Hi everyone,
Today I’m sharing a look back at the making of A Most Unfortunate Prince. This book is the third story in the Royal Desires trilogy that began with A Most Unusual Princess and A Most Intriguing Temptation. Together, they make up a fun series, but each story stands alone as a separate read.
When I wrote A Most Intriguing Temptation, I introduced readers to Prince Allan. He’s basically the male version of his sister, Princess Elara—hedonistic, selfish, and utterly wild at times. I enjoyed creating the character and it was fun to set him free in a pleasure palace without limitations.
As I was finishing A Most Intriguing Temptation, I realized Allan needed a book of his own, so I wrote A Most Unfortunate Prince. (Several readers also asked me if Allan’s story would be told, and I was happy to oblige!)
But before I wrote a word, I knew Allan was going to have to face the music for his bad behavior. At the start of the book (yes, right there on page 1) Allan is banished for his actions stemming from A Most Intriguing Temptation. His father kicks him out into the real world alone and broke, and he’s forced to make his own way in life.
I decided to take this carefree, roguish prince and turn his world upside down. I asked myself: How bad can you make things for him? He has nothing: no food, no fancy clothes, certainly no job skills, and no sense of identity. He has lived a pampered life where everything was handed to him on a silver platter (literally), and now he was in for a rude awakening. I really put the screws to poor Allan and at times left him broken, sad, and utterly miserable.
Over the course of the book, Allan suffers life’s lessons at the hands of his evil employer and falls in love—twice. The story introduces us to Claudette, a sassy seamstress who fancies Allan and helps him adjust to the life of a commoner. Although Claudette appears innocent, she has a secret past and a bit of a naughty side.
Although A Most Unfortunate Prince has a happy ending, it is a little bit darker than the other two books in the series. I wanted to contrast Allan’s former easy-going pampered life with his current harsh and gritty existence. (And it broke my heart to kill off a secondary character I utterly adored.) Readers may also be surprised to discover a few things about Allan, as well. (Even I was shocked when certain events in the story took place—and I was the one writing it!)
Allan’s “fall from grace” and the journey of self-discovery
he undergoes are some of the reasons I love this book. It has something for everyone:
hot love scenes, tender moments, mystery, adventure, and suspense.
But what about Dalton and Elara (from A Most Unusual
Princess and A Most Intriguing Temptation)? They’re in the book too, as minor
characters. Elara and Dalton play important roles in the finale of the story,
and we get to see how these lovebirds are adapting to their married life.
(Again, there’s a secret I don’t want to give away!)
I can tell you that this book wraps up the trilogy in a neat
package and everyone is left in a good place. (Links to the trilogy are at the
end of the post.)
I hope you’ll check out the series. It’s a great read and filled with lively and unique characters.
Here’s the book summary and a brief excerpt:
A Most Unfortunate Prince
This time, it’s all about Allan… and he never expected to fall in love!
Banished by the Royal Family, pampered Prince Allan is forced to abandon his life of luxury. The former Royal Shipmaster General is sent to the worst part of the kingdom and manages to find work at the docks. Lost in a commoner’s world, Allan is miserable—until he has an unusual encounter with a saucy shop girl named Claudette.
Allan must earn the respect of the woman he loves while keeping his true identity a secret. In an effort to redeem himself in his father’s eyes, he exposes a dangerous smuggling operation involving the Royal Fleet. But his loyalty to duty comes with a deadly price.
Can he keep Claudette and his royal title? Or will he lose her forever when she discovers his secret?
Excerpt:
Claudette squealed and Allan drew her to him, crushing her
against his chest. They were crammed into the wardrobe so close that Allan’s
hot breath tickled her face. He draped her arms around his neck, then settled
his hands on her waist. At first, she tried to protest, but then gave in when
she realized her knees were shaking. Allan was here for her, holding her up.
“Shh, don’t make a sound, no matter what. I won’t let them
hurt you,” he whispered.
She closed her eyes and rested her head on Allan’s shoulder.
Thank heavens he was here. A second later, she heard the man rifling through
drawers and cupboards, knocking cleaning supplies and her sewing aside. How did
these men get in? What did they want?
Allan tightened his grip on her waist. Was he scared? Did
men ever get scared?
“Bloody hell, where is it?” the man growled, and hit the
side of the wardrobe.
Her heart skipped a beat and she took a breath to scream. As
she did, Allan’s mouth closed over hers. She squirmed against him, then gave in
as her body responded with a will of its own.
Her skin tingled as she kissed him, her lips eagerly seeking
his. How long had it been since she’d kissed someone? She opened her mouth
wider and drew Allan’s thick tongue in. He clutched her tighter as she twirled
her tongue around his.
All thoughts of the intruders vanished from her mind as
Allan yanked her lower body closer to his. His hot tongue teased hers and he
slid his hands off her waist and cupped her buttocks…
***
The Royal Desires series is available on Amazon & other platforms.
Order Book 3, A Most Unfortunate Prince here:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Most-Unfortunate-Prince-Historical-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B01DMBYJ6E
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3yPPM6
Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-most-unfortunate-prince
Catch up on Book 1, A Most Unusual Princess, here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Most-Unusual-Princess-Historical-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B01CBX43D8
Other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/me00L9
Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-most-unusual-princess
Don’t miss Book 2, A Most Intriguing Temptation:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Most-Intriguing-Temptation-Historical-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B01D8P8604
Other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kkvj
Read reviews here:
https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-most-intriguing-temptation
I welcome questions and comments from readers. If you’ve
read the series, I’d love to know what your favorite book (or scene) was. You
can contact me via the form on my site.
Happy Reading,
Kelli A. Wilkins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has
published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror
ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers
with her horror and mystery stories.
In August 2024, Kelli released Surreal Escapes, a collection
of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this
anthology.
Kelli released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer
Secrets, in April 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a
summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.
She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in
Central NJ, in May 2023.
Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and
visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.
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