Ella Fox's Blog: Author Ella Fox, page 4
November 22, 2017
An Online Shoppers Life
I’m an online shopper. I’m also a serious night owl, which means I buy things from infomercials, too. The Bissell Crosswave (My rating: B+), the Shark Rocket Pro (My rating: A), the Bacon Wave (My rating: D), Flex Seal (My rating: D) the Conair Infiniti Pro (read on to see how I feel about that) and any number of other things have made their way into my house. It’s a sickness, I tell you.
Lately I’ve taken to buying things I see advertised in my Facebook feed. Socialite Mini ring light? Got it (My rating: C- for the ring and D- for the tripod that came with it) Blackhead Tweezers (My rating: A) Kopari lip love (My grade: A)
My most recent purchase was the L’Ange 32mm (1.25 inch) barrel wand. I curl my hair a lot so this was an easy buy for me. I’m 44 years old so I’ve got decades of hair styling time behind me. Normally curling isn’t an issue. This weekend, not so much.
My bumpy hair weekend started on Friday, when I was using my L’Ange wand. I’ve had the wand for two weeks and in all honesty, I’m not loving it. I have another wand with a smaller barrel from Bed Head that’s been very good to me. I got the L’Ange wand because it was bigger and because there’s a blogger on Facebook who does L’Ange videos weekly- and she makes it look so easy! (Check out the video I watched HERE)
Anyway. Friday I decided I want different curls. I’m styling away with the L’Ange wand when BOOM. I got burned on the side of my hand. Badly. The damn thing blistered up and was painful for several days. It’s scabbed over and gross now, which makes me not want to use the wand again. I posted a pic of the burn on my Instagram (when it looked totally fine- annoying, but fine) This was the L’Ange response:
I give them props for commenting. I hate the glove because I get no grip. In the future, I’ll try their tip.
Moving on to Saturday, I decided to use my Conair Pro Infiniti. Normally I use my hair straightener to curl my hair, but I was trying for a different look. God, if I could turn back time.
I’ve had the Conair Pro for almost three years and have never had a problem. It was all going well- my whole head was curled- until I realized one piece hadn’t curled. I sucked it into the curler and IT. GOT. STUCK. That’s right. My ridiculously long hair (that I love and work hard to keep healthy) got stuck in the darn thing. I yanked the plug out of the wall and spent ten minutes trying to get it out and then was near tears as I realized it wasn’t going to happen. With no other options I had no choice but to cut my hair off. Below is a pic of my Conair Pro with the piece of hair once I managed to yank it out (after I cut it)
And then here’s a picture of how long that piece of hair really was.
As you can tell, it was a SUPER fun weekend.
I can’t cry over spilt milk (or chopped hair) but really… this was annoying. Right now the thing I’m most thankful for is that being an author allows me to dictate my own schedule, soo if I want to sit at home and hide my hair horror beneath a beanie cap for 7-10 months, I can do just that. I kid, but there were a few rough moments on Saturday when I was trying to figure out how I’d style my way out of this mess.
In the end I realized there’s nothing to do but just let it grow out. I’ve been using castor oil for a few months now on my hair so hopefully that will help but if you’ve got any hair growth tips, hit me with them.
xo,
Ella
November 15, 2017
On Blake Shelton
I’ve decided to start updating my blog here on my web page with more personal posts- opinions and what not. The first one up is something that is really sticking in my craw.
Yesterday it was announced that Blake Shelton was chosen as People magazines Sexiest Man Alive for 2017 and the blowback on that has been really extreme.
Before I go on – in the interest of full transparency – I admit that there have been sexiest picks I haven’t agreed with. I’m sure I said something like not my choice or does nothing for me. I hope I didn’t say anything publicly (meaning a status) but honestly I have no idea. If I did, I wish I hadn’t because its no different than talking smack in a crowded room about so and so being fat or ugly.
Anyway. Back to Blake.
The reaction to him being chosen is cringe-worthy enough that I find myself feeling uncomfortable it. He’s being ridiculed in a way that is gross to watch. It’s crazy to me that people are going out of their way to post up about how “ugly” he is all over Facebook and Twitter.
I keep asking myself why people feel the need to say such petty things so publicly. I wonder if people feel good about trashing him. I wonder if they realize that there’s no way this isn’t hurting his feelings. More than that, I wonder if they care.
Then I wonder why they care about who People says the “sexiest” man alive is. It’s different for all of us. Maybe you think the sexiest man alive is Idris Elba, Tom Hanks, Chris Pratt or one of the Ryan’s. (Reynolds/Gosling) Or maybe the sexiest man alive in your opinion is your mechanic, your pharmacist, your co-worker or your boyfriend/husband. Whatever YOUR opinion is, it belongs to you.
There’s a way to have an opinion without being rude. I personally may not think Blake is the sexiest man alive- but that doesn’t give me the right to say he’s “ugly” or “old” and any of the other far more over the top descriptives I’ve seen since yesterday. Would you want someone going online and saying that about you? Your husband? Your friends? Your sister? Your children? I’ve already seen the counter argument that its okay to talk crap because he’s a celebrity. That’s no different than asking a rape victim what he/she was wearing. Being famous doesn’t mean he’s asking for- or deserves- attacks.
It’s sad that people are obsessed with judging physical appearance. It’s worse that social media makes it so easy for people to spout off in ways they never would if they were in front of a camera or standing in front of the person they’re so busy ripping apart.
April 3, 2017
I Don’t is live
I Don’t is now LIVE exclusively on Amazon! Just 99 cents for release week, you can also read it for FREE if you have Kindle Unlimited!!
Click HERE to be taken to your countries I Don’t Amazon page.
March 26, 2017
Read Chapter One of I Don’t
I Don’t releases in just 7 days! I can’t wait for you to meet Mateo & Ava- so much so that I am giving you chapter one now!
Chapter One
The screech of the intercom on my desk pulled my attention away from the data I was entering. The timing of the interruption was impeccable, so I wasn’t about to complain. Hours spent slumped over a computer were hell on my spine. I was delighted for an excuse to take a break and look away.
I quickly rolled my neck from side to side to alleviate some of the tension while reminding myself that I’d wanted a nine to five job. The shrill tone sounded a third time before I picked up.
“This is a case of perfect timing,” I yawned. “I desperately needed to stretch and look away from my monitor.”
“Uh, Ava?”
My left brow arched at the uncertain tone of Ben’s voice.
“That’s my name, don’t wear it out,” I answered dryly. “I feel like you already knew that since you’re the one who called me. What’s up?”
“There’s… well, a man is on the phone for you.”
I assumed it was my boss, a man who was a perfectionist unlike any I’d ever known. Whenever he called, it was because something was not to his exacting standards. I wondered if I’d inadvertently messed up a column in one of my spreadsheets. I tried so hard, but like every other employee at Keeping Track, I had been on the receiving end of more than one talking-to.
I stifled a groan. “It’s Mr. Gretchen isn’t it?”
The sound of Ben’s elevated breathing filled the silence. “Um, no,” he answered, “this is most definitely not Mr. Gretchen.”
“Well, since you’re acting weird I have to assume it’s someone unusual. Is it the President? Bill Gates? Oh, wait. I know. It’s Ryan Reynolds. If I’ve told him once, I’ve told him a dozen times not to call me at work—”
“Not even close. This man—he says he’s your fiancé.”
All the blood left my head, and my heart stopped beating for several seconds. When it resumed pumping, I tried assuring myself I was asleep. Yep, that had to be it. I was having a nightmare. With my free hand, I pinched my thigh, only to wince at the twinge of pain. I wasn’t dreaming.
I chanted ‘no, no, no’ in my head as I struggled to take in enough oxygen to be functional. I was nowhere near ready to deal with him. Surely he wouldn’t have tracked me down at work. With me gone, he had to be using the opportunity to explore the bachelor life and live it to the fullest. I’d assured myself he’d be busy dealing with his social calendar that thinking of me would be impossible.
I embraced denial like it was my job. There was some kind of mistake or whoever was on the phone wasn’t him. Maybe it was some other man calling for an entirely different Ava. Of course! Yes, that was it. That could happen, right?
“His voice,” I whispered. “Does he sound—”
“Spanish?” Ben supplied. “Yeah.”
I’d been about to ask if he sounded like a stubborn son-of-a-bitch, but Spanish told me what I needed to know. The phone fell from my hand, clattering loudly as it hit the desk. I fumbled frantically, knocking a container of pens over in the process. My pulse raced as the pens scattered across the desk haphazardly. My fingers seemed to be made of butter, and my dexterity was gone, so picking them up was impossible. I abandoned the pens and grabbed the phone, clumsily hitting myself in the cheek with it as I brought it back to my ear.
“Please tell me this is just a prank,” I pleaded.
My voice sounded shaky even to my ears. I was grasping at straws, and I knew it, but right then I was holding out hope some tabloid hack had found me. In my panicked state, it was the preferable option.
“It’s not,” Ben insisted. “Besides, it’s not like I’d know to make this joke seeing as how over the course of the six weeks you’ve worked here, you never added anyone to the approved caller list. I realize you’re an introvert but not putting a fiancé on your list seems a little odd.”
My heart thundered as I tried to get my bearings. They were, of course, nowhere to be found. It was always like this when it came to him. My inner compass always pointed me in one direction—straight to Mateo Cruz.
“I’m not,” I denied shakily. “Engaged,” I clarified.
The six-carat emerald and diamond engagement ring hidden in a pair of jeans on a shelf in my closet said otherwise, but having possession of it wasn’t my choice.
No matter how hard I’d tried, the stubborn jerk wouldn’t take it back. Even when I’d resorted to outlandish and ridiculous measures, it hadn’t made a bit of difference. In a fit of desperation, I’d once hocked it for ten percent of its value. I woke up the following morning to a courier at my door with the ring. Two days later I donated it to a children’s charity. That time I got it back within six hours, along with a thank you note from the charity for my generous cash donation.
I suspected even if I tossed it to the bottom of the ocean like elderly Rose in the Titanic movie, it would find its way back to me within twenty-four hours.
“Well, the man on line one disagrees which means he must be nuts. You want me to tell him to get lost?”
I half-considered it for a fraction of a second, even imagined how easy it would be to bury my head in the sand and allow a male receptionist to tell my former fiancé to shove off. Only as I played the rest of the possible outcomes through my head did I admit defeat. Mateo Cruz was an unstoppable force. He wouldn’t go away simply because I refused to pick up the phone.
My sigh was one of resignation. “No. I’ll deal with it.”
I clutched the handset tightly as I disconnected with Ben and did my best to prepare myself for what was coming. I sat stock still with the phone held over my heart as I made an attempt to corral my emotions. After about five seconds of breathing in and out, I accepted reality— it wasn’t going to work. With an aggravated sound, I steeled myself as much as possible and pressed the button to take the call.
“This is not a welcome surprise,” I snipped. “What do you want, Mateo?”
I hoped my voice didn’t betray my panic. I thought I sounded somewhat normal, but Mateo knew me better than anyone. He was so finely tuned to my every action; I suspected he’d known I was anxious before I’d uttered a word.
“You have had your space,” he announced. “Now it is time for us to talk. In person.”
The sound of his voice hit my veins like a drug, chipping away at my resistance and destroying my determination in a nanosecond. I wondered what was wrong with me that I couldn’t seem to erect a wall between my heart and my former fiancé. My right knee jiggled at what seemed like a million miles an hour as my grip on the phone tightened to the point of pain. Under no circumstances could I be face to face with him. If a simple phone call threw me off, a meeting would be catastrophic.
My heart thundered in my chest like I was about to have a go in the Thunderdome. “Absolutely not,” I hissed. “I have zero desire to see you, ever. Go away, Mateo. I don’t want to speak to you.”
My teeth ground together when he chuckled as if I’d said something pleasant or kind.
“Ah, mi amor. This is good,” he murmured. “You have no idea how relieved I am to hear your fire returning. It killed me to see you so lost.”
The way his voice reawakened my craving for him terrified me. For nine weeks I’d assured myself daily that I was learning to feel less. Within forty seconds, he’d disabused me of the fantasy. A frisson of alarm raced up my spine. There was no way I could meet up with him face to face. If his voice could still elicit the response it did, I’d be done for in the same room with him. No. I needed to stay on offense. Meeting up could not happen.
“Don’t talk as though you have any idea what’s going on in my life,” I muttered.
“I know plenty, mi tesoro.”
My teeth ground together as I swallowed past the lump of emotion in my throat. His term of endearment was like an arrow straight to my chest. He was lying—I wasn’t his treasure.
“How about we talk about what I know,” I said defensively. “For example, I knew before I even picked up the phone that you’d still be an overbearing know-it-all piece of—”
The telltale sound of the call disconnecting before I could finish my sentence brought me up short. Pulling the phone from my ear, I stared down at the receiver with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and, shamefully, disappointment. He’d hung up on me without warning. I’d expected him to argue, but he’d given up without a fight. That wasn’t the Mateo I knew.
I was still trying to reconcile my disappointment a minute or so later when the door to my tiny office flew open and banged against the wall, rattling the framed photo of Barcelona that hung just inside.
“I tried to explain to him that you’re unavailable but he won’t listen,” Ben screeched.
“And I told him to mind his damn business,” a too familiar voice growled. “No man tells me I can not see you, Avelina.”
My eyes went wide as Ben moved aside and Mateo strolled into my office as though he’d done it a thousand times, his green eyes flashing fire as they locked onto mine. Nothing had changed. With one look, we were the only two people in the universe. A million butterfly wings fluttered inside of my stomach and chest as I licked my lips and tried to get my bearings. Mateo’s eyes stayed on me for countless seconds before he jerked his head in Ben’s direction, breaking the spell with the reminder that someone else was in the room.
“Tell him to get out,” he commanded.
I knew I should tell Mateo to go pound sand, but I was busy trying not to have a damn heart attack. Relieved to have an excuse to look away from him, I turned my attention to Ben.
“You can go,” I said. “I’ll deal with Mr. Cruz.”
Mateo cursed under his breath, muttering in Spanish about putting me over his knee. I felt my cheeks flush pink as I forced myself not to respond.
I was thankful Ben didn’t understand Spanish because he’d have been more scandalized than he already was. It was apparent he had no idea what to do since his eyebrows seemed to have permanently relocated to the top of his hairline.
“Are you sure?” he asked as he took two steps backward.
As anxious as I was, I still had to stifle a choked laugh. When it suited him, Mateo had that effect on people.
“I have him under control,” I assured Ben.
My words were nothing but bluster. I most definitely did not have him under control. I was in no way prepared to deal with Mateo Cruz, and without the benefit of any warning, I was thrown even more off kilter.
Mateo chuckled darkly, a low rumble of sound I felt in my core.
“Tienes todo de mi,” he murmured.
He’d said I had all of him. My heart slammed against my chest like it wanted to break out and go to him.
The door closed behind Ben with a soft snick, and I had no doubt he would be running from office to office to tell everyone what was going on. Word would spread like wildfire, and within five minutes all one hundred and forty closet-sized rooms on the floor would be abuzz. Many of my co-workers would be waiting with bated breath for Mateo to leave so they could descend on me to demand details.
I gritted my teeth and glared at him as I crossed my arms. I’d had my job for six weeks and had only just started to settle in. That was all a thing of the past. Although I was fairly certain Ben hadn’t recognized Mateo, I had no doubt someone else would. Once that happened, all bets were off. After all, it wasn’t every day a gorgeous billionaire bachelor showed up at the office to claim his errant fiancée.
Click here to see I Don’t on Goodreads.
March 8, 2017
“I Don’t” Cover Reveal!
Title: I Don’t
Release Date: April 3, 2017
Blurb:
Done.
Finished.
Kaput.
Whatever you want to call it, the bride-to-be won’t be at the church on time.
Walking away from her fiancé was the hardest thing Ava has ever done. After all, the sexy and charming Mateo is everything she’s ever wanted—and more. But she needs to protect herself—and her heart—before it’s shattered once and for all.
Mateo has no choice but to let her go. His woman needs space, and he loves her enough to give it to her—no matter how much he hates it. The only thing keeping him sane is the certainty that their separation will be short-lived.
Ava thinks it’s over, but she’s about to find out that Mateo will stop at nothing to turn her “I Don’t” into an “I Do.”
Click –> HERE
February 13, 2017
The complete Renegade Saints series set is LIVE!
Rock ‘n’ Roll never felt so good.
The Renegade Saints series is ON SALE for just 99 cents during release week!
Sold Individually the four Renegade ebooks sell for $15.96. Don’t miss this chance to get it on sale!
The most famous group in the world is going on tour one final time. Grab your backstage pass and get up close and personal with the band!
★✩★
First, you’ll meet Flynn & Tessa. Their PICTURE PERFECT love story turns up the heat and doesn’t let up.
Then it’s time for you to get to know Gavin & Leah. Their story is a TWIST OF FATE that will melt your heart while reminding you that love heals the deepest wounds.
Next, you’ll spend time with Cole and Devon in their book, BETWEEN US. One stubborn rockstar and a girl with a heart of gold will enthrall you! You won’t be able to get enough of their steamy story.
Finally, you’ll meet Tyson and Daisy. SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN is a beautiful and moving story you’re sure to love. You’ll laugh and cry as you rock out with the band one final time.
BUY LINKS
February 9, 2017
Win a $20 iTunes Gift Card!
Rock ‘n’ Roll never felt so good…
The most famous group in the world is going on tour one final time. Grab your backstage pass and get up close and personal with the band!
First, you’ll meet Flynn & Tessa. Their PICTURE PERFECT love story turns up the heat and doesn’t let up.
Then it’s time for you to get to know Gavin & Leah. Their story is a TWIST OF FATE that will melt your heart while reminding you that love heals the deepest wounds.
Next, you’ll spend time with Cole and Devon in their book, BETWEEN US. One stubborn rockstar and a girl with a heart of gold will enthrall you! You won’t be able to get enough of their steamy story.
Finally, you’ll meet Tyson and Daisy. SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN is a beautiful and moving story you’re sure to love. You’ll laugh and cry as you rock out with the band one final time.
★ Amazon
★Amazon UK
★Amazon AU
★B&N
★iTunes
★Kobo
January 22, 2017
Get ready to ROCK OUT with The Renegade Saints Complete Series Box Set!
This Valentine’s Day you’ll be able to pick up the complete Renegade Saints series in one ebook! That’s right- Flynn Rand, Gavin Wilde, Cole Hayes and Tyson Allen are coming to a device near you! These men are hot and ready to be devoured. Bonus- the pre order and release week price is just 99 cents! The 4 books normally sell for $15.96 so this is a HUGE savings opportunity.
Synopsis:
The most famous group in the world is going on tour one final time. Grab your backstage pass and get up close and personal with the band!
First, you’ll meet Flynn & Tessa. Their PICTURE PERFECT love story turns up the heat and doesn’t let up.
Then it’s time for you to get to know Gavin & Leah. Their story is a TWIST OF FATE that will melt your heart while reminding you that love heals the deepest wounds.
Next, you’ll spend time with Cole and Devon in their book, BETWEEN US. One stubborn rockstar and a girl with a heart of gold will enthrall you! You won’t be able to get enough of their steamy story.
Finally, you’ll meet Tyson and Daisy. SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN is a beautiful and moving story you’re sure to love. You’ll laugh and cry as you rock out with the band one final time.
Click HERE to see it on Goodreads
Pre Order LINKS:
January 8, 2017
Books that made me cry
I was asked earlier for a recommendation of a book that would make someone cry. Like any time I’m asked for an opinion on books, I couldn’t possibly choose just one! Without further ado, here are my Top 10 CRY books.
Hopeless and Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover
This story is Colleen Hoover at her absolute heartbreaking best. I’m team Holder for life. There is nothing about these two books that I don’t like. Holder and Sky are always #1 on my favorite books of all-time list. Always.
Façade by Nyrae Dawn
Adrian Westfall will always be one of my top book boyfriends. This story broke my heart. The first book in the series, Charade, (about a different couple) made me cry like a baby too.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
Archer Hale is a character that will crawl beneath your skin and set up residence. I was so enthralled by this book and these characters. Archer Hale is an amazing character.
Desperately Seeking Epic by BN Toler
I can barely think of this book without crying. Do *not* attempt to read without tissues.
When it Rains by Lisa DeJong
No joke I am pretty certain this book left a hole in my soul. I cried so hard I thought I was going to lose my marbles.
The Summer Remains by Seth King
I loved this book so much, even though it ripped me in two. Summer Johnson is a character you won’t forget.
Swear on this Life by Renee Carlino
This is one of my top reads of 2017 so far. I absolutely adored the story and the way it all played out. The characters, the settings, the experiences- I felt every one of them.
The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred
This book sank its hooks into me from the beginning and didn’t let up. I was absolutely done in by the end, just completely overloaded with emotion. It was absolutely wonderful.
My Skylar by Penelope Ward
Mitch & Skylar’s story is one that will stay with you long after the end. This was my first Penelope book and I immediately knew I’d be adding her to my automatic buy list.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
That’s right, she’s on my list twice. What you need to ask yourself is what kind of a person writes books they know will make a bitch cry? Hoover. That’s who. I wonder if she sits over her keyboard evil laughing about the tissues people are going to go through while reading her books. They’re all great, 90% have made me cry…. But then came It Ends With Us. My #1 read of 2016, this book DESTROYED me. After I read it I couldn’t get into anything else for over a month. Never have I read a book that made me question so many things. The final paragraph of the last chapter made me cry so hard I thought I’d never stop.
So that’s me. How about you? What are your ugly cry books?
