I recently read a book by a brand new author called Destined to be Three and it blew me away. I was so impressed with this newbie author that I invited her to answer a few questions for our readers and I'm completely stoked that she agreed. Her name is Mia Ashlinn and I know you all are going to love her. Mia, on behalf of Fallen Angel Reviews, welcome!

Thank you, Tara! I cannot tell you how psyched I am to be here. We'll just put it this way, when you asked me, I did the happy dance…and I'm still doing it now!

You had to be thrilled to be accepted as an author for Siren. Can you tell us how that came about?

It, actually, started when I read my first book published by Siren almost two years ago. I adored it and every, single book I read after that. So, one day, I went to look at the submission guidelines for Siren, out of curiosity. I scanned through all of the information provided then locked it away in my mental filing cabinet. Keep in mind, at that point, I hadn't started writing a book and I, certainly, hadn't finished one.

Months passed before I even contemplated writing again. But, when I did, it was a no brainer who my first choice would be. Siren was 'it', in my mind, the pinnacle of erotic romances. Their books and authors had this massive impact on me-as a person and a writer. I couldn't imagine a greater place to be. When I finished Destined to be Three, I re-read the guidelines to refresh my memory then submitted the manuscript. The rest is, as they say, history.

What went through your mind when you learned your book would be published?

Before or after I read the acceptance email five times? Yes, I freely admit it-I had a total 'I Love Lucy' moment. I had just stumbled out of bed and snagged my phone from the bedside table when I remembered that the email alarm had gone off earlier. I fumbled around with my phone, while tripping over my own feet, and opened the email. With my mind still half-asleep, I read the words but couldn't seem to get a grip on what they meant. I kept thinking, "Does that say what I think it says?" Then, I would rub my bleary eyes and read it again and again and again…Well, as I said, I read it five times. Finally, I realized that it did say they wanted to publish Destined to be Three.

After that, I called my husband, my mother, and several friends. Frankly, I have no clue what in the world I said to them, but my sweet husband kept the voicemail for me. I haven't listened to it, but I probably should. I imagine it is quite interesting.

Destined to be Three was one of the hottest books I've read. Seriously, the fact that this was your first book impressed the heck out of me. Can you tell us about this book?

Destined to be Three is the first story in the Sweet Serenity series which is about a fictional town in Kansas where, when it comes to love, anything goes. The heroine, Jaycee Dalton, is a woman on the run. She has spent three years, running from the past and her two soul mates. Grayson Blakemore and Cade McCoy are best friends who have found a love in each other that many people only dream of yet they are incomplete. They need Jaycee to be whole.

When Jaycee agrees to play an epic, adult-version of "Truth or Dare" with her two closest friends, Gray and Cade have no qualm about using that to their advantage. With some maneuvering on their part and help from her two best friends, they get her right where they want her. All they have to do is keep her there.

Was there anything in particular that provided inspiration for the story?

Not exactly. Destined to be Three was actually a short story, or, it was supposed to be. I started writing it with the intention of submitting it for a contest, but it took on a whole new life form. The words just kept coming, and I couldn't seem to walk away-even when I tried to.

I remember sitting on the side of the bed with my husband one night, crying because I was so torn about whether or not to keep going. I muttered, "It was just supposed to be a short story," several times during that conversation. In the end, I took the advice of my husband and a very wise friend-follow your heart. If it says to keep going, then keep going. And I did.

I know this is a hard one, but is there a character that you especially love?

With each book, I find myself drawn to one character in particular. I connect to them so deeply, so fully that I cannot help but fall in love with them-even if only a little. In Destined to be Three, I could not get enough of Cade. If I weren't a happily married woman, and he wasn't fictional, I might be willing to have a chick fight with Jaycee over him. He is, actually, loosely based on a very notorious man. When I see this person, I get all red-faced and, nearly, swoon. My husband thinks it is hilarious. In Shannon's Fairytale Foursome, I was all about Jared. And, I have yet to write, Katie-Anne's story, but I already have a huge crush on Landon Tolliver.

What's next for the residents of Serenity, and more importantly, how long do we have to wait?

Serenity is about to be hopping…and flooded with lovers. Obviously, Shannon and Katie-Anne are both going to get their own stories, but there are a variety of new characters being introduced as I write each book. Several characters' stories are already floating around in my head, waiting patiently for their turn to be written.

As far as how long you will have to wait, I hope it won't be too long. I have finished Shannon's story which is tentatively titled, Shannon's Fairytale Foursome, and I am plotting Katie-Anne's story now. Book four is already in the works, as well. I can't wait to share them with you all.

How has being published changed your life, if at all?

The only thing that has change is that I'm much busier now. I went from stay-at-home mom to writer/stay-at-home mom rather quickly. I'm scrambling around, searching for the best way to handle my time. I'm, finally, starting to get in the groove which is a good sign.

Is there one person that especially motivated you to put pen to paper? Who is your biggest cheerleader?

Hands down, my husband is my biggest cheerleader. He looks awfully cute in the outfit, too. LOL. Just kidding. In all seriousness, he has been fabulous. He does whatever is necessary to help me-cooks, cleans, runs our daughter places, and anything else that pops up. He listens to me droning on and on about a character or plot or whatever it is that is plaguing me, and he lets me bounce ideas off him. But, best of all, he answers unusual questions at any time of the day. I have been known to call him at work and blindside him with a very personal, very risqué question. It's a good thing he doesn't blush easily.

How did you come to decide to write in the erotic romance genre?

I, honestly, don't know. I had tried to write a couple of things in the past in different genres, and I just couldn't get into it. The stories and characters didn't feel right. Then, I started Destined to be Three, and I felt like I was where I was meant to be. It was natural.

Tell us about your favorite authors. If we were to take a look at your bookshelf, what would we find?

If you were to look at my bookshelf, you would find that my favorite authors are all Siren authors, and I have a huge collection of ménages. I love to read books by Sophie Oak, Stacey Espino, Heather Rainier, and Corinne Davies. They are fabulous writers and wonderful women.

What would you like readers to know about Mia Ashlinn?

Hmm…Let's see. I am a total klutz. I have a cat named after an article of clothing. I'm a crazy cooking machine who specializes in cupcakes. My guiltiest pleasure is driving down back country roads while listening to music and singing at the top of my lungs. You wouldn't believe how many times I've lost my voice from singing in the car.

Do you have a website or blog where readers can learn more about you and your upcoming books?

Yes, I have a website and a blog. My website is miaashlinn.com. I keep information on myself, my books, news, and the town of Serenity. The name of my blog is: I've Got 69 Problems, But A Kink Ain't One. It can be found here.

Mia, thank you so much for taking the time with me! You are a fabulous chick and I wish you the best of luck with your writing career. If your first book was this good, I really cannot wait until the next book. Please, please don't make us wait too long!

Thank you for having me, Tara. It has been a true pleasure, and I will try my best to not keep you waiting too long.

Interviewed by: Tara