Saturday, December 31, 2016

A Look Back on 2016 ...

My goodness, I don't even know where to begin on the insanity that has been this year. When I say it feels like a million things have changed, that is no overstatement or exaggeration. This year my number one major thing to report back on, are my children. My wonderful babies that I couldn't live without.

Followers of this blog will remember my previous posts, there were just a few, about my husband and my road to adoption. When they say that anything worth having is worth fighting for, that's no freaking joke. This past year, really eighteen months has been a journey for the books. There is absolutely nothing like one day having no responsibilities to the next being a monther of two. So much changes that you don't even think about.

I thought for sure I would still get time to write and work on my books. Wrong. For sure I would still get privacy, I mean I am adopting teens it isn't like they need me to feed and dress them daily, wrong.

That old commercial from the 90's and early 2000's that says "A baby changes everything" flashes through my mind all the time when something happens that I just didn't think would happen in this point in life.

Don't get me wrong I love my kiddos and there is no one in this world who could take them from me or change how I feel about them. But I really miss being an active author.

I saw a need in my daughters life. She needed more homework time, she needed more attention to detail. She needed to learn how to study and function. As a result of that I had to switch jobs. This was the best decision I have made in a long time work wise. Now I leave my house every morning at 6am and I am home by 5:15 every day. As a result of this, my daughter is now an honor roll student. I couldn't be more proud! We work on homework together, we read books, we color, play and even knit. She is just the most shinning star in my life.

My son, my dear sweet stubborn son. I don't think I could find anymore ways to be proud of him than I already have. We got him into a private charter school and my god how it changed his whole world. The best thing we could have ever done for him was get him in that program. His vocabulary skills have increased at an exponential rate. His math skills are moving closer and closer to the level in school he should be on. And he is making A's, and is happy and loves school.

These kids are my whole life and my 2016 was fantastic because of them.

Then, there is my husband. The head of our family, the leader, the dad. He and I celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary yesterday. Quite the milestone that a lot of people, especially individuals from my generation never see. I never thought I could love him more, but I do. Seeing him as a dad is the most exciting thing in the world to me. He makes our home a happy home. He brings laughter and love and excitement. Twelve and a half years after I met this man I love him more today than I ever dreamed of.

Yes 2016 is one for the books but it is one of great change and excitement. It is the year I will remember that not only did my family finally feel complete, it was the year that I learned that in order to be rich in life you must first be wealthy. Not wealthy with money or possessions but with love. Yes, we are now wealthy, we have more together than any of us had apart. And that gives us more riches than any bits of money could buy. 2016 ... thank you for my family.

Friday, December 30, 2016

Happy 10 Year Anniversary to my Husband


3,650

Over 3,650 nights I've awoken by your side
Every one of them filled with pride

Over 3,650 smiles we've shared
Every one of them showing we cared

Over 3,650 nights we've slept side by side

Every one of them knowing you wouldn't wash out with the tide

Over 3,650 adventures we've taken
Every one of them never getting us too shaken

Over 3,650 sunrises
Over 3,650 sunsets
Over 3,650 kisses
Over 3,650 hugs

Never could I picture this voyage of life with another by my side
Never could I endure this voyage of chaos and adventure without you
Never could I imagine this voyage taking us where we have gone
Never could I fathom this voyage happening so fast

Ten years ago today I changed my name
Ten years ago today you promised me a future
Ten years ago today we set sail together
Ten years ago today we made a promise

Through ups and downs we weathered the storms
Through ups and downs we grew closer and stronger
Through ups and downs we found our way
Through ups and downs we always maintain

Our love is that of stories
Our love is that of riches
Our love is that of angels
Our love is that of mystery

My best friend
My lover
My partner
My lobster

3,650 Days Beside you ...
3,650 Days As Your Wife

I love you with all my soul
I love you with all my being
I love you more than you could know
I'll love you through the end of time

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Blog Revamped 2017

Hello all you wonderful readers in the blogging world. I hope you all have been well. I have really missed this place. And because of that I am going to be doing a little revamping and then posting more too.

Blogging seemed like a family there for a while. You had your regulars but once I got the kiddos my whole online life like vanished and now ... my blog just isn't the same.

So we are doing a few changes here in Ashley land and this is what's going on ....

What to expect in 2017 ....

A fresh Ashley's Randomness post each week. This can be anything from a random idea I had to a rant about a movie or book to a long winded review of a movie (Look up Man of Steel review for reference to what I mean) or just well anything. Whenever I tag something as an "Ashley's Randomness" if you give me a decent comment (meaning more than 4 words) and leave your email then you will receive a surprise free ebook from me (will be one of the books I hold the rights to in order for me to give away for free, duh.) limit 5 free ebooks per person.

More book reviews ... I read all the time but I have gotten super lazy on posting up reviews so I am making a vow to myself to post at least 80 reviews this year.

More movie reviews ... I go to a decent amount of movies each year and I have a blog, I might as well write a review ....

More blog tour posts. I'll be honest ... hosting for other authors and tour companies helps my own business so I need to keep doing that. So when I am not posting an Ashley Randomness post I hope to go back to helping other authors gain exposure.

I may even try to redesign the blog too layout wise.

I hope all of you out in blogger land enjoy these updates and changes and I hope to see more people commenting and sharing posts. Remember ... we're all in this together so let's help one another!

See ya later Blogging land ...
( This is the Six Million Dollar Man being taken for a strole by Barbie. My hubby set this up, I just snapped the pic. A little Ashley Photography to go with today's reading. Enjoy! )


Monday, December 26, 2016

HEA Book Tours Presents: CUFFED by Dani Rene


CUFFED by Dani René
Series: Falling Stars Duet Book #1
Genres: Erotic Romance
— SYNOPSIS —

When Dane Brawley whips out his cuffs,
there’s only one thing I can do… relent.

When Jasmine Archer purrs my name,
there’s only one thing I can do… relent.

He’s got talent’s I didn’t think a man could possess.
She’s got a body I could get addicted to.

Will one night be enough?
Or will Hollywood’s newest star and Los Angeles’ sexy officer find forever in the City of Angels?

*This is book one in the duet and has no cliffhanger. Each book will feature a different couple. This is a short, dirty read. 18+ ONLY due to a filthy mouthed alpha and explicit sex scenes.



— PURCHASE — 


— ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dani René  
Hey darlings,

I am an indie author and freelance graphic designer. I started focusing on writing in January 2015 and after a few fan fiction stories, I decided to publish Ace of Harts it was my first full length novella. On a daily basis I have a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in my mind. If I am not on Pinterest or Instagram looking for my next muse, you can find me on Twitter or Facebook. So head on over, I love meeting new readers and authors.

When I am in the cave, I am happiest. If you can’t find me sitting behind my trusty MacBook writing about hot alpha males, I am probably drinking coffee at a coffee shop, or wine tasting one of the few hundred wine farms in my home city of Cape Town, in South Africa.

I have an addiction to reading (who doesn’t?), TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream. I am constantly looking for a new book to get lost in and new book boyfriend to fall in love with. My favorite authors include – M Never, K Webster, KL Kreig, Meghan March, and that’s just to name a few!

Much love xo



CUFFED by Dani René
Series: Falling Stars Duet Book #1
Genres: Erotic Romance
— SYNOPSIS —

When Dane Brawley whips out his cuffs,
there’s only one thing I can do… relent.

When Jasmine Archer purrs my name,
there’s only one thing I can do… relent.

He’s got talent’s I didn’t think a man could possess.
She’s got a body I could get addicted to.

Will one night be enough?
Or will Hollywood’s newest star and Los Angeles’ sexy officer find forever in the City of Angels?

*This is book one in the duet and has no cliffhanger. Each book will feature a different couple. This is a short, dirty read. 18+ ONLY due to a filthy mouthed alpha and explicit sex scenes.



— PURCHASE — 


— ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dani René  
Hey darlings,

I am an indie author and freelance graphic designer. I started focusing on writing in January 2015 and after a few fan fiction stories, I decided to publish Ace of Harts it was my first full length novella. On a daily basis I have a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in my mind. If I am not on Pinterest or Instagram looking for my next muse, you can find me on Twitter or Facebook. So head on over, I love meeting new readers and authors.

When I am in the cave, I am happiest. If you can’t find me sitting behind my trusty MacBook writing about hot alpha males, I am probably drinking coffee at a coffee shop, or wine tasting one of the few hundred wine farms in my home city of Cape Town, in South Africa.

I have an addiction to reading (who doesn’t?), TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream. I am constantly looking for a new book to get lost in and new book boyfriend to fall in love with. My favorite authors include – M Never, K Webster, KL Kreig, Meghan March, and that’s just to name a few!

Much love xo



Wednesday, December 21, 2016

When You Ignore The Signs ...

As long as I can remember I have hated, HATED ants. The little black or red creatures that take over your back yard serve no purpose to me. I am sure someone in the environmentalist group would be able to explain how the ant's eco system is helpful to the greater good but frankly I won't care. I hate ants.

When you are in middle school and your mother almost dies because she was bitten by ants ... it kinda leaves an impact on you.

Ants equal danger and death.

And thus a phobia is formed.

Fast forward two decades to the grown woman who maintains a household and a job and also writes on the side, a woman who is smart and capable. And still desperately scared of ants.

So after a long fought battle with these little red creatures I think it is time to say I give up. Maybe this is God's way of telling me something. Telling me that I need to do something in life involving ants.

Which to me means only one thing ... a story about them.

Now this leaves something to question since there is the whole "Ant Man" issue that Marvel has already. So what do I do? I am not sure yet but you better be ready for me to find out. Who knows it could be the next big science fiction hit in the book world.

So what are your thoughts on ants? Do you love them or hate them? Do you know WHY they exist other than to torment me? I am open to suggestions ... just so long as people stop calling me the Ant Queen ... that is one title I do not want.


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

HEA Book Tours Presents: ChristMISSFire by Adrian Bloom


A. Giannoccaro and Tamsyn Bester, writing as ADRIAN BLOOM, bring you a Christmas Short Story that will make you laugh-out-loud!

ChristMISSfire by Adrian Bloom
— SYNOPSIS —
A misfire.
That's how this ridiculousness started.

Well actually, it started with a noise complaint and now I have a proverbial target on my back. Just when I think things cannot get any worse, I'm tasked with working protective detail at the Christmas Charity Ball - the biggest event of the social calendar.

Did I mention I'm the newest rookie in the bullpen? Or that I'm the only female officer working in Hastings?

What started off as an opportunity to redeem myself and be taken seriously amongst my male colleagues turns in to an auction involving frat boys with red thongs, me bidding on an infuriating frat boy with his own money and dropping my firearm.
It wouldn't be that bad if I hadn't accidentally shot the Police Commissioner, but I did, and he has the stitches in his ass to prove it.

ChristMISSfire is a short Christmas comedy written by Adrian Bloom, a pen name created by two authors who decided to step out of their comfort zones and write something new. This story introduces Andie and Noah, who's story is coming mid 2017.

— PURCHASE 
ONLY 99cents of FREE with KINDLE UNLIMITED!


Saturday, December 17, 2016

HEA Book Tours Presents: Saint by A. Zavarelli


SAINT by A. Zavarelli
Boston Underworld Series, Book #4
— SYNOPSIS —

Scarlett-


When going to war, there are three very simple rules one must abide by.
1. Know thy enemy
2. Be prepared to sacrifice.
3. Always wear good shoes

After all, revenge is a dish best served in stilettos.
I’ve got an eye for it, and nothing’s going to stand in my way.

Not even Rory ‘The Saint’ Brodrick.
He’s a fool if he thinks he can change me. By the time I’m through with him, I’ll make his mafia look like child’s play.
Cross me, Mr. Brodrick?
You better cross your heart and hope to die.

Rory-

I’m a fighter. A hustler. A mobster. 
I’ve seen a few things in my day.
But I’ve never encountered anything like her.
She's a beauty with a beast of a heart. The poison apple I just can't resist. And in her trail she leaves a wake of men crawling on their knees.
What she doesn’t know is that I like my women wild.
It only makes it that much more fun to tame them.

**This is a DARK mafia romance. A full-length standalone novel with HEA and no cheating.**




— PURCHASE —
AVAILABLE FOR .99CENTS!

— BOSTON UNDERWORLD SERIES —
CROW, Book #1: http://amzn.to/2bKGtQZ
REAPER, Book #2: http://amzn.to/2bKHcSg
GHOST, Book #3: http://amzn.to/2boCCKY


— ABOUT THE AUTHOR —
A. Zavarelli is a romance book junkie, cat lover, and traveler when plagued by intense cases of wanderlust. She likes all things chocolate, books that come with warnings, and pretty much any kind of characters that are dark and gritty. You can find more about her on her website.


═══════ GIVEAWAY ═══════