{Interview} with Cal O’Brien from Hanging by a Thread by Jenna Sutton (with Review)

We got to chat with Jenna Sutton about Coming Apart at the Seams a few months ago, and today we’re lucky enough to sit down down with Cal O’Brien, the MC from the latest title in her Riley O’Brien & Co Series, Hanging by a Thread.

***INTERVIEW***

Thanks for stopping by Pretty Sassy Cool to chat with us today, Cal.

It’s my pleasure. Jenna said it was important that I make time to talk with you. She also said I needed to be honest, but make a good impression.

Ah, no worries. You should know that we already love you! Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do for fun?

I work a lot because I love my job and also because it’s my birthright, and I feel obligated to take care of it. But I’ve cut down on my hours since Bebe and I got together. For fun, I love to cook, and I enjoy taking cooking lessons from local chefs. I am an avid golfer, and I like to spend time on the course with my dad, my brother, Quinn, and my brother-in-law, Priest (whose skills on the football field definitely do not translate to a golf course because he sucks). I like to golf with Bebe, too. She’s still learning, but she’s a natural.

Sounds like a lot of fun. What does it take for you trust someone? And once someone has earned your trust, what does that mean to you?

I have pretty good instincts about people, so I trust my gut. It steered me wrong with Bebe, though, because I truly believed she hated me. My dick must have created some static that interfered with my gut. My brother and I have the same philosophy: trust people until they give you a reason not to. So I wouldn’t say people have to “earn” my trust. And when my trust is betrayed, I think long and hard about whether it’s worth forgiving that person and giving them another chance. Some people—like Bebe—get unlimited chances.

Awww. So sweet. What’s your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is losing someone I love. Watching my dad struggle with colon cancer scared the shit out of me. And now that I have Bebe, the fear is amplified because I can’t imagine being happy without her.

*nods* If you could travel back in time to change just one thing in your past, what would it be?

There have been a few times in my life when I’ve thought, “I wish I could go back and do things differently.” I thought that when I found out about my dad’s cancer. I wanted to go back in time and warn him and somehow catch it sooner. And sometimes I think about what my life would have been like if I had asked Bebe on a date when I first met her. I would have had more time with her. But then I always worry that if I did that, things wouldn’t be the same today, and I have everything I want, right now. So I guess my answer is that I wouldn’t go back and change anything.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe in a version of love at first sight because I believe in soul mates, and I think souls recognize each other. When I met Bebe, my soul recognized hers. I just didn’t realize it at the time.

*swoon* How did you meet Bebe?

Bebe is my little sister’s best friend. I knew how smart and funny and sweet she was because my sister told me. But when I met Bebe for the first time when she flew to San Francisco to visit Teagan, she wasn’t sweet at all. It seemed like she hated me on sight. But now I know she was just trying to resist my considerable charm and good looks.

haha What was it that finally made you unable to resist Bebe?

When I found out that Bebe was a virgin—that she had never even been kissed—I had to do something. I wanted to be her first kiss. I wanted to be her first lover. Not some other guy who didn’t care about her. I wanted it to be me. I wanted it more than I had ever wanted anything in my life.

And you were pretty determined, Cal. If Bebe were to describe you in three words, what would they be? How would you describe her in three words?

I wish she would describe me as awesome, irresistible, and clever. But she’d probably describe me as cocky, juvenile, and shameless (all of which is true, if I’m being honest). If she was feeling charitable, she’d mention that I cook for her all the time and that I give her multiple orgasms every day. I would describe her as lovable, beautiful (inside and out), and scary-smart.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy Sunday?

Curl up on the sofa with a good book. Yes, I’m being sarcastic. My favorite thing to do on a rainy Sunday is Bebe, of course. She’s always my favorite thing to do. If I’m lucky, I can convince her to help me make a new recipe while wearing only an apron. And after we spend most of the day in bed, we can have a nice dinner.

Sounds like the perfect day to us, too. What does the future hold for you (and Bebe)?

The immediate future involves attending a musical tonight. She loves musicals, and they’re kind of growing on me. Tonight it’s Beauty and the Beast. I’ll probably spend the next week humming one of the songs because it will be stuck in my head. The long-term future involves marriage (as soon as possible) and eventually, children. I’m just grateful for every day I have with her.

***The Swoony 5***

(These are the five questions we ask all our swoony guys!)

Boxers or Briefs? (We know it’s cliché, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to know!)

Boxer briefs. I’ll even tell you what color I prefer… black.

Thanks for that. *grin* Do you think you’re a good kisser? What’s the best kiss you’ve ever had?

Since I think false modesty is a waste of time, my answer is: I don’t think I’m a good kisser. I know I’m a good kisser. I’ve had a lot of practice. Regarding the best kiss I’ve ever had, I haven’t had it yet. But I know who it will be with and when it will happen: Bebe, right after the minister says, “You may kiss your bride.”

Awww *heartclench* What’s your favorite book?

I like cookbooks, but if we’re talking about a specific book, I think it’s The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. I’m kidding! I’m kidding! I like the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child.

We seriously love you, Cal. If Bebe wanted to make you breakfast in bed, what would you want on the menu?

I’m laughing so hard right now. I’m the one who makes Bebe breakfast in bed, not the other way around. And when I make something with syrup or whipped cream, she thanks me so nicely.

Okay, last question. Since we’re all about the swoon here at Pretty Sassy Cool, we have to ask. What do you think makes you swoony?

I hate to say this, but the word “swoony” is… well, no guy would ever use that word to describe himself. But I will say this: I’m not afraid to show my feelings. When I love someone, I don’t hold anything back.

You’re one of our favorite guys. Thanks again for stopping by, Cal. We can’t wait for the wedding!

***About the Book***

Hanging by a Thread by Jenna Sutton
Also by this author: All the Right Places, Coming Apart at the Seams
Series: Riley O'Brien & Co. #3
Also in this series: All the Right Places, Coming Apart at the Seams
Published by Berkley on June 7, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Falling for Best Friend's Sibling, Opposites Attract, Small Town Romance
Character(s): Chefs & Cooks
Pages: 336
Goodreads  Buy the Book

Thirty-year-old Bebe Banerjee is desperate to get rid of two things: her fiancé and her virginity. Escaping her arranged marriage might be impossible, but she refuses to give her firsts to an entitled jerk who lives on another continent. Instead, she devises a plan that guarantees another man will get her momentous firsts. But she never imagined that man would be Cal O’Brien, the gorgeous heir to the Riley O’Brien & Co. denim empire…

Although Cal has always been fascinated by Bebe’s brilliant mind and beautiful eyes, he’s never pursued her. She can’t stand the sight of him, and every time they’re in the same room, they end up trading insults. Yet when he finds out about Bebe’s bold plan, he makes his move, unaware of her upcoming nuptials. He promises to make her firsts unforgettable, but he doesn’t know how hard it will be to forget her when their arrangement ends.

***Our Thoughts***

Kassiah: I was worried that I wouldn’t love any of Jenna Sutton’s characters as much as I loved Nick (from Coming Apart at the Seams). Cal definitely gave Nick a run for his money and after he gave his interview with us, I love him even more.

So, you pretty much already know what this book is about. Cal and his sister’s BFF, Bebe, have been drawn to each other forever on the inside, but on the outside, they don’t get along. Bebe’s parents have arranged a marriage for her, and she wants to be able to make the decisions in her life, so she is going to make the choice of who her first everythings are going to be with. And it’s Cal. Cal recently broke up with a longtime girlfriend and he’s not looking for a relationship, but being with Bebe knocks him off his feet and has him thinking about forever.

I liked these characters and this storyline. The thing that I liked the most about this book was how steamy it was. *fans self* Like I said before, I loved Cal. I also enjoyed seeing the other characters and how important their relationships were to the entire group.

There were a few things that didn’t do it for me. I felt like Bebe was too old, which sounds weird. But why is she only now having an arranged marriage? *shrugs* Also, there’s not a whole lot of drama, and I liked that, but I felt like there was too little toward the end. I don’t want to give anything away, but I just wanted more then. The epilogue is seriously the sweetest.

Every book I’ve read by Jenna Sutton has surprised me. If you want multi-dimensional characters with an interesting story and lots of steamy sex, check out the Riley O’Brien & Co. Series.

Report Card
Cover
Characters
Plot
Writing
Steam
Overall:	4

Thanks again for stopping by, Cal. What do you think, Pretties? Have you read any of Jenna Sutton’s books yet? How much do you Cal?

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