Blog Tour & Giveaway: Broken At Love by Layla Payne

When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopath half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure.

College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.

But what if the more is something darker than a game of toying with emotions and breaking hearts?

Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him.

To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good

Taryn: Hey Quinn, thanks for taking the time for an interview today with My Secret Romance!! First, do you have a nickname by any chance? What color is your hair? Eyes? Boxers or Boxer briefs? And out of curiosity…what are you wearing? ;)
Hey. A lot of the guys call me Q. Black/blue. Boxer briefs, if I have to wear them. A suit and tie, at the moment, because Emilie and I are about to leave for dinner.

Taryn: Now, I haven’t read your story yet, but you sound perfect for my Jerk of My Dreams shelf. It’s where all the real hot douchebags sit. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. J It’s the guys that we hate to love who we just can’t help falling for. Are you one of those?
I guess plenty of girls hate me, and I’ve never pulled any punches. But I don’t lie, either. If that makes me a douchebag, fine. As long as we’re clear on the hot part. That’s true.

Taryn: Describe yourself, Twitter style, in 160 characters or less.
A guy who’ll never forget what a lucky bastard he is, or stop working hard to deserve the second chances.

Taryn: For those who haven’t read your story yet, what would you say about it? How would you sell it to me?
I’d say it’s worth reading in spite of me. You’ll get to meet the most beautiful, strong, determined, talented woman in the world. And you’ll get to see her save my miserable life.

Taryn: If you and your brother were to come with a warning label, what would it say?
Objects are less stable than they appear.

Taryn: Have you ever been in love? Had a broken heart? Describe it.
I’m in love now, for the first time in my life. My heart broke every time I walked away from her—it was like ripping away pieces of skin with a hot knife. If it’s up to me, I’ll never do it again.

Taryn: What's the worst thing you've done to someone you’ve loved?
I feel the most guilt over calling Emilie pathetic in a room full of my fraternity brothers, but the most shame over letting her believe she was just like every other girl to me.

Taryn: Quinn, did you ever stop to consider the kind of game you were playing and how you could hurt someone emotionally? How would you feel if it were the other way around and you were the one being played?
No. I’ve been the one kicked away. I got over it. Some people say I treat girls like shit. I say I respect girls enough to believe they can get over it, too. They’re not any more or less breakable than guys. We all get fucked over. Deal with it.

Taryn: “It had to be her heart, too, or I lose. Sex and feelings. Shame and regret. That was the game.” 
What was the game? And why go for the heart, too? Are you that callous or was it all about winning for you?
I didn’t make the rules. You’ll have to ask Sebastian.

Taryn: If I was being nosy… what’s in your refrigerator right now? On your bedroom floor? In your nightstand?
Leftover takeout and a carton of milk. Nothing; that’s what maids are for. A box of condoms, my cell phone charger, and antacid.

Taryn: What is more important - sex or intimacy? Why?
Let’s just say I’ve had plenty of sex, and none of it was more important than letting Emilie really see me.

Taryn: Do you have a secret you can share with us?
I miss playing tennis so much that I dream about it almost every night.

Taryn: Being athletic person myself for years, I hated having to retire from my sport. I remember the emotions I went through. To this day, I would love nothing more than to get up on a balance beam….but those days are long gone. You were forced to retire due to a knee injury. What were you going through when that happened? Is there a chance that you’ll ever play Tennis again just for fun?
My life was a fucking disaster for a long time after losing my career. It still kills me, but I’m dealing with it. My knee lets me play—Emilie and I play together, and I’m thinking of coaching—just not at a professional level. I’ll always with things had ended differently, but everyone has to face retirement at some point, and I’ve found a way to stay involved in the sport in a media capacity.

Taryn: Thanks for being here today, Quinn. Maybe next time your brother can come. 

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