Month of Love Guest Blog & Giveaway: Why Every Day is Valentine’s Day with My Husband by Jennifer Ashley (Allyson James/Ashley Gardner)
*Giveaway Now Closed*
Everyone please welcome paranormal and historical romance author, Jennifer Ashley (aka Urban Fantasy author, Allyson James and mystery author, Ashley Gardner) to Paperback Dolls!
Monday was Valentine’s Day, and you might think that a romance author and her husband celebrate V Day in style: wining, dining, flowers, chocolates, and slinky lingerie.
We don’t (my husband just refuses to wear slinky lingerie, for some reason).
But seriously, the two of us have never been big on the candlelight dinners with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. We’re more into pizza and an episode of Burn Notice. (Hey, snuggling down together under a blanket to watch some kick-butt action can be cozy on a winter evening.)
I can honestly say, despite having been a romance author for about a decade now, that I’m not the romantic type.
At least not romance as traditionally defined. On the other hand, many people have told me that my husband and I are very romantic. And we are, but it’s not about clinking champagne flutes in front of a roaring fire (we don’t even have a fireplace).
The top ten reasons that I consider that every day is Valentine’s Day with my husband:
10. When I met him (I was 18), and I told him: “I wanna be a writer!” he married me anyway.
9. We say, “I love you,” every day, at least once. Usually more often.
8. We kiss goodbye, we kiss hello, we kiss goodnight. (Not good morning, because—you know, wait until after the mouthwash.)
7. My husband surprises me with random gifts or cards, tucked into my purse or left on my keyboard—“just because.”
6. I send flowers or cookies to him at his office—“just because.”
5. We’re best friends and can talk to each other about anything, anytime.
4. I grill him constantly about the male point of view on everything from cars to jobs to sex, to get my heroes right—and he doesn’t mind.
3. He reads my romance novels and even likes them (though he draws the line at m/m erotic romance; no Allyson James’s Mortal Seductions for him).
2. He listens to me go on and on (and on, and on) about the publishing industry without shutting me off.
And the number one reason I consider that every day is Valentine’s Day with my husband:
1. We’re still together, after all this time, and all we’ve been through (and it’s been a lot).
No candlelight needed (well, except for during that four-state blackout).
~*~*~*~*~*Giveaway!*~*~*~*~*~
Today, Jennifer is offering up ONE signed copy of ANY book from her BACKLIST books, under any name, to ONE lucky US commenter!
More ways to win:
+1 for each place you post about today’s contest on your blog, social network, or anywhere you can. Digg it, stumble it, twit it, share it with the world. Wherever you share it, make sure you add a link to it along with your comment.
Giveaway ends March 7th and the winner will be chosen by random.org on March 8th. We ask the winners to post a review of the novel someplace. Whether it is on their own blog, Amazon, GoodReads, LibraryThing or wherever, it doesn’t matter. Just help get the word out. Also, we will try to contact the winners, but we ask that you check back to see if you’ve won.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley has lived and traveled all over the world, and now lives in the Southwest. She writes historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance as Jennifer Ashley; mysteries as Ashley Gardner; and paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Allyson James.
Jennifer’s/Allyson’s/Ashley’s novels have won RWA’s RITA award, the Golden Quill, RT Reviewer’s Choice awards, and the Prism award, among others. Jennifer’s novels have been also been translated into nearly a dozen European and Asian languages.
Jennifer enjoys writing and reading above all else, but her hobbies include cooking, hiking, playing flute and guitar, painting, and building miniature rooms and dollhouses.
Sharon S. said…
wonderful story. I’ve been married 19 years and my husband still thinks I am the best thing since sliced bread . Would love to try one of your books! There are so many to chose from :)
February 16, 2011 7:13 AM
Sharon S. said…
forgot to post my FB share :)
February 16, 2011 7:16 AM
June M. said…
Great story. Congrats at a long, happy marriage. I would love to win a book, I am always looking for new authors.
hmanning[at]bellsouth[dot]net
February 16, 2011 8:32 AM
June M. said…
posted to fb
February 16, 2011 8:33 AM
BLHmistress said…
Aw isn’t that great, its those little things that more than one particular day.
I love Jennifer book’s I read all the Immortal series as well as a couple in the Nvengaria “Fairy Tale” series (historical paranormal)
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
February 16, 2011 9:02 AM
Cordy said…
Oh Wow! I would love to read one of these books!
I love that you have such a real realtionship and it’s still sweet!
Thanks for the chance and the fun blog!
February 16, 2011 9:04 AM
Victoria said…
How nice. I have been married for 19 yrs. My hubby teases and always says “and my still very sexually appealing wife” when he refers to me with his friends. He’s too funny.
Thank you.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
February 16, 2011 9:06 AM
Jennifer Ashley/ Allyson James / Ashley Gardner said…
Thanks for the comments! I love these stories. I guess I really am romantic at heart, LOL. I hope everyone is having a great day. Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer Ashley
aka Allyson James
February 16, 2011 10:50 AM
debbie roush said…
love your books! when i get on can’t put it down! keep em coming.
Debbie R
February 16, 2011 10:57 AM
leisa said…
I cannot wait to read Primal Bonds
February 16, 2011 11:03 AM
Diane D – Florida said…
Well Jennifer, I must say that I adore your books. I was very young when I tied the knot and I’ve now been married for almost 41years. Congratulations on your happy marriage and may you have as many happy and romantic years with your hubby as I’ve had with mine. I adore Historical Romance and if I’m lucky enough to be chosen then I would love “Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage”.
February 16, 2011 11:12 AM
Siobhan M. said…
You know, I can’t get my husband to wear slinky lingerie either. What is up with that? :) I haven’t ready your Mortal Seductions series . . . yet. I think love should be realistic, an every day thing rather than once a year in February. Glad your knight in shining armor is still standing beside you, cheering you on!
February 16, 2011 11:19 AM
Evelyn said…
So cool! I love Jennifer Ashley’s books! They are soo good and fun to read! I just shared about the contest on my facebook. :]
February 16, 2011 11:25 AM
CLMcCune said…
I would LOVE the Allyson James novel :) “`Stormwalker“`
February 16, 2011 11:33 AM
meggerfly said…
Jennifer I need to say that I love your books! The first books that I read of yours were The Immortal series.
I posted this giveaway on FB. I’d love to win an older book that I’ve not read!
February 16, 2011 11:37 AM
sapphire di silverland said…
Jennifer is my favourite writer! She hold me by her hand and transport me in other dimention… where i can dream. Every jennifer ashley’s book that i read, gives me many emotions, like if me too are part of story… smiling, suffering, and hate and love with the eroes! Simply the best… thanks for everything! I hope so to read all works of her. you knows we love you Jen!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 16, 2011 12:04 PM
IRT said…
My husband and I have been married for almost 41 yrs. We are still so in love with each other. We married when I was 19 and he was 20. He loves to surprise me with trips, gifts, flowers. We always say I love you everyday, we love to snuggle and I always fall asleep in his arms. He is my whole world, he is also very handsome, sexy and romantic.
Jennifer I love your books!!!!
February 16, 2011 1:12 PM
Jean said…
Love your books and pre-order them now. Some of the older ones sseem impossible to find so winning one would be awesome!
February 16, 2011 1:25 PM
Danielle Gorman said…
I love your books. I never realized you wrote under so many different genres. I’ve only read your newest historicals but I must say that I am definitely going to have to pick up all of the others. They looks so good.
February 16, 2011 2:26 PM
LeighSavage said…
I’d love to win one of your older novels….
I’ve posted on facebook….
February 16, 2011 2:36 PM
Di said…
What a lovely list! I’m sure your thoughtfulnes about your own relationship must carry over into your writing – I’ve put you on my TBRA list.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
February 16, 2011 4:28 PM
throuthehaze said…
Great story! Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway :)
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
February 16, 2011 5:57 PM
leapingleprachauns said…
one of my favorite authors! Romance writers are the best. They are so generous to their fans with giveaways, emails, blogs, boards, you name it.
February 16, 2011 6:20 PM
JenM said…
What a great post. I’ve never been enthusiastic about these manufactured holidays – I’d much rather have the real thing all year long and it sounds like that’s what you’ve got.
jen at delux dot com
February 16, 2011 7:22 PM
marycay said…
it was soooo sweet & beautifully said. have been married 36 yrs, & i thought my husband was unromantic but he is. since i got sick (ms), he always bringing me flowers & chocolate. had to put my foot down. he was going overboard. he was trying to keep up my spirits.since i can only read or on the computer, he has brought me a ton of books. i have contant tingling in hands & feet. had to quit crocheting, but he is a keeper.
February 16, 2011 7:28 PM
StacieDM said…
LOL you have a book called Confessions of a Lingerie Addict?! My husband would suggest I get that book based on the title alone! I have a small addiction to expensive lingerie. Although I must say that the cover for Primal Bonds seems to be calling my name. Great post!
Stacie
user1123 AT comcast DOT net
February 17, 2011 7:51 AM
Asylumgirl said…
I don’t know. You guys actually sound pretty romantic to me. You really work at keeping the home fires burning after all these years and that counts for something as well.
Deidre
February 17, 2011 9:18 AM
Tore said…
I love your story. Very romantic. I am a hopeless romantic whereas my husband isn’t. He isn’t very romantic at all. I wish he would do some romantic gestures. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read your books.
February 17, 2011 9:33 AM
Anne said…
Great list. Sounds like you don’t take each other for granted. I, too, am fond of the just because present. It shows that you’re thinking about the other person in a good way and not because a holiday tradition says yiou should.
acm05atjuno.com
February 17, 2011 10:04 AM
ChrisS said…
Thank you for such a great blog. I really enjoyed reading it and couldn’t help but smile. I just love your 10 reasons everyday is Valentines Day. I’ve been married for 17 yrs and am so very grateful for my wonderful husband. I know how you feel. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your husband everyday!
February 17, 2011 10:46 AM
Ricki said…
I agree that pizza and good TV can be better than a romantic dinner.
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com
February 17, 2011 2:34 PM
jeanette8042 said…
What a wonderful post and the things you both do for each other are romantic in my opinion!
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
February 17, 2011 2:35 PM
Katie said…
Great post! I love her!!!!
February 17, 2011 4:00 PM
Barbara E. said…
I enjoyed the post, and I’d like to know why Jennifer’s husband refuses to wear slinky lingerie. I mean, what a spoil sport, LOL.
I’ve got quite a few of Jennifer’s & Allyson’s books on my TBR shelf and my wish list. It would be awesome to win one of her books.
Barbed1951 at aol.com
February 17, 2011 4:38 PM
Shannon said…
Thank you for including me.
tiredwkids at live dot com
February 17, 2011 6:10 PM
Mariee said…
Great post! Your husband sounds like a keeper :)
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
February 18, 2011 2:49 PM
Robin K said…
Fantastic post. I love your “just because” answers. And yah, no morning kissing :)
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
February 18, 2011 4:22 PM
susan said…
great post. i’m just envious of you! i’m hoping to find my one true love.Marriage Counseling
February 18, 2011 8:01 PM
donnas said…
What a great post. Thank you for sharing it!
tweet –
blog –
bacchus76 at myself dot com
February 18, 2011 9:33 PM
Sheree said…
Can I just say, aw….
ironss[at]gmail.com
February 20, 2011 8:29 PM
Meredith said…
Awwww…love those little things you do!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
February 21, 2011 7:36 PM
mbreakfield said…
Your husband sounds wonderful! I love many of your books, but THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE holds a special place in my heart.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 22, 2011 8:41 AM
JoAnna said…
What a great interview!
I love Jennifer/Allyson’s book.
Tweet:
sidebar: beckerjo.blogspot.com
beckerjo(at)verizon(dot)net
February 22, 2011 6:32 PM
Sara M said…
I’ve been with my girlfriend for 4.5 years, and I believe a big part of the reason is because we’re best friends. And it doesn’t help that we both read the same genres. :)
Sara M
sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com
February 23, 2011 6:10 PM
LSUReader said…
What a sweet column. I love the MacKenzies and look forward to reading more of your books. (Email in profile.)
February 24, 2011 1:16 PM
Amy said…
What a beautiful love story! It sounds like you and your husband are still deeply in love. I am so jealous…I hope I can find someone for me one day =)
angeldream3[at]gmail[dot]com
February 24, 2011 9:13 PM
linaramz said…
Thanks for the guest post, I love reading them! And thanks for the chance to win one of Jennifer’s books! I’ve been really wanting to read Stormwalker!
linaramz at yahoo dot com
March 1, 2011 4:34 PM
Aanchal @ Book Flame said…
awww you two are very much a romantic couple..not too many couples are like that. Thank you for the giveaway.
March 2, 2011 9:07 PM
My name is Patricia said…
What a story!!! Thank you for having this giveaway. Hope I can win.
Tweeted:
PelicanJL[at]hotmail[dot]com
March 7, 2011 8:56 AM