by Chantelle Shaw, author of The Greek Billionaire’s Innocent Princess (Harlequin Presents, Nov. 2009)
When I was first asked to write a book for the Royal House of Karedes series my excitement quickly turned to worry as I wondered if I would be able to visualise a story when the main characters and basic plot had been given to me. But I soon forgot my doubts when I read the fantastic ‘Karedes Bible’ which explained the history of the kingdom of Adamas, and how after a bitter feud the two islands, Aristo and Calista, were ruled as separate kingdoms and could only be reunited by the Stefani diamond.
With my imagination fired by the tale of two crowns, two islands and one legacy I was ready to write the fifth book in the series, The Greek Billionaire’s Innocent Princess.
The daughter of King Aegeus and Queen Tia of Aristo, Princess Katerina is fourth in line to the throne. But unlike her glamorous younger sister Princess Elissa, Kitty considers herself to be plump and plain, and would much rather spend her time in the library working on her research for Aristo’s museum, than out partying.
At the palace ball she meets gorgeous billionaire, Nikos Angelaki – who mistakes her for a waitress! Humiliated, Kitty flees from the ball. But Nikos was intrigued by the curvaceous waitress who had dared to challenge him, and when he sees her on the beach, swimming naked in the moonlight, he can’t resist seducing her – unaware that sensual Rina is a member of the royal family.
Nikos is shocked when he discovers that Rina is actually Katerina Karedes – and that she is expecting his baby. He has no option but to marry his pregnant princess, and for the sake of the royal family Kitty is forced to agree to a loveless marriage.
Kitty soon finds that she wants much more from Nikos than the fiery passion they share. She has fallen in love with her enigmatic Greek husband – but Nikos has many secrets in his past, and after his first wife’s terribly betrayal he has sworn never to trust another woman.
But shy, gentle Kitty is different to any other woman Nikos has met, and as he slowly lowers his guard he realises that he doesn’t want their relationship to only be confined to the bedroom. Sexual chemistry drew them together, but can Kitty’s compassion help Nikos to overcome the demons in his past?
Each of the eight books in the Karedes series are linked by the history of the kingdom of Adamas and the race to find the Stefani diamond, but each book tells its own very individual story. I loved writing about Kitty and Nikos and how they changed as their relationship developed. Thanks to Nikos, Kitty blossomed into the beautiful self-confident princess she had always longed to be, and Nikos found the love he had been waiting for all his life.
I’d love to hear what you think of The Greek Billionaire’s Innocent Princess. Have you read any of the other books in the Royal House of Karedes Series? And what do you think of the idea of a continuity series – do you enjoy the books as much as single titles in the Presents line?
Best wishes, Chantelle
Chantelle,
Although I have not read any of the Karedes series, you have definitely lured me into their realm.
I have to go shopping now. The story of Kitty and Nikos is just too interesting to skip. Thanks for the heads up.
I don’t see how anyone could read the first chapter without then buying the book! Thank goodness for ebooks- no waiting!
Chantelle I love the sound of your story, will be getting it as soon as it hits the shelves…x Abby
It sounds great! I just want to tell you that I love the way your write, you’re one of my favorite writers. I like the fact that you write very realistic love scenes, without using euphemisms at all. This book is a must on my list.
hey Chantelle,
i read the excerpt from your book yesterday, and was planning on buying it today…. i’m thrilled to read this extra info about your series..and ditto for the first comments… i’m now not only off to buy one, but find them all…
…excellent….
Chantelle, I’m reading the Greek Billionaire’s Innocent Princess at the moment and I’m loving it. Nik is such a sexy hero and I love, love Kitty. Brilliant!
Thank you everyone for your lovely comments. Julie-anne, I think you can order all 8 books in the Karedes series from Harlequin. They are written by some of my favourite authors and I’m sure they are fantastic. I am promising myself some quiet time to sit and read the whole series, maybe over Christmas – or maybe not as I’ll be catering for 12 people for 3 days! I can dream!
Congratulations, Chantelle, you’ve written a lovely heroine in Kitty and a great hero in Nikos.
As for your Christmas celebrations… I hope your grateful guests lend a hand with the washing up!
Hello Chantelle!
I’ve had the book now for awhile (I stalk the shops when I know one of the series is about the come out), and I loved it!
I couldn’t wait to get to know more characters. I love being taken between gorgeous Greeks and stunning Shiekhs all falling in love. You really made Kitty’s story come to life– I loved Nikos and Kitty and the way they sparked off against each other was brilliant! =)