Ashley Suzanne's Blog, page 4
December 10, 2015
My Favorite Reads of 2015
It's that time of year again, folks. Time for me to tell you what books I absolutely loved this year ... and boy is it going to be difficult. Maybe it's just me, but I've read some AMAZING stuff this year. Some from new to me authors, some from past favorites and some amazing recommendations from reader friends
So, without further ado, my top five reads of 2015 (in no particular order)
5 - my latest read and one of my new all time favorites ... Corrupt by Penelope Douglas ... Michael and Erika's story was amazing. It's dark and twisted and you'll spend so much time guessing the motive of everyone, you won't see the twists coming .. and then when you do, you'll wish you could start all over again, just to read it back to see if you missed something ... Amazing story, amazing characters and amazing EVERYTHING!!! If you like them twisty, you cannot go wrong. I wasn't able to put this book down. I'm also praying that Kai gets a book and gets a book soon, because, well ... #SteamRoom <--- come back to me when you understand THAT!!!!
4 - A follow up to my most favorite book of 2014, Beneath Blood and Bone by Madeline Sheehan and Claire C. Riley ... If you didn't read the first in the series, Thicker than Blood, you're truly missing out. This series is one that grips you and holds you tight. The books can be read as stand alone novels if you wish, but why would you when you can have them both?!?! The story, and back story, of Eagle, is one that will have you throwing kindles, pulling out your hair, and wishing he were a real man ... Don't let the pretense of Dystopian scare you off ... this book is AMAZING for any reader who loves a good story, fantastic connections and unimaginable heartbreak.
3 - The book that makes you question, believe and succeed in loving yourself ... Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan BLEW ME AWAY!!! Willow is a character that EVERY woman is able to see herself as, and the best part about it is ... it helps prove that you do not need to fit the mold that anyone has set forth for you, all you have to do is be YOU ... because that's the very essence of what makes you perfectly imperfect ... This book is added to my all time favorites <3
2 - There's always a story that gives you the "so sweet, I have a toothache" kind of book boyfriend ... and this year, I found him as none other than Ethan Davenport in Third Base by Heidi McLaughlin. Baseball player by day, the love of my life by night. This story has a few twists and turns, a hero that is sweeter than pie and a heroine that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I would 100% recommend this book to someone who's in love with the YA genre, but wants that heat!!! And maybe a curveball or two.
1 - And finally, last but not least ... you have another great read that I want to dig back into as soon as I find the time ... Art and Soul by Brittainy Cherry ... there will never be another set of characters who resemble these two ... Aria and Levi are magnificent, courageous, loving and the story is one that will be read more and more, the invisible pages of my kindle dog eared, and if kindles had spines, this one would be broken and wore out and loved.
And there ya have it folks ... my top 5 of 2015 ... According to Goodreads, I have read more than 50 books this year, in between work, books, school, family and kids, and on each and every one I have a review ... please, feel free to take a look at what I read, who I love and who inspires me ... maybe you'll find a new author to fall in love with like I do all the time <3 <3 <3
xoxo,
Ashley
So, without further ado, my top five reads of 2015 (in no particular order)
5 - my latest read and one of my new all time favorites ... Corrupt by Penelope Douglas ... Michael and Erika's story was amazing. It's dark and twisted and you'll spend so much time guessing the motive of everyone, you won't see the twists coming .. and then when you do, you'll wish you could start all over again, just to read it back to see if you missed something ... Amazing story, amazing characters and amazing EVERYTHING!!! If you like them twisty, you cannot go wrong. I wasn't able to put this book down. I'm also praying that Kai gets a book and gets a book soon, because, well ... #SteamRoom <--- come back to me when you understand THAT!!!!
4 - A follow up to my most favorite book of 2014, Beneath Blood and Bone by Madeline Sheehan and Claire C. Riley ... If you didn't read the first in the series, Thicker than Blood, you're truly missing out. This series is one that grips you and holds you tight. The books can be read as stand alone novels if you wish, but why would you when you can have them both?!?! The story, and back story, of Eagle, is one that will have you throwing kindles, pulling out your hair, and wishing he were a real man ... Don't let the pretense of Dystopian scare you off ... this book is AMAZING for any reader who loves a good story, fantastic connections and unimaginable heartbreak.
3 - The book that makes you question, believe and succeed in loving yourself ... Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan BLEW ME AWAY!!! Willow is a character that EVERY woman is able to see herself as, and the best part about it is ... it helps prove that you do not need to fit the mold that anyone has set forth for you, all you have to do is be YOU ... because that's the very essence of what makes you perfectly imperfect ... This book is added to my all time favorites <3
2 - There's always a story that gives you the "so sweet, I have a toothache" kind of book boyfriend ... and this year, I found him as none other than Ethan Davenport in Third Base by Heidi McLaughlin. Baseball player by day, the love of my life by night. This story has a few twists and turns, a hero that is sweeter than pie and a heroine that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I would 100% recommend this book to someone who's in love with the YA genre, but wants that heat!!! And maybe a curveball or two.
1 - And finally, last but not least ... you have another great read that I want to dig back into as soon as I find the time ... Art and Soul by Brittainy Cherry ... there will never be another set of characters who resemble these two ... Aria and Levi are magnificent, courageous, loving and the story is one that will be read more and more, the invisible pages of my kindle dog eared, and if kindles had spines, this one would be broken and wore out and loved.
And there ya have it folks ... my top 5 of 2015 ... According to Goodreads, I have read more than 50 books this year, in between work, books, school, family and kids, and on each and every one I have a review ... please, feel free to take a look at what I read, who I love and who inspires me ... maybe you'll find a new author to fall in love with like I do all the time <3 <3 <3
xoxo,
Ashley
October 20, 2015
**COVER REVEAL** Cutter by Ashley Suzanne from Loveswept, a Penguin Random House Imprint
Ashley Suzanne follows up Raven with the next round in her scorching Fight or Flight series—the story of a damaged MMA fighter from the wrong side of the tracks, and the sizzling affair that forces him to grow up.Cutter Greer lives at the gym—literally. Abandoned by his parents as a teen, Cutter dropped out of high school and ended up on the streets. Things began to turn around with a simple act of kindness from mixed martial arts trainers Garrett and Rian, who put him up in the apartment above their gym. Now he’s got a surrogate family and a shot at MMA stardom—but he still has a lot to learn about women. And he certainly isn’t prepared for the earth-shattering consequences desire can bring.Josette Sandoni is pleasantly surprised by the one night of unexpected passion she shares with hard-edged, hard-hitting Cutter. What follows is the shock of a lifetime: She’s pregnant. Sure, Cutter doesn’t seem like readymade father material, but his adamant denial of any responsibility shakes her to the core. Still, for the sake of their child, Josette will fight for their future. She just needs to find the right moves to show her wounded warrior the true meaning of love.Preorder HERE ---> http://amzn.to/1VVsHZ0Mailing List Signup ---> http://goo.gl/HtPmXp
August 24, 2015
***BREAKING NOAH IS ON SALE***
For those of you who have been waiting for Breaking Noah by Ashley Suzanne and Missy Johnson to go on sale, here's your chance. Our amazing publisher has placed this steamy, dark and mysterious student teacher novel on sale for ONLY 99 cents through September 5th. Make sure to take advantage of the reduced price ASAP!!!
Amazon USAmazon UKBNiTunesKoboGoogleBaMRandom House
July 21, 2015
***SALE UPDATES***
Well, I've got a few books on sale ... some of those sales will last a long time and some are going away soon. If you've been waiting to get any of these books ... or all of them!!! ... take advantage of these sale prices!!!
Mirage (Destined Series Book 1) is #Free ... Mirage is the first book I ever wrote and holds a special piece of my heart ... is sweet, sassy, sexy and leaves you feeling like I punched you in the gut. There is a pretty massive cliffhanger, but don't worry, the entire series is available for purchase!! 
Claim Volume 1 is #99pennies ... The Claim serials revolve around a woman who's gone through a bad marriage and is trying her hand at online dating. Claim has moments we've all experienced while dating or even having an online presence ... and there's a sexy cowboy and a polished business man .. it's got a little something for everyone!!
Rekindle is #99pennies ... Rekindle is the 1st book in the Up in Smoke Series (all books will be able to read as stand alones, so don't worry) ... Following the life of paramedic Tina Tena and firefighter Nick Conrad, the divorced couple finds a way to work together and attempt to keep a professional relationship ... but let's keep it real ... love is love and it finds a way to bring you to your knees ... literally.
Oh and don't forget about these #preorders from #RandomHouse ... I have two books coming out with #Loveswept in 2016 ... Cutter (the 2nd book in the Fight or Flight Series) where you'll read all about Cutter Greer and all his sexiness, while still getting glimpses of Garrett and Rian from Raven (I KNOW RIGHT?!?!) and Devil's Pride (Book 2 in the Devil's MC Series) co-written with my Aussie bestie, Missy Johnson. It's going to be an exciting year and I can't wait for you guys to get your hands on these stories!!!
Mirage (Destined Series Book 1) is #Free ... Mirage is the first book I ever wrote and holds a special piece of my heart ... is sweet, sassy, sexy and leaves you feeling like I punched you in the gut. There is a pretty massive cliffhanger, but don't worry, the entire series is available for purchase!!
Claim Volume 1 is #99pennies ... The Claim serials revolve around a woman who's gone through a bad marriage and is trying her hand at online dating. Claim has moments we've all experienced while dating or even having an online presence ... and there's a sexy cowboy and a polished business man .. it's got a little something for everyone!!
Rekindle is #99pennies ... Rekindle is the 1st book in the Up in Smoke Series (all books will be able to read as stand alones, so don't worry) ... Following the life of paramedic Tina Tena and firefighter Nick Conrad, the divorced couple finds a way to work together and attempt to keep a professional relationship ... but let's keep it real ... love is love and it finds a way to bring you to your knees ... literally.
Oh and don't forget about these #preorders from #RandomHouse ... I have two books coming out with #Loveswept in 2016 ... Cutter (the 2nd book in the Fight or Flight Series) where you'll read all about Cutter Greer and all his sexiness, while still getting glimpses of Garrett and Rian from Raven (I KNOW RIGHT?!?!) and Devil's Pride (Book 2 in the Devil's MC Series) co-written with my Aussie bestie, Missy Johnson. It's going to be an exciting year and I can't wait for you guys to get your hands on these stories!!!
May 20, 2015
Ramblings of an author whose consumed too much coffee and hasn't slept nearly enough this week
I have no idea what the point of this post is, but I'm sure by the time I'm done with my rambling, it'll become clear, so here we go.
It's no surprise that I started my life far sooner than any parent would like for their child to enter adulthood. I was seventeen years old when I had my first child. I was terrified. Absolutely petrified. Not just of breaking him ... or forgetting to buckle his car seat ... or even that I wouldn't wake up when he cried. I was constantly freaking out about how I was going to feed this little person who I was responsible for. I mean, come on, I couldn't even do my own laundry or cook a meal. I was a child with a child.
At the time, no matter how much I loved that little angel I called my son, I honestly felt like my life was over. There was no handbook on how to be a teen mom and still succeed and the show wasn't invented yet (however, if it was, I would really like to have been like Maci. That woman has her stuff together). Every aspiration I had for myself went out the window when that pregnancy test turned positive and every dream washed away when I gave birth. But I was, in a weird way, okay with it. I had bigger dreams. Ones that revolved around my little boy and making sure he would have every opportunity to cash in on his own. That's what mattered. He's all that mattered.
So, I did what any rational teenage mom would do. I begged my mom for help. Well, I didn't beg. She offered. I remember very clearly what she had told me when I had my son. She said, "This is not the life I dreamed for you. This isn't what I wanted for you. But we're here now and we're going to make the best of it. How could I ever be angry with you? You just gave me the best gift any daughter could give her mom. A grandson of my very own." I remember crying and hugging her. That's what unconditional love looks like.
After a few months, I got a job. I started working part time and for a lousy pay, because who wants to pay a girl who just turned eighteen, has a child and doesn't even have a high school diploma to stand on, any kind of decent wage. But I busted my ass. I worked harder than I ever thought I could possibly work. I had a mouth to feed. I accepted any amount of help my mom would give me, but even then I knew that that baby was my responsibility. Yes, I was with his father, who later became my husband and the father of my other two children, but I'm an independent person. An A Type personality. The baby was mine.
So, for more than a decade, I worked a job that I wasn't happy at. I wasn't challenged. I wasn't pushed to go further than what was expected of me. I was content with the raises I had been given and made a decent life for my family, but I wasn't happy. Let me rephrase that. I was content financially, but in my heart I was miserable. There was so much more I wanted from life and being a real estate assistant wasn't cutting it. I had to make a change.
Job after job, I traveled. My resume littered with different employers, but the same type of job. I was looking for something and was coming up empty handed. Two summers ago, I decided to try to channel some of my depression into writing. Something to help me get through the monotony that was my professional life and to help my husband grieve the loss of his friend. It was for me and I had no plans on taking it any further than that. Until, a group of girls I had met in the book world asked to read it. Then they told me they loved it. It inspired me more than I'll ever be able to express. They pushed me. They made me want to go past any and all expectations that I had for this silly little project. They made me happy. Books and the book world made me happy.
I kept writing. And before I knew it, I had a finished book. I decided to throw it out into the book world. It was hell getting there and it was hell even after I had published it, but that moment ... the moment I created my Amazon account and hit publish on my first every manuscript, something lit inside of me. A fire that had long been extinguished, or so I had thought anyway. I wanted more. It was a high like none other and I craved it. I needed it to get by.
I wrote a follow up book ... then another ... and another ... and another ... and another ... until I finished an entire series. I was beside myself. My dreams were relevant again. They were okay and I didn't feel guilty shooting for the stars. It has been the single greatest revelation of my entire life. Knowing that I could do what made me happy. Just for me. The books are mine. They are a part of my soul. A part of me that nobody can take away from me. Not for my husband, or my kids, or even my mom. They're all mine and I love it.
Looking back tonight, I realized that in less than two years, I have 14 published works. FOURTEEN!! I quit my boring job and dove head first into this fantastic, yet terrifying world. I'm supporting my family and having the time of my life. I'm sure it won't last forever, but as long as I can ride this amazing high, I'm going to stay on.
I guess, reading back through this long, probably pretty boring post, is to tell YOU .. .whoever YOU are, YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN HAVE DREAMS!!! Set goals, smash them and then set new ones.
And finally to each and every reader of books everywhere .. .THANK YOU for pushing me ... driving me ... fueling my fire ... demanding more from me ... giving it to me straight ... You might not know it, but every time you download one of my stories that I poured my all into, you're acting like my own personal cheerleader, encouraging me to keep going and not stop fighting. The book world can get crazy at times, but you're the ones that keep me on the right path. So, thank you, because without you, none of this, including this rambling post, would even matter.
Have a good night and happy hump day!!!
It's no surprise that I started my life far sooner than any parent would like for their child to enter adulthood. I was seventeen years old when I had my first child. I was terrified. Absolutely petrified. Not just of breaking him ... or forgetting to buckle his car seat ... or even that I wouldn't wake up when he cried. I was constantly freaking out about how I was going to feed this little person who I was responsible for. I mean, come on, I couldn't even do my own laundry or cook a meal. I was a child with a child.
At the time, no matter how much I loved that little angel I called my son, I honestly felt like my life was over. There was no handbook on how to be a teen mom and still succeed and the show wasn't invented yet (however, if it was, I would really like to have been like Maci. That woman has her stuff together). Every aspiration I had for myself went out the window when that pregnancy test turned positive and every dream washed away when I gave birth. But I was, in a weird way, okay with it. I had bigger dreams. Ones that revolved around my little boy and making sure he would have every opportunity to cash in on his own. That's what mattered. He's all that mattered.
So, I did what any rational teenage mom would do. I begged my mom for help. Well, I didn't beg. She offered. I remember very clearly what she had told me when I had my son. She said, "This is not the life I dreamed for you. This isn't what I wanted for you. But we're here now and we're going to make the best of it. How could I ever be angry with you? You just gave me the best gift any daughter could give her mom. A grandson of my very own." I remember crying and hugging her. That's what unconditional love looks like.
After a few months, I got a job. I started working part time and for a lousy pay, because who wants to pay a girl who just turned eighteen, has a child and doesn't even have a high school diploma to stand on, any kind of decent wage. But I busted my ass. I worked harder than I ever thought I could possibly work. I had a mouth to feed. I accepted any amount of help my mom would give me, but even then I knew that that baby was my responsibility. Yes, I was with his father, who later became my husband and the father of my other two children, but I'm an independent person. An A Type personality. The baby was mine.
So, for more than a decade, I worked a job that I wasn't happy at. I wasn't challenged. I wasn't pushed to go further than what was expected of me. I was content with the raises I had been given and made a decent life for my family, but I wasn't happy. Let me rephrase that. I was content financially, but in my heart I was miserable. There was so much more I wanted from life and being a real estate assistant wasn't cutting it. I had to make a change.
Job after job, I traveled. My resume littered with different employers, but the same type of job. I was looking for something and was coming up empty handed. Two summers ago, I decided to try to channel some of my depression into writing. Something to help me get through the monotony that was my professional life and to help my husband grieve the loss of his friend. It was for me and I had no plans on taking it any further than that. Until, a group of girls I had met in the book world asked to read it. Then they told me they loved it. It inspired me more than I'll ever be able to express. They pushed me. They made me want to go past any and all expectations that I had for this silly little project. They made me happy. Books and the book world made me happy.
I kept writing. And before I knew it, I had a finished book. I decided to throw it out into the book world. It was hell getting there and it was hell even after I had published it, but that moment ... the moment I created my Amazon account and hit publish on my first every manuscript, something lit inside of me. A fire that had long been extinguished, or so I had thought anyway. I wanted more. It was a high like none other and I craved it. I needed it to get by.
I wrote a follow up book ... then another ... and another ... and another ... and another ... until I finished an entire series. I was beside myself. My dreams were relevant again. They were okay and I didn't feel guilty shooting for the stars. It has been the single greatest revelation of my entire life. Knowing that I could do what made me happy. Just for me. The books are mine. They are a part of my soul. A part of me that nobody can take away from me. Not for my husband, or my kids, or even my mom. They're all mine and I love it.
Looking back tonight, I realized that in less than two years, I have 14 published works. FOURTEEN!! I quit my boring job and dove head first into this fantastic, yet terrifying world. I'm supporting my family and having the time of my life. I'm sure it won't last forever, but as long as I can ride this amazing high, I'm going to stay on.
I guess, reading back through this long, probably pretty boring post, is to tell YOU .. .whoever YOU are, YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN HAVE DREAMS!!! Set goals, smash them and then set new ones.
And finally to each and every reader of books everywhere .. .THANK YOU for pushing me ... driving me ... fueling my fire ... demanding more from me ... giving it to me straight ... You might not know it, but every time you download one of my stories that I poured my all into, you're acting like my own personal cheerleader, encouraging me to keep going and not stop fighting. The book world can get crazy at times, but you're the ones that keep me on the right path. So, thank you, because without you, none of this, including this rambling post, would even matter.
Have a good night and happy hump day!!!
May 16, 2015
****SUPER AWESOME GIVEAWAY JUST BECAUSE****
So, I'm in the mood to say THANK YOU for making the release of Breaking Noah so wonderful for Missy and I ... so I'm doing a THANK YOU and a JUST BECAUSE giveaway ... enter <3 <3 <3
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 12, 2015
BREAKING NOAH IS LIVE!!!
Well, the time has come ... Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne is finally live. It's been hell sitting on this manuscript since October when we finished, but we're really excited to give to you a student teacher romance like you've never read before. Packed full of angst, tension, revenge, passion and an ending you'll never see coming, we invite you into the world of Noah and Zara. Pick up your copy of BREAKING NOAH today, wherever e-books are sold!!!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1yFtS2SiTunes - http://apple.co/1HIDwK2BN - http://bit.ly/1JINdXRBAM - http://bit.ly/1HLkSThGoogle Play - http://bit.ly/1Klzt6iKobo - http://bit.ly/1OtP0GT
Come on and hang out at the release party this evening as well ... lots of prizes, giveaways, interactions with some other pretty cool authors and chatting about book boyfriends with other book whores!!! Missy and I can't wait to meet you!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/83492...
May 10, 2015
***BREAKING NOAH BLOG TOUR***
Well, on May 4th, the blog tour for Breaking Noah kicked off with a BANG!!! Not only are some pretty amazing blogs posting their reviews for the co-authored book between Missy Johnson and myself, but my amazing publisher has offered up some pretty great prizes. Check out the daily blog tour stops and enter the giveaway to win some great prizes from myself, Loveswept and other Loveswept authors.
Read on for an excerpt from Breaking Noah and get ready ... May 12th is going to be an exciting day!
BREAKING NOAH EXCERPTHe’s flustered.
I suppose if I’d been caught stalking a student, I’d be flustered, too. I stand there with my hand on my hip, my eyebrows raised, waiting for him to say something. Containing my smirk is harder than I’d imagined. I really couldn’t have planned this any better if I’d tried. Oh, Karly, justice is so close, I can taste it.I don’t even think he’s aware he’s glanced at my chest three times already. Noah’s already putty in my hands.“Mr. Bain? Would you like to tell me why you’re at my home, of all places? You couldn’t be stalking me, could you?” The cool, sarcastic tone of my voice surprises even me. I had no idea I had it in me—so Karly-like. It’s as if her attitude’s flowing through me.He’s so uncomfortable that it’s a real effort for me not to laugh. What the hell is he doing here, outside my apartment? This guy really is the definition of creep. The way he looked at me today, and now this? I shiver and run my hands over my arms. He might be the worst kind of predator—attractive, intelligent, with a smile that could charm the pants off a nun. It would have been easy for Karly to fall for him and never be able to see the disastrous results coming.“I was in the area . . .” His voice trails off as his face resigns to the fact that there is nothing he can say to get him out of this. I don’t think watching him squirm will ever get old. How’s that hot seat feel? It’s only going to get worse.“Dammit,” he curses, slamming his hands down on the steering wheel in frustration.“Language, Professor Bain,” I chide softly. I lean forward so my arms are resting on the door frame of his car.He runs a hand through his dark, unruly hair, his pale blue eyes darting around, and I can see the effort he’s putting forth to not look at me. Maybe he’s expecting me to be angrier than I am? That I’d be making more of a scene? But how can I be? This is perfect. I never expected to have this kind of effect on him this early, and as creepy as he’s being right now, this is exactly what I want. I really thought I’d at least have to put in some sort of effort. He finally speaks. “I wanted to check that you were okay.” His voice is quiet, and I’m confronted by how much I actually believe his words. Don’t get dragged in, Zara. This is probably how he lured Karly, too. Acting allconcerned and gentlemanlike. I want to pull his heart straight out of his chest, but there’s much better ways to handle men like him.“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” I laugh. I pretend his words don’t affect me, but they do. I’m not used to anyone outside of my family actually caring about me. I’m usually referred to as the lone wolf. With the exception of Karly and my brother, nobody knows me. I’ve never given anyone the chance. Not even Dillon. He’s seen glimpses of who I really am, but allowing anyone that close gives them the opportunity to hurt me.“I had a feeling.” He shrugs, shaking his head as if he can’t put into words exactly what he’s doing. The sweat beading on his forehead and the slight tremor in his hands have me wondering if this really is out of character for him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here, and you obviously weren’t meant to see . . .”“That you were spying on me?” I supply. “I can assure you, Professor Bain, I’m quite all right, and not in need of saving, or whatever it is that you’re doing here,” I protest. “I can only imagine what the dean would say if she found out about this. I’m not exactly sure, but I would think that showing up at a student’s home in the middle of the night with some sort of feeling could land even the most trusted professor in some serious hot water.” Start begging, Noah. The unintentional trap I’ve laid for him: It’s pure genius. I only wish I’d thought of it myself.“Please, Zara. Can we keep this between us? I’m sorry . . .” He curses again, gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turn a ghostly white. I know the color well. I’m sure if I uncoiled my tightly wrapped hands, they’d match his perfectly.I bite back a smile. I can’t help it; I’m amused, yet angered at the same time. How is it possible to feel both of these emotions simultaneously? Wanting to giggle and punch him in the face? I wish there were some manual to tell me which feeling I should have. I’ve never seen a grown man so worked up before. His embarrassment is obvious, yet there’s something else I can’t put my finger on. Maybe genuine concern? But that can’t be the case. He hasn’t known me long enough to feel that way. He starts the engine and I step back, cross my arms over my chest and attempt to keep my fists hidden from sight. I bite my lip and watch him shift the gearshift into drive. “Sure, Professor Bain,” I whisper, biting my lip. Releasing balled hands, my finger toys with the necklace that hangs around my neck, drawing his gaze once again to my breasts—a trick Karly taught me when we were teenagers trying to buy beer. Give a man an excuse to ogle your goodies and you’ve won without even having to try. I tilt my head and smile at him. “This will be our little secret, okay?” A secret that I’m going to use against you anytime I wish, I think to myself, inwardly rubbing my hands and cackling like a mad scientist.“I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. Hamilton,” he says nervously. He checks his blind spot, or to see if anyone else is watching our interaction, and sheepishly smiles.
I watch as he drives off, the car disappearing into the night. I stand on the road for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts before I head inside. The last thing I need is Dillon poking his nose around where it doesn’t belong. This is my fight.
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read on for an excerpt from Breaking Noah and get ready ... May 12th is going to be an exciting day!
BREAKING NOAH EXCERPTHe’s flustered.
I suppose if I’d been caught stalking a student, I’d be flustered, too. I stand there with my hand on my hip, my eyebrows raised, waiting for him to say something. Containing my smirk is harder than I’d imagined. I really couldn’t have planned this any better if I’d tried. Oh, Karly, justice is so close, I can taste it.I don’t even think he’s aware he’s glanced at my chest three times already. Noah’s already putty in my hands.“Mr. Bain? Would you like to tell me why you’re at my home, of all places? You couldn’t be stalking me, could you?” The cool, sarcastic tone of my voice surprises even me. I had no idea I had it in me—so Karly-like. It’s as if her attitude’s flowing through me.He’s so uncomfortable that it’s a real effort for me not to laugh. What the hell is he doing here, outside my apartment? This guy really is the definition of creep. The way he looked at me today, and now this? I shiver and run my hands over my arms. He might be the worst kind of predator—attractive, intelligent, with a smile that could charm the pants off a nun. It would have been easy for Karly to fall for him and never be able to see the disastrous results coming.“I was in the area . . .” His voice trails off as his face resigns to the fact that there is nothing he can say to get him out of this. I don’t think watching him squirm will ever get old. How’s that hot seat feel? It’s only going to get worse.“Dammit,” he curses, slamming his hands down on the steering wheel in frustration.“Language, Professor Bain,” I chide softly. I lean forward so my arms are resting on the door frame of his car.He runs a hand through his dark, unruly hair, his pale blue eyes darting around, and I can see the effort he’s putting forth to not look at me. Maybe he’s expecting me to be angrier than I am? That I’d be making more of a scene? But how can I be? This is perfect. I never expected to have this kind of effect on him this early, and as creepy as he’s being right now, this is exactly what I want. I really thought I’d at least have to put in some sort of effort. He finally speaks. “I wanted to check that you were okay.” His voice is quiet, and I’m confronted by how much I actually believe his words. Don’t get dragged in, Zara. This is probably how he lured Karly, too. Acting allconcerned and gentlemanlike. I want to pull his heart straight out of his chest, but there’s much better ways to handle men like him.“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” I laugh. I pretend his words don’t affect me, but they do. I’m not used to anyone outside of my family actually caring about me. I’m usually referred to as the lone wolf. With the exception of Karly and my brother, nobody knows me. I’ve never given anyone the chance. Not even Dillon. He’s seen glimpses of who I really am, but allowing anyone that close gives them the opportunity to hurt me.“I had a feeling.” He shrugs, shaking his head as if he can’t put into words exactly what he’s doing. The sweat beading on his forehead and the slight tremor in his hands have me wondering if this really is out of character for him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here, and you obviously weren’t meant to see . . .”“That you were spying on me?” I supply. “I can assure you, Professor Bain, I’m quite all right, and not in need of saving, or whatever it is that you’re doing here,” I protest. “I can only imagine what the dean would say if she found out about this. I’m not exactly sure, but I would think that showing up at a student’s home in the middle of the night with some sort of feeling could land even the most trusted professor in some serious hot water.” Start begging, Noah. The unintentional trap I’ve laid for him: It’s pure genius. I only wish I’d thought of it myself.“Please, Zara. Can we keep this between us? I’m sorry . . .” He curses again, gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turn a ghostly white. I know the color well. I’m sure if I uncoiled my tightly wrapped hands, they’d match his perfectly.I bite back a smile. I can’t help it; I’m amused, yet angered at the same time. How is it possible to feel both of these emotions simultaneously? Wanting to giggle and punch him in the face? I wish there were some manual to tell me which feeling I should have. I’ve never seen a grown man so worked up before. His embarrassment is obvious, yet there’s something else I can’t put my finger on. Maybe genuine concern? But that can’t be the case. He hasn’t known me long enough to feel that way. He starts the engine and I step back, cross my arms over my chest and attempt to keep my fists hidden from sight. I bite my lip and watch him shift the gearshift into drive. “Sure, Professor Bain,” I whisper, biting my lip. Releasing balled hands, my finger toys with the necklace that hangs around my neck, drawing his gaze once again to my breasts—a trick Karly taught me when we were teenagers trying to buy beer. Give a man an excuse to ogle your goodies and you’ve won without even having to try. I tilt my head and smile at him. “This will be our little secret, okay?” A secret that I’m going to use against you anytime I wish, I think to myself, inwardly rubbing my hands and cackling like a mad scientist.“I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. Hamilton,” he says nervously. He checks his blind spot, or to see if anyone else is watching our interaction, and sheepishly smiles.
I watch as he drives off, the car disappearing into the night. I stand on the road for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts before I head inside. The last thing I need is Dillon poking his nose around where it doesn’t belong. This is my fight.
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May 5, 2015
Cinco de Mayo Author/Blog Page Hop
Some pretty amazing authors and bloggers, including myself, have gotten together to do a rad giveaway in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Make sure to stop by my Facebook Page to enter the giveaways and cast your vote on which book you'd rather have this summer ... Frankie's Story (the 2nd book after Rekindle) or Adalyn's Story (the 5th and final book in the Destined Series)
Facebook Page ---> https://www.facebook.com/AshleySuzann...
May 1, 2015
Coming May 12th ... Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne
Well, many of you know, I've been working with Missy Johnson for quite a few months and back in November, we signed our very first book deal for a student teacher romance we had been working on ... Breaking Noah is our baby (previously titled on some teasers Learning Curve) and on May 12th, a part of our soul will be able to be downloaded into your ereaders. We're pumped, nervous, excited, anxious, and kind of freaking out. Signing with Random House was such a big deal to us (hell, it's still a pretty big deal, we think). With Facebook getting a kick out of hiding our posts and Twitter moving too fast, we're reaching out to all of our readers, near and far, and asking for your help with the release of Breaking Noah. We've got some teaser pictures on our facebook pages (all of my links are on the side bar or I can be found by searching Ashley Suzanne Author) as well as the links to pre-order until May 12th and then those links will be the actual buy links for the book. If you could help us out, we'd greatly appreciate it. Coming closer to the release date, I will post a rafflecopter giveaway for all of you that helped push our book to the top, filled with gift cards, swag packs and maybe a signed paperback or two. So, thank you in advance from Missy and myself. Here are the links if you'd like to pre-order now or wait until the day to purchase. And remember, every review counts. Not only does it help us better our writing, but Amazon and the other retailers like to promote those books that get reviewed by normal, every day readers, and not just blogs. So, don't think that because you're not a blogger, your voice doesn't matter. Have a great night and I'll post the giveaway soon!!!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1yFtS2SiTunes - http://apple.co/1HIDwK2BN - http://bit.ly/1JINdXRBAM - http://bit.ly/1HLkSThGoogle Play - http://bit.ly/1Klzt6iKobo - http://bit.ly/1OtP0GT
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