Play Pretend
by Emily Alter
Released: Apr 15, 2024
Genre: Erotica
Why this book and why now?
Two reasons.
1) For the longest time, I’d been trying to tell Kara’s story, in different ways and through different characters and circumstances. I needed to heal myself before I could give her the happy ending she deserved, though. And now she has it.
2) Play Pretend is mostly about Kara’s healing journey, but it’s also about the queer community that embraces her without question. Since I started writing, I struggled with keeping identities and pairings separate to not “upset” anyone. I’m kind of done with that, so…
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
I definitely hadn’t planned a slow burn romance when I started writing it, so there’s that. It also came out much sweeter than expected (even though there’s still heat from the very first chapters). I’m not complaining, though.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Kara: Hazbin Hotel. Watching Angel’s scenes with Val is challenging, but she loves the animation and the soundtrack. Plus, Charlie/Vaggie are her number one ship. (She obviously relates to Charlie, and is trying to talk Mónica into cosplaying).
Mónica: The Morning Show. What can I say, complex female characters in positions of power who still had to deal with (questionable) men around them? Sign her up.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Mónica is the one in charge of planning most of the time, but if it was Kara’s turn to surprise her Domme… Stroll along the beach, cat café, and homemade dinner.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Milkshakes. It’s always milkshakes (for Kara). Mónica might actually indulge and add whipped cream to her iced latte, to Kara’s delight.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Nonsense by Sabrina Carpenter—because Kara is still processing all the “nonsense” Mónica brought into her life.
