Fighting the Pull
A River Rain Novel
by Kristen Ashley
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes the new book in her River Rain Series, Fighting the Pull.
Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.
There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.
But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.
Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.
They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.
As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.
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An Exclusive Interview with Kristen Ashley
Hello, my Wonderful Watchers, Elsa Cohen here, with an exciting special guest, New York Times bestselling romance novelist, and renowned Rock Chick, Kristen Ashley. Welcome to my studio, Kristen.
Thanks for having me here, Elsa. And by the way, fabulous shoes. [Elsa is wearing a pair of green with watercolor shades of pink, purple and blue Christian Louboutin Sandale Du Desert silk, high-heeled sandals].
Why, thank you. And speaking of fashion, what an amazing outfit. [Kristen is wearing Anthonina wide leg pants and matching blouse, with green Prada slingback wedges]
And thank you!
You’re somewhat known for your fashion and being a proponent of style at any size. This seems like a booming industry, is it easier to find exciting clothes for the curvy figure?
Considering Chloe Pierce is “in your family,” as it were, and she has that fantastic shop in Phoenix that caters to women of all heights and sizes, this is, indeed, a thing.
And yes, I’m discovering tons of fun new clothing as even established brands start expanding their sizing.
But sadly, with every new thing that might promote understanding and healthier mindsets, there’s a faction that insists on creating a backlash. As you know, I believe, since, in your story, Hale has a rather animated conversation about that with your brother.
I do know this, yes. I think Oskar had quite a bit to think about after that conversation.
I agree. And I hope he thought about it.
I have a feeling we might find out. [Elsa smiles knowingly.]
[Smiling in return]Yes. I do have a thing for redeeming annoying men.
[Both laugh]
Speaking of Hale and my story, you get deeper into exploring the results of parents’ decisions on grown children. In fact, I’d say in this book of your River Rain series, this is at the forefront.
It is.
Is there a reason for that?
With this series, it all stems from Duncan and Corey. They both had markedly different responses to difficult upbringings as they became adults, Corey’s upbring being exceptionally difficult. I find it fascinating to explore how these two men, who were the best of friends as boys, and had quite a bit in common, not only their relationships with their parents, but also common interests, went on to be fantastically successful in their fields, but did so taking wildly dissimilar paths. I also love answering lingering questions, not only for my readers, but also for my characters. And there were quite a few questions about Corey answered in your book.
And onward from Duncan and Corey, specifically, how this early history then affects a wide range of people in two generations.
There’s a lot of the same with Jamie Oakley and his father AJ. Jamie is determined not to be his father in every way. In fact, he breaks from him early on, and yet, AJ finds ways to interfere in Jamie, and Jamie’s children’s, lives to this day.
It’s almost like living the dream of “what if?” What if Corey didn’t break Duncan and Genny up? Well, now we know. What if Jamie and Judge had not been kept apart by AJ’s machinations, we know that too. We know this even as we know the effects of what those things did to these people.
In your and Hale’s book, we explore what if in regard to your parents and their marriage, as well as Hale’s relationship with his mom and dad.
What if is always a fascinating thing. And it’s an emotional journey, but I’m honored to be able to take that journey with all of you.
Indeed, it is. And it was an interesting road to travel, but I thank you for bringing Hale and I together so neither of us traveled it alone.
My pleasure.
What’s next for this vast cast of characters?
Well, I’d love to get into some much-desired stories for my readers, specifically Sasha or Sully, but I want them to get a bit older.
But mostly, Jamie is killing me. He’s such a good man, I want him to be happy. And Nora is such a loyal friend, and so danged funny, I want to find her some happiness too. Then there’s the hanging Paloma question that needs to be answered. So we’re going to see how Jamie reacts to Nora’s ex sniffing around her again. Spoiler alert: even though their relationship is in the friend zone, he’s not going to like it much!
Ooo, how exciting! I can’t wait!
Me either.
Sadly, that’s all the time we have now, but again, thank you for coming to my studio in your fabulous Pradas and answering a few questions.
It’s been a treat!
[Turns to the camera] There you have it, my wonderful watchers. Kristen Ashley’s next novel…as it happens, my novel, Fighting the Pull, is out now. Read Hale and my love story and get ready for more from River Rain in the future!
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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