Today, I have author Elouise East in the interview chair. We’re discussing her latest release Grieving Royal, book three in the Club Royal series, a m/m contemporary romance. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.
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Hi, Elouise. I interviewed you last time for your previous release Life Support. So I came up with a new batch of questions for your latest release Grieving Royal. Here we go!
Elouise East on Grieving Royal:
1. How did you come up with the concept and characters?
Elouise: Originally, the royal books were not supposed to have any link to a BDSM club, would you believe. The idea started as normal royal heirs trying to find their HEA. Then I was chatting with a friend of mine, and I jokingly said, “Why not make it a royal BDSM club?” and the idea was born. I didn’t think it would work, but as I laid my ideas down and got advice from others, it grew into a mind of its own. The Sutcliffes are unique. They don’t put up with people stepping on other people. They stand up and fight for what they believe in, which also means, they’re open to new experiences, and a BDSM club kind of links everything together.
2. What did you enjoy most about writing Grieving Royal?
Elouise: The characters are so different in my head. I can see who they are and their similarities and differences. How they react to the same situation, their feelings, their thoughts. It’s all individual. They’re so vibrant that writing them wasn’t a chore. They had a lot of things to work through before they reached their goals, but doesn’t everyone?
3. What did you least enjoy about writing Grieving Royal?
Elouise: It’s not so much what I enjoyed least, but the grieving parts – I don’t want to give too much away for those who haven’t read it – were difficult. It brought back a lot of memories from when my mother passed away 7 years ago, but it also felt cathartic in a way. I do wish the characters had let me get them together a bit sooner than what actually happened though, lol.
4. Tell us about your main characters–what do you like most about them?
Elouise: The way they are willing to fight – for each other and other people. They are strong-willed and willing to do the right thing, even at the cost of something dear to them, like their privacy. George knows he won’t be king, and it doesn’t phase him at all, but he’s very protective of his men, always checking in with them and making sure they’re okay. If he could keep the limelight off them, he would. Timothy is hardened by his past, but it cracks when he meets the two guys. He begins to trust his instincts again. Eddie is soft and gentle, and keeps them grounded. Both George and Timothy dote on him, but he steps up to the plate when he needs to.
5. Let’s keep this on the main characters. Tell us what you like least about them.
Elouise: George can sometimes ignore things that need to be sorted. He thinks everything will turn out okay, but in actual fact, it won’t. He has an undying need to find a group name for them, which is highly annoying. Timothy needs to get out of his head more, as he admits himself. He’s too worried about the ripples of their actions to reach for what he wants sometimes. Eddie doesn’t want to “rock the boat,” and often lets things go when he could speak up. Only sometimes, though. He is getting better at it.
6. How did you come up with title for your book?
Elouise: I knew what the storyline would be, so it fit in with the theme. It wasn’t just George’s grief we have to contend with either. It’s Timothy’s and Eddie’s – all in different ways.
7. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Grieving Royal?
Elouise: As I mentioned earlier, I would’ve liked them to get together a little earlier in the story. I wish I could tell you I could change that, but I can’t. The characters lead me where they want me to go, and I can’t do anything to stop it.
8. If Grieving Royal was a country, which country would it be and why?
Elouise: It’s unoriginal, but the UK. They are both going through upheaval and differences of opinions along with many other issues, but together, they’re standing strong. The UK is struggling, as are a lot of countries, but I believe we can get through it. The same goes for the characters in the book.
9. If Grieving Royal was an alcoholic beverage, what would it be and why?
Elouise: I have no idea about alcoholic drinks, but if I were to describe it, it would be something that had several layers to it. You start with one flavour, then hit another and another, but by mixing them all together, you get the best taste of all. There are so many different things happening within the book. It’s not all as it seems. Any ideas what this drink could be? Lol.
10. If Grieving Royal was a celebrity, who would it be and why?
Elouise: It would be David Tennant, and not just because he’s one of my favourite actors. He can portray so many different characters, covering so many themes and angles, and brings something new to every role. There are so many different characters in the series, David Tennant could probably do all of them justice.
11. Tell us why Grieving Royal is a must-read.
Elouise: Well, if you like upbeat, romantic, caring Dominants along with a side of silently strong submissives and a dash of heartbreak combined with a cast of characters who you can’t help but love, despite their meddling ways. This is the book for you.
12. What can we expect from you in the future?
Elouise: Continuing with this series for one! Later this year, I will be releasing books 4 and 5 – that’s not the end though, there will be more from the series next year. I’m also releasing Breathing Fire in April, which is the third in the Love in Flames series. I have other projects on the backburner, too, but I’m not telling yet 😉
This or That for Elouise:
For each answer you give, explain why you chose “this” or why you chose “that.”
1. Introvert or Extrovert?
Elouise: Introvert – I love being able to do whatever I want in the comfort of my home. I’m not a social person, I find it taxing. I prefer to lose myself in the worlds I create, or other authors create.
2. Big advance for your next book but it must meet what the publisher wants or no big advance and writing what you want?
Elouise: A big advance would be handy right at this moment because I have a garage to convert, lol, but I wouldn’t be able to write to someone else’s wishes. I have no control over my characters and what they want to do and how they live their lives. I need them to be free to come at me with whatever they want to.
3. Would you rather live in your dream home in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere?
Elouise: The sun is not my friend, although I like the warmth. If I had to choose between cold and warm, I would be cold because I can always warm myself up, but I struggle to cool myself down. So, I’d probably be better staying where I am now, lol.
4. Reading: Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Elouise: Fiction – losing myself in a fictional world is much better for me. There is such a variety in the differences between books that I don’t think I’d be able to find in a non-fiction book.
5. Writing: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, or Night?
Elouise: Well, when I first started writing, I wrote in the evening once my daughter had gone to bed. It was the only time I had because I was working full time. Now, I try to write during the school hours and then if I need to after she’s asleep again. I find it easier to write at night though, so I may end up changing my routine one day.
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Book Title: Grieving Royal
Series: Club Royal, Book 3
Author: Elouise East
Release Date: February 3, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: MMM, royal BDSM club, hurt/comfort
Themes: Grief/loss
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 108 000 words
Losing himself to the shadows is not possible, but who can help him learn to live again?
Blurb: Despite being third in line to the throne, George doesn’t believe he will ever be king, and he is content with that knowledge. He prefers to live his life in the shadow of his brothers because he can hide his extra-curricular activities there. When his life is torn apart by grief, he loses himself in those shadows until he focuses on what matters to him. Love.
More media attention is the last thing Timothy wants. He left his hometown to get away from it, but his new position makes that almost impossible. Balancing the requirements of his teaching role, the needs of his new patient, and the feelings that should never have grown, he struggles to see the right course of action until the choice is taken away from him.
Stepping back inside the place where Eddie had been abused by the one person who should’ve taken care of him has been harder than he expected. Finding someone who is patient enough to help him through his anxieties about a BDSM relationship is easier. Unfortunately, royal duties threaten to pull them apart before they’ve even started.
As the three lives intertwine in the unlikeliest of situations, who will throw themselves into the deep end, and who will back away, scared of the repercussions?
Note: This is an MMM book containing BDSM scenes and D/s dynamics in all forms. It also has lots of loving, friendships, family drama and, of course, a triple HEA. It does not end on a cliffhanger.
Purchase at: Available in Kindle Unlimited
Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK
“Eddie!”
He searched the room for the voice but couldn’t see anyone until Master George stepped through the parted crowd.
Eddie lowered his head. “Master George.” Eddie’s heart raced, and he couldn’t contain his smile.
“Clarice didn’t hear from you. Does that mean you’ve decided not to go ahead with what we talked about?”
Was he supposed to have called her? “Oh, um, I still want to go ahead with it. I forgot to call her and tell her. I was excited about coming tonight and didn’t think about calling ahead.”
“Shh. Eddie, breathe. It’s fine.” Master George slipped an arm around Eddie’s shoulders. “I wanted to go through a contract with you, that’s all. Can we do that now?”
Eddie didn’t want to read a contract. He wanted Master George. “Can we do it later?” he asked, eyes still lowered.
Master George was quiet, then a finger curved under his chin, lifting his head. When he met the vibrant blue eyes, he relaxed.
“Better. Yes, we can do it later, but we must do it if you want to go ahead.”
“I do, Sir. Definitely.”
Master George smiled. “What would you like to do tonight?”
Eddie licked his lips. “I’m not really sure.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Implicitly,” Eddie said in a firm voice.
Master George nodded once. “Come on.”
Eddie went with Master George to one of the private rooms but hesitated at the threshold, even though Master George still had his arm around him.
“What’s wrong?” Master George stepped in front of him and cupped his jaw, bringing their gazes together. “Talk to me.”
“This is the room…Master Douglas found me in.” Eddie’s heart pounded. He knew he’d have to face the room eventually because it was ridiculous to think a space could have this much of a hold over him.
“Let’s try another room.”
“No! Sir. No.” He stared into Master George’s eyes. “Will you help me?”
“With anything and everything I can. What do you need?”
“I want to do it here. I need something good to wash away the bad memories of this room.”
“Are you sure, Eddie? There is no weakness in not being ready.”
“I’m sure.” He nodded to emphasise his answer.
Master George stared at him for a long minute, then nodded in return. He slid his hands into Eddie’s and gripped them hard. “I’m here.” He stepped backwards, tugging Eddie into the room with him.
Every step had Eddie’s palms sweating and his heart jumping, but when they finally stopped in the centre of the room, Eddie sighed. He glanced around, never letting go of Master George’s hands.
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I am Elouise East but feel free to call me Elli. I write sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. I also touch on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.
Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point – be it blood family or chosen – is very important to me. That’s why I include a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as I believe a story or a character needs. I want my characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell me they have. And trust me, most of the time, I do not have any say in the matter!
My characters come to life on the page for me as well as my readers. Their stories unfold in front of me, and I have very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of my characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I write books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of my stories. I don’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.
Who am I? A single parent to two children who make life worth living. An avid reader who still devours every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy.
Who’s in?
Find Elouise: Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter | |Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | Bookbub | TikTok
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Maggie Blackbird 