Guest Post & Giveaway: ASH TO STEELE by Karen-Anne Stewart

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Title: Ash to Steele
Author: Karen-Anne Stewart
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Publication Date: February 13, 2014
Buy Links: Amazon

Emma

Who I am and all I believe is marred with just one glance into angry, steel blue eyes. He seems to control my air, my ability to breathe. He makes me crave everything I know is a sin. Pure becomes tainted and lines are blurred. It’s my fault; I’m the one who isn’t strong enough. I’ve been damaged…broken. Breck’s words haunt me…’There’s a consequence for every choice you make.’

Breck

I’ve had so many women I can’t even remember over half of their names, but none of them are mine; I make damn sure of that. I take what I desire and never look back. I don’t need or want anyone, ever…not until I met Emma. Those eyes bore into what’s left of my soul and her touch sears me, weakens me. I want to hate her for that. She is my ruin…my sweetest hell.

Disclaimer: Intended for readers 18+ due to strong language, mature scenes, and some violence.

Guest Post from Karen-Anne Stewart:

Behind the Scenes of Ash to Steele

Writing Breck and Emma’s characters has forever changed me. I fell in love with who they became and how they dragged me into their world.

I came up with the idea of Ash to Steele while writing the final novel in the Rain Trilogy. This novel is so different than Kas and Raina’s story, it was a blast writing in first person point of view, especially Breck’s parts. It took me awhile to follow the character’s leads and do a dual POV, but I’m thrilled that I did.

Meet the characters:

Breck is so cocky, it’s hard to like him at first, but once you get a feel of who he really is, he imprints on your heart. He is definitely a ‘I’ll rip you apart if you threaten my family or friends’ badass, but he has a soft side that makes you love him. He is full of beautiful contradictions.

Emma is a down-to- earth, small town girl with an endearing quiet strength that allows the reader to connect with her easily. She leaves everything behind to find out who she really is, not who she is supposed to be, and to follow her dream while finding her ‘more’.

Gavin is the sexy, badass bouncer who I fell head over heels for (which is why he’s getting his own book in 2015).

Jess is a smart-mouthed, take charge kind of girl who you want as your BFF.

Jason is Jess’ boyfriend and co-owner of the Dark Hole. He’s loyal and loves Jess fiercely; I enjoyed writing his character.

Confessions:

I cried like a baby writing a heart-wrenching scene where Gavin lets Emma know she is ‘one of them’, and how Breck’s soul is shattered trying to deal with something that happens to Emma.

I laughed out loud several times writing the scene where Emma gets drunk for the first time, picturing myself right there with her in that bar dancing with Gavin while Jess keeps filling shots.

Justin made me want to smack him…repeatedly.

I developed a crush on Breck, Gavin, AND Jason…don’t tell my husband.

Jess’ character broke my heart then filled it right back up again with her sass.

Favorite one liners from Ash to Steele:

Gavin – “I’m Gavin, and nobody wants to fuck with me…at least not in a fight.”

Jess- “Insatiable bastard.”

Breck – “I will be inside of you, Emma, doing all sorts of forbidden things that you have never even heard of and you will be the one begging me to…you just don’t know it yet.”

Breck – “So, what exactly does come to your mind when I consume your thoughts?”

Breck – Her phantom flavor bursts on my tongue even now.

Emma – “Is this the professional Breck I’m talking with right now, because I don’t know anymore, and I refuse to get in the car with the narcissistic, holier-than-thou Breck?”

Emma – His grip is strong and gentle, fitting the rest of his contradictions beautifully.

Emma – “Calling me a bitch isn’t even close to a good way to start off an apology.”

Favorite phrase:

At that moment, I know that I will be there for her no matter what differences we may have or how much it hurts me to be close to her; I won’t leave her alone until she wants me to go. That day will come. Until then, I will be her way.

About the Author:

Karen-Anne Stewart has always adored reading and has now fallen in love with writing. Her written works are The Rain Trilogy: Saving Rain, Healing Rain, and After the Rain. Her debut novel, Saving Rain: The First Novel in The Rain Trilogy, was a nominee for the Book Junkie’s Choice Awards and is a nominee for the 2013 RONE Awards.

When Karen-Anne isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and visiting new places. She fuels her addiction of creating new stories by her only other addiction, caffeine, and listening to a myriad of musical genres. Tucked away near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Karen-Anne lives with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and their cat. She plans on writing new adult romance as long as her fingers maintain dexterity.

Connect with Karen-Anne Stewart:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter