Title: Unnecessary Roughness
Release Date: October 22, 2009
Author: GA Hauser
Author website: www.authorgahauser.com
Publisher: The GA Hauser Collection
Buy Link: www.allromanceebooks.
Genre: gay/erotic/contemporary
Blurb: A percentage of the royalties of this novel will be donated to the charity www.GayAmericanHeroes.com and www.RainbowMemorial.org
Connor Worthington knew from an early age he was 'different'. But it wasn't until he met Kyle Baker at UCLA lacrosse practice that he knew he wasn't alone.
Fear regarding his sexuality was not new to Connor. Connor played the 'straight' act as long as he could. But it was taking its toll on him. Kyle recently transferred from the University of Oregon to UCLA. But what Kyle never expected was to fall head over heels for a long-haired athlete named Connor. The two men instantly grew inseparable, on and off the field. Lusting after his roommate distracted Kyle from his studies and practice. But Kyle had a hunch. A hunch that Connor may be in the closet as well.
And he was right.
Problem solved?
Their problems had just begun.
Welcome GA and thank so very much for agreeing to the interview.
Can you tell us the journey from concept of your Unnecessary Roughness to getting published?
Thank you for inviting me. The concept was born when an old high school chum sent me a photo of himself on the lacrosse team. I wanted to use the photo on the cover of the book, but he chickened out. (There’s still a lot of homophobia out there.)
Which author inspires you and why?
Mary Renault. Loved her Alexander Trilogy. She’s my favorite all time writer.
Do you have a favorite book and if so, what was your favorite scene?
I loved the scene in the Persian Boy when Alexander takes possession of the eunuch slave, Bagoas, very sexy.
What book are reading right now?
I wish I had time to read. I’m not at the moment.
If you could choose one author to co-write a book with who would it be?
Probably Stephanie Vaughan. I love her M/M romances.
Did you have any research done for the erotic part in your novels?
Ha! No. I got that down.
What do you think makes a good erotic romance story?
Real men with real problems. Not dreamy Hollywood shadows. I like my men to have major flaws. I don’t know anyone who is perfect in real life.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
All day, every day. I love it.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people enjoy reading them. You can’t please all the critics, but it’s nice to get emails from fans that want more and more of what you write.
How do you satisfy your muse when things get rough during writing a book?
I haven’t had a rough patch yet. Just not enough hours in the day to get it done.
How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
I was raised by very liberal parents who made me open-minded and able to appreciate differences. I think being a cop also reminded me that everyone is there to help you, all colors, religions, sexual preferences, it doesn’t matter. Only the ignorant people were the ones you had to be wary of.
What do you like to do when you're not writing ?
Making love! No, really…I like doing everything. Running is my passion so I’m running every morning.
Before we say goodbye, could you tell us about your upcoming release and maybe give us an excerpt.
Please check out the charities Gay American Heroes and Rainbow Memorial. Even if you don’t buy the book, support Scott Hall and his cause.
Here’s an excerpt of Unnecessary Roughness:
Two hours later, coated in sweat and black and blue from getting blocked with careless whacking of the lacrosse sticks, Kyle followed Connor into the locker.
Connor hadn’t said a word to him during the scrimmage. After a long solemn moment, Connor met Kyle’s eyes. They were filled with liquid as if Connor was about to cry.
Watching Connor carefully, trying to figure out what could be wrong, Kyle hurried after him. When he entered the dim echoing chamber of the changing room, he found Connor seated in front of his locker with his head in his hands.
Staring down at him, Kyle asked quietly, “Connor...what is it?”
“Nothing. Leave me alone.”
“I don’t get it. You were awesome out there.” Kyle began removing his gear.
“Awesome?” Connor snarled in rage.
The intensity of the anger startled Kyle. “What am I missing? You scored three goals? For Christ’s sake, you should be patting yourself on the back. Are you insane?”
As if he were enduring something painful, Connor covered his face again.
Completely confused by this show of emotion, Kyle knelt in front of him and rubbed his legs gently. “You have to tell me why you’re upset. I can’t help you if I don’t know.”
Very slowly Connor lowered his hands. His eyes were red and watery. In a low, hoarse voice he whispered, “Didn’t you see it?”
Taken aback by Connor’s pure fury, Kyle felt a wave of dizziness. “See what?”
Connor gazed around first, before he snarled, “Ross fucking body-checked me in the fucking groin.” Connor cupped his crotch. “And when I shoved him back, I got called out for fucking pushing and hit with the penalty.”
Kyle strained to think of when the attack occurred. “I didn’t even see you react from the hit.”
“Kyle, believe me. I was hit hard. And the douche-bag did it on purpose.” Connor gave the immediate area another quick scan.
“Jesus. You should have at least doubled over in pain to let the refs know. How did you stand it, Connor?”
Connor didn’t reply at first, then through clenched teeth, he snarled, “I’m the fucking ‘captain’ now. I gotta set an example, don’t I?”
“Not when ya get hit in the nuts with a lacrosse stick, ya don’t.” Kyle grew angry. “You should have told Coach Banks. And if you won’t I will.”
When Kyle went to stand, Connor gripped his arm and yanked him back down. “Don’t.”
“Why?”
“Because. I don’t need any shit, Kyle. Let me just recover a minute. Stay here.”
Judging by the look of apprehension on Connor’s face, Kyle knew he needed to just be there for Connor. He sat on the bench next to his friend and whispered, “When? I swear I didn’t see it.”
“Last five minutes.” Connor cringed as he tried to sit straight.
Suddenly remembering the referee calling the penalty on Connor, Kyle did think it was odd for Connor to push Ross from behind the way he did, but he didn’t give it a second thought. Connor was the captain and best player on the team. It certainly wasn’t up to Kyle to judge his actions.
Kyle glanced over his shoulder. Ross Cartman was standing at the end of the row of lockers, a towel around his waist, a sneer of contempt on his lips.
“What the fuck are you lookin’ at?” Kyle challenged.
Connor instantly spun around to Ross.
“Two faggots.” Ross’s top lip curled in revulsion.
“What?” Kyle felt his skin go icy at the terrifying accusation. He flew to his feet with revenge on his mind.
A hand on his arm held him back.
“Fuck off, Cartman,” Connor yelled. “Haven’t you done enough damage to me already?”
“Good, ya fucking cock-sucker.”
Kyle whipped his head back and forth between his roommate’s emotional and physical pain to the callus accusation and Ross vanishing behind the row of lockers.
“What the fuck?” Kyle began blowing out air like a bellows as his fury rose.
Reluctantly, Connor stood up, and began removing his uniform and pads.
Knowing an intentional illegal slash of the stick had nailed him right in the groin, Kyle cringed at seeing how uncomfortable his friend was.
When Connor got to the point where he removed his jockstrap and cup, they both seemed to hold their breath.
A reddish bruise had begun to emerge around the edges of where the plastic had protected Connor’s crotch. But Kyle knew how painful a powerful strike between the legs could be, even with the cup.
“How could no one see it?” Kyle moaned. “Coach would have chewed out his ass. It was obviously intentional.” He smoothed his hand over Connor’s back gently.
Connor flinched at Kyle’s affectionate caress and spun around as if checking they were not spied.
Then Kyle remembered the labeling. Fags? What on earth had they done to make Ross think they were gay? Jesus? He’d just arrived on campus two weeks ago, and other than his long hair, Connor was Mr. Macho. It didn’t make sense.
Thank you, Rie, for giving me the opportunity to have this interview!
