Author/Illustrator | Author Ashley Bustamante

We've had a bit of a K-pop Demon Hunters obsession going on at our house. We've watched the movie several times and listen to the soundtrack on repeat. It's been awhile since I've seen such a well-written and executed movie that was also squeaky clean.

Whenever I hear the song Free I can't help but think of Fractured by @authorsara_anderson . It fits Ryan's conflict (and the struggles of several of the other characters) perfectly.

So if you want another romance with Rumi/Jinu vibes, I highly recommend checking out Fractured!

P.S.- this gorgeous cover art is by @kassiroosartist . Definitely check her out if you need some awesome character art!

Happy Cover Reveal day to Seasons of Romantasy, Autumn edition! This anthology releases from @quill.and.flame.publishers September 4th, and I'm especially excited about this one because my short story, To Vanquish the Wind, is in it! I can't wait for you guys to meet Solara and Cy. 🍂🍃

Did you know proceeds from Quill & Flame anthologies go to support charitable causes? Seasons of Romantasy supports Ronald McDonald House charities. You can preorder your copy of the Autumn volume starting today, and Spring and Summer are already available for purchase.

Spring, summer, fall, winter.

Every season is a season for romance.

Something you may not know about me: owls are my favorite bird. 🦉

On the way home from our family vacation this past week we stopped at the International Owl Center in Minnesota. We got to meet a few live owls there, including Ruby the great horned owl. Isn't she beautiful?

I've only glimpsed flashes of owls in the wild and have never seen one so close, so this felt pretty special. Thanks for the cool experience, @owlcenter55943 !

What's your favorite bird?

Happy independence day for those in the US! We've been traveling all day but I'm looking forward to fireworks tonight.

What are your plans? 🎆

Are you ready to stock up your summer TBR? Enclave is having an awesome sale on paperback books!

From now until July 10th, you can purchase paperback books in Enclave's store for $10 each! any order over $50 has free shipping, so I suggest getting at least five books. 😉

This is a great opportunity to purchase Vivid and Radiant in paperback before the paperback for Chromatic releases on August 12th. 🎉

And here it is!

The title of my next book, releasing with @quill.and.flame.publishers is Miss Fortune!

Thank you all for playing along and sharing in the excitement. I enjoyed reading your guesses and can't wait to share more with you about this story in the coming months. 💜

Here it is! Your third and final clue. I think some of you are going to get it with this one.

The third clue is: it's a play on words

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the title reveal! I can't wait! 🎉

I loved seeing your guesses and excitement for my first title reveal clue! Are you ready for the second clue?

Clue number two is: it's related to luck. 🍀

I can't wait to see your guesses! Come back tomorrow for the third and final clue. 🎉

In just a few days I'll be announcing the title of my next book, coming to you from @quill.and.flame.publishers ! Are you ready to take a guess?

The first clue is: the title is two words.

I know that really narrows it down. 🤣

Come back Monday for another clue and drop your guesses in the comments!

Does your copy of Vivid have a map or not? 🗺️

I was incredibly blessed that Vivid sold out of its first printing (thank you!). The second printing added in a map by the incredible @jamiesfoley .

I absolutely love my map and I'm happy it's now included; however, I definitely have several copies of the first printing hoarded away, because it just feels special. Knowing it's part of the first print run of my debut novel makes it very sentimental to me.

So I'm curious, which version do you have? Do first print run book copies feel special to you? 🌻

Just for fun... Tell me in the comments why our pencil sharpener is making that face. 🤔🤣

Happy release day to Seashells and Other Souvenirs by @writehereallalong ! ☀️ What could be better for summer than a swoony, seaside romance?

This one’s waiting for me on my TBR, but I’ve heard amazing things from early readers—some even said it made them cry! I can’t wait to grab a beach towel, soak up some sun, and dive into this heart-tugging story. 🏖️

This book is available NOW from @quill.and.flame.publishers . If you’re looking for your next summer read, definitely check it out!

Here's what it's about:

When Alex's idyllic past starts to slip like sand through her fingers, will one summer be enough to calm the waters of her unsettled heart and bridge the ocean between bygone days and the present?

Alexandria Henry's childhood was nothing short of a dream-a huge extended family, three best friend cousins, and a yearly beach vacation filled with family Olympics, crab hunts, talent shows, and tiny boxes of cereal. It's no wonder then, that at twenty-one, she's struggling to let go of the past.

Desperate to preserve her family's history and sort through unresolved feelings for a boy she hasn't seen in years, she packs up for the summer to document the island she and her cousins grew up on together.

But when she runs into Jude Alford-a long lost friend and the quiet younger brother of her teenage crush-and starts recreating her childhood traditions with him, she begins to wonder if what lies ahead could be as beautiful as the memories she holds so close. Will a handful of sunny weeks, a Carolina beach, and a friend with a past he'd rather forget, be what Alex needs to make peace with the future and finally move forward? Or will she remain stuck on an island of her own fear and loneliness?

To this day, one of the coolest fan gifts I've ever received is this amazing Vivid-inspired cross stitch piece by @victoriaroberts_author ! I was truly breathless when I first opened up the package. I have it in my office and love to see it every day. And, I have good news! If you want to make one of your very own, Victoria is now selling the pattern in her shop. You can find a link to this design in my stories or from the link in Victoria's bio.

While you're there, check out her other incredible story-inspired patterns. If you're not following her already, I highly recommend doing so for a bit of extra sunshine on your feed. ☺️🌻

Thank you again, @victoriaroberts_author !

I got to do this last night. 🎉

Finishing a first draft is always cause for celebration. It's the end of the beginning of a new story.

This story is a mess right now, but there's a lot of my heart in it. I know the real work is still ahead of me. Hacking away at bits that aren't working. Building new beautiful moments to fill the cracks and crevices. Turning lumps of coal into diamonds. I actually love the revision process because that's the moment I feel like I get to take all the random pieces I've gathered and turn it into something cool. It's the time I get to stretch my creative muscles and see how I've grown.

It may be a bit before revisions get my full attention since I'm prepping to launch Mystery Book 4 (which I'm SO excited about!) but it's there, waiting for me to shape it when the time is right.

What's your favorite part of the creative process?

Happy cover reveal day to A Quest for Wings! My awesome friend @shannonmarie_writes is part of a group of authors releasing a cool series of no-spice Greek mythology romance retellings. Proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies. This novella releases September 19th, but you can pre-order now!

Here's what it's about:

She is an excited bride.
He is a blind man desperate to escape his past.

Lindey thinks her life is about to get easier. Next month she'll marry the most loving man she's ever met and get out from under her mother's thumb at last. Eric has said to Lindey more than once that her light helps him forget his dark past. But the past isn't something you can hide in a box. And when Lindey opens that wretched box, it unleashes a portal that sucks Eric into another world-and Lindey dives in after him.

She wakes up in a world with blue grass and red trees. The inhabitants live under the tyranny of an Immortal. Lindey is tasked with impossible Trials, finds unexpected allies, and faces off with a vindictive Immortal on her quest to get Eric and herself back to Earth.

Ultimately, she must learn to listen to her heart when she is faced with an impossible choice. She could return to earth without Eric or any memory of him...or complete one final trial that might result in dooming this foreign world to eternal darkness. That is, if she can survive a journey to the birthplace of dragons and steal the power source they guard.

✨ Author Friends! ✨

Does your book have edge? If not, it’s time to give it one—literally.

I'm now offering forced edge design services—a stunning way to elevate your book without pricey offset runs or complicated upgrades. Yes, you can have gorgeous edge printing using your regular POD printer!

What is forced edge printing?
It’s a clever design technique that creates the illusion of printed edges without needing special manufacturing. It’s affordable, POD-compatible, and makes your book pop on the shelf.

Swipe to see real examples I’ve created!

Pricing:
• Solid color (all sides): $20
• Gradient: $30
• Design (you provide): $30
• Design (I create): $50
• Dual edges: $95

Drop questions in the comments or DM me!
Or email: authorashleybustamante@gmail.com

Let’s give your book the edge it deserves! 💜

Books featured:
Andromache by @l.e.richmond
Heir of the Haloed Sun by @author_hclane
Fractured by @authorsara_anderson
Darkfell by @amandawrightauthor

🌻 Ava & Elm fans, this one’s for you! 🌻

You’ve been asking for Ava/Elm merch—and I’m so excited to share this with you!

This adorable journal features:

✨ Stunning character art by @swortoi

✨ Printed sunflower edges

✨ “I adore you” on the back (😭💛)

✨ 300 lined pages for your thoughts, dreams, or fanfic 😉

It’s the perfect companion to your copy of Vivid—or a beautiful keepsake on its own.

📖💫 Swipe through for more images of this beauty.

Grab yours through the link in my bio! 🌻

When I was younger, I thought I understood the phrase “to every thing there is a season.” But I didn’t get it—not really.

The older I get, the more I see how life is made up of seasons—some like flowering springs, others like frigid winters that feel like they’ll never end.

And these seasons show up in so many areas of life. For me, one of those is writing.

Last year, in the middle of querying Mystery Book 4, I hit a season where I just… couldn’t write. It didn’t matter what I tried. I was exhausted. Burnt out, maybe. I would sit at the computer and will the words to come—but they didn’t.

I felt broken. I felt scared.

I’m a writer. Not being able to write felt like a part of me had gone missing.

Eventually, I gave myself permission to stop. To take a season for other things. And to trust that I’d write again when I was ready.

Then one day, walking the track at the gym, a scene popped into my head. I pulled out my phone and started typing. And typing. The words flowed. A story began to take shape. And now? I’m 85k into a new draft.

I hadn’t lost my ability to write—I just needed to be patient. To let the season shift in its own time.

Some things can’t be forced.

Have you ever gone through a creative winter?
How did you find your way back?

Listen... Authors are human. 😅 Sometimes a plot hole is not actually a plot hole and just requires explanation. Other times, it's a side effect of being imperfect. Thank you for giving us grace and reading our books anyway. ❤️ This imperfect author is very grateful for supportive readers!

#mastermind #noimnot #AuthorLife #authorsofig #Bookstagram #humor #amwriting #amrevising #writerslife #WritingCommunity #readersofinstagram

I've always wanted to make a Spotify playlist for Vivid—and I finally did it!

Swipe through to see the songs I chose and why they made the cut. (...and who doesn't love Ava and Elm vibes?) 🌻

🎧 Link in bio if you want to give it a listen!

Got a song you think belongs on the list?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your picks!

Something you should know about me:
I'm terrible at keeping secrets.
When I'm excited about something, I want to shout it from the rooftops.

Which makes being an author... tricky. Because being an author means keeping a lot of secrets.

And let me tell you—I've been dying to share more about my fourth book.
But for now, my lips are (mostly) sealed.

Here’s what I can tell you:
✨ It’s coming out next year
✨ It’s being published by @quill.and.flame.publishers
✨ It’s a standalone
✨ It’s YA Romantasy

In just a few weeks, I’ll finally get to tell you the title—and I seriously can’t wait!

So tell me...
Are you a good secret keeper?

The dress! Let's talk about Ava's enchanted yellow dress from the Color Theory series. Swipe to see commissions and amazing fan art from readers (which still makes me so joyful. Thank you so much!). You'll notice Ava's dress is a little bit different in each image.

Which one is the most accurate?

Well...all of them! I had an idea of what I wanted Ava's dress to look like overall, but didn't get extremely detailed in my description because I wanted to leave room for interpretation. In the artwork I commissioned, I always gave some general examples, but told the artist I was completely fine with them making adjustments for their style and artistic interpretation. I love the fact that even though these dresses aren't exactly alike, they are all still very much Ava's dress.

Which one is most like what you imagined?

Can you remember the last book you picked up that was a fun, enjoyable read?

I realized I never posted about The Unraveling of Emlyn Dulaine by @linzyafranklin after I read it! I zipped through this book and enjoyed every moment. It was a perfect story to get lost in and I felt the MC was very relatable. The story was not light and fluffy by any means (plenty of high stakes, complicated themes, and deep emotions), but it was enchanting and funny and the developing romance was swoony and playful. Just...fun!

I'm highly anticipating the next book in the series and if you haven't read it, it definitely deserves a spot in your TBR. 💜

I'm thrilled that two of my best friends' debut novels released (a week apart!). @authorsara_anderson released her urban fantasy, Fractured, with @quill.and.flame.publishers , and @author_hclane released her romantasy, Heir of the Haloed Sun with @cozyupofficial . I've been a fan of these books for years (critique buddy privileges!) so it's been a dream come true to see their official release and add them to my shelf.

Which one should you read? Well, personally I'd recommend both. 😉 Both of these ladies have talent in spades and they both write stories that can be enjoyed by anyone. But here's a little about what you can expect from each one:

Fractured:
-Urban fantasy
-Witty writing with laugh-out-loud moments
-Psychic abilities
-Unforgettable characters (both the heroes and the villains!)
-A splash of romance

Heir of the Haloed Sun:
-Romantasy
-Beautiful descriptive prose
-Fate and hidden destinies
-Royalty and political intrigue
-Swoony romance

Honestly, it's impossible to condense the awesomeness of these books into just a few words. You just need to see for yourself! Both books would be a fantastic addition to your summer TBR. I'm already planning a reread for both.

What about these books intrigues you the most?

It's Mermay! If you're looking for a great mermaid series, check out The Mermaid's Tale by @l.e.richmond and the sequel, The Locket's Revenge. I really enjoyed this duology (and look how gorgeous these hardcovers are!). These would be great reads to kick off summer.
🧜‍♀️
What's your favorite mermaid story?

✨ Happy release day to HEIR OF THE HALOED SUN!✨

I barely knew @author_hclane when we did a beta read swap. But by the very first chapter of her book I was hooked and had to remind myself several times that I was supposed to be giving feedback and not just enjoying the story. 😜 From there our friendship and her story grew, and I'm so excited everyone gets the chance to read this beautiful book and discover all the things I love about it. Heir of the Haloed sun is available now from @cozyupofficial (a @moonquillnovels imprint)!

✨This magical cover across all formats was designed by @eahcreative!

✨The additional features for the hardcover editions such as the printed edges and the hidden hardcover beneath the dust jacket were designed by... Me! 😁 Which was a huge honor.

✨You’ll also find some lovely character art done by @swortoi inside (including the hidden hardcover).

Available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover!

Glimpse into the Story:

Two worlds. One Destiny. And a love that will change everything.

Seventeen-year-old Temperance Maher never believed her grandmother’s fairy tales about Emeriz—a world of magic, royal bloodlines, and lost heroes. But when a cherished family heirloom whisks her into that very realm, she finds herself at the heart of a prophecy she's fated to fulfill.

Hunted for powers she doesn’t understand, Temperance’s only chance at survival lies with King Frederick—a young, devoted king who will stop at nothing to overthrow the tyrannical High Queen.

With war on the horizon and a heart-wrenching choice before her, Temperance must decide: fight for a world she has come to love, or return to the one she’s always known. Because in Emeriz, destiny may light the way, but only she can claim the journey.

Don't miss the start of this spellbinding Romantasy Adventure about a reluctant heroine thrust into a magical world, a charming monarch with a tragic past, and an enchanting romance that could ignite an empire.

This book, friends. This. Book.

This is a fantastic example of telling a compelling tale, even if the reader "knows" what's going to happen. We all know Haymitch will win the Hunger Games, but that didn't stop me from biting my nails, gasping, and having my stomach twist and turn all throughout this story. I thought I couldn't be compelled by a book about yet another hunger games, but I was wrong. There's always room to tell a story again if you tell it well.

Side note, I thought about including gumdrops or geese in this image but decided I didn't want to inflict *too* much emotional damage...

Happiest of release days to @authorsara_anderson and her incredible debut novel, Fractured! And WHAT a debut it is! This book is incredible and I'm so proud of Sara and all her hard work to bring this novel into the world. Sara and I often beta read for each other and I frequently feel envious of her skills. 😆

Fractured is available NOW from @quill.and.flame.publishers in all formats. Check out the synopsis below and get your copy!

Who do you trust when your own mind betrays you?

Most people in New Bres are afraid of psychics.

Psychics are afraid of Ryan Zamora.

A psychic himself, Ryan is a reluctant vigilante, hunting other psychics so that his employer, Bram, can force them to join his crusade against a scheming government organization. Ryan's work awakens his dark side-a sinister alter ego that could shatter his mind-but cooperation is the only way to keep his sister Jory safe.

Jory's remarkable Empath abilities aren't just debilitating, they're dangerous. With multiple targets on her back, she knows her brother is the only person she can really trust...until she discovers a secret that makes her question everything.

When one of Ryan's missions goes awry, the siblings find themselves caught in a game of double-crosses, hidden motives, and cutthroat tactics. As truths are revealed and alliances are tested, Ryan and Jory must decide who to fight when you become your own worst enemy.

May 7th marked one year since Chromatic entered the world and completed the Color Theory trilogy. 🌻

My debut series has given me so much. It taught me valuable lessons about being an author and about the publishing industry. It opened the door to new experiences and opportunities. It introduced me to wonderful readers, many of whom have become friends. It allowed me to grow the talents God has so graciously blessed me with and share them with others, as well as discovering new skills.

To everyone who has read my books, whether you purchased them yourselves, borrowed from a friend, or checked them out from a library, thank you. To those who haven't read them yet but have a space for them in your magical TBR pile, thank you. To those of you who sent me notes of encouragement or love for the series (and especially Elm!), thank you. You, my readers, are the ones who bring magic to the experience of being an author. Thank you for enchanting me.

Thank you also to my many writer friends, especially those with experience who took me under their wings and helped me in times when I felt lost. As a "seasoned author" now (hahaha...I don't feel that way!) I hope I can repay that kindness. And of course, thank you to @enclavepublishing and @oasis_audio for saving me from the slush and taking a chance on a new author.

Those of you who have been around for a while may know the talented @marlenedbartlett previously composed two songs for the Color Theory series: In the Meadow- Elm's Theme and Stepping Through-Beyond the Barrier. A trilogy of books wouldn't be complete without a trio of songs, would it? 😉 I'm delighted to share that @marlenedbartlett has composed a third track for the series, Miss Ava (previewed in this post). This song is beautiful, and as a thank you for the many ways you all have blessed my life, you can download it for free at the link in my bio.

Thank you all again for the love you've shown me and my books. I'm grateful every day and I hope I get to keep doing this for many years to come. 💜

Happy two-year anniversary to R.E.M. by @ashleyschallerauthor !

I was given the honor of designing a new cover for this captivating YA thriller. If you haven't read it yet, there's no time like the present! 😉 Check out the synopsis below:

Gwendolyn Gonzales would do anything for her best friend. Even allow herself to be dragged through Macy's dreams by a British coffeeholic who claims to be Macy's Dream Guardian. The rules of the Dream are simple: blend in and don't die. When Macy's dreams take a turn for the worst, following the rules may be harder than it seems... and may end in deadly consequences.

April has been a great cover reveal month! I get to participate in the cover reveal for another one of my besties. Happiest of reveal days to @author_hclane and her debut novel, Heir of the Haloed Sun! This book is being published by @cozyupofficial , the new romance imprint of @moonquillnovels.

The beautiful cover was designed by @eahcreative and I can't stop staring at it. 😍 Ebook preorders are open now (with other formats to come) and the book releases officially on May 22nd.

When I first beta read Heir of the Haloed Sun, it was before Hannah and I knew each other very well. We had traded reads, me reading HOTHS in exchange for her reading Vivid (and they both had different titles at the time!). I thought to myself, "this girl can really write!" and proceeded to devour the book. I couldn't have predicted how that friendship would grow, and I'm delighted that I'll get to have this much longed for book on my shelf soon.

Here's what it's about:

Two worlds. One Destiny. And a love that will change everything.

Seventeen-year-old Temperance Maher never believed her grandmother’s fairy tales about Emeriz—a world of magic, royal bloodlines, and lost heroes. But when a cherished family heirloom whisks her into that very realm, she finds herself at the heart of a prophecy she's fated to fulfill.

Hunted for powers she doesn’t understand, Temperance’s only chance at survival lies with King Frederick—a young, devoted king who will stop at nothing to overthrow the tyrannical High Queen.

With war on the horizon and a heart-wrenching choice before her, Temperance must decide: fight for a world she has come to love, or return to the one she’s always known. Because in Emeriz, destiny may light the way, but only she can claim the journey.

Don't miss the start of this spellbinding Romantasy Adventure about a reluctant heroine thrust into a magical world, a charming monarch with a tragic past, and an enchanting romance that could ignite an empire.

I'm absolutely thrilled to participate in the cover reveal for Heir of the Haloed Sun, Book One in the Haloed Sun Series, by @author_hclane coming from @cozyupofficial (a @moonquillnovels imprint)!

This enchanting cover was designed by @eahcreative and you can preorder an ebook copy now (hardcover and paperback soon to come!)

I love this book so much. It has all the sweet romance and banter I could hope for, combined with sword fighting, magic, and political intrigue. And isn't this cover gorgeous? You can get your hands on this amazing book on May 22nd, and I recommend pre-ordering so you can start reading ASAP.

Read more below:

Two worlds. One Destiny. And a love that will change everything.

Seventeen-year-old Temperance Maher never believed her grandmother’s fairy tales about Emeriz—a world of magic, royal bloodlines, and lost heroes. But when a cherished family heirloom whisks her into that very realm, she finds herself at the heart of a prophecy she's fated to fulfill.

Hunted for powers she doesn’t understand, Temperance’s only chance at survival lies with King Frederick—a young, devoted king who will stop at nothing to overthrow the tyrannical High Queen.

With war on the horizon and a heart-wrenching choice before her, Temperance must decide: fight for a world she has come to love, or return to the one she’s always known. Because in Emeriz, destiny may light the way, but only she can claim the journey.

Don't miss the start of this spellbinding Romantasy Adventure about a reluctant heroine thrust into a magical world, a charming monarch with a tragic past, and an enchanting romance that could ignite an empire.

Where are my over-thinkers?

I have a huge problem with this in basically all aspects of my life, but especially with social encounters. When I walk away from a conversation you can bet I'm analyzing and over analyzing the whole interaction. It's not uncommon for me to message a friend hours or days later apologizing for something I decided I did wrong. Most of the time I find they didn't think twice about it... But I replayed it a hundred times.

I know I'm kind of an awkward person. I probably always will be. But what I've learned is that the right people will love you in spite of--or sometimes even because of-- the things you perceive as flaws. I'm trying to take myself less seriously and trust that the people who stay in spite of my weirdness are the ones worth keeping. Swipe to see a picture that embraces that philosophy. 😉 Of course, this doesn't mean I don't make an effort to be at my very best, but I should give myself more grace when I'm less than perfect.

What are your strategies for the times you fall into that trap of over-thinking?

Happy release day to @a.j.skelly and A Lethal Engagement! I got to read an early copy of this intriguing murder mystery and I knew I needed a copy for my shelf. If you like stories set in the gilded age, twisty turns, and slow burn romance, this book is for you! I'm excited this book is officially out in the world. Congratulations again @a.j.skelly !

"Without Easter, there would be no Christmas."

I can't remember where I first heard this or who said it, but it has always stuck with me. If Jesus was not resurrected, if he did not pay the ultimate price for us, we would have much less to celebrate in this world. But he was resurrected and he did pay that price. He lives!

Today I'm celebrating life. Here are some of the flowers blooming around our home right now. Their brightness and beauty are so befitting of the season. Happy Easter!

Happy cover reveal day to @saraellawrites and her next novel, Glass Across the Sea! Isn't it just enchanting? I'm always excited for Sara's books and this one sounds top tier. Read about it below, and if you feel so inclined, you can preorder now to have it in your hands when it releases from @enclavepublishing in October. 🎉

🌊

Light always finds a way to break free . . .

Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.

Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?

Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?

Happy cover reveal day to The Princesses Quest by @khweyerman ! I love the artwork on this cover and the colors are gorgeous. This fun story releases June 27th, and you can read about it below:

Princess Kailyn of Oleanders is engaged to Prince Zodak of Oronia. But when disaster strikes at their engagement ball, Kailyn goes on the run with Benje, a blacksmith in her kingdom, who is far more than he appears. After escaping the Oronian Army, finding gnomes in the mountains, and meeting some less-than-helpful pirates, Benje eventually leads Kailyn to the isles of Tigahel where she meets Princess Abrina of Florryn--her long-lost twin sister. Princess Abrina would rather be fighting the frost giants of the north to save her people, but her mother persuaded her to follow an ambassador to the isles of Tigahel to marry Prince Henri to provide resources for her people and save them from the frost giants. She never expected to find her presumably long-dead twin sister, who is now the princess of the nation her kingdom was at war with for a hundred years. But when they both find that they are the subjects of a centuries old prophecy, they have to put aside their differences and go on an epic quest to save their nations. Abrina must learn to control her temper and embrace her sister for who she is and Kailyn must learn that she is braver than she thinks. Both princesses are tested to their limits as they face the frost giants of the north to find their destinies and their family.

I finally decided to jump on this trend! Here are some author confessions. Do we have any in common? Did any surprise you?

This is seriously one of the most exciting cover reveals! One of my besties, @authorsara_anderson is releasing her debut novel, Fractured from @quill.and.flame.publishers on May 13th! I can't overstate my excitement for this book. Sara is a fantastic writer and I've wanted this on my shelf since I beta read it years ago. I never imagined that I'd get to design the cover someday, too! Trust me guys, you'll love this one!

Swipe for some tropes and a description! ➡️

#coverreveal #preorder #sarakanderson #debut #quillandflamepublishers #urbanfantasy #Bookstagram
#upcomingrelease #bookrecs

Here it is!!! I'm beyond excited to share the cover for Fractured, book one of the Mind Hunters duology by @authorsara_anderson and published by @quill.and.flame.publishers

Sara is one of my best friends and I got to beta read this story years ago. I wanted it on my shelf back then and it's even better now. Sara is an outstanding writer and you will definitely love her world and characters. To add a cherry on top, I got to design the cover for this fabulous book!

Fractured releases May 13th but Pre-orders are open now. I recommend reserving your copy so you can read it ASAP. 😉 Check out the synopsis below:

Who do you trust when your own mind betrays you?

Most people in New Bres are afraid of psychics.

Psychics are afraid of Ryan Zamora.

A psychic himself, Ryan is a reluctant vigilante, hunting other psychics so that his employer, Bram, can force them to join his crusade against a scheming government organization. Ryan’s work awakens his dark side—a sinister alter ego that could shatter his mind—but cooperation is the only way to keep his sister Jory safe.

Jory’s remarkable Empath abilities aren’t just debilitating, they’re dangerous. With multiple targets on her back, she knows her brother is the only person she can really trust…until she discovers a secret that makes her question everything.

When one of Ryan’s missions goes awry, the siblings find themselves caught in a game of double-crosses, hidden motives, and cutthroat tactics. As truths are revealed and alliances are tested, Ryan and Jory must decide who to fight when you become your own worst enemy.

I got some exciting book mail. 😍 These are the special Kickstarter editions of Unbetrothed and the sequel, Untamed, by @candiceyamnitz ! Swipe to see the gorgeous hidden hardcovers and gilded edge.

I loved Unbetrothed and admire Candice, so of course jumped at the opportunity to support the Kickstarter and the sequel! Candice has more exciting things coming down the pipeline so if you like fantasy romance without the spice I recommend checking out her page.

Congratulations on your beautiful books, Candice! Can't wait to read Untamed. 🥰

Because it's sometimes really hard to pronounce things in fantasy books, I thought it would be helpful to create a pronunciation guide for the Color Theory series...

After all, if you can't pronounce Magus correctly, are you even a real fan???

Enjoy. 😉

Look what happened right after my post about Spring coming. 🤣❄️🌨️ I told you we might still get snow... I feel like I just got Rick rolled by the weather.

Happy Friday!

I've noticed spring just kind of creeps up on us here in Iowa. One day it's freezing and the next there are blossoms on the trees. Sometimes it's like waiting for Taylor to release Reputation TV. 🤣

For now at least, it looks like sunnier days are upon us. We could still have a surprise snow storm...last year we had one in May, and I think it's snowed every Easter since we moved here (yet we haven't had any snow on Christmas!). In any case, I'm glad to see the world blooming around us. My youngest couldn't resist bringing in this bright little flower from our planter.

Has spring officially sprung where you live?

Is it for children or is it full of murder and torture? 😂🤔 These are real reviews of Vivid (and thank you so much to both of these people for reading and reviewing my book!).

Reviews are so important and authors love to get them. But it's good to remember reviews are subjective and no two readers will digest a book in exactly the same way. I always like to read the book description and look at what reviewers are saying as a whole before deciding whether a book sounds like something I'll enjoy.

In any case, if you've read and reviewed any of my books, thank you. 💜

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Chromatic, the final book in the Color Theory trilogy, is now available for purchase!

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Hello There!

I'm so glad you stopped by! I'm Ashley Bustamante and I love to write, illustrate, and get my geek on. I'm a fan of animals, bad (good?) puns, and chocolate. I'm not a fan of sad endings, big crowds, or mosquitos. See-- there's one thing I'll bet we have in common! Does anyone really love mosquitos? If you do, talk to me, because you're a better person than I am and I need to be enlightened by your optimistic worldview.

My webpage is a great place to find updates on my books and info about me. Take a look around! I would love to connect with you, so feel free to check out my social media as well. We're all in this crazy world together, so don't be a stranger...unless you're a mosquito.

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