Unchained – Sharon Ashwood on the slayer in every mom

Been there, slain that.
It pretty much sums up the career of Ashe Carver, my monster-hunting protagonist in Unchained. It also describes the state of mind of most women at the end of a hard day: Slain the dishes, the laundry, the vacuuming, the kids’ homework—what’s a vampire thrown into the mix? Just another speed bump between morning coffee and collapsing into bed.
Ashe hunts monsters, but she’s also a hard-working single mother with a job slinging books at the local library. She’s earned the right to a “done that” feeling. When I came up with the idea for my magnet, I tried to capture both aspects of Ashe’s existence in a humorous way.

A couple of people have recognized the “Rosie the Riveter” image—yes, she’s been Buffy-ized—and pointed out that Rosie’s often used as a symbol for the women’s movement. Very true! The image dates back to WWII, when women had to take over jobs normally done by the men who had gone off to war. Rosie endured as a symbol of the fact that when times get tough, women just get tougher—and that was why she was a perfect emblem for my heroine.
Ashe needs all the strength she can get. Although she has a softer side, it’s well-protected by the kick-butt attitude she shows the world. She’s facing custody issues, demons, the demands of her family, an assassin, and her own difficult past. On top of all that, there’s the smokingly gorgeous Captain Reynard, an immortal who has spent the last few centuries guarding a dungeon filled with monsters. He strides into her world like a hero from the library’s Must Reads—but he’s got problems of his own. He has only weeks to live unless Ashe finds the thief who took his soul. Ashe has to pick up her stakes and save the day, risking the “normal” existence she’s trying to build for herself and her ten-year-old daughter..After all, if there are bad guys hanging around, what mom wouldn’t try to clean up the neighbourhood? And what woman wouldn’t give her all to save the one man who gave her a shot at safety, happiness, and lots and lots of hot sex?
Yes, Ashe is nothing if not practical. She’s also generous. In fact, she’s even created a do-it-yourself advice tool for those faced with supernatural infestations. Professionals are expensive (how do you think Ashe paid for that nice Ducati on the cover of Unchained?), so it’s great of her to offer her extensive de-monstering experience to the home handyperson.
Yes, you can try this at home! Whether you’re dealing with goblins, changelings, imps, werewolves, fire demons . . . virtually any supernatural creature, Ashe has the advice you need to kick some serious monster butt. Click on the widget to the left to learn how she recommends you or your friend(s) deal with your own personal hell.

Here is a link to an EXCERPT from Unchained

Photo by Mark Oxley/Studio 16

Here is a link to my BOOK VIDEO

Come visit with me at www.SharonAshwood.com!

Now here’s the part you’ve been waiting for:  prizes!!

I will give away the first two books of the Dark Forgotten series (Ravenous and Scorched) to someone who comments on this blog and answers this question:

What is the biggest challenge in terms of organizing your day?  Getting the kids to after-school activities?  Unexpected tasks at work? People who want to keep you on the phone for hours?

If you had special powers, what supernatural forces would you use to solve these little issues?