Skip to main content

Happy Birthday to The Vampire Next Door!



Happy birthday to Sly, Happy birthday to Morgaine, Happy birthday dear characters...Happy birthday to me...

Yes, it must be my birthday. It certainly feels exciting enough to be my birthday--or more like my birthday when I was 5 or 6...it's that exciting!

Every milestone in this career path is something to celebrate. And I'm glad to have all of you to celebrate with me! I annouced my new release on my local RWA loop...twice, and all I got were crickets! Are they getting sick of my milestones? Better not be, because I intend to reach many, many more.

I told my agent my ultimate goal is to see my book for sale on the spinner in the grocery store when I'm shopping...not looking for it--just stumbling across it, like meeting an old friend in the aisle. That means I probably have to attain best seller status. Anderson News only buys what they know will sell.

So, okay everyone, I need your help! Make me a best seller! Download book 1 in the Strange Neighbors series for FREE between now and August 8th. Find it at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com

Then get book 2 for a ridiculously low $2.99 at either of those places. Last in the series is The Vampire Next Door, which has been getting terrific reviews! 4 1/2 stars from RT, Bitten By Books and The Romance Studio. So, you won't be sorry if you part with $5.99 for the new release. Let's see, that's less than $9 for an entire series--like over 1,000 pages. How can you NOT make me a best seller?

Most pepole like to know what they're buying though, so here's part of the back cover that describes the whole series--and an excerpt.

Apartment for Rent: Normal need not apply
This old Boston brownstone is not known for quiet living...first the shapeshifter meets his nurse, then the werewolf falls for his curvy lawyer, but now the vampire is looking for lovewith a witch who's afraid of the dark...and you though your neighbors had issues!

The series has been called The Paranormal version of the TV show "Friends." Here's an excerpt that might demonstrate why:

Carrying his one cardboard box tucked under his arm, Sly unlocked and opened the door to his apartment. He took one step and halted. This was his apartment, right? He glanced back at the door and saw 1B proudly displayed in brass.

All he’d expected to find in his place was possibly Merry’s bedroom set, but a worn leather couch, an old trunk, and an antique-looking chair were grouped around his fireplace. A braided rug covered the floor beneath the welcoming scene. Artwork, candles, vases, books… every comfort of home graced the walls and bookshelves.
As he stood in his living room, confused, he heard snickers coming from the back of the apartment.

“Surprise!” his friends yelled as they jumped into view.

Merry, Morgaine, Gwyneth, Konrad, and Roz stood there grinning and laughing.
Just then, Nathan strolled in behind him, carrying an old bird perch. At least that’s what Sly thought it was. It looked like the tall metal T-bar that a parrot would sit on.

“Did I miss the big surprise?” Nathan asked.

Sly smiled. “Apparently.”

“Good. I hate those things. Here.” Nathan extended the item in his hand and set it on the floor next to him. “It’s my old perch. You can use it for a coat rack—or something.” Then he looked over toward the rest of the group. “Is there cake?”

Merry held up a bottle of champagne. “No, only this. Sly doesn’t eat.”

Nathan sighed. “Well, I’ll be going then. Welcome to the neighborhood, Sly.” He extended his free hand and Sly shook it.

“Jesus, man. I’ll never get over how cold you are. Go drink a rat or something.”

Gwyneth folded her arms. “Nathan Nourie, y’all git back here. Not only was that uncalled for, but this here’s a party and we’re all celebratin’.”

“I know. That’s why I’m going.” He left and closed the door behind him.
Gwyneth rolled her eyes. “I do declare, I don’t know what’s wrong with that boy. You’d think we was making him stand in front of a firin’ squad.”

“That’s just the way he is, Gwyneth,” Morgaine said. “I don’t think we can change him.”

“I suppose not. Ain’t no point in beatin’ a dead horse… ’course, it can’t hurt none either.”

Sly grinned and wandered closer to his friends.

“I guess you gave me some of your old things?”

“Well,” Roz answered, “Merry told us that someone was too proud to let her furnish the place with new stuff, so everything here is used.”

“We figured y’all wouldn’t mind a few little cast-offs since it didn’t cost us nothin’.”

“Thank you.” He scanned the cozy-looking living room, and a lump formed in his throat. “I’m truly touched.”

He wandered over to the eclectic furniture grouping. His amplified sense of smell told him exactly who’d previously owned each piece.

The antique chair was from Roz. The couch was Merry’s. He ran his hand over the back of it. The beat-up old brown leather only made it softer and more comfortable.
The trunk was Morgaine’s, and a bookshelf held the scent of Konrad’s wolf hair.

“We put a few items in the kitchen too,” Gwyneth said.

He strolled past the dining area furnished with a tiny round table and two chairs, again with Merry’s scent, and stepped into the galley kitchen.

Gwyneth opened the cabinets and showed off a five-gallon bucket and a couple of large copper pots. “These will come in handy later on when we set up the—”

Morgaine cleared her throat and sent her a quick head shake. “There’s plenty of time for him to look around and see what’s here.”

Gwyneth looked over at Merry and must have realized she had almost spilled the beans about the still in front of the landlady.

“Of course. Silly me. What was I thinkin’?”

“And Sly,” Merry added as she set the champagne on the counter, “if you need anything else, please ask. Okay?”

“I can only think of one thing I really need, and that’s a way of darkening my bedroom during the day. Did you bring any blankets?”

“I didn’t have to,” Merry said. “Morgaine suggested room-darkening shades. It’s the only thing I bought, Sly. I promise.”

Sly looked over at Morgaine. She blushed slightly and dropped her gaze to the floor. Why was she embarrassed? She had thought of his needs and suggested the perfect way to meet them. He wanted to hug her, but not in front of an audience.

“I really can’t thank you enough—everyone.” Were those tears threatening to form in his eyes? No way was he going to let people see the big, scary vampire cry—especially gross, bloody tears.

Comments

  1. Yea, Ash.. The Rugrat and Tadpole will love this don't you think.. yes, they.are e books but sweet lady your on your way.. :-)

    Love ya,
    Me...

    ReplyDelete
  2. True, Sherry. The ebooks are the free and cheap ones...however, the paperbacks are just as good. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  3. You know, most people would hesitate before taking on an ensemble approach. On the page, you can't just cut to camera two to tell us who's speaking, but in your hands, it's a seamless read. Well crafted, Ash, and it sounds like a fun book and a fun series. Very best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am looking forward to reading this!! Sounds like it'll be a great read!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Launch party: today!
    Bestseller: soon!
    Wonderful excerpt. Great cover! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks, Grace, Betty and Carolyn!
    I appreciate all the encouragement.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awww you just want to give a good squish to the ole softy!! Beautifully written scene Ashlyn!! Thanks for sharing. And I"m sure you'll be hitting that Bestseller List soon!

    ReplyDelete
  8. LOL, Stephanie.

    Yup. I love the hero with a tender heart.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrat! I'm tweeting and posting it on my FB author page :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you, Sara! All the word-of-mouth (or fingers) advertising I can get is much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I one-clicked this at amazon as soon as I saw it! I can't wait to get started on it and continue the series. Good luck and happy b-day ;)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, Ashlyn.

    Thank you for sharing such a great excerpt; I loved it.

    As with your first two books in this series, I laughed aloud as I read it...and then looked around to make sure none of my coworkers were looking at me!

    I can't wait to read this.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you Anna and Tracey!

    I hope they give you some enjoyable reading time.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ah ha! it should feel like your Birthday! And may you reach many, many more milestones and that BESTSELLER list as well!
    Amelia

    ReplyDelete
  15. Another great book by a fab writer & even more fabulous lady! Congrats, my friend! Here's to many many more wacky tales from your vivid muse!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy birthday to The Vampire Next Door, and hope to see your book at the grocery store soon!

    ReplyDelete
  17. No crickets here! Congrats on your release, Ash!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks so much, ladies! It's great to celebrate with all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats, Ash! Off to tell my FB and TW friends.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I can't check your store, but I'll keep a look out at my stores for you. Happy Sales!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats on the new release! Heading over to Amazon right now!

    ReplyDelete
  22. We are release month buddies. :} Best wishes, Ash!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment