Q&A with NYT Bestselling Author Susan Stoker

July 20, 2017
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Author Interview with RJ, Giveaway

Q&A with NYT bestseller Susan Stoker, author of Claiming Alexis.

Claiming Alexis: Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business.

Q & A

I am so glad you could join us here at Romance Junkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current project?

Claiming Alexis is book 2 in my Ace Security series. It is about the middle Anderson brother, Blake, and the relationship that forms with the woman who has been interning at the security company he owns with his brothers. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Stoker book without a good “drama” near the end. Alexis is super tough, and perfect for Blake.

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

I’ve always been a writer. When I was bored at one of my previous jobs, I’d write. It helped make me look busy to anyone who might walk by and it let me use my imagination to create new worlds. I’m thrilled that I now don’t have to “sneak” writing my stories and I can type to my heart’s content.

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Maya Banks. I went to hear her speak and someone asked her what she did when she had writer’s block. Her answer was something to the effect of, “I don’t get writer’s block.” She went on to talk about how writing was her job and she couldn’t afford to sit around and not do her job. I liked that answer. Yes, writing is fun, and yes it can be tough at times to pump out the words, but it is now my job. Not a hobby. I might switch up projects, or give myself a break to get my creative juices flowing again, but ultimately this is my job. I wouldn’t go to a “regular” 9-5 job and tell my boss that I “wasn’t feeling it” today and I was just going to sit there and stare into space.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

I think this is actually the same question asked twice. I could describe a perfect hero, but that would be the perfect hero for ME. What I like, others would roll their eyes at. So for ME, a perfect hero is someone who lets their woman be who she is. Doesn’t try to change her. But he makes sure she knows that she comes first in his life. He’s protective but knows when to let her spread her wings.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

It’s going to sound cliché, but I love reading. I’d seriously choose to read over most anything else. Mr. Stoker and I used to go geocaching all the time, but since we’ve moved to the hot state of Texas, that has taken a backseat. I also used to collect lots of things, but as I’ve gotten older, and moved a couple of times, I’ve realized that it’s just “stuff” and since I don’t have any children, there’s no one who is going to want my “stuff” when I’m gone. So I’m trying to cut back.

What has been your biggest adventure to date?

I would have to say traveling to Antarctica last year. We took a ship across the Drake Passage (which thankfully wasn’t that rough at the time) and got to see penguins, whales, walk on the continent, visited the Antarctic Circle on Christmas Eve, and generally experienced the vastness that is the continent. On the way home, the ship’s engine literally exploded and it took an extra day to get across the Passage, but it was all a part of the adventure! (And we weren’t ever in any real danger). I seriously can’t believe I was standing on Antarctica while penguins waddled by literally two feet in front of me. It was amazing.

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

I would have to say I’m super “chill.” I just don’t get worked up about stuff. Plane is delayed? Whatever, gives me more time to people watch. I spilled an entire meal I’d been cooking for hours on the floor? *shrug* At least I don’t have to feed the dogs tonight.
Family and friends would probably describe me as “weird.” Lol. Susan, want to go out and do something? Nah, I think staying home and relaxing is the perfect plan for the night!

What project are you working on next?

Interestingly enough, I just finished the last book in the Ace Security series, and I couldn’t stop myself from introducing seven more characters that would make an awesome “spin off” series! I haven’t started writing these books, but the ideas certainly are swirling around in my head!

Title: Claiming Alexis

Author: Susan Stoker

Release Date: July 4, 2017

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Summary

Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business.

Alexis can tell that Blake has his doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more. Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her trust—and her heart—in his hands.

Now, as Alexis digs into the deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to protect the woman he’s come to love.

♥

Author Biography

Susan Stoker is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, and Delta Force Heroes. Married to a retired Army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri to California to Colorado—and currently lives under the big skies of Texas. A true believer in happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her website, www.stokeraces.com, or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker.