#Review of With Love Series (With Love, Ella & Daniel, ever after) by Alexa Randolph w/a an author interview and rafflecopter giveaway!

With Love Series

by Alexa Randolph

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GENRE: Romance

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BLURB:

With Love, Ella:

Ella Chambers was a top event planner in New York, about to marry the man of her dreams. Daniel Collins was the quarterback for the Giants, on his way to winning his first ever Super Bowl. Life couldn’t get any better when they both said those three words to each other and planned to spend the rest of their lives together.

Until one perfect day came crashing down around them when they hear the three words no one wants to hear: You have cancer.

Now instead of dresses, flowers, and invitations, they’re dealing with doctors appointments, tests, and tears. Their love and strength will be tested and tortured, but they’ll fight with everything they’ve got to make it through.

Daniel, Ever After:

Daniel and Molly are both lost in their own worlds. They recently lost the most important people in their lives. They are connected in so many ways but are complete strangers. They are barely hanging on, but a drunken encounter sends them over the edge of despair. Can they bring each other out of their misery, or will they continue to push each other away until it’s too late? Find out in the sequel to With Love, Ella, titled Daniel, Ever After.

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Excerpt Two:

Daniel and Ella were waiting for their drinks when Marissa came up to them. They both inwardly groaned not wanting to deal with her and her drama that always seemed to follow. “Hello Ella, Hello Daniel,” Marissa said in her fake high-pitched voice. “Hello, Marissa. Enjoying the evening?” Daniel asked.  “Yeah, it’s been fine. So, Daniel are you excited for the upcoming season?” “Yes, it will be great to get back into the routine. I have a good feeling about it.” “That’s great. Well, I can’t wait to come watch practice in a few weeks. I know you will do amazing.” “Practices are actually closed for family only, but you can always buy season tickets to watch the team,” Ella explained, trying to be as nice as possible, but getting annoyed. “Oh, I know, my cousin is the second string quarterback and was able to get me into a practice. It’ll be great.” Marissa said while putting her arm around Daniel.  “Oh well, that’s nice. Daniel, I love this song. Let’s go dance,” Ella said, holding his hand.

“Sounds great babe.” 

“Bye Marissa,” they said, walking away with their drinks in hand. Marissa just stood there glaring at Ella. What did she have that Marissa didn’t?

Ella and Daniel had been dancing for hours with their friends and family, having a great time. Ella really had to go to the bathroom so she dragged a giggling Julia, Daniel’s sister, with her to the bathroom. Marissa and her friend saw them go in so they decided to follow. She couldn’t let Ella get away with humiliating her in front of Daniel.

Welcome Alexa! Please start off by telling us a little about yourself.

 

I am 25 years old and published my first novel 2.5 years ago. I am an only child and because of that I would use my imagination to pass the time. I always had scenarios and stories in my head that would play with my friends. I love to read all sort of romance series. I love series even if they are about different set of characters and can be standalones because I get so invested in all characters. I love being able to continue on.

 

Is the book a single title, or part of a series?

 

I am showing my series With Love Series (With Love, Ella and Daniel, Ever After)

 

What were your inspirations for the story?

 

I was mostly inspired from books I have read and the people in my life.

Please share your setting for both books. Have you ever lived or visited there? If so, what did you like most? 

 

Both books take place mostly in New York City and the Hamptons. Book 2 has chapters that take place in Michigan also. I live in Michigan, but I have always loved New York and the Hamptons.

When did the writing bug first bite? 

 

I have always loved to write cards and letters to people I loved and with my personality and imagination it all came together in 2014.

Who are you favorite authors, book/series?

 

My books were inspired from Nicholas Sparks and John Greene. Right now I am really loving Jillian Dodd (Keatyn Chronicles, That boy and C.M Stunich author of Rich Boys of Burberry Prep.

Do you have any hobbies or special things you like to do in your spare time?

 

Besides writing I love to blog, podcast and read.


What is the one thing that you would tell an inspiring writer to do?

Just keep writing no matter what. You will always be practicing and think about self-publishing because it could make all the difference. 

Just a note…I will be reviewing the books as a whole since it’s a duet.  I feel as if you really need to read With Love, Ella before diving into Daniel, Ever After.  Ms. Randolph does an excellent job of showing you what happened in the first book but I feel that it’s better to read them together.  But bring tissues, lots of them.  You will be crying some and they will be ugly tears.  Trust me on this.  Harlie doesn’t cry when she reads but in this series, she did.  On to my thoughts.

Remember that I don’t do spoilers so the review might be somewhat brief.  I adored these books.  The characters are childhood sweethearts so I really enjoyed getting to know them throughout the years.  Don’t worry, Ms. Randolph doesn’t info dump on you but she does let you glimpse into their childhood and how they came together in the end.  Keep in mind that there two romances in the books.  So getting to know everyone is crucial to your overall understanding of the storyline arc.  Especially in the second book.  Again, Ms. Randolph keeps you on your toes with keeping up with everyone.  You will get to know some pretty interesting secondary characters in both books that only enhance your overall enjoyment.  That said, in the excerpt above, you will have to deal with Marissa in both books.  She is nasty, vile and overall, just a hateful person.  She doesn’t know when to stop but, she will learn her lesson soon enough.

Ella and Daniel are sweet together but honestly, I thought Molly and Daniel were the stronger couple.  Even though they have been through so much in their short lives, I felt their connection was better.  They argued, irritated each other (Princess, kiss ass, Romeo), at times not communicating, watching them go from a somewhat fling to friends to lovers and then the black moment.  While the black moment was expected, it made so much sense.  I hate when authors put in a black moment that, at times, can be a head-scratcher but not here.  It’s very realistic and heartfelt.  I think I cried as much as Molly and Daniel.

Overall, the books are superb.  I got to know a cast of characters that will forever be in my heart.  The storylines are relatable, relevant, plausible and overall, just a joy to read.  Keep in mind though, I’m a Houston Texans fan.  I kept thinking of Eli Manning from the New York Giants at times when I read the book.  Sue me…

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Alexa Randolph is the author of Daniel, Ever After, which follows With Love, Ella.  “It was so fun to be able to watch my characters grow from my first novel to this one,” Alexa says of her contemporary romance novel.  “My heart hurt when theirs did, and I felt like I was a part of their world.” You can always find her typing away at the keyboard, crafting romantic short stories or dreaming up characters and plots. Or you may find her blogging and helping to raise awareness for chronic pain. Not surprisingly, Alexa also loves to read the types of stories she writes and is especially fond of John Greene and romance novelist Nicholas Sparks. Alexa is a 2016 graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Communications; during college she was a regular contributor to the online blog, “The Odyssey.”

 

Website: www.alexarandolph.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexarandolphauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexarandolphauthor1

With Love, Ella buy link: https://amzn.to/31Rt7tw

Daniel, Ever After buy link: https://amzn.to/2ZjO42G

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Alexa Randolph will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway “