About the book:
EmmaWho 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.
Read chapter one here.
Interview with Karen-Anne Stewart
How long have you been writing, and how did you start?I began writing my debut novel, Saving Rain (Rain Trilogy #1), in September 2012. It was in college when I was slammed with the realization that I wanted to be an author one day. Once I started writing, I became completely addicted!
How did you create the plot for Ash to Steele?
Being from a small town myself, I can relate to several of the struggles Emma deals with by wanting to break free from the image everyone has of her and find out who she really is, to find her more! I’m obsessed with bad boys with a good heart, so I fell in love with writing Breck’s character. I’m also a huge sucker for a powerful romance, and Ash to Steele is more than just a ‘bad boy meets good girl’ story. It’s full of tension, angst, tears and humor, a group of supporting characters who I want as my BFFs, and a powerful, redeeming love that can tame even the most hellacious personal demons.
How do you get to know your characters?
The best way I get to know who my characters really are is by shutting up, letting go of the image I have for them in my head, and following their lead. When I stop fighting them, they love to show me their heart and soul.
Which character did you most enjoy writing?
I had a blast writing Breck Steele’s character. At first glance, he’s an arrogant bastard! He’s definitely a tattooed, cocky, panty-melting, ‘I’ll-kick-your-ass-if-you-mess-with-me-or-someone-I-love' kind of bad boy, but he has a heart of gold underneath.
What would your main character say about you?
That I’m quite shy in person, but all of that shyness evaporates when I write … it’s my sweet liberation.
One of your characters has just found out you’re about to kill him off. He/she decides to beat you to the punch. How would he kill you?
All he would have to do is lock me in a room full of spiders and my heart will explode from the furious thundering inside my chest.
If you could be one of your characters, which one would you choose?
This is a tough question, but I would choose Raina Kapture, from The Rain Trilogy. I would NEVER want to have to endure all the hell she went through, but I love her strength, and Kas is my idea of the perfect man: loyal, sexy, sweet, protective to the point of bossy at times, and willing to go through hell and back for his girl.
With what five real people would you most like to be stuck in a bookstore?
James Patterson (my fav author!), Jamie McGuire, Gillian Felix, Pink (because she rocks), and Bon Jovi … because he’s freakin’ Jon Bon Jovi!
Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.
The scene after Emma is attacked is one of my favorite parts of Ash to Steele because the reader gets to see a heartbreaking, sensitive side of Breck before getting a taste of his lethal, badass side.
What song would you pick to go with your book?
If I have to choose just one from my playlist for Ash to Steele, it would be "Demons," by Imagine Dragons. This song is PERFECT for Breck and Emma’s story!
Who are your favorite authors?
James Patterson is my all-time favorite author. In my mind, he’s a genius.
You get to decide who would read your audiobook. Who would you choose?
Chris Hemsworth. He’s my pic to play Gavin (sexy, badass bouncer in Ash to Steele). I also love his voice.
Do you have a routine for writing?
Like most people, I wear a myriad of hats. I’m a mom, wife, and have a full-time day job, so I don’t have a set routine to write. I do almost always have my laptop with me and I’m usually in my PJs with music blasting my drums as I write.
Where’s home for you?
I live in a small town near Asheville, North Carolina, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you were leaving your country for a year, what’s the last meal (or food) you would want to have before leaving?
Ravioli di Portobello, because it’s God’s most perfect food, ever!
What would your dream office look like?
We just redecorated my office and removed the desk to create an environment that’s comfortable, colorful, and fun to work.
What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“If music be the food of love, play on.” -Shakespeare. I adore Shakespeare! I could get lost in his quotes all day . I actually have this quote on my office wall.
What’s your favorite candy bar?
Almond Joy. I love the nutty, coconut scrumptious treat!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m a pretty simple chick. I love hanging out with family and friends, especially my daughter and husband, watching movies, and going for hikes in the forest.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to live in Italy for a while. I don’t think I would ever tire of the beautiful vineyards and cobblestone streets.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Feel, a new adult paranormal romance, and I’m very excited about Jensen and Saige’s story that will be live late this year. Then, I’m beyond thrilled to write Gavin’s (sexy, badass bouncer from Ash to Steele) own story in 2015.
Excerpt from Ash to Steele
Slowly, she lifts her head, her gaze meeting mine, and I rush to her side. Wanting to maim the man who did this to her, to erase her pain.“Breck, don’t touch-” Gavin calls, but Emma slides off the bed, throwing herself into my arms before he could finish his sentence.
I pull her close, gritting my teeth at the bruises on her face and deciding that I might kill the bastard instead of just making him wish he were dead. Holding her tightly against me, I brush my lips against her forehead, afraid my hold is hurting her. The way she clings to me proves otherwise, so I tighten my arms around her slender frame, cradling her protectively. My throat is raw when I whisper in her ear, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to prevent this, Emma.”
Her head makes the slightest move against my chest. Her words are muffled against my shirt, but her lips pressed against the cotton fabric doesn’t do anything to hinder the sorrow in her voice, “It’s not your job to protect me. You shouldn’t have come.”
Gently pushing her to where I can see her beautiful eyes, I shake my head in disbelief, “Nothing in hell could have kept me from coming to you tonight, Emma.”
The agony in her eyes bleeds my soul. A small tear slides down her cheek and she goes to wipe it away, embarrassment and sorrow stripping the light that usually shines so brightly in her eyes. For that alone, the man should die. Pulling her back into my arms, I hold her as if the flow of the blood in my veins depends on her touch. When her phone died, so did I. Without her, I’m nothing. When I first realized that truth, it made me feel weak and ashamed at how strongly I need her. Now, I have no shame left. I need Emma like I need to breathe. She is my air. It’s as simple as that.
Other books by Karen-Anne Stewart
Trailer for The Rain Trilogy
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Giveaway Details:
Karen-Anne is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card & one Kindle copy of Ash to Steele!
Terms & Conditions:
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash and one copy of Ash to Steele delivered by the Kindle store.
• This giveaway begins July 7 and ends on September 26.
• Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, September 29.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Terms & Conditions:
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash and one copy of Ash to Steele delivered by the Kindle store.
• This giveaway begins July 7 and ends on September 26.
• Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, September 29.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.
