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Sunday, July 5, 2015

Interview with Author Adrienne Giordano and Giveaway

Meet Adrienne Giordano author of The Detective.

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Adrienne Giordano writes romantic suspense and mystery. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her workaholic husband, sports obsessed son and Buddy the Wheaten Terrorist (Terrier). She is a co-founder of Romance University blog and Lady Jane's Salon-Naperville, a reading series dedicated to romantic fiction.


First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
I like to tell people I’m a Jersey girl at heart, but I now live in the Chicago area. When I first moved here, I was single and in my twenties so I didn’t have a husband or children to relocate with me. I found my hubby when I moved to the Midwest so I’m thankful I made the move! I come from a very close family though and leaving them was extremely hard. I do miss seeing my family on a day-to-day basis. There’s something special about having cousins who live next door and around the corner. When I visit my mom, all I have to do is walk to the neighbor’s house and I can visit with family. The other thing I miss is living near the ocean. The salt air settles my mind. Some days I literally crave the beach.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Yep. Last year my mom sent me a book I’d written when I was seven years-old so I think I always had the itch. My father was a tremendous story teller. He wasn’t a writer, but he had a gift for making up great stories. Endless entertainment with him!

What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
I’m a little of both. I like knowing what will happen in the middle of the story and at the end. Everything in between I do on the fly.

Where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere! I still love to read the newspaper and I’ll get a ton of ideas from there. You can’t make some of that stuff up! LOL. Otherwise, I’ll just be out and about and see something that sparks an idea.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
The Detective: Passion ignites when an ambitious interior designer teams up with a hardened homicide detective to catch a murderer

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
Romantic suspense and thrillers. I also like contemporaries and turn to my pal Kelsey Browning when I want to laugh out loud. And if I’m in the mood for historicals that have a little bit of grit to them my go-to gal is Tracey Devlyn.

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Ooh, too many to choose. Some of my favorite authors though are Lisa Gardner, Harlan Coben and Suzanne Brockmann. I read their books over and over. Love their work!

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write? Why?
The hardest ones are where I have to completely break my hero or heroine down emotionally to get him/her where he/she needs to go. There’s a scene in Man Law that is (to this day) the hardest one I’ve ever written. I needed three days off after writing that scene.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Tracey Devlyn, Kelsey Browning and Nora Roberts. Tracey and Kelsey have been on this publishing journey with me for years. As it pertains to the publishing world, we’re growing up together and I can’t imagine doing this without them. The third would be Nora Roberts because she’s built an amazing career and I think it would be fascinating to hear about that.

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
I’m always working on something! I’m plotting book three in my Lucie Rizzo series and working on a romantic suspense that I’d like to get finished by the end of summer. Then I have a new romantic suspense series I’m going to jump into. So excited for that one!

You are the main character in the last book you read. Who are you?



She’s captured his heart…and the attention of a murderer.

Injured homicide detective Brodey Hayward needs a distraction, and he finds it as a consultant on a cold case murder. When Brodey’s investigation delays plans to remodel the former crime scene, he uncovers another kind of distraction: spirited Lexi Vanderbilt. Despite her distrust of men, Brodey charms the alluring interior designer into helping him examine the case facts.

Working closely with the ultrasexy detective helps Lexi lower her guard, igniting a passion that even Chicago’s winter can’t cool. As they close in on the killer, Lexi becomes his new target. To save her, Brodey must either betray her trust—or risk losing Lexi forever.

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Chapter One

Lexi Vanderbilt’s mother taught her two very important lessons. One, always wear coordinating lipstick, and two, recognize an opportunity when it presented itself.

Standing in the ballroom of the newly renovated Gold Coast Country Club, Lexi planned on employing those lessons.

All around her workers prepared for the throng of club members who would descend in—she checked her watch—ninety-three minutes. As the interior designer about to unveil her latest masterpiece, she would spend those ninety-three minutes tending to everything from flowers to linens to centerpieces. A waiter toting a tray of sparkling champagne glasses cruised by. She took in the not-so-perfect cut of his tux and groaned. The staff’s attire wasn’t her jurisdiction. Still, small details never escaped her. At times, like now, it was maddening.

Oh, and just wait one second. “Excuse me,” she said to a woman carrying a stack of tablecloths. “The sailboat ice sculpture belongs on the dessert table by the window. The Willis Tower goes by the champagne fountain.”

The woman hefted the pile of linens, a not-so-subtle hint that the sculptures weren’t her problem. “Does it matter?”

If it didn’t, I wouldn’t ask. Lexi sighed. “It matters. Unless you’d like to tell your boss, who specifically requested the placement of the sculptures, that it doesn’t.”

For added effect, Lexi grinned and the woman rolled her eyes. “I’ll get the busboys to move it.”

“Thank you.”

One minicrisis averted. And maybe she could have let that one slide given that the club’s manager had to be 110 years old and most likely wouldn’t remember which sculpture went where, but why take a chance on something easily fixed?

Besides, tonight everything had to be perfect.

Functions attended by the richest of the rich were a breeding ground for opportunities. Opportunities Lexi craved for her fledgling design company. At twenty-nine, she’d already been profiled by the Banner-Herald and all the major broadcast stations in the city. She was quickly gaining ground on becoming Chicago’s “it” designer, and that meant dethroning Jerome Laddis, the current “it” designer. He may have had more experience, but Lexi had youth, energy and fresh ideas on her side. A few more insanely wealthy clients touting Lexi’s work and look out, Jerome.

Then she’d hire an assistant, rehab her disaster of a garage into an office and get some sleep.

Lots of it.

Right now, as she glanced around, took in the exquisite silk drapes, the hundred-thousand-dollar chandelier and hand-scraped floor she’d had flown in from Brazil, no questions on the tiny details would haunt her. She’d make sure of it. Even if stress-induced hospitalization loomed in her near future.

The upshot? She’d lost five pounds in the past two weeks. Always a silver lining.

“Alexis?”

Lexi turned, her long gown swishing against the floor and snagging on her shoe. She smiled at Pamela Hennings while casually adjusting her dress. Darned floor-length gowns. “Mrs. Hennings, how nice to see you.”

Mrs. Hennings air-kissed and stepped back. On her petite frame she wore a fitted gown in her signature sky blue that matched her eyes. The gown draped softly at the neckline, displaying minimal cleavage. As usual, a perfect choice.

“I love what you’ve done in here,” Mrs. Hennings said. “Amazing job.”

Being a club board member, she had no doubt shown up early to make sure the unveiling of the new room would be nothing short of remarkable. “Thank you. I enjoyed it. Just a few last-minute details and we’ll be ready.”

“Everything is lovely. Even the damned ice sculptures Raymond couldn’t live without. Waste of money if you ask me, but some battles aren’t worth fighting.”

So true.

A loud bang from the corner of the room assaulted Lexi’s ears. Please let that be silverware. She shifted her gaze left and spotted the waiter who’d passed her earlier scooping utensils onto a tray. Thank you.

Mrs. Hennings touched Lexi’s arm. “By the bye, I think I have Gerald convinced his study needs an update. All that dark wood is depressing.”

Now, that would be a thrill. If Lexi landed the job and nailed it, the top 10 percent of Chicago’s executives would know it. And competition ran hot with this social set. Before long, they’d be lined up outside her office for a crack at outdoing Pamela and Gerald Hennings.

“I think,” Lexi said, “for him we could leave touches of the dark woods. Macassar ebony would be fabulous on the floor.”

“Ooh, yes. Do you have time this week? Maybe you could come by and work up some sketches?”

“Of course.” Lexi whipped her phone from her purse and scrolled to her calendar. “How about early next week? Tomorrow I’m starting a new project that might eat up the rest of my week.”

“I’ll make sure I’m available. What’s this new project? Can you share?”

Rich folks. Always wanting the inside scoop. “Actually, it’s quite fascinating. Remember the murdered broker?”

“The one from Cartright? How could I not? The entire neighborhood went into a panic.”

The residents of Cartright, the North Side’s closest thing to a gated community without the gates, employed private security to help patrol the six city blocks that made up their self-titled haven. That extra money spent on security kept the crime rate nearly nonexistent in those six city blocks.

Except for the offing of one crooked stockbroker.

“That’s the one,” Lexi said. “I’ve been hired to stage the house. The real estate agent suggested it to the broker’s widow and she hired me.”

“I heard they couldn’t sell. The market is destroying her. That poor woman. He left her with a mountain of trouble. He paid top dollar and if she lowers the price again, she won’t make enough to clear his debts. Add to that any retribution owed to the clients he borrowed funds from without their knowledge.”

As expected, Pamela Hennings was up to speed on the latest gossip. Gossip that Lexi would not share. Being told this information about a client was one thing. Sharing it? Not happening. “I’m looking forward to the project. It’s an incredible house.”

Being an interior designer didn’t always give Lexi the chance to change someone’s life. Her work allowed people to see the beauty in color and texture and shape and made their homes more than just a place to live, but she didn’t often get the opportunity to alter an emotionally devastating situation. Now she had the chance. Getting this house sold would free the broker’s widow from debt and give her children a comfortable life.

And Lexi wanted to see that happen.

Plus, if she got the thing sold in forty-five days, she’d make a whopping 20 percent bonus. The bonus alone would pay for an assistant and give her a life back.

Nap, here I come.

Mrs. Hennings made a tsk-tsk noise. “They never did find the murderer, did they?”

“No. Which I think is part of the problem. I may do a little of my feng shui magic in there. Clear all the negativity out. When I’m finished, that house will be beautiful and bright and homey.”

“The debt, the children and now the police can’t find the murderer. And it’s been what, two years? No woman deserves to be left with that.”

Again, Lexi remained quiet. Don’t get sucked in. But, yes, it had been two years, and from what Lexi knew, the police were no closer to finding the man’s killer. Such a tragedy. “The case has gone cold.”

Sucked in. She smacked her lips together.

“You know,” Mrs. Hennings said, “my husband’s firm recently did some work with a pro bono cold case. I wonder if the investigator who worked on that wouldn’t mind taking a look at this. I’d love to see the man’s family given some relief. And, let’s face it, it would certainly be good PR for the firm.”

It certainly would.

Investigative help wouldn’t hurt the real estate agent’s chances—or Lexi’s—of getting the house sold in forty-five days. “Do you think they’d be interested?”

“Oh, I’m sure it can be arranged.”

Gerald Hennings, a.k.a. the Dapper Defense Lawyer, pushed through the oversize ballroom doors, spotted the two women and unleashed a smile. Even in his sixties, he had charm to spare. Salt-and-pepper hair and the carved cheekbones of a man who’d once been devastatingly handsome—all combined with his intelligence—added up to someone who ruled a courtroom.

“Gerald,” Mrs. Hennings said, “perfect timing. The board meeting will be upstairs. Believe it or not, we’re the first ones here.”

The Dapper DL eyed his wife with a hint of mischief, smiling in a rueful way that probably slayed jurors. “Shocking.” Then he turned his charm loose on Lexi. “Alexis Vanderbilt, how are you?”

“I’m fine, Mr. Hennings. Thank you. And yourself?”

“I was quite well until fifteen seconds ago when my wife announced my timing was perfect. That means I’ll either be writing you a healthy check or she’s volunteered me for something. Either way, I’m sure it will be painful.”

Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:
  • 1 $25 Gift Card, Signed Print Book + Swag Pack

To Enter: 
  • You are the main character in the last book you read. Who are you?
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Good Luck! 

Special thanks to Adrienne Giordano for sponsoring this tour-wide giveaway.
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32 comments :

  1. I rather enjoyed Midsommer Murders, so English :) Also watched Poirot and Morse, Jessica Fletcher etc... I really like the detectives that have a slow pace and not so much blood. More detecting ;)

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  2. Rockford Files, Hart to Hart, and all the rest of those classics and also the ones on PBS...Miss Marple, Poirot, another one that was a gentleman & his valet in the early 1900's...

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  3. I love Samantha Holland from Marie Force's Fatal series. So good. Also, I love watching Castle.

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  4. I loved Law and Order and Law and Order SVU

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  5. I have a relative who was an undercover police detective and is now a Texas Rsnger. I've read every Agatha Christie book and am now into the Decorah Security series. I don't try to solve, just enjoy the journey.

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  6. In snswer to your question, I am Darcy in Still The One by Jill Shalvis.

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  7. In snswer to your question, I am Darcy in Still The One by Jill Shalvis.

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  8. Loved the humor and look forward to reading more of it!

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  9. Yes I have a friend working as one. I enjoy Blue Bloods and my favorite is Elementary.

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  10. I love NCIS! thanks for the fun post and giveaway :)

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  11. I don't know any ... but I know a couple PIs though ...lol
    I do enjoy NCIS, criminal minds, the closer, and Castle are all good shows to watch

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  12. My favorite detective is Eve Dallas!

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  13. I am Annabel Wheaton from Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke

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  14. I'm Nick from Keri Lake's Ricochet...I love Chicago PD and Law and Order SVU

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  15. I don't know any detectives, but love CSI and NCIS.

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  16. Always been a The First 48 reality fan & CSI

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  17. Always been a The First 48 reality fan & CSI

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  18. Always been a The First 48 reality fan & CSI

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  19. My Father-in-law was a detective before retirement... Fictionally, James Patterson's Alex Cross is at the top of my list!

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  20. I don't know any detectives, but my favorite show which features them is Blue Bloods. Rookie Blue is another great one.

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  21. I do not know any in real life but I love Castle...Kate Beckett is kick ass!

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  22. In answer to your question, I'm Olivia in Avery Flynn's upcoming release "Trouble on Tap" - lucky me!

    As far as detectives, I don't know any personally, but my favorite TV detective was Remington Steele - I just loved Pierce Brosnan!

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  23. I loved Briscoe from the original Law & Order....I cried when the character and actor died. And they're not technically detectives, but I love the Criminal Minds gang.

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  24. I have a friend who is a detective for the city's narcotics division. As for the main character of the last book question, I'm Lily Danville from Jill Shalvis's Second Chance Summer.

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  25. I don't know any detectives in real life, but I have a rich fantasy life. Eve Dallas and Rourke, Brooklyn Wainwright the bookbinder who finds dead bodies in Kate Carlisle's Bibliophile Mysteries, Karen Cantwell's housewife, all of the English detectives mentioned above, Castle and Kate Becket, if it's light and witty, I identify.

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  26. My favorite detective shows are Major Crimes and NCIS and my favorite detective books are JD Robb's books.

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  27. Oh that question of your are the main character of the last book you read, who are you?.... I swear I just drew a blank and stared at my computer screen. I've been on a reading marathon, so I don't remember my last character.

    Now...I don't know any detectives. The only show I watch which have detectives in it is Castle.

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  28. I am Caprice De Luca in Karen Rose Smith's "Drape Expectations"

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  29. The last book I read was The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane and I would prefer to be Inspector Randolph Mansfield. As for my favorite show with detectives, it's Elementary on CBS.

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  30. The last book I read was Allegiant by Veronica Roth...so I guess I'd be Tris Prior. I actually don't watch any detective shows, or know of any...

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  31. That would make me Nadya from Lisa Kessler's Blood Moon. I would rather not be a werewolf though thanks. :)

    I don't know any detectives in real life. My favourite tv show is Castle. I like the characters of Beckett and Castle individually, but particularly love them as a duo working together.

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