Finding Our Morning by Mickie B. Ashling Cover Reveal, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Mickie B. Ashling stopping by today with the cover for her upcoming MF release Finding Our Morning, we have a brilliant guest post, a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Finding Our Morning

Mickie B. Ashling

May 1977

Ginny Tate bides her time on the family stud farm in San Antonio, Texas, waiting to start veterinarian school in the fall. Bullied as an adolescent, she’s finally shed her old skin, but the emerging beauty still harbors insecurities and would rather hang out with horses than people.

Sponsored by his uncle, the Shah of Iran, Dariush—David—Akbari, a twenty-five-year-old NYU grad with a degree in International Law, is also a skilled polo player. He joins the royal traveling team for a tournament in Plano, Texas.

A decade in America has gradually altered David’s views on certain aspects of his culture. Torn between familial obligations and his adopted country, David resists the idea of returning to Iran so soon after graduation.

At the traditional after-party, David strikes up a conversation with Ginny, who is refreshingly honest. He receives an invitation to visit Tate Stud Farm and, on the pretext of buying another polo pony, persuades the shah to make a detour.

Great horsemanship coupled with self-effacing charm sets David apart from the entitled braggarts who normally populate the sport, and Ginny falls hard. His visit turns into a life-changing week that neither can foresee. Will they walk away unscathed or live to regret their impulsive behavior?

Inspired by events preceding the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty, Finding Our Morning is a love story that catapults us from Texas Hill Country to the epicenter of a monarchy on the brink of collapse.

Release date: 28^th January 2020
Pre-order:
.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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A Noble Cause by Mickie B. Ashling Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Mickie B. Ashling - A Noble Cause RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Mickie B. Ashling stopping by today with her new release A Noble Cause, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $20 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

A Noble Cause

(Legacy 02)

Mickie B. Ashling

Having achieved his heart’s desire at a high price, Prince Colin of Sendorra and his fiancé, Nobel Prize winner Alain de Gris, find themselves at the epicenter of a twisted plot. Colin’s cousin, Drake Bradford, and his grandmother Maura, the high priestess of the Bradford Coven, have conspired for years to bring down the royal family.

Resembling his cousin in features and coloring, Drake, the soulless rat, has been using their similarities—and black magic—to his advantage. Princess Charlotte, Colin’s ex-girlfriend, is unwittingly drawn into the feud, blissfully unaware she’s been sleeping with an impostor.

In this anticipated sequel to A Tangled Legacy, Colin and Alain, along with their fearless group of witches, ghosts, and familiars, embark on a convoluted journey to save the people they love and ensure the royal succession.

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Yield by Mickie B Ashling

Title: Yield

Series: Bay Area Professionals 05

Author: Mickie B Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: Novel (227 pages)

ASIN: B07JGVC7N5

Publisher: Mickie B Ashling (13th November 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: A promising encounter takes a dark turn.

Captain Sami Soros and Father Jay Blackstone cross paths at a major European hub. When systems shut down due to a cyber-attack, flights are delayed and the resulting chaos is unprecedented.

After having served three tours in Afghanistan, recently discharged Sami struggles with his new civilian status. Emotionally depleted, and dangerously edgy, he views most of his fellowmen with utter contempt.

Jay is returning to his parish in San Francisco after a month-long retreat meant to shore up a crumbling vocation. All vestiges of spirituality melt away when he sets eyes on Sami.

They begin a clandestine affair fueled by a shared addiction to extreme forms of BDSM. Their relationship goes off the rails, and Jay reaches out to Rino Duran, a former seminarian. With the help of Dr. Ethan Marshall, Rino’s full-time Dom, the established couple attempt to separate truth from lies to give Jay and Sami a shot at happiness.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Yield is the fifth book in the Bay Area Professionals series by Mickie B Ashling. I have loved reading this series, it is complex and a total emotional rollercoaster. To say that is an intense read is an understatement and in my mind is the most intense, as well as being the best book in this series.

Although I’ve been enjoying this series, I can’t say if I am completely sold of Ashling’s writing to put them into my authors I must read list. I find BDSM a little hit and miss. I’m not sure why, I suppose the easiest explanation is the some authors can write the emotions of the D/s couple really well, while others just write what feels like a soft porn. I personally don’t like long sex scenes in books, because romance isn’t all about smut, and Ashling nailed this well. There is a lot of depth to the stories and the characters, even some of the minor characters have their little side stories going on at the same time. However, everything comes together in a nice, neat package by the end (which is essential in my mind).

Despite being the fifth in this series, Yield works fine as a standalone book, although there are direct ties to the previous book in the series, Forged in Trust (that one, I think, is the most titillating book in the series).

As I said, this is an intense read. It covers an insanely broad range of issues including rape, PTSD and abuse. The MCs, Sami and Jay, are also sit on the more extreme side of kinks compared to previous MCs in this series. The characters are so bloody complicated I don’t think I can do justice with describing them here. I don’t want to get into too much detail because spoilers, ick, and also I don’t want to be writing a ten page review.

Captain Sami Soros has served three tours in Afghanistan, leaving his physically and emotionally drained. He has a lot of issues to deal with mentally as he attempts to fit into the world outside of the military. Father Jay Blackstone is a clergyman who has been questioning his vocation, but he also has a slew of mental demons to contend with as well. The depth of these guys is astonishing. They are almost like they are two sides of the same coin. They have opposing world views, which is fundamental to their very different career paths. Yet, while their philosophies are very different it is almost as if, as they work through their demons, their kinks and get help from their friends, their beliefs are essentially the same once they are boiled down. The issue is, that it is a very rocky road to get there.

As I said, I enjoyed the story, the character and plot development and the intensity of pretty much everything. However, I have to say, as someone not totally keen on BDSM romance, I think I need to take a break from it for a while before I find another one to read.

Fractured by Mickie B Ashling Retro Review

Title: Fractured

Series: Bay Area Professionals 03

Author: Mickie B Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: Novel (216 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-782-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (24 March 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Roque “Ro” Celdran dreams of a better life, far away from the hand-to-mouth existence of his migrant worker family. He moves to San Francisco to study Landscape Design but finds himself short of cash. Tony, Ro’s identical twin, comes up with a plan to help Ro make ends meet. The BDSM club Tony frequents is looking for gay men to act as submissives to the Dommes-in-training. Ro reluctantly takes the job and falls headfirst into a world he neither understands nor desires.

Lance Roberts is the new doctor at the dental practice started by Scott Gregory and Robin Kennedy. On the surface, he seems to have it all: the Mensa IQ, blond and blue-eyed good looks, and the determination to make it in his competitive field. Underneath lies a frustrated Dom in search of the perfect sub who can handle his obsessive behavior and debilitating need for control.

When Ro ends up in Lance’s dental chair, the last thing either one expects is a physical and mental connection. Ro’s attraction to “White Bread” never pans out, and Lance’s weakness for Latinos always leads to a dead end. Could this time be different? What happens between the two alphas leads to a lot of soul-searching and some surprising conclusions.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Fractured is the third book in Mickie B Ashling’s Bay Area Professionals series. While this is the third book in the series, you can easily read this as a standalone as there are only brief appearances of the founding (if you will) characters of the series, Scott and Robin, as Lance is the new doctor in their practice. However, if you tried to read book 2 as a standalone, the word impossible comes to mind.

Although I’ve been enjoying this series, I can’t say if I am completely sold of Ashling’s writing to put them into my authors I must read list. Yet in saying that, I’m really impressed with how well the author deals with what could be classed as taboo, or even progressive, storylines that heavily involve some form of kink. I find these types of books hit and miss, but I am really impressed by how Ashling tells the story with an edgy twist, but also manages to move the story along quick enough that I didn’t get bored. I personally don’t like long sex scenes in books, because romance isn’t all about smut, and Ashling nailed this (pun intended) really well.

The story is about Roque, aka Ro, and Lance. As I just said, Lance is the new doctor at a surgery set up by a dental surgeon and dental hygienist who live the BDSM lifestyle, except at work. Lance is also a Dom, he needs the perfect sub that can match his need to dominate and control, but so far he’s been very unlucky in love.

Ro is a man of many dreams, he wants an easier life, away from his family and wants to study landscape design, but since he’s short of cash, his twin brother produces the answer. There’s a BDSM club which needs a submissive, gay male to perform scenes with the training Doms. He enters the BDSM world reticent but desperate, not expecting to find what he needs.

It is at the dental surgery where Lance and Ro meet. The sparks fly but both guys have been unlucky going after the type of man that they see in each other. These guys are extremely complicated characters and part of what can make these books hard to read is that Ashling delves deep into the minds of the MC as you go along. The character development is spectacular. Likewise, the secondary characters are also amazing. These guys are complicated but they have good people in their lives to help them along the way.

I recommend this one to those that first, love BDSM, but also have a touch of angst tied within a pretty complex and deep storyline.

Bonds of Love by Mickie B Ashling

Title: Bonds of Love

Series: Bay Area Professionals 02

Author: Mickie B Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: Novel (270 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-61581-367-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23 April 2010)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Getting to know each other hasn’t been an easy journey for Scott Gregory and Robin “Red” Kennedy. Falling in love and exploring their kinkier sides revealed a perfect match, and Scott is a devoted sub to Red’s headstrong and often impulsive Dominant personality.

Scott, Robin, and their friend, Susie, open a new dental practice a short distance from the old office but miles away from Scott’s former boss and his Promise Keeper mentality. But the move doesn’t guarantee a happy ending. Robin’s mother is in a medical crisis. Scott’s grandfather makes an unexpected appearance. Ongoing interference from Jenna, Ron’s needy assistant, stirs up trouble. And Susie, having completed her training as a Dominatrix, is on a quest for the perfect male submissive.

Then there’s one more threat to their relationship: Robin’s desire for a public collaring, something the shy and formerly closeted Scott is having a really hard time accepting. Is a strong and binding love―albeit a kinky one―enough to keep Scott and Robin together?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Bonds of Love is the second book in Mickie B Ashling’s Bay Area Professionals series. Being new to the author’s work, I feel that I am still exploring their writing style, although I really did enjoy the first book to the series. This novel is a direct continuation from Impacted! and so it is vital that you read the first book before moving onto this one.

The story picks up Robin and Scott’s lives as a D/s couple, but also as professionals as dental hygienist and dental surgeon, respectively. They are still dealing with much of the fall out that came with working the homophobe dentist that they used to work for – and surprisingly this has spread to encroach their personal lives/backgrounds. To be perfectly honest, although I liked the introduction of a new character (an elderly gent and all around nice fellow), I found this storyline dragging on a but of a turn off.

Scott and Robin continue to build their lives together. It’s tricky when they work with each other and are in love with each other. Then there is the whole exploration of the BDSM, which leads to Robin wanting to collar Scott in front of (mostly) his acquaintances at their preferred club. Also, on the topic of BDSM, we see Scott’s best friend, Susie, explore her needs as a dominatrix in her quest to find satisfaction and maybe even a sub of her own (again, another strangely complicated storyline).

While, over all, I found the story enjoyable and glad to see the guys are just as awesome together as they were in the first book, I was turned off a bit by the melodrama that seemed to pop around every corner.

I recommend this one for people that like BDSM romances and/or to those that love a good soap opera.

Impacted! by Mickie B Ashling (2nd Edition)

Title: Impacted!

Series: Bay Area Professionals 01

Author: Mickie B Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: Novel (191 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-307-2

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12 April 2019, 2nd edition)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: On his way home from vacation, Scott Gregory, a closeted sub, hooks up with the gorgeous Red, a flamboyant Dom, for a thrilling one-off at a BDSM bar. They part ways after a satisfying scene… but meet again when Robin Kennedy—Red—arrives at his new job as a dental hygienist and discovers one of his two bosses is Scott.

Robin and Scott embark on a journey of exploration into their kinkier sides and discover they’re more than compatible—they’re a perfect match. But keeping employer/employee and Dom/sub separate at the office presents difficulties, and to make matters even more complicated, the owner of the dental practice is an acknowledged homophobe.

They fall in love, but Robin chafes at all the secrecy, refusing to live in the shadows. Scott isn’t as brave; he’s desperate to protect his job and his future. Will they be able to find some middle ground… or will their entire relationship fall apart because of fear?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Impacted! is the first book in Mickie B Ashling’s Bay Area Professionals series. I’m aware of the author, however, I can’t say I ever remembering reading Ashling’s work, so I went into this book blind about anything except the blurb. Being that there is already four books in the series I can see that this could become quite the saga, but I will park those thoughts for now until I get to the rest of the books.

The only thing that I was concerned about was that this is a BDSM novel, I find BDSM a little hit and miss. I’m not sure why, I suppose the easiest explanation is the some authors can write the emotions of the D/s couple really well, while others just write what feels like a soft porn. The latter is certainly not the case with this story. There is a lot of depth to the stories and the characters, even some of the minor characters have their little side stories going on at the same time. It very much reminds me of a soap opera in that respect. The BDSM side of things, while important and an essential part of the relationships in the book, is not the primary focus of the book.

The story is about Scott Gregory, he’s a closeted sub working for a homophobic jerk while at the same time being one of the best dental surgeons around. On vacation, he had an amazing night with a Dom called Red, who understood Scott’s needs as a submissive, but it was only a one night stand. However, everything changes when Scott is back at work and the new dental hygienist ends up being Red, real name Robin Kennedy.

I don’t want to go more into this because while the characters are complicated, much more on blurb and we’d be in major spoiler territory. Scott and Robin are an excellent couple, they have chemistry, baggage and will to make it as a couple, which makes for a compelling story. I found the side story where Scott’s best friend explores her kinks with the support of Scott and Red interesting too, despite the fact I’m not into reading women in sex scenes. So fair warning if you’re like me, but at the same time it is not a lot and everything is done tastefully.

I recommend this one for people looking for a bit of saga and are into BDSM romances.

Yield by Mickie B. Ashling Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Mickie B. Ashling stopping by today with her new release Yield, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $20 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Yield

(Bay Area Professionals 05)

Mickie B. Ashling

A promising encounter takes a dark turn.

Captain Sami Soros and Father Jay Blackstone cross paths at a major European hub. When systems shut down due to a cyber-attack, flights are delayed and the resulting chaos is unprecedented.

Jay is returning to his parish in San Francisco after a month-long retreat meant to shore up a crumbling vocation. All vestiges of spirituality melt away when he sets eyes on Sami.

This novel can be read as a standalone.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Forged In Trust by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: Forged in Trust

Series: Bay Area Professionals 04

Author: Mickie B Ashling

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4 Sept 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Dr. Ethan Marshall is the young medical student on call the night Tessa Duran murders her husband for abusing her twelve-year-old-son, Rino. Ethan stays in the cubicle while the rape kit is performed and is surprised when the boy resorts to prayers instead of tears.

Despite compelling evidence, Tessa is sent to jail for life. To avoid placing Rino in foster care, their parish priest agrees to raise him. Ethan is touched by Rino’s plight and visits whenever possible, but the connection is broken when the priest and young boy leave the area months later.

Raised by the Dominicans in California, Rino considers joining the order until a romance blossoms with a fellow student. After much soul-searching, he turns his back on everything familiar, and chooses his orientation over his perceived vocation. Upon graduating dental hygiene school, Rino takes a job at the office of Scott Gregory and Robin Kennedy.

Seventeen years have passed since that horrible night in the emergency room. Forty-three-year-old Ethan is now a Dominant in search of a full-time submissive. Twenty-nine-year-old Rino is adrift, longing for someone or something to help him find the serenity he’s lost along the way. As they rekindle their friendship, they realize they might be perfect for each other.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-470-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I am going to state this warning up front, this is a very graphic and confronting book in more ways than one. First off, there is the BDSM aspect, which like everything does not appeal to everyone. Secondly, there are some very graphic description (not of the acts) but more so of the horrific outcomes. This book is not for the squeamish and includes prostitution, rape and paedophilia just in the first couple chapters. There are also some traumatic/PTSD later on but nowhere near as horrific as the first few chapters.

Forged in Trust is the fourth book of the Bay Area Professionals. However, it can be read as a standalone book.

The story starts off in the early 90s with Rino and his mother, living in poverty in the Philippines and things were looking worse for them because the US military were evacuating. They do get to the US (under some shady circumstances) and we jumped to when Rino is 13, which is where we first meet twenty-something, idealistic ER doctor, Ethan Marshall. The two form a companionship over a couple months but Rino is really just a traumatised child at this point. Then Rino is taken away, out of state, and we pick up with both Rino once more almost fifteen years later. It’s here that Ethan once again enters his life.

It’s a complicated story and I fear that explaining one thread might give too much away!

I’m pretty sure Tinder and smart phones are referenced at a time when they did not exist, but that is neither here nor there.

The characters are wonderfully developed, although part of me is certain that Rino’s character could have been a bit more given a bit more time. I felt like Rino and Ethan’s story ended a tad too soon because Rino had just gone through a massive personal growth period.

Really well written, fast paced book that is brimming with emotion, I found it impossible not to become engrossed in the story. I really want to read the first three books now.

A Tangled Legacy by Mickie B. Ashling Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Mickie B. Ashling - A Tangled Legacy RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Mickie B. Ashling visiting today with her new release A Tangled Legacy, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar Press GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

A Tangled Legacy

(Legacy 01)

Mickie B. Ashling

Prince Colin of Sendorra would have been the spare instead of the heir if fate hadn’t intervened. Like his father and forefathers, Colin is expected to marry and father a child or his principality reverts to Spain at the time of his death. Filling the royal nursery with healthy babies seems easy enough until Princess Charlotte—his childhood friend and intended bride—breaks off their engagement.

Nobel Prize winner—and powerful gray witch—Alain de Gris isn’t looking for love. Science and research have taken center stage for years until he walks into a club and lays eyes on Colin, thirteen years his junior.

Bisexual by nature, Colin seeks to avoid another engagement repeat by shying away from a same-sex relationship. There are no acceptable alternatives to provide legitimate offspring if he follows his heart.

But Colin can’t stay away from Alain and the witch finds him irresistible. Ignoring the absolutes isn’t easy when a legacy is in jeopardy. And while magic may offer a solution, it could also create more problems.

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Being With Him by Mickie B. Ashling Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Mickie B. Ashling - Being With Him Tour Banner

Hi peeps, we have Mickie B. Ashling popping in today with the tour for her upcoming release Being With Him, we have a short GP from Mickie with a wonderful recipe, a great excerpt and a brilliant $25 Dreamspinner Press credit giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Being With Him

(Horizons 05)

Mickie B. Ashling

Zeb Araneda leaves his privileged but closely supervised life in the Philippines to study architecture at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where his new roommate is openly gay Luca Dilorio.

Alex Boulet is a successful print model who appears to have it all, but on closer inspection, the ready smile never reaches his mesmerizing green eyes. Tired of living alone, Alex moves in with fellow model Chyna Davidson, Luca’s boyfriend.

Away from his father’s watchful eye, and with Luca’s help, Zeb learns to navigate his new environment, and experiences freedom of choice for the first time. This fresh perspective allows him to step out of his comfort zone and act on his attraction to Alex.

The holiday season has always been difficult for Alex. Sappy commercials tug at his heart, and storefront windows depict idealized scenes that remind him of what he’ll never have: a loving partner willing to accept his truth. Will this Christmas be another disappointment, or will Santa finally make his wish come true?

Dreamspinner Press

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Once Upon A Rainbow Vol One Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have NineStar Press stopping by today with their newest anthology Once Upon A Rainbow, there’s eight authors with some fantastic stories in the collection and NineStar Press is sharing an exclusive excerpt and having a brilliant giveaway to celebrate the release, so guys, check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Once Upon A Rainbow Vol 01

Sydney Blackburn, K.S. Trenten, Riza Curtis, A. Fae, Dianne Hartsock, J.P. Jackson, Donna Jay, A.D. Song, Mickie B. Ashling

Morning Star

by Sydney Blackburn

Tariq is a devoted apprentice to his master, even stealing a perfume jar for Malik, the man he secretly adores, with only a twinge of guilt. But when Malik seeks to use the Jinni bound to the stolen jar, Tariq learns what love is—and isn’t. Ridha has given Tariq five wishes, two of which remain, and the one Tariq wants most, he cannot have. Or can he?

Fairest

by K.S. Trenten

All of my life, I’ve been haunted by her dark eyes. At birth, she cursed me to prick my finger on the spindle and sleep for a century. She appears in my dreams, my reflections, shaping my desires. Who is she? My guardian has only revealed a few enigmatic words as to her identity, the fairest of them all. Follow me into the lonely Forest of Tears where the dwarves dwell, walking where she once walked. Gaze into the depths of the magic mirror, which reveals her secrets. For I refuse to fear her, even if I should.

Gingerbread

by Riza Curtis

When a dozen gay men go missing, the Supernatural Investigations team is brought in.

With the trail running cold, werewolf Detective Erik Stuart is sent undercover with fellow officer Noah Coleman to investigate exclusive gay club Gingerbread. As their friendship blossoms into romance, danger puts their very lives at risk. Are they powerful enough to survive and bring justice for the missing men?

Sleeping Beauty

by A. Fae

Two royal births: one born into the body of a prince and the other a princess, bodies betraying their true identity. They grow to be inseparable, both deciding to become their true selves as soon as they are able. But an ugly curse by a wicked godmother brings them to the brink of disaster. And only through true love’s kiss can they be united.

Little Match Girl

by Dianne Hartsock

Christian can’t help himself. He’s fallen in love with the sweet, sometimes effeminate guy who’s been coming into the sandwich shop for the past several months. But Dani is also the Little Match Girl, the ragged queer selling candles on the street corner Christian’s been avoiding all year, going so far as to cross the street to avoid walking by him. Ashamed, he wonders if Dani can ever forgive him.

Losing his mother to cancer, Dani has spent the last year in a haze of grief and loneliness, selling Mother’s candles like they always had, giving himself to any man who can pay, saving him from having to go home to his father’s brutality. Desperate for a place to belong, he sets out with Christian to find his mother’s family. Christian helps, wanting Dani to be happy, though the cost might be losing his sweet lover forever.

Hood’s Ride is Red

by J.P. Jackson

Harkin Ross, otherwise known as Hood, hasn’t exactly had a happy childhood. His mother died in childbirth and his older brother perished in an unusual accident on the family farm. Hood’s father hasn’t coped well over the years and he’s spiraled into a black hole of anger, alcoholism, and abuse.

But when Kenneth Lowell is hired as the family farm hand, Hood’s life vastly improves. Kenneth earns Hood’s trust, and friendship while teaching Hood some basic mechanics skills, helping Hood get his red Dodge Dart up and running.

Kenneth, however, is hiding a violent and primal secret of his own. When Hood’s father discovers the Hired Hand is doing more than just yard work, the weekly trip to Grandpa’s house goes all to hell.

The Gingerbread Woman

by Donna Jay

Looking forward to a weekend of solitude, Candace heads to her country cottage hoping the peaceful surroundings will help to get her creative juices flowing. Never in her wildest of dreams could she have envisioned the events that unfolded.

White Roses

by A.D. Song

One night in the dark woods, a faerie attacks Lady Iliana and curses her to slumber forever. Lady Iliana finds herself kissed awake by Lord Alexios. When Iliana meets Adara, Alexios’ sister, Iliana finds herself torn between the man who saved her and the woman who hides secrets about Iliana’s awakening. When Alexios turns on Adara, they discover Lady Iliana is stronger than anyone thought. She does whatever she has to do to save Adara…even if it means killing her again.

Once Upon a Mattress

by Mickie B. Ashling

Crown Prince Sebastian of Sendorra has shied away from his obligations to marry and produce the requisite heir. He wants a love match—complicating an already difficult situation—and insists on finding the right man; someone willing and able to carry his child with medical intervention. The Royals throw a ball and invite eligible bachelors from all over the world.

Errol Maitland, a famous sculptor who lives in the small Principality, is tired of random hookups and relationships that fizzle out before they get started. He’s intrigued by the Prince’s invitation and decides to attend the ball.

Sebastian’s mother belongs to a clan of powerful witches. She’s convinced that a touch of magic will ease the selection process. Placing a spell on an ordinary pebble, she tucks it underneath Sebastian’s mattress. The right choice will voice a complaint. Will Errol spend a miserable night and prove his worthiness or will Sebastian have to keep on looking?

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo

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The Sixth Chukker by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: The Sixth Chukker

Series: Polo 03

Author: Mickie B. Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8 April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Retired polo players Preston Fawkes and Konrad Schnell have finally found the happiness that eluded them for years. Their stud farm is a big success, and their marriage couldn’t be healthier. Unfortunately, this idyllic life is disrupted by several unexpected sources.

Paloma, Preston’s twenty-one-year-old daughter, is determined to be a 10 goal player before she turns thirty. Bandi, Konrad’s son, dreams of starting a family with his husband, Ned Temple. Paloma offers to surrogate if her father and stepfather come out of retirement and team up with her for one season.

Preston and Konrad would do anything to make their children happy, but they’re confronted with a stumbling block. Trauma specialist Dr. Rayne Carlisle refuses to sign off on the necessary paperwork unless Preston agrees to be his submissive for one week.

Caught between the proverbial rock and hard place, Preston and Konrad deal with disgruntled former lovers, demanding children, and old enemies in this sequel to Ride-Off.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-025-5

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-sixth-chukker-by-mickie-b-ashling-5418-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: The Sixth Chukkur is the third installment of Mickie B. Ashling’s Polo series. You need to have read books 1 and 2 in order to understand the continuous plot lines carried on between books. While I think that this book, much like book 2, is not as strong as book 1 (Fire Horse), it is an utterly enjoyable read and fans of books 1 and 2 will not be disappointed.

We once again meet up with Preston and Konrad – the guys are a bit more prominent in this book, which is nice. We also get to see more of Ned and Bandi, as well as Sasha and Jeremy. But then there is Paloma, Preston’s daughter. She is the female copy of her father in every way and much like Preston’s stubbornness drives the plot, her stubbornness is just as bad. She wants to be a champion polo player like her father. We even get to see more of Sasha’s (young Conrad) mother, who is also Preston’s ex-wife and older Konrad’s sister. Hell, there is even the potential for a murder mystery, which was really a mystery assault. All in all, it was nice seeing all the end begin to tie up nicely, even if we have to get through more of Preston’s hot temper.

I have to admit, the key event to this entire book- blackmail from Dr Rayne Carlisle (who we will remember from book 1 as Preston’s acerbic doctor) just did not sit well for me. The fact that the doctor is a Dom didn’t really seem like an important part of the story either. What happens (as said in the blurb) is that the good doctor proposes to show to Preston that competing in polo is too dangerous after his last horrific accident by saying he will only sign off on the paperwork for Pres to compete again. It’s complicated and seemed too contrived. But it did its function and the event triggers off a number of plot lines for the book.

Ride-Off by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: Ride-Off

Series: Polo 02

Author: Mickie B. Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novel (240 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (18 Oct 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Finally reunited, Preston Fawkes and Konrad Schnell put family and obligations aside, preferring to remain in seclusion on Ned s estate to get reacquainted. Unfortunately, reality can only be held off for so long, and they return to Texas to reclaim the life they put on pause. Trying to strike the right balance between business, family, and romance requires ongoing effort, and the challenges begin shortly after they arrive.

At the top of the list is Bandi, Konrad s son, and his desire to play polo. A close second is Conrad Sasha Fawkes, Preston s actor son who s struggling to succeed on Broadway. And last, but certainly not least, is Paloma, the fiery Argentinean beauty Preston sired after a passionate tango.

Blending the interests and needs of three grown children is difficult at best and almost impossible when agendas collide and old secrets are unearthed. The situation comes to a head when the family gathers in San Antonio for Thanksgiving, throwing Preston and Konrad into a maelstrom they must weather as best they can, or they ll face a major ride-off that could throw the game before it even starts.

ISBN: 978-1-62798-263-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/ride-off-by-mickie-b-ashling-598-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Ride-Off is book 2 of Mickie B Ashling’s Polo series. It you really need to read the first book to understand all the overarching plot details as this sequel picks up where book 1 left off. I loved this book, almost as much as I loved Fire Horse. However, for some reason that I can’t quite fathom, I don’t think that this one was as strong as the first book.

We meet up with Preston and Konrad again – they were sweethearts separated by time and amnesia but are finally back together again. It is totally sweet. But this is a soap opera, for the most part. There are a whole host of other characters that we meet or have met in the first book.

The guys, though, take a bit of a back to seat and we get to follow the stories of their sons, Konrad’s son Bandi and Preston’s son Conrad. Preston still has a tense relationship with his ex-wife, Monica, who is Conrad’s mother, but since Konrad’s resurrection things seem less tense. This is all despite the fact that Preston had married his sweetheart’s sister after mourning his loss. Yeah, it’s complicated, but as I said, it’s a bit of a soapie.

Here, we get to follow Bandi’s relationship with Ned, Preston’s best friend. We met the couple in the first book but now we get the gritty details and how the guys deal with the age difference. We also follow young Conrad, Preston’s son, who lives in New York and is an aspiring actor. When in NY, he likes to be known as Sasha and goes professionally by his middle name, Alexander. Sasha feels left out of his father’s new life for the past two years, but here we see all the characters deal with the issues.

One thing that bugged me was that Kondrad (i.e. Dead Man Walking) diagnosis of PTSD was mentioned and rather overlooked. I know it was a means to an end, something significant to provide an excuse for Preston being a rather distant father for 2 years, but I would have liked it to matter more than to explain that one plot point.

So, there’s a lot going on and I refuse to spoil any of it! If you enjoyed the first one, you need to read this. If you haven’t read the first book, you need to read it but the blurb and my review kinda spoils things for you.

And best of all: book 3 is up next!

Fire Horse by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: Fire Horse

Series: Polo 01

Author: Mickie B. Ashling

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novel (256 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Preston Fawkes is ten the first time he meets fifteen-year-old Konrad Schnell at the San Antonio Polo Club. Captivated by the mystique surrounding the sport of kings, Pres vows to learn the game at the hands of his newly acquired friend and mentor. The hero worship soon grows into something deeper, but the friends are separated when Preston goes off to boarding school in England.

The relationship that follows is riddled with challenges―their age gap, physical distance, and parental pressure taking precedence over feelings yet to be explored. Although their bond goes deep, they deal with the reality of their situation differently: Preston is open and fearless while Konrad is reticent and all too aware of the social implications of making a public stand.

Their paths intersect and twine, binding them as tightly as a cowboy’s lasso, but fate may alter their plans. How will love overcome the divots in the turf as they gallop toward the future—one where obstacles no longer stand in their way?

ISBN: 978-1-62380-578-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/fire-horse-by-mickie-b-ashling-5157-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: If you’re into a soap opera style melodrama and highly driven sport personalities, offset with some cowboy humour and some stiff, English upper lip, this is the book for you. For the sake of honestly, I will admit that I’ve read a couple books by Mickie B. Ashling in the past and they were a struggle for me to get through. Fire Horse, however, is just a fun adventure that swept me away from the get go.

We start with Preston Fawkes, he’s a world class polo player who grew up on a Texas ranch with a not-so-nice father, but with a deep English connection through his mother. His story is a sad one. He has been a lonely guy for a long time – he is openly bisexual with a son and daughter from 2 marriages to prove it. But he has never got over his first love, who had also been a polo player but disappeared over Eastern Europe in the 80s while working for the air force.

Now in his forties, Preston has suffered a potentially career ending fall, waking up to a doctor with a personality that is as acerbic as his own. With the help of his best friend (Ned) who he met at an English boarding school as ten year olds, Preston is on the road to recovery. But there is so much going on and unfolding!

I have to admit, the big twist of the book, I saw coming a mile away, but that didn’t mean I loved it when it finally happened. Regardless, I’m not saying a peep here. Just read the bloody book and enjoy the drama and the sports!

Gnarly by Mickie B. Ashling Blog Tour, Guest Post, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi peeps, we have Mickie B. Ashling popping in today with the tour for her newest release Gnarly, we have a short GP from Mickie, a great exclusive excerpt and a brilliant $10 Dreamspinner Press credit giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Gnarly

(World of Love 12: Spain)

Mickie B. Ashling

Dr. Ed Hollingsworth, widowed for five years, returns to San Sebastián, Spain, after a thirty-year absence. He seeks out his first and only male lover, pro surfer Javi Elizalde.

After surviving a near-fatal shark attack, Javi turned his back on the sport he loves and became a recluse.

Iker Lizaso, professional jai alai player, finds himself at loose ends now that his contract has expired. Forced to retire at thirty-eight, he returned to his home in the Basque Country to figure out what to do with the rest of his life.

Three different men, encumbered by their past, converge in a city famous for its food, summer festivals, and romantic promenades. Can they find happiness together? It’ll be difficult, maybe even improbable, considering their backgrounds, but Cupid’s arrow usually hits the mark, and this particular strike might be epic.

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Open House by Mickie B. Ashing Blog Tour, Intro, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hiya Guys, we have Mickie B. Ashling stopping by today with the tour to celebrate her newest release Open House, we have a short intro from Mickie, a great exclusive excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so peeps, check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Open House

(Open 02)

Mickie B. Ashling

By the time Seth and Bryce return to Chicago, they’re halfway in love. They decide to move in together to see if their feelings can survive in the real world.

Seth receives word that a mandatory autopsy was performed on his late partner because his death was a suicide. The medical examiner’s findings are disturbing and leave some doubt as to the underlying cause of death.

Because of the suicide clause, life insurance benefits had been denied, but in light of these new findings, Seth’s lawyer advises him to appeal. The insurance investigator turns out to be the man who broke Bryce’s heart twenty-five years ago. The guy has fallen on hard times, and when he sees how successful Bryce has become—and how large Seth’s potential payout might be—he decides he wants a piece of the pie. Bryce and Seth’s new relationship is severely tested in this second novel in the Open Series.

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One Pulse ~ Charity Anthology Guest Post by John Amory!

Hey guys, today we have John Amory, one of the authors from the Dreamspinner Press Charity Anthology One Pulse, visiting with an incredible guest post, so check out the post and then I want you to check out the blogs that the other One Pulse authors will be visiting during the next two weeks. <3 ~Pixie~

One Pulse

Jon Keys, Alicia Nordwell, Mickie B. Ashling, M.T. Aspen, M.A. Church, Caitlin Ricci, George Seaton, Jayce Ellis, Bree Cariad, Chrissy Munder, Ellis Carrington, Felicitas Ivey, John Amory, Grace R. Duncan, John Goode, J. C. Long, Elizabeth Noble, Renee Stevens, Troy Storm, Connie Bailey, Dev Bentham, Andrea Speed, Laura Lascarso, Lila Leigh Hunter, Emery C. Walters, C.C. Dado, Sera Kane, KC Burn, Vicktor Alexander, Edmond Manning

Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.

To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.

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Open Seating by Mickie B. Ashling Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Mickie Ashling - Open Seating Tour Banner-Open Seating s

Hi guys we have Mickie B. Ashling popping in today with the tour for her new release Open Seating, we have a great exclusive excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and the link to Aerin’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Open Seating

(Open 01)

Mickie B. Ashling

Seth Wilder lost his partner of twenty years to suicide two weeks before a long-anticipated cruise. Cancellation insurance was never purchased, and Seth can’t get a refund. Bryce McFarland, his late partner’s gym buddy, appreciates his predicament, and when asked, agrees to accompany him on the trip. This way, Seth recoups the money and doesn’t have to cancel his plans. The gesture is unexpected but accepted gratefully.

The two men have nothing in common. Seth is a reclusive romance writer, and Bryce is a hard-core Grindr user with major commitment issues. Out of necessity and despite the seemingly insurmountable differences in personality, they develop a tentative rapport. As they begin their journey through the UK, Bryce helps Seth come to terms with his partner’s sudden death while Seth, in turn, discovers the root cause of Bryce’s phobia.

Shipboard romances rarely work. Sensible men resist, sexual tension notwithstanding. But a full moon and late summer breezes lend itself to the impossible situation, barriers are crossed, and a love affair is kindled.

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Open Seating by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: Open Seating

Series: Open 01

Author: Mickie B. Ashing

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 204 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 10th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb: Seth Wilder lost his partner of twenty years to suicide two weeks before a long-anticipated cruise. Cancellation insurance was never purchased, and Seth can’t get a refund. Bryce McFarland, his late partner’s gym buddy, appreciates his predicament, and when asked, agrees to accompany him on the trip. This way, Seth recoups the money and doesn’t’t have to cancel his plans. The gesture is unexpected but accepted gratefully.

Shipboard romances rarely work. Sensible men resist, sexual tension notwithstanding. But a full moon and late summer breezes lend themselves to the impossible situation, barriers are crossed, and a love affair is kindled.

ISBN: 9781634772389

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7783

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I am so thrown after reading this book, because there were some hard limits of mine that were stomped on. But despite that, this was a beautiful love story. A story of second chances, if you wish. There were things I couldn’t get past despite the lovely setup here, hence my 3 Hearts rating. I probably would’ve given this 2 Hearts, if not for the good writing and nice character development.

Two weeks before the vacation planned for their anniversary, Seth’s partner of 20 years took his own life while lying in bed next to Seth. Mark has been diagnosed with an incurable disease, and as a pharmacist he knew that putting Seth through that would be unfair and it would destroy his spirit. Seth is wrecked in the worst way possible because he found out about Mark’s disease from his suicide letter.

Seth’s feelings and stance on Mark’s death were pretty easy to understand. Sorrow, heartbreak, sadness, rage, fury…. how does one cope knowing that your partner didn’t give you a choice and kept you in the dark while taking the easy way out?

Seth decides to go on the trip and knowing that cancelling Mark’s ticket would be a loss of money, he invites Mark’s best friend Bryce to go with him. Bryce is the ultimate playboy, unwilling to accept his age and be realistic about life. Picking up barely legal boys on Grindr and fucking his way through the twink population, Bryce is unwilling to open his heart to anyone. He doesn’t believe in the sanctity of marriage and truly believes it wrecks people’s lives.

Bryce and Seth couldn’t be more different: the monogamist vs. the whore, the idealist vs. the realist, the dreamer vs. the jaded. And yet there’s something between them that neither of them can ignore, no matter how hard they try…but, for different reasons. Seth doesn’t want to be another notch in Bryce’s post, and Bryce is not looking for anything serious and permanent. Fortunately, things don’t usually go the way people plan and Bryce and Seth find themselves is a relationship of sorts.

Of course Seth has to work through the guilt and anger and Bryce has to come to terms with the fact that finding the right person can make you happy and content, instead of miserable.

What I hated with a passion was that Seth’s guilt was handled by putting down Mark. He’s dead already for fuck’s sake. Why couldn’t he be remembered as a dedicated partner who loved Seth enough to put up with his neglect?

Seth worked as a writer and depended on Mark financially, yet Mark was still the one who had to clean and cook and take care of him after working 60+ hours a week! And what does he get as a reward? All his faults are thrown out there for all to see. Though I thought they were minor things that every human has after being in a relationship for so many years. (And he didn’t even have a chance to defend himself)!

Also, it took Seth only 3 weeks to sleep with another man. Where is the grieving period? One moment he’s wrecked and the next he gets a magic cock up his ass and all is good.

Speaking of dick, I still didn’t understand why Seth and Mark never had penetrative sex in the whole 20 years they’ve been married. Clearly Seth loves getting fucked, so why did it never happened for them? I needed more explanations to understand what exactly the nature of their relationship was. Especially since Seth believes their sex life was pretty happy and satisfying.

Bryce goes from being allergic to commitment to being in love overnight. What caused this change of mind? When did his feelings toward Seth start to change from annoyed babysitter to love? Despite how lovely their second chance at love was, I couldn’t get past the many inconsistencies.

Overall an OK book and I’m sure you fans of second chances will fall in love with this book.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

The Sixth Chukker by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: The Sixth Chukker
Series: Polo 3
Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Genre: Contemporary/Sports
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8 April 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Retired polo players Preston Fawkes and Konrad Schnell have finally found the happiness that eluded them for years. Their stud farm is a big success, and their marriage couldn’t be healthier. Unfortunately, this idyllic life is disrupted by several unexpected sources.

Caught between the proverbial rock and hard place, Preston and Konrad deal with disgruntled former lovers, demanding children, and old enemies in this sequel to Ride-Off.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-025-5

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7601

Reviewer: Prime

Review: 　The Sixth Chukkur is the third installment of Mickie B. Ashling’s Polo series. You need to have read books 1 and 2 in order to understand the continuous plot lines carried on between books. While I think that this book, much like book 2, is not as strong as book 1 (Fire Horse), it is an utterly enjoyable read and fans of books 1 and 2 will not be disappointed.

We even get to see more of Sasha’s (young Conrad) mother, who is also Preston’s ex-wife and older Konrad’s sister. Hell, there is even the potential for a murder mystery, which was really a mystery assault. All in all, it was nice seeing all the end begin to tie up nicely, even if we have to get through more of Preston’s hot temper.

I have to admit, the key event to this entire book- blackmail from Dr. Rayne Carlisle (who we will remember from book 1 as Preston’s acerbic doctor) just did not sit well for me. The fact that the doctor is a Dom didn’t really seem like an important part of the story either.

What happens (as said in the blurb) is that the good doctor proposes to show to Preston that competing in polo is too dangerous after his last horrific accident by saying he will only sign off on the paperwork for Pres to compete again.

It’s complicated and seemed too contrived. But it did its function and the event triggers off a number of plot lines for the book.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Finding Our Morning

Mickie B. Ashling

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A Noble Cause

Mickie B. Ashling

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Yield

Mickie B. Ashling

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A Tangled Legacy

Mickie B. Ashling

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Being With Him

Mickie B. Ashling

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Once Upon A Rainbow Vol 01

Sydney Blackburn, K.S. Trenten, Riza Curtis, A. Fae, Dianne Hartsock, J.P. Jackson, Donna Jay, A.D. Song, Mickie B. Ashling

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Gnarly

Mickie B. Ashling

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Open House

Mickie B. Ashling

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One Pulse

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Open Seating

Mickie B. Ashling

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