Saturday Snippet

Fallback Friday-Tattoo Inspiration

One more week!

                                     NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/third-son/

                                  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Son-Mickie-B-Ashling-                                                                 ebook/dp/B075GX12SJ/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Tax Relief Sale

Everything is on sale at the Dreamspinner store including my entire back list. Check it out!

https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/searchresults?q=mickie+b.+ashling

Friday Previews

A plot bunny + hours of YouTube clips featuring famous ice skaters like Johnny Weir = Enforcing Emory. It released in 2015 and continues to be one of my bestsellers. Here's a short excerpt.  


     “Did that man really tell you to stay away from his family?”
     Nikolai nodded an affirmative but immediately realized he should have lied. His mother was fiercely protective of her children, especially Nikolai, her only son. She loved her three daughters unconditionally, but they didn’t have to struggle for recognition or live up to the ideal Igor had saddled on her Kolya. She’d never tolerate anyone who thought he was better than her boy.
     “What’s the guy’s name?” Irina asked. She was two years younger than Nik and had taken to Western society like a duck to water. Hooked on social media, she was never far from her iPad. “Let’s google the creep.”
     Nikolai snorted. Irina considered Wikipedia and Google the sources of all information, and if she couldn’t find her answer with a few keystrokes, it didn’t exist. She whistled in astonishment after she typed in Emory Lowe and hundreds of links popped up. Images of the saucy young man in every costume imaginable filled her screen, and everyone looked over her shoulders to see what was so shocking. There were photos of Emory caught leaping in the air, frozen in time as the camera captured him performing one intricate move after another. When Irina looked him up on YouTube, they watched him perform his short program at Nationals, and the room hushed as the sound of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet filled the room. Nikolai couldn’t take his eyes off the tiny screen, mesmerized by the graceful movements.
     The gangly youth was artistic on the ice, a fluid nymph who appeared oblivious to the huge crowd staring down at him. He owned the performance, one minute soft and tender, the next fiercely determined to win his prize, executing the complicated number with a series of jumps, including a quad, and ending the program with an I-spin that seemed to go on forever. The applause when he stopped and posed without wavering was loud and heartfelt, and that funny grin Emory seemed to have mastered appeared through the heavy makeup. Nikolai felt something twist deep down in the pit of his stomach. Christ, the figure skater wasn’t just bragging—he was dead serious. The guy was fantastic, and Nikolai felt like a lumbering oaf comparing his skills to Emory’s immense talent.
     He looked up from the handheld device sheepishly. “I guess he wasn’t lying.”
     “Bah!” Igor said loudly. “He’s a poofter!”

Buy Links:

DSP:  https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/enforcing-emory-by-mickie-b-ashling-5251-b

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Enforcing-Emory-Mickie-B-Ashling-ebook/dp/B00XWW3DAC/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Friday Previews

“If I were Owen, I’d be hitchhiking my way to California, but he was always ruled by his emotions rather than his pea brain. We’ve already established that. What if I’m right, Seth, and he’s out for blood? I fucked him over by calling in Adam and Jack. You managed to screw up his plans by locking yourself in that room. He’s not only broke; he’s been humiliated, and he’s not going to let that go.”

“Stop it,” Seth pleaded. “You’re scaring the heck out of me.”

 “I’m sorry, babe, but if it’s any consolation, I’m scared as well. And that’s another thing,” Bryce admitted. “I never stood up to Owen, and the day he showed up in my office and shoved me against the wall, I froze. Instead of fighting back, I let him intimidate me like he did in the past. If I had been quicker to react, the cops might have gotten to you before Owen did.”

Seth regarded Bryce with renewed interest. “Aside from being a cheating asshole, was he also physically abusive?”

Bryce thought about lying to spare his ego, but he knew Seth would see right through him, and he’d only be worse off. It took every ounce of control to stay calm and to maintain some semblance of dignity, even as he stripped away this final layer. “Yes, he was.”

https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-open-series-7684-s

https://www.amazon.com/Open-Case-Book-3-ebook/dp/B01N4O3G47/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

iBook Sale

iBooks has Horizons on sale for 99 cents until February 3 along with several other Dreamspinner titles. Check it out! 
Direct Link: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/horizons/id1092292985?mt=11

Friday Previews

“It started out innocently,” Bryce said. “Back in those days I was pretty vanilla and didn’t know anything about breath play. I just figured Owen liked it rough, but the first time he wrapped his fingers around my neck and started squeezing, I panicked.”

“Jesus!”

“Yeah, it was terrifying because I didn’t realize what he was doing or why. I was sure he wanted to kill me.”

“Why on earth would you think that?” Seth asked.

“We’d been seeing each other for over six months, and I was starting to complain about being his dirty secret. It ticked me off that we never went out in public, and sex was always rushed. He didn’t talk about a shared future or admitted that he cared for me, much less loved me. I was starting to realize the romance was one-sided, and it was getting old.”

“Why didn’t you try seeing someone who was emotionally available?”

Bryce snorted. “Owen threatened to tear off my dick if I looked at another guy.”

The entire Open Series is 25% off until January 23. Get caught up before Open Case releases on February 3. 

https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-open-series-7684-s

Sale!

Everything is on sale at the Dreamspinner Store including pre-orders and paperbacks. Get caught up on my Open Series before Open Case, the final book in the series, releases on February 3. 

https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-open-series-7684-s

Sunday Snippets

As promised, another short glimpse into the continuing story of Seth and Bryce, whom you met in Open Seating. The second book in this trilogy, Open House, releases on Monday, October 24. Pre-order links appear at the end of this excerpt.

                                                                  **************

“Are you having a meltdown, or are you just sleepy?” Bryce asked gently.
“Neither. I’m trying to decide if I want to be productive or frivolous today.”
“Why not do both?”
“I can’t seem to get that pink garter belt out of my head,” Seth confessed, “and I’m afraid I won’t be able to concentrate on my writing until I’ve satisfied my curiosity.”
Bryce grinned in response. “Now that’s the kind of talk I like to hear. Take my credit card because I’m sure those things can get pricy.”
“Are you sure?”
“I know your money is tied up at the moment, and I don’t want you to pass up anything because of the price tag. Get whatever turns you on.”
“This feels like a scene straight out of Pretty Woman,” Seth joked.
“Yeah, except you’re way better looking than Richard Gere,” Bryce remarked.
“I was referring to Julia, sweetheart.”
“She’s not worth mentioning,” Bryce said. “I’ve had the hots for Gere ever since I watched An Officer and a Gentleman. That guy sure can kiss.”
“I never noticed,” Seth mused. “We’ll have to watch it together so I can compare your techniques.”
“While you’re all decked out in hot pink?”
“Don’t get me started,” Seth begged. “You’ve got to get to work.”
Bryce laughed. “Who knew you had this in you?”
“God knows, I didn’t,” Seth observed. “You’ve turned me into one of those Russian dolls with multiple inner layers. Crack one open and out pops another new and exciting creation. I wonder what you’ll find when we get to the core.”
“I like it when you call me sweetheart,” Bryce said.
“Is that all you have to say in response to my rant about turning me into a completely different person?”

Chuckling, Bryce said, “There’s nothing to say except bring it on. The kinkier the better—I’m loving this new side of you.”

Seth’s eyes widened. “Good to know.”

“There’s a Victoria’s Secret on the Mag Mile, near the apartment,” Bryce mentioned. “You’re aware of that, right?”

“No, but thanks for the heads-up.”

“Try and keep an eye out for Owen,” Bryce warned. “Not that he’ll be stalking you or anything, but I feel better issuing the warning.”

“Gee, thanks. Now I’ll be looking over my shoulder every five minutes.”

“Adam and Jack were pretty persuasive. I prefer to be overly cautious than blithely unconcerned.”

“Maybe we should rent Criminal Minds instead of a chick flick,” Seth complained. “At least we’ll get some good intel on dealing with a nutcase.”

Scowling, Bryce said, “Now it’s my turn to apologize for turning Owen against you.”

“Bleh!” Seth waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “If you weren’t in the picture, Owen would have probably figured out some other way to fuck with me.”

“We’ll never know,” Bryce said, pulling the truck into his parking space. “Let’s go, babe. I’ve got to hustle.”

And hustle he did. Bryce was in and out of the shower in ten minutes and on his way to work before nine thirty. He was convinced Owen would be calling every hour on the hour to get an answer on the proposed bank loan.

Seth stopped thinking about Owen, deciding Bryce had things under control. He took his time getting ready to go on his shopping spree, making sure he dressed like a man of means who had shopped the store before instead of a clueless newb pawing through women’s lingerie for the heck of it. It was okay to reference Pretty Woman, but to actually live that scene would be embarrassing as hell.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Open-House-Mickie-B-Ashling-ebook/dp/B01M1121CN/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

DSP: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/open-house-by-mickie-b-ashling-7682-b

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-openhouse-2142822-149.html

Sunday Snippets

Here's a short snippet of Open House, book 2 in the Open Series. I'll be posting a sneak peak every Sunday until release day, October 24. Those of you who are fans of the Horizons Series will be happy to see two of our favorite guys making several guest appearances throughout this book, and the one coming out early next year, Open Case. Pre-order links are posted after the excerpt. Enjoy!

Excerpt:

Bryce exited on Barrington Road and, after a few turns, entered a quiet subdivision. Most of the properties were an acre or more, judging by the distance between homes. No two houses looked alike, and Seth admired the clean lines of Lil and Grier’s home when Bryce pulled into their driveway. It reminded him a little of a Frank Lloyd Wright home he’d seen featured in a magazine long ago. The façade was unfinished river rocks and glass, and the multiple layers of the large home flowed together to create a structure that seemed part of the landscape rather than an intrusive eyesore. Many of the trees surrounding the property had already changed color and were beginning to drop their leaves in a brilliant kaleidoscope of orange, red, and brown. There were a few pine trees and evergreen shrubs in strategic locations to provide the greenery needed during the long winter months ahead. All in all, it was a gorgeous home and a breathtaking endorsement for Lil’s architectural firm.

“Did you help build this?” Seth asked, soaking up the view.

“Sure did,” Bryce said, killing the engine. “They moved here a year ago, about the time Luca went off to college. Before that, they lived closer to the high school.”

The front door opened, and a couple dressed in casual attire stepped outside to welcome them. The blond, whom Seth assumed was the older partner, had on a raspberry-colored sweatshirt with LL Bean embroidered on the front paired with black sweatpants. His arm was draped over the shoulder of an edgy-looking brunet who wore a collared polo shirt over faded blue jeans. His colorful tattoos were exactly as Bryce had described, completely covering what Seth could see of one arm. Diamond studs twinkled on his earlobes, and Seth wondered why Bryce had never hooked up with him. He was just Bryce’s type: young and gorgeous. Upon closer inspection, though, Seth saw the way the couple held each other and caught a few knowing glances between them. He didn’t have to be a mind reader to see how closely they were connected.

Their welcoming smiles set Seth completely at ease. He hadn’t known what to expect given Bryce’s cryptic remarks about their sexual preferences, but ordinary wasn’t it. If not for the million-dollar background and above-average looks, the men standing at the entrance seemed quite normal.

“Bryce, I’m so glad you could join us,” the blond exclaimed.

“Lil, this is my….”

“Boyfriend? Lover? Significant other?” Lil prompted helpfully.

“All of the above,” Bryce admitted. “Seth, this is the famous Lil Lampert and his partner, Grier Dilorio.”

“Please to meet you both,” Seth said, shaking their hands. “What an amazing home.”

“Wait until you see the inside,” Bryce said. “It makes my apartment look like a slum.”

“Oh, stop,” Lil said with a flick of his wrist.

“Yeah, don’t say shit like that with me around,” Grier said in mock protest. “I happen to think I did a great job with your place.”

“You did,” Seth said immediately, “and Bryce was just kidding.”

“I know.” Grier grinned. “Come in.”

Seth couldn’t believe what he was seeing when they stepped into the house. It had an open atrium design, with soaring ceilings and large planters filled to overflowing with live ferns and colorful flowers. It felt like he was walking into a tropical paradise, not a home in the Midwest.

“My goodness,” Seth exclaimed. “Your heating bill must be astronomical.”

Lil cackled. “Grier complains about the temperature all the time, but I was born and bred in California. This,” he continued with a dramatic sweep of his arm, “is my concession to living in this horrible climate. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder, and it’s important that my lighting mimics the sun during the long winter months. The cost is peanuts compared to my loss of income if I sank into one of my SAD depressions. Isn’t that right, love?” he asked Grier, who was standing off to the side with Bryce

“Lil is a freak about the cold,” Grier said frankly. “You would think he’d be used to it by now, but he still hates it. The seasonal lights go on as soon as the leaves start to change color.”

Pre-order here: Dreamspinner :https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/open-house-by-mickie-b-ashling-7682-b

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Open-House-Mickie-B-Ashling-

ebook/dp/B01M1121CN/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-openhouse-2142822-149.html

Blog Tour: Open Seating at Bayou Book Junkie

Hi all! I'm at Bayou Book Junkie today. Stop by and read another exclusive excerpt and two great reviews for Open Seating. 

http://bayoubookjunkie.blogspot.com/2016/06/blog-tour-open-seating-by-mickie-b.html