Interview and Giveaway: Ashleigh Raine

Oh! My! Gawd! Have I got an amazing day for you all today! You are gonna love me so hard after you read this interview. *nods* Not only are these two fabulous ladies amazing, they are giving gifts away to one lucky commenter! Gifts! Who doesn’t love gifts? Weeeeee! I can’t even win this gift and I so excited about it. I’m bouncing in my seat as I type this.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter have seen me refer to them as my besties. I knew them before the fame and glamour. *snort* I saw the stories in the binders written on the notebook paper during class when they should have been paying attention to the teacher. The oodles and oodles of binders. They were ALWAYS writing. Always coming up with ideas. Never quitting. Until finally, one day, it happened. And just because I know them doesn’t mean I don’t have fan squee. I know them and I am squeeing! *SQUEEEEE!* See? We still keep in touch. And now I have this completely fun blog. I can read the stories, review them, be honest in my opinion, and get to have them on for interviews ever so often. *whispers* Which translates to WIN for my audience. I also have a confession. Because I review, I get to read the books before the other friends in the group. Muwahahahaha! What kind of awesomesauce nonsense is that? It’s crazy. Step off friends! I WIN! Happy booty dance. *coughs* Okay, seriously, I kid. But they already know that! I hope you enjoy getting to know a little about this dynamic and quirky duo as much as I have enjoyed watching their progress in the world of romance as published authors. So without further adieu, I give you:

**ASHLEIGH RAINE**

(also known as Jen (left) and Lisa (right))

**BIO**

Sometimes two people meet, become good friends, and share a lot in common. When you're really lucky, you meet someone who understands you, who thinks like you, can finish your sentences and together, the both of you can create whole new worlds.

Ashleigh Raine is the pen name for two best friends, Jennifer and Lisa, who share a passion for strong alpha males that succumb to the women they fall in love with. These two met in junior high where they were band geeks (but they swear they really were cool...they were percussionists after all!) But love of the arts didn't end with band. By high school, the two had a small following of fans for their stories and the characters they created...characters that would become the inspiration for their Talisman Bay series. They want to thank those fans for their continued support and interest. They couldn't have done it without them!

Both Lisa and Jennifer are married to their soul mates, who are the best support and inspiration. As Ashleigh Raine, this duo has many stories to tell, as their collective mind never stops creating fantasies that must be written down. They write larger than life stories, with adventures, hot sex, peril, hot sex, mystery, and more hot sex...but most assuredly they have a happy ending, usually with hot sex.
Watch for many titles coming soon from this duo who are glad to have found their niche in writing erotic romances. 

**LATEST RELEASE**

**STARSTRUCK (Hollywood Heat, Book 3)**

 

Click here to see my review.

Click here to buy now.

**EXCERPT**

An excerpt from Starstruck 
2012 (c) Copyright Ashleigh Raine

They walked together toward the front door. She considered asking where he wanted to go, what he wanted to do, but she didn’t want to pressure him. Honestly, even if all they did was walk out the door, say their goodbyes and then he turned left and she turned right, she’d be okay with that. Him showing up to see her tonight was awesome enough.

 

Okay, that was totally a lie. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him yet. “How was your—?”

“You were fantas—”

They laughed, and he held open the door for her to pass through. “You first,” he said. “I’m on my best behavior tonight. Holding doors rather than knocking you over. Is it working?”

She gave him a considering look, murmured, “Hmm…” and nodded. “Although sometimes good behavior’s overrated.”

“That, I can work with,” he said softly as she eased past. When she stepped outside, the cool night breeze washed over her heated face. She wasn’t blushing though—at least she didn’t think she was. This all-over warmth could be one hundred percent attributed to Micah.

Hat shading his eyes, he held the door for another exiting couple, and then walked to her side. “Where are you parked?” he asked.

“Behind the building.”

“Me too.” They followed the sidewalk around to the back of Stars.

She watched him out of the corner of her eye as they crossed into the parking lot. The cap kept most of his face in shadow, but the streetlight highlighted his jaw, and she had the absurd desire to reach out and feel the stubble there shining golden in the light. Down, girl. Instead, she fiddled with the length of purse strap hanging from her shoulder and tucked her other hand into her pocket. “Did you have a good dinner?” There, that was polite, hands-to-herself conversation. Go her!

“Dinner was good. But the entertainment, that was fantastic. You were fantastic.”

Okay, now she was blushing. And beaming. And really wanting to throw her arms around him. She stopped walking and faced him, although her hands stayed firmly at her sides. Tackling him in a parking lot would probably be considered bad form.

“Thank you.” Her mother would be proud that even when starstruck, Jenna remembered her manners.

“So if I come back on my birthday, will you sing to me too?” He had the devil in his eyes, and his mouth was quirked up at the corners. Two could play at the teasing game.

Channeling Marilyn in expression and voice, she purred, “Oh, you like Marilyn?”

He stepped closer, so close she could see herself in his eyes, feel his breath brush her cheek as he said, “No. I like you.”

And then she couldn’t see anymore, she could only feel, because her eyes were closed and his mouth was on hers, and they were kissing. The softest pressure of his lips, not demanding, just sharing. Touches. Breaths.

And God, this man knew how to kiss. Not only with his mouth, but with his whole body. One of his hands came up to cradle her head, tangling in her hair, fingertips stroking along her neck. His other hand cupped her hip, his thumb sweeping back and forth. Even through the cotton she felt that caress, and she wished her shirt would ride up a few inches so he’d graze bare flesh.

Finally giving herself permission to touch, she lifted her hands to rest on his waist. He was so warm, his body tight and strong beneath her palms.

He pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers, their panted exhales mingling in the small space between their lips. He smoothed his hands over her back, along her shoulders and down her arms.

“Can I see you again?” he asked as he tangled their fingers together.

“Will there be more kissing involved?”

He huffed out a broken laugh and brushed his lips over hers. “Yeah, I can pretty much guarantee that.”

“Well then. I think we should make plans to meet.” This time she closed the distance between them and pressed their mouths together. “And soon.”

A sound between a moan and a sigh rumbled from his throat. “Not soon enough. My next three days are gonna be hell. Long shooting days. I’m in almost every scene. What about Saturday?”

“I work an early shift, but I’ll be out by two.”

“How about dinner that night?”

“I’d like that.”

Lifting their clasped hands, he kissed the back of hers. “Me too.”

It was a good thing they were holding hands, because Jenna still had that itch to touch him…everywhere. The limited tactile taste had only whetted her appetite. She needed to stroke his stubble-rough jaw, run her fingers through the hair flattened to his scalp… “What happened to your hat?”

His shoulders came up in a cute shrug. “Stuffed it in the back of my pants.”

“Real smooth.” Jenna chuckled. “And it’s a good thing, too, because I’ve already proven I might not duck in time.”

“Well, I am still on my best behavior.” Micah winked as he put the hat back in place. “Can I walk you to your car?”

“Sure.” She was tempted to prolong the evening by doing laps around the parking lot, but considering it would probably make her look a little crazy and a lot desperate, she took a few steps and stopped in front of her dingy, banged-up Sentra. “This is mine.” She unlocked her car and tossed her purse on the passenger seat. “So, Saturday night then?”

“Most definitely. Wait, what’s your number?” He pulled his phone out and keyed in her number as she told him, then tucked it back in his pocket. She did the same, dipping into the car to grab her green-rhinestone-star-decorated cell from her purse, so she could input his number. “Can’t wait.”

“Me neither.”

He grabbed the brim of his hat and twisted it to the side, before bringing his hands to her face and cupping her cheeks. Her eyes closed as his lips landed on hers for a sweet, beautiful, oh-too-short moment of bliss.

“Good night, Jenna.” He slowly retreated and drew his hat forward.

“Good night, Micah.” Still feeling the warmth of his hands on her cheeks, she sank into her car, barely noticing the duct tape holding the seat together scratching against her butt. Tonight had been awesome and called for loud music blasted from ancient speakers so she could sing at the top of her lungs. After she left the parking lot, though, since Micah was waiting only a few feet away, seeing her off.

She turned the key in the ignition, but her car only made its irritating fast clicking noise.

Well, she’d wanted to prolong the evening, but not by playing the damsel in distress. Fingers crossed, she turned the key again, but was met with the same lack of progress.

Crap.

She popped the hood release, got out and headed straight for the front.

“You need any help?” Micah asked, and even with the hat hiding his features, she could see his look of concern.

She shrugged like it was no big deal. “Holly does this sometimes. She’s been a bit moody since I moved to L.A.”

“Holly?” One side of his mouth tilted up.

“My mom named her. Told me that this car would get me wherever I needed to go—to school, the supermarket and even Hollywood.” She got the hood open and started jiggling the wires. “I don’t know why, but every time Holly does this, I wiggle all the wires and she starts. Just like a girl, right?” She got in the car and turned the key. Holly purred to life—well, more like choked and spluttered, but she was running and that’s what mattered. “See, all better.” She hopped out of the car to close the hood.

Micah looked at her, her car, and her again. “Can I follow you home? Make sure you get there okay?”

“I’ll be fine. You don’t have to go out of your way for me.”

“How do you know it’s out of my way?” he teased.

“How do you know it’s not?” she teased back.

Micah leaned in close. “Seriously. I’d feel better knowing you made it home okay. Plus, I need to know where you live so I can pick you up on Saturday night. See, win-win situation here.”

How could she say no to that? Besides, she wanted to spend more time with Micah. Not that him in one car and her in another constituted time together, but still. “I live in Van Nuys, fifteen, twenty minutes from here, depending on traffic. You really don’t mind?”

“Consider it a done deal.”

**INTERVIEW**

Tell us a little about your current release Starstruck.

Jen: Starstruck is the third book in our Hollywood Heat series, but it can be read as a standalone. There are no crossover characters—unless you count Hollywood as a character.

Starstruck introduces readers to Jenna, who’s brand-spanking-new to Hollywood. She wants to make it big, and she won’t let anything stop her. Micah has been in the industry his entire life and is jaded by all the backstabbing and using that makes up the entertainment industry. When they have an up-close-and-personal encounter on the set of his TV show, Sexy M.D., sparks fly. So do their clothes. Oh wait, did I say that? ;) It’s a fun, emotional, super-sexy romp through the world of Hollywood.

I would venture to guess that this book plays on the fantasy of many romance readers. Hell, the fantasy of women period. I don't suppose they even have to be romance readers. If you could have a chance encounter with any celebrity that would blossom into hot sex at the very least, who would it be?

Jen: If I have to choose only one, I’ll go with Chris Hemsworth, since he was our sexy inspiration for Micah. Micah doesn’t have the rumbly Australian accent that makes my toes curl, but in appearance, he’s all Chris. *sigh*

Lisa: Choosing just one would be very difficult for me. Between Jensen Ackles and Ian Somerhalder, I just don't know who I'd choose. Notice, I didn't include Chris Hemsworth? I simply can't get between Jen and Chris. Like, if I did, I think she'd kill me! ;) But it really was great to borrow his likeness when we wrote Micah.

*eyes glaze* Chris Hemsworth … Yum! *shakes head out of daze* How factual are the details within the book? Obviously names and such were changed, but being an extra on Sexy, M.D. seems so believable, I am sure you have experience in the industry.

Lisa: I've been involved in the entertainment industry for quite awhile. Lately, I've been working on shows like Thor and Spiderman 4 as a special effects costumer, but before all that, I was an extra. I did it for about seven years and still do it every now and then. I've been on more than 125 shows all over Los Angeles. On studio lots, on location, day shoots, night shoots. Do it long enough and you get into a lot of predicaments. Jenna's experience with her scrubs was inspired by my day on ER. The work she did that got her smacked was inspired by my day on Number3. Her being smacked was a what-if scenario after I told Jen about my time on Surviving Christmas where Ben Affleck nearly clotheslined me. I ducked out of his way, but it was a close call. And those instances are all just from the first part of the book!

Can you tell us about one thing that was real that you changed? The restaurant that Jenna and Micah have their date, for example. Was that a real place?

Jen: Lucky Devils is a real restaurant, though we changed up the location and interior setup just a bit. Lisa and I have eaten there a few times. YUMMY food. Great service. Right in the heart of Hollywood.

Lisa: Most of the locations were borrowed from places I've been and in some cases changed up to suit the story. However, Micah's house was based directly on a house I looked at in the Hollywood Hills. It has since been fixed up, destroying all of its old Hollywood charm rather than restoring it. I was a day late and a dollar short, but I am glad for the experience and memory of walking through the grand old place that needed a lot of love. Micah was giving it the restoration I wanted for the house.

What is your favorite thing about this book?

Lisa: My favorite thing about Starstruck was getting to write my experiences into the book, but also seeing what Jen would do with them while we edited. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction or just doesn't read well even though it's exactly what happened, how it happened. I also enjoyed writing people I've met on the job into the book. Everyone is really a great character because on a set, there are so many people and no one has the exact same job. They all do different stuff for different departments, but come together for the sake of what you watch every week on television. I loved being able to write the crew members and then Jenna and Micah: real characters who fell in love one day while working on an episode of television.

Soooo .... Grey's Anatomy fan?

Jen: What makes you say that? ;) Yes, I love that show. I’ve been a big fan of it since the beginning. I’ve always enjoyed medical dramas, from ER to Medical Investigation, which was a very short-lived show with another favorite actor of mine, Neal McDonough, that no one watched but me. Though Lisa was an extra on that show and had her very own awesome run-in with Neal! 

Lisa: *swoon* What was the question? Was there a question? I'm reminiscing about my time with Neal McDonough on both Medical Investigation and Boomtown…but mostly Medical Investigation. *swooooooooon* His eyes are just so…so…beautifully blue! I can still see him scrambling to hold the door for me. You can read about it here: http://www.ashleighraine.com/2004/08/31/medical-investigation/

PFFT! Neil McDonough … Boomtown?!?!?! … Shut the front door! Are you kidding me? I. Loved. That. Show. And Neil very shortly after starting to watch. He is delish! *jealous like WOAH* In your mind, are the characters modeled after any of the Grey's characters, or do you have entirely different people you can liken them to?

Jen: None of our characters were based on anyone on Grey’s, though we did have fun coming up with some over-the-top medical drama moments to play with in some of the on-set scenes in Starstruck.

What about Micah and Jenna made you want to put them together?

Jen: I loved the idea of pairing a jaded actor with a bright and shiny newbie, and showing the industry through both sets of eyes.

Lisa: For me, I'd fantasized myself right into Jenna on many of the shows I worked on. Writing them together wasn't much of a stretch.

Any upcoming projects you would like to tell us about?

Jen: Right now we’re polishing up some older, out of print titles that we’ll be rereleasing, and we’re slowly but surely writing Eternal Talisman. Several more stories are in the plotting stages.

Lisa: Our list of ideas we simply gotta write is huge. One or two at a time, we'll get them written. Kendra, I'm sure you'll be one of the first to know what's next.

*claps in glee* Muwahahahaha! So, all the readers need to know how you keep in contact with them.

The best way to keep in contact with us is through our Twitter feeds and readers are always welcome to email us at Ashleigh@ashleighraine.com too. We love reader mail.

Jen’s Twitter

Lisa’s Twitter

Website

 

*whispers* You can probably find them on Facebook too. Ladies, when did you begin your journey as an author and what pulled you in the direction of writing?

Jen: Lisa and I have been creating stories together since high school. It was a natural evolution for us to write together. Once we finally decided to make it official and write something for publication, we wrote our first book in less than six months, had it accepted for publication within two months, and it was released just a few months later. Less than one year from when we started writing it until it released. Oh the speed of digital publishing!

Any special quirks or habits when writing?

Jen: We like to plot out our books while sitting at our favorite coffee & tea house, Peet’s. The writing seems to flow easier when we follow that routine.

Lisa: I have a particular playlist I like to listen to while I'm writing or editing. Sometimes, I even write while I'm at Peet's by myself. Writing time is catch as catch can, so I make the best of what time I have!

How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?

Jen: Usually by staying up late and talking about what we want to write next.

Lisa: That and I always drink a celebratory cup of tea. No real special kind or place to drink it. I just brew and declare it celebratory!

Any advice you’d like to share for aspiring writers?

Lisa: Don't ever give up. Just keep writing. When everyone says you're wasting your time, keep writing. When everyone says your stuff is awful, keep writing. When everyone says it's great, keep writing. When you think no one will read it, keep writing. When you're sure you're the only one who'll read it, keep writing. When you know it's the best thing you've ever written, keep writing. When you're positive everyone will read it and love it, keep writing. No matter how good, bad, keep writing. Just keep writing. Books don't write themselves and you can't edit, rewrite or revise something that hasn't been written yet. And don't ever stop writing just so you never have to start again.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?

Lisa: I'm a bit of an English history nut so I'd go back to the late 14th century. I'm not exactly sure who I'd try to meet since there were so many interesting events going on. I suppose I'd finagle my way to London and just see what I could see or go where I could go.

Salty or Sweet?

Jen: Both. Together. Chocolate-covered potato chips, pretzels or popcorn. *LOVES*

Lisa: Can't have sweet like I used to, so it's a real good thing I like salty just as much if not more.

*raises brow* Did you just say chocolate covered potato chips? Holy crap that is brilliant!  Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic?

Jen: Non-alcoholic.

Lisa: I'm a tea-drinking teetotaler.

*snorts at Lisa* So loaded, but not loaded then. What is your favorite drink?

Jen: Coffee

Lisa: Oolong, Green, White or Pu-erh tea. Yeah, I'm kinda crazy that way.

How did I know Lisa would say tea? On that note, just recently tried Oolong and Darjeeling – LOVED! What is your favorite holiday?

Jen: I can’t choose. I love Halloween through Christmas and consider it one giant holiday celebration.

Lisa: Well, I have more decorations for Christmas, so I'll go with that. My tree has a million ornaments on it every year. Jen thought I was kind of nuts for hanging some of them, but every single one has a story behind it.

Favorite place you have ever visited?

Jen: Ohhh, this is tough. I love the UK for the history and I love Alaska when I want to get back to nature and forget about humanity and the real world for awhile.

Lisa: Warwick, UK. Best castle, museums, pubs, churches, antique stores and proximity to tons of other awesome historic sites. There's a certain magical something about that town for me. I feel the history when I'm just walking down the streets.

Soooooo jealous of Lisa because she just took a trip not too long ago. If I could have squeezed into the suitcase and tagged along, I so would have been there! Does jealousy seem to becoming a theme? O.O Boxers or briefs?

Jen: Cuz I like being difficult: boxer briefs.

Lisa: Depends on the man…  ;)~

E-reader or Paperback?

Jen: Depends on my mood. I wouldn’t want to only have one or the other.

Lisa: Both. They're apples and oranges to me.

Call yourselves my friends, do ya? Paperback! LOL Long hair or short hair on a guy?

Jen: Depends on the guy. (I’m totally difficult today, aren’t I?)

Lisa: I agree with Jen. Totally depends on the man. I love a wild mane as much as a buzz cut depending on the guy.

What kind of answers are these!?!?!? I want the down and dirty, not the dainty! No wonder you write together so well. *blows out breath* Try again, shall we? Do you have any hidden talents?

Lisa: Nope. My talents are pretty much right out in the open… I make jewelry, sew clothes and work on my cars to name a few. None of the stuff I'm good at is the kind of stuff that no one sees if they see me at all.

Um Lis – you said nope, right? Sheesh! Talk about modest! She makes gorgeous jewelry, has very sparkly cars that purrrrrr, writes smut like nobody’s biznezz, has a helluva resume as an extra and designer – need I continue? What? If she won’t do it, I will! Who is your favorite fictional character ever?

Jen: Ohhh, that’s tough. If you asked me tomorrow, I might have a different answer, but today I’m going with Captain Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly and Serenity.

Lisa: There are so many incredible characters, but the one who still intrigues me the absolute most is Methos from Highlander: the Series.

Caffeine or Decaf?

Lisa: Both. I'm very much into tea whether it's leaded or unleaded.

Favorite midnight snack?

Jen: Popcorn or a plate of nachos. So bad for me. So tasty.

Lisa: Popcorn makes my world go round, but M&Ms are what I snack on when I'm in a darkened theater in the middle of the night while hanging and focusing lights.

M&M’s … they do, they really do make the world go around. And Jen, how about popcorn nachos? Sounds like something I could get down with. *nods* Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Jen: Can someone be an extra extrovert? Cuz if so, that’s probably me.

Lisa: Introvert. I hide behind Jen.

Almond Joy or Mounds?

Jen: Mounds. Dark chocolate. Coconut. You really don’t need anything else.

Lisa: Hmmm… Neither actually. I'm kind of a chocolate purist.

*agrees with Jenn, but raises brow at Lisa* Say what? No coconut? What about coconut M&M’s? Booyeah! Didn’t see that one coming, did ya! Flowers or chocolate?

Jen: Chocolate. Always chocolate.

Lisa: Only chocolate.

*sneaks off to open my M&M stash* Okay, so are you a night person or morning person?

Jen: A night person. I’m not a fan of crawling out of bed in the morning.

Lisa: I'm a night person. Twilight is a magical time and it leads into night with such fanfare.

Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance?

Jen: Readers say our Talisman Bay series is urban fantasy romance, so let’s say a combination of the two.

Lisa: I agree. I like both together.

Favorite meal?

Jen: Lately I’ve been on eating a lot of all-natural meals, though you wouldn’t believe that considering my answers above. I love the recipes at http://www.101cookbooks.com/. Every single recipe I’ve made from that site—at least a dozen—have been phenomenal. So right now I’d go with anything from there as my favorite meal.

Lisa: I've had to do a major diet overhaul this year so all my favorite meals have been turned on end and I don't think I have one anymore…or at least not yet. Ask me again in another year.

Lisa, I am holding you to that! *la la la la la la tonight* Oh. Sorry. The kids are blasting my Step By Step album right now. No lie! And totes appropriate! After all, our blockhead status brought us together in the first place. So I hope you all have had fun with this glimpse into the lives of the duo better known in our romance circle as Ashleigh Raine. These two are a ton of fun – and hey, they write some pretty awesomesauce books too. And check the generosity! Jenn and Lisa are offering to one lucky commenter two fantastic prizes! And ebook copy of Acting on Impulse (Hollywood Heat, Book1) and a star choker just like the one Jenna wears on her date with Micah; made by Lisa! How amazing, right? All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment. This is the first Rafflecopter giveaway, so let’s see how it goes. If you have feedback, let me know. Please check the rules before entering. You can see my review of Acting on Impulse here.

**DA RULEZ**

1)     Fill out the Rafflecopter form

2)     Leave a blog comment answering Jenn and Lisa’s question

3)     Optional entries are available for those who want them

Fine Print: One commenter will be drawn at random to receive a digital copy of Acting on Impulse (Hollywood Heat, Book 1), by Ashleigh Raine. Winner will also receive a star choker like the one Jenna wore on her date with Micah. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open internationally. Reader’s Edyn and participating author are NOT responsible for lost or damaged items. Anyone may be disqualified at any time so be sure to follow directions to avoid disqualification. No substitutions allowed. Contest ends March 1st at midnight MST. Winner will be contacted by e-mail. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Odds of wining depend on the number of entries received.

**QUESTION**

If you could act on any TV show, which one would you choose?

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Be sure to check out the other books by Ashleigh Raine listed below! Until next time … happy reading!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

**ACTING ON IMPULSE (Hollywood Heat, Book 1)**

Click here to buy now.

**DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION (Hollywood Heat, Book 2)**

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**LOVER’S TALISMAN (Talisman Bay, Book 1)**

Click here to buy now.

**FORSAKEN TALISMAN (Talisman Bay, Book 2)**

Click here to buy now.