For today’s blog, I’ve invited romance author Elle Rush to join us and talk about writing, Hollywood, and characters that just won’t leave her alone. She just released a new book on July 28. There’s an excerpt below and the links to buy it at the end of the blog. And in between, Elle tells you how you can stalk her on social media.
Hello Elle Rush! Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a romance author from Winnipeg, Manitoba. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, watching sci-fi TV shows or investigating new places to visit.
In which genre do you write?
I write contemporary romance with a heavy dash of humour.
Is there anything specific that inspires you? How did you come up with the idea behind your most recent book?
I love television and movie making. I have no acting talent, but I’m enthralled with everything that goes on behind the scenes. Yes, I’m the person that watches all the DVD extras. If I’d known how to get into screenwriting after high school, I would have done that. Since I didn’t, I figured the next best thing was to write about it. I’ve made everything as authentic as possible. I’ve drawn on my experiences on set from when I was an extra (background performer) and from my tours of film lots in Los Angeles.
How many books have you published?
I currently have 5 romances out in e-book form, with two more stories coming out this year. That number might go up depending on how the response is to DRAMA QUEEN because I’m already well into book 3 in my Hollywood to Olympus series.
Tell us about your latest release.
My latest release is DRAMA QUEEN, book 2 of the Hollywood to Olympus series. It’s a contemporary romance.
Layla Andrews isn’t really a bitch – she just plays one on television. For the last eighteen months, she’s acted like one in real life too while she was forced to serve probation for something she didn’t do. Now the Queen of Olympus has done her time and she’s ready to start living again … but she’s forgotten how.
Russ Vukovick, the show’s fight coordinator, had been attracted to Layla since the first time he saw her. Recently he’s caught glimpses of a new side of her – one that makes her irresistible. But as he gets closer to her, he also sees more of what she hides beneath the mask she wears.
As Layla and Russ try to navigate their new relationship, families, danger and secrets work against them at every turn. Can they find a true happily-ever-after when they are surrounded by lies?
Romance readers always like to know: how steamy is it?
It’s a 1 on the steamy scale. I tried to write it hotter but Layla and Russ kept closing the door whenever they headed to the bedroom. They like their privacy. At least they got farther than Chris and Sydney (the couple from SCREEN IDOL) – they only got to kiss.
Is this part of a series? Tell us about the series (no spoilers!).
It’s part of my Hollywood to Olympus series. When I originally thought of the cast of the television show “Olympus”, I knew exactly what was going to happen to all of them. I knew there were four stories I wanted to tell. Unfortunately, my original characters introduced me to their friends and things are getting a little out of hand in Hollywood. I have a short story in the literacy-fundraiser LOVE IS anthology which was released today starring Benny, the show’s photographer who appears in both SCREEN IDOL and DRAMA QUEEN. I’m already halfway Nick and Ashleigh’s story, and I have outlined a fourth book. But there may be one more story after that because another character won’t leave me alone.
When was DRAMA QUEEN released?
It came out on July 28th from Liquid Silver Books.
Do you have a favorite excerpt you want to share here?
“So, if you’ve forgiven me, I thought you might kiss me again.” He looked up at her, not far up because even standing when he was sitting there wasn’t much of a difference, and let loose a slow, sexy smile that made her feel like she was bursting into flames all over.
“What?” she squeaked.
Russ patted the cushion beside him. “It wasn’t really fair, you know. A sneak attack like that. I wasn’t ready to respond. I can do a hell of a lot better. I’m sorry, Layla. Can we try to redo the ending to last Friday? I didn’t even get a good night kiss.” When she didn’t move, he did. He stood up and hovered over her. “I’d really like a good night kiss, Layla.”
He leaned over in slow motion and Layla watched as his lips got closer. The second they touched hers, though, she closed her eyes and lost herself in the kiss. Russ knew what he was doing. God, did he know.
I love it! The tension between Russ and Layla is so palpable in this excerpt. Now, let your newest fans know how to stalk you — a website? Social media?
I have a free newsletter you can sign up for at www.ellerush.com/newsletter . I also have a blog on my website www.ellerush.com and I’m on Goodreads as Elle Rush and on Twitter at @elle_rush
Lastly, ask my blog readers a question, which they can answer in the comments below.
If you could have a behind-the-scenes tour of any TV show, which one would you pick?
Thank you for joining us today! Now, for the important question: How can we read your books?
Hollywood to Olympus series:
SCREEN IDOL (book 1): Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Liquid Silver Books
DRAMA QUEEN (book 2): Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Liquid Silver Books
THE HOLLYWOOD GAMBIT (book 2.5): Coming August 5, 2014!
PUERTO VALLARTA SUNSETS: Amazon
PRIVATE ENCORE: Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Liquid Silver Books
BEAR WITH ME (Beneath a Spring Moon): Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Liquid Silver Books
And coming soon… CUBAN MOON! Check out the super cool cover below:
Elle, thank you so much for joining us today on Tami’s Thoughts. I’m sure I echo our readers’ thoughts when I say we all look forward to reading DRAMA QUEEN as well as the rest of your books. Keep writing!
Readers: If you enjoyed this post, let me know in the comments below, or by spreading the word via social media. And check back next weekend. There’s a new post at least once a week!
Thanks for having me visit, Tami. It was great chatting with you.
Thanks for joining me, Elle. I love featuring authors on my blog. I think I forgot to mention in the blog that I love the cover of Drama Queen!