Interview and Giveaway: To Be Whole by Rachel Sparks

TNA: Hi, Rachel, thanks so much for being here with us today. Let’s begin by having you tell us a little bit about yourself.

Rachel: I’m from South Carolina. I live in South Carolina with my son Matt, daughter-in-law Brittany, who does my book covers, and my orange tabby cat Little Hoss. I’m a huge Doctor Who fan. David Tennant and Matt Smith are my favorites. I have a portrait tattoo of Matt Smith on my leg and plan to get David Tennant and the Tardis on the same leg soon. I have been a published author for 10 years. I have always said I have millions of stories and characters running around in my head.

TNA: To Be Whole is your first gay romance novel. What was it about this book and these characters that led you to the genre and to this point?

Rachel: Every author has a story that dying to be heard. This story has been in my mind and heart for some time. I finally decided it was time that it was heard. Love is love and nobody has the right to say a person cannot love whom they are destined to love.

TNA: Why a historical novel? What is it about gay relationships in a historical setting that compelled you to explore this through your fiction?

Rachel: I love that time period. This is the time where if two men were caught in a relationship it would mean castration and prison. Jarrod being a lawyer knows this better than anyone else. But sometimes loving someone so much you are willing to take risks to be with them.

TNA: Tell us a bit about your characters, Adam Colbert and Jarrod Baker. What drew these two men to each other? What would they each say they love and respect most about the other?

Rachel: Adam catches Jarrod’s eye when he sneaks into a lecture Jarrod is giving. Adam is a rancher and Jarrod is a lawyer. Adam loves to learn new things and he says you can never have too much education.

Jarrod: To Adam he is smart, caring, put his loved ones first. Seeks justice and searches all evidence until he is sure if a person is guilty or not. Will argue with a fence post.

Adam: To Jarrod he is smart, loving, always willing to learn new things, looks toward the future, thinks he is so good looking when he is working on the ranch. Loves his family.

TNA: Would you care to share an excerpt from the book with us?

Excerpt: Jarrod found Adam at Ser Toda, the place where they had built their house. He sat on his horse and watched Adam for a little bit. He sighed as he got off his horse and tethered his horse to a tree.

He started walking towards Adam, but stopped. He watched Adam staring at the lake.

Adam knew Jarrod had found him. He waited for Jarrod to get closer before speaking. “I can’t do this anymore Jarrod. There are just too many scars, wounds.” Tears fell down his cheeks.

Jarrod felt like his world was collapsing and there was nothing he could do about it. “Adam…”

Adam shook his head. “Don’t, just don’t. I can’t do this anymore. I’m not strong, at least not anymore.” He looked down at the cane in his hand. “I wasn’t even able to help finish our house.”

Jarrod moved closer and placed his hands on Adam’s shoulders and turned him to face him. It broke his heart to see Adam hurting so much. “Some scars are visible and some are not. I can’t live without you Adam. To me you are beautiful, you are my… everything. Every breath I take, every beat of my heart is for you.” He moved his hands up to cup Adam’s face. His thumbs wiped away the tears. “You are not alone. I’m here, and together we can do this. We can make it. Nobody can break us apart or tear us down, as long as we are together. We are stronger together. I love you Adam, and I know you love me.”

Adam nodded his head.

Jarrod got closer to Adam’s mouth and then his lips covered Adam’s.

TNA: To Be Whole is book one in the Love Is Love series. Will the series continue on with Adam and Jarrod, or will the following books in the series each feature a new couple? If there will be a new couple in the next book, would you tell us a little bit about them?

Rachel: Adam and Jarrod will pop up in them but I left some unanswered questions about two couples in To Be Whole. So these books will answer questions and follow those characters. Jason and Ty and the other book will be about Adam’s youngest brother Peter and his lover Joe.

TNA: When are you anticipating the release of the next book in the series to be?

Rachel: Sometime in 2016. Right now I have three other books I’m working on. Two are M/F M/M and the last is M/M with police officers. They are a series but don’t crossover except for a huge conglomerate.

TNA: Do you have plans for more books in the M/M genre?

Rachel: If so, would you care to share some information on them with us? Yes, two more in the Love Is Love series and then one about police officers.

TNA: Thanks again for stopping by today, Rachel. Would you care to share all the places we can find you on the internet?

Rachel: Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Barnes & Noble | Amazon Buy Link | Website

The Giveaway: THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED