Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Who's In The Mood to be Teased?

Happy Tuesday all! I'm so glad you came to visit. Today, I'm feeling the need to share...the blurb for The Sweetest Dish and a snippet, too. So here they are. I hope you enjoy! XOXOXO!

Love and cherries,
-Mia



Blurb


 Love, laughter, friends, family, and a Thanksgiving none of them would ever forget.

After the highs and lows of the last year, Jaycee Blakemore, Shannon Dalton, Katie-Anne Jacobs, and Ella Blaylock-Asher are ready to celebrate their blessings with the people they love. But the return of their archenemy, Leila Schilling, threatens to destroy their perfect Thanksgiving.

Having spent months plotting the sweetest revenge, Leila’s arrival in Serenity, Kansas immediately sets off a chain of events that turn Jaycee, Shannon, Katie-Anne, and Ella’s lives upside down. With an arsenal full of old hurts, veiled truths, and past scandals, Leila shamelessly exploits whatever she must to come out on top. 
However, she goes too far when she hurts the girls’ friend, Sarah Matthews.

Determined to rid themselves of Leila once and for all, the women unite to take her down.  Only they discover on their path to vengeance that love is the sweetest dishes in life—on Thanksgiving and all year around.


A Snippet from The Sweetest Dish


*Since I'm now working on Sarah Matthew's book, I chose to tease you with a little something-something from one of her two scenes in this book. In this particular scene, she is in the bathroom at Shannon Dalton's house with the delicious Adam Stanton...

“Sarah,” Adam whispered, and she snapped her eyes open. Thankfully. Otherwise, she might recall what had been in the pictures. And that would be bad. Very, very bad.
Adam dropped down beside her with a grunt, but he didn’t touch her. He merely joined her on the cold, hard tiles. “I know something happened. You have to tell me about it.”
“No,” she replied. “I don’t.”
“Please.”
In all the time she’d known Deke and Adam, she’d never once heard either of them say please. She’d figured that particular word wasn’t in their vocabulary. Obviously she’d been wrong. And with that, she broke. She had to tell him. Maybe she didn’t have to share every detail, but she had to share something.
When she raised her gaze to his, her breath stalled in her chest. He was so darn gorgeous. His thick chestnut hair had been obviously mussed by a hand delving through the strands. His luminous blue eyes held a tightness she’d never seen before from the charismatic man. Mr. Suave wasn’t present in this form of Adam—not at all.
Staring deeply into his eyes, she nibbled on her bottom lip. His intense gaze held her captive, transfixing her. And she felt her body being drawn to his for comfort. She needed him. She needed his touch. From the tension emanating off his rock-hard body, he needed her as well.
Leaning forward, Sarah lifted her head as she hoped for a kiss from Adam, a kiss that never came. He brushed the side of her face with the back of his hand, the caress soft and fleeting but exquisitely tender. “Not like this, sweet pea,” he whispered. “I want our first kiss to be special. You deserve that.”
She flushed in embarrassment, pulling away from him quickly. Only she retreated in every way—her emotions as well as her body. “O–o–oh,” she stuttered. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. It wasn’t right.”
He smiled. “No, I’m glad you wanted my comfort. It’s just not the right time for a kiss. But I can hold you.”
“O–o–oh.” She stuttered again then said, “O–okay.”
Reaching around her shoulders, he tucked her closely into his side. “Sweet pea, please tell me what happened.”
And again, she felt compelled to share everything with him. So she told him what she could—the bare basics.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Mia's Monday Madness...My Costumes of Yesteryear

Happy Monday Morning! It's almost here—Halloween, I mean. So I thought that it would be fun to talk about my costumes of yesteryear on Mia's Monday Madness. Yes, I know that I discussed costumes on my last blog. My memory is still intact, despite my advancing age. Oh the horror!

Now it would be dreadfully dull for me to repeat the last blog. After all, I try to avoid rinsing and repeating, contrary to the bottle of shampoo's instructions. However, this case is slightly different because my last blog was not about my personal Halloween experiences or costumes. It didn't reflect me as a Halloween nightmare. Cue evil laughter. Okay, that is total bull-hockey. I don't have a scary bone in my body. Funny bone, yes. Scary bone, no.

What it boils down to is I didn't get to poke fun at my insanely horrible Halloween duds in the last blog. And let me tell you, that is a sad thing to miss out on. I enjoy making fun of my horrid costumes. They are bad...we're talking seriously embarrassing. But since this weekly blog is about me as a person, I guess I will suck it up and go there.

So here they are...the three costumes of my past:



Before the days of Honey Boo Boo, there was me...the beautiful beauty queen, the future Miss America. Yep, I was that girl. And boy, did I love being her. My only mistake...I forgot to notify the pageant world of my coming and eventual domination. So I had to stick to the 24-hour rein of Miss America on Halloween once a year...times three, four, or maybe five years. 

Moving on to my middle school and early high school years...



During those impressionable years, I was a majorette at Halloween. Yet again, I used and re-used this costume. Now being a majorette for Halloween doesn't sound so bad. Does it? Well, I have a secret to share. I was a majorette...all year round. From the time I hit puberty, I twirled at school, in competitions, in parades, on television, and at events. I twirled every-freaking-where. So basically, I cheated. My exciting costume was nothing more than a trip to my closet. I totally lacked imagination on this one. And for me, that is hugely embarrassing. After all, I'm a writer. One would think that I could have come up with something...anything! But nope, I didn't.


And finally, we hit my senior year costume...


What the heck?!? I know you're probably confused. So I'm going to explain this one in the least detail possible. I do want to maintain some dignity. Crap, is it getting hot in here? My face is burning. Hold on. I need to gather my wits and calm my flaming cheeks. Breathe in. Breathe out. Okay, I can do this. Here goes nothing—I was a rabid *NSYNC fan. I spent hours designing and creating the perfect, homemade costume. Although, it was probably a bit of a waste. It wasn't much different than my normal after-school job. Listen to *NSYNC music. Read news clippings about the *NSYNC hotties. Watch their concerts in slow-motion. And of course, drool over their Tiger Beat centerfold posters. All the usual obsessive stalkers work. Are you freaked out yet? Because I kind of am. 

Now I imagine that you've come to realize that I have only worn three different costumes in my life and that I have not dressed for Halloween since high school. It's sad but true. My family was never big on celebrating this particular holiday which has carried on with me. Until I had my daughter, I was truly uninterested in Halloween. But now that I go with her to various places for celebrations, I sometimes miss the fact that I didn't enjoy Halloween in my own youth. Since there is nothing I can do to change my Halloween past and the craptastic costumes I wore, every year I strive to make Halloween an exciting event for my child. As of now, it's one of her favorite holidays. She claims it is her absolute favorite...but I think she might miss those presents under the Christmas tree! But that's another blog...for a snowy day in December.

Okay, my short blog blew up. So I simply must let you go and get your Halloween week started. Hope everyone has a wicked week. XOXOXO!

Love and cherries,
-Mia


I just couldn't resist...


Although, I have to ask. Is it me or does the flying purple people eater in this video remind you of something...naughty?

Friday, October 26, 2012

Wanna Play Dress-Up?

Happy Howloween everyone. And welcome to I've Got 69 Problems, But a Kink Ain't One. Today is a special day. Okay, it's a doubly special day. Think Doublemint gum—Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun. 

First things first. It's release day for the fourth book in the Sweet Serenity series. Three Rings and a Rose released at midnight. Woohoo! If I could do a back flip, I would. But trust me, for the safety of myself and mankind, I think I'll stick to squealing like a teen at her first Justin Bieber concert. Okay, maybe not that loud. I do want to be able to talk. 

And secondly, I'm taking part in a Blog Hop. The Howloween Blog Hop, to be exact. This particular hop has over 270 authors blogging and giving away various goodies for Halloween. If you want more details, swing by the website and find out more.



Now that all the business is through, let's get down and dirty and play dress up....Whoa! Wait. We're not going to play the kind of dress up that your thinking about.

No Dr. Sexy Pants




Or Officer Yummy Guns




Or Mr. Fine Fireman









 


Or Sexy Sailor-Man 




As delicious as the fellas look, I'm totally not going for the Halloween look. I'm going for the Hollywood look. So, you're probably thinking, "Hey Mia, what the hello-Texas? Hollywood? Costumes? Huh?!?" Well, that's easy-peasy-cheesy. I'm talking about these type of costumes...

Dr. McYummy-Eyes aka Jesse Williams in Grey's Anatomy



Officer Frisk-Me aka Alex Pettyfer in Magic Mike



Mr. Man-oh-Man Fireman aka Joaquin Phoenix in Ladder 49




Captain Bad-Ass aka Russell Crowe in Master and Commander




Are you confused yet? If so, I've done my job. Just kidding. Or am I? Wink, wink. 

So, back to the real blog. The costumes worn by Jesse, Alex, Joaquin, and Russell aren't really costumes. (Why yes, I'm on the first name basis with these four. After multiple restraining orders and a trip to the local jail, I figure that we're intimately acquainted...Or not.) Actors don't get to wear costumes in the usual sense. They wear special clothes designed for the character they're portraying. These costumes can make or break who the characters are. For example, no bunny should be a superhero. Unless, it's porn...and we're talking about battery operated rabbits who take over the world. But let's not go down that dirty—I mean dirt—road.

After they slip into their costumes, the actors get to pretend to be something and someone they're not. Basically, they get to live out Halloween every day. A child's fantasy come true. And an adult's, too. Can you imagine what it would be like to be one person today and someone else tomorrow? Can you fathom being able to do what you want without worrying about the repercussions? Seriously, you could kill your arch-nemesis...and get away with it. You could be rich or poor, smart or dumb as a box of rocks, good or evil. The possibilities are endless. Then at the end of the day, you get to go home where you can be yourself. You do what you want, wear what you want, and be who you want. The job is all about dressing up and playing. And the life is all about being happy and loved.

That is one of the things that I enjoyed most about writing Three Rings and a Rose. One of the heroes, Caedon Asher, is a big-shot actor in Hollywood. But he was also a man—a man who loved and wanted to be loved.

Yet again, I'm rambling, and you're probably questioning my sanity. And I don't blame you. Or at the very least, you're wondering where I'm going with this complete randomness. Well, I do have a point. I just haven't found it yet. When I do, I'll let you know. But I must warn you. A woman like me will probably need a load of liquor beforehand. Even then, you'll probably have to bribe me with Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Hmmm...Cherry Garcia is right up my alley. Hint, hint.

Now it's your turn. I want to hear you talk to me. Dirty talk, baby. Maybe not...So really, I do have a question for you. What is your ultimate costume? Oh hell, I have two questions. And would you wear it on Halloween or in a movie? Leave a comment below, and you'll be entered to win a book of your choice in e-book format. Good luck to you...and Happy Howloween. Ahooooo!

XOXOXO,
-Mia Ashlinn





Ella Dawson learned the hard way how much it hurt to be trapped in the middle of Micah Blaylock and Caedon Asher. The tension between the men drove her to the edge. Then a scandal destroyed her relationship with Caedon, shredding her heart and driving her back to Serenity, Kansas.

Two years later, Caedon still can’t forget Ella or Micah. When a worried friend’s meddling provides him with an opportunity to rekindle the relationships he lost, Caedon jumps in with both feet. But he knows he’ll need Micah’s help.

Secret desires and fears push Micah to refuse Caedon. However, Caedon won’t relent. When he finally convinces Ella and Micah to give sharing a shot, what happens when the two men’s love for each other can no longer be denied? And how will their relationship survive when scandal threatens to tear them apart once again?

It’ll take three rings and a rose to unite these would-be lovers, this time forever.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Music to my Ears...Ella's Playlist


Ella's Playlist 

for 

Three Rings and a Rose




The Best of Me by Brantley Gilbert


Wine After Whiskey by Carrie Underwood


Some Day When I Stop Loving You by Carrie Underwood


Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean


Best I Ever Had by Gary Allan


Wanted by Hunter Hayes


(Kissed You) Goodnight by Gloriana


Come Over by Kenny Chesney


Back to December by Taylor Swift


If This Was A Movie by Taylor Swift




Do You Believe Me Now by Jimmy Wayne


Drunk On You by Luke Bryan


American Honey by Lady Antebellum


The Man I Want to Be by Chris Young

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Blogging at 69 Shades of Smut Today!


Happy Hump Day! I just wanted to give you all a heads up that I'm blogging at my other blog, 69 Shades of Smut, today. I'm talking about salacious secrets, scandalous gossip, red hot rumors, and my next book, Three Rings and a Rose. Come by and check it out. You might very well win $20 in Bookstrand Bucks. XOXOXO!


Love and cherries,
-Mia

Since I'm a music person, I thought it would be fun to post a few songs about scandals, gossip, and fame. 








Monday, October 22, 2012

It's Coming, and I'm More Than Ready for It!






The holidays, that is! Don't think I'm not aware of where your naughty little mind went with that title. Of course, my mind always goes there when I hear the word coming so I can't tease you. But hey, that's probably no surprise. I'm not exactly known for my good behavior or squeaky clean mind. Wink, wink.

Well obviously, today is Monday which means it's time for a little more of my madness. No need to tremble in fear. I'm going to talk about something that is not easily perverted. Before any of you say it, my words were not easily. I have learned that most everything can be perverted in one way or another. But that's another blog.

So why is my madness today about holidays? That's a good question. In all honesty, this blog is not really about madness. It's about my adoration of this time of year. 


I'm talking about music that gets stuck in your head...Or at least, it does mine. I mean the kind of music that I sing until my voice cracks and someone else's ears hurt.






And I'm talking movies that you watch once a year, every year...Or yet again, at least, I do. These two are watched at my house every year without fail.







I'm talking fabulous mascots. Okay, the turkey isn't so fabulous. But Mr. Santa is. Shew! Is it hot in here? Or is it just him? *fans herself* I'm thinking it's him. But it could just be me. Wouldn't be the first time and certainly won't be the last. 



     



And I'm talking even cooler commercials and tv specials that are hallmarks of the holidays.







I'm talking about spending time with friends that you don't always get to see.





And I'm talking about coming together with the family you love...but sometimes want to kill.





And don't get me started on the food, lights, and shopping. Ooh, baby. Shopping. Shopping. Did I say shopping?





           

Keep in mind, these are only a few of the things that I love about the holidays. I could go on for days and days with all the reasons I savor Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and all the days in between. In fact, most people don't classify October as holiday time. Normally, I don't either. However, I went to a corn maze this past weekend, and it jump-started my holiday season. Being surrounded by the Fall air and the neat decorations did something for me. I can't describe it. Go figure. Usually, I get yappy and wordy. But this time, it was just...indescribable perfection. 

Now I'm ready for the holiday to get here. Thank goodness, it's coming...and soon!

Hope everyone has a terrific week. I know I will. With Three Rings and a Rose (Sweet Serenity #4) releasing Friday, I'll be flying high. Needless to say, you'll be hearing from me later this week. My poor blog is going to be tired of me by this weekend. I have plans...big plans. I'll see you all soon. XOXOXO!

Love and cherries,
-Mia

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

"The Sweetest Dish" Has A Cover!



Oh my, my, my! I'm so excited. It's finally here—the cover for the fifth Sweet Serenity book, The Sweetest Dish, that is. Whipped cream and handcuffs, anyone? 

Love and cherries,
-Mia


Monday, October 15, 2012

"Three Rings and a Rose" is Available for Pre-Order Now!


It's a very happy Monday! I just found out that the fourth book in my Sweet Serenity series, Three Rings and a Rose, is now available for pre-order at Bookstrand. My inner dork always loves days like these. I get that warm, fuzzy feeling when I see the cover of the book on the website. Yep, I even squeal...just a little! :)


Love and cherries,
-Mia



Mia's Monday Madness...Hot for Headlights!


Do these three logos make your heart pound? 



`


What about these four logos? Do they make you giddy?
  







For me, the answer is a resounding yes to both questions. These logos make my heart pound, and they make me giddy. That's why my Monday Madness today is about cars.

Now let me start out by saying, I'm no car expert. I can't tell a spark plug from an air filter. And I couldn't change my own oil to save my life. Hell, I do good to fill up the gas tank. But that's because I'm completely and totally hopeless when it comes to mechanical abilities. That's my husband's expertise.

Before I make anyone upset, I don't mean that in the sexist way. My husband just really loves cars. Only he loves the inner workings of the machine as much as the outer shell. Me? I'm all about what the car looks like and how fast that bad boy will go. Needless to say, that is why I love these cars:




     

However, my dream car is a Lamborghini. Keep in mind, I'm not picky what kind of Lamborghini...as long as it looks something like this:


Okay, okay. I'm going a bit overboard with the car porn. I just get all excited when it comes to cars. I'm so addicted to them that I have turned into a car nut when I'm writing. Yes, I admit it. I spend hours picking out just the right car for each and every character in the book. I study the cars to the most minute detail, even going as far as picking the year, make, model, color, and options. 

For example, one of the Sweet Serenity characters has a Ford Mustang. But not any Mustang. Jaycee Blakemore has a 1968 Shelby Ford Mustang GT500 in Candy Apple Red. And another character is a car collector. Caedon Asher is one of the heroes in my next book, Three Rings and a Rose. He has four badass cars—a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, an Enzo Ferrari, a Lamborghini Reventon (lucky man), and an Aston Martin One-77. Of course, he nicknamed each of the cars (smart man, too)

"V" (Bugatti)


"Enzo" (Ferrari)


"Rev" (Lamborghini)


"Martie" (Aston Martin)



Hmmm....where was I? Oh yes. My car obsession. As I have already said, I'm a car chick. I love to drive them. I love to look and drool over the ones that I can't afford. And I can't help but fantasize about the day that I win the lottery and start collecting cars. But in reality, this will never happen. Damn it. 

So I do have a backup plan. Every girl needs one. I have complied a list of cars that I might one day buy. *whispers* I have been on the lookout for something new and exciting to drive. But don't tell. Shhhh!



By the way, I'm a Subaru girl. They are the only cars I have ever driven. And at the rate I'm going, they'll be the only car I will ever drive. I'm loyal like that. But who knows. One day...maybe...If I'm lucky...and really good. Well, that might not work. I guess I'll just have to hold out for that lucky lottery ticket. Wonder if the number 69 will win me the jackpot? Crap, I'm digressing. 

So now that you have an idea what kind of cars I lust after, what about you? Do you love cars? If so, what car gets your engine running? Please excuse my cheesy pun. :)

Well, I guess we have reached the end of my madness—for now. Until we meet again...next week. Same time, same place. Have a good one! XOXOXO!

Love and cherries,
-Mia