Meet Jerrie Alexander, author of 'Hell or High Water'

Andrea, first let me say thank you for hosting me on this "Coming Soon" book tour. Due to production problems, the release date was pushed back, but it's in the cue and should be out soon!

What was the inspiration behind this book?

Around the time the Super Bowl was held in Arlington, Texas, I read a newspaper article on human trafficking. Apparently, criminals flock to areas where a big venue event is happening. The number of missing girls spike during that time.

Which character was the most interesting to write?

I loved them all. Nate, my Navy SEAL, was the most troubled and determined. The emails that flowed back and forth from my military advisor would make interesting reading. When I needed to kill somebody, I'd ask him about weapons and movement.

What was your favorite scene?

There's a reunion scene in the book where the heroine sees the hero for the first time in ten years only to discover he's the man who recently saved her life. At first it's poignant and then quickly turns explosive. I loved writing it.

This is the first book in a series. How many do you anticipate there being in it?

So far, I have four firm stories in mind. NO TIME TO KILL, book two in the Lost and Found, Inc series is with my publisher and in line to be edited.

What kind of research did you have to do for it?

That newspaper article set me off on a mission to learn more about these crimes and who investigated them. I researched child protection services and their investigators, giving that job to my heroine. My hero is an ex Navy SEAL, who broke the heroine's heart years ago. With him, I got really lucky. My advisor on all things that fire, explode, or go boom, is an ex SEAL. His help was invaluable.

What other projects do you currently have in the works?

I'm kicking around the idea of self-publishing my current WIP, working title THE LAST TEARDROP. It's about a high school counselor who turns to the one man she doesn't want help from when she's falsely accused of inappropriate advances. When her accusers start dying, she's accused of murder. Soon it becomes clear there is more at stake than her reputation. I'm still toying with titles, but I'm leaning toward.

You say that you were a closet writer in your youth. Have you ever revisited some of those stories as possible future releases?

Believe it or not, I still have my workbook from my Creative Writing classes twenty five years ago. The pages are yellowed, but without looking, I can tell you the hero's name was Bill and the heroine's was Ana. I titled that book, WITHOUT HONOR. But no, as much as that story was dear to me, it will never be brought back to life.

What made you decide to finally step out into the publishing world with your writing?

I worked for a third party logistics company. We lost a huge contact ,and it was time I made a few decisions. My husband, who's always been my biggest supporter, encouraged me to retire early and concentrate on my writing.

How does writing fulfill you at this point in your life?

It's hard to describe. When the words are flowing and the story comes together, it's very rewarding. I write almost every day. (Although I admit to spending part of the day on social media) If I'm not working on a book, I'm developing something for my blog. Writing helps fill that creative drive inside me. :)

You were fortunate to travel to many places during your career in logistics. Where were some of your favorites? Where do you still wish to visit?

Southern California! I loved the climate, the area, and most of all the people. I was there so often that the company rented me an apartment.

Oh, and Newnan, Georgia was one of the most beautiful places my job took us. Old Antebellum homes and friendly people...I love visiting there too.

What else is on your bucket list?

To snorkel in Hawaii. Or run away with Gerard Butler. (Trust me, this wouldn't surprise my husband)

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

That I am an avid snorkeler! Put me on a warm sandy beach with clear water, and I'm a happy camper. It's the one time of the year I do not write.

Anything else you wish to add?

That I'm a reader too. I love it when somebody like Linda Howard sweeps me away with her words. To touch another person with the written word is amazing. It's my goal when I set down in front of my computer and begin a story. Only my readers can tell me if I succeed.

Thank you so much for your time!

About the Author

A student of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and two wonderful children. A career in logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels.

But the characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark, sexy stories with others. She writes alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other. She likes to torture people, make them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after.

The author of THE GREEN-EYED DOLL, THE LAST EXECUTION, and her latest release, HELL or HIGH WATER, Book 1 in the Lost and Found, Inc. Series, Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.

Connect with Jerrie Alexander

Website: http://www.jerriealexander.com/

Blog: http://www.jerriealexander.com/category/blog/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jerriealexander

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JerrieAlexanderAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jerriealexander

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jerriealexander/

Hell or High Water (Lost and Found, Inc. #1)

by Jerrie Alexander

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Categories: Action/Adventure

Publisher: Etopia Press

Release Date: February 22, 2013

Heat Level: Steamy

Word Count: 80,000

Buy Links

Coming soon…

Blurb

When ex-SEAL Nate Wolfe learns a woman from his past is in danger, nothing will stop him from protecting her. Not even her.

Dallas Child Protection Services Investigator Kay Taylor doesn't want or need Nate in her life. But he doesn't seem to understand the word no. He seems to also have forgotten the brand he left on her heart.

When Kay is taken and sold to a monster, the devil himself couldn't stop Nate from doing whatever it takes to find her...but will he be in time?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt #2:

Nate picked the lock on Kaycie’s apartment and eased inside. The minute he stepped through the door the hair on the back of his neck rose. She wasn’t home, so why the sizzle of nerves? He shook it off.

It wasn’t difficult to convince himself that looking around was purely tactical. Necessary to ensure he could protect her.

Tyrell and Marcus would arrive in an hour. The three of them were having an intervention with Kaycie when she got home. She’d protest him getting involved, but until he stopped the threat against her she’d travel with an armed bodyguard.

The open floor plan of her small apartment lumped the kitchen, dining and living area into one big room and made for easy defending. The solid wall of windows troubled him, but he could close the blinds, effectively eliminating the possibility of someone getting a clear shot. He double-checked the locks on the windows. He shoved his fingers through his hair, tying it off his face.

The room at the end of the hall had to be Kaycie’s bedroom. He moved silently, stopped just inside the doorway, and breathed in the air where she slept. Sensible Kaycie, the room wasn’t elaborate or fancy. No luxurious king-size bed; she slept on a queen.

He could make do with a queen. If she was stretched out naked in it. He applied a mental head slap. No complications needed.

Every open space was filled with books, souvenirs, and pictures. He wondered if she’d kept the Saint Jude medallion. Maybe tucked it away in the back of the jewelry box or wrapped in tissue secured in one of those drawers on the dresser. More likely, she’d dropped it in the nearest trashcan the day he left for boot camp.

She deserved a better man, somebody without all his baggage. Somebody who didn’t reach for a weapon at every sound. Somebody who’d always be there for her.

The front door opened and closed, snapping him to the present. Nate froze. His pulse quickened. Not good. He’d let his thoughts wander and missed hearing the lock turn.

Or did Kaycie have an unwelcome visitor?

Other than him.

Keys jangled and Nate released the breath he’d held. Kaycie was home. He stifled a chuckle. Finding him in her apartment would seriously piss her off.

Nate silently moved down the hall. He found her in the kitchen with her back to him. Reaching up, she removed a glass from the shelf, giving him the opportunity he needed. He moved fast, trapping her between the counter with his body, his arms wrapped around, pinning hers to her side.

She screamed and tried to whirl. Wasn’t happening. She stomped where his feet should’ve been. Nice move, but he’d spread his legs out of reach. He leaned in tighter. He wouldn’t hurt her just keep her still. Damn, she’d mastered a few self-defense techniques over the years. He tightened his grip to immobilize her.

Inches from the nape of her neck, he fought an unexpected urge to lean down and test that spot right behind her ear. The sensitive place he used to kiss again and again until she purred.

She tried to butt him with the back of her head. Time to make her aware of who had her pinned.

“Nate, you bastard. Get off me.”

Apparently, she already knew.

“That Glock on your hip is no help if it’s holstered.” He intended to rest his hand on her gun, but instead, and of its own accord, he found the palm of his hand resting on her taut belly.

He stepped back before his erection pressing against her drew her attention. Her fingers wrapped around the butt of the gun.

“Don’t try it,” he warned.

“Get over yourself.” Her tone matched the hate in her eyes. “You really think I care enough about you to shoot you?”