Alexandrea Weis' popular first novel, To My Senses received rave reviews and garnered awards for both commercial fiction and romance writing, including 2007 finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award for commercial fiction and 2007 finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. A permitted wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.
Book Description:
Recovery by Alexandrea Weis is the second novel in the wildly sexy series featuring the enigmatic Nicci Beauvoir. A thrilling read, this character-driven book boasts a whodunit mystery, sultry seductions, and an unforgettable cliffhanging twist.
Once a darling of New Orleans society, Nicci pens a novel about her departed love, the artist David Alexander. While promoting her book in the Big Apple, she’s approached by David’s former boss, Simon La Roy, who has a theory about David’s death that devastates Nicci. She learns David’s murder may be linked to someone from her past. Enter Dallas August, an elite member of Simon’s organization of corporate spies prized for his ruthless ability to get the job done. Playing the part of Nicci’s lover, Dallas returns to Katrina-ravaged New Orleans with her to flush out the killer. But everything is not what is seems in the Big Easy, and soon the couple finds themselves trapped in a psychotic’s twisted game of revenge. As the danger grows, Nicci’s relationship with the handsome spy turns from adversarial to amorous.
On the run for their lives, Dallas and Nicci must confront their tormentor before it is too late. It’s a deadly decision that could cost Nicci everything, but it is her only chance for finally revealing the identity of the murderer. Just as the truth behind David’s death is discovered, another more compelling mystery is unearthed. It’s an unexpected turn of events that rocks Nicci’s world.
Welcome Alexandrea to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a back story to Recovery?
"I place Nicci's road to recovery in the post-Katrina New Orleans because I wanted the city's struggles, and eventual resurrection, to mirror the experiences of the main character," Weis says.Romantic mystery readers and fans of the first title, To My Senses, in the Nicci Beauvoir Series will appreciate the suspense and emotional edge Weis brings to the table in "Recovery."
How long have you been writing and what was your call story?
I have been writing since I was about eight. I first wrote poems and then branched out into short stories. I did not write my first novel, To My Senses, until I was in my thirties.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
Being a writer was always the dream job, but I did not pursue my writing interest in college. Instead, I went the more practical route and studied nursing in undergraduate and graduate school.
Have you had other jobs along the way?
I am an RN clinical specialist in gerontology by education. I taught nursing at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans and worked at a few hospitals in the city. I never planned on being a writer. After finishing my Ph.D., I decided to start writing again. I have written several books but publishing my first book, To My Senses, was something I felt I had to do. After the success of that novel, I thought maybe I could make a go of writing after all. That is when I sat down and wrote Recovery.
Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?
I let the stories lead me. I always can see the ending, but never the middle or the beginning. Writing a book is an adventure to me.
Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?
Nicci Beauvoir. She is very much like me. Her story is in many ways my story. You could say she just came to her senses about writing a little sooner than I did.
What are you currently working on?
Book III in the series titled Sacrifice.
What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?
The best thing about being a writer is losing myself in the world of my characters. You get so absorbed and then you really learn to love these characters. They become like family. What I hate about writing is when I am into a book my house does not get cleaned, my husband starves, and my menagerie of animals wonder why “Mommie” is locked up in her room.
If Oprah invited you onto her show to talk about your book, what would the theme of the show be?
Never give up. No matter the heartbreak inside of you, or around you as in the case of Katrina, things really do get better with time.
Describe a day in the life of Alexandrea Weis.
That varies a great deal depending on the time of year. As a permitted wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, I always have a wide variety of orphaned and injured animals under my roof. Right now, I am nursing a few orphaned baby gray squirrels. Feeding them formula every four hours takes up a great deal of time, but I love it. I love helping animals. Even spent some time down in the Gulf after the BP oil spill cleaning birds. I specialize in small mammals and in Southern Louisiana that can run the gambit from red fox to raccoon. So there is always something new going on at my house throughout the year.
What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?
That I really do enjoy hearing what people think about my stories and my characters. So if you ever see me on the street or at Wal Mart, stop and say hello. I would love to hear what you think about my books.
When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?
I want them to lovingly remember my characters more than anything. If I succeed in that, then I have definitely done what I set out to do.
Who is your favorite author?
I know this is going to sound really crazy, especially from a Romance writer, but Ian Fleming. James Bond in the books is so well defined, so memorable that Fleming has succeeded in creating a character that lives on in the hearts of many. I think the books are the reason the movies have lasted as long as they have.
What are you currently reading?
Cleopatra: A life by Stacy Schiff. I am an ancient history nut.
Before I let you go is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?
I want them to know how grateful I am for all the support I have received. Thank you to all the readers. You guys really keep me going!
Alexandrea, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!
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Alexandrea has very generously offered to giveaway some copies of Recovery. Contest is limited to US Residents only. To win a copy. Maybe have the copy describe your best and worst first dates. According to Alexandria, her worst first date ended up being her husband....lol
Since the author is being so generous, please "like" her on Facebook or on Twitter. Don't forget to leave your email address. The winner will be announced April 15th
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