Willow Aster's Blog, page 15
April 27, 2018
My new book with Tarryn Fisher
Tarryn Fisher and I have been working on a series together and the first book will be out SOON! We are in LOVE with this cover. Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
March 23, 2018
The book formerly known as Whore...
For me the word is exactly what Lilith feels about herself ... it's more than her profession, it's her lack of self-worth, her shame, and her weariness with the lot she's been given. It's the word that's been stamped across her chest and what she's carried her whole life. The word that I've never liked just felt right, but I get how people who can't see inside my head might not appreciate being blasted with the word. There's only one other title I can accept and that is ... Lilith. Because really, it's always been about her and I want to keep it that way.
Not your typical prostitute ... this is a story of unconditional love.
Beautiful, intelligent, independent, strong-willed, wealthy—Lilith Fontenot seems by all appearances, to have it all. But that’s not how the highest paid prostitute in New Orleans sees herself.
A stain on society. A scourge. A waste. Outsider. Prisoner…
Any idyllic dream of the normal life she may have once imagined, Lilith buried long ago. Her only plan now is survival.
But mob boss Nico Santelli and community center owner Soti Christos have not given up on Lilith. Each has his own very specific, very opposing, plans for her, and neither will rest until it becomes a reality.
LILITH is a singularly bracing take on an ancient tale of tireless love, betrayal, and the possibility of redemption.
★ ★ ★ LILITH IS NOW AVAILABLE for free ON KINDLE UNLIMITED ★ ★ ★
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
EXCERPTI take a sudden deep breath and my breasts brush against his chest. The contact surprises us both. I do it again, intentionally this time, trying to gain control in the only way I know how. His neck flushes and he takes a step back. I enjoy the rush it gives me, knowing that I affect him too.
“Hey, would you like to come around the corner with me to—”
I swallow my surprise and shake my head, holding my hand up before he says anything else.
“Please,” he says louder.
“What’s your name?”
“I am Sotirios … Soti.”
“Soti, what makes you think you know anything about me?”
He tries to make eye contact, but I focus on a spot just past his left ear.
“I just want to help you…” His words trail off.
The wind blows my hair forward, a sheet of black coming between us until I smooth the long strands down on either side. I gaze down the street and see a blurry little girl with black hair down to her waist in middle school, standing shy and hopeful in front of a group of girls.
“We know what you are,” they said. They hurled spit and names on her and she stood there, taking it, until the teacher came and helped her.
Help only got me so far.
“You listen to me, okay?” I say so softly he leans in to hear me. “I was born for this.”
When my eyes finally land on his again, I know his face will haunt me forever. He looks as bleak as I feel.
I clear my throat. “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
With that, I loop my hand through the arm of my next income source, calculating how I can get the most money out of him for the least amount of time. It takes every ounce of willpower I own to not look Soti’s way one more time. Once we round the corner and I know he’s out of sight, all the adrenaline leaves my body, and I’m actually glad to have someone to hold onto.
I avoid my reflection as we walk back to the house. I don’t want to know what the rest of the world sees when they look at me.
Enter for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Giveaway
★ ★ ★ LILITH IS NOW AVAILABLE for free ON KINDLE UNLIMITED ★ ★ ★
March 14, 2018
Changes for Whore Coming Soon!
It happened a lot sooner than I thought it would, but I am planning on moving Whore from iTunes, B&N, Kobo to Kindle Unlimited (Amazon) only. There are more changes coming soon for Whore—I will also be changing the cover and title soon. This took a lot of thought—I agonized over this when I first put it out. I went through a lot of names: Maison D'amour, House of Love, Out of the Ashes, Ashes, and one other kept lingering in my mind, but I went with what felt the strongest and most like what I wanted to say ... Whore.
I talk a little bit about what inspired Whore at the back of my book and on another blogpost, but feel like I've explained the title a lot more during one-on-one time with readers. Why Whore? is what people ask before they read the book. Other authors love the title and I've gotten good feedback from readers about it too, but I've also seen a LOT of reviews saying, "Don't judge this book by the title!" And if I've kept someone from reading it because of that, I'd like to try again.
For me the word is exactly what Lilith feels about herself ... it's more than her profession, it's her lack of self-worth, her shame, and her weariness with the lot she's been given. It's the word that's been stamped across her chest and what she's carried her whole life. The word that I've never liked just felt right, but I get how people who can't see inside my head might not appreciate being blasted with the word.
There's only one other title I can accept and that is ... Lilith. Because really, it's always been about her and I want to keep it that way.
The original cover and title will always be available on my website. I plan to also do one with the original cover and titled Lilith. But soon an entirely new cover will be coming and I'm excited for you to see it.
For now, get it while you can!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2p9LTM1
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2FCjbh6
B&N Paperback: http://bit.ly/2FR58TX
If you would like to take part in the announcement of the book's changes, please sign up here --->
https://goo.gl/forms/ddQCCmkfjkwxYrSA3
Graphic created by Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
March 7, 2018
Chasing Sanity
This has been an eventful year so far! A trip to London for the RARE18 London signing, which was INCREDIBLE, my latest book has been out a while and I'm well into another one, the podcast has been so fun and is staying booked months out, my puppy keeps me on my toes, I have two teenagers now instead of one, my music world with my husband is busy and fulfilling ... life is wonderful and chaotic.
I thought I'd tell you five things I do to stay sane.
*EAT healthy food, typically vegetarian or once in a while pescetarian, and track it all on My Fitness Pal to make sure I'm getting the nutrition I need and staying within a certain caloric range.
*WALK as much as possible. Sometimes I forget to have my Fitbit on while doing it (or it's on but has been dead for days, ugh) but I love when it's working and I can track that too.
*SLEEP. If you follow me on Facebook, you know I've given up coffee, which was a heartbreaking decision to make. I'm still mourning the loss. I thought it might be the reason I never slept well and sadly, I was right. For the first time in over a decade, I sleep through the night. Life-changing.
*LAUGH my head off as much as possible. It's not hard with my son around.
*WRITE all the emotion out. If I've done all of the things above, it's easier for me to do that. I was stuck for a while and I think a lot of it was just exhaustion and being unhealthy.
I'd love to hear how you stay sane when your life is crazy.
December 26, 2017
Whore is LIVE!
I am so excited that Whore is finally LIVE! Get it now at the release price of $2.99 (prices will go up to $3.99 later this week). I hope you enjoy Lilith's story!
Make sure to also enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card - Good luck!
Advanced Praise for Whore:
This was one of those books I had no idea what to expect but was totally not prepared to be knocked off my feet. Stunning. Gripping. Amazing. I couldn't get enough of this incredible story. -A.L. Jackson, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author
In WHORE, 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, Top 100 Amazon Bestseller
If you look up the phrase ‘page turner’, you’ll find this book. The characters are incredibly relatable, the story is intriguing, tantalizing and impossible to put down. Get ready to pull an all-nighter for this one! - Claire Contreras NYT Best Seller
First she f*cks you slow and steady then she f*cks you hard and fast. Willow’s best book. Couldn't put it down. - Tarryn Fisher, NYT Bestselling Author
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2B0fsEeAmazon UK: http://amzn.to/2yY5D83
B&N: http://bit.ly/2iQYB1U
iTunes: http://apple.co/2yZTvHV
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2xx0EL8
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2yDAaHh
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December 23, 2017
12 Days of Giveaways—Day 12: Michelle Warren
Today we welcome Michelle Warren to the blog as she tells us about her favorite holiday things.
Favorite Christmas Carol/Song: I love Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt or any of the older Christmas classics.
Favorite Christmas Cookie/Holiday Dessert: I make a ton of cookies over the holiday, but my favorites are peanut butter cookies topped with a mini Reese Cup. Yum!
Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie: Elf. It has so many great one-liners!
Best Christmas/Holiday Gift: Spending time with my family and friends.
Worst Christmas/Holiday Gift: All gifts are nice, even the lopsided hats and scarfs that may have been crocheted by my MIL.
Best Christmas/Holiday Tradition: Decorating the tree with my hubs. He's kind of like Clark Griswold.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for gifts? Both, of course!
Funniest Christmas/Holiday party moment: Is it sad I can't think of one thing?! I need to have a little more fun this holiday.
Dream Christmas/Holiday destination: Italy is always at the top of my list. Boun Natale!
Who is your Christmas/Holiday pass? (famous person you'd pick for Christmas): Milo Ventimiglia (team Jess 4eva!)
What's at the top of your list? A lot more kindness and empathy in this crazy-ass world.
What book boyfriend would you want to kiss under the mistletoe? Evan Wade. (There's a reason I wrote him into a book. Good guys rule!)
If Michelle Warren had a spirit animal, it would be a tiger in a pink tutu, riding a Harley through a ring of fire. She lives in Chicago, dreams of California but hails from Baltimore. She has a slight obsession with travel, sunshine, Milano cookies and writing novels. She didn’t travel the road to writer immediately. She spent over a decade as professional Illustrator and designer. Her artistic creativity combined with her love of science fiction, paranormal and fantasy led her to write her first YA novel, Wander Dust.
You can follow Michelle and purchase her books below:
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December 22, 2017
12 Days of Giveaways—Day 11: Kate Stewart
Today we welcome Kate Stewart to the blog as she tells us about her favorite holiday things.
Favorite Christmas Carol/Song: Oh Holy Night
Favorite Christmas Cookie/Holiday Dessert: Chocolate Ice box cake. My grandmother's recipe.
Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie: The Grinch-Jim Carrey
Best Christmas/Holiday Gift: When my mother sent me a cookbook of all our family recipes. It's my most prized possession.
Worst Christmas/Holiday Gift: Fiber optic teddy bear. No. Just no.
Best Christmas/Holiday Tradition: Christmas Eve feast. Water chestnuts wrapped in bacon. Cheese Log, Crab dip, Shrimp, Shirley Temple's laced with cherries, music and family. It's better than Christmas Morning for me..
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for gifts?: I just love giving at this point honestly. It's more fun. So I guess seeing my husband's face light up when I got him just the right thing.
Funniest Christmas/Holiday party moment: When I was young, I used to get so excited on Christmas morning, I would throw up.
Dream Christmas/Holiday destination: Some awesome cabin with tons of windows and snow falling. The ideal I guess.
Who is your Christmas/Holiday pass? (famous person you'd pick for Christmas): And what would I be doing with this person? LOL. I've always wanted to hang out with Adam Sandler. I think he's amazing.
What's at the top of your list? Lots of smiles, food and naps. I'm easy. Gift wise, I really can't think of anything.
What book boyfriend would you want to kiss under the mistletoe? Hmmmm, this year I have a few. If I have to choose it would be Theo from All In by Emma Scott.
Kate Stewart lives in Charleston, S.C. with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. A native of Dallas, Kate moved to Charleston three weeks after her first visit, dropping her career of 8 years, and declaring it her creative muse. Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense because it's what she loves as a reader. A lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap, she dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity only and does a horrible job of playing the ukulele. Aside from running a mile without collapsing, traveling is the only other must on her bucket list. On occasion, she does very well at vodka.
You can follow Kate and purchase her books below:
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December 21, 2017
12 Days of Giveaways—Day 10: Kennedy Ryan
Today we welcome Kennedy Ryan to the blog as she tells us about her favorite holiday things.
Favorite Christmas Carol/Song: "All I Want for Christmas" - Mariah Carey
Favorite Christmas Cookie/Holiday Dessert: Sweet potato pie
Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie: About A Boy
Best Christmas/Holiday Gift: Weekend away
Worst Christmas/Holiday Gift: socks - LOL
Best Christmas/Holiday Tradition: just dinner together on Christmas day
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for gifts?: Day!
Funniest Christmas/Holiday party moment: playing Spades and other games with my family
Dream Christmas/Holiday destination: Australia
Who is your Christmas/Holiday pass? (famous person you'd pick for Christmas): Idris Elba
What's at the top of your list? a new charm for my Tiffany bracelet
What book boyfriend would you want to kiss under the mistletoe? Grip James ;-)
Kennedy Ryan is a Southern girl gone Southern California. A Top 100 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy writes romance about remarkable women who find a way to thrive even in tough times, the love they find, and the men who cherish them.
She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Georgia families living with Autism, Kennedy has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other outlets as a voice for families living with autism.
You can follow Kennedy and purchase her books below:
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December 20, 2017
12 Days of Giveaways—Day 9: Calia Read
Today we welcome Calia Read to the blog as she tells us about her favorite holiday things.
Favorite Christmas Carol/Song: Christmas/ Sarajevo by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Favorite Christmas Cookie/Holiday Dessert: This is like Sophie's Choice. It's impossible to pick one! lol. So I'll say they're all my favorite.
Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie: Elf!
Best Christmas/Holiday Gift: Anything book related. :)
Worst Christmas/Holiday Gift: Jewelry. I can't stand wearing it.
Best Christmas/Holiday Tradition: It's torture for my kids, but I have them open their gifts one at a time (from oldest to youngest) so that I get the chance to see their expressions. :)
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for gifts?: Christmas Day.
Funniest Christmas/Holiday party moment: I honestly can't think of one. Mr. Read and I don't go to many holiday parties; that would get in the way of me being a complete hermit. ;)
Dream Christmas/Holiday destination: Anywhere with snow. I desperately want a white Christmas!
Who is your Christmas/Holiday pass? (famous person you'd pick for Christmas): Armie Hammer. Not exactly the most charming name, but I'm willing to ignore that fact.
What's at the top of your list? new iPad. Mine has seen better days. It looks like it's been dragged behind a semi.
What book boyfriend would you want to kiss under the mistletoe? Oh! This one's easy. My newest book boyfriend, Rhett Rabideaux from How to Date a Douchebag: The Learning Hours by Sarah Ney.
Calia Read lives in Texas with her husband and their five kids.
You can follow Calia and purchase her books below:
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Whore Excerpt Reveal
Whore is coming on December 26th and I can't wait to finally get it out to you! I am revealing an excerpt today on a bunch of blogs and doing a giveaway on my Facebook page HERE.
Enjoy the sneak peek below. Becca the Bibliophile also created a trailer for me which I am in love with! :)
SYNOPSIS
“I need a reason to exist.”
Beautiful, intelligent, independent, strong-willed, wealthy—Lilith Fontenot seems by all appearances, to have it all. But that’s not how the highest paid prostitute in New Orleans sees herself.
A stain on society. A scourge. A waste. Outsider. Prisoner…
Any idyllic dream of the normal life she may have once imagined, Lilith buried long ago. Her only plan now is survival.
But mob boss Nico Santelli and community center owner Soti Christos have not given up on Lilith. Each has his own very specific, very opposing, plans for her, and neither will rest until it becomes a reality.
WHORE is a singularly bracing take on an ancient tale of tireless love, betrayal, and the possibility of redemption.
Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly/WhoreGoodreads
EXCERPT
“I don’t need any money,” I tell him. “I can make enough in the next few hours to cover me for the week.”
He flinches and turns toward me. The expression on his face makes my gut cinch. His eyes are like copper in the sun. So bright I have to look away.
I swallow and my voice shakes when I speak. “Thank you for everything. I won’t forget this.”
I put the phone in my pocket and decide to go while we’re on the topic.
“Wait, take this, please.” He reaches in his pocket and gives me a crumpled up wad of cash. “It’s not as much as I’d like to give you, but it’s all I have right now.”
“Can I do anything for you?” I ask, stepping toward him.
“No. Not everyone sees you as a business transaction, Lili,” he says softly.
My face is heated as I take the money and shove it in my pocket. I turn around and rush to the door. Before I leave, I chance another look at his face, but when we make eye contact I’m even more unsettled.
I lift a hand, whisper my goodbye, and stumble out of there. My eyes burn as I walk down the stairs, and even though the community center is bustling at this time of day, I don’t notice anyone else. By the time I step outside, tears are streaming down my face. I don’t even know why. His kindness … it confuses me.
