GENRE: Fiction > Romance > Contemporary Romance

Stay by Hilary Wynne (Alexa Reed #1)

Set against the steamy and sultry world of South Beach, Florida, a modern romance unfolds in Stay.

Alexa is beautiful, independent and hard to resist for serially unattached Julian. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but their palpable chemistry and instant emotional connection is too strong to ignore. For the first time in years, Julian is interested in more than just sex. He wants a relationship with intoxicating Alexa, but it’s not that simple. Not only are Julian and Alexa struggling with the intensity of this new relationship, but they also have to contend with Luke, Alexa’s best friend, whose own love for her leaves him willing to do anything to convince her that Julian is not the man for her. Luke’s determination and Alexa’s secret past threaten to tear Julian and Alexa apart as she struggles to open her heart to love. Julian and Alexa embark upon a roller-coaster ride of emotional and physical passion that both pulls them apart and holds them together. Despite their affinity for each other, Alexa fears that Julian will leave when he learns about her past and Julian is unsure he can love a woman who in so many ways remains a mystery, a woman who keeps threatening to run, a woman who can’t decide if she is going to STAY.

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Character Interview

- with Alexa (Lexie) Reed from Stay, the first book in The Alexa Reed Series

Hilary Wynne: Thank you for having us on Lia. I have a ton of things I want to talk to Alexa about and this is the best way to get her to spill all the details. First off, can I call you Lexie, or would you prefer Alexa? I notice that different people call you different things, and you seem to be a little particular about it. I don’t want to start this interview off on the wrong foot.

Alexa: You can call me Lexie. I am a little particular about people calling me a nickname when they don’t really know me. It’s always bugged me. I think you should know someone a little before you start acting so personal. I feel like we know each other Hilary, so it’s fine if you call me Lexie.

Hilary: I’m happy to hear you feel that way. You don’t let a whole lot of people get close to you. Anyway, Luke calls you Hooka, Marissa calls you Lex most of the time, and Julian has a whole lot of nicknames for you. Which do you prefer?

Alexa: The hooka thing always gets a few eyebrow raises and questions. Luke calls me Hooka because we’re huge True Blood fans and one of the characters on the show - Layfette- uses that nickname. Luke called me it one day and it just stuck. I wouldn’t want anyone else to call me that though, for obvious reasons. (laughing). Marissa calls me whatever she wants, but I guess it’s Lex a lot of the time. As for Julian…well, his terms of endearment are all okay by me. I think I’d rather him call me baby or Corazon if I have my choice.

Hilary: I guess it’s obvious why, but I’d think Alexa or Lexie would be okay too.

Alexa: Lexie is fine. He usually calls me Alexa when he isn’t happy with me. He doesn’t notice, but I do.

Hilary: I’ve seen Julian, and I’ve heard him speak. He has such a sexy accent. I think I would let him call me anything to be honest.

Alexa: Ok, now… he’s mine. (laughing)

Hilary: I know, I know. You’re a lucky girl, Lexie. Julian and a whole closet full of shoes… You did know I was going to bring up the shoes, right?

Alexa: Yep. Everyone always brings up the shoes.

Hilary: Because we’re all jealous! How in the world do you afford all of those shoes?

Alexa: You want to talk about the cost? I thought we were going to talk about what’s in style for the summer or who our favorite designers are, Hilary…

Hilary: I’m not sure we have enough time for that, Lexie. So, how about you just give us novices a few tips on where to shop.

Alexa: Actually, I spend a lot of time looking for great shoes. I shop online for great deals. Shopbop.com and bluefly.com are on my favorites list and the UPS driver knows my house well. And I’m a regular at TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack and places like that. So, I do try to stay in control.

Hilary: Let’s discuss a few other numbers…as in how many pairs do you own? I swear you’re always wearing a different pair.

Alexa: I plead the fifth on that one too, Hilary. I’ll just say that I really do need a bigger closet.

Hilary: Like Julian’s?

Alexa: (laughs). Yeah. That would be nice. Talk about a lot of expensive shoes…That man makes my love affair with shoes look like amateur hour.

Hilary: (laughs) A lot of couples bond over common interests. Are shoes your bond?

Alexa: God no. At least I hope not. I mean it’s awesome that he loves shoes and appreciates my obsession with quality footwear, but I’d like to think that we’ve bonded over more than shoes.

Hilary: Care to share your thoughts on what that might be?

Alexa: Hmm. You know I’m not a huge fan of sharing secrets and personal stuff and you’re putting me on the spot with this one. But, if I had to answer that I guess I’d say that we just “get” each other. It’s hard to explain because I don’t always understand it myself.

Hilary: And there is the vagueness and dodging we have come to expect from you, Lexie. I get it; you aren’t a big emotional sharer. I’ll respect that...for now.

Alexa: Thanks, Hilary. Thanks for respecting my privacy…for now. It’s not like anyone else does. Everyone always wants to know what I’m thinking. It’s crazy, the stuff that goes through my mind sometimes.

Hilary: We’re all just trying to get to know you better, Lexie.

Alexa: (shrugs) I don’t think I’m particularly interesting or complicated. I’m just a normal girl who is working, living my life and doing the best I can not to screw it all up. I am lucky to have such great friends, and an amazing man to share my life with. And, the shoes make me happy too. I can’t leave out the shoes.

Hilary: (looks at her watch). It seems we’re out of time for now, Lexie. I look forward to getting to know you, Julian, and the rest of your friends better in the future. I appreciate you taking the time to sit down with me and open up a little about what’s going on in your world. I’m glad to hear things are going well with you and Julian.

Alexa: Thanks for talking with me Hilary and thanks for having me on Lia. I’m always happy to talk shoes.

Hilary: STAY in touch, Lexie, we are all excited to see where your story is heading.

Alexa: Absolutely, Hilary. Have a great night.

Author Bio

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.

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.

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.

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.

I feel so blessed that my love of books inspired me to finally do something that I forgot I had always dreamed about doing.

My someday has arrived!

Author Links

Giveaway

One (1) ebook copy of Stay by Hilary Wynne. Open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The prize is sponsored by the author. Ends 4/14/2014. See terms and conditions in the Rafflecopter widget or on the Giveaways+ page.

Book Blitz with Xpresso Book Tours

4//7/2014: I posted the cover reveal for Hold On, book 2 of the Alexa Reed series. Please check it out and let Hilary know what you think of the cover.

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