Interview with Sabrina York

How did you start your writing career?

I had been writing for years, entering contests and volunteering with local writing groups, submitting to all and sundry and collecting rejection letters galore. I Imagine my shock when one day, I got a call from an editor who read my erotic romance contest entry and was interested in publishing it!

It just goes to show you, you cannot ever give up.

I got that call in November of 2011 and my first book, Adam’s Obsession came out on April 4^th 2012. In the past year, I've sold more than fifteen titles and garnered some pretty awesome reviews.  It’s been an exciting journey.

Tell us about your current release.

I wanted to do something special to celebrate my one year anniversary as an author—and I wanted to thank my loyal readers. I decided a self published series was a great way to do that. I wrote Rebound, the first book in my new Tryst Island Series, and enrolled it in Amazon’s Kindle Prime program, because I wanted to be able to give it away for free once in a while.  To my delight, it hit #3 on the Amazon free erotica list on my anniversary…right next to 50 Shades on the paid list. And yeah, I took a screenshot. ;)

Here’s the blurb:

Kristi Cross has had the hots for her friend, Cameron Jackson as long as she can remember, but she knows she’s not his type. She’s nothing like the women he dates. So when he suggests they play for a kiss over a game of Hearts, Kristi can’t resist. Even if she loses, she wins. Because she’s finally going to taste him.

 Of course, one kiss can quickly become something altogether steamier, especially when both parties are on the rebound…

Fall in Love on Tryst Island

When a group of friends share a vacation house, wild hijinks, unexpected hook-ups and steamy sex ensue. And true love. Did I mention they all find true love?  

The cool thing about the Tryst Island Series is that it’s about a group of friends. So you meet the same characters over and over again. I worked very hard to make these characters people you would want to hang out with. They’re funny and smart and sexy—and undyingly loyal to each other.

It must have worked. People are already clamoring for Book 2. I’ve been scolded for not writing faster.

Tell us about your next release.

Dragonfly Kisses is the next book in the series. It’s about Dylan Deveney, a shock jock who  has no interest in a wild fling. He simply wants a quiet place where he can try to forget a painful past and, barring that, drink himself to death. But when he catches a glimpse of his exquisite neighbor—in the buff—his passion for life reignites.

When Cassie French meets Dylan, she just can’t resist his allure. From his scruffy beard to his earring to his intriguing dragonfly tattoo, she is crazy about him. And sex between them is scorching. Everything seems perfect…until a tragedy from Dylan’s past threatens to ruin everything.

Dragonfly Kisses will be released soon…and yes. I will be offering it for free!

Who is your favorite author?
Yikes. That’s a tough question. There are so many to choose from. A short list would include Cassandra Carr, Cerise Deland, Chantilly White, Delilah Devlin, Desiree Holt, Gina Lamm, Sidney Bristol, and Tina Donahue. As an added benefit, I’ve met them all and they are amazing and wonderful people!  

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Both! I am so fortunate to be a member of GSRWA, a local writing group filled with very generous writers who are willing read and critique my work—when they’re not working on their own. Additionally, I have a stellar group of beta readers—these ladies LOVE to read—who will give me advice and tips on titles, names and plot twists.

Honestly, I couldn’t do it without their support!

Who are your books published with?
I am with Ellora’s Cave primarily, though I have sold some wonderful anthology pieces to Cleis Press including a contribution to Delilah Devlin’s Smoking Hot Firemen which is coming out in June! And, of course, I am self publishing a little here and there. All of my books are on Amazon.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

I recommend three things.

1) Write write write. Even in the course of one year, my writing has become so much better! Reading the bestselling books is a great way to figure out what works and taking classes to polish your skills is a must—even for published authors.

2) Attend conferences. I attended EPICON last March and received three requests for submissions from editors I met over drinks. You can also meet other authors, which are integral to your success and your sanity. I’ve met reviewers and media folks who have helped expand my brand at conference as well.

3) Enter contests. I mention this because I was published through the Celtic Hearts Novellas Need Love Too contest. But even if your entry doesn’t result in a contract or even a win, you receive great feedback to help get your manuscript where it needs to be.  

Tell us about your favorite fan letter you have received.
My favorite fan letter was from a husband. He said “Sabrina, I don’t know what was in that book, but my wife only got to chapter two before she came to find me. Thank you.”

I loved it.

What question do you wish was on the list? 

How about this one: Is Sabrina giving away any bling anytime soon? The answer would be yes.

On May 11^th I am giving away a tiara to one lucky newsletter subscriber.

To enter, just sign up for the Royal Hotsheet (Sabrina’s Newsletter). Newsletter subscribers are eligible to win all coming contests as well as random giveaways. 

Send an email with "Enter Me" in the subject line (this is erotica, after all) to sabrina@sabrinayork.com. If you want to win a copy of Man Hungry, mention that in the body of the email!

The drawing will be May 11th. It is a completely random drawing. I made it a point to have the one person on the planet who ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT CARE WHO WINS draw the winner.

That is, after all, what teenage sons are for.

Remember, only one entry per person, but if you refer your friends you will earn bonus entries.

Refer Your Friends Bonus Entries
Tell your friends about Sabrina York, Her Royal Hotness. If they sign up for Sabrina's Hotsheet you earn another entry, plus a chance at a Referrals Only drawing for more bling. (NOTE: They must tell me that you referred them in the message box so I can give you credit).

Good luck!!!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Just thank you for reading! I can’t tell you how much you  mean to me!!! Please check out all my books. Read the blurbs and excerpts and, if you like them, consider snapping them up!

Other Books by Sabrina York

Adam’s Obsession (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Dark Fancy (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave)

Extreme Couponing (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Five Alarm Fire (Erotic Contemporary for the High Octane Heroes Anthology, Cleis Press)—coming soon

Folly (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave)

Lust Eternal (Erotic Fantasy, Ellora’s Cave) —coming soon

Pushing Her Buttons (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Making Over Maris (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave) —coming soon

Man Hungry (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Rebound: A Tryst Island Erotic Romance (Erotic Contemporary, Available on Amazon)

Rising Green (Erotic Horror, Ellora’s Cave)

Saving Charlotte (Erotic Contemporary for the Smokin' Hot Firemen Anthology, Cleis Press)

Training Tess (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Trickery (Erotic Contemporary with Magical Elements, Ellora’s Cave Hex Line)

Tristan’s Temptation (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Rebound by Sabrina York

A Tryst Island Erotic Romance

Kristi Cross has had the hots for her friend, Cameron Jackson as long as she could remember, but she knows she’s not his type. She’s nothing like the women he dates. So when he suggests they play for a kiss over a game of Hearts, Kristi can’t resist. Even if she loses, she wins. Because she’s finally going to taste him.

 Of course, one kiss can quickly become something altogether steamier, especially when both parties are on the rebound…

Cam nodded and dealt the cards. They were halfway through the first hand when he broke the silence.

“Do you remember the first time we played?”

“You had to teach me.”

“Took me all night.”

“That was hardly my fault.” She rearranged her cards. “You kept pouring me shots.”

“You’re the one who kept drinking them.”

She feigned a pout. “I had to keep up with Jamie.”

“Now, she was easy to beat.”

“So was I, once you got me liquored up.”

His chortle rumbled through her. “You figured out my strategy.” He shot her a saucy leer. “You sure you don’t want another beer?”

“No way. I’m winning this game, buster.”

They played for a while longer before he spoke again. This time, his words sent a scalding sizzle through her solar plexus. “You know Kristi, I can’t remember a time when we were both…single.”

Her heart seized. “What?” Thank God she hadn’t just taken a sip of beer—she would have spewed it across the table for sure.

“Think about it. Since the day we met, one of us was always in a relationship.”

Usually him.

She didn’t respond. She didn’t know what to say.

He winced as he took a trick. “I just think it’s interesting. That’s all.”

“What’s… interesting?” It took everything in her not to mangle her cards.

“You know. That we’re both available. Both here. Alone.”

Under the weight of his steamy gaze, all uncertainty wafted away. That was definitely interest simmering in those steely blue orbs.

Kristi’s pulse went into rapid-fire mode. Her breath hitched. Heat lashed through her.

“I…ah… W-what’s your p-point?” She tried to act all blasé, but the stuttering probably ruined it.

His expression shifted, darkened. The smoldering, seductive mien made her belly flutter. “I was thinking we could play…for something.”

“S-something?”

“A kiss, maybe?”

Brain freeze.

Every thought fled. Every cogent inkling spun out of reach. She could only feel. Stare at him in shock. Ache for him.  

His tongue came out, dabbing at his lips. She fixated on it, imagining that tongue, what it could do. The havoc it could cause on various parts of her trembling body—

“A kiss?” A squeak. “We’ve never k-kissed before.”

He leaned closer. His voice dropped an octave. “I’m aware of that.”

“But-but… I thought… We’re just f-friends.”

He studied her over his cards, stroking them slowly. “Are you saying you don’t want to kiss me?”

“I… No! I just… We’ve always… It’s probably…”

Amusement—twined with certainty—lightened his intensity. “What are you trying to say, Kristi?”

She meticulously rearranged her cards. “I just… I didn’t think you found me attractive. That’s all.”

He boggled. “Are you crazy? You’re stunning.”

A little thrill flickered up her spine. “I’m not.” She ignored his frown at that, and plowed on with her reasoning. “Besides, in all these years, none of us… well, none of us have.”

“Lane and Lucy did.”

“And look how well that worked out.”

“I’m suggesting a kiss, Kristi. Just a kiss.” He stroked his lips. “Be honest. Haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like between us?”

A hot tide crawled up her cheeks. He didn’t miss it. He couldn’t. Her cheeks were neon red. Like a well-cooked lobster.

His features tightened. A muscle ticked in his cheek. “You have. Haven’t you? Imagined it?” The hint, the thread of uncertainty in the words struck her to the core.

He was uncertain? He was nervous? Holy Hannah.

“I…” She plucked at the label again. It was becoming quite shredded. “Maybe.” A whisper.

“Well. So have I. Often.”

She gaped at him. “Often?”

“Very often.”

“But…” She swallowed the words clogging her throat.

“But what?”

“I… Robyn was perfect.”

“She was.” Her belly dipped at that. “But when she smiled, she didn’t smile with her whole face. Not the way you do. She didn’t embrace life. She just kind of clung to the edges. You toss yourself in.” He fondled the neck of his bottle. “It’s an attractive quality, Kris. A man can’t help wondering…”

“Wondering what?”

“If you make love that way too.”

Ooh. Those words skimmed over the air between them, smooth and silky and oh so beguiling.

Not that he needed to seduce her.

Hell, all he had to do was breathe and she wanted him. Still…

“Are you drunk?”

He grinned. “Not in the slightest.”

“This is probably a bad idea.”

His grin broadened.

“Cam, we’re both on the rebound.”

He shifted, as though something was making his position uncomfortable. “Sometimes you score the winning point off a rebound.”

“A basketball analogy? Really?” He knew she was a football fan.

“If the shoe fits.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his. His heat enveloped her, sank in and made her want to weep. She could only imagine how good he would feel touching her all over. Pressing her into a downy mattress. Entering her in a hard, hot thrust…

Lordy. She could imagine it. So well, her body was already preparing for it. A slick dampness eased between her thighs. Her nipples pebbled. Her womb clenched in hunger.

“What would the others think?”

“Why would we tell them?” His expression was far too innocent. “It’s only a kiss.”

“One kiss?”

“One kiss. A forfeit. If you win the game, I kiss you. If I win, you kiss me.”

She glanced at his lips. Strong. Powerful. Perfectly formed. She’d wanted to feel them, taste them, have them since the day they’d met. Why was she dithering? What was she afraid of?

Well, other than heartbreak.

But she’d long ago learned that heartbreak could come whether you were careful or reckless.

Might as well be reckless.

She would rather enjoy a decadent sliver of fudgy brownie than suffer through a lifetime of rice cakes.

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

He stared at her. The tension between them mounted, hummed. His Adam’s apple made the slow journey up and back down his throat. Then he picked up the cards, shuffled once and quickly dealt out a new hand.

Kristi’s pulse raced. Her mind whirled. Her body trembled.

She was going to do it.

After all these years.

She was going to kiss Cam Jackson.