GREEN-EYED DOLL by Jerrie Alexander

My gift for you today is a visit with a debut author, a delightful and talented Rose from The Wild Rose Press,

Jerrie Alexander.

 

The Green-Eyed Doll by Jerrie Alexander

BLURB:

Catherine McCoy is running from her past. She's been on the move for a year, hiding the secret and guilt in her heart. When she lands in small-town Texas and meets Sheriff Matt Ballard, he ignites a flame she thought lost forever.

 

Matt has scars of his own. He left the big city after an undercover operation went bad and his partner was killed. Now, as Matt hunts for a serial killer who paints his victims like porcelain dolls, Catherine becomes a safe haven for him. Two tortured souls finding comfort in each other's arms—until he uncovers her secret, and their bond of trust is broken. 

 

When Catherine disappears, Matt races to find her, fearing the murderer has found his next green-eyed doll. But the killer has a surprise coming. Catherine will fight to the death before she'll be a victim. But will her determination be enough?

INTERVIEW:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?

I write strong women. So I started running scenarios about a survivor who'd been through hell. I decided just when she thought life was good; I'd send her a serial killer.

He had to be real, motivated, so I researched. And not just a little, I spent a long time figuring out why he was evil. Then I had to give him somebody in particular to hunt.

Then I started the old, 'what if' in my head.

 

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

That's a great question. The minute I knew what set the killer off, I had the title. It was perfect. No, I never considered changing it.

 

3. Which came first, the title or the novel?

Actually, the premise. The one line idea triggered the title. After that, my slightly left of center imagination took off.

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

The offer to publish my book! I've contracted three books, and I can promise you, it never gets old. Writers know all about rejection. It's a way of life. To have someone tell you they love what you've written enough to publish it...well, it's almost better than sex!

 

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard. I'm first in line when she has a new book release.

 

6. What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?

Oh, this is painful! Before I discovered that people had to die in my books for me to be happy, I tried my hand at contemporary romance. These Boots Were Made For Walking was the very first one. It was a hot mess and will never see the light of day. It was the beginning of a learning curve for me.

7. What is your writing process?

I don't actually lay out a plot. The thought gives me a full body shiver. I write character descriptions for each person, print and hang them on a board in front of me. I develop their history, conflicts and decide what obstacles to give them, what they have to overcome to get their happy ever after ending. Then I let them tell me how to get there.

8. Who are your favorite authors of all time?

No fair! We don't have enough space or time to list them all. Of course, I love Cindy Gerard, but there are tons of authors who I love and respect their work.

9. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?

The Green-Eyed Doll is my debut novel, so I've yet to be asked for my signature. I'd have to say how much I appreciate them believing in me enough to spend their hard earned money on my book...okay, that may be too long, but I'll say thank you for sure.

 

10. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

That I'm shy. It's hard for me to walk up to a stranger and start talking. I'm getting better, but toss me in a room full of people I don't know and my heart pounds hard enough to crack a rib.

EXCERPT:

Catherine paced and argued with herself. Should she stay or go home? She’d told Matt he’d need a friend after the first woman went missing and now this. She couldn’t imagine the pressure he must be under. Her plan was to have a hot supper waiting for him. She’d basted and basted until the roast withered and fell apart. The once firm potatoes? Mush. The gravy was a light brown paste.

 

Benedict Arnold stood and trotted to the back door before Catherine heard Matt’s pickup. The dog was glad to know Matt was home, too. She leaned back against the kitchen counter and waited.

 

“Hey.” A lame greeting, but seeing him stunned her speechless.

 

Dark circles and cold, weary, blue eyes marred his Michelangelo face. His black hair fell in disarray and looked like he’d raked his fingers through a number of times today. His chiseled jaw and chin were dark with a long day’s stubble. With a couple of long strides, he pinned her between him and the counter. He framed her face with his hands, closed his eyes, and lowered his forehead to hers. They stood in silence for a long time, unmoving, their bodies not touching. Fear for the missing woman radiated off him.

 

His anguish, more than she’d planned for, hit her hard. His dedication and concern, traits she admired, shook her conviction that no man could be trusted. His tenderness, something she’d never had, touched a long-neglected place in her soul.

 

 

  

 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.

Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.

 

http://jerriealexander.com - website

http://jerriealexander.com - blog

http://twitter.com/jerriealexander

http://facebook.com/JerrieAlexanderAuthor

GIVEAWAY:

Jerrie will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn commenter at the end of each week, and a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter from all comments during the tour, awarded at the end of the tour. She'll award a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn host.

The more you comment, the better your chances!!!