Arranged
(A Masters and Mercenaries Novella)
by Lexi Blake
Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.
Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Oxford-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.
After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…
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An Exclusive Interview With Lexi Blake:
~ with Jillian Stein of Read Love Blog
I loved loved loved Day and Kash! How did you choose them for this story?
I never choose the characters for the story. It’s very much the other way around. They choose the story. I decided to write about Kash because I figured it was time. He first showed up years ago in Love and Let Die and then in several of the other books. He’s been wandering the world and I thought it was time for him to settle down. He did not agree with me, hence the arranged marriage.
Both Dayita and Kash, like all of your characters, have wonderfully multifaceted personalities. Is it ever difficult to come up with such complex characters?
We’re all complex. I think it’s far more difficult for me to make a simple character like an all out horrible villain because even they have complexities. Humans are weird and wonderful and capable of almost anything given the right pressure. I love that I get to explore humanity through this work.
Is there a place in real life that was inspiration for the island of Loa Mali?
Kauai, Hawaii! One of my favorite places on earth. I love that you can go from gorgeous canyons to amazing beaches. I coupled that with some of the culture of southern India and you get Loa Mali.
Who would you dream cast as Kash and Day in a movie?
Dev Patel has always been my Kash. Priyanka Chopra would be a good Day. It would be easy to see why Kash gives in when she walks in a room.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
I would be the brand new ombre crayon. I start a deep blue, almost purple and gradually go lighter until you can color the sky with me. Because being just one color is boring….
Can you tell us what’s next for you on your writing schedule?
I just finished Smoke and Sin (Perfect Gentlemen 4). It should be out in September. I’m working on Love Another Day (Masters & Mercenaries 14) and Sleeper (Thieves 8). So I’ve got a lot going on. I’m also super excited about a secret project that will be announcing next week so stay tuned!
Biography:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.
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