Saturday Series Spotlight, Sneak Peek & Giveaway: Mickie B. Ashling’s Horizons

Ashling TB

Hi all! Thank you for featuring the novels that make up my Horizons series. Reader response to the characters in this universe has been very gratifying. I’m pleased to announce that I’ve completed the fourth book in the series and have sent if off to my publisher for consideration.

Here’s a snippet from the novel. What you’re seeing now takes place in Positano, Italy where Lil and Grier are vacationing. They’re attending a “Leather and Lace” party they stumbled upon after shopping at one of the premier shops in the area.

 They dressed with deliberate care, knowing they’d be in the company of discerning men who had an eye for beauty. Grier’s kink hadn’t diminished through the years, in part because Lil was a kindred spirit, falling headlong into the world of red lace panties. They’d talked about opening up their own line of undergarments on many occasions, but they’d decided against it for one very important reason—Luca. Trying to explain why an architect and his interior designer spouse would have any interest in tackling the highly competitive world of female lingerie, without revealing their fondness for cross-dressing, was virtually impossible.

Furthermore, the guys had their hands full with their thriving business. Nonetheless, anytime they stepped into a lingerie shop and fondled the decadent fabric, they’d start fantasizing about their own line. It had become a game with them, in the same way people make wish lists when imagining a winning lottery ticket. The planning and designing simply added to the fun, and they were looking forward to the fashion show tonight to see if anything new had come on the market since their last shopping expedition. They had more undergarments than anyone could possibly use in one lifetime, folded and tucked away in a locked cabinet in the state of the art dressing room Lil had designed in their new home. When Luca had asked why they kept that particular section locked, Grier explained there was a built-in safe behind the nondescript doors containing valuables and paperwork that needed to be kept secure. It was a little white lie Luca never thought to question because he never second guessed his dads. The element of trust between them was a heartwarming testament to their parenting skills, and they did their very best to keep it intact.

Like most other places in the small seaside town, they were able to walk to the address scribbled on the back of the white business card. The three-story white stucco house hugged the cliffs precariously, appearing to teeter on the edge of disaster before plunging into the ocean. Unlikely, unless a major earthquake hit. Most of the homes built on the tiered rocks had withstood the test of time. This particular house had window boxes with luscious pink bougainvillea draped over the ledges. It looked like a typical Mediterranean home from the outside. No one standing at the weathered wooden entry door would suspect the amount of decadence abounding inside.

Renzo, the older partner and shop owner, greeted them with firm handshakes and led the way into a living room that had been converted into a showroom for the evening. Racks of sheer negligees and kinky leathers lined one wall while every flat surface was covered in wicker baskets overflowing with an assortment of garters, corsets, bustiers, and piles of panties and thongs in different sizes and shapes. Aldo, the blond who’d manhandled Grier, spied them walking in and dashed over to introduce himself to Lil. After intros were made, he gently nudged Grier toward the rack of leathers. Lil held back and observed his fellow guests. Groups of men and women, as varied in appearance as the clothing, plucked through the contents, making comments in different languages as they inspected the items that caught their eye.

There was a small table displaying an appetizing assortment of finger foods, and two waitresses, dressed in French Maid attire, complete with red patent stilettos and black silk stockings, passing around drinks.   Lil took a closer look at them and wondered if they might be transgender. It was hard to second guess these things, and he’d never assume, lest fragile egos be wounded, but he’d been around them in his Castro days and picked up the vibe. It had been years though, and he’d lost touch with that world, so it was very possible he might be mistaken.

The few women present among the guests were certainly eager to show off their wares with plunging necklines and barely there T-shirts. One of them, a striking redhead with a distinct resemblance to Jessica Rabbit, latched on to Grier like he was her very special guest. Lil watched in amusement as Grier struggled to escape, paying more attention to the penis jewelry. Clearly, he was interested in what was for sale, and not who was doing the selling. Eventually, Jessica realized he was impervious to her charms and left him to fend for himself.

Lil snuck up behind Grier as he toyed with a sterling silver chain maille penis cuff. It was a quality piece, judging by the weight and the price tag.

“You want that, love?” Lil asked gently. He snaked an arm around Grier’s waist and drew him toward his chest. “I think it would look fabulous on you.”

“Do you,” Grier replied in an amused tone. “This thing has no give at all. What if it cuts off my blood supply and turns into a major catastrophe?”

“I’m certain the designer took that into account,” Lil said, reaching to finger the piece. “There’s a quick release clasp, hidden quite artfully I might add. Did you notice?”

“So there is,” Grier said. “I wouldn’t mind trying it out.”

“Shall we add this to complete the look?” Lil asked. He held up a chain maille garter belt designed like a bracelet. It would hold up whatever type of stocking one desired, but the back was fashioned to cascade down the upper slope of a rounded ass. It was silver, interwoven with black and copper metal strands. Picturing the piece against Grier’s taut backside gave Lil an embarrassing erection. “Let’s buy this too,” he decided, brooking no argument.

Grier spun around and looked him in the eye with a mischievous glint. “Shouldn’t I try them on for size?”

Lil grinned. “For sure.”

“Come on,” Grier said, pushing Lil toward Renzo. “Let’s go ask our host if there’s a dressing room somewhere.”

Renzo took one look at the objects in Grier’s hand and smiled knowingly. “There are several rooms upstairs with wall to wall mirrors for your viewing pleasure,” he assured them. “Feel free to use one of them for as long as you need.”

“Before you go up,” Renzo said, reaching for a flat box close by. “You might be interested in trying this on as well. It’s too valuable to leave on a hanger and would go perfectly with your jewelry.”

“What is it?” Grier asked curiously.

“A chinchilla vest.”

“It feels wonderful,” Lil said, running his hand over the soft silver and black fur.

“Luca would kill me if I bought that,” Grier said. “You know how much he loves animals.”

“He’d never see it, love.”

“That’s beside the point.”

“In that case, we’ll pass,” Lil smiled apologetically, putting down the vest, but not before running his palm over it lovingly. “Is there anything else you’d recommend?”

“A diamond tipped penile plug, perhaps? It’s received excellent reviews from all my customers. Once it’s seated, it looks like a Prince Albert, without having to endure the penetration.”

Lil’s eyes popped and he looked at his partner hopefully. “Grier?”

Grier raised an eyebrow. “Not for me, babe, but you seem to be getting off on the idea.”

Lil smiled and nodded at Renzo. “May I see it?” He picked up the six inch ribbed plug with the diamond pavé ball at one end and smiled wickedly. “Let the games begin,” he said in a low voice. “I don’t suppose you sell any sterile lube?”

 ***

 My beautiful banner and blog tour were set up by my publicist, Joleen, from Parenthetical Author Services. She works hard to help me promote my work. I’m one of those authors who rarely stick their nose out of the writing cave, and the very idea of self-promotion is daunting. Joleen makes my life a lot easier, and for anyone out there who suffers from my affliction, I’d recommend a publicist to spare you time and anxiety. It’s been a joy to have her in my corner. You can contact her here: joleen@parentheticalauthorservices.com.


Author Bio

Mickie B. Ashling is the alter-ego of a multifaceted woman raised by a single mother who preferred reading over other forms of entertainment. She found a kindred spirit in her oldest child and encouraged her with a steady supply of dog-eared paperbacks. Romance was the preferred genre, and historical romances topped her favorites list.

By the time Mickie discovered her own talent for writing, real life had intruded, and the business of earning a living and raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing and the inevitable emptying nest, dreams were resurrected, and the storyteller was reborn.

She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world. Her award-winning novels have been called “gut wrenching, daring, and thought provoking.” She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.

Mickie loves to travel and has lived in the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East but currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.

Contact

Email | Facebook | Website | Blog | Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon | Dreamspinner | All Romance Ebooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo


HorizonsTitle: Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling
Horizons Series Book One
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Romance
Length: 250 pages

Summary:

2nd Edition
Horizons Series: Book One

College football player Clark Stevens, a popular wide receiver with a potential NFL contract, has a few problems. He’s got a jealous girlfriend, a narrow-minded and controlling father, an attention problem, and an unexpected and powerful attraction to the trauma doctor—the male trauma doctor—who treats him for a broken bone.

Dr. Jody Williams is getting some really mixed signals. He can’t ignore how much he wants Clark, because it’s obvious Clark feels the same way. For the out and proud doctor, the solution seems very simple. For Clark, it’s not! His world is not gay-friendly, and the obstacles he’s faced have led him to deny his sexuality for years.

It’s the Super Bowl of disasters, no matter how you look at it. In the end, Clark has to decide if he’s going to stick with the only life he’s ever known or take a chance on a new one with Jody.

1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, April 2009.


tasteTitle: Taste by Mickie B. Ashling
Horizons Series Book Two
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Romance
Length: 240 pages

Summary:

Horizons Series: Book 2

What should have been a brief interlude turns into something deeper when Lil Lampert meets Grier Dilorio at the Taste of Chicago. Lil is in town visiting good friends Jody Williams and Clark Stevens, and he didn’t plan to hook up with a younger man and discover a mutual love for architecture, interior design, and a unique sexual kink that keeps Lil coming back for more.

By all appearances, Grier is the quintessential bad boy who loves speed, tattoos, and leather, but Lil slowly uncovers another side: selfless, responsible, and tender, especially for  Luca, the son he’s had to deny. With Lil’s love and support, Grier will make a decision key to opening the door to a possible future together, one that includes fatherhood, something Lil has dreamed of but has never dared to explore.


daddioTitle: Daddio by Mickie B. Ashling
Horizons Series Book Three
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Romance
Length: 250 pages

Summary:

Sequel to Taste
Horizons Series: Book Three

Six months after meeting at the Taste of Chicago, Lil Lampert and Grier Dilorio are living together. Their physical bond glows brighter than ever, but the couple soon realizes that it takes more than three magic words and outstanding sex to make a partnership work.

Like any fledgling, Grier is learning how to navigate his new life. His problems should have ended when Jillian signed the papers acknowledging him as Luca’s biological father and he got the opportunity to pursue a career in interior design. Instead, he’s hampered by old fears and bad habits that are hard to let go.

Adjusting to a small apartment in a four-season state—with a much younger man sporting a stubborn streak—is a challenge for Lil. His position as Luca’s “Daddio” is a delicate balancing act between doing what he thinks is right and deferring to Grier’s eight years of experience.

Life is stressed enough, but now Lil and Grier also face an unexpected complication from a powerful, far-reaching ruling body. Suddenly Luca’s safety—and their happiness as an emerging family—depends on Lil’s keen understanding of human nature and Grier’s willingness to learn.


Giveaway

I am giving away one eBook from the Horizons series-WINNER’S CHOICE (prize courtesy of Mickie B. Ashling). Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

4. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

5. Fill out the form below by 5 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

CONTEST OVER

*I am the only person who will have access to info that is submitted to me UNLESS a publisher or author has donated an eBook for the giveaway. For a prize donated by an author or publisher, I will forward your e-mail and format selection to the person responsible for distributing the eBook. In the event the contest form is not working, please leave your book selection in the comments below.*

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. Ms. Ashling or her assistant will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be posted HERE on Tuesday.

***The eBook in this giveaway has been donated by Mickie B. Ashling.***


8 Comments

Filed under Contest, Saturday Series Spotlight

8 Responses to Saturday Series Spotlight, Sneak Peek & Giveaway: Mickie B. Ashling’s Horizons

  1. H.B.

    I haven’t yet read a book from this author. The series seems interesting. Thank you for featuring it and the giveaway!

  2. Joleen, PAS Promotions

    It’s been a real–sometimes even giggly–pleasure working with you, Kathy! 😀 Everything looks great and can’t wait to work more together in the future. Good luck to everyone who enters!

    • Book Reviews & More by Kathy

      LOL 😀 Looking forward to working with you again and hopefully it’s just as fun, but less complicated 😉

  3. Mickie B. Ashling

    Hi Kathy! Thank you so much for hosting my series today. I apologize for the late comment but the EDJ was calling this morning and I had to run out of the house as soon as I posted your link on my FB page. I hope you enjoyed the short snippet of Lil and Grier on vacation!

    • Book Reviews & More by Kathy

      You’re very welcome. I love this series and I am looking forward to your next release!

  4. Cindy DeGraaff

    Thanks for the tour stop and excerpt and also for the giveaway opportunity.

  5. claudia

    Book 4 !!!!! can’t wait.