Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Poll Results...and a Giveaway!

Thanks for taking the time to take my poll!

78% would like to read Kim's first and 22% want to read Lola and Ian stone's romance. Your wish is my command...I'll be releasing Kim's story in February and Lola's will be released after that! Really looking forward to sinking my teeth in a student/teacher affair. There were definitely some yummy professors at my college and I'm looking forward to living vicariously through Kim! :D

A Note on Reviews:

Reviews are crucial. I read every single review and I take all constructive criticism to heart! Don't forget to share your thoughts on Never! <3

***I originally posted a review Rafflecopter giveaway, but a reader emailed me and said it could be seen as buying reviews since it incentivizes you giving me a good review. I totally didn't think of it that way and I see how people could be wary of  directly telling me that they didn't like the book. So...I took down the Rafflecopter. I'd still love the feedback, but only if you feel comfortable. Sorry if I offended anyone. I'm still kind of a noob at all of this. :)***

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

What would you like to read next?

Now that Never is out and Juliet and Lucas got their HEA, what would you like to read next?

Project #1

Project #1 features Kim and her sexy business professor. Since it's a spin off from Always/Never, you'll get a peek of what's going on with Juliet and Lucas, but the story will focus on Kim and her background and her tumultuous affair with Mr. Spero.

Just as a refresher, here's the background for Kim and Mr. Spero.

From Always

"Did you finally get a hold of your advisor?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"Ugh, no," Kim sighed, tucking her flask back in her desk. I let out a sigh of my own when it disappeared. 
Out of sight, out of mind.
"I don't know what his deal is," she continued, trudging to her bed and plopping down. Kimberly Turnage didn't trudge, plop, or go down without a fight, so I couldn't help but pull up to a seated position, giving her my full attention.
It was no secret that Mr. Spero didn't mess around. He'd worked as a high powered executive on Wall Street before leaving the finance world, but didn't drop the cold professionalism that suited him well in that occupation. Word was that he took freshmen who were bright eyed and bushy tailed, minds set on studying business--and ran them right out of the department. Apparently, he'd taken one look at Kim and laughed in her face. She'd mouthed off, showing her spine and determination, but he never shook his obvious disinterest in advising her. 
Even though I knew she didn't appreciate him chewing her up and spitting her out, I think she was even more offended that her charm didn't work. Kim was used to dazzling everyone she encountered. 
"So I go in because I need his sig to drop a class. I'm already taking fifteen credits and with the advanced business class and French, I just needed to take it down a notch. You know what he said?" She rolled her shoulders back, raised her chin and tried on her best New Yorker accent. "'Can't hack it, huh?'"
"Wow," I murmured in disbelief. It was hard enough transferring in and being so far from home. I couldn't imagine having to deal with that on top of one of the few contacts at the university making me feel as crappy as Mr. Spero made Kim feel.
"Have you thought about talking to the department head?"
"Absolutely not," she said adamantly. "That's exactly what he wants--me to run and tattle on him." She pursed her glossy lips. "I can handle Mr. Spero."
I smiled. If anyone could handle him, she could.

From Never

"Holy crap," I said aloud as a dead ringer for Sawyer from Lost strode down the hall toward us, smiling at me. He had every attractive feature the island bad boy had in spades. Shaggy, dirty blond hair that seemed to fall in perfect layers? Check. Greenish-blue eyes that would reduce even the most eloquent girl to a bumbling idiot? Yep. A bad boy air about him that screamed danger and pillow-shredding sex? Oh yeah.
Kim turned to see what had rendered me speechless and I realized the mystery guy wasn't smiling at me all. His eyes were on her, and her alone.
She lurched to her feet as he came closer and I realized I’d seen him before. Grad student maybe?
"Mr. Spero!" Kim said, her voice trembling slightly. "What are you doing here?" 
My jaw dropped. He was Mr. Spero? Kim’s ‘business professor from Hell’?
I glanced at her and was even more dumbfounded. Kim, the most gregarious person I'd ever met, was nervous.
He sliced a hand through his hair, giving her a half smile. "I'm helping the theatre department with marketing their summer series." 
The air around us had changed. I looked back and forth between the two of them and I didn’t need psychic abilities to know there was something going on. They had major chemistry.
I cleared my throat and his bright eyes shot over to me, cheeks darkening slightly before he looked back at Kim. "Friend of yours?"
"What?" Kim let out an airy, uncomfortable giggle and faced me. "Oh! Uh, Mr. Spero--"
"Jason," he corrected smoothly, still wearing that smirk.
It was impossible for Kim to get any redder. "T-This is my friend, Juliet."
Mr. Spero extended his hand, giving mine a firm shake. "Nice to meet you."
I had no romantic interest in him, but I couldn't deny the guy was breathtakingly attractive. I shook his hand, letting out an embarrassed giggle before I kicked myself. What the eff, Juliet?
I knew picking up on their sexual tension made me turn red as a freaking tomato, but it didn't make me feel any better. My transparent skin made playing it off impossible. Luckily, he was so tuned into Kim that he didn't even give me a second glance.


Project #2

I was inspired to write this story after watching Carrie at Halloween. No, it's not a horror story. :) I just wondered what would happen if a not-so-popular girl fell for a super popular guy...who grew into an international superstar...and Lola Matthews and Ian Stone were born!

Lola Matthews loved Ian Stone from the moment he kissed her. Sure, it was because they were cast as the leads in her high school's production of Romeo and Juliet, but she was always drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He was nice to her at a time when everyone else treated her like a social leper--and worse. He saved her.

Five years later, Lola is back in her hometown, teaching at the same high school. After his last couple of films bombed at the box office, Ian is back too--but the kind, charismatic guy she knew is long gone. The guy who returned to Elk Falls is bitter and obnoxious, burning every bridge that carried him to Hollywood in the first place.

Lola knows she should keep her distance. But old flames die hard and maybe, this time she can save him.

I'm really excited about writing both of them and I hope you're just as excited about reading them! :)

Which brings us to the poll. Which would you like to read first? Kim and her professor, or Lola and Ian?
Clicky-click the one that tickles your fancy!


Which book would you like to read first?
  
pollcode.com free polls 

Thanks for reading and being the awesomest! <3

Friday, November 15, 2013

Winners of Giveaway Announced!

The winners of the Goodreads Giveaway have been notified by Goodreads and I'll be sending out your paperbacks!

As far as the blog e-book giveaway, the winners are: 

bn100
Karen C.
Michelle N.
Francies O.
Kylie C.
Kamila
Sheryl
Misty L.
Crystal P.
Gabriella G.

Congratulations! I'm emailing you now to find out what format you'd prefer for your prize, an e-copy of Never!

Thanks to all that entered the giveaway. Your support is so humbling and amazing! <3

Never is now Available!

When I first had the idea for Always, I set out to tell a story about a love that spanned decades. The kind of love that everyone dreams about...a love that conquers all.

Juliet and Lucas met as kids; they were each other's first love and then they lost each other. Completely by chance, they end up at the same university--but family drama and their pasts impact their ability to finally be together and be happy.

While they got their HEA in Always, when I finished, 'What happens after happily ever after?' popped in my head. There were so many unresolved questions. What happened with Candi? Would Lucas forgive his mother? Can Juliet really let Lucas in, or is she too damaged by her past? I'm hoping you like the answer to all those questions! :)



What happens after happily ever after? 

Juliet Stowe swore she'd never fall in love again, but she wasn't counting on finding him: Lucas McNamara, the first guy she ever loved. The guy who made breaking the promise she made to guard her heart easy to break. But she jumped in headfirst and the obstacles that gave her pause still exist. Lucas refuses to even talk about the affair with between their parents. Lucas' ex, Candi Mann, is determined to unearth Juliet's past and drive a wedge between them. And as romantic as Lucas is when they're together, his jealous streak threatens to tear them apart…


Lucas McNamara finally found her. The girl that's worth giving up his player ways. A girl he wants to wake up to the next morning, and every morning after. All the BS with his parents? Irrelevant. His friends complaints that he's acting weird, losing himself in some girl? Ridiculous. All he needs is his girl…until he does something he never, ever thought he'd do. Something that could ruin everything…

Never is now available at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Kobo

Friday, November 8, 2013

D'oh! (And an excerpt!)

First off I want to say thank you, thank you, thank YOU for your patience. I really appreciate all the emails about Never and hearing how excited my readers are to read more about Juliet and Lucas! Never has been a little bit of a roller coaster and I've had some editorial issues that have delayed me getting it to you...but *fingers crossed* that you think it was worth the wait!

I totally had a brain fart and realized that I hadn't updated my blog or newsletter to reflect that Never will be released next Friday, November 15 and not on November 8. Also, the blog giveaway and the Goodreads giveaway both end on November 15 as well! Be sure you enter to win free stuff. Yay free stuff! :)

To tide you over until release next week, here's your first look at Never. Hope you enjoy! <3

******
CHAPTER ONE: LUCAS

We walked into the cafeteria and I swear I heard every single beat of my racing heart. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing. Forks frozen on plates, spoons frozen in cereal bowls.
I didn't mind the attention. I liked confirming that the rumors was true. Lucas McNamara, notorious player, was settling down with a freshman. But not just any freshman. Not just any girl. The girl. The one who got away all those years ago.
Just as I was about to puff out my chest a few inches, I looked to my right and realized Juliet wasn't ready for the parade float. Her nails scissored into my hand and just like everything else in the room had stopped, so had her breathing.
She was terrified.
I squeezed her hand and she flashed nervous brown eyes up at me.
"You good?" I asked softly.
She took a deep breath and nodded slowly.
Maybe this was too much. It wasn't like the cafeteria food was anything to write home about. But we were both sick of the stale cereal at my apartment and it was a little early to wine and dine her anywhere worth mentioning.
Who do you think you're kidding? I thought to myself. You wanted to show her off.
I tightened my grip on the strap of my backpack, knowing it was true. It was more than the fact that she was the prettiest thing in the room; hell, the whole campus--it was because I felt different with her by my side. Like some light was flashed on and everything was brighter. Happier. I even said 'Good morning' to the rude cafeteria worker who glared me down whenever I got a bite in the dining hall. And held the door for some girl that came in behind us. And it was all Juliet. She brought out the best in me.
Which was why I decided to lead us back out the way we came, growling stomach or not.
Instead, she took the step forward, propelling us into the sea of watchful eyes. Even though I was sure she'd rather be anywhere else on Earth, she brought her chin up a few inches.
"Let's give them something to talk about.”
I smiled. That's my girl.
The volume turned back up and I saw one of my boys, Blake Connolly, grinning at us like an idiot at a table over by the windows. He was sitting with two of my other friends, Jackson ‘Jax’ Sloane and Dean O’Malley.
Jackson was cheesing like he stole something, flashing the smile that seemed to make any girl within a five mile radius melt instantly. He was studying poli sci and I could totally see him on Capitol Hill, using the smile to solidify government deals--and hook up with congressional aides.
Dean was oblivious to everything but the book his eyes were glued to. He was studying theatre arts and with his dark hair and intensity he already had the brooding artist thing down. Since he was a self-professed natural, he waited until the last minute to do his homework.
I gave Juliet's hand a supportive squeeze and she gave me a less than enthused one back. I knew she was no fan of Blake's. I swear if you looked up ‘hit it and quick it’, his mug shot would be the definition. Where I tried to be frank and honest with my past exploits that what happened between the sheets was as serious as things would get, he just crooked a finger over his shoulder on the way to find his next piece.
He was on Juliet’s shit list because he’d made scoring with her best friend, Kimberly, priority one.
Since he liked to brag about his conquests, I knew that she wasn’t a notch on his bedpost yet. Kimberly seemed smart enough but she hadn’t shut him down...and that just made Blake come at her even harder. Juliet saw right through him, but couldn’t seem to talk her friend out of the inevitable disaster the two of them hooking up would be.
The closer we got, the tighter she gripped my hand. “Do we have to sit with ‘The Real Bros of Seattle University’?”
“Uh huh,” I answered with a smirk.
I could have brought up the coffee thing I had to do with her friend a few days ago. If I had to put up with being innocent until proven guilty and all but asked for my social security number, Juliet could suffer through fifteen minutes with my friends.
Blake was the first to lock eyes with me and I shot him a look that said ‘Best behavior...or else.’
“What’s up, man?”
His lips literally stretched from ear to ear. “Not too much.” His green eyes widened with amusement when I pulled out a chair for Juliet. “Look who got all domesticated.”
Juliet gave me a pained look before she forced a tight smile. “Hey Blake.”
“Hey beautiful,” he winked. Jackson cleared his throat and Blake did introductions, eyes never leaving hers. He was smart enough to keep them on her face even though I had a feeling if I left her alone, all bets were off.
Maybe this was a bad idea. All the empty tables around us and I threw her in the deep end with my boys?
I leaned in, my thumb stroking her kneecap, watching her body language go from SOS to something that vaguely resembled relaxed. “Want me to grab you anything?”
“I’d love another bagel. Maybe an OJ,” Blake joked, nudging Jackson. “How about you, Jax?”
Jax stroked his chin, probably trying to draw attention to that annoying beard he was trying to grow. “How about some Fruit Loops?” He turned his hazel eyes to Dean . “You need some more bad coffee and fake creamer, man?”
“I had to struggle just to get this down,” Dean sighed, pushing his mug away. His blue eyes shifted from me to Juliet and a smile crept across his face. “Maybe a muffin for the lady, cuz’ she’s so sweet.”
I rolled my eyes, the side of my mouth twitching in spite of myself.
Juliet wasn’t amused.
She shoved her chair back from the table and snapped to her feet. She looked at me, and me alone. “I’ll get it myself, thanks.”
She stalked in the direction of the buffet, my friend’s low whistles and the harsh set of her shoulders telling me I was gonna pay dearly for this later.
“So uptight,” Blake said with a ‘tsk’ before he licked the lid of his yogurt. “We’re just joking around.”
I glared at him, then Jackson. Dean was back to scribbling in a tablet like his life depended on it, so I let him off the hook.
“What’s wrong with y’all?” I growled.
Blake feigned innocence. “No idea what you mean.”
“Right.” I shook my head, pushing back from the table. “I like this girl. Don’t screw this up for me.”
I knew I was going to pay for the ‘L’ word later, but I figured I needed to be a little more concerned about Juliet’s wrath.
She was over at the hot bar, stabbing at sausages before she chunked them on her plate. I took a step in her direction and stopped when someone cleared their throat behind me. I decided to put off the chewing out I was fairly certain I was going to get from my girlfriend and turned.
I immediately regretted it.
Candi Mann stood there, twirling a blonde lock around her pinky finger. “Hi Lucas. I’ve missed you.”
I bit back my retort. Wish I could say the same. Or, Wish I had a time machine so I could go back and never sleep with you in the first place.
When Candi and I first hooked up, I made it fairly clear we were in a friends-with-benefits kinda situation. At first we were on the same page, but then she wanted something more. I avoided the puppy dog eyes and was always busy when she asked me to go out for a coffee or movie.
And then Juliet happened...and the last thing I wanted was to have Candi, or any other girl but Juliet in my bed.
I was sure Candi made whatever we had into some sort of epic love story, but the odds were stacked against her. The minute I saw Juliet I knew she was something special. Different from anyone I’d ever met. Candi was just a duplicate of every other sorority girl on campus. Nice to look at, but that was pretty much it.
I didn’t say that to Candi because I had a feeling being that forthcoming would have escalated the situation and she confirmed my suspicions. I got to see the craziness that all my friends talked about when Candace Mann came up in conversation. The last time we talked I told her to stop texting me nearly naked selfies because I was seeing someone. Her response was radio silence--then she proceeded to lose her mind. She called me ten times in a row, leaving voicemail after voicemail, each one crazier than the last.
I shifted uncomfortably. “What’s up?”
“Not much,” she said brightly, flashing me every tooth in her mouth. “Just hanging out.” She angled her body toward mine, flipping her hair and sticking her chest out coyly. “Speaking of which, you coming to my party this weekend?”
I didn’t take the bait. “I think I’ll pass.”
She gave  me an exaggerated pout. “Really? You know how wild my parties get.” She brought a finger to her lips, biting her nail as her eyes gave me a look that was pure sex. “Remember my last party when we hooked up on the balcony?”
I only remembered bits and pieces of that night. Unfortunately, the parts I remembered included the best everclear, vodka, juice, and fruit concoction, I’d ever drank in my life...and how hot Candi looked pressed against the iron railing of her balcony, her dress hiked up to her waist-
I tightened my jaw, scrubbing the visual from my mind. “Stop it, Candi.”
She batted her eyelashes, her look of innocence reminding me of Blake’s a few minutes ago. Blake knew he was trying to make Juliet uncomfortable--and Candi knew exactly what she was doing.
“If you’re really as happy with her as you say-” she began.
“He is happy with me.” Juliet stepped up beside me. Her dark eyes were cold and angry.
I expected Candi to dial it up a notch, but she just gave Juliet a sweet, dangerous smile. “Juliet! I was just talking-”
“Actually, you were leaving, weren’t you?” Juliet said, cutting her off a second time.
I noticed the people around us walked by slower, picking up on the tension.
Last time they faced off, neither seemed ready to stand down. This time was no different.
Juliet gripped her tray so tightly that her knuckles were bleached white. A part of me worried she was seconds away from hurling the contents over her shoulder and slapping Candi in the face with it. Candi wasn’t armed with anything more than a glare, but it was a weapon in and of itself.
And then Candi did the last thing I expected her to do.
She laughed.
“You have nothing to worry about if you two are as close as Lucas claims,” she said with a condescending wink. Before Juliet could get in a word, she added, “And I’m over it. Really. More fish in the sea and all of that.”
I let out a sigh of relief that drew a wary look from both of them. They turned their attention back to each other.
“In fact, in honor of letting bygones be bygones or whatever, you guys should come to my thing.”
Juliet snorted in disbelief. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s-”
“Great!” Candi interrupted, completely ignoring what I was sure was the beginning of Juliet’s decline of her invitation. “I’ll Facebook you.” She sauntered away without another word.
Alone, I reached for Juliet. “We don’t have to go.”
She yanked away from me. “You sure? Maybe the two of you could hook up on her balcony again.”
I cringed. She heard that? I felt the shame of hesitating and thinking of that night with Candi settle in the pit of my stomach. “It didn’t mean anything.”
“You two had a freaking moment, Lucas!” Juliet hissed, hurt coloring her dark eyes. “I saw it. I...felt it.”
It was only physical,” I tried to explain. “I don’t want her.” She tried to dodge me but I didn’t budge, gripping her shoulders then trailing my hands up until I cupped the sides of her face. I waited until she looked up at me, ignoring the death glare. I just wanted her to see that maybe my head had a moment of stupidity, but not my heart. Never my heart. “You’re the only one I want to be with, Julie.”
She didn’t look convinced, but her chin trembled slightly as her eyes softened. “You promise?”
“I promise.” I leaned in to kiss her, but the sound of catcalls and Blake’s distinctive whoops erased any semblance of romance and my mouth hovered a few inches from hers before she pulled away.
“Juliet-”
She left her tray on the buffet line. “I’m not all that hungry.” Before I could stop her, she spun on her heels and marched toward the exit.
Blake and the boys shuffled up behind me, Dean clapping me on the shoulder. “Where’s your girl?”
“She had to get to class,” I lied.
“Too bad,” he frowned. “I was looking forward to grilling her before I gave the two of you my blessing.”
“Well, maybe you should do your homework the night before like the rest of us and not thirty minutes before class,” Blake piped beside me. “Right, Lucas?”
I tugged on a smile. “Yep.”
Blake’s look changed and I knew he could tell something went down between me and Juliet, but I cleared my throat and swiped Juliet’s untouched tray. I wasn’t about to have a heart-to-heart about my relationship troubles with a guy that dodged relationships like his life depended on it.
“I’m gonna force this crap down my throat,” I said, walking away from my friends. “Later.”


Friday, October 11, 2013

Never Update and Giveaway!

The updated release for Never is November 15. I ran into a couple of hiccups that I've been ironing out, so I needed a little more time to tighten everything up. Sorry for the delay. <3

Here's the description for Never:

****
What happens after happily ever after?

Juliet Stowe swore she'd never fall in love again, but she wasn't counting on finding him: Lucas McNamara, the first guy she ever loved. The guy who made breaking the promise she made to guard her heart easy to break. But she jumped in headfirst and the obstacles that gave her pause still exist. Lucas refuses to even talk about the affair with between their parents. Lucas' ex, Candi Mann, is determined to unearth Juliet's past and drive a wedge between them. And as romantic as Lucas is when they're together, his jealous streak threatens to tear them apart…

Lucas McNamara finally found her. The girl that's worth giving up his player ways. A girl he wants to wake up to the next morning, and every morning after.  All the BS with his parents? Irrelevant. His friends complaints that he's acting weird, losing himself in some girl? Ridiculous. All he needs is his girl…until he does something he never, ever thought he'd do. Something that could ruin everything…
****

And now for the free stuff! :D

I'm running a Goodreads giveaway where I'll be giving out 10 paperback copies of Never. Enter here.

I'm also running a blog giveaway where I'll be giving away 10 e-copies of Never. The giveaway will run from October 11-November 8. The rafflecopter is below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Any questions? Ask in the comments or shoot me an email!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Always is finally available in paperback!


This has been a LONG time coming. I finally had to roll up my sleeves and get this done and I'm so happy to say that Always is now available as a paperback!



Check it out here: bit.ly/18uCpI6

It should be live at Amazon in 5-7 business days and I'll update this post with the link as soon as it's up!

Thanks for your patience. Now that I have a handle on the paperback process, I won't run into these issues when Never comes out in October. Yay!!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Paperback Version of Always--Update

I was hoping to have the paperback version of Always available on September 1, but unfortunately technical issues with my manuscript has pushed back the release. :(

I apologize for the delay and I'll update the blog as soon as it's available!


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Updated Always is Live!

So after a few kinks, the updated, professionally edited and formatted version of Always is up all over!

Here's a sneak peek of the new formatting and prettiness:



Still waiting to hear back from Amazon so those who purchased it for their Kindle can update the new copy and I'll let you know as soon as I hear back!

If you purchased it for the Nook, Kobo, or your iPhone/iPad/iEtcetera, I don't think they offer the update option so if you'd like the updated version, email me at elleryrhodesauthor[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll send you the format of your choice, free of charge.

Formats available are:
.mobi (Kindle)
.epub
.pdf

The Always paperback should be available September 1! And I'm hard at work on Never, and should have that to my beta readers mid-September.

Interested in beta-ing for me? (reading the book prior to release for flow issues, grammar, etc and giving feedback) Email me to be added to the list so you can beta-read Never!

Interested in a review copy of Always? Email me your interest and your preferred format!

Before I skadaddle, I'm on Pinterest now! Come stalk me: http://pinterest.com/elleryr

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Updates.

I just wanted to post some updated info on the re-release of Always. I've gotten feedback and the story proofread, and I plan on re-releasing the book on August 11, 2013!

Thanks again to my betas and proofreaders--your feedback has been invaluable and with your help, I think my book really shines!

If you're interested in getting a review copy of the updated version of Always, please shoot me an email! (elleryrhodesauthor[at]gmail[dot]com)

I also wanted to post some info for book 2, Never. The guiding concept for the second book is what happens after happily ever after? Juliet and Lucas finally found each other and love, but there are still loose ends and questions to be answered. :)

Never will be finished mid September, I'll send it out to betas/proofreader after it's completed and then release it early October!

I'm going back to writing, but I wanted to share a song that's been stuck in my head. So catchy! <3

Monday, July 22, 2013

And the Winners of the Hot Summer Romance Giveaway Hop are:

E-Copy of Always:

Jessica M.!

Paperback copy of Always:

Margay R.!

$25 Amazon Gift Card:

Tina B.!

Congratulations everyone...thanks for participating! <3 I'll be emailing the winners to get you your prize.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Insatiable Reads Blog Hop!


Thanks for stopping by my blog for the Insatiable Reads Hot Summer Romance Giveaway Hop! :)

Grand Prizes for the entire hop:
A Kindle Fire!
A $50 Amazon Gift Certificate!

****
For my blog giveaway you will have a chance to win:

Always ebook
or
Always paperback
or
$25 Amazon gift card!

My giveaway is international and the winner will be chosen via the Rafflecopter below. The winner will be announced July 22!

To enter to win you can:

  • Comment on this blog post and answer the question: 'You never forget your first love--tell us about yours!'
  • Follow @ellerydreams on Twitter
  • Tweet about this giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Answer:

I met Brad at Hardees when I stopped by in between classes. I remember thinking he was hot right out of the gate--lean and muscled, all the right angles, blond with these intense brown eyes. He flirted, but I just mumbled and got my food and went on my merry way. Later, I talked to a friend about him and she decided that we were gonna go back and do it right this time and give him my number.

We go back to Hardees, but Brad's off work--luckily, one of his friends was a romantic and decided to give us his number. I call and leave an awkward message, saying he might not remember me but I remembered him etc.

He called back a few hours later!

We met up and had dinner and talked for hours about nothing and everything--and he made me feel like I was literally the only girl in the room.

We didn't last, but I'll always remember cuddling with him, arms wrapped around me as he whispered some tragic Nirvana song in my ear.

Check out other blogs participating in the hop and win stuff!

 

A HUGE thank you! (and an apology)

I want to start off and say I heart everyone that's picked up a copy of Always and took the time to read and review. From four stars to one, I appreciate the feedback. Which brings me to my apology...

I am sorry for the errors in the book. I put out a sub-par product and I am really sorry about that. When I released Always, I was so freakin' excited about telling my story that I didn't think about betas and getting someone to edit outside of myself that important things were missed. As I've gone back through the story and talked with my beta-readers/editors, I am seriously embarrassed by what slipped past me. I'm doing a big re-release on July 26 with a new, professional edited version. I'll be contacting Amazon and they should email everyone that bought the book and give them the option to download the updated version for free (I'll let you know when to expect the email). I don't think Barnes and Noble offers that service, but I'm offering it here:

If you want the edited version, email me with your preferred format and I'll send it to you--no questions asked.

This has been a HUGE learning experience for me (slow the eff down, Ellery!) and I want to say a big thank you to all the betas that helped me out via the Some Like it Hot group on Goodreads. Thank you for reading the book and giving your feedback, and all the offers to read and review the updated version! Yall rock my face right on off. Seriously. <3

I also used the proofreading/editing services of:
Mandi Smith (http://www.facebook.com/rawbooks) and (http://rawbooks.wordpress.com)
Indie Proofs (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Indie-Proofs/453146148110219)

I'm looking forward to putting out the shinier (and better edited!) version of Always next week!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Updates!


  • Always is doing all kinds of awesome things on Amazon and Barnes and Noble:
It's ranked at #1,258 on AZ and in the top 100 in Coming of Age and New Adult!
It's ranked #68 on B+N!


Omg...is my book really ranked higher than World War Z?

Never in my wildest dreams you guys. I feel so blessed and grateful to everyone that's bought the book. <3

  • There WILL be a second book. It's tentatively titled Never...and would be out late Sep-Oct (subject to change).
  • I'm in the process of polishing up Always (getting feedback from beta-readers and getting it professionally edited) and plan on doing a re-release in 2-3 weeks. I know Amazon gives the option of letting purchasers download the latest version, but I don't know if Barnes and Noble does. Either way, if you purchased the book you can email me at elleryrhodesauthor[at]gmail[dot]com or click the envelope at the top of the page and I will send you the updated copy, free of charge in the format of your choice.
  • Speaking of beta readers, if you'd like to join the list, shoot me an email! I'm also looking for reviewers. It's a great opportunity to give me feedback and share your opinions on how the book could be better.
  • I'm participating in the Insatiable Reads Blog Hop!



There's over 175 blogs participating and giving away loads of shiny swag! On this blog I'll be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, an e-book copy of Always, and a paperback copy of Always!
The giveaway will start on July 18 and run through the 21! I'll be announcing the winners on July 22.


Sunday, July 7, 2013

I must be dreaming...

Right now, Always is ranked #503 in Barnes and Noble's e-book store.


You guys...I just...

THANK YOU!!!! <3

I know I'm a new author, and my book's a little rough around the edges and it means so much to me that people are taking a chance on my story. I heart every single one of you to the moon and back!

Now I've gotta stop obsessively checking my rank and do some writing lol. :)



Saturday, July 6, 2013

How long do you wanna be loved?

They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade...
"Lullaby" by Dixie Chicks

As much as I love Tumblr (and my love is endless and vast), I figured I should have a place where readers can come and not be bombarded by photos of pretty clothes, pretty people, pretty pictures, pretty hair, and pretty/heartbreaking quotes. This space will be dedicated to my writing. I like music and lyrics, so I'll also post those sporadically along with updates about my writing projects.

Currently, my first New Adult (NA) novel has been released and it's called Always. Always is a story about first-loves and how love can transcend miles, time, and backgrounds. 

Here's the description:

A new university, a fresh start, and no falling in love.

After a freshman year from hell, Juliet Stowe's heart is in a million pieces. She transfers to a new school, determined to leave the past behind. 
But when she's paired up with Lucas McNamara, the 'boy next door' all deliciously grown up, she knows she's in trouble. Back then she didn't understood why her mother, who used to work for Lucas' family, told her not to get attached. But they were inseparable -until her mother was fired because the McNamaras don't mix with the help.

He never thought he'd see her again...

Lucas McNamara knew there was something familiar about his biology partner and is floored when it hits him. She's 'Julie'--the barefoot beauty who was unlike any girl he'd ever met then or since. 
While years have passed and he's far from the carefree kid that Juliet once knew, one thing remains the same. He wants her. He's always wanted her--but he's the heir to the McNamara multi-million dollar empire and his family is hell bent on keeping them apart.

 And here's the cover, because I think it's gorgeous. ;)



Now, this story is not without its faults. Editing issues slipped past me and my early beta-readers and I've had questions and concerns about the short epilogue. I apologize for these issues (and I'm in the process of broadening my beta-readers beyond my besties since they may or may not have been worrying about hurting my feelings by being too hardcore)...please be patient with me and I hope that despite the errors you enjoyed Lucas and Juliet's story because I loved telling it. I assure you that from here on out, I will double, triple, quadruple check and also have a professional editor take a look at these things to ensure you're not distracted from the important thing, which is how much my characters heart each other.

I am considering writing a second and third book and I hope you'll stick around for the ride if I choose to expand upon their journey to HEA! <3