Ashlyn Mathews - Paranormal and Contemporary Romance Author

I hope everyone had a great time celebrating the start of a new year. My boys and I and the hubby spent the time at home binge-watching Lost In Space on Netflix before we toasted in the new year with sparkling cider.

I love a new year. It’s a great time to reflect on the prior year as well as look forward to all the things I would like to accomplish in the new year. Here’s a recap of what happened in 2019 as well as upcoming book releases for the beginning of 2020. Also, be sure to download your copy of the books I have on sale to celebrate 2020. Happy New Year, everyone!

Here’s what to look forward to for the first half of 2020:

If Only (FREE)

What If (99 cents)

Near Perfect (99 cents)

Before You (99 cents)

As an independent author, I go back and forth on whether to publish my books exclusively with Amazon through their subscription program, Kindle Unlimited, or go wide. I’m still a small prawn in this business, and with the market being oversaturated in terms of the romance genre, I’m happy and grateful when my books do get read.

For the past few weeks, I’ve also gone back and forth about the state and future of my writing. Write more? Write faster? Write under another pseudonym? Stop writing altogether? I did a lot of introspection. I also read up on other writers’ experiences with their uncertainties on whether to continue writing or not. I also read. I read a steamy paranormal romance that was predictable, but enjoyable, with great chemistry between the H/H and not too angsty.

The older I get, the more I realize I would rather have a great love story, an “us” against the world, rather than an angst-filled story of the hero and heroine struggling against one another AND the world.

I also read an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) series that inspired a different kind of hero and heroine, as well as a story line of a feisty, independent couldn’t-care-less heroine paired with a brooding and overprotective MMA fighter. He fights his attraction for her every step of the way because well, you know, his world is too dangerous for her. What he doesn’t realize is she comes from a far more dangerous world than illegal underground fighting.

I’m thinking of writing this untitled story under a different pen name. National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo is coming up, and I’m feeling up to the challenge of churning out a rough draft of 50,000 words in a month.

But back to the conundrum of exclusive versus wide. I’ve decided to put my books back into wide distribution. I’ll be going direct with Nook, Kobo, and Google Play, and will use Draft2Digital, a book aggregator, for other sales channels such as Apple Books.

Going direct with Nook and Kobo will give me the chance to take part in their author offerings. For example, I can run a BOGO on Nook. With Kobo, I can elect to have my books in their subscription service for ninety days, AND I don’t have to be exclusive with them, a win-win.

My books will also go out to library services, such as Hoopla. My audiobook, Stay, is already available on Hoopla. I checked out my own audiobook to listen to while I cooked. How cool is that?

Being an independent author also allows me to bring my old books up-to-date. I decided to change up the books in my Willowbrooks Series. The series will have a new name. The books will have more modern covers. And I’m changing POV from third to first person for If Only and What If, to be in line with Love, Actually (Red Meets Blue). Both books were written in third person, past tense. It’s a huge undertaking changing tenses as well as adding more to both stories (novella length at 20-25k words), but I hope what I’ve learned since the books were released seven to eight years ago will show in the updated versions.

More to come, including cover reveals and the new name for the series.

Happy New Book Release Day to Dante and River! I’ve been meaning to write their story since I released the first book in my Universal Law Series back in 2013. However, life got in the way as well as other stories taking priority. I hope readers enjoy Dante and River’s short story as well as revisit the world of Universal Law again with cameos from Xavier Doom, Trader, Defcon, Sacred, and Fox Raine.

I don’t have plans to continue the series—there are SO many contemporary romance stories in my head I need to write first—but I do have a soft spot for Sacred, the Fallen with the snow-white hair and glacier blue eyes. Someday, he might have his own story. In the mean time, here’s a blurb as well as a sneak peek of Outcast: Dante’s Redemption.

The eBook is available at all retailers. Happy reading!

A disgraced Demon Knight in search of redemption. A thief willing to do anything to avenge her family’s murders.

When her grandfather and father are murdered in cold blood, vampire Slayer River Redding will do anything to avenge their deaths, even strike a bargain with the sexy-as-sin Outcast, Dante Everton.

As a common criminal, River can picture a life with an Outcast, the lowest of low in the hierarchy of creatures. But with Dante’s regal posture and knack for commanding any situation thrown their direction, is he truly who he portrays himself to be? Or is he more off-limits to River’s heart than she could ever imagine?

Stripped of his title as a Demon Knight, Dante will do whatever it takes to redeem himself in the eyes of the other Knights and their leader. Yet to get the evidence that will bring down a gang rumored to be trafficking children and killing Slayers, Dante needs a thief.

He finds help in the form of small-time thief, River Redding. Now he just needs to stick with his original plan without the complication of falling for the fiercely independent, secretive, and mouth-watering River.

Once his title is restored, he’ll be required to marry a woman with money and influence. As a criminal, River doesn’t fit the bill. Or does she?

Sneak Peek

The footfalls hit pavement inches from her. River waited for her unwelcomed guest to make the first move or speak the first words. She wasn’t in an accommodating or chatty mood.

“What you did back there was admirable. Next time show more spine.”

His words were spoken in a deep British timbre, laced with concern and a cockiness she didn’t care for.

Frustrated and angry with the current state of her grandfather’s beloved city, in addition to being sleep-deprived, River whirled and shoved her unwelcomed guest against the nearest wall.

“Hands above your head and legs spread wide apart.”

He surprised her and did as demanded. With her palm between his shoulder blades, River looked him up and down. He was a head taller than her five-foot-three frame. The parka clung to his torso, giving her a glimpse of the ripples and contours of the muscles of his wide shoulders, broad back, and guns for arms. His jeans molded to the curves of his ass and the strength of his legs.

No doubt about it. This guy kept in tiptop shape.

“Why were you following me?” River leaned in and inhaled the scent of him.

Being half-Slayer, she could detect werewolves, vampires, and other Slayers by their scents, but not demons or humans.

He didn’t give off a scent other than the undeniable scent of a male. Was he human or demon? Humans were weak, and demons? Repulsive. At this point, whether he was one or the other didn’t matter. His bulk and size blared danger.

“I wasn’t tailing you. Ever heard of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Well, sweetheart, I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. The vamp you pissed off reports to the monster responsible for killing off your kind. You’ll need my protection.”

The slow movement of his arm plastered on the wall above his head caught her eye. Certain he was up to no good, River pressed him further against the wall with her body.

“When you speak of the monster killing my kind, do you mean Red and his gang of demons and vampires?”

She’d heard grumblings, but the sources were unreliable. They were from Calamity’s rival gangs.

The stranger balled his hand, his slight movement again snagging her attention. The streetlight shone on his fist and highlighted the tat inked on his skin, a coiled serpent consuming itself, each scale on its body bolded a fiery red.

River inhaled a quiet breath.

This man had the mark of an Outcast, wanted by no one other than the dark shadow of sin that must follow and continue to taint his soul.

No wonder he accommodated her. Disobey the demands of a Slayer, or any being higher in the hierarchy of creatures, and he would face jail time. Not that it mattered with the city in chaos.

Why hadn’t he told her to shove off?

“Do you have shelter, food, clean water? I have dry and wet packs. I also have the corner market on this beautiful spot where two eaves kiss. Stay under there, and not a drop of rain will touch you.”

River went on and on, his mark causing her chest to constrict. She had a similar symbol tatted at the base of her neck. Her grandfather paid a huge sum to have the serpent placed there rather than on the top of her hand for all to see she was an Outcast.

“You know what I am, yet you offer food and shelter?”

His accent sent tingles of heat up and down her spine.

River blinked, surprised by her body’s reaction. “I don’t discriminate.”

I’m so excited to be sharing news of a new book. When I’m working on a work-in-progress, I like to go on some of my favorite premade ebook cover sites and glance at what’s available to get a break from my writing. The cover for my newest contemporary romance, Secrets and Lies, came from The Cover Collection. Once I saw the cover, I knew there was a story behind that image. I even kept the title The Cover Collection had used as a place holder.

I hope you pick up your copy of Secrets and Lies, exclusively at Amazon. Continue reading for a sneak peek.

I grew up a social outcast. Girls avoided me, afraid my father’s sin would tarnish them. Guys kept their distance, fearing my grandfather’s shotgun.

But one guy took a chance on me.

Reed “Six” Haider made me his. Made me happy. We met in secret, like Romeo and Juliet. He’s the light to my darkness. Rich to my poor. Important to my insignificant. He was mine, and I was his. Nothing in the world could separate us.

Until one night shattered EVERYTHING, including US.

I told my lies. I held onto my secrets from that night. I can’t change the past no matter how much I long to. I can never take back Reed’s mom’s death.

When I return home again and come face-to-face with Reed, old wounds open and long-buried attraction flares between us. Do I tell him the truth from that night, hoping he’ll give us a second chance at happiness? Or should I walk away from our chance, taking with me his mom’s shameful secrets and lies?

Sneak Peek

Twenty-minutes from my grandfather’s property, Charlie whines. He only whines on car rides when he needs to do his duty.

“I know just the place. Hang tight, Charlie Brown.” I pull into the back lot of Raging River Bar, park, and run around to the passenger-side door.

Charlie bolts out before I can put a collar and leash on him. Weaving my fingers through my hair, I blow out a breath and follow Charlie to the open field behind the bar.

I don’t like when he runs off, but when he has to go, Charlie has to go. I glance around. It’s five o’clock on a Wednesday, and from the looks of the near-empty parking lot, people aren’t ready to hit up the bar until way later, if at all.

There shouldn’t be any harm in letting him free-roam.

While Charlie does his thing, I text Andy I’m in Pandora. Then I let my grandfather know I’ll be at his place soon with food. He sends back the thumbs-up emoji. I set my cell in the cupholder and rummage in my glove compartment for a poop bag.

I find one and pick up Charlie’s pile. Just my luck a squirrel chooses that moment to skitter down the tree next to us and scurries across the parking lot. Charlie takes off running on his short legs.

I run after him, holding the bag of poop.

“Charlie Brown, you get back here right now!” He’s not listening. “Charlie Brown!”

Two things happen simultaneously. The squirrel beats feet up a light pole. Charlie comes to a dead stop and barks. The door of the bar swings open. Masculine laughter. I pivot my attention to the familiar sound.

Reed. Six. Reed Haider is walking out of the bar, his arms slung across the shoulders of two beautiful women in tight mini-dresses and sky-high heels. I can’t stop staring. He is as hot at twenty-five as he was when he was eighteen. When he was mine.

We met in secret and talked. Made love, too. We were like Romeo and Juliet, and just like their story, ours took a tragic turn.

His laughter fades, and he stares back at me. His arms fall from the women’s shoulders, and he glowers. Reed is still angry with me. He hasn’t forgiven me for what I professed to have done that night, the night that shattered us and our plans to be together. The night his mom lost her life.

The force of his anger slams into me, and my body stills. I can’t draw enough air into my lungs. My head spins. I can’t move or speak. At my side, Charlie senses something is off. He snarls and bares his teeth.

And I… I relive the night that changed everything.

Rain pounding on my face.

Loud voices from the cliffside.

Oh, God, he’s hurting her.

I raise my voice above the relentless rain. “Stop, please. She’s too close to the edge.”

Rough hands on my arms shoving me away.

Small, slender fingers grasping for mine.

The look of horror on his face.

The expression of fear on hers.

I reach for her. We reach for her. But it’s too late. She’s fallen over the edge and into the darkness.

A string of curses followed by a man yelling my name rips me out of my nightmare. I blink. Charlie has a firm hold on Reed’s ankle. The women have taken refuge in Reed’s pickup truck.

I rush over and tap Charlie on the top of his head. “Let go, buddy. It’s time to just. Let. Go.”

Charlie listens, and with a backwards glance my way, he trots to the car and plops his butt in front of the door. He’s ready to go.

Too bad, so sad. There’s damage control to take care of. I get on my haunches and raise my gaze to Reed.

“Do you mind?” I grab the hem of his jeans.

Brows angled low, Reed shakes his head. I lift his pants leg and pull down his sock, avoiding touching him.

“He didn’t break skin.” I thought so. I pull up Reed’s sock and lower his pants leg. “Charlie is more of a lover than a fighter. His bites are love bites.” I stand. “He’s harmless.”

“He might be, but you’re not. Stay the hell away from me, Emersyn.” He glares and backs up toward his truck.

I straighten my shoulders and tip my chin at him. No matter how much his words hurt, I’ll keep my promise to Andy. I won’t let Reed distancing himself from me shred my insides to pieces.

“I’ll do my best. Goodbye, Reed.” I’m relieved my voice is steady, but I couldn’t conceal the pleading in my tone, the memories from that night fresh on my mind.

Forgive me.

I’m sorry.

Sorry she died.

Sorry I couldn’t save her.

If I could, I would take your mother’s place in a heartbeat.

But the past is the past, and I can’t change it no matter how many times I relive that moment in my mind and in my nightmares.

FBI field agent and hacker Audrey Benson vows never to be like her father. But when the Feds charge her brother for a crime she believes he was coerced into committing, Audrey goes back on her word.

Guilt-ridden over the line she’s crossed, Audrey arrives in the small town of Cedar Falls ready to find the answers that will clear her brother of the charges and get her back her job.

She gets more than she bargains for when she runs into the town’s homegrown star quarterback in a less-than-friendly first meeting.

She’s not into complicated and disgruntled. He steers clear of perplexing and secretive. But they can’t deny their instant attraction.

Audrey’s search for answers bring them closer but will secrets from her past drive them apart

Sneak Peek

Craving an escape a steamy book can’t take care of, I pull into the parking lot of a feed store and park near the front entrance. The feed store is rectangular and painted clay red. The finish is lifeless. A fresh coat of paint on the wood exterior can give this place much needed eye-popping attention, but I doubt anyone out here cares.

Cedar Falls Feed and Pet Supplies. I can’t stop smiling. The store’s name is original. And in this small town at the easternmost part of Montana, I’ll find the answers that can help J.D. out of his mess.

I shimmy out of my pickup truck and studying my surroundings, I stretch my arms to the cloudless sky and shake my hips side-to-side. The land is flat for as far as I can see and the winter air is so crisp, I can taste the coolness when I smile.

Wow.

What a difference from the gridlock of cars and people in the city I live and work in. I tip back my head and inhale a bigger breath.

I’m free from stop-and-go traffic, the grind of city living, and the sexy-as-sin guy staring at me sitting in his jacked-up black pickup truck.

What the—?

My smile slips. I shoot the guy a sideways checking out. His cowboy hat is pushed high on his forehead, giving me a decent view of his face. The stranger’s face is an artist’s dream of chiseled angles and smooth lines. Dark stubble shadow his chin and jawline and above his full lips, like an angel’s wings.

Awareness grabs me low in the belly and I step back. Oh hell, no. I haven’t felt this instant hot attraction since my junior year in college and that was years ago.

He grasps the rim of his hat and acknowledges me with a nod, his eyes never leaving mine. I’d say he’s flirting except the glare on his face says otherwise.

I tip my chin and bring my arms to rest at my sides. I must come across as ridiculous staring back at him with my fingers pointed at the sky.

Ignoring his glower, I get in another feel-good shake. My stiff muscles loosen. I chance another glance at the cowboy. His glower deepens. I tip my chin higher and walk inside the feedstore.

No one’s told this brooding cowboy it’s rude to stare.

The story behind Pieces of Me came to me as soon as I saw the cover. That was how the story behind Stay also started. In the same vein as Stay, Pieces of Me is a short, amnesia trope story. I’m so excited to share Ava’s story with you. Continue reading for a sneak peek.

It’s been eighteen excruciating months of surgeries, intense rehab, and soul-searching therapy. Eighteen months of reliving my assault in my nightmares.

I want the nightmares to stop. I want to pretend the scars on my body don’t exist, but he won’t let me. Every time his email hits my inbox, I’m reminded of his role in my assault, and I…I can’t let him go.

Imagine my surprise when he agrees to help me get over the trauma from that night. We’ll meet face-to-face and talk. I’ll get my closure then forget I ever met Gavin Langston.

But when we finally meet again, he isn’t the man I’m expecting. This man is different and more dangerous to my heart than I’ve ever imagined.

Sneak Peek

The sun isn’t in my rearview but dead center in my line of sight as I take the turn that will get me to my place.

I flip the visor down. My fingers shake from the memory that flashes in my mind, coming at me any time, day or night.

Bright lights in the darkness. Twin beams. Headlights aimed at me. I’m drunk. Dazed. Not too certain I’m seeing what I’m seeing. I wave my arms to get the driver’s attention.

Does the person see me? The car drives at me. Oh, God, oh God. I run and stumble in my high heels. Heels I’d bought specifically for this night out.

Hulking metal slams into my body. Sharp pains. Bone breaking. I’m thrown in the air and hit the ground with a “whoosh” from my lungs.

I gasp for breath and see stars behind my eyelids.

I’m going to die.

I’m going to die alone in this dark and empty street.

I didn’t let my friends know I was going out tonight. Didn’t tell my dad, either. They would be all up in my business, and I’m not ready to share with them a piece of the good-looking hunk I’ve been messaging for the last month.

Brakes screeching in the silence brings me back to the present. That same unbearable sharp pain gnaws at my left hip and shoots down my leg. I clamp my hand over my leg and dig my nails into my skin through my dress, hoping the pain from my fingernails will help ease the other pain.

Sticky, wet goo on my fingers. I’m bleeding. Bleeding and broken. I need to call for help. I open my eyes and shield them from the glaring headlights with my blood-stained hand held high.

The person behind the wheel has turned the car around, and I’m dead center in the street. The car comes at me.

No. No. No.

I cry out for help and scramble onto my hands and knees, dragging my small purse cinched at my wrist with me. A gunshot pierces the air. I duck my head and will my body to move, but my left leg doesn’t get the message.

Another gunshot and the car veers to the side, missing me. I stretch out on the pavement and fumble for my purse.

My heartbeats slam against my ribcage. Bile coats the back of my throat. I dry heave. Heavy footfalls come toward me.

Oh, God, oh, God, the person is returning to hurt me. I grapple inside my purse for my cell phone. The footfalls get closer. I raise my head, but I’m tired. So tired.

I stick out my arm in an attempt to stop another assault. A large hand grips my wrist. Thick fingers search for my pulse. A man. The heavy footfalls belong to a man.

“Help me,” I croak.

Silence.

“Please,” I beg. I can’t see his face. It’s too dark. “My hip, my leg…broken. Please.”

A ping breaks through the silence.

His phone. He’s getting a message. He pulls out his phone the same time I grasp mine. His screen lights up the night, giving me a hazy view of his face through my drunken and shock state. I gasp, recognizing him.

“You were in the restaurant. My date and I arrived first. They gave us your table.”

The table with a stunning view of the city skyline. The most sought after table at the Ambrosia, according to my sophisticated, foodie friends when they later visited me at the hospital.

He had made a scene when he saw me seated at the table, but acquiesced when my date returned from using the restroom. The annoying stranger with the quick temper never apologized to the hostess for reaming her out. What a jerk.

My cell in my hand grows heavy. “Call nine-one-one, please.”

The air shifts, and the man is…gone.

But he isn’t gone.

He’s been with me since that night. He comes to me in my nightmares. My dreams, too. Six months after my assault, he reached out to me through email. I almost deleted the message. Hesitated to respond.

The questions I had from that night were answered by the detectives that handled my case.

Why did you abandon me?

Why didn’t you call for help?

Why did you leave me in that empty street bleeding and in pain?

The questions were answered to satisfaction by the detectives, but not him.

I had called for help. I had stayed conscious long enough to tell the cops what happened.

Gavin Langston?

Gavin Langston didn’t so much as apologize or try to see me until that first email a year ago.