Meet the Character Day: Chatting with Princess Elara from A Most Unusual Princess

This “Meet the Character Day” blog is part of a series examining my romance novels. In each “Behind the Scenes” blog, I talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. The “Meet the Character Day” blogs are fun chats with the heroes and heroines from my romances. Warning: blogs may contain spoilers.

Hello romance lovers! Today we’re chatting with Princess Elara, the heroine from A Most Unusual Princess by Kelli A. Wilkins.

Q: Greetings, Princess Elara. A Most Unusual Princess is the first book in Kelli’s Royal Desires series of historical/fantasy novels. Can you tell us more about the trilogy?

A: I’d be happy to. A Most Unusual Princess is the first story in a trilogy that also includes A Most Intriguing Temptation and A Most Unfortunate Prince. Although the books are related, each stands alone as an individual read.

A Most Unusual Princess introduces readers to me and my hero, Dalton. My father is searching for a proper husband for me, and Dalton acts as my special guard. In the second book, A Most Intriguing Temptation, I follow Dalton and my brother, Prince Allan, to a sultan’s palace and get into a bit of trouble. A Most Unfortunate Prince (the last book in the series) is all about Allan’s banishment from the kingdom and his journey as he finds true love. Dalton and I are also in the story, and we play a central role in the ending. (I won’t reveal too much about that.)

Q: Tell us about yourself. What got you in the crosshairs for your author?

A: I’m a princess and I’ve been pampered and sheltered my entire life. Some people might find that the perfect arrangement, but for me, it’s always been suffocating. I hate being told what to wear, how to speak, and I’m never allowed to have any fun. My brothers are free to do whatever they please while I’m forced to act like a lady. Bah!

When the story starts, I had been acting out a lot. I’ve been called headstrong, spoiled, too opinionated, and unmanageable. It’s not my fault, though. I’m an intelligent (and very pretty) young woman who doesn’t appreciate being talked down to because I’m female.

My father decided I was old enough to be married and wanted to find me a husband. I told him I could find my own husband and would only marry someone I loved—not a dull prince who only wanted me for my dowry.

Kelli started the story just before the search for my husband began. She was kind enough to see past all of my so-called faults and realized that deep down I’m a sensitive, caring individual who wants to be loved. Meeting Dalton changed me for the better.

Q: What drew you to Dalton?

A: Dalton is unlike any other man I have encountered before. We met under very unusual circumstances (I was undressed and bathing in a pond) and he… well, he thought the whole thing was amusing. At the time I didn’t think I’d ever see him again, but then he turned out to be my special guard. Imagine! As we spent time together, I realized Dalton was strong, brave, and not easily swayed by my tantrums or tricks. He understood me and treated me like an equal. And I loved him even more for that. (He also acted a bit naughty, which I liked!)

Q: Speaking of naughty fun, where was the wildest place you seduced your partner?

A: In the story, we make use of a settee and my bed. But one night after the story ended, Dalton and I went back to the pond where we first met. We did all the naughty things we had only fantasized about doing before. It was fun fooling around outside in the dark, and it’s something I’m sure we’ll do again soon.

Q: If your partner wants to seduce you, what’s one sure-fire trick he can do?

A: All Dalton needs to do is kiss me or touch me—anywhere. The feel of his hands running down my body, light kisses on my stomach, touching my backside… Anything he does makes me eager for him, and he knows it!

Q: What was one of the most embarrassing things your author did to you in A Most Unusual Princess?

A: Well… the story starts off with Dalton catching me nude in a bathing pond. It would have been embarrassing enough to be seen like that, but I wasn’t exactly bathing… I was… how did Dalton put it? Touching myself to relieve a bit of tension. (If you know what I mean.) But a girl is entitled to her privacy! Later, Dalton teased me about it without mercy.

Q: Kelli has written a lot of romances in all genres in all heat levels. How does she switch back and forth so easily?

A: I’ve been curious about this myself, so I asked a few of her other characters. They said each book comes to her in a different form. Sometimes an entire story “jumps” into her head, and she’ll know everything that happens to the characters. (It happened with A Deceptive Match, Loving a Wild Stranger, A Most Unusual Princess, and The Viking’s Witch.) Other times, she gets bits of the story and parts of the characters. Once in a while, she’ll have a character come first and then the other pieces of the book fall into place, like a puzzle. (It happened with Dangerous Indenture, Love, Lies & Redemption, and A Secret Match.) Before Kelli starts a book, she needs to know who the characters are and what’s going to happen to them. Then she outlines the scenes and starts writing. She says that writing a new book is always an adventure, and she never knows where the characters or stories will take her.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: Although A Most Unusual Princess is the first book in the series, all of our stories stand alone as individual reads—and I encourage readers to catch up on all of our adventures. I’m content with the way the trilogy ends—and I know readers will be satisfied (in many ways!).

Kelli has written several fantastic books in all genres, and I wish I could have a crossover with a few of her other characters. We would have a lot of fun together. Talking with readers was fun! I’ll ask Dalton and Allan to answer a few questions in another chat.

Thank you, Princess Elara, for joining us today. Readers can learn more about all of Kelli’s books on her site: www.KelliWilkins.com

Here’s the book summary:

A Most Unusual Princess

Princess Elara needs to find a royal husband, but claims that no man can satisfy her. Her father hires Dalton, a special guard, to watch over her while she’s courting suitors. Dalton finds her unusual behaviors charming—and enthralling.

Dalton’s aloof manner intrigues Elara, and despite their differences, they share tender moments and intimate nighttime encounters. Elara is heartbroken when her father chooses a “proper” husband for her—until she meets the mystery man.

Bonus! This e-book includes a sneak peek at the second book in the Royal Desires series: A Most Intriguing Temptation.

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The Royal Desires Series is available on Amazon & other platforms. Catch this hot historical/fantasy trilogy from the start: