It’s the 8th and final night of Hanukkah and a sad night in this world after the tragedy that happened yesterday. Hug your kids, and bring them up right. Get them help if they need it. Most importantly, love them for who they are.
Tonight, we finish Hanukkah with an author that has never failed me. With 35 published long and juicy romances (both contemporary and paranormal) Kristen Ashley is not only a prolific writer, she is amazing at it. She is my go-to author. Any time anyone asks for a book suggestion, I suggest Kristen’s books first. I must say though, her books should come with a warning. “Warning: Do not try to sleep or have a regularly functioning life while reading this book” or “Warning: You will fall in love with the guys in my books. And become a fickle bitch when you fall in love with the next one”.
I have to pace myself with Kristen’s books for a few reasons. The main reason is I am so afraid to run out. But I have resisted and luckily have so much more to go. I love knowing that I always have one ready to go, and it will not fail to make me happy. Another reason is because I check out of life while reading them! I just can’t stop reading. I get no sleep. Lastly, I need to read a variety for you guys, my readers. But if I can easily just take a month and read them all…….aaaahhhhhh, a KA binge sounds lovely. Kristen’s books are kind of like anti-depressants for me. Even when sad parts come, they make me feel good. Every time I thought I have fallen into a book slump, a Kristen Ashley book has pulled me out. They make you grin like an idiot, laugh a lot, swoon a whole bunch, sob like a baby and do it all again. It’s crazy, but I can’t even pick my favorite one!
A little about Kristen Ashley:
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen has penned so many books on my favorite lists it’s cray-cray! She is the author of a ton of series, and I have listed and reviewed the books from these:
- The ‘Burg Series
- The Colorado Mountain Series (Just being republished paperbacks)
- The Unfinished Hero Series
- The Dream Man Series (Just being republished with paperbacks)
- The Rock Chick Series
Kristen has asked to give away Rock Check Redemption:
Roxie’s on the run from a bad boyfriend who will not catch the hint that it is o-v-e-r. She’s in no mood for love at first sight, but when her eyes fall on Hank, it’s trouble from the get-go. Roxie tries to hold Hank at arms length but Hank wants to be a closer (as in, a lot closer). Roxie’s trouble catches up with her and Hank wants to help but Roxie knows in her heart that she’s no good for a white hat guy. The problem is no one agrees with her, especially her crazy hippie best friend Annette or her parents; the even crazier small-Indiana-town Herb and Trish. Toss into the mix the gang from Rock Chick and Rock Chick Rescue and Roxie finds herself totally outnumbered.
Climb in for another Rock Chick wild ride through Rock Chick Redemption. As the odds stack up against Roxie, she has no choice but to hold on and just ride it out through the kidnappings, car chases, society parties, a riot at the strip club, Hank getting “Mom Bombed” and one crazy night at the Haunted House.
During all this Hank works at convincing her she really wants to stay and he, along with the Hot Bunch, go all out to make her safe. Hank also needs to work on showing Roxie that her past decisions don’t mean her future can’t include something as downright delicious as… normal.
See the entire Rock Chick Reading order here.
Here are the answers to some questions I sent Krsten. We get a little mini Kristen story! Yay!
Pick your 3-5 favorite couples from any of your books and tell me how they are spending their holiday.
I can’t say that these are my favorite couples because they’re all my favorites but I’ll pick some randomly.
Lahn and Circe from THE GOLDEN DYNASTY: Circe, obviously, will want to spoil the twins and raise them with some of her own traditions so she does though she has to use a branch as a Christmas tree. The kids get bunches of toys. Lahn gets a very long bath session with his queen. Lahn doesn’t entirely understand this Christmas business but he likes his children being spoiled and he definitely likes long bath sessions with Circe.
Lexie and Ty from LADY LUCK: It’s mayhem in the Walker household with four kids. A fight ensues when the boys want to watch football and the girls want to watch a marathon of Vampire Diaries. Lexie isn’t very happy when Jules practices his punting skills and breaks a lamp. Ty isn’t real happy when Lexie and Lella play dress up, Lex puts some makeup on Lella, giving him indication of future woes since she’s a knockout without makeup, but made up, when she’s grown up, he knows he’s gonna be in for trouble. With all that excitement, the kids go to sleep early. Which means Ty and Lexie’s day is saved since they get to go to bed early. They just don’t sleep.
Tess and Brock from WILD MAN: After gift giving and getting and Tess’s delicious breakfast, the boys both take off to spend the day with friends so Tess and Brock spend the day in bed. Luckily, Tess has made a batch of Christmas cupcakes therefore they can keep up their strength through sugar highs. They all meet up again for dinner with Brock’s family. Elvira is a surprise show with her man Malik. Mostly because she doesn’t feel like cooking.
Which one of your characters is most like you?
Impossible to answer, there’s a bit of me in all of them. But, if I have to pick just one, Ava from ROCK CHICK REVENGE.
If you can hang out with any of your characters, who would they be?
Tex from the ROCK CHICKS. I know I’d laugh my behind off and anything would go. I’d be happy to supply the plastic wrap and stun guns.
Do you fall in love with each of your guys the way we do? I never realized I could be so fickle, but your alphas are the best alphas, and they just keep getting better!
Absolutely. Every. Single. One.
Favorite Holiday tradition?
Watching WHITE CHRISTMAS on Christmas Eve with the fams.
Favorite Holiday book?
Um… I don’t have one. I’m now wracking my brain to try to think of a book which is centered around a holiday and I can’t think! Yikes!
Favorite Holiday movie?
See above! WHITE CHRISTMAS! HA!
Favorite Holiday Song?
“The Christmas Waltz” sung by Karen Carpenter
Best part of the holidays?
Food and family or family and food. Two of the three most important “F’s” in my life (the third being friends).
Best holiday memory?
Years ago, I’d REALLY wanted to buy my brother this blue, Ralph Lauren coat for Christmas. It was THE BOMB, he loved it, it looked fab on him but it also expensive and we didn’t have a lot of money not to mention, I was in college so I had ZERO money. On Christmas Day, my Auntie Bec sent my brother on a treasure hunt in search of one of his gifts and she made me go with him. At the end of the hunt was that coat. It was a gift to my brother AND me. It was very much my aunt, being generous in all kinds of ways. It was also beautiful.
Favorite holiday snack?
Reese’s Christmas Trees. Green and red M&M’s. My Gramma’s yeast crescent cookies. My sister’s butter cookies. Brie and cranberry wrapped in puff pastry (you DID ask about food, did you think I’d only pick just one thing?)
Least favorite part of the holidays?
When people rush around and get so in their own heads, they forget what the season is all about. I loved the holidays in England. Americans put so much pressure on themselves, baking cookies, cards, wrappings, shop-shop-shopping, do this, do that, blah blah blah. English people have a lot of parties, eat a lot, drink a lot and if your Christmas cards gets there in time, awesome. If not, nevermind. The joy of the season is everywhere and they don’t miss the point of it. I love that.
New Years Resolution?
Never make them. I resolve every day to be a good person, find a way to be a better person, be kind to my sistahs and bruthas and be true to and gentle with myself. I don’t need to make a pact with myself I’m going to break in a couple of days then kick myself for the next year. I’m good with what I do day to day J.
What are you most looking forward for next year?
Having my books in print, meeting folks at RWA, in Vegas and during the Rock Chick Reunions and maybe, possibly, I hope to all that is holy, find time to get to a beach and have a vacation!
Thank you so much to Kristen for this last Hanukkah giveaway! Great interview! xo
Related Posts:
Lisa w says
Maybe I will finally get part of my to do list done!! HA! Not with all these great book reviews!!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net
Ricki says
I can’t wait for Wicked Girls Book Weekend in February!!!
anasdiary says
Me too!
Donna M. says
I’m looking forward to more books, more home renovations and hopefully a really good beach vacation! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Angela Love says
What a great review and I just loved the dream men series and I just started the colorado mountain series so this is awesome!!!!
Merry Christmas and thank you for this Great giveaway it was so much fun doing this!!!!
angelalove40@gmail.com
Erin Hill says
A special vacation my hubby and I are planning. We got married 6 years ago and still haven’t taken our “honeymoon”!
Heather @ Red Headed Bookworm says
Nice interview. I’ve never read her books before, I’ll have to put them on my TBR List! What do I look forward to in the coming year? Hmm…maybe just a fresh start! Clearing out the old and beginning the new. Putting all the mistakes, “failures” and oopsies behind me and striving to become better! Thanks so much!
Wendy says
In the next year I’m looking forward to so many things. First, the new budget plan that the hubs and I are planning to start so we can have more yearly vacations. Second, all the new book releases that are set to come out. Third, are plan to purchase our first home, which also happens to be the one I’m most excited about. We definitely need more space!
Thanks for a super giveaway opportunity!
Dawn Bush says
Hoping to return to my career after bing stay at home mom…hubby out of work for 2 yrs…trying to be optimistic for 2013! 😉
carrie raasch says
I am most looking forward to next year being better then 2012, most of all being heathly and safe with my kids and husband, and rest of my family.
Jennifer says
To adding a new addition to our family.
anasdiary says
Congratulations!
Sheri Zee says
I’m looking forward to reading more amazing books this coming year!
Jessica L says
I can’t wait for all the new books scheduled to come out 🙂
Sarah Handrich says
I am looking forward to being a stay at home mom and spending extra time with my sweet babies!
Yesenia says
move out of state
Holley says
Hopefully some new additions to our family
Elise low says
I am looking forward to this year being the year to be good to myself. Time to start thinking about my live and stop worrying about everyone else’s. not that I won’t or don’t care but this rock chic had got to make herself a priority!!
Irene says
Im looking forward to a Disney vacation this coming year!!
Stacy m says
A new job a new start at life
Constance O. says
I’m looking forward to finding a better job than the one I have now and new adventures. I plan to do some traveling in the new year.
Maria G says
I <3 KA!!! Great interview!
Jill Cheever says
Sorry to say, I was one of the bingers. I couldn’t stop, I have read all but one. She is my absolute favorite.!
Lisa Flanagan says
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
anasdiary says
Thank you! You too!
Becky K. says
I am looking forward to many things. I just had a baby so seeing my two girls growing up together is on the top of that list…so is making more time for myself. And I most definitely hope to go to Vegas 🙂
laurie j says
KA is one of my fav authors! I could re read her books all the time!
Melissa Phothisane says
All of Kristen’s series listed above are the ones I’ve read and I LOVED every second of it!
Kendell Piller says
I am getting in SHAPE ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!! ❤
anasdiary says
Good for you, I will join you!
nicki says
my sister’s wedding, then working on baby number 3!
K F says
I am slowly working my way through KA books for the exact same reason! All I want for Christmas is a little Alpha male. 🙂
Whitney says
Addition to our family 🙂
Shauna says
Kristen Ashley is my favorite author.
Melissa B says
I am looking forward to all the awesome books I get to read! My list keeps growing… I need more free time lol
Lariza says
Love KA! I’m looking forward to all the books I’m waiting to come out!!
Ana T, says
Can’t get enought KA!
Michelle says
I love love love Kristen Ashley! I’m looking forward to my tea ceremony engagement in May!
Gail D says
I love her books…just re -read the Dream Man series!
Looking forward to more KA stories.
Happy Holidays
Gail D says
More KA books…
A fresh start with a new beginning~~
Cindy Aslaner says
Kristen Ashley is my absolutely favorite author and I read a lot of romance novels! Her characters really get under your skin. I so agree with the warnings suggested for her novels!!!!!!!! Once you start one, be prepared to not stop until you finish! I have read them all and recommend every one! That’s a lot of exclamation points, but KA deserves them. 🙂
Sue Miller says
To have a Merry Christmas and read as many books and I possibly can:)
holly says
Awesome post and giveaway. KA is definitely my favorite author. 🙂
Sarah M. says
I am looking forward to reading more books.
Lisa says
I think I’ve only read one of her books before, definitely interested in reading many more!!
Jessica says
Reckless is coming out!!!! 🙂
Evelyn Recinos says
HAving more time to read these amazing books!
Terry says
Loved the interview 🙂 Awesome job!
This coming year I am looking forward to a less stressful and more relaxing year, with lots of time to read all the books from my favorite authors 🙂 Happy Christmukkah ! 🙂
Yadira A. says
A raise in salary from my job:)
Sarah Camargo says
This coming year I’m looking forward to continued health for myself and loved ones, making more awesome memories with my family and friends, reading more kick ass books from Kristen Ashley and other authors and meeting a shit load of my favorite authors in Vegas in August!!!!!
Arely Z. says
YAY! I love KA! WOOT!
Thanks for the interview 😀
Adis says
Thx for the great post. Love it!!! I’m proudly admit as KA addict 🙂
Looking forward to Ren and Allie’s Story (can not wait!!!), Frankie and Benny’s story, Shy and Tabby’s story.
Brandi Wa says
The thing I’m looking the most forward to in 2013 is finding a new job!! I’m really determined to get myself out there and move on to the next stage in my career.
Tess says
Great interview! I love KA and her irresistible alpha males! I’m looking forward to Reckless by SC Stephens, Entwined with You by Sylvia Day and Gabriel’s #3 by Sylvain Reynard. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Tess
tess_halim(at)hotmail(dot)com
Lily Ann Quilala says
KA Books Rocks!!!! Hope I will win 🙂
Gayle Fulawka says
I can’t wait until I can start my KA paperback collection. I need em all lol.
Kirstie says
More time to relax and read…
Robin says
I am looking forward to reading more Kristen Ashley books!
Jessica Sotelo says
Love Kristen Ashley… can’t get enough!
Becky Warnick says
Spending more time with family and firends.
Mica says
Kristen Ashley is my all time favorite author. Thank you anas-attic for introducing me to such a wonderful author. You are correct absolutely nothing gets accomplished while readin a KA book!