Willow Aster's Blog, page 14
March 2, 2019
5,331 Miles is LIVE!!!
I started 5,331 Miles back in 2015 and posted the first four chapters on Wattpad…then moved on to other books. I eventually continued writing for my newsletter and I’m so glad I did. Your input was so fun! Thanks to all of you who asked me to go back to this book. I should’ve done it sooner because I had so much fun writing it!
XO,
Willow
We spent a lifetime chasing firefly dreams
Jaxson and I devised a life list when we were kids in Holmes Chapel. Just a few things on that list:
*Climb the Eiffel Tower.
*Visit every zoo in the world.
*Eat peanut butter every day.
But all the promises he made dissolved into dust, so when he comes around years later wanting to go live out our list, I want no part of it...or him. The universe seems to agree with me because everything we try is a disaster.
The heart though—it's a tricky beast; I'm just not sure mine is strong enough to survive Jaxson one more time.
Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly/5331Miles
BUY LINKS:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Vr1tR0
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2IQdrlQ
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2EIepfN
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2INDZnS
EXCERPT
I force myself to stop staring at him and sit on my bed. Determined to not let him get to me, I lean against the headboard and pick up a book. He sits beside me and puts his chin on my shoulder. I jump up and he falls over.
“Why now, Jaxson? You’re acting as if no time has passed at all! You don’t get to march in here and act like…like everything is just as it was!” I’m pacing and waving my arms around like a crazy person. “It isn’t. We’re not friends anymore. You don’t know me anymore. I don’t know you. Our friendship,” I point back and forth between us, “was a very long time ago and it’s over now. Nothing is the same, Jaxson. Nothing.” My voice warbles at the end and I look at the ceiling, willing my eyes to stop watering.
He stands up and puts his hand on my arm, stopping me in my tracks. “Mirabelle,” he says softly, “it’s still you and me and it always will be. You can’t just forget all that we mean to one another.”
“You did,” I whisper.
“Never. I never forgot, I promise you that.”
He pulls me closer, brushing his fingers against my shoulder. I shiver and then get embarrassed that he’s able to see how much he affects me. His eyes are locked on mine, pulling me in. His hands clutch either side of my face and he moves closer. My eyes shut just as his lips touch mine.
For a minute, I lose myself in him. He groans and deepens the kiss. I grab his hair and kiss him the way I’ve dreamed of kissing him for so long. It feels even better than I remembered. His soft lips and tongue make my heart fall into my feet. I haven’t kissed him like this since…
————
The brakes screech for me. I pull away and punch him in the face.
I am giving away three signed paperbacks and a $100 Amazon Gift Card to FOUR WINNERS. Enter here for a chance to win!
Enter the Giveaway
BUY LINKS:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Vr1tR0
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2IQdrlQ
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2EIepfN
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2INDZnS
What readers are saying...
"The story of Mira and Jaxson was a complete whirlwind. The love and the heartache. The past and present reflections. These two give us one hell of a ride." ~ Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer
"Willow’s impeccable writing painted the perfect mental picture often making me feel as though I was watching the action play out in my head. I enjoyed this one so much." ~ Layne, Goodreads Reviewer
"5,331 is quite simply a wonderful look at the trials and tribulations of young love." ~ MJ, Goodreads Reviewer
February 13, 2019
The cover for 5,331 Miles is here!!!
I started 5,331 Miles as a newsletter story and it is now COMPLETE!
5,331 Miles is releasing on March 3rd. Get ready for an epic friends to lovers story that will give you all the feels!
We spent a lifetime chasing firefly dreams
Jaxson and I devised a life list when we were kids in Holmes Chapel. Just a few things on that list:
*Climb the Eiffel Tower.
*Visit every zoo in the world.
*Eat peanut butter every day.
But all the promises he made dissolved into dust, so when he comes around years later wanting to go live out our list, I want no part of it...or him. The universe seems to agree with me because everything we try is a disaster.
The heart though—it's a tricky beast; I'm just not sure mine is strong enough to survive Jaxson one more time.
Chapter 1
If you could crawl out of the pages and help me manage not to embarrass myself this weekend, I would greatly appreciate it. I’ve done enough of that for a lifetime. My sincerest appreciation, Mira
I’ve loved Jaxson Marshall most of my life. Before you assume I’m exaggerating, just listen. Our mums are best friends. There are pictures of Jaxson and me in the tub together when we’re like, one and two. The story goes (and goes and goes—I swear it’s been told every time our families are together) that we were happily playing in there until someone pooped in the tub. Okay, it was me. I know, so embarrassing. But it gets worse.
When I was in year 8 and Jaxson was in year 9, his family moved from England to California. His mum and mine couldn’t stand being apart and we followed six months later.
We were best friends too, until he moved to the States. That’s when everything got weird. There have been snapshots of “us” over the years, but every time we’ve started to get close again, something happens to ruin it.
He was my first kiss…I’ll have to get to that later. It’s hard for me to think about without dying a little more inside. He became the slut of high school, while I was the one hiding behind my glasses, book, and a donut. It was just as pitiful as it sounds.
After an extremely humiliating experience at our senior prom, in which I came to the conclusion that I will never love, or even like, Jaxson again, I’ve tried to disappear whenever he comes home from school. At first it didn’t work, but I’ve managed to not see him for two years now.
But now he’s graduated from Berklee and is apparently home for good.
And my mum is forcing me to see him…tonight, at his welcome home party.
The old me would have hidden and said, “I hate my life!” but the new me is ready to show Jaxson what he’s been missing. Not that I want him or anything. Just…aw, bloody hell, I hate my life.
***
My mum stands in the doorway, watching me finish my makeup. “You look so pretty, babe.”
“I’m thinking about changing into jeans…”
“No! Your dress is perfect for the beach. Please don’t change, your legs go on for miles. Jaxson won’t know what hit him.”
“I’m not dressing for Jaxson, Mum.” I roll my eyes.
Okay, maybe I’m kinda dressing for Jaxson. But, not in that way. I just want to look my best. That’s all.
“I know. Just…don’t forget a light jacket,” she says.
I grin. She says that every single time I go out the door.
“You ready? Dave is waiting on us.”
“Oh, I thought I told you—Chad’s picking me up.” I turn to look at her and see the disappointment on her face.
Until I am pronounced someone else’s wife, she will be plotting for me to end up with Jaxson. My mum and I used to plot together, and she can’t understand why I ever stopped. I shake my head. I have to stop thinking about all that. Jaxson does not have any control over me anymore.
“You’re bringing Chad?” Her face scrunches up. “This just seems like a—I don’t know—more of a family thing, I guess…”
“Chad’s my boyfriend, Mum. I wish you’d at least try to like him.”
“He’s fine, he’s just not…”
“Don’t say it,” I warn her.
“I wish you’d just tell me why you and Jaxson stopped being friends,” she says. “I thought we talked about everything.” Her eyes well up with tears and I panic. If she cries, I’ll cry.
“Please don’t cry. I just finished. Look,” I point to my eyes, “perfect smokey eye, please don’t let me mess it up.” I pat her on the shoulder and walk to the closet to get a light jacket. I hold it up for her and she smiles. And sniffles.
“And we do talk about mostly everything.” I mutter under my breath, “Just not that.” I kiss her cheek. “You better go, Dave’s waiting.”
She sighs. “Okay, but don’t be too late. Anne’s bringing the food out right away. You won’t want to miss the shrimp,” she says on her way out the door.
***
I used to have an issue with food. As in, I ate it whenever I felt sad, mad, depressed, lonely, or embarrassed. So, in other words, all the time. That pretty much describes my high school experience.
My dad left not long after we got to California, so with him leaving and the huge culture shock, I was a mess. Thankfully, I had a late growth spurt at 16 and shot up four inches. At 5’1” there hadn’t been much room for the tons of junk food I ingested. Those extra four inches helped a lot. But it wasn’t until I met my best friend and roomie at UCSD, Maddie, that I started trying to get fit. She’s a yoga instructor and hopelessly optimistic. It’s hard to be sad around her. I’ve forced myself to exercise until I finally like it. I try to go to the healthy stuff when I’m down, instead of Reese’s peanut butter cups or salt & vinegar potato chips. I still indulge plenty, but I’m way more balanced than I used to be.
When my stomach feels the way it does tonight, though, all nervous and jumpy and nauseated, the last thing I want to think about is shrimp.
The doorbell rings and Chad is smiling when I open the door. He whistles when he sees me, taking my hand and twirling me around to see every angle.
“You look hot.”
He’s a man of few words, but he looks so good, it doesn’t matter. I take in his sun-kissed face and biceps and thank God for surfers. He fits the profile perfectly.
“You do too.” I step outside and walk to his jeep.
Is it okay to admit that I really hate his jeep? It’s falling apart. Everyone and their brother can hear us coming. He keeps it all open, so my hair never stands a chance. I try to hold as much of it down as I can, but my hair is long and thick, so it still flies everywhere.
“Who’s this party for again?” he yells.
“Jaxson. We grew up together.” I look out the window and swipe my sweaty palms on the seats. My hands pick up some crumbs, so I spend the rest of the ride trying to get that off.
I wish I’d gone with my mum and Dave.
When we finally stop in front of Jaxson’s house, I hop out and stand in front of a tree (that Jaxson and I used to always climb) and try to salvage my hair.
Chad puts his arm around my waist and nuzzles into my neck. Mmm, never mind, I’m glad I rode with Chad.
“How long are we staying?” he whispers in my ear and then kisses back down my neck.
I shiver. “Not long,” I promise.
“Good.” He pulls me against him and puts his hands on my bum. I’m about to reach back to pull them up before someone sees us, when I hear my name. Or, rather, the name he calls me.
“Bells?”
I jump back from Chad and turn around. Jaxson is leaning against the gate, arms folded, and looking me up and down. And back up. And down again. You get the point. It’s a long pause and awkward. I can’t tell if he’s pleased with what he sees or angry with me.
“Hi,” I say quietly.
He stands tall. “You gonna feel each other up out here all night or you comin’ to my party, Mirabelle?”
My heart drops out and I’m pretty sure I go red.
He walks until he’s standing right in front of me.
“Well, when you put it that way, we might be out here a while, Jaxson,” I say, standing as tall as I can. I’ve never been so glad to be wearing three-inch heels.
At first he just stares at me, jaw ticking. And then he wraps me up in a huge bear hug.
“I’ve been waiting—I heard you were coming.” He leans back and pushes my hair off one shoulder. “I was afraid you’d talk yourself out of coming in…”
I forget how well he knows me.
“You look so beautiful,” he whispers.
My heart skips a few beats ahead and I step back.
“This is my boyfriend, Chad.” I move my hands back and forth. “Jaxson, Chad. Chad, Jaxson.”
Jaxson nods and stretches out his hand. “Hey, man.” They do a guy shake.
“Hey,” Chad says.
This might be the first time I’ve wished for Chad to be…talkative. Or something just…more. Jaxson stands an inch or two taller than Chad, but besides their similar height, they couldn’t look more different from each other. Jaxson has curly, dark hair with green eyes and a constant smile. Chad has straight, blonde hair with brown eyes and it takes a lot to make him smile.
Jaxson holds his hand out to me. “You don’t mind if I walk her in, do you, man?” He threads his fingers through mine and I think my ovaries just melted. “I haven’t seen her in so long.”
Chad shrugs. “Sure.”
I’m so gonna let him have it later.
Jaxson holds my hand up to his chest and smiles down at me. “Boyfriend, huh?”
I glare at him and try to take my hand away, but he grips it tighter.
“I’ve got you now, Bells, you’re not escaping this time.” He laughs his charming, perfect laugh, and I grit my teeth.
We walk along the sand to the back of the house, tiki lamps leading the way. We go down a few steps and then reach the gorgeous beachfront. Their backyard has always been my favorite view. The party is underway.
“Wow,” I tell him. “Quite the party.”
“You know my mum. She goes all out,” he groans.
It feels as if everyone sees us at once and freezes. Then my mum and Anne rush toward us, excited, but trying not to act too excited so they don’t jinx it. Anne is just as guilty as my mum in their “Mira & Jaxson forever” fantasies. They’ve plotted our wedding since their pregnancies, when they found out what they were having.
“Oh, you look gorgeous, Mira. Doesn’t she look absolutely gorgeous, Jaxson?” Anne never takes her eyes off me.
“Her boyfriend and I have both told her how gorgeous she is, in our own way,” Jaxson says. He then has the nerve to kiss the back of my hand.
I want to pop the smirk off his face.
Anne’s smile widens and then drops a little when she sees Chad. She quickly props the smile back on. “Hi, you must be Chad. Vanessa was just telling me all about you.” She looks at my mum and back to Chad. “Why don’t you come with me and I’ll introduce you to everyone?”
I know what she’s up to and am sick of it. I let go of Jaxson’s hand and grab Chad’s arm. “That’s okay, I’ll make sure he gets around.”
I walk a few feet away with Chad and hear Jaxson behind me.
“I’m sure he already does,” he mutters.
I turn around so fast, my hair flies into my eyes. I toss it back and walk toward him, so close that only he can hear.
“Just because you’ve slept with the entire state of California does not mean my boyfriend has. Take your opinions and shove them up your ass.”
“That’s arse to you, Bells!” He laughs his stupid adorable laugh.
I walk without even thinking about where I’m going and end up in front of Chad’s jeep. I don’t hate it so much at the moment.
“Mira? We’re leaving?” Chad looks confused.
“Yes, please.” I get in, shut the door, and try to figure out how to avoid seeing Jaxson the rest of the summer.
I’m giving away 5 ARCs on my Facebook page to some lucky readers! Stop by to comment on the pinned post for a chance to early read this book!
November 21, 2018
Lilith is on SALE for $.99 for a limited time!
Happy early Thanksgiving! For the first time since its release last December, Lilith is on SALE for $.99 until Monday, November 26th. I am thankful for all of YOU! If you haven't had a chance to read this story, grab it today!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Fxtqn2
What readers are saying about Lilith:
"In LILITH, Willow Aster forgoes the predictable, the pedestrian, and offers the exceptional. She unflinchingly wrestles with difficult themes and distinguishes herself as a master storyteller. I was riveted by this brave tale from the first page. An epic journey of unconditional love and unlikely redemption!" ~ Kennedy Ryan, bestselling author
"A rollercoaster of good and evil from the first page to the last. And proof that pasts can be boldly overcome when the catalyst is love." ~ Author Kim Holden
November 9, 2018
Gratitude Attitude
This is a hard time of year for me. I’ve been coasting for a while thinking maybe it wouldn’t hit me this year, but oh, it has. I’ve had a lot of loss on all the holidays starting with Halloween through New Year’s Eve, the actual days—isn’t that weird? So I have to work extra hard to remember all the things I’m grateful for…because I truly am, whether I’m depressed or not.
And you, along with my family, are at the top of that list.
I’m grateful to be doing what I love and to have people actually enjoying what I write. Or even hating it…it means they’re reading my work, which is still unbelievable to me.
I’m grateful for a warm house during the bitter cold, plenty of food to eat, and the coziest socks imaginable.
I’m grateful for a dog who has brought me so much joy with his unconditional love.
I’m grateful for books that can take me to other worlds in seconds flat and can give me a reprieve from the stress of my real world.
I’m grateful to have characters who come to mind and take over my thoughts until I write them down.
I’m grateful for all the kind people in my life. I think we can all say we have some not-so-kind people in our lives. Don’t the kind ones make a difference?! :) Goodness, they help, don’t they? Kindness matters.
Stay warm this season. Every day I will write in my calendar the things I am grateful for, and it will help me get through the extra grieving months. I hope this isn’t too heavy for a blog post. I figure if you’re still here, you want to hear my real thoughts, so thank you for listening and keep reading…it gets lighter the further down you scroll. :)
XO,
Willow
You can purchase a copy of the Gratitude Attitude CD HERE.
Make sure to sign up to receive my newsletter, so you receive the story I’m writing for newsletter subscribers only. You can sign up HERE! It’s called 5,331 Miles. A new newsletter is being sent out later today.
September 7, 2018
Sea Salt Caramel or Pumpkin Spice?
As much as I hate when school starts and my babies (that aren’t babies at all) go back to school, there is something very New Beginning about the whole process that I can get behind. Some of the guilt is alleviated when, as a writer, I can work with a clear conscience that I’m not letting anyone’s summer expectations down, everyone is taken care of, and I can do my writing in peace. It’s a good thing, right? Right?!
Then why do I dread it so much? This is what I have asked myself every single school year since my littles started...and I have one in her second year of COLLEGE now...so I should be fairly experienced by now.
I think it comes down to this, whether I’m writing full-time or have a 9-5 job in an office: freedom is precious to me. And I like having easy access to my kids. Enough to homeschool? No, I’m not brave enough, nor do I trust my teaching skills enough to pull that off.
It’s a farewell to another season of life, not just the weather around us, but a time of play put to an end, and I struggle with that.
Next year my eighth grader might not be as cuddly or into Fortnite (please, God!) as this summer. My college student might not live at home in the summer. It’s change, change, change, all the way around.
I’m trying to make my peace with it. I’m not there yet, if you can’t tell. But I’ll get there. It won’t be by drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but maybe a Sea Salt Caramel would help...I doubt it, but it’s worth a try.
What do you do to acclimate to change?
June 15, 2018
The Jackal cover is HERE!
I am in love with Jackal, these characters, and this series and it has been so much fun writing with my best friend. I hope you love this cover as much as we do. #ComingJune29th #EndOfMenSeries
Jackal Emerson has never taken himself seriously. Dubbed the “orgy king,” he’s renowned for his reputation as the wild End Man. But with the uprising on the horizon and his best friend missing, Jackal is having a hard time living the same carefree existence.
And then he meets a thief and everything changes.
Phoenix Moyo, principal dancer of a notorious ballet company, lives a life of rigidity. When her world collides with Jackal’s, their chemistry is evident to everyone except her. Forced to work with him to steal the most precious commodity of the Regions, she realizes too late that there is no escaping Jackal’s charisma.
When unimaginable crimes come to light, the Regions begin to crumble. No one is safe. Families divide and secrets are exposed, danger running rampant on every side. For some, sacrifice costs everything.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40144365-jackal
Preorder on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LIR7XV
Catch up with the series today by reading Folsom for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
June 6, 2018
Signed copy of Folsom!
If you'd like a copy of Folsom signed by BOTH Tarryn and me, book orders will be open until Friday, June 8th! Tarryn and I will be together signing at the end of the month and all books will be shipped by July 14th.
I'll have them on the website soon, but unless otherwise stated, it will only have my signature, not Tarryn's. :)
May 29, 2018
Folsom is LIVE!!!
Tarryn and I are so excited for the release of FOLSOM!
FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2L4mN9S
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2IRsGdH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2L6ENR8
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2snsMi7
Enter the Release Week Giveaway HERE
The nation as we know it is a thing of the past.
With the male species on the verge of extinction, a society called the End Men is formed to save the world. Folsom Donahue is one of twelve men whose sole purpose is to repopulate the Regions. The endless days spent having sex with strangers leaves Folsom with an emptiness no amount of women, money, or status can fill.
Until Gwen.
Gwen has wanted a child for as long as she can remember, but when she finally gets a chance to have her own, she uncovers a long hidden truth. The injustice she sees moves her to help save the men whom no one else believes need saving.
A forbidden love, grown in a time of despair, ignites a revolution.
Folsom and Gwen, torn between their love for each other and their sense of duty, must make a choice. But some will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Folsom is book one of the End of Men series.
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39934742-folsom
EXCERPT
It’s the little one who interests me, her hair more tangled than her sister’s, like she didn’t bother with it at all. Her eyes are curious and wild: brown, common and yet uncommon in the way they slant upward at the outside corners. She stands in the foyer, her hands clasped at her waist, but instead of studying my body like most women do, her head is tilted to the side, eyes fixed on my boots. I clear my throat to get her attention and she drags her eyes away from my feet and back to my face. She frowns and shakes her head like she’s just realizing where she is.
“Your boots are beautiful,” she finally says. From somewhere beside me her sister groans and her mother lets out what I take as an embarrassed laugh.
“Thank you,” I say, unable to keep the humor from my voice. “I designed them myself.” I don’t usually tell people that but she seems genuinely interested.
“You design clothes?” she asks, surprised.
“You’re surprised that I’m good at something other than fucking?”
Her mother makes a choking noise, but we both ignore it, our attention solely focused.
“Yes, I’m quite surprised,” she says. “Though I can’t attest personally to the fucking part…”
“Yet,” I say.
“Yet,” she echoes, with a slight nod of her head.
Start Folsom TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2L4mN9S
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2IRsGdH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2L6ENR8
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2snsMi7
May 22, 2018
One week from today!
I hope you fall for these characters as much as I did... Enjoy!
The nation as we know it is a thing of the past.
With the male species on the verge of extinction, a society called the End Men is formed to save the world. Folsom Donahue is one of twelve men whose sole purpose is to repopulate the Regions. The endless days spent having sex with strangers leaves Folsom with an emptiness no amount of women, money, or status can fill.
Until Gwen.
Gwen has wanted a child for as long as she can remember, but when she finally gets a chance to have her own, she uncovers a long hidden truth. The injustice she sees moves her to help save the men whom no one else believes need saving.
A forbidden love, grown in a time of despair, ignites a revolution.
Folsom and Gwen, torn between their love for each other and their sense of duty, must make a choice. But some will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Folsom is book one of the End of Men series.
Add to Goodreads --->
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39934742-folsom
May 15, 2018
Folsom Teaser Tuesday!
Enjoy a sneak peek into Folsom! Have you added it to your Goodreads TBR yet? #ComingMay29th
EXCERPT
I stop dead in my tracks. There’s someone else in here. At first I see only boots, large boots, too big for a woman. He hears me come in and perches forward on the sink to peer around the corner.
“You can’t read or you don’t care?” he asks.
At first I’m too shocked to know what he’s talking about, then I remember the Out of Order sign on the door.
“I can’t read,” I say. “I’m just another stupid woman trying to have a baby.”
He laughs. It bounces across the bathroom walls and hits me in the chest.
“Well, at least you have a sense of humor, stupid woman.”
I’m witnessing the very serious and stern Folsom Donahue laughing. I stand there staring at him, not knowing what to do.
And then I ask. “Are you hiding, too?”
“In plain sight,” he says. “Who are you hiding from?”
“Everyone.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
I eye his casual stance, the large hands resting behind him on the sink, the crossed ankles. “Not well, since you’re here.”
He laughs again, this time just a slow rumble while he watches my face.
“I have to go,” he says, pushing away from the counter. He walks toward me and my heart races. I’ve never been this close to a man. He’s just trying to get to the door, I tell myself. But, then he stops so he’s towering over me. I have to bend my head back to see his face.
“Have a good night,” he says. And I learn for the first time what a smirk is. Full lips … teasing ... I blink at him, my lips parting to answer, but then he’s gone and I’m not even sure it really happened.
