Flash Sale!

Third Son is 50% off list price today and tomorrow (May 10-11) on the NineStar Press site only. Don't pass up the chance to grab this fast-paced thriller for half-price.

Here's what some reviewers have said about Third Son:

Diverse Reader: I just have to say, I loved this book so much! I honestly wouldn’t change anything about it, it was a perfect mix of romance, drama, intrigue and suspense! I couldn’t put it down!

Rainbow Book Reviews: Mickie B. Ashling has penned another winner with this engrossing tale of an American raised in China, who seeks to unite the two halves of himself while solidifying his relationship with his Chinese lover. This excellent and atmospheric story unfolds through the eyes of Niall, the estranged American, and is a masterly blend of romance, mystery, and intrigue. Loved it!

Goodreads: Five Stars

Hot damn! I loved the twists and turns this story took as it wove its way through the hearts and minds of the characters. We get to see how being the Third Son offers no guarantees of love or even, of life.
                                                             
                                                                   *****

If you are looking for a great romance here, you will be disappointed. Yes, there is definitely a romantic element, but it is almost a sidebar to the action and mystery that evolves at lightning speed. That is what makes this novel so exciting; it keeps you guessing from beginning to end. Once I was sure I had it figured out, the author would floor me with yet another attack that you thought the bad guy would never get away with, and somehow does.

Third Son is a shocking tale of intrigue and suspense, and one that mystery lovers will most definitely enjoy. I would recommend it for the action story it is, one that delivers on its promise.

                                                                  *****

On Top Down Under Book Reviews: There is a great atmosphere and sense of the here and now via culture and the sights in Third Son. From Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, to Buddhist temples, Macau, luxury hotels, eating out and the late night energy, to river dwellers, there’s a lovely backdrop set in and around Hong Kong throughout. I felt like I was there, and the author’s passion, knowledge and great world building added to that.

The Novel Approach: Third Son is a shocking tale of intrigue and suspense, and one that mystery lovers will most definitely enjoy. I would recommend it for the action story it is, one that delivers on its promise.

Amazon: Third Son is an exciting new novel from Mickie B. Ashling set in Hong Kong. As a person who has never traveled to this part of the world, I loved seeing the city through the eyes of her characters. This novel is more a suspenseful mystery than a classic romance, and the tension never lets up until the very end. I found this book to be Ms. Ashling's most exciting offering to date. The cast of characters is beautifully described, and they're as opposite from one another as their vastly rich cultures. Likable secondary characters add depth and texture to the story as it unfolds. Highly recommended.

Blurb

American Niall Monroe returns to Hong Kong—a city he calls home—after being away for eight years. He hopes to finally find happiness with Peter Wei, his closeted lover of fourteen years, but is disappointed to find Peter has been put in an untenable position. He must marry and produce the long-awaited grandchild or get cut off by his millionaire father.

Gerard Sun, a talented artist, bursts back into Niall’s life after a one-night stand in Las Vegas. Circumstances force the men to deal with their attraction, especially when Niall’s firm considers Gerard to help promote tourism in the People’s Republic of China.

James, Peter’s younger brother, has been Niall’s best friend since they were schoolmates. He encourages Niall to ditch his brother and move on. He encourages Niall to ditch his brother until he finds out Niall is thinking of dating Gerard Sun, a talented artist.

Coming home seemed like a great idea until it wasn’t. Niall finds himself a stranger in a familiar landscape, slammed on multiple fronts by broken promises, jealousy, intrigue, unimaginable deceit, and undercurrents of evil. As his dreams quickly turn into nightmares, Niall reaches out to new allies for support.

Tuesday Teaser

Third Son Excerpt #3

     I got back to the office after two. There were no emergencies or unexpected meetings to attend. Nothing that got in the way of my texting Gerard to let him know I was okay. He’d called earlier, but I didn’t pick up as I was on my way to meet James. I had Peter on my mind and a potential rift with an old friend, but now that disaster had been averted, I was able to give Gerard my full attention.
He asked to meet after work, and I agreed. The thought of going back to my apartment after this morning’s incident was daunting. I wasn’t sure if James would get a hold of Peter today, and I couldn’t bear another confrontation on the heels of the last one. Seeing Gerard was a much better option.
     I met him at the entrance to his apartment building, and we greeted each other in Mandarin. Tonight’s seafood restaurant had one of my favorite dishes. Cracked crab in black bean sauce with spicy garlic noodles on the side. I removed my jacket and hung it on the back of my chair. The waiter handed us large paper bibs to protect our shirts from splatter. Having done this before, I knew it was a necessary accessory if I wanted to preserve my Armani shirt and tie. The food was incredible, and I slurped the sweet meat out of the crab legs and did the same with the noodles. I paused for a second, recalling my good manners, then I did a quick reboot as I looked around. Everyone around me was slurping up a storm, and the approval in the waiter’s eyes as he watched me enjoying my food with proper gusto was gratifying. I was home.
     Beyond Gerard’s initial text regarding my state of mind, Peter wasn’t discussed. I didn’t tell Gerard about this morning’s break-in or my meeting with James. I honestly didn’t want him caught in the crossfire. After we were done, fragrant hot towels were handed out to clean up our fingers and mouths. Green tea accompanied by dessert—small bowls of chilled peeled lychee—completed the meal.
     “Are you tired, or would you like to come up to my place for a drink?” Gerard asked when we exited the restaurant. “I did a preliminary sketch for your campaign. I wouldn’t mind an honest opinion before I go any further.”
     “That sounds great.”Gerard reached for my hand, and I followed him through the maze of narrow streets toward his building. Once inside his place, we hung up our jackets and toed off our shoes. He directed me to one of the tables against the wall. As he mentioned, the drawing was rough, but I could envision the finished product. He’d captured the natural beauty of a typical Shanghai park, adding koi-filled ponds and lantern-strewn pathways, while inserting crowds of people in varying ages. One had to really look to find the same-sex couples, but they were there for those who were hoping to see a change.
     “This is great,” I said enthusiastically. “I think she’ll be pleased.”
     “I’m glad,” he said, looking excited. “I’ll have a few more to present by next week.”
     We walked back toward the kitchen. “Beer or brandy?”
     “What’ll you have?” I asked.
     “A kiss will work for me.”
     I flushed, not expecting this to escalate so soon, although I should have known better. We were attracted to each other and had been from the first. Still, I had to make an attempt to slow things down.
     “Mixing business and pleasure isn’t a good idea.”
     “We broke that rule in Vegas,” Gerard reminded me.
     “That’s true,” I said, teetering on my resolve. “I suppose one kiss won’t really hurt.”
     Gerard moved toward me. “You think we’re stopping at one?”
     “Let’s try.” I took a breath before his soft lips met mine, and I knew we’d never stop at one.

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

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

Friday Previews

I'll be sharing a few lines from one of my novels every Friday to give you a preview. These are from Open Case which will release on February 3. 

     “I should kick you in the balls for keeping something this important from me,” Seth griped. “What the fuck, Bryce? I thought we’d moved past this stupid need to swaddle me like an infant.”
     “You’re right, and I’m sorry. My only excuse is that I was in shock.”
     “So was I,” Seth replied in a calmer tone, “but you didn’t see me clamming up and harboring a giant secret.”
     “Point taken and acknowledged. I was wrong to keep this from you. To my way of thinking, I was sure the cops would find Owen in a few days and this implied threat would be a moot point.We’re going on three weeks, and that fucker is still out there. Now I’m really starting to worry, and that’s why I suggested the guns.”
     “Do you honestly think he’ll come back?”

You can pre-order Open Case or buy any of my books at the Dreamspinner Store. https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/searchresults?q=mickie+b.+ashling