This morning I received an email asking me if Hold On was the last book in the Alexa Reed series. After I traded a few emails with the person who emailed, I learned that she was asking because she never starts to read a series unless it’s finished. That email, coupled with all of the questions I’ve been getting about when my next book is coming out, have me really thinking about the whole concept of book series and what role they’ve played in my own reading life.
Mystery -Fantasy-Drama-Romance-Paranormal: I’ve read it all
I’ve always loved to read, and when I go back to the beginning, I see I’ve always been a big fan of book series myself. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that I chose to make my first venture into writing centered on multiple books. I must’ve been around eight years old when I started reading the Trixie Belden Series. I think I read every book there was about my favorite girl detective. I enjoyed Nancy Drew as well, but Trixie held a special place in my heart. I thought she kicked ass!
The Chronicles of Narnia probably made an appearance sometime around that time, and I couldn’t get enough of Lucy, Tumnus, Aslan, and Turkish chocolate. Twenty something years later I got to see it on the big screen, which was a treat.
In my young teens my tastes changed, and the next series I can remember reading voraciously was The Sweet Valley High Series. I’m not sure how many books there were, but I know I read and owned most of them. The Wakefield twins and all of their friends were my first real introduction into YA fiction/romance, and it was a good one. Thanks Francine Pascal! I think about that series today when I feel like I’m not going to be able to stop writing about Alexa and Julian.
Things stepped up a notch when I started reading the Dollanganger Series by V.C. Andrews. I look back on the themes in those books and admit I probably shouldn’t have been reading them at such a young age, but I loved them.
After that I can’t even think of any series I read until Twilight, and I was forced into that by a friend who just wouldn’t shut up about it. I wasn’t into anything supernatural, and it took years to convince me to read about a bunch of nice vampires. I’m actually laughing right now because it changed my whole world – reading and TV watching that is! I finished the whole series in a week (clearly I did nothing else but read that week), and have watched every Twilight movie too many times to count. Yes, I watch Vampire Diaries and True Blood too! I can’t leave out the Hunger Games either. I think I jumped on that bandwagon pretty late too, but I was hooked and read all three in a weekend.
When it became personal:
Next up, the life changing 50 Shades of Grey. Yes, I said life changing. Reading this series inspired me to pursue my dream of writing, and helped me decide that I wanted to write a romance novel…or novels. After I finished Fifty, I read the Crossfire Series. I was then even more convinced I wanted to write a series in this genre. The rest is history really, as you all know I just released the second book in the Alexa Reed series, and am busily working on the third installment. I mentioned on a Facebook post the other day that I was having a hard time writing because I realized I wasn’t ready for Julian and Alexa’s love story to end quite yet. When I got so many positive responses telling me to keep writing (one even suggested I write until Julian started collecting social security) I knew I didn’t need to make the decision right now that the next book would be the last. Instead, I made the decision to just see where the story takes me.
What I’ve learned, thanks to all of my reading and from all of you is that when the story is good we’re never really ready for it to be over. Do you agree?
Wow…I started stay last weekend…. I’m 3/4 of the way through hold on…. newest book boyfriend!!! I have quite a few but Julian is sitting with Christian and Remy. Your books leave me with the same warm fuzzies the 50 shades did….which I have to say was also my first series into this genre …… I didn’t know how many books were/are in the series….. I just know I’m going to be gutted when I finish this one…. hope the next isn’t far away…..
Keep writing….fast. … I love your style and the emotions you pull. Love the story….the sex is awesome… could go more and into more areas….but you’re now on my favorite author list.
Thank you for Julian and lexie. … 🙂
Hi Janine –
Thank you so much for sending this. It totally made my day! I love hearing from readers, especially ones that love Julian and Lexie. I would so appreciate it if you would leave a review on Amazon/Goodreads.. and of course tell all of your friends in NZ about it 🙂 I have been selling books there which is so exciting to me. Not sure if you are connected with me on any other social media site but I often post teasers (book three too) on FB at Hilary Wynne. Come hang out with us 🙂
Thanks again,
HW
Totally agree with these comments. I’d also put it up there with Gideon and Eva. I cannot wait for the third book. I’m so down that I’ve finished the other two books so I’m going to have to read them again. I never post reviews but I’ve just given you five stars on amazon. That’s the effect these books have had on me. I love your style. It’s beautifully written, the characters are well rounded and easy to love (or hate). You’ve made me laugh and cry and I’m sitting here with my ipad so I can listen to the songs that Julian and alexa relate to. Cannot wait for part three. I’m assuming the latest Luke situation is going to come back and haunt her.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this Andrea. I really appreciate it. I love that you are listening to the music.. I do that!! Yes, the Luke situation is not a great one and a very hard scene for me to write. Thanks for the reviews as well 🙂
Hilary
I had won stay from one of the MANY blogs I am subscribed to. It may have been the most amazing thing I have ever read. I love their story. Alexa is just as lost and broken as a non book person. She has this man, Julian, to love her and help her. I am on to read the next one now. Thank you for having the skill to write. You are amazing at what you do.
Hi Jamie –
Thank you so much to sending the email. I am so glad you enjoyed STAY and I really appreciate the kinds words. I always ask people like you (who love the book) to leave a review on Amazon, GR or wherever else you hear about books. I hope you like HOLD ON as much.. most people say it is better!
Thanks again,
Hilary
Hilary, I haven’t read your book…yet. However, I found your bio and information very interesting and something of a similarity to my situation. I”m writing my first fiction SERIES, because like you, the books I read as a young girl hooked me on the series novels. I’ve written several non-fiction, but this journey is completely different. This journey is something of a second career and a passion for me. ’76 Bridges series gives me the opportunity to tell a story..albeit completely fiction…it is a story that I believe “prime time women such as myself can relate to, and I hope find humorous and enjoyable. Thanks for your story. I find it inspiring. I will be purchasing your book series…finished or not, I LOVE a good book (or series of books)!
Hi Natalie –
Thanks for the email. I look forward to checking out your books as well 🙂 This is totally a second career and a passion so I get that~ Let me know what you think and I will do the same.
Hilary
I just finished Hold On, and have to say that I am totally in love with Alexa and Julian. He is the next favorite book boyfriend. I had a relationship with a man who could be his double. The books were like bittersweet memories in to me. I am really looking forward to the next book. Your writing is suburb, in my opinion, and I’ve read a lot of books. Please keep them coming, and good luck with your future endeavors. Thank you.
Thank you so much Sue! I appreciate the feedback and the support. I am working hard on Book #3 and hope to have it out soon.
When will the third book come out? I struggled with her choice with Luke (don’t want to print the details) but I am anxious for Julian and Alexa’s HEA. Thoroughly enjoyed the first two.
Thank you Lora!! A whole lot of people struggled with the Luke situation. You are not alone!! The third book, Promise Me, will be out in the next few weeks. You can follow me on FB at Hilary Wynne for the most current updates 🙂
Hilary
Hilary
Please please please tell me there wil b a 4th book for the Alexa Reed series. Loooooved the first 3 and just wasn’t ready for it to end. Thank u so much for your writing!
Erika Shrum
Thank you so much for the message. Thank YOU for reading the books 🙂
Obviously this is a late post, but I wanted to add to the accolades. This series has had so much pain, but I could not stop reading. And even knowing that, I couldn’t stop with the rereading. I never thought I would find a male character who equaled Roarke from the In Death series, but I have. Julian is that man. I’m sure I’m older than most of your fans, and many of the story elements are a bit off my radar, but I loved it all just the same. I was literally sobbing at the end of Promise Me. Your writing has that kind of impact. I read that you were leaning toward a fourth book, I certainly hope so. Actually I hope there are more than one more. Your comments about not wanting a series to end resonate with me. Now that Lexie has reached a solid place in her relationship with Julian, I would love to read how that plays out. Especially with the new factor introduced at the end of Promise Me. I’ve left reviews on Barnes and Noble and made it my mission to introduce all my friends to these books. I noticed comments about Luke. I have no pity for him. Kick him to the curb. One final thing, I realize this is petty, but would love to see how the marriage news and everything else hits Serena and Alejandra. Such bitches!
Thank you so much for the message. I love that you loved the story!