Embracing the Change
A River Rain Novella
by Kristen Ashley
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes the new book in her River Rain Series, Embracing the Change.
That Kiss…
Gorgeous New York socialite, Nora Ellington has been waiting a very long time for her happily ever after.
So long, she’s given up on it and has decided, even though she’s the plus-one friend without benefits to a man she’s head over heels in love with, an HEA will forever be out of her reach.
Handsome billionaire Jamie Oakley thought he’d had two happily ever afters in his life. However, neither lasted long, and both ended in tragedy. He’s not about to try it again or put his children through the trauma Jamie has learned from experience undoubtedly will come their way.
And he’s made this decision even if the woman who’s become his constant companion is a woman he loves straight to his soul….and wants with everything that is him.
But then, one night, Jamie loses control and kisses Nora.
He can’t go there.
She can’t go on without it.
They’ll never be the same.
Or will they?
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An Exclusive Interview with Kristen Ashley
Something a little different for you all today (and what a fun treat)! Kristen Ashley interviews our two main characters from Embracing the Change: Nora and Jamie! Take it away, Kristen…
What inspired you to tell our story?
The minute I met you both, I knew you had to have HEAs. When I realized how perfect you were together, I became obsessed with it. I’ve been very impatient. Now you have it, and I couldn’t be more delighted!
Was it hard to figure out what we looked like?
Not at all. You both came to me very clear.
Was there anything surprised you about our story as you were writing us?
Much came as a surprise while I was writing. Not so much about either of you, but about the story, what happened, when it did, how it did. I was super concerned, because I felt you both, particularly Jamie, had gone through so much, I didn’t want you to have to endure more. Sadly, life isn’t like that. And we’d never know the depths of your compassion and wisdom if it didn’t happen, and we as readers didn’t get to navigate it with you.
You don’t have to tell us who, but are either of us based off of someone in your real life?
No. But I want to be Nora when I grow up.
Did you ever buy clothes or Knick knacks that I own so you could connect to us and our personalities?
Not yet. Though I really wanted to buy those Valentino red Roserouche sandals Nora was wearing in the first chapter.
Though, I will say I mix up a variety of Nora’s cocktails!
What part of either one of us was the most foreign to you and was it difficult to write those parts of us?
Well, I’ve never been aboard a super-yacht. HA! Even if both of you are very foreign to me (I’m not a man, first, J, I’m not a parent, I’m not a billionaire, I’ve never lived in New York City), you were, unsurprisingly, very generous with yourselves. You didn’t make me work for anything. I have a feeling you were just as ready to have your story told as I was to finally get to get tell it!
How did you choose our names?
I’ve wanted to name a hero Jamie for years and years. But as ever, it’s got to be just the right character. And obviously, it was.
As for Nora, I love that name. But I honestly can’t remember if it’s because I love it that I gave it to you, or if the River Rain Team on Facebook voted for it!
Did you ever talk to us out loud?
No. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to characters out loud. Maybe I should start, and you all would begin to listen to me rather than being so dang stubborn about having your story told your way. But so far, that way has worked, so I probably shouldn’t mess with a good thing.
Whose side would you take in an argument?
Why do you do this to me? I’d probably have to know what the argument is about. Though, I’m all in with the sisterhood, so, sorry Jamie, my love, but it’d probably be Nora!
Biography:
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.
Nothing’s changed.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.
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