WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Sneak peak with ASHLYN CHASE!

Today it is my great pleasure to welcome a wonderful writer and very good friend - Ashlyn Chase.  Flirting Under a Full Moon, Book 1 in her new "Flirting with Fangs" series  is released this week and we have an exclusive SNEAK PEEK!

Here is the BLURB:

Never Cry Werewolf
Brandee has been dumped in every way possible, but by text is the last straw. That's it—she's officially done with men. Unfortunately, she's just been told her "soul mate" is the drool-worthy hottie all her friends call One-Night Nick

Nick has been searching for true love for one hundred years. After all, werewolves mate for life, and he does not want to mess this up. As soon as he kisses Brandee, he knows she's the one. But how will he convince a woman who knows nothing of paranormals that she's about to be bound to a werewolf forever?

And now for the exclusive SNEAK PEEK from Flirting Under a Full Moon:


“Red or white wine?”

“White, please.”

"Do you like it dry?”

“I prefer it wet.”

He laughed, then opened a wine fridge. “How about Sauvignon Blanc?”

“Sold.”

“You’re easy.”

“Not usually. But you swept me off my feet.”

He chuckled again. “I’m glad you seem to be in a better mood.” He poured two glasses, then handed her one. She followed him to the living area and sat next to him on the sofa.

“Is it okay if I kick off my shoes?”

“Make yourself comfortable.”

She did. With her stocking feet curled up under her thighs, she faced him and lifted her glass.

“Cheers,” he said.

“You know that’s the name of a rival bar, right?”

“Oh, right. Well then, Boston Uncommon! Where everybody knows you’re strange.”

She giggled and they clinked glasses.

After each of them took a sip, he asked, “So, how do we start this?”

She knew what he meant. She had asked for this conversation, but knowing where to begin was daunting. Might as well jump in anywhere.

“I think we need to talk about what we expect from each other.”

He nodded. “Okay. You go first.”

Lovely. Now she had to figure out how to put her feelings into words. “I guess I just want a normal boyfriend.”

He let out a loud guffaw. “Boy, did you come to the wrong place. No wonder you’re disappointed.”

“I never said I was disappointed. I just think we went a little too far too fast. Maybe because we’ve known each other for a while, we thought we knew-knew each other better than we do.”

“Hmmm…Okay. I think I get it. You missed the old fashioned courting thing?”

“Huh? No. I don’t need that. I just think we should have gone on a few dates, talked about ourselves, our pasts, our present, and maybe the future.”

“Oh, is that what dating is for?” he asked, with a teasing smile.

She rolled her eyes. “Sheesh, I forgot. How would a player like you know that, especially if you’ve never done it?”

“I’ve done it…superficially. I just never got wrapped up in anyone’s life before.”

“Yeah. I think that’s the problem. You got too wrapped up in mine, instantly.”

“Hey, when it’s right, it’s right. Why waste time?” He gave her another teasing grin.

“Stop being charming for five minutes, will you?”

Instead of listening to her, he leaned in for a kiss. And instead of meeting his lips, she raised her glass of wine and took a big sip.

He sighed and leaned back into the loose pillows. “Cock blocked by my own crystal.”

*****
Early reviews for Flirting Under a Full Moon:

4.50/5—Reviewer Top Pick



"This is the first installment of Ms. Chase's new Flirting series.  This was a wonderful start to a very lighthearted series.  I can't wait for the next installment in this series to come out!  I know other readers will enjoy getting swept away as much as I did."
—Robin, Night Owl Romance

BIO:
Ashlyn Chase describes herself as an Almond Joy bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet, wanting only to give her readers a scrumptious, satisfying, reading experience. She holds a degree in behavioral sciences, worked as a psychiatric RN for several years and spent a few more years working for the American Red Cross where she still volunteers as an instructor. She credits her sense of humor to her former careers since comedy helped preserve whatever was left of her sanity. She is a multi-published, award-winning author of humorous erotic romances. Represented by the Nancy Yost agency in New York, NY, she lives in beautiful New Hampshire with her true-life hero husband and a spoiled brat cat.

www.ashlynchase.com


Where can you buy Ash's books?
BARNES & NOBLE    AMAZON  SOURCEBOOKS

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OMG I love it! That last line is a killer! You always manage to give me total laugh out loud moments Ash! Thanks so much for allowing me to share your first excerpt here today!

THURSDAY TEASER: Ashlyn Chase

Good morning folks!  Today I have the pleasure of presenting to you a wonderful excerpt from my good friend Ashlyn Chase.  She has a new release out, and a special treat she's giving us a never before seen snippet from Chapter Two!

IMMORTALLY YOURS by Ashlyn Chase

Blurb: Lizette has spent three hundred years on earth, but this is her first time in a therapist’s office. Lonely and aimless, she feels that life has lost its meaning…and she’s come to Colin for advice on ending it. If only he weren’t so maddeningly, distractingly attractive, she’d be able to get on with things.


The moment Lizette steps into his office, Colin knows he has to help her. He also knows he has to have her—in every position possible.

As they spend time together, the heat between them rises and clothes come off, revealing Colin to be not only a phenomenal lover, but a picture-perfect nude muse for Lizette’s erotic photographs, as well. But in trying to give Lizette’s life meaning, they might have ruined Colin’s.

You can read Chapter One and buy the book HERE

Here is the excerpt:

Chapter Two

To desire immortality is to desire the eternal perpetuation of a great mistake

                                                                        -- Arthur Schopenhauer


     The admission slammed into Colin like a high-speed impact. Shock waves reverberated through his body and prickles traveled up his spine. “I—I can’t do that. I took the Hippocratic oath and I’d violate my own principles by trying to assist you in suicide. And in your case, you’re right, it could be a disaster. Why would you want to do that?” How can I stop her from trying?
      She shrugged. “What’s to live for? I’ve already told you how lonely I am. How isolated my life has become. What I haven’t told you is how many nights I lay awake, crying my eyes out. And nowadays, I can’t even seek solace in a bit of casual, uncommitted sex.”
     Damn. How he’d love to help her out with that. Watch it, Brayer. She could be trying to manipulate you. But for some reason, he didn’t think so. Her face said she was deadly serious. 
There were times Collin wished he wasn’t a doctor and this was one of them. He leaned forward, hands clasped together, and rested his elbows on his knees. “Listen, Lizette, the reason I don’t believe in suicide is because the very nature of life is change. And as such, feelings change…circumstances change. And with change comes hope. Nothing is inescapeable forever.
     "I sympathize with people’s emotional suffering and that’s why I became a doctor in the first place. I’m here to help. If the problem is depression, it can result in a chemical imbalance. Then the chemical imbalance feeds the depression. It becomes a vicious cycle. The good news is that we have chemicals to restore the balance. I know you don’t like the idea of nature being aided by chemicals but you have no idea how many peoples’ lives have been improved by psychopharmacology.”
      “What’s that?”
     “The science of medication to restore mental health or alleviate emotional suffering. Are you allergic to any drugs?”
     She held up her hand. “No, but stop right there. I don’t want to take drugs.”
     Colin sighed. How many times had he heard that? “They’re not all bad. I wish Nancy Regan had been more specific and said, ‘Just say no to illegal, un-prescribed, addictive drugs.’”
     “But I don’t need drugs.”
      “You said you cry frequently and want to commit suicide. That sounds to me like symptoms of depression--symptoms that could prove to be dangerous. Sometimes, a short trial on antidepressant medication helps make the final diagnosis when it works. And the diagnostic tool becomes the cure at the same time.”
     After a long hesitation, she threw her hands in the air. “If it might help, I guess I can try it. After all, I don’t need to worry about them killing me, do I?”
     Thank God. He couldn’t stop a smile. “No, you don’t. Neither do most people if they take them as prescribed. You may have some side effects but read the enclosures the pharmacy gives you. Report any of those symptoms to me right away.” He whipped out his prescription pad and scribbled her name at the top. His pen hovered over the space next to it. “What do you use as your date of birth?”
     She shrugged. “I don’t have one. Care to make one up for me?”
     He looked at her closely. “I’d say you could have been born in the late eighties, tops.”
     “Okay,” she said. “Make it today’s date, nineteen-eighty-seven. It’s only two-hundred and seventy-five years off, give or take.”
      He paused, then jotted down the date and wrote the instructions. Then he rose and handed the prescription to her. “Take this to a pharmacy on your way home and follow the instructions to the letter. Then come back in a week. Okay?”
     “I might not be able to afford too many more visits. Is it okay if I just call and check in once in a while?” She took the slip of paper and tucked the prescription in her handbag.
     “No. I’ll need to see you in a week.”
     She sighed.
     He had to do something to ensure she’d come back. Perhaps, he could tell her something without giving details that would make her feel less alone.
     He took a deep breath. “You’re not the only one, you know.”
     She bolted upright. “What do you mean?”
     “You’re not the only immortal roaming the earth. You’re not even the only immortal in Seattle.”
     She focused on him intently, her eyes narrowed. “Are you saying you’ve known people like me—and that you truly believe my story?”
     “I’m not committing to anything, yet. As I said, I’m reserving judgment until I get to know you better, but yes…it’s possible. I’ve had a couple patients with immortality related issues. That’s why I advertise the way I do.”
     “Evening hours? Comfortable with unique cases?”
     “Exactly.”
     She locked eyes with him and breathed a quiet, “Oh.” Her perfect, delicate pink lips formed a circle he imagined tightly wrapped around his cock and he almost groaned out loud. Stop it, Colin. For God's sakes!
     “What if I need to talk to you earlier?”
     “I have an answering service that can get in touch with me in an emergency.”
     She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Good to know. Thanks, Doctor. I feel almost human again.”
     “You’ll probably feel even better next week.”
     “I guess you’ve tested this stuff on immortals before?”
     He smiled. “You’d be surprised.”
     “I wish you could tell me who and where they are but I suppose you can’t.”
     “That’s right. They’re confidentiality is important too.”
     She smiled coquettishly and said, “Maybe just a hint? Please?”
     He gave her a sideways look that he hoped broached no argument.
     “I know, I know. It’s against the rules. See you next week.” She waved and left. Holy Moses! He needed to have a serious talk with his hormones.

Oh, and where can you buy the book again - why HERE of course!
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Can I have Colin for MY doctor? Pretty please??  I just bought this book myself, and OMG he is gorgeous!

You know I love people to drop by and read the excerpts. There is only one thing I love even more - if you could leave a comment!  Come on - you know you want to!

Monday Magic - ASHLYN CHASE

The Life of a Loser Writer

Ashlyn Chase

As I sit here, gumming my breakfast of cottage cheese and peaches, I’m feeling a little “off.” Whether that feeling is due to the root canal I had yesterday, or the splinter in my index finger, causing me to type funny, is anyone’s guess. The thing is, it’s one of those days.

Either I can give up and read all day, or I can bravely soldier on, typing with the hunt and peck method, sans my right index finger. (Sheesh, I couldn’t even play “chopsticks” on the piano today.) But I’m a writer. It’s what I do, day in, day out, rain or shine, three-hundred and something days a year. I might miss a few days for an illness or family holidays. It’s rare though.

Okay, I just made my fifth typo in this short article. I’m now weighing the frustration of typing like this vs. the frustration of not writing at all. Ah, hell. I’ll keep going.

Many writers think I’m “prolific.” I laugh because even on a good day, I type about seventeen words per minute. The truth is, I never learned to type, but I can’t not write. (Pardon the double negative.) Many writers know exactly what I’m talking about. If you think I’m feeling “off” now, imagine me on a day (or several) without writing! It’s such a habit that without it I’m apt to wander around bumping into things, because I don’t know what to do with myself.

Stephen King says he usually lies in interviews and claims to write every day except Christmas and Easter…but the truth is, he writes every day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. I guess he didn’t want to feel like a loser who can’t take a day off for family or friends. I know what he means, but that kind of obsession doesn’t make you a loser. It makes you an author. He even tried to retire a few years ago—and couldn’t.

I had friends visit from the other side of the world and spend a week in our guest room recently. I’d looked forward to seeing these wonderful people, yet I was also trembling as I predicted hours away from my keyboard. If that makes me a loser, so be it. I’m a loser.

But considering I wouldn’t even know my Australian friends if it weren’t for writing, I have to say I’ve gained far more than I’ve lost. I have friends and fans all over the world now. My friend Rebecca is an author whose talent of handling description without bogging down the pace captured my attention. I wrote to her and told her about my admiration for her writing. Soon she was critiquing for me. Not long after that, I was returning the favor and critiquing for her. The bonus was how much I enjoyed getting an early peek at her stories.

You’d be surprised how well writers connect, even with very little else in common. I’m almost twenty years older than my Aussie friend. She writes coming of age stories for children and I write hot, steamy love stories for adults. It doesn’t matter. We share the craft and business of writing along with the writer’s life.

Similarly, I have a local critique partner. We couldn’t be more different, personally, but I admired her writing and knew she could teach me a thing or two. She writes historical romances, and mine are always set in a contemporary time period. But when she put out a call for a critique group or partner I was right there, raising my hand.

If anything, she’s more dedicated than I am. She knows how to type and puts my daily word count to shame. We just returned from attending a writer’s convention together. Even with all kinds of scheduled events going on we managed to critique a few pages.

Hey, look at me. I’ve written an entire blog article with an aching gum and throbbing finger. It just underscores my point. If you’re a loser like me and can’t not write, you just might be “prolific.”

****

Thanks Ash for joining me today!  I can relate to the frustration at being away from the keyboard. I have it every day when I go to the day job!

Ash has a wonderful new book coming out soon...here's the information about it:

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR
by Ashlyn Chase

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: MILD

Description: 4 1/2 stars review

Vampire Sly has been suffering a broken heart since he lost his wife 26 years ago. What Sly can’t imagine is that his family and friends are desperately trying to get him involved with a Wiccan woman whose psychic powers may end up not only easing his heart, but saving his undead life as well. In a literary world chock full of vampires, this is one that’s absolutely fantastic. With its humor, dialogue, theme and heart, Chase has put together an outstandingly fun romance with a great twist!

Sly is one of those undead creatures that you actually want hanging around. He spends his time walking around the neighborhood and keeping it safe from crime. Unfortunately, to save a young woman one night, Sly bites into a bad guy who’s wearing more bling than Mr. T, and his fang gets chipped on a bit of sterling silver — poison! He rushes to his friend Morgaine’s apartment for her help in curing what ails him. Morgaine yearns for the hot, dark vampire. She is psychic and can stir up any pot of elixir or poultice that Sly needs. When the werewolf downstairs moves out of 1B, Sly’s daughter Merry plans to move her father in and get him hooked up with Morgaine. Add to this a vamp on the prowl named Malvant, who wants nothing more than to stop Sly and Morgaine’s happiness, and Sly’s undead life becomes extremely real. (SOURCEBOOKS, Aug., 384 pp., $6.99)

Reviewed By: Amy Lignor

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Okay folks - Giveaway time!

For all those who leave a comment here, you'll go into the draw to win a download of my favourite Ash book of all time VAMPIRE VINTAGE!

So comment away and add your email to the comment so we can contact the winner!

And thanks Ash for being my guest today for Monday Magic!