Nikki Noffsinger Interviews Nyx, from Cursed Awakening

Cursed Awakening

Nikki Noffsinger

Ivy Morgan has re-invented herself and is looking forward to the future for the first time, in a very long time. Since fleeing for her life from an overzealous religious cult, she is able to be a modern woman that is gaining her independence; so taking up with a sexy stranger named Nyx is the last thing she needs. Or, is it?

Nyx Wahpeton can’t stop thinking about the young woman he’s met. It couldn’t have come at the worse possible time with the clans meeting and his family wrapped up in a centuries old war that’s nothing short of what horror movies are made from. He’s been a protector of his people and those that reside at the Reservation. There’s betrayal and evil at his front door; but, in his heart he knows Ivy is the one for him. She’s surrounded by secrets that he’s vowed to unlock, as well as her heart. However, can he keep her safe from his own secrets?

Happy Friday!!  Today I have Nikki Noffsinger to the blog, with an interview she did with mc Nyx.  It's pretty awesome!!  Hope you enjoy :)
*Liz

         

Nikki Noffsinger: Hi Nyx, I see you got your Skype up and going. How have you and Ivy been?

(Nyx looks into the camera a bit awkward at first before two of his brothers run in and moon the web cam before being chased out by an older woman with a broom)

NW1: For the moment I’m wondering why my parents didn’t eat their young.
(Laughter comes from both echo through the computer speakers)

NN: Oh, I think we all have at least one of those in every family.

NW1: Yeah, well I have four; I think we are over our quota. (He laughs before continuing) Ivy and I are doing great! She rocks my world and has been showing my brothers up lately, so naturally, we all adore her. It’s hard to believe that just over a year ago, I was ribbing Xander for being such a lovesick pup, and here I am…a totally wrapped around Ivy’s finger.
NN: Well I am glad to hear things are going so great for you both. I have some questions from some readers if you don’t mind answering them. I promise you they’re quite painless.

NW1: Sure, I’ll answer anything that I can. Shoot!

NN: Okay, all the way from Nova Scotia, Canada, Denyse B. asks, “What’s it like shifting into a wolf?”

NW1: You know I have never thought about it really. As children we shift naturally in between forms and it’s like any other reflex. I guess if I had to compare it to anything it would be like making the decision to run or walk. I simply think and the next thing I know I’m a wolf. My grandfather, Night Horse says that our animal spirits are one with our own. Being in my wolf form is indescribable. Its freedom and experiencing the world through a different perspective, you know.

NN: Sounds pretty cool! Any cons to being a wolf?

NW1: Well aside from having to worry about things like hunters and chupas. Having to go shopping with my sisters and Ivy is more hazardous to my health than fighting off chupas. (laughs)

NN: (laughs) I think you might want to keep that one on the down low. Angela McIntire, from Inman, SC, wants to know, “Are you considering ever going professional with your art? Maybe open a gallery or something?”

NW1: (smiles shyly) No, I’ve never thought about it. I suppose I could. I love sketching and I’ve started painting, thanks in part to Ivy. A few months ago I painted a few landscapes and portraits to raise money for New Hope and for the Native American Heritage Association, which helps feed, educate, and preserving the Native American Indian ways of life that is lacking in many reservations throughout the country. My family works hard to keep New Hope thriving and not a lot of reservations have that. Many are in severe poverty and are basically slums. Our country has to do more for those who live either on or outside of reservations. Our history has to be preserved.

NN: That sounds great that your family is trying to get the word out and help spread awareness about the plight of the Native American people of our country. It is really sad to hear that reservations are in so much need. What can people, like me and the readers do?

NW1: Well first off, educate yourselves. Next, write letters to your elected state and federal officials. Spread the word. Next, if you can, donate to organizations like Native American Heritage Association and NRC, both help out reservations nationwide. Another thing one can do is support Native American businesses, performing arts, writers, and don’t buy into anything that exploits Native American culture. Just remember, there’s nothing wrong with buying a jewelry or a pot from someone’s shop or whatever, but what’s wrong is having the mindset that there’s not been hours of hard work that went into that item and that the person who made it, even if it’s food; someone is trying to feed their family and they deserve to be paid a fair price for it.

NN: Those are some really great tips, and I’m sure the readers will keep them in mind. I got tons of questions, but I’ll only ask one more. This one comes from Canada again, Elizabeth Smith-Babcock asks, “What is up with your two eldest sisters, Khloe and Lahni? One is a doctor and one is in a band?”

NW1: My sister Khloe is a doctor for White Water but she’s mated to Cinjin, who is psycho but she loves him and he’s kinda grown on all of us. Khloe and Cinjin are definitely polar opposites. She’s quiet, reserved, a little OCD, and loves watching the DIY channel. Cinjin, on the other hand, is loud, obnoxious, looks like he could be a cast member for Sons of Anarchy, lives for a good fight, and refuses to miss one episode of Full Throttle Saloon and Game of Thrones. I know it’s crazy, but some insane way-they fit. Personally, I don’t see what she sees in him, but she assures all of us she’s got him house trained. I almost believe her. The other day, Bodhi got up to pull on his boots and found they’d been pissed in. Cinjin seemed to be grinning a lot all morning at the noon meal. (Laughs hard) Lahni, (he sighs), now there’s a complicated tale right there. Lahni has always been the wild child and lately she’s been in a series of bad moods. I think it has a lot to do with Cinjin’s pack leader, Shiloh Red Cloud. Few people know this but for many years Shiloh lived right here and both he and Lahni were quit close growing up. Then he left when his father died, and it’s like the two of them can’t stand to be in the same room with each other. (There’s a noise in the background and he winces) Well I hate to cut this short but something is going on down stairs. It’s been nice chatting with you, and I hope we can do it again soon! Tell all your readers thanks for the questions and keep them coming.

NN: Thanks Nyx and tell everyone I said “Hi!”

NW1: No prob and will do. Here are some pictures.

                        
Night Horse Wahpeton      








                  My mother and grandma-   We miss her!
My brother Dakota





                                                                                   

                             We call him Prince Lovely Locks     



                                                                   
 Big sister Khloe, even though she’s “elf” at barely 5ft 2in.


 Her big lunkhead of a mate, Cinjin          



and the best for last, the girl who holds my heart and soul, my Ivy. 

http://www.amazon.com

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http://www.allromanceebooks.com

To learn more about author Nikki Noffsinger stop by her official web page and blog:

                                                                http://nikkinoffsinger.webs.com/

Cursed Awakening on Goodreads

Nikki Noffsinger Interviews Nyx, from Cursed Awakening

Cursed Awakening

Nikki Noffsinger

Ivy Morgan has re-invented herself and is looking forward to the future for the first time, in a very long time. Since fleeing for her life from an overzealous religious cult, she is able to be a modern woman that is gaining her independence; so taking up with a sexy stranger named Nyx is the last thing she needs. Or, is it?

Nyx Wahpeton can’t stop thinking about the young woman he’s met. It couldn’t have come at the worse possible time with the clans meeting and his family wrapped up in a centuries old war that’s nothing short of what horror movies are made from. He’s been a protector of his people and those that reside at the Reservation. There’s betrayal and evil at his front door; but, in his heart he knows Ivy is the one for him. She’s surrounded by secrets that he’s vowed to unlock, as well as her heart. However, can he keep her safe from his own secrets?

Happy Friday!!  Today I have Nikki Noffsinger to the blog, with an interview she did with mc Nyx.  It's pretty awesome!!  Hope you enjoy :)
*Liz

Character Interview: Connie L Smith, author of Essenced

Essenced

The Division Chronicles

Connie L Smith

Years ago, demons were forced out of the earth’s realm by a band of supernatural fighters, banished from the place and its people in the aftermath of a horrific war. It should’ve ended there – would’ve – if not for the final demon’s claw snagging on the open portal. What felt like victory became only a reprieve, the winning warriors understanding that the tear would spread, and the demons eventually would escape exile. It was only a matter of time, and a need for future defense – a question of genetics and essences, magic and power.

Now centuries later, a new army must bind together – one of teenagers with inhuman potentials and abilities…

AJ went to bed Sunday night an average teenage girl, clumsy to a fault and athletically lacking. So when she wakes up Monday morning with super-strength, she does what any rational person would do: She goes into denial. When a smoking hot guy in a suit shows up, rambling about the end of the war and demons spilling through some kind of rift, she refuses to listen, telling herself he’s insane. Except weird things just won’t quit happening, and the guy keeps popping up in her life, trying to explain the changes suddenly happening within her. Is she crazy, or is this guy… not so crazy after all?

Hey everyone!  Today I have author, Connie Smith to the blog.  Connie was awesome enough to share with us a little one on one on one time she had with characters Max and Ray-Ray.  It's quite a fun interview!!  Hope you enjoy :)
Liz

Connie: Hey, guys! I’m sitting here with a couple of characters from my debut novel, Essenced. The girl with the cereal in her hand is Ray-Ray.

*Ray-Ray keeps eating her cereal*

Connie: …Could you say hi to everyone?

Ray-Ray: Hi, guys! Don’t come near my cereal!

Connie: They’re nowhere near you, so I think you’re safe. Anyway. The guy sitting beside her with the perpetual scowl is Max.

Max: This is stupid.

Connie: Play nice. If you’re mean to these people, they might not try the book.

Max: Hey, if you wanted nice, you should’ve picked Joseph.

Connie: *sighs* Yes, well. I picked you. Deal with it.

*Max rolls his eyes*

Ray-Ray: *points her thumb at Max* He’s always like this.

Max: I think she knows what I’m like, Ray-Ray. She wrote me.

Ray-Ray: *blinks innocently, then tilts the cereal box toward him* Sugar Smack?

Max: No, I don’t want your cereal.

Ray-Ray: *pets box* He’s just crazy. Don’t take it personally…

Connie: Guys? If we could?

*Ray-Ray and Max sit back in their seats, neither looking happy*

Connie: Okay. You two are both members of the Werewolf-Essenced pack. What’s that like?

Max: *quirks an eyebrow* Really? That’s your question.

Ray-Ray: *hits him in the head with the cereal box* Why do you always have to be so mean, Broody?

Max: It’s my nature.

Ray-Ray: *shakes head* Well, it’s no picnic having everything suddenly change. I mean, one minute you’re just a person, and the next you’re not really a person at all. It’s been a big transition, but I think we’re doing well with it. *eats another handful of cereal*

Max: *shrugs* It’s kind of the eye of the storm, in a way. We’re never getting back to what we were – even after the magic leaves and we’re human again. Everything that’s going on… We’re not who we used to be, and we’re not who we’re gonna be either.

Ray-Ray: *blinks* That was deep…

Max: *rolls eyes* That was common sense.

Ray-Ray: It was deep common sense.

Connie: We’ll just agree to disagree and move on. We see AJ’s moments of discovery in regards to her new abilities in the novel, but neither of yours. What was the first sign you had that something was different?

Ray-Ray: I was getting ready for school. I got in the shower, and didn’t notice the faucet was so far left when I lifted it. When all the hot water hit me, I panicked and sort of… ripped the whole thing out of the wall.

Connie: *lifts eyebrows* The whole thing?

Ray-Ray: Yep. Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hole where a faucet used to be.

Connie: …What did your parents say?

Ray-Ray: *shrugs* I left with my gatherer that day, so I didn’t see them afterward. They probably think I’m on drugs. It should be interesting when I see them again.

Connie: *shakes head* Max?

Max: I overheard one of the neighbors playing Justin Beiber on the way to my car. Grated on my nerves. I got so tense and aggravated, I ripped my car door off its hinges.

Connie: …Did you drive it to school that way?

Max: Yep.

Connie: …No one asked?

Max: *sighs* To be honest, by the time I got to school, it really settled in how weird everything was. I shouldn’t have even been able to hear the music, let alone assault my car because of it. I ended up cutting class and just walked around. When I went back for my car, everyone else was gone.

Connie: Are you actually admitting that you were freaked out?

Max: *shrugs* It happens. I’d come to the facility before school was in session the next day, so I haven’t had to deal with any questions yet.

Ray-Ray: *nods* They probably think you’re on drugs, too. *eats more cereal*

Connie: Well, we’ll hope neither of you have to have drug testing. Okay. Next question. Your alpha, AJ, didn’t arrive until after you guys showed up at the facility. Was it hard having to fall in line behind her under those circumstances?

Ray-Ray: Not for me. We all had our own times of adjustment, and being a canine essence… It’s not really that surprising that our alpha was stubborn about it. Students had been showing up all week long, so it wasn’t a big deal that she was a late arrival.

Max: And, at the end of the day, there’s a pack mentality. She’s our alpha. Period.

Connie: Which is interesting coming from you, Max. You don’t exactly roll over every time you’re told to. No pun intended.

Max: *glares* I’ll let the ‘roll over’ comment slide. And no, I don’t. I don’t like the situation. I don’t like our odds. I don’t like being told what to do. It surfaces from time to time.

Ray-Ray: *snorts* From time to time?

Max: *shrugs, smirking* Give or take.

Connie: But you still consider yourself a pack member who knows his position?

Max: Absolutely. I’m a pain. I know that. And it’s the alpha’s job to knock me back into line.

Ray-Ray: Really, Max is just trying to keep her in work. You know. Like criminals are kind enough to give police job security.

*Max glares. Ray-Ray grins as she eats another handful of cereal*

Connie: And ‘Broody’ as a nickname? How do you feel about that?

Max: *shrugs* At least they don’t call me Chewy.

Ray-Ray: *snorts* Chewy. You’re not cool enough to be Chewy.

Max: Sci-Fi nerd…

Ray-Ray: Angry and Angsty…

Connie: *sighs* My first character interview was AJ and Julius. Now this… I gotta pick better pairs to interview.

Ray-Ray: It doesn’t get any better than Werewolf-Essenced. *eats more cereal*

Connie: Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have chosen a different set. Wyatt and Carter would’ve worked better.

Ray-Ray: That’s because those two are crazy. *stuffs another handful of cereal in her mouth and talks over it* Complete weirdos.

Max: *smirks* So says the cereal freak.

Ray-Ray: Good food is good food. End of story. *looks at Connie* Not to be rude, but I’m kind of wanting to get to Wheel of Fortune, so is this interview about over?

*Max snorts. Ray-Ray glares at him*

Connie: Sure, sure. Just a few more questions. I know there’s a lot going on here at the facility on so many levels. The battles, the preparation. But there’s also a great deal happening on smaller levels, I would think. I mean, you guys room with people you didn’t know before you got here, train in a pack with people you didn’t know, and are becoming people that you barely know. What, to you, has been the hardest aspect of this?

Ray-Ray: Well, one of my roommates won’t quit stealing my clothes…

Connie: She’s Dragon-Essenced, Ray-Ray. She can’t helpbut steal things.

Ray-Ray: Regardless. *eats another handful of cereal* It’s a very trying situation.

Max: *shakes head* Yeah, you look devastated.

Ray-Ray: I hide my negative emotions better than others. Which is another hard aspect of this situation. *points her thumb at Max* Him.

Max: Right there’s the worst part to me. Everyone expects you to joke and laugh and act like we’re the best of friends. We’re not. We’re soldiers. We’re here to kill some demons and save the world. What part of that means I should have to be bright and sociable?

Ray-Ray: See, Connie? He’s so angsty. I know the situation is bad, but wallowing in it doesn’t improve it.

Max: Neither does not wallowing in it. And it isn’t wallowing anyway. It’s being honest. I hate this. I want to get past this. Pardon me for not really caring about the middle details.

Ray-Ray: *sighs* We need to get you a swing set.

Max: …What?

Ray-Ray: Give you a hobby. Burn off some annoyance. Embrace your inner child.

Max: …Just eat your cereal, Ray-Ray.

Connie: And what do you think you’ll take away from this?

Ray-Ray: Friends, I think. I’ve gotten pretty close to some of the students here, and I’d hate to think we’ll lose contact once this is over. Besides that, I think just a feeling of capability, you know? This bad thing is happening, and if we can stop that, what better thing to have on your resume? I mean, I know we can’t actually put it on our resumes, but it’ll be there in the back of my mind.

Max: Just the realization of how quickly things can fall to pieces. That kind of thing keeps you on your toes. Always looking over your shoulder. But if we survive this war, we’ll be more prepared for some of the smaller twists we encounter.

Connie: Okay. One more thing. People who have never read Essencedwill probably see this interview. Why should they read the book?

Ray-Ray: *looks confused and points at Max* Because we’re in it.

Connie: …Anything else?

Ray-Ray: Sure. There’s a lot of stuff going on. There’s war, romance, humor… anxiety. Just about every person at the facility is quirky and weird…

Max: Just ask the Necromancer-Essenced that randomly makes up emo poetry.

Ray-Ray: Or the loudmouthed, balding Thunderbird-Essenced.

Max: Or the woman-crazy Incubus-Essenced.

Ray-Ray: *cringes* That guy’s a bit over the top.

Connie: He’s not a subtle guy.

Ray-Ray: *snorts* Understatement.

Connie: Okay. Along with everything these two just said, Essencedis scheduled to be FREE on October 9^th. So, be sure to visit the buy link. Also, remember that I’m having a contest for my next cover. You can find the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/169405399921334/?notif_t=plan_user_joined. Thanks for your time!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/clsmithbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CLSmithBooks

Blog: http://connielynnsmith.wordpress.com/

Author Site: http://connielynnsmith.wix.com/clsmithbooks

   

“Ladies,” Joseph intervened, “let’s not kill each other over a semi decent meal.”

            Carter snorted. “No worries there. I’m not even sure what this is supposed to be…”

            Wyatt glanced over at his tray, studying his friend’s dinner like a scientific experiment. “It’s food. Maybe.”

            Throwing a tater tot at him, Carter chuckled along with the rest of the pack.

            “Dude!” Wyatt flailed his hands in mock rage. “Don’t waste the tater tots. They’re the only good thing on the tray.”

            “That’s not true.” Shaking his head, Carter pointed a spoon at the main course of his meal. “This chicken-like substance is quite appealing.”

            “The whole thing’s disgusting.” Max stabbed his green beans with a fork, expression repulsed. “You’d think if we’re gonna save the world, they’d at least feed us right.”

            “Maybe it’s the best they can do.” AJ shrugged. “I mean, it was kind of short notice, in a way. And there are hundreds of us here.”   

            “And you’re telling me our angel buddies can’t manage to get us better food?”

            “Maybe they’re more interested in training us so we don’t die.”

            Max raised an annoyed eyebrow. “Yeah, if food poisoning doesn’t kill us first.”

            “Well, if it does kill us,” Ray-Ray declared, “I sincerely hope you’re the first to go.”

            The rest of the group snickered while Max glared.

            Rolling her eyes, Ray-Ray waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, you can’t be surprised. Nobody likes a grump. And you, sir, are a grump.”

“Well, pardon me, but maybe I had better things to do than to come here and play hero.”

            She grunted. “Trust me, buddy. You’re nobody’s hero. And you could’ve said no.”

            Max’s eyes narrowed further, his lips tight. “I might be a pain, but I’m not a coward.”

            “Huh. Well, maybe everyone does have a redeeming quality.”

Character Interview: Connie L Smith, author of Essenced

Essenced

The Division Chronicles

Connie L Smith

Years ago, demons were forced out of the earth’s realm by a band of supernatural fighters, banished from the place and its people in the aftermath of a horrific war. It should’ve ended there – would’ve – if not for the final demon’s claw snagging on the open portal. What felt like victory became only a reprieve, the winning warriors understanding that the tear would spread, and the demons eventually would escape exile. It was only a matter of time, and a need for future defense – a question of genetics and essences, magic and power.

Now centuries later, a new army must bind together – one of teenagers with inhuman potentials and abilities…

AJ went to bed Sunday night an average teenage girl, clumsy to a fault and athletically lacking. So when she wakes up Monday morning with super-strength, she does what any rational person would do: She goes into denial. When a smoking hot guy in a suit shows up, rambling about the end of the war and demons spilling through some kind of rift, she refuses to listen, telling herself he’s insane. Except weird things just won’t quit happening, and the guy keeps popping up in her life, trying to explain the changes suddenly happening within her. Is she crazy, or is this guy… not so crazy after all?

Hey everyone!  Today I have author, Connie Smith to the blog.  Connie was awesome enough to share with us a little one on one on one time she had with characters Max and Ray-Ray.  It's quite a fun interview!!  Hope you enjoy :)
Liz

Character Interview, Chosen Heart by Stephanie Nash & Ann Stewart

Chosen Heart

Ann Stewart & Stephanie Nash

Elyssa Hart has tried to forget that frightful night during her freshman year of college. Since then it's been hard to let anyone close, which is why she only has one friend near and dear to her heart. Forsaking all others, she lives a silent, lonely existence. That was until she jumped into the next chapter of her life; Sales Executive at the prestigious Salerno Health, Inc.

The moment she met the always calm and collected Alexander James, her life was set on a new path. One moment she's slowly falling in love and the next she's plummeting painfully to the ground with the realization that you don't marry your dirty little secret; you keep her in the closet. That was, until she found out she was not his only kept secret.

Will the enigma of Mr. James be more than Elyssa can handle? Or will she choose him, like she promised she always would.

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Today I have authors Ann Stewart and Stephanie Nash over to the blog, and they brought their interview with Alexander James, from Chosen heart!   Oooh, I bet this will be a good one!  Hope you enjoy!

Ann Stewart and Stephanie Nash are excited to be able to bring you the silent, yet self-assured, Alexander James.  Sitting in front of us at a local coffee shop, impeccably dressed in slate grey slacks, white button down shirt, Mr. James is the epitome of casual coolness.  Square jaw, defined chin and blue eyes which pierce us to our seat, he is intimidating, but at the same time we feel we’ve known him forever.

(Steph)  Thank you, Alex, for agreeing to meet with us.  I know your schedule must not permit you to be out of work too much, so we appreciate your time. 

(Alex)  It’s not a problem.  I wanted to meet with you, for nothing more than to clear up some misconceptions of me.  I’m going to be upfront with you ladies…Like I told Elyssa when I first started opening up to her, I’ll let you know if it’s something I don’t want to talk about.  I’m easy like that.  I do what I want, when I want, and I if I don’t want, then it’s done.

(Ann)  We’ll keep that in mind. 

Let's get a little history on you...

AS ~ How old are you?  And do you mind letting us know what your middle name is?

AJ ~ Since I was born on October 23, 1982, that would make me 30.  Getting personal, huh?  Not a lot of people in this world are privy to my middle name…so let’s keep it between the three of us.  My full name is Alexander Brayden James.

AS ~ Why so secretive?  Don’t you like your name?

AJ ~ Oh, I do.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice name.  It’s just a mouthful.  When I was little, hell, even now, the only people who would call me Alexander was my mom and my grandmother.  When another kid from school would hear them calling me that, they would make fun of me for a week or two after, calling me Alexandra.  Kids.  Shakes his head.

AS ~ Do you prefer Alex or Alexander?

AJ ~ Definitely Alex.  Smirking.  Don’t you think screaming and moaning Alexander in bed is a little lengthy?

(Steph) Never thought of that…but yes, you’re right.  Alex suits you in all areas. 

SN ~ We know you grew up in San Diego, Alex.  Do you miss it? 

AJ ~ I grew up in San Diego and loved the area.  My mom loved San Diego, even more so when she started to get sick; the crispness of the air by the ocean, the perfect temperature.  We moved to Las Vegas out of necessity.  My mom needed help raising me, and Nana was in Las Vegas.  After my mom passed away when I was seventeen, I stayed only to graduate high school and then got out of here quick.  I needed time to just be myself.  I hadn’t planned on coming back, but after college graduation, Nana needed me.  She’s all the family I have left, so you do what you have to do.

SN ~ Is Vegas where you see yourself growing old?

AJ ~ I always thought I’d stay here until Nana passed away.  She’s what’s keeping me here.  With her Alzheimer’s, she needs to be in familiar surroundings.  This is her home and she is my home.  So for now, I’m here.  I do love San Diego, so who knows.  I used to say that I love New York, but we all know how well that’s playing out.

AS ~ We’re sorry about your mom’s struggle with cancer.  How has that loss affected your life? 

AJ ~ When you lose your mother at such a young age, it can destroy the strongest.  But, I was lucky…I had my grandmother.  You see how great she is, right?  She’s done more for me than even my mom was able to do.  As far as dealing with losing her, after she lost her battle with cancer?  I know it wasn’t something I could control, even then.   As an adult, I know the same, yet I know of many organizations that are striving for the absolute cure.  I donate to them.  End of story.

AS ~ Losing her at such a young age must have been difficult, but to also have to deal with such hatred from your dad…shaking my head…I can’t even imagine.

AJ ~ Trust me when I say, you don’t even want to know. 

AS ~ Your dad wasn’t the most influential, perfect role model.  I don’t want to dwell on the negative, so tell me what you’ve done to overcome that obstacle?  Or have you?

AJ ~ I don't like to dwell on how someone hasn't influenced me versus actually talking about the most influential people in my life which would be my mother and grandmother. Both strong women with ailments that have hindered them yet impacted my life in more ways than I can explain. So I just strive to make them proud daily.

It’s obvious this line of questioning is upsetting him and making that gorgeous smile frown.  We don’t want to go there with this interview, so we’ve decide to move past this and get to something that hopefully he’ll be a little more appreciative of.

(Ann) Sorry, Alex.  We didn’t mean to upset you.  Alex waves his hand, effectively dismissing the situation.  Let’s move on.

Let’s talk business…

AS ~ You’ve made it far in life, having a successful career and loving grandmother who takes care of you just as much as you take care of her.  Who would you consider as your biggest influence, professionally and personally?

AJ ~ My mom was always urging me to do better when I was younger.  She didn’t make me feel like anything I did was not worth it.  Nana has been my biggest supporter, making sure I went to college and making sure I’m left with good morals.  I guess the second part of her wishes didn’t come true.  But, hey…I’m working on it.  And unfortunately when you talk about immorality, Arianna would have to come up.  I’d be lying if I didn’t mention Arianna.  I wouldn’t have the position I have, or the responsibility, so even though I got to it a different way than most, she has been there every step of the way.  Mentoring me, pushing me to be what she knew I was capable of. 

SN ~ What is your take on Arianna?  I know you’ve known her quite a while, intimately I might add, so what gives?  Why do you stick around?

AJ ~ My arrangement with Arianna was exactly that. I looked at it as a business transaction. In business, do you leave when your networks have been profitable?

AS ~ Where do you see yourself, professionally and personally, in five years?

AJ ~ That’s a hard question.  So much is up in the air both professionally and personally.  I’m going to strive to be the best VP Salerno Health has ever seen.  That has always been my goal, which hasn’t changed.  I’m also making every effort to right the wrongs with me and Elyssa.  She deserves more and I’m going to give it to her.

Let's talk about Love...

AS ~ Who was your first girlfriend? And why didn’t it last?

AJ ~ He takes a cleansing deep breath.  Sorry.  Girlfriends are a touchy subject.  I had a relationship in college that didn’t last long.  The reason it didn’t last was simple.  She wanted more.  I didn’t.  I've never considered anyone before Elyssa a true girlfriend.  As far as why we didn't last, well that's something you’ll have to ask her.  I’m not privy to that information.

SN ~ First thoughts when you saw Elyssa?

AJ ~ Brave.  Immediately I was protective of her.  When I saw her talking to the day laborer, I was ready to pounce if something went down.  But she surprised me.  He was fearless.  She was beautiful, is beautiful, and I knew from that day forward I would do anything for her.

SN ~ Why her?  Why not any one of the other women you’ve been with.

AJ ~ She never wanted to use me. She saw me for more than most women have. 

SN ~ Do you believe in soul mates?

AJ ~ He chuckles, almost painfully.  I never thought about it before.  But, if I was being honest…no, I didn't.  Having to grow up with an asshole for a dad, I didn’t think it was possible.  Now.  He gets lost in thought for nearly a minute. Now, Elyssa is every possibility I never dreamed of.

AS ~ Some say you have a little bit of an unnecessary jealous streak?  Care to respond?

AJ ~ Have they ever been in love?  If so, then they'd understand.  I've been with countless number of women, but only once have I ever been in love. So yah, I'm having a hard time getting use to these feelings.  Is it right? Wrong?  Who knows; I’m trying.

AS ~ Elyssa, not wanting to be deceitful, went ahead and told you about her past.  Why did you wait so long to tell Elyssa about your past? 

AJ ~ I've never had to explain myself to anyone.  I kept my past so far from my present that I was afraid.  When I finally had the courage, or some would say I was forced into that courage, to tell Elyssa, I hesitated out of fear of losing her.

SN ~ Speaking of her secrets, let’s talk about Cole.  Cue eye role from Alex.  He makes you literally go unhinged.  It’s obvious to me why, but explain to the readers what it is about him that makes you want to go ballistic?

AJ ~ If you didn’t notice, he’s kind of a control freak.  Elyssa didn’t have anyone else in her life besides him, and he made sure of that.  I want to be grateful to him for preventing such a brutal act, and I am, but at what cost?  And he was/is a drunk.  I can’t condone that.  Talk about jealousy?  He’s just as jealous as I am.  I really am surprised he hasn’t been around lately.  It makes me wonder.  He shrugs.  O’well.  If I never see him again, it’ll be too soon.  Good riddance.

Okay, enough with the heavy...

SN ~ Music seems to be very important to you, and you have a wonderfully sinful voice.  Have you ever thought of going public with it?

AJ ~ Honestly?  Never.  Music is very personal to me and I rarely share it.  Sure, I go to the open mic nights and enjoy sharing it with random people.  But, being on stage is intimidating, makes me vulnerable. 

SN ~ Who are your musical influences?

AJ ~ I love blues; anything with soul.  Right now I’m really into James Morrison.  I could listen to his music forever.

AS ~ What is the craziest thing you'd do for Elyssa?

AJ ~ I would do anything for her.  Anything.

AS ~ Any tattoos?

AJ ~ Wouldn’t you like to know?  Wink 

AS ~ You seem to have a lot going on in your life, professionally and personally.  How do you keep your body looking so…so…healthy?

AJ ~ How astute of you to notice.  I do have a lot on my plate.  He thinks a minute, rubbing his long slender fingers across his bottom lip.  Sex.  And lots of it.  Laughter is belted out of those dimpled lips.  That and I have a gym in my room.  Helps for the sleepless nights.

Rapid Fire...

(Ann)  We like to play a little fast round of questions called Rapid Fire…You up for it?

(Alex)  Of course…that’s what I’m here for.

AS ~ Boxers or Briefs?

AJ ~ Boxer briefs

SN ~ Chocolate or Vanilla?

AJ ~ Chocolate

AS ~ Favorite Food?

AJ ~ Gummy bears

AS ~ Books or Movies?

AJ ~ Movies

SN ~ Favorite color, sound, smell?

AJ ~ Maroon, guitar, ocean

AS ~ Most comfortable when

AJ ~ Playing or listening to music

AS ~ Least comfortable when

AJ ~ Surprises

SN ~ Biggest Regret

AJ ~ Not protecting my mom from my dad

SN ~ Biggest Accomplishment

AJ ~ Becoming VP of Sales and Marketing…regardless of my path

AS ~ 3 words to describe yourself…

AJ ~ Planner, Assertive, Confident

AS ~ 3 words to describe Elyssa...

AJ ~ Compassionate, Stunning, Gracious

SN ~ Greatest Strength

AJ ~ My shit’s together…even when it’s falling apart.  I have contingency plans for everything.  Things aren’t over until I say they are.

SN ~ Greatest Weakness

AJ ~ Being without Elyssa

Ann and Stephanie both look at each other and sigh, knowing what each other is thinking…come on Ely!  You both need each other and are meant for one another.

Alex stands up first.  Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.  If you have any clout with Elyssa, which I know you do, please put in a good word for me.  Jealousy aside, past left in the past, I want her.  I know she wants me, but she may need some encouragement.  I know you two are close, so whatever you can do.  He smiles, showing our favorite dimples.

(Ann and Steph)  Anything for you, Mr. James, anything for you.

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