As you guys are well aware, I’ve been in a bit of a book slump lately. So yesterday I decided to break out of my slump with the one Kristen Ashley series I’ve been saving for just such an occasion. I’m almost finished with Wildest Dreams from the Fantasyland Series and I’m loving it. Imagine my complete and utter joy when the following document landed in my inbox. It’s as if Kristen Ashley could feel my book pain and wanted to cheer me up with a dose of her awesomeness! Perfect timing lady friend. Thanks for taking the time to write this little ditty for us – you know we are always clamoring for a peek inside your head.
25 Things You Might Not Know about Kristen Ashley
- 1. I buy US magazine so I can read the “25 Things You Don’t Know about Me” section.
- 2. I’m allergic to all but the more expensive brands of makeup (like Ava in Rock Chick Revenge).
- 3. I never leave the house without lip gloss.
- 4. I have 76 pairs of shoes.
- 5. I just went to my closet and counted my shoes.
- 6. I have a pink Schwinn bike with daisies on it and a basket. I got it on Christmas Eve, a gift from my family. When they unveiled it, at approximately 11:30 p.m., drunk on champagne and in Christmas pajamas, I mounted it and rode off into the night, leaving my family in my sister’s driveway. My family thought I was insane. They often do.
- 6a.) This meant I was hungover on Christmas Day which allowed me to sleep through A Muppet Christmas Carol.
- 7. Even when I was living on soup and ramen noodles in order to devote my life to this writing gig, I splurged on good coffee and my stylist because no one should have to drink bad coffee or have crap hair.
- 8. I miss how people in England greet each other, with a smile, a squeeze of the hand and a kiss on the cheek. Americans should embrace the kiss on the cheek. Just sayin’.
- 8a.) I also miss custard. Like, a lot.
- 9. There is a man in Wales with Prentice from Fairytale Come Alive’s eyes. I had a meeting with him and couldn’t concentrate on business because I was counting the colors in his eyes.
- 10. Like Indy in Rock Chick, I decked a girl while trying to get out of a mosh pit at a punk concert. She kept pushing me back in (even though I was saying “Excuse me, I need a beer!”) and she and the dudes with her thought it was hilarious. After the fourth or fifth time she pushed me back in, I punched her. She was literally floored. The two offensive linemen-looking dudes at her sides were figuratively floored. I stepped over her, leaned down and reminded her, “I said, ‘Excuse me, I need a beer!’” then I flounced away.
- 11. No. 10 is the only time I ever hit anyone. I’m not proud of it but it makes for a good story.
- 12. If I could draw or sew, I’d want to be a fashion designer.
- 13. Wood from The Colorado Mountain Series is based on a biker I met in Sturgis during the rally. He had a dragon tattoo, an amazing goatee and an even more amazing tan. He also had great hands.
- 14. I taught a bevy of very rough bikers and their skanky-cool biker babes how to “do the Axl Rose” in a bar at Sturgis (much like Tess in Wild Man). They bought me a shot in gratitude.
- 15. Jet’s description in Rock Chick Rescue of seeing her Mom, Nancy, after her stroke was how I felt when I saw my Mom after hers. That book was published a month after my mother died. She never read it.
- 16. Perhaps the most important thing I have ever done in my life is write and deliver my mother’s eulogy.
- 17. I had a great mother.
- 18. I lived on Lauren’s family farm in Sweet Dreams, pond, hammock, limestone house and all. It was heaven. Now it’s a budding housing development.
- 18a.) I have sleep issues like Lauren but when I try to get to sleep or wake up in the night, I make up books in my head until I fall asleep again.
- 18a-1.) I have a lot of books in my head.
- 18a.) I have sleep issues like Lauren but when I try to get to sleep or wake up in the night, I make up books in my head until I fall asleep again.
- 19. My favorite name for a guy is Joe.
- 20. People who do not use their turn signals really annoy me.
- 21. My favorite Dog, the Bounty Hunter quote came from Leland Chapman and was delivered to an out-of-control fugitive, “I don’t wanna fuckin shock you, so fuckin’ chill the fuck out!”
- 22. If I could sit down to a meal with anyone, it would be Beth Chapman.
- 23. My latest obsession is my George Foreman grill. I effing love that thing.
- 23a.) My second latest obsession is mint water. That shiz is the shizzle!
- 24. My favorite color is pink.
- 25. I have learned that there is no way to prepare for achieving a lifelong dream. It is overwhelming. It is frightening. It is amazing. It is something you despair that you cannot share with those you love, who have passed, and who made you who you are. It is something you rejoice that you can share with those you love who have your back. And it is never over. When a dream comes true, it unlocks new doors that you have to suck it up and find the courage to walk through. I’m finding, shockingly, I’m very courageous. Luckily, I have lots of shoes to choose from when I walk through those doors.
So that’s 25 Things you might not know about our favorite girl, Kristen Ashley. It must be said, I complain about drivers who seem unable to use a turn signal every single day…especially on the rotary/roundabout near my house. I complain so frequently my 11 year old now says, “nice signal moron” as we yield to wait for traffic. Thanks again for sharing Kristen. You know we love you more than sugar and sunshine. Follow this link to her website for a look at Raid’s story, the next book in her Unfinished Hero Series. (scroll down to the bottom, it’s a .PDF file) RAID is due February 28, 2013 and I can tell you this much…it most definitely does not disappoint.
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15, 16, 17 brought tears to my eyes. 9, I want to meet the man in Wales. And 22, if I could sit down with anyone it would definitely be KA.
yes, yes, yes and all day YES Amanda!
Thanks for sharing, Scandal. Joe–actually Joseph–is also my favorite guy name because it’s my Poppy’s name. He will always be the first man I ever loved…..
And I’m glad you finally pulled your thumb out and started on the Fantasyland books. They kick ass. Finnie is one of KA’s most awesome heroines.
You know I’m all about sharing Kristen Ashley goodness with anyone who’ll listen!!! That’s sweet about your Joe.
Finnie really is an awesome character Linnik. I swear I was saving this series for a book slump – I knew it was going to happen and I wanted to have something good to fall back on when it did! I can always count on KA for that! I love the mystical stuff surrounding all of this – LOVE IT!!
Dragons and elves kick ass.
yes they are Linnik!
I wish, wish, wish I had been smart enough to save a series. But no, me being me, I greedily sucked them all down, all at once.
Now, like you, I’m in a crazy book slump, so I am happily re-reading Rock Chicks, and waiting for Raid…
Thank you so much for sharing the list.
glad I was able to share it with you Kyle…trust me, delayed gratification is not my thing – I’m amazed I’ve been able to wait this long to start this series!!
I loved the list. A lot of things that help you understand her a bit more. Also my heart broke for her bit when I read about her mom. She is amazing and without a doubt one of my favorite authors! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
She’s pretty special, right?!!? Glad you enjoyed the post Breezy
God, I love her. First, if you happen to see this Kristen, I’m so very sorry for your loss and I’m sure she is very, very proud of you.
6 and 10 made me literally laugh out loud.
I’ve always like Zack and Luke.
I really need to start this fantasy land series.
yes Nicki, you need to start the Fantasyland series…yes, you do!
Damn it! This so FUCKING COOL! I tear up every time someone talks about the loss of a parent! I lost my dad almost three years ago this May and you never stop missing them. On a happier note thanks for sharing this. The day can only get better from here. Cheers!
Lola, I lost my Mom four years ago this October – as crazy as she made me, we talked every single day – I still reach for the phone to call her when something exciting happens…don’t know if that will ever pass, or if I want it to.
But on a happier note, how fucking cool was that little Guest Post!!!???!!
I’d hold on to those feelings, it allows us to still feel connected to them. Not to sound freaky, I haven’t deleted my dad’s phone number or his last voice mail to me. BUT, this post was FUCKING AMAZINGBALLS (my new favourite word after “hawtness”)!!!!!!!
Fucking Amazeballs!!
I want to be her BFF!
The Fantasyland series ROCKS! Wait til you meet Tor…Mmmmmm.
i know, right Hope?!!?
Frey is rocking my world right now, I can’t wait to read the rest of this series – it’s pretty amazing
Tor is yummy.
I love Tor. Both of them even
I can’t wait to learn more about Tor…Apollo seems pretty hot
Mmmmm Tor AND Noc! Yummy is right! I might have to re-read that one!
I can’t wait to get on that Hope!!
Honestly, if I could pick one person to go out and have a drink with, it would be Kristen Ashley. Her personality is so amazing, so fun, and so hilarious that there’s no way the evening wouldn’t be one of the most entertaining of my life.
Thanks for sharing the 25 things Scandalicious! It made my day. (And if I ever get my wish and could go out for a drink with Kristen, I would love for you to join us!)
Julia, I’d be there with bells on girl!!
Loved this! It’s so cool to see where some of her inspirations came from! (I busted out laughing at #14! Wish I could be this outgoing!)
As for #9: Where is this man exactly? I need to fly to Wales and stalk…err find…him.
#10 cracked me up b/c I did something similar. I punched a girl at Goo Goo Dolls concert. It was 1997 and I was 19ish. She kept barreling into me to try and get through the fence (I was in the front row); I’d asked her a 100 times to stop it! It was only the second time I was ever in a fight (and thankfully the last cause that punch hurt my hand!) I can laugh now but at the time I kept thinking any moment the cops were going to arrest me! LOL
As for Wildest Dreams, so happy to hear you dove into the Fantasyland series! I waited awhile to read them but fell head over HEELS for Frey and the rest. The second one a lot of people love and get all swoony over Dax, but even now (months after reading it) I’m confused about how I feel. I liked it, just was seriously conflicted at parts.
Kat, I’m pretty sure all of us are busy scouting out flights to Wales now!!
YOU punched a girl at a Goo Goo Dolls concert?!!? Outstanding!
Just finished Wildest Dreams tonight…Frey is total swoon city – can’t wait to see the rest of these magical fellas in action
This was very cool! My oldest is a Joe/Joseph so you can tell I love the name! The mosh pit was funny. I’ve never decked anyone but there’s always room for a well placed stomp from a doc martin to get your displeasure across from an unwanted grope! She seems like she would be a kick in the ass to sit and just hang with some time.
even a light tap of a doc martin gets its point across loudly! i hope i get a chance to meet KA and some of you guys at some of the conferences this year…
Would love to make it in February but I’ll be in San Antonio during the conference. Maybe some other time.
bummer…what about Vegas in August?
Kristen is my Academy Award Winner….never found anyone better!
you speak the truth Donna!
Kristen Ashley is a woman after my own heart. She and I could be BFF’s. I LOVE anything girly especially makeup, handbags and SHOES!! And I love the fact she ALSO hates people who DO NOT use their turn signals. I HATE THAT! It really ticks me off and I hate when i am driving down the road behind someone and then they suddenly stop to turn. Turn on the damn turn signal to warn me so I won’t ram you from the backside. DAMNIT!
I’m also jealous of her pink Schwinn bike with the basket and dasies. I want one but I’m not as good with a bike like I was when I was 8 years old. For some reason whenever I get on one I always fall off and people are always thinking I’m drunk or something.
Debbie – that whole turn signal thing makes me bananas!!! And my bike isn’t a Schwinn nor is it pink, it’s actually green but I’m totally gonna find myself a basket and some streamers…the basket can hold my booze!
I liken my addiction to a Kristen Ashley books to cleansing my palate after a huge meal. After reading a stack of books I always go back and reread something from her Colorado mountain or Burg or Dream man series. Her books always remind me of the strength of GIRLPOWER. I am so excited for the Chaos series and Raid. Her books have helped me more than yoga and meditation combined I’m so glad that I discovered her books.
I did not think that I would or could get into her “fantastical series” but I loved feeling conflicted about my feelings for the Dax in Golden Dynasty … My FAV!
Kristen Ashley writes the best heroines! Kick ass girl power to the nth degree! Love that about her. Chaos is gonna be awesome and don’t get me started on Raid!
I finished Wildest Dreams, I have something special I have to read before I can move on to book 2 but I’ll keep you posted – conflicted is good – shows you have strong feelings
So great! Thanks for sharing! I love it!
thanks for stopping by – glad you enjoyed it Michele
Thanks for sharing Scandal! First things first… did you get an ARC of Raid? I myself am in a bit of a reading slump and am trying new shi…. books and authors.
Cause she effin’ ROCKS!!!
21) hilarious.
22) I think if I could sit down at dinner with anyone, it would be this group of girls with Kristen Ashley.
Robin, that would be and excellent dinner for us to have – we’d have to do it at someone’s house bc I’m pretty sure a public establishment would kick us out!!
and…maybe to your first question…
Kristen’s list made me giggle and made me misty-eyed! I think she’s a person to be on my “People I’d Like to Meet” list.
Thanks for sharing it…kinda made my day! 
YAY, I love being a part of making someone’s day – that’s kinda’ awesome!
Don’t you just love how she uses some tidbits of her real life in her books?!
I would love to know them all!!
Mindy, her personal touch just makes us love her all the more!
Love it! Kristen is the best! And if i had those Alpha males swimming around in my brain all the time i don`t think i`d ever sleep again!!!!!!
Awsome!!
I know, right?!!? Can you imagine what her dreams must look like
OMG!! YEAH!! maybe i`d just sleep forever then!! hahaha
Thank you Kristen for sharing these 25 (or more)things with us.
I was relieved to discover that there are others in the world with a shoe fetish, beside Imelda Marcos and I.
As I am learning to ride a bike at my tender age I am green with envy over your bike you got for Christmas…I need to consider a trip to the bike shop.
I hate to say it Kristen, but, may your bouts of insomnia continue so that those of us who love your work may continue to be entranced, enthralled, enamoured, engaged, enhanced and of course enterained.
that would be enterTained!
Teena, when I saw that about her bike I immediately thought of you! Oh, and what’s not to love about shoes – my biggest problem is with boots those bitches are my weakness!
Yeah, I’m sorry she has trouble sleeping but I’m so glad we get the benefits of her restless energy.
Yup…Im a boots Girl Too!!!!
I have riding boots, Cowboy boots, Suede boots, boots with fancy cut heels, work boots(BORING!), Gum Boots and the icing on the cake….. CFM(Thats ‘Come Fuck Me) Boots…. they are Hubby’s Favs big heel, long, black with zipper up the back! Desgined the be worn with skinny jeans or shorter skirts! Neither of which my arse is condusive to but hey!
you know I need some CFM boots…I have sexy boots, boots that I once considered at the very least, “Let’s Get It On” boots but now I’ve determined my next boot purchase must be so crazy hot Come Fuck Me Boots…Boots that won’t even make it out the front door because I’ll be on my back or pinned against a wall…yep. Thanks for the inspiration Teena – well done.
Scandal your posts and comments need a “LIKE” button
thanks Charms…I couldn’t agree more!
AHHHH thanks S, for this much needed KA dose! I’ve been putting off reading two of her books because I’m waiting for her others to come out — otherwise I have no KA books to read on my electronic shelf, and that makes me sad.
I also want to meet that man in Wales. People who don’t use turn signals also annoy me, and once I accidentally gave a car the finger while my mom was in the car. Woops.
My fave color is also pink, and when I read that I squealed!
How I love finding KA posts in my mailbox <3
So now we know Arely is an angry driver and she doesn’t care who sees her rage?!!? Well done.
This was incredible! I loved every second, and I’m so, so jealous if you got Raid! I freakin love Kit and all of her great girls and hot alpha guys. Uh oh, now I need a fix.
She is pretty special that Kristen Ashley! Go get your fix Ana – you know you want it
With just starting Wildest Dreams yesterday, this is the next a compliment to get to know KA even more than I thought I already did. She has inspired me to try baking as well as find my inner Rock Chick/biker Killer when recently went shopping
our girl KA does that to us…she brings out that inner Rock Chick we didn’t even know we had!
I love KA! Love her and her stories so much I am starting to get concern about my feelings towards a stranger :{. Know what I mean?
I know…I keep waiting for the restraining order to land on my front doorstep Ingrid!!
I read this post and laughed as I read through the comments – apparently I am not the only one who goes back to KA books when I can’t find a good new book to read. I just re-read the whole Dream Man series!
When KA talks about the guy with the eyes (#9), it reminds me of the day I saw the guy with “KA Hero Hair” … in my mind that’s how I described it. He had dark hairly, slightly curly, cut fairly short but it was just a bit unruly. He was wearing a lovely suit with a pink toned tie and I wanted to follow him to his office and sit and stare at him. He was very hot!
I have a boot and shoe collection that keeps growing. My latest two were definitely Rock Chick boots including a pair of motorcycle look boots with lots of buckes. Going to wear them to see Bob Seger next month!
Thanks again for this post and for your great blog. I always check to see what I should consider reading.
Oh man, how did you not follow the KA haired guy to his office. You know who had hair like that? JFK Jr. His office was a couple of floors above mine many years ago, I shared the elevator with him quite a bit…damn that man could wear the hell out of a suit and his hair was always just a little too long and because he rode his bike to work, it was always just a little messy and his eyes…damn, he knew he was all alpha and he wasn’t afraid to linger with the eyes…I swear, I’d step off the elevator and lean against the wall to fan myself…our receptionist would always laugh and say, “JFK Jr again?!!?”
Thanks for stopping by Karen – hope my reviews help you out a little – there’s so much out there to read!!
This was the highlight of my day! I’m always wondering how that girl comes up with the most awesome stories and characters -this was like a sneak peak behind the curtain! I freaking love her writing
I’ve also been in a book slump -thus the reason I’ve returned to my Colorado Mountain Men. I hesitated on the Fantastical series for several reasons but now I see the wisdom of exploring new options. I’ll be reading WD next.
Don’t get too frustrated Scandal – your blogs are my road map to finding new worlds to read about! That is an awesome gift to offer your readers – Rock On!
Cheers!
Thanks Mamma Jamma – it was but a minor speed bump for me. You know how they say you can’t truly appreciate the good until you taste the bad…well, KA books are practically decadent in their deliciousness!! Ahhh, those Colorado Mountain Men never disappoint…love those guys. Can’t wait to hear what you think of Wildest Dreams and this series – with her descriptive nature, I think she writes this genre exceptionally well. Enjoy
Smooches!