I am very happy to welcome Sara Brookes to Book Reviews & More by Kathy. Ms. Brookes is on tour with her newest release, Break Me In and I am absolutely delighted she took the time to chat with us today!
Thanks so much for having me here today, Kathy!
Kathy: What book do you recommend everyone should read? Do you have a comfort read?
Sara: Anything by Stephen King, even if you’re not a fan of the horror genre. He’s written in several other genres as well and he does it very well. But regardless of the genre, the guy knows how to deliver a wonderful story arc for his characters, whatever the outcome.
As far as comfort reads, anything by Jodi Picoult. She also knows how to tell a killer story (sometimes literally) and I can easily fall into her character’s lives over and over. She’s had a few twist endings that have blown me away, too. I have a weakness for when an author can throw me for a loop – LOVE IT.
Kathy: What is your guilty pleasure?
Sara: Sons of Anarchy. Really. It’s so over-the-top dramatic but I find myself sucked into the show so much I’m yelling at the characters when they do stupid things. And if you’ve seen the show, they do that a lot it seems…
Kathy: Favorite meal?
Sara: Unlike Elena who clearly allows her obsession with Waffle House to show in Break Me In, mine isn’t so much a place or a meal, but I love French fries. Seriously. Anywhere I eat, if they have fries, I will order them. There is a diner near me where I will go order fries and nothing else, they’re THAT good. LOL
Kathy: If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
Sara: Probably a librarian. Or I’d work in a bookstore. I love being surrounded by books. So many rich worlds and characters to love. I think it would be really awesome to come to work to those stacks every day.
Kathy: If you could time travel, what time period would you visit?
Sara: I’ve noticed in my reading, I tend to gravitate toward books that take place in Scotland and Ireland in the 1700s. Must be all those men in kilts. *g*
Kathy: Thank you again for chatting with us today! Congratulations on the release of Break Me In!
Title: Break Me In by Sara Brookes
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM
Length: Plus Novel
Summary:
Elena avoids relationships by using her flogger as a shield. Alex is struggling with substance abuse and Elena will do nearly anything to help him conquer his demons, even risk losing him forever. When he comes home, whole and healthy, he raises the stakes by requesting their friendship turn to a D/s bond. His submission will change their dynamic forever. She convinces herself it’s just sex. Love and desire aren’t part of the equation.
Under Elena’s reverent command, Alex finds a comfort he’s always yearned for. He’s happier than ever as he spends his days slinging coffee and his nights bound and collared. Submitting to Elena exposes more than his strengths—it reveals a powerful attraction. Most of all, it uncovers their passionate love. He’s ready to convince her there’s no reason to mask her feelings, but his efforts are derailed when his toxic past resurfaces to annihilate their future.
Warning: A hunky, tortured barista. A seductive, stubborn Domme. Desire that can’t be tamed by cuffs, ropes and chains. And angst. So much drama and angst, John Hughes would be proud. Being bad never felt so good.
Purchase Link: Ellora’s Cave
Excerpt
The movie began and they both dug into the meal Alex had prepared. The noodles were rubbery, the meat dry and overdone. He’d never claimed to be a world-class cook, but the food he’d prepared before had always been above sub-par. What he’d served tonight was barely even edible.
Appetite diminished, she curled her legs under her as she turned her body slightly to face him. Though she kept her eyes on the screen, she kept up the running commentary with him about the movie they’d watched together countless times. They’d always found sick pleasure in dissecting a few inconsistencies with the plot and characters.
“Refill?” She held out her wine glass as he gestured toward her. His hand closed around hers to hold the glass steady and Elena tried not to notice the fact her nerves jumped at the contact of their skin.
What the hell was wrong with her?
Alex’s eyes flashed in the glow of the television set and before she knew it, his hand slid under her hair as he reached around and cupped her nape. The contact made her eye flutter close even as warning bells went off in her mind.
She couldn’t do this. They couldn’t do this. Whatever this was.
But his touch felt so damn good. Especially because she’d been waiting for it for what seemed like eternity. She may not be able to give him the lessons he’d asked her for, but this was something entirely different.
This sort of simple contact was something she could surrender to.
Even though it was so, so wrong.
“Alex.”
His mouth brushed gently against hers, stealing his name from her lips. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, fluttering as if they’d been suddenly released after years of captivity. In essence, they had.
His fingertips pulled at her neck and she automatically lifted her face as he kissed her with more persistence. She didn’t even care he tasted of alcohol. It had been so long since she’d let someone else kiss her instead of the other way around.
Kissing was normally too intimate and not something she involved in her play at the club. Or even at Sanctuary. Those places were for sex, but this, two people mouth to mouth, was tender, soft and full of meaning.
One little kiss couldn’t hurt, right?
A quiet moan escaped her throat as Alex shifted and her body responded in kind, feeling the luxurious stroke of his tongue against her lips. She gave into him and opened without thought to consequence.
Author Links: Twitter * Facebook * Facebook Author Page * New Release Announcement List
Contest
$25 Gift Certificate to Think Geek.
Follow the rest of the tour HERE.
Thanks so much for the great interview, Kathy!
You’re welcome! I enjoyed getting to know you a little better 😉
I like flaws in a character as it makes them feel more real.
Great interview and excerpt.
I think I even prefer my character with flaws. We are have imperfections and our own demon in the past. In reading a story or writing one it helps bring your characters to life and bring your reader into the story.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Yes, characters with flaw are so much more interesting I think. They have a way of surprising you with the littlest things.
I prefer imperfect characters. But I want these characters to grow in the story. I don’t want it to be easy for them, but realistic.
I don’t want to read about “perfect” person. That’s not interesting at all. I want flaws & quirks! Thanks for the giveaway!