me feel good to hear him say it. I did do well. He doesn’t mean sexually either. He means emotionally. I didn’t freak out once.

I smile and answer him. “I did, didn’t I? Yeah me!” After one night of emotional honesty, I’m finding myself able to joke, out loud, about my limitations. It’s kind of overwhelming, and I feel a rush of tears spring to my eyes. Julian notices and flashes me a reassuring smile. He turns the car on and fastens his seatbelt. I exhale sharply. He really is going to leave now. My heart swells, and I realize I already miss him. I’m falling for this man, hard and fast.

Before he rolls up his window, Julian motions for me to lean in. I think he’s going to try to kiss me again, so I don’t get too close. He doesn’t try to kiss me though. “You know now that this is really going to happen, right, Alexa?” He points to himself and then to me. “And it’s going to be amazing.”

“Not just amazing, Julian. It’s going to be epic.”

2)
Julian leans his head back on the couch and looks straight ahead. “Do you know that I haven’t touched you tonight because I can’t focus on anything else when I’m touching you? Do you know I haven’t been able to stop thinking about your lips and your tongue and your beautiful body since Saturday? I had to will my body to stay still and not pick you up and hold you when I saw you at lunch today. I didn’t even trust myself to shake your hand. I’m aching to be close to you, to be inside of you. This physical connection between us could consume me.” 

3)
Julian gives me a sweet kiss and picks me up into his arms. I wrap my legs around his waist and he carries me the short distance down the hall and into his bedroom. He doesn’t say anything and doesn’t try to kiss me again. His gaze is hot and full of longing. He’s holding me tightly against him, as if he’s afraid I’ll try to get away. I don’t want to go anywhere except wherever he’s taking me. I officially lost any desire to fight these feelings of doubt I had the minute he kissed me in the elevator. For tonight, I’m his, and I don’t want to wait anymore. His heart is beating rapidly, and his breathing is heavy. I can sense he’s also through waiting.


4)
I open my eyes, and Julian is staring down at me with that same reverent look he had in the hallway a few weeks ago. The same one that had me looking for an escape. The same uneasiness I felt then passes through me, and I can’t figure out what about his stare is making me so uneasy. I’m going to fight


5)

"Not this time, Alexa. I don't need your help with this. I know what I'm doing and I promise it will be worth the wait baby. I'm going to give you what you need." He presses his hand into mine, leaving me unable to really move or touch him. "Can I let go? Can I trust you to let me do my job here?" His voice is teasing but I sense Julian is serious about needing to be the one in control.

 

6)

"You do know that this is really going to happen, right Alexa?" He points to himself and then to me." And it's going to be amazing."  

"Not just amazing, Julian. It's going to be epic."