Mickie B. Ashling's Blog, page 156

Blogspot

I've had this blog for a while but ignored it in favor of livejournal. As you all know there's been an epic fail in the last few weeks and just in case LJ disappears in a puff of smoke I've decided to play on my blog again. Anyone interested in following it should join. I'll use it the same way I'm using this one. No stories, only news and book recs. I'll continue to post here as well.

http://mickiebashling.blogspot.com/

Book Rec

Mere Mortals by Erastes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Orphaned Crispin Thorne has been taken as ward by Philip Smallwood, a man he's never met, and is transplanted from his private school to Smallwood's house on an island on the beautiful but coldly remote, Horsey Mere in Norfolk. Upon his arrival, he finds that he's not the only young man given a fresh start. Myles Graham, and Jude Middleton are there before him, and as their benefactor is away, they soon form alliances and friendships, as they speculate on why they've been given this new life.

Who is Philip Smallwood? Why has he given them such a fabulous new life? What secrets does the house hold and what is it that the Doctor seems to know? Trust acclaimed author Erastes to tell a moving story in the field of gay historical romance.

I have nothing to say that hasn't already been said about this wonderful book. If you love historicals, beautiful prose, and unexpected twists and turns that only Erastes can manage to pull off Mere Mortals is not to be missed. Highly recommended.

Winners!

petulant2u and Linda C are the winners for the e-book copies of Taste. Nikyta won the paperback. Please contact me on livejournal or at
mickie.ashling at gmail dot com to give me your email addy.

Thanks for participating!

Book Release!!

Hi all! Just a reminder that Taste will be releasing tomorrow, April 4 in e-book and paperback format. Here is the link:

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_76


This time I'm doing things a little differently since it's also my second year anniversary at Dreamspinner Press. I'm having a Book Release party tomorrow here:

http://dreamspinnerpress.com/blog/

I'd love it if you'd stop by and comment. I'm posting a couple of excerpts, an interview that was done recently, and a short blurb on how I was inspired to write Taste. Everyone who has commented so far is on my list for the contest. I'm giving away two e-books, and one signed paperback, so this is your last chance to win.

I hope I'll see some familiar faces tomorrow.

Meanwhile, here is a very short excerpt to entice you. Lil has just spent the entire day with Grier and they're getting ready to go dancing.

Lil waited outside the bathroom door, which was off his bedroom. He heard the flush, the sound of running water in the sink, and then Grier opened the door and stood in front of him. There were drops of water spiking his lashes, and his breath was minty fresh after using the toothbrush Lil had handed him right out of the package. He'd urged Grier to use whatever he needed, and he could smell his own Calvin Klein in the air since Grier had applied it quite liberally. He looked rejuvenated with the little bit of sprucing.

They'd been together all day and apart from the brief peck on the boat they had never moved beyond handholding. Lil pushed Grier up against the wall and studied the man he had trapped in-between his arms. He stared into eyes that were as black as a starless night and could think of nothing beyond kissing him. He wanted a taste, and he wanted it now. He thumbed Grier's lips and sighed when Grier flicked out his tongue and drew in Lil's finger, sucking on it gently. That move went straight to Lil's groin, and he felt his cock surge in response. "Kissing you," Lil announced, one second before he crushed Grier's mouth.

Grier arched into him and met his passion head on. They tangled tongues, and Lil's hands were all over Grier's ass, kneading the firm muscles encased in tight jeans. He was grinding against him shamelessly, encouraged by Grier's matching boner and the soft whining sounds coming from deep in his throat. "Shit, you're killing me," Lil sighed, pushing Grier away reluctantly.

"Don't stop," Grier protested. He wrapped his arms around Lil's neck and began kissing him again. Lil was lost in a swirl of sensation. Grier's tongue swept his mouth aggressively. He knew that Grier was just as eager to move onto the next step, but Lil was hesitant. There was something holding him back, and so he chose to wait. Once more, he stepped away from the beautiful man in his arms. Grier's lips were swollen from the kissing, and he looked dazed and disappointed. "Lil?"

"Yeah?"

"I want you."

Lil closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "We've got all night."

"Do we?"

"That's unless someone's waiting for you?"

"No," Grier said slowly. "There's no one."

"Your absence won't turn into an Amber Alert?"

"I'm not twelve, Lil, even though I still live with my father."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Long story."

"You have all night to tell me," Lil said gently. "Give me a minute to get ready."

Lil stepped into the bathroom, and leaned up against the closed door. He took several deep breaths to try and regain some of his composure, which had been blown apart by the kiss. He was completely captivated, and wanted Grier desperately, but there was an element of vulnerability he'd never expected from his sexy bad boy, despite the tattoos and the self-assured persona. Lil wanted this endless date―ten hours since the boat ride―to be more than just a one-night stand. He knew there was no future for them, but he wanted the sex to be memorable at least. A quickie wasn't what he had in mind.

Interview

Recently, fellow writer SJD Peterson did an interview after reading and reviewing Loving Edits. It was the first time anyone has interviewed me in-depth so I thought I'd share. Click on the link:

http://sjdpeterson.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-03-02T05%3A16%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=3

My beautiful banner is by the very talented, clmiles .

New Release-Taste

What Inspires A Story?


Last July I had a craving. Don't some of the best things in life start that way? I had ice cream on my mind, never suspecting that a brief stop at my favorite store, Oberweis, would be the spark to ignite my muse. The guy who attended to me was all smiles and quite gorgeous. Being an m/m writer, I'm not ashamed to admit I'm always checking out faces and bodies of men and transferring them to my writing. There was something about this sexy guy that spoke to me. I suppose if I were a man, certain body parts would have twitched. In any case, he served up my Heath Bar Frostbite with a smile and told me to come back any time. I left with five hundred calories in my hand and the seeds of a story planted firmly in my brain.




The next day, I attended the Taste of Chicago, and my idea for this novel started running rampant in my head. How I was inspired while sweat rolled down my back, due to the insufferable humidity levels, is beyond me, but I was. Instead of letting the discomfort bring out my internal bitch, I imagined I was Lil and took in the sights through his perspective. I'd been meaning to give this much loved character from my novel Horizons his own story, and after two years I would finally have an opportunity to do it.


That night I went home and poked my head into the m/m group over at Goodreads. Their erotic picture threads have been a source of inspiration in the past, and I clicked on the link that said "Ink". I have this thing for tattoos on men. I saw a photo that blew me away, and my character Grier was born. There were several other photos that caught my attention, and fired up the muse, but I won't embellish as it would be a major spoiler. I wrote this novel in about five weeks. I was inspired. Wouldn't you be looking at this guy? I still have him up as my screensaver!




This is how Taste was born. Now available in paperback as well as e-book:

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_76

Contests!

Announcing a few opportunities to win a free copy of Taste in either e-book or paperback format.

Over at the fun and informative blog of my generous friend Chris here: http://www.stumblingoverchaos.com/

Over at Goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/9149-taste

Anyone who comments on this post or the previous post featuring my book trailer will automatically be entered into the contest for a free e-book. Winners will be announced on April 4.

It will be two years next month since my first novel Horizons was published. During the month of April anyone who orders a paperback copy of Taste or any book on my backlist from Dreamspinner Press will receive a free bookmark. It's my small way of saying Thank You to all my readers. The bookmark is a lovely design by my friend clmiles .

Lastly, some good news for fans of the Basque Series. I just received my contract for the third and final novel in the trilogy. Momentos: Mick's Journey coming sometime in July or August.

Comment to win!

Taste-Excerpt #1

Here's a little preview of my novel Taste, now available at Dreamspinner Press. Direct link is here: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_76


The sun was beating down on Lil's shoulders as they stood in line to get on the boat. It was another scorcher of a day, with high humidity levels, but there was a slight breeze which made it somewhat tolerable. He wasn't used to this kind of weather, being from San Francisco, but he'd remembered the sunscreen and had applied the non-greasy SP 45 lotion liberally on his arms, the back of his neck, and his legs. Jody had loaned him one of Clark's baseball caps to protect his face and head.

Grier had shown up in another wife beater, a black one this time, with the words Vinita Ice Cream scrawled in neon green. It had big circles in vivid primary colors simulating ice cream scoops splotched throughout.

"Your T-shirt is very attractive."

"I designed it," Grier said proudly. "You like it?"

"As I said yesterday, what's not to like?"

"I meant the T-shirt."

"I know," Lil smiled. He couldn't see Grier's eyes behind the Oakleys, but the seductive tone of his voice was a pleasant indication that nothing had changed since yesterdays meet and greet. "I thought you moved furniture?"

"Among other things."

"I like a man of many talents," Lil flirted.

"That's me. I'm a veritable jack-of-all-trades."

The line started moving again, and when they got on the boat they were given a choice of sitting below, in the cabin, or up on top, exposed to the elements. "Do you have a preference?" Grier asked.

"Even though the sun is deadly and will surely age me overnight, I'd rather sit up on the deck."

"Good choice." Grier steadied Lil with a hand on his lower back, guiding him up the narrow iron steps onto the open deck. Their seats were toward the rear of the boat, and they conversed while they waited for the rest of the passengers to be seated.

"Tell me about Vinita Ice Cream," Lil asked. "Does it belong to the group of people you were with last night?"

"Yes. The Garcias are friends, as well as neighbors, and my family helps them each year with the booth."

"Who does the little boy belong to?"

"Luca is Jillian's son. She's Jake's twin."

"Jake?"

"My best friend."

"Oh, right."

"I've known that family since I was four years old."

"How old are you, if you don't mind my asking?"

"I just turned twenty-five."

"When's your birthday?"

"June eighteenth."

"A Gemini!"

"Is that a problem?"

"No, it's a treat. Geminis are wonderfully complex."

"And here I thought I was just bipolar."

Lil laughed out loud. "A little duality, perhaps?"

"Something like that," Grier said, smiling. "What's your sign?"

"Pisces."

"I don't know anything about astrology," Grier admitted.

"They say that Pisces are the best lovers."

"Is it truth or hype?"

"I've never had any complaints," Lil stated frankly.

"I like men with experience," Grier said.

"Do you?" Lil took off Grier's sunglasses for a minute so he could look into the dark eyes that were appraising him frankly. "Then you've just won the jackpot. It's one of the few advantages of being over thirty."

"Are you thirty-one?"

Lil handed back the sunglasses but not before he traced Grier's scruff with gentle fingers and brushed his lips against the luscious mouth in a soft kiss. The brunet leaned into his touch, and Lil was pleased to see the spark of desire in the obsidian eyes before he hid them again behind the smoked glass.

"I'm thirty-seven and holding," Lil whispered.

"Impossible."

"Flattery will get you everywhere."

"It's the truth," Grier insisted. "You don't look your age."

"I certainly hope not," Lil said. "Nonetheless, time marches on, and plastic surgeons get more affordable each day."

"You're not a candidate yet."

"You're sweet," Lil said, basking in the compliment.

"Tell me about Lyndon Lyle Lampert," Grier asked. "Do you have a partner?"

"Heavens no."

"Don't you believe in love?"

"I do, but I haven't met the right guy yet, and I won't settle."

"Does he have to walk on water?"

Lil laughed. "Not necessarily, but he's got to make my heart flutter, my breath catch in my throat, my cock surge with interest, and not always in that order. Two out of the three ingredients are a requirement."

"I suppose I could always glamour you."

"True Blood fan?"

"Vampire Diaries," Grier admitted. "My heart jumps around whenever the bad vamp shows up on the screen."

"Damon is rather hot, isn't he? Makes you want to bare your neck willingly."

"And other parts as well."

"Slutty boy," Lil teased. "Do you have anyone special?"

"If I did I wouldn't be here, would I?"

"Oh, you're one of those good boys who believes in monogamy."

"Don't you?"

"I've never found anyone who'd make me even consider it."

"That's hard to understand."

"We can't all be Clark and Jody."

"I wish I had a little bit of Clark in me."

"Hon, you're just as gorgeous, except he's got the whole Viking God thing going, whereas you're more Italian bad boy."

"Shit," Grier mumbled. "I'm nothing like Clark."

"In what sense?"

"He's out and proud."

"And you're not?" Lil was very surprised considering Grier had no problem kissing him in public.

"I take that back," Grier clarified. "I'm out with everyone except my father."

"And his approval means the most?"

"Yes."

"What about your mother?"

"She passed away last year."

"I'm sorry."

"I miss her a lot." Grier looked out toward the horizon, and Lil could feel the melancholy that swamped the young man as memories surfaced. "Her biggest regret in dying so young was leaving me unsettled."

Lil put his arm around Grier and drew him close. "She was your friend."

Grier nodded.

"Don't think that Clark's journey wasn't difficult, Grier. His father is a homophobic megalomaniac. I can't imagine your father being half as bad."

"I read about Clark's dad…he's a little controlling."

"A little is an understatement."

"My dad is a good person, Lil. He loves me, and my brother, and has worked very hard to provide a future for us. Unfortunately, he doesn't understand that my sexual orientation is nothing like his. Mom and I were trying to figure out how to convince Dad to let me finish my schooling, but then she got sick."

"You're not done with college yet?"

"Two years of general ed courses is all I've accomplished so far. When I asked to transfer to the Illinois Institute of Art, he had a fit."

"Why?"

"Only queers go for design."

"Give me a fucking break. Hasn't he heard of Frank Lloyd Wright? He was one of the greatest architects who ever lived, and he was from the Midwest, for Pete's sake, and from everything I've read about him, an absolute hound with women."

"Lil, even if he'd heard of him, it wouldn't make a difference. All he wants is someone to take over Dilorio Trucking, but even Ali won't touch it."

"Who's Ali?"

"My brother, Alissio."

"You boys certainly have unusual names."

"Lil isn't that commonplace either."

"Touché."

"Why do they call you Lil? I think I prefer Lyndon."

"Oh, please, Lyndon makes me sound like an old fart. When I was younger, and utterly outrageous, my friends started calling me Lillian. It got shortened through the years."

"Lillian," Grier frowned slightly. "I don't see it at all."

"Enough talk about me, okay?" Lil said, embarrassed about bringing up ancient history. Grier was only eight years old when Lil was prowling The Castro and earning that nickname. He leaned into Grier and said, "Let's postpone this conversation until after the tour, alright?" The boat had finally filled up and was slowly moving away from the dock.

Book Rec

Trust Me If You Dare by L.B. Gregg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Romano and Albright, Book 2

Feisty New Yorker Caesar Romano has a knack for getting into a jam, and this week is no exception. When his pregnancy-hormone-buzzed business partner sweet talks him into working a solo gig for his famous ex, Caesar attracts the worst kind of attention.

It's only the beginning. Hit on by a lusty German, stalked by the paparazzi, victim of an unexpected airbag attack—and desperate for some part-time help—Ce's running out of time, staff and patience. But what's really got him poised to run? A looming brunch with his sexy lover's esteemed family.

PI Dan Albright is a man of many gifts: investigation, security, sex talk and driving Caesar nuts in and out of the bedroom. Hired to protect an outrageous soap star from a deranged personal assistant, Dan's got his hands full refereeing rival actors, locating one four-foot-eleven woman…and convincing Ce that he's playing for keeps.

Hey, nobody ever said taking a relationship to the next level was a waltz in the park.

Warning: This book includes bad driving, a naughty German, dirty words, heated glances, mutual masturbation, oral sex, an evil scout, a memorable ride, and a fabulously affordable tuxedo. May cause unexpected bursts of laughter

Trust Me If You Dare lived up to my every expectation. It was such a pleasure to revisit these great characters created by L.B. Gregg. Sexy detective Dan Albright and his hilarious, and very spontaneous lover, Caesar Romano lead us on another madcap crime fighting adventure filled with laughs, hot sex, and the kookiest criminals in the world. I'm hoping there will be a third in this series. Highly recommended.

Book Vid

Presenting the book video for Taste which was created by my talented and very generous friend, Marita, aka qafmaniac . I think she's outdone herself this time. Anyone who comments on this post will be thrown into the raffle for the free e-book. Winners will be chosen on April 4.