Hear ye, hear ye! #Audiobook collection of my #Demimonde trilogy is complete!

Are you an audiobook fan? Keep reading to see how to get copies of my urban fantasy trilogy through Audiobook Boom!

Narrator Kelly Pruner and I are celebrating the completion of the Demimonde in audiobook format!

WOLF’S BANE joins BLEEDING HEARTS and BLOOD RUSH in this series about an advice columnist-turned-oracle who must save her Demivampire lover from the fate that threatens each of his race: evolution and the destruction of his soul.

Like tall, dark, and brooding heroes? Like bad vampires and rock-star werewolves? Like supernatural problems and watching a snarky, good-hearted heroine trying to muddle her way through the messes those problems fling at her?

The Demimonde series is a set of emotional, exciting, addicting reads now available on audio book…so I get to listen to WOLF’S BANE whenever I’m in the car because I LOVE THAT STORY. It’s why I wrote it 😊

To help launch the set, I’m looking for reliable audiobook reviewers to help give these titles some legs. You can sign up to receive a copy of the first book, BLEEDING HEARTS through this promo link HERE (and scroll waaaaaaay down...)

Listeners who review this book and want to hear more are also eligible to receive free promotional copies of the second and third books in the series. That way, you too can listen to WOLF'S BANE whenever you're in the car because I REALLY LOVE THAT STORY! 

This promo is open to both US and UK audiobook readers. The number of copies is limited so if you’re interested in urban fantasy audiobooks, don’t delay!

If you’ve read and enjoyed the books, I’d love it if you gave the audio versions a try. Kelly becomes my Sophie *hearts* so let her become yours, too.

Ash Krafton's new Review Zoo: For readers that are wild about books

When it comes to publishing, every indie author will agree that it's a total zoo out there.

In an age where millions of new books are published every year, an indie author has to work harder than ever to get noticed. We don't have massive publishing houses behind us, or sprawling PR teams, or worldwide celebrity.

Can you rattle another reader's cage?

That doesn't mean an indie author stands alone. We have a very special team standing with us—our readers.

Our readers inspire us to hang tough when the going gets rough. Our readers encourage us to keep writing new tales. Our readers make homes within their hearts for our books. Writing may be a solitary effort, but our readers help make writing a community event.

After all, to ruin a quote by the Bard: What books are books if readers be not by?

The Review Zoo

Reviews are so important to a writer's success. Here's why:

·       Reviews provide a book with "social proof". They show prospective readers that other readers read the book and were engaged enough to share their thoughts.

·       Reviews allow authors to promote their work through certain ads and email services, which often require a certain number of reviews. A book with few reviews is pretty much an unknown book and those promo companies won't take a chance on sharing it.

·       Reviews let an author know what they are doing right—or wrong.

Over the years, I have been blessed by the special support many readers have shown for my work by leaving a review. Some have been so eloquently written that I was truly, deeply moved by the words. Some have been quick, short, sweet, and perfect in their brevity. Some have let me know that a book missed the mark for them. But they all made such a difference in what I write today.

That's why I'm recruiting for the Review Zoo. Readers who put effort into leaving reviews deserve special treatment because of the tremendous service they provide. I'd love a way to be able to make it easy to get books to readers like these.

So if you're a reader who loves to talk about books and is willing to leave reviews for them, I want you to join my Zoo.

·       If you join my Review Zoo, you'll get a free digital copy (Kindle or PDF) of each new release.

·       You must post your review to Amazon within one week of the release, but readers who post their review to Amazon within twenty-four hours of release will be pooled into a drawing for a 100$ gift card.

·       Older books need love and reviews, too. If you post a new review for any book on my backlist, you'll be eligible to win a gift card in one of my regularly-scheduled Catch-Up Contests.

·       The Zoo will always get first crack at the swag. (If you've been with me a while, you know I love the swag…remember the Turn of the Wheel concert shirts I did for WOLF'S BANE?)

Are you with us? Simply fill out this form https://goo.gl/forms/QTUSTktM59GtiwfD3 with your contact info and answer a few easy questions. You'll also be asked to provide the link to a review you've already left on Amazon, so pick your favorite.

If you are unable to fill out the form, then email me at ashkrafton (at) Hotmail (dot) com with the following: Name, address, digital format preference, and a link to one of your previous reviews.

Don't forget to tell me which of my books you've read and which one you're still dying to read.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Let's rattle some cages and talk some books!

Listen to the Love: BLEEDING HEARTS #audiobook #review #giveaway

Bleeding Hearts (Demimonde #1) recently came out in audiobook and it sounds like Demimonde fans are very happy about it. I'm happy, too.

I'm especially happy that long-time fan of the series Sophia Rose of the Delighted Reader blog was one of the first to review Bleeding Hearts (Audio). Her review is here: Delighted Reader reviews Bleeding Hearts So glad she loved narrator Kelly Pruner as the voice of Sophie Galen... she really allowed the heart and soul of the book to shine through.

I told Sophia Rose that, with her approval, I felt like I passed a huge test :)

A quotable quote:

"This story stood up well to a re-read and I am just as in love with the world, the characters, and the romance.  I recommend this refreshing Urban Fantasy book/trilogy to those who like their vampires on the gritty dangerous side and don’t mind a slow burn romance that has some dark days ahead."-- Sophia Rose from Delighted Reader

Please take a moment to read her review (and follow the blog for more great reviews).

In fact, I'm having Rafflecopter withdrawal... how about a quickie giveaway?

Up for grabs is a review copy of the Bleeding Hearts audiobook. Would you like a chance to listen to the first Book of the Demimonde? We'll make it easy:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Hey, Superfans, check out the special entry just for you!)

Good luck to everyone who enters. I can't wait for you to hear this book :)

Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Narrator: Kelly Pruner
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Published by Self Published on December 22, 2015
Length: 12 hours 59 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Buy: Amazon | Audible

        

BLOOD RUSH (Demimonde #2) ARC Review Tour!

I'm pleased to announce a pre-release tour for Blood Rush (release May 14th), the second installment in my urban fantasy series The Books of the Demimonde!

The tour is running from May 7th to May 13th, 2013 with reviews AND a special International giveaway!

 

This tour is being hosted by Dark World Books
(and they are holding an INT giveaway!)

Blood Rush

Add caption

(Demimonde #2)

 

Sophie doesn’t believe in happily ever after. These days, she’d settle for alive after sunrise.

 

Advice columnist and newly-appointed oracle to the demivampire, Sophie Galen has more issues than a Cosmo collection: a new mentor with a mean streak, a werewolf stalker she can’t shake, and a relationship with her ex’s family that redefines the term complicated. And then there’s her ex himself, who is more interested in playing leader of the vampire pack than in his own salvation.

 

Becoming a better oracle is tough enough, but when Sophie encounters a deadly enemy – one she never dreamed of facing – it will take everything she’s ever learned in order to survive.

Add Blood Rush to your Goodreads list!

_________________________

 

Bleeding Hearts

(Demimonde #1)

 

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist who is saving the world – one damned person at a time.

 

Shy and sensitive Sophie has all but given up on love until she meets Marek, a mysterious stranger who seduces her with his striking good looks and his take-charge attitude. Yet the darkness she senses within him may be more than she is prepared to handle when Marek draws her into a world of vampires, werewolves, and treachery. Forced to leave behind the comfortable routines and certainties of her past, Sophie makes unbearable sacrifices and uncovers hidden truths about herself and the world around her.



Amazon – Barnes & Noble

New to the series? No better time to start than today...BLEEDING HEARTS is on sale for $2.99! Feed your ereader today! <3 font="">

 

 

Blood Rush Tour schedule:

• May 7th | Darkest Sins
  
• May 8th | Justified Lunacy
  
• May 9th | Mind Reader
  
• May 10th | Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
  
• May 13th | Shah Wharton’s WordsinSync

Stay tuned...because tomorrow we announce the winner of the PRE-LAUNCH GIVEAWAY! Yup, it's in all caps because I was shouting the words when I typed them.

Love leaving on a great cliffhanger. See you tomorrow. :)


(Oh, you haven't entered yet? Well, if you read this in time...go here and good luck...the winner just might be YOU!)

New Review November!

Boy. It's quiet around here.

I just came off a triple-threat giveaway week when I participated in three different Halloween blog hops. This morning, I Rafflecoptered the winners and started sending out prizes. In the wake of so much activity, this morning the crickets are barely chirping on my Blogger page.

There is only one cure for the End Of Giveaway Blues...a bit of good ole hair of the dog.

TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY!

I've decided that this is New Review November. Hence, the New Review November Giveaway.

Book Two of the Demimonde: BLOOD RUSH will be coming out early 2013 and the excitement is starting to build. Edits are steadily underway. The cover has been finalized and I'll be doing a cover reveal in December--just around the corner!

So, to support the new book's upcoming release, I'm opening the doors of my Demimonde to invite you all in.

Publishing is a noisy, crowded world, full of authors and publishers hollering READ THIS BOOK! I'm proud to be published by a small press but admit that getting my book seen in today's marketplace isn't an easy task.

Above all things, I want my book to fall into the hands and hearts of readers who will truly love the story...which is why I dearly appreciate my reviewers.

An enthusiastic review is the best gift a reader could ever give me--that kind of enthusiasm spreads like wildfire, like electricity over wires. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing tool any author could wield.

I am gracious for every review I receive because they are like love letters to my book...and, to say THANK YOU to my reviewers, I am organizing a little giveaway...just for them.

Anyone who posts their review of BLEEDING HEARTS between today and November 15, 2012 is eligible to win one of two 25$ Amazon giftcards. The raffle form will remain open until midnight on November 18, 2012 in order to accomodate last minute entries. (Review must have been posted by midnight on November 15 to qualify.)

Additional entires may be earned by following BLEEDING HEARTS around the 'net. Just follow the steps on the Rafflecopter form to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you, each and every reviewer, for your tremendous support of my books. My heart is within each of you.

Cheers, Ash

Bleeding Hearts Available for Read 2 Review on Goodreads

Are you a member of Goodreads? How about the Paranormal and Horror Lovers group?

You are? Awesome! That means that, not only will I commend you on your fine taste, I'll also remind you that Bleeding Hearts is now up for Read 2 Review on Sept 1.

The Read 2 Review program--or R2R--encourages authors and readers to connect and make each other happy. Authors offer 5-10 copies of their book to readers who, in turn, post an honest review.

Readers get free books. Authors get feedback. R2R equals win-win. :)

Need some links?

Goodreads is here.

The Paranormal and Horror Lovers group is here.

The sign-up thread for my book is here.

More about the Goodread group Paranormal and Horror Lovers:

This is a group focused on sharing the passion we all have for the paranormal, horror and fantasy genre. My aim is to have the spotlight on indie Authors and for them to be able to connect with readers. Also you can find us on facebook (here)

If you are a reader there is still lots for you, I promise! There are group contests, book of the month, games, heaps of fun stuff.
 

Hope to see you all on Goodreads soon...

Melinda's Bibliophile Blog: Bleeding Hearts

As a writer, I've come to forsake food as my primary sustenance.

Now, I live off reviews.

Reviews provide me with all the nutrition I need to fuel my writing, to write more and improve my craft and spend just one--more--hour-- doing promo for my debut. Writing is serious work and takes serious energy. Reviews provide it.

Some reviews, however, are more than just fuel. They are octane-boosted high-performance carb-packed total nutrition bars that are soaked in Red Bull. Like this one by Melinda's Bibliophile Blog.

Not only am I stoked to get to my writing today--I'm also dying to read the book again. This review was a terriffic read...don't miss it!

While you're there, leave a domment for her. It's a newer blog so let her know she's got readers out there who want more awesome reviews like this one.

Cheers!

<3 <3 <3

Melinda's Bibliophile Blog: Bleeding Hearts: Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ash Krafton must be a wizard because after eight million books being published about vampires, she's come up with with something so original, so creative, so unique that I was actually stunned by it. Those who would read this purely as a vampire book, you will not only pleased, you'll be thrilled, unless you like your vampires traditional. In that case, go buy Dracula by Bram Stoker. The original is always best. Being a wizard Ms.Krafton does a magnificent job combining love and romance with her new conception of vampires which makes this one helluva book on many levels. Way to go Ash!

Read the entire review and not just this one chunk of brilliance at Melinda's Bibliophile Blog: Bleeding Hearts!

Reviews, News, & Interviews for the Demimonde!

Today, I put myself into solitary confinement to get BLOOD RUSH polished up and ready to go.

There's a lot at stake on my sequel. It seems my editor, whom we call La Principessa, has grown emotionally attached to my original story. She tells me she loves my book. Well, my book loves her back. The sequal is just as much for her as it is for me, now.

I can't let La Mia Principessa down!

So, I've cut myself off from morning television until the ms is in the mail. I've only missed the first few minutes of Good Morning America and already I am jonesing. How can I go a month without Tweeting @SamChampion? He's my Twitter buddy! We have a THING!

Oh, Blood Rush. You're really going to make me work for it, aren't you...

It's not only La Mia Principessa who wants the book...it's also the head editor. I named her My Lord Editor pretty much right at the beginning of our relationship (come to think of it, I also think I promised her blood and souls in the contract...I better check that thing out again). My Lord Editor has decreed that anyone who's given Bleeding Hearts a favorable review--and there are many of you, *hugs* *MWAH* *squee*--may get a Blood Rush ARC when they come out this Fall. See? I'm not the only one who truly loves and appreciates my Demimonde!

I'm also becoming more Blogger savvy...see the different page tabs at the top of the blog? (Yep, I'm pretty proud of myself, too.) Anyone wishing to receive a copy of Bleeding Hearts in exchange for honest review can find my contact details there. Hit me up any way you want. I'm easy like that.

Since I may receive a review or two this month, I'll be setting up a GOODREADS GIVEAWAY of a print copy of Bleeding Hearts. It'll be up soon and run until the end of May so there's plenty of time for you to enter. I'll post the link as soon as it's up.

Finally, saving the best for last again...Niina of For The Love Of Reading mailed me and said she wanted to chat again. She's posted a lovely review of Bleeding Hearts on her blog last month...take a moment to peek at her beautiful blog! Our conversation was even more fun because I included a sneak peak at Blood Rush. Hope you enjoy it...

Looking forward to lots of writing, lots of editing, and my break on Saturday when I go to see LACUNA COIL...my musical muses. Can. Not. Wait.

(Also, I have pit tickets. I need to remember to wear flat shoes this time.)

Have a great week!

Bleeding Hearts Reviewed at "Once Upon A Quote"

Book blogger (and wonderful new friend) Elodie of the Once Upon A Quote blog has read and reviewed my urban fantasy, Bleeding Hearts: Book One of the Demimonde. Read her four star review!

I met Elodie on Goodreads and we struck up a wonderful friendship. She's a French reader who studies English in college and she loves Young Adult books. Her blog is a gorgeous reader's santuary...

I recently supported a Kindles For Kids fundraiser and purchased a few copies of Danyelle Leafty"s book, The Fairy Godmother Dilemma. Since Elodie was hungry for new books, I offered to send her one of the copies as soon as they arrive. My children's school and the local libraries in my area will receive the others (except for the one Danyelle will autograph to me, of course!)

That's my favorite thing about writing and reading...it's all about telling stories to someone, sharing an idea or an experience. Share a book, and you share a communal experience because you both get to "live" the story.

Thank you, Elodie, for reading and sharing my book with me. Thank you for the review and thank you for caring about my book enough to share it with your readers. I cherish it!

And now...back to work on Blood Rush. Elodie wants that book done. :)

Review of Bleeding Hearts: All the Fun Starts After Dark

Bleeding Hearts was reviewed by Brandy on her blog "All the Fun Starts After Dark." She gave it a wonderful review and shared her favorite quotes from the book.








Stop by and read her review of Bleeding Hearts!

Also, there are only TWO DAYS LEFT to enter the Bleeding Hearts Blog Tour THE END-OF-TOUR GIVEAWAY! Time is running out to get your karma in!

Rabid Reads: Review of Bleeding Hearts

Today, the Bleeding Hearts Blog Tour stops at RABID READS!

Carmel at Rabid Reads is one of my favorite reviewers because she really digs into the books she reads. Her review style is a gorgeous raw reaction and I love reading her features.

Not only are we giving away a copy of Bleeding Hearts...we'll also give someone the chance to name one of my werewolves in the upcoming WOLF'S BANE!

Carmel is in her late twenties and lives North of Ottawa, Canada's capital. Trips to the city are a 5 day a week occurrence for her; she works at one of Canada's national museums. She lives with her guy and their two pooches Sasha and Trae.

Stop by Rabid Reads for Carmel's take on Bleeding Hearts!



Be sure to check out the other fantastic writers and bloggers who are so generous in their support of my first novel launch. Don't forget to enter the mini-contests on each day's blog stop and, of course,THE END-OF-TOUR GIVEAWAY!


Reminder: I joined Kindlegraph so that I can scribble my name on even MORE books. Hit me up anytime!

GraveTells: Ash Krafton

Bleeding Hearts: Book One of the Demimonde will appear on GraveTells: Paranormal News and Reviews today!

Stop by for a peek at my guest post "When Vampires Just Ain't Enough." Also, see how you can win a copy of Bleeding Hearts!

Don't forget...the big release day is Thursday!

*bounce bounce bounce*


Thanks for your support...Enjoy!

Publishers Weekly--My FIRST Review...

BLEEDING HEARTS on Publishers Weekly

This was the moment I'd been nervously anticipating: my first published review.

It's not like I'd never been critiqued before. I'd survived dozens of contest judges' feedback, some of it quite...subjective. =) That's part of the game. You can't write something and expect people to read it without forming an opinion. Even "no opinion" is an opinion.  (Stop me before I start channeling Neil Peart.)

It's an important step in putting your work out there: you are vulnerable and awaiting judgement. You open your notebook, set it on the table, and let other people tell you their opinion.

However, I survived it all because 1) I learned TREMENDOUSLY from the experience and 2) I'd made finals in a few contests, so it couldn't be all that bad but most of all 3) I knew it was going to toughen me up so that I could face this moment without blinking.

I survived my first review. My publisher and my editors and my family and friends are thrilled but I'm just quietly taking it in. It's pretty cool to be reviewed by PW, not to mention it being my first.

You never forget your first. I won't forget mine.