Belle's Book Bag: Blog Tour & Giveaway: Kings Of Asphalt by Alexx Andria...

Friday, September 5, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Kings Of Asphalt by Alexx Andria...

USA Today bestselling author, Alexx Andria, talks about her characters, her writing process and what inspires her.

Where does your inspiration for characters like Hunter and Jax come from?

All of my characters spring from a secret place that even I don’t know where that may be but that’s okay because I think there’s a little bit of magic in the art of creation. I like that the muse whispers to me when I least expect it and I’m happy to let the mystery of it, remain so. One thing I have learned, if the muse talks — I listen.

Do you like writing a stand-alone story better more than a series?

I like series because it’s gives me a chance to get to know the characters better. Plus, just like readers, I enjoy revisiting characters that have gone on to their happily-ever-after and catching a glimpse of their lives now that their conflict has been resolved. For example, Vince Buchanan (The Buchanan’s Redemption) has a delightful cameo in the Leverage series and fans told me afterward that they were so tickled to “see” Vince again. I like doing that, surprising readers with cameos.

How long does it usually take you to write a story? How many hours a day do you work?

I like to paraphrase the incomparable Nora Roberts when asked this question: it takes as long as it takes. The thing is, no story is alike. Sometimes I zip through a story and it can take me a few weeks to get the story down, other times, it seems to take an eternity but as long as the writing is true to the characters, I don’t mind the journey or how long it takes.

Who are your target readers?

My target readers are anyone who enjoys a steamy read with characters that stick with them. Most often, readers will message me saying that they were moved by characters’ journey to love and that’s what why I write. I love to touch writers in a visceral way. I’ve often called my books, beach reads, but hopefully, they remain with the reader even after they’ve dusted the sand from their feet.

Who inspired/inspires you?

First and foremost, good writing inspires me. When I was younger, I was inspired by particular authors who later became the ones who became auto-buys. I’m happy to say, not much has changed. I love good writing, experiencing another another’s mastery fires me up (in a good way) and makes me try harder to be better than I was the day before.

How have your personal experiences affected your writing?

Every writer puts a little piece of themself in their work; I’m no different. However, how much of that…I’ll leave to the readers’ imagination.

What are the major themes in your books?

I’ve always been drawn to the theme of redemption. I like the tortured soul with a soft heart and a hard exterior. Redemption fits nicely in that little cubby hole. That’s probably why my heroes are almost always alphas bordering on the side of asshole, who need a good woman to put them back on track.

Did you always know you were going to become an author?

No, when I was younger, I was consumed with the idea that I was going to be an actress. I loved acting. In a past life, maybe I was, but in this life I was meant to be a writer. Writing has always been an important part of my life. It wasn’t until I was forced to figure out where my true path lies, that I found my calling, and I’m so grateful!

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Alexx? Ask your question in the comments

Title: Kings of Asphalt (Club Chrome)

Author: Alexx Andria

Genre: Steamy romance (Motorcycle club romance)

Cover by Kim Killion

Publish Date: June 27, 2014

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR!

Alexx Andria delivers a motorcycle club romance between two very bad, yet sexy men and a woman with enough curves to satisfy them both.

My name is Zoe Delacourte. I thought I was going to build my future on the backs of Jax Traeger and Hunter Ericksen -- bad boys from the wrong side of the tracks, running the notorious motorcycle club, the Kings of Asphalt -- in my mind, the story had practically written itself. I was so naive. Little did I know they were going to change everything I ever knew about myself.

Jax and Hunter. I can't even say their names without trembling.

They don't see a fat girl or a girl who might be pretty if only she'd lose some weight. No, from the moment I walked into their club, they saw a hot, sexy woman with curves for days -- and they couldn't wait to get their hands on me.

Some people call them bad men. They see the rides and the rap sheets and they slap a label on them. I don't care what they've done -- all I care about is what they're going to do to me next.

But loving them is dangerous. In fact, loving them might just get me killed.

*The following MC romance is approximately 41,000 words featuring a strong central love story, danger, and the rough, seedy world dominated by two bad boys and their curvy woman.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Jax knew the minute the curvy brunette walked in she wasn’t no club whore. She had a look about her that was sweet and innocent even though those pretty doe-brown eyes snapped with open curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Most club girls were hard and their hearts were as jaded as the guys they fucked. There was nothing hard about this little chicklet. Everything about her was soft and squeezable. Her tits, bobbing right beneath his nose, were made for a man’s mouth. Hell, a man could lose himself for days in that succulent body and never complain about the lost time. And damn, she was pretty cute, too. His sharp gaze took in every detail, committing it to memory. Young, maybe about twenty-five if he were to guess, with soft-as-a-baby’s-ass skin — she was a dangerous one to keep around. She was the kind of girl that made a guy wonder what the other side looked like — and that was a luxury he and Hunter couldn’t afford.

The best thing he could do for this little imposter was to scare the life out of her so that she never tried something so stupid again. However, he wasn’t above enjoying the lesson.

“Take off my clothes?” she squeaked in open distress. “I can’t. I mean, I can but I hardly know you. I mean, shouldn’t we have a beer or something first?”

“Fine. Tell us your name. I think you already know who we are.” Hunter poured her a whiskey shot and handed it to her. “Bottom’s up, sweetheart.”

“Oh, um. Okay.” She took the whiskey and stared at it in dismay. Guess she wasn’t a whiskey drinker. Not that he or Hunter were surprised. She probably liked wine spritzers or some shit like that. Suddenly, she suggested in desperation. “How about this…Scrabble? I have to warn you, I rule at word games. I have quite the talent for using the Q and Z on double word tiles.”

“Not one for games,” Hunter grunted, downing a shot and refilling Jax’s. “Unless it’s strip poker. I wouldn’t mind seeing what’s hiding beneath that leather skirt. How about you, Jax?”

“Wouldn’t mind at all,” Jax agreed, watching her closely as he pointed at her drink. “Come on now, don’t hurt our feelings. Drink up.”

She shuddered and gulped the whiskey, coughing as it no doubt burned her throat and hit her stomach like an iron fist. “That’s good stuff,” she gasped. “Real good. Dang…that’s some…wow.” Her eyes swam as she sucked in a wild breath. “Well, you know, I think I should probably go. Thanks for everything…but…um, yeah, this just isn’t my scene.”

“No one leaves until we say they leave,” Jax said quietly, looking to Hunter. She stared, unsure of how to extricate herself. He pulled off his leather jacket and tossed it to the old sofa, plucking at his shirt buttons. “Here’s how I see this…I don’t think you’re from Bronx or from Dimas…so that leaves me to wonder…just who the hell are you?”