Giveaway Winners

The winners of the audiobook giveaways are Lee Todd and Dannyfiredragon. Congratulations!

Cover Reveal, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

I'm so excited to reveal the gorgeous cover created by Catt Ford for my upcoming release, Yesterday. 

Read an exclusive expert over at Prism Book Alliance and throw your name in the Rafflecopter widget for a chance to win an e-copy.

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015/12/mickie-b-ashling-on-yesterday-cover-reveal-excerpt-local-giveaway-rafflecopter-giveaway/

Yesterday is available for Pre-order here: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7256

Christmas Giveaway!

I'd like to thank all my loyal readers for all their support by running a giveaway between now and the day after Christmas. Anyone who comments on this blog will be eligible to win one of my audio books. Winners choice. The books available are listed on the sidebar to your left. Two names will be drawn on the 26th and it would be very helpful if you left your contact info in the comment section. If I have no way of reaching you I'll have to pick an alternate winner.

Thanks again for making 2015 a great year!  

Coming Soon!

The second edition of Mayon is up on the Coming Soon page at DSP Publications and is available for Pre-Order here: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/mayon-by-mickie-b-ashling-211-b

This historical novel, set in post-World War II Philippines, has been completely re-edited. Content has been added as well as some significant changes in point of view. Click on the above link to read the blurb and pre-order if you are interested. The book releases on 2/23/2016.

In other news, the Italian version of Horizons (Orizzonti) is up for Pre-order as well.  Release date is 12/1. Here's the link to the Dreamspinner Coming Soon page. http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7228.

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since September. My only excuse is that I've been writing and editing. A lot. A good thing since the last six months in the M/M genre have been one drama after another. Don't expect me to weigh-in because I prefer to remain neutral. That doesn't mean I don't have an opinion, but I hate conflict, and I'm aware there's always two sides to every story. The problem of course is that there are so many damn stories out there it's hard to figure out who did what to whom. I'm sticking to what I do best--write. I have updated my profile picture on the DSP Publication website in case there's anyone out there who's ever wondered if I'm male or female. As you can see, I'm definitely not male. Mickie is my RL nickname. Ashling is a pseudonym. The rest is nobody's business but my publishers.  

In the middle of January (date to be announced) my period piece set in the Middle East will be released. I'll have a cover reveal the third week of December with an exclusive excerpt and a chance to win a free e-copy of the book. The official blog tour dates will be posted as soon as they are available.

In April, book 3 of the Polo Series will show up on the Dreamspinner Coming Soon page.  Fans of Preston and Konrad will be happy to know the boys and their progeny are back raising holy hell in London and Texas. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments. I love hearing from you guys.

                                 I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
.

 

Queer as Folk-Revisited

Here's a great video I stumbled upon looking for inspiration. Queer as Folk had a profound influence in my life and it was great to see some of the characters and writers doing a Q & A to celebrate the 15 year reunion. Be prepared to spend at least an hour with your favorite guys. Peter Paige is as fabulous as ever! 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/queer-as-folk-atx-festival-801734

Remembering...

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. She would have been 92 years old had she lived. I don't normally commemorate her special day, but for some reason I decided it was a good day to watch The Theory of Everything, the moving story of Stephen Hawking starring Eddie Redmayne. As everyone knows, Mr. Hawking suffers from ALS, the same disease that killed my mother, and thousands of others who shall remain nameless for this post.  I was alone in the house and figured if I was going to break down and make a fool of myself at least no one would see me. Surprisingly, I didn't cry, although the tears were poised to fall. What I did feel was a terrible longing to have my mother by my side for even one hour to tell her all the amazing things she's missed since she passed.

Losing a parent is horrible, but she was more than a mother; she was my best friend. No one has ever been able to replace her in that role although my only sister has come damned close.  Our mother would have been thrilled to know that the two girls she raised on her own have not only survived, we've done her proud. I've become a published novelist and my sister has risen to a prominent position in women's health care.

I read on FB that it's Grandparent's day today. Another reason to talk about my mom. She would have made a spectacular grandmother to the four sons I've been privileged to raise and the two wonderful kids who would have been her great-grandchildren. I'm so sorry they'll never know what they missed. It would have been her fondest wish to cook Sunday lunch for all of us, and share the latest gossip in her wonderful, flamboyant way. She was a drama queen long before it became fashionable.

So the point to this rambling post is to remind everyone to kiss the parent, hug the grandma and grandpa, love the ones who are alive, and never forget to mention how much they mean to you. Life is too bloody short and do overs only happen in novels.  Happy birthday, Ma, and happy Grandparent's Day to the ones who are lucky enough to be in this special group.

P.S. Just so you know, I'm not that stoic after all. This post made me tear up more than yesterday's movie.

Forged in Trust Blog Tour Schedule

Follow the Tour

Sept. 1 - The Novel Approach

Sept. 2 - On Top Down Under Book Reviews

Sept. 3 - Charlie Cochet

Sept. 4 - Love Bytes

Sept. 4 - Sinfully...Addicted to All Male Romance

Sept. 7 - Hearts On Fire

Sept. 8 - Prism Book Alliance

Sept. 9 - MM Good Book Reviews

Sept. 11 - WoW...from The Scarf Princess

Tour and materials organized by PAS Promotions

Coming Soon!

Forged in Trust

Dr. Ethan Marshall is the young resident on call the night Tessa Duran murders her husband for abusing her twelve-year-old-son, Rino. Ethan stays in the cubicle while the rape kit is performed and is surprised when the boy resorts to prayers instead of tears.

 Despite compelling evidence, Tessa is sent to jail for life. To avoid placing Rino in foster care, their parish priest agrees to raise him. Ethan is touched by Rino’s plight and visits whenever possible, but the connection is broken when the priest and young boy leave the area months later.

Raised by the Dominicans in California, Rino considers joining the order until a romance blossoms with a fellow student. After much soul-searching, he turns his back on everything familiar, and chooses his orientation over his perceived vocation. Upon graduating dental hygiene school, Rino takes a job at the office of Scott Gregory and Robin Kennedy.

Seventeen years have passed since that horrible night in the emergency room. Forty-three-year-old Ethan is now a Dominant in search of a full-time submissive. Twenty-nine-year-old Rino is adrift, longing for someone or something to help him find the serenity he’s lost along the way. As they rekindle their friendship, they realize they might be perfect for each other.

Available for Pre-order at a discounted price until August 9.
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6811

New Winner!

Since I never heard back from one of the winners of the drawing I've chosen another name from the list. Ree Dee wins the audiobook version of Fire Horse. Please comment here or on Facebook so I can give you instructions on how to retrieve your giveaway.

Winners!

The winners of the Audio book giveaways are waxapplelover and mkelcik.

Please email me at mickie.ashling.com for instructions on how to retrieve your books. If I don't hear back in 48 hours I'll have to choose another winner. Thanks to everyone who participated!

99 cent Weekend Reads!

I'm the featured author this weekend at DSP. Three of my ebooks are on sale for 99 cents each. Check it out! I'll also be popping in and out of the DreamReaders site on Facebook if you'd like to ask questions about the novels or anything else pertaining to me or my writing. Now's your chance to pick my brain.

Here's the link to DreamReaders. https://www.facebook.com/groups/405304056293307/


99 Cents eBooks

Until midnight EDT Sunday, July 5, 2015

Preston Fawkes is ten the first time he meets fifteen-year-old Konrad Schnell at the San Antonio Polo Club. Captivated by the mystique surrounding the sport of kings, Pres vows to learn the game at the hands of his newly acquired friend and mentor. The hero worship soon grows into something deeper, but the friends are separated when Preston goes off to boarding school in England.

The relationship that follows is riddled with challenges?their age gap, physical distance, and parental pressure taking precedence over feelings yet to be explored. Although their bond goes deep, they deal with the reality of their situation differently: Preston is open and fearless while Konrad is reticent and all too aware of the social implications of making a public stand.

Their paths intersect and twine, binding them as tightly as a cowboy’s lasso, but fate may alter their plans. How will love overcome the divots in the turf as they gallop toward the future—one where obstacles no longer stand in their way?

Lil Lampert’s forty-fifth birthday turns the effervescent architect into a brooding mess, and his partner, Grier Dilorio, takes him to Italy to help him regain his zest for life. The timing is bad—almost-fifteen-year-old Luca has just started high school, and his mother and stepfather are also traveling. Luca is left in the care of Chicago Bear, Clark Stevens, and his partner, Dr. Jody Williams.

Growing up with two dads and two gay uncles has given Luca a unique perspective on gender roles, but not all the answers. He’s had a secret crush on his straight best friend, Chip, for years. Suddenly, Luca finds himself attracted to Chyna, Chip’s twin sister. Now he's wondering if this means he’s bisexual.

Born with a sexual development disorder, Chyna should have been raised as a male, but due to an epic parenting fail, is being raised as female. Hiding the truth becomes more difficult when Chyna hits puberty, and crushing over Luca adds another element to Chyna’s struggle to fit in.

Is Luca's moral compass strong enough to guide him successfully through this period of discovery or will he succumb to peer pressure and shatter Chyna's dreams for happiness?

When bestselling novelist Mick Henley contacts his editor and former lover, Paul Alcott, after a seven-year absence, hearing Mick’s voice reinforces what Paul has known all along?he still loves Mick. The possible reunion entices Paul into considering a dinner invitation, but his hopes are dashed when he learns Mick is in a loving relationship with Spanish Jai alai player Tono Garat.

Paul still accepts the invitation, and Mick asks Paul to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written, inspired by his affair with Mick. When Paul refuses, Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping with the eventual outcome.

Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can't deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Can the past blend with the present to ease the way for Mick’s inevitable future? Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their collision destroy Mick's final days?

Giveaway!

Do you like Audiobooks? Two of my best selling novels are now in audio format. Both were winners at previous Rainbow Awards. In honor of the historic ruling on marriage equality, I'm running a giveaway for one week. Leave a short comment to be entered and mention which book you would prefer. Two winners will be announced next Monday.

When Sloan Driscoll and Cole Fujiwara become reluctant roommates, neither man is willing to share too much. Sloan is instantly attracted to Cole but knows it's a hopeless cause; Cole has a steady girlfriend. But one night they share a joint, and Cole opens a window neither anticipated.

A relationship may be impossible—both men are living with heart-breaking secrets. While Sloan is smart, sassy, and a brilliant graphic artist, he’s also a pothead with severe body image problems. Cole, a former major league pitcher, has his own personal crisis: he's going blind. Sloan and Cole are suffering on so many levels, they might not realize that the ultimate salvation could be within each other’s arms.


http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Cutting-Cords-Audiobook/B00YW8NP3A/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1435573726&sr=1-1

Preston Fawkes is ten the first time he meets fifteen-year-old Konrad Schnell at the San Antonio Polo Club. Captivated by the mystique surrounding the sport of kings, Pres vows to learn the game at the hands of his newly acquired friend and mentor. The hero worship soon grows into something deeper, but the friends are separated when Preston goes off to boarding school in England.

The relationship that follows is riddled with challenges?their age gap, physical distance, and parental pressure taking precedence over feelings yet to be explored. Although their bond goes deep, they deal with the reality of their situation differently: Preston is open and fearless while Konrad is reticent and all too aware of the social implications of making a public stand.

Their paths intersect and twine, binding them as tightly as a cowboy’s lasso, but fate may alter their plans. How will love overcome the divots in the turf as they gallop toward the future—one where obstacles no longer stand in their way?

http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Fire-Horse-Audiobook/B00T9VBNGG/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1435574376&sr=1-1

Alex Akira's Dragon and Crow Blog Tour!

 

 

 

Title: Dragon and Crow - Deluxe 2 Volume Set

Series: Dojo Boys

Author: Alex A. Akira

Publisher: Triple A Press

Cover Artist: Alex A. Akira

Length: Volume 1 – 275 Pages; Volume 2 – 390 Pages

Release Date: 25^th May, 2015

Blurb: Twenty-three-year-old, Native American, Michael Black’s well-ordered life is disrupted one evening when he is ambushed at the dojo he frequents by a mysterious Japanese youth who goes by the name of Kiyoshi.

Soon circumstances have the gorgeous teen staying with Michael at his apartment. The gifted nineteen-year-old is an intriguing mix of angst, innocence and crafty intelligence, but Michael is honor bound by a promise to his sensei to keep his distance. Michael tries to keep his desire in check, but what can he do if the exquisite teen keeps kissing him?

Volume two finds Michael in deep water when, in trying to help Kiyoshi, he is persuaded by his sensei to participate in a joint government undercover operation to bring down a Yakuza lord.

Before long Michael is immersed in beautiful men, martial arts and espionage all to gain the trust and love of Kiyoshi. Secrets, lies, sex and action combine in this racy, romantic, adventure of two men, Michael Black and his sensei, Ichiro Kimura, navigating a dangerous path for true love. 

 

Michael groped for the light switch, a smile of triumph playing at his lips. Damn, I did it! I beat him! Flicking the switch, he turned, eager to view his skilled opponent and to bask in the accolades that he was sure to receive from Sensei Kimura.

His triumph descended to dismay in a flash. Who the hell is this?

A slight figure lay crumpled at the center of the practice room. Cautiously approaching the limp form, Michael’s heart sank even further. Lying unconscious on the gleaming bamboo floor was a Japanese boy. He looked to be about five-foot-seven, was very pale, and quite young.

“A kid? I beat up a kid?” Quickening his pace, Michael knelt beside the slim figure. Jesus, he’s like fourteen, fifteen? Beautiful. He looks like Ichiro. Better, actually, Michael admitted, surprised at his internal betrayal of his long-held crush on his sensei. He continued to stare down at the slight, fragile boy, eyeing the long blue-black hair that trailed sensuously around the figure’s unfamiliar gray karategi.

Who the hell is he? Why would they have me beat up a kid for my test? Puzzled, he glanced around the room, noting that he and the boy were alone. Ignoring his impending alarm, he gazed back to the unconscious figure.

The youth’s face was truly beautiful. Michael’s inner artist drank in the smooth, pearly skin, the long, sooty lashes, and the pale apricot color blushed across the boy’s delicate cheekbones. God… An aching hunger preceded the lurch of Michael’s cock, which nudged his lower abdomen telegraphing its interest. Get it together. He’s like … twelve! Suddenly realizing that the boy showed no sign of regaining consciousness, Michael snapped from his trance and shook his opponent’s shoulder.

“Hey!” He leaned over the placid body, hand stretching toward the longish neck for a pulse. The telltale thump throbbed beneath his fingers, but his proximity to the boy’s face had him pausing to stare at the youth’s sculpted lips. Christ, get away from him before you do something you’ll regret. Frowning, he started to shift upright when a relentless grip clutched his hair.

Caught off guard, Michael fumbled helplessly as his head was tugged abruptly toward the face beneath him. The beautiful mouth claimed his lips, stealing his breath and muffling his gasp as a hot tongue invaded his mouth. The agile member eagerly caressed its counterpart, igniting Michael’s senses. The tantalizing scent of ripe apricots surrounded him, dizzying him with sensual promises, and urging him to surrender.

 

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/DOJO-BOYS-DRAGON-ADVENTURE-ROMANCE-ebook/dp/B00XT5U8AA/ 

 

 

Alex A. Akira is the author of the yaoi romance series Dojo Boys, racy tales of young, male martial artists navigating some unorthodox and adventurous paths to find love. The Deluxe two-volume box set of Dojo Boys: Dragon and Crow are available at Amazon:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dojo-Boys-Dragon-Crow/1586470108305850

WEBSITE: http://www.alexaakira.org/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/AlexAAkira

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103196749872035740632/posts/p/pub

 

 

Three Winners get $25 Amazon Gift Card each.

Seven Runners-up get a free e-copy of the prequel to this series – DOJO BOYS: The First Misunderstanding.

Enter the Rafflecopter NOW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 1: Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

June 2: Andrew Q. Gordon

June 3: A Celebration of Books

June 4: Joyfully Jay

June 5: Elisa - My reviews and Ramblings

June 7: Wicked Faeries Tales And Reviews

June 8: The Novel Approach

June 9: Drops of Ink || LeAnn’s Book Reviews

June 10: Eyes on Books

June 11: Prism Book Alliance

June 12: Nephy’s World

June 14: Love Bytes Reviews

June 15: Cia’s Stories

June 16: The Purple Rose Tea House

June 17: MM Good Book Reviews

June 18: Nessa’s Book Reviews

June 19: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

June 21: Rainbow Gold Reviews

June 22: Man2ManTastic

June 23: The Fuzzy, Fuzzy World of Chris T. Kat

June 24: Lynley Wayne – Wordsmith Wednesday

June 25: Diverse Reader

June 26: Mickie B. Ashling

June 28: Bayou Book Junkie

June 29: BFD Book Blog

June 30: Bike Book Reviews

July 1: Multitasking Mommas Book Reviews

July 2: Nautical Star Books || Divine Magazine

July 3: Gay.Guy.Reading And Friends

Travelogue

Hi everyone! I just got home from my visit to the family in San Sebastian, Spain (Basque Country) where I spent 8 wonderful days catching up with relatives on my mother's side before getting on a cruise ship in Amsterdam which took us along the coastline of the UK, Belgium, and France. I thought I'd share a few pics for those of you who are interested.

We made the decision to explore more of the Basque region while we were there in lieu of sitting around my cousins kitchen table and eating 24/7. The woman can cook, and her favorite pastime is feeding us! Let's just say I have a hard time resisting the familiar dishes she whipped up with hardly any effort so we tried to offset the caloric intake with a lot of walking during the day. 

One of the cities we visited was Pamplona, the town Hemingway made famous in his novel The Sun Also Rises. This is where the bulls make that wild run to the arena through incredibly narrow streets while people from all over the world try and stay out of the way of their deadly horns and hooves. This usually happens the first week of July during the festival of San Fermin. Since we were there in June all I can show are photos of the narrow streets and me faking it with stuffed bulls in a gift shop.  

You have to pay a couple of Euros to get a photo op with the bulls.  

One of the streets on the route to the arena. See the balcony's on the houses? The owners sell a viewing spot for tons of money on bull running days for the crazy tourists willing to pay.

This is so lame but I wanted to show you how big those horns really are!


The next day we went to the town of  Loyola which is about 2 hours away from San Sebastian.  This where St. Ignatius of Loyola was born and raised. He's the founding father of the Jesuits and my sister was interested in visiting his ancestral home and the Basilica raised in his honor.  The scenery is magnificent, as was the inside of the church. His home was four stories high and I climbed every one of those damn steps. Ugh...

One of the many altars inside the church.

Stained glass window depicting the fallen Ignatius during the battle
of Pamplona before he decided to become
a spiritual leader.

A view from the fourth floor window of Ignacio's home.

One of the beaches on the way. We stopped for ice cream.

One of the canals in Holland

                                                                           

Portsmouth England-first stop in the UK. 

This is the area where Ryan's Daughter was filmed. Magnificent scenery.

                                     

                                        This is the best I could do to give you an eye view of
                                                            the majestic landscape.  

Chateau Du Breuil in Cheverny France where Calvados wine is distilled.

The original chateau built in the 15th century.

This is where they store the wine caskets. It used to be the stables.

Honfleur-we visited this quaint town after the Calvados wine tasting.

The harbor in Honfleur

Brugge Belgium

Brugge is a gorgeous city.

More of Brugge.

Chocolates anyone? It was mind boggling. 

Our stop in Brugge was the best part of the tour. Unfortunately we were only there 1 day.

The horse drawn carriage added so much charm to the area.

Some beautiful lace. 

                                                                         

The town is famous for lace and chocolates. There were at least 50 chocolate stores within the town limits.  There was so much variety I had a hard time deciding what to buy.

Hope you enjoyed the few pics I had to share. It was a lovely trip but I'm glad to be home. Now I have to save up money for the next one.