*~*Throwback Thursday – Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase Character Interview & Giveaway*~*

What girl doesn’t dream of being a princess?  *Sigh*  With the cover reveal of Recklessly Royal, I got all nostalgic and remember the interview I did with Sam and Alex for the blog tour a few months ago.  OMG…they were too much fun! 

Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

 

Find out what happens when I go ‘across the pond’ to visit Alex and Samantha, the Prince and Duchess!

Days like today don’t just happen to anyone, so to say I feel grateful and blessed is putting it mildly. After my very enjoyable flight on the Gulfstream that I was allowed to use, very generously by the Prince and Duchess (OMG my first time on a private jet – holy cow!!!) I arrive by limo (this trip really couldn’t get any better) at the gorgeous Rousseau estate, my jaw dropping to the ground. It’s literally breathtaking.

I walk up to the front door and before I can even blink, it’s a blur of activity and the next thing I know, I’ve been escorted to a elegant lounge area. Seated over by one of the large windows with a beautiful view of the grounds are the two reasons I am in Lilaria in the first place, His Royal Highness Alexander Patrick Fitzwilliam, the Duke of D’Lynsal and Samantha, Duchess of Rousseau. Ok – crap – what do I do in front of royals…bow? Curtsey? How bout we go with not cursing and trying not to fall flat on my face?

Luckily, the judgement call is made for me as they both stand up to greet me and Alex reaches his hand out to shake mine. Phew! Royal crisis evaded.

Alex: “Lisa, I’m so glad you were able to make it.”

Samantha: “Yes, I hope your trip here wasn’t too difficult.”

Lisa: “Oh, I suffered the entire way on your lovely private jet. A task I will gladly undertake again if you need me to go…hmm…anywhere!”

Thank goodness they get my strange humor because they’re both chuckling at me. I love them both to bits already.

Lisa: “Well, I have a quite a few questions for both of you and then individual questions, so should we get started.”

They both nod, bright smiles on their faces. Oh, we’ll see who is smiling when this is over! 😛

Lisa: “So, what are five words you would use to describe the other?”

Samantha starts to laugh and I can’t help but smile myself, at least they are in good spirits about my silly questions.

Alex: “By all means, ladies first.”

Samantha: “Egoistical, bossy, smart—did you know he speaks four languages? Determined and sexy.”

Alex: “I thought yummy would make the list.”

Samantha blushes but manages to keep a straight face and I feel like I have hit the jackpot. This interview is better than a movie, I love it!

Samantha: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Alex: “Sure you do. Like when you call me Prince…”

The piercing glare Sam shoots at Alex almost does me in, I will not make it out of this interview without laughing and embarrassing myself. These two are AWESOME!

Samantha: “Don’t do it. I said sexy! What more do you want?”

Alex: “Okay, okay. I’ll let it go. For now.”

Samantha turns in my direction, a polite smile gracing her lips.

Samantha: “I hope this isn’t a long interview.”

I have to keep the grin that hasn’t left my face since they started talking from completely eclipsing my face.

Lisa: “No, I’ll try and keep these as quick as possible. I know you’re both very busy.”

Alex: “My turn, right?”

I know I’m enjoying this more than Sam, but I can’t help it.

Lisa: “Yes please, Alex.”

Alex: “Five words for Samantha. Stubborn, brash, brilliant, and beautiful. Did I say stubborn?”

I have to cover my mouth because the combination of the look on Sam’s face and Alex’s answers, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Samantha: “Brash?”

Alex: “I also said brilliant and beautiful!”

Samantha: “And stubborn twice.”

Alex: “Yes, but I’m fond of that trait in you.”

Samantha snorts and my cheeks are starting to hurt already from smiling so much.

Samantha: “We’re never going to make it to the next interview if you keep on.”

And I would be quite alright with that. At this point, it’s too entertaining for words.

Alex: “True. Okay.”

Alex’s head turns in my direction as he gives me a panty dropping smile and raises an eyebrow…oh boy, I’m in trouble, but I think I like it.

Alex: “I’ll try to behave myself.”

Yes…trouble it is. I wink at Alex, two can play this game.

Lisa: “Oh please, don’t try too hard Alex. So, what’s your favorite memory together?”

Alex: “What is your blog rated for?”

I start to answer – really if, he only knew the kind of books we read! Or the nickname the girls and I have for each other… 😛 If we weren’t so proud of our book whoreish ways, we might be embarrassed.

Samantha: “Keep it PG, Alex.”

Damn! I try not to look disappointed.

Alex: “If that’s the case, I’m going to go with playing Monopoly on the plane. I loved seeing you so frustrated.”

Lisa: “Aww…I loved that too.”

I turn to Sam and she shoots Alex a smile.

Samantha: “Wow. You went with my least favorite memory. Okay, my favorite memory with Alex, would have to be the time would we went on our ‘not date’ at the bookstore and diner.”

Lisa: “Very sweet. Well, you are two very busy people – your ‘royal obligations’, family, friends, school, spending time together – I bet things can get crazy – how do ya’ll balance everything?”

Samantha: “With a lot of help! Chadwick is a life saver. He keeps me on track and schedules time for us to be at home together.”

Alex: “We also try to coordinate business trips and talk on the phone when we can.”

Lisa: “What are your plans for the future?”

Samantha: “I’m planning on using my degree with the FBT. I’m also developing a volunteer program where local children can help with the day to day needs of a wildlife rehabilitation center. And somewhere in there I’m planning a wedding. And having nightmares about ribbon loving monsters…”

I watch as Sam visibly shudders.

Alex: “I’m managing a great deal of the daily business of the Future Bird Trust for now. In the not too distant future, I’m hoping for kids.”

My head immediately flashes to Sam as a bright red hue graces her cheeks

Samantha: “One step at a time, buddy.”

That’s my girl. Someone’s gotta keep the prince in line! And I can’t think of anyone better that then Sam.

Lisa: “Alright, Alex, your turn in the hot seat. Do you really cheat at monopoly? You can be honest, we won’t tell.” 😉

Alex: “Why would I cheat? I win every time!”

Samantha clears her throat and my big cheesy grin is back in full effect.

Alex: “Well, almost every time.”

Lisa: “Hmm…alright, I’ll let you pass with that on. So what were your first thoughts when you saw Sam at the Parallel?”

Alex: “That the night had become infinitely more interesting.”

Lisa: “Your persistence and resilience for not letting Sam let her fears conquer her feelings for you was…admirable – most men would have given up – why didn’t you?”

Alex: “I was drawn to her. I couldn’t help it. I knew that we’d have something special. I was willing to do anything to open her eyes, and if being quietly persistent was what I needed to do… well, I did it.”

Lisa: “Yes, you certainly did. Would you consider over coming Sam’s stubbornness one of your greatest accomplishments?”

Alex: “Stop making that face, Samantha. And yes, it’s one of my many great accomplishments.”

Samantha leans in and whispers. “Told you. Egotistical.”

Between her face and the whisper I’m trying with all my might to stifle a giggle. This might be one of the funniest interviews I’ve ever had.

Lisa: “Did you ever thank Chadwick for ‘poking’ Sam?”

Alex: “You could say that. Maybe in not so many words.”

I nod and turn to Sam.

Lisa: “Okay, Samantha, your turn – when did you first become fascinated with birds? And when did you know you wanted to make them your career?”

Samantha: “I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center when I was in school. I was hooked the moment we set the first bird free. After that I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted to do.”

Lisa: “They always say it’s best to find whatever your passionate about and make that your career, so that’s awesome. Here’s a hard one, three questions you wish you could ask your mom?”

Samantha: “Did you know?

What do you think of Alex?

Where is that picture of you and dad pretending to be monkeys at the Red Wood Forest? I’ve looked everywhere.”

A slightly sad smile graces her beautiful face as Alex brings her hand up to his lips and kisses her knuckles. Such a sweet gesture…*sigh*

Lisa: “I like those. Alright, giving up everything you did, changing your life so drastically is a lot to ask for – obviously I hope you don’t regret that decision but do you have any regrets?”

Samantha: “No. No regrets. I miss things, but I’m happy with where I am today.”

Lisa: “Very good to know. So you know you have hit the lottery right? You have a gorgeous honest-to-goodness prince who is a really good guy, who cares a lot for you, pursued you like no other – where did you find the strength to resist him???”

Samantha: “I guess it was all of that stubbornness.”

She mocks a glares in Alex’s direction and he just smiles back at her indulgently.

Samantha: “No, really, I was just scared of everything that was going on. I was terrified of getting hurt any more.”

Lisa: “Understandable. Plus I don’t think many girls would say they could survive getting their hearts broken by a Prince. Speaking of…do you still call him Prince Yummy from time to time?”

Samantha: “Oh, no! You know about that?”

Now it’s my turn to blush.

Samantha: “Well, I also call him Darth Yummy. How about that one? It’s completely deserved.”

Lisa: “OMG I love it!”

Chadwick clears his throat from the corner of the room and as quickly as my smile appeared from hearing the new nickname for Alex, it quickly falls because I know what’s coming.

Alex: “I believe our time is up. Thank you so much for our chat. It’s been the highlight of my day.”

His smile almost blinds me as he reaches out to shake my hand. I stand and pray that I don’t fall over from his shear dreaminess. I turn to Sam, taking her hand and shaking it as well.

Lisa: “No really, thank you. You’ve both been a dream to interview. My face hurts from smiling and laughing so much.”

Samantha: “Thank you. Hopefully we’ll see you again.”

As I am escorted out the front door to the limo that is awaiting me, another limo pulls up and out walks the beautiful Nichole Chase. I am on a huge lucky streak, because this is the second interview in a row where I’ve managed to somehow bump into an author whose brain I am dying to pick.

Lisa: “OMG Nichole, it’s so nice to meet you! Wow, I didn’t know we’d finally get to meet under these circumstances. Thank you so much for helping me get this interview with Alex and Sam – they’re a blast!”

Nichole: “So nice to meet you to Lisa. Only too glad to help.”

Lisa: “I’m sure you’re really busy with Alex and Sam, but do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions.”

Nichole: “Not at all, go right ahead.”

Lisa: “What are the chances for a second book? The Wedding? That phone call? Are you going to leave us hanging?”

Nichole: “I have some ideas, but am not ready to share them yet. If there are any more books, it would likely be about a different character and Samantha and Alex would be part of the supporting cast. You’d still see them, but they wouldn’t be the main focus. As for the phone call—I wouldn’t worry too much about that. I’m sure that if it was important Chadwick would let them know.”

Lisa: “I can totally live with that – I’d love for Catherine to get her own book! So, any chances for some scenes from Alex’s POV?”

Nichole: “Now that is a fun idea. Hm. I wonder.”

Lisa: “Oooh…I like the sound of that! Did you have any specific inspiration for the characters? Sam is very unique and Alex is just a steaming pot of drool-worthiness – did they just come out of your fabulous imagination?” 😉

Nichole: “I would die from embarrassment if he ever saw this, but Chris Hemsworth is who I always pictured as Alex. Sexy but with a sweet side. Samantha, however, is a different story. She lived in my head for so long, insisting I tell her story that she picked up a lot of my bad habits. Out of all my characters, she is the closest to my personality.”

Lisa: “Wow…very good taste and I love that Sam is so much a part of you. Well I have to thank you again for everything. This whole thing was such an awesome experience, I really couldn’t have asked for more.”

Nichole: “Thank you so much for spending time with Alex and Samantha today! I’m looking forward to seeing them again as well.”

I wave goodbye as she makes her way inside and I slide into the limo. A whirlwind day full of happy surprises and one of my favorite interviews I have done to date. Alex and Sam leave me with a smile on my face no matter what they do.

Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

3.5 “Stubborn” Kisses

Please don’t think that being stubborn is a bad thing in this context – it’s not. I call myself stubborn with my head held high and the fact that the heroine in this book is stubborn is a trait I happened to love/love to hate. So, who doesn’t love a good fairy tale? I’ll be honest, I’m a Disney junkie…I love the princess stories. Give me a knight in shining armor any day of the week. But ‘Prince Yummy’ …he’s a step above the rest.

Samantha Rousseau is normal. Just a regular graduate student, she’s a wildlife biologist specializing in raptors – she loves her birds, she keeps busy between school, work and trying to make sure her ailing step-father is taken care of, she’s got her hands full. Well, it’s her lucky day because she just got handed the opportunity of a lifetime when she is told her deceased mother was part of a family of royals who fled the country in order to save their lives. She’s not Samantha Rousseau anymore, she is Samantha, Duchess of Rousseau. This is when you expect the candid cameras to pop out and say “HA! Fooled You!”…it doesn’t happen.

‘’There are two things you must never forget. One, you are a Rousseau and you should always be proud of that. Two, family always comes first. Always.’

Sam has an incredibly difficult decision to make. Leave behind her dad, her school, her friends, her life or turn her back on a great opportunity to live up to the potential she never knew she was capable of. She gets lots of awesome advice…from her dad, from her best friend, but ultimately the decision is hers. What’s the worst that could happen, right?

‘Jess and the undergrads had been wrong. He wasn’t yummy, he was delicious; a feast to be savored. Dark blonde hair hung a smidge too long, eyes so blue it was like looking into the heart of a glacier. Built like the statue of David; the contours of his suit hugging every delicious muscle. Laugh lines around his mouth and eyes brought him into the realm of humanity, and gave him personality.’

His Royal Highness Alexander Patrick Fitzwilliam, the Duke of D’Lynsal and heir to the crown of Lilaria, doesn’t make this decision any less…challenging. He’s a distraction, a particularly delicious distraction, but like Sam needs anything else to complicate an already complicated situation. The press, the pressure, the choices…it’s enough to make any girl a little loopy, but adding the royal bits to it, just make it ten times worse. I’ll give Sam credit though, any girl that can persistently stonewall ‘Prince Yummy’ deserves an award of some kind.

‘His eyes starred down into mine and I felt entranced. There was some kind of emotion swirling behind that ice that I didn’t understand. I had a feeling he wouldn’t have promised to just anyone.’

I’m faced with another book that while it does have romantic aspects to it, that really wasn’t the main focus of the book for me. This was about Samantha’s journey…we learn more about her, all that she is having to go through as she embarks on filling the royal shoes she never knew existed. She has a lot going on. It’s not that she doesn’t want Alex, but there is the fear element that keeps her away. Even with her continued resilience to him, Alex never gave up. God love him for it…he really is Prince Charming.

‘“All good things are worth the work. And what we could have would definitely be good.” He threw my words back at me and I had no response.’

Suddenly Royal was a super sweet and cute story, reminded me a lot of the Princess Diaries but more grown up and refined…and I wanted to hump the Prince 🙂 The ending was perfect and as with most books I read, I will always cross my fingers for continuation of the characters. I did fall in love with Alex’s sister Catherine and would love for her to have a story.

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Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule.

For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs.

Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Ms. Chase is the author of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy, Flukes, and Suddenly Royal (including several short stories).

Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, dog, tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

Check out Nichole’s Website.