Sandra Cox's Blog, page 260

SBB: Legal Ease

BLURB:Jack Sutton needs a wife and he needs one now. Jack loved his mother, but she really screwed him over when she set up her will. If Jack doesn’t have a wife by the end of the week, he’ll lose control of the largest chunk of voting stock in his company and will most likely lose his position as CEO as a result.
And Jack’s Aunt Mabry is waiting in the wings to make sure that the terms of the will are enforced. If he doesn’t find a wife, she’ll seize control of the stock so she can install her own son at the helm and she couldn’t care less that her son doesn’t want the job or that he probably won’t be any good at it.
Enter Kelly Bradley, a twenty eight year old college graduate with a spot at Yale Law School but no way to pay for it. Kelly and Jack’s eavesdropping secretary have discovered Jack’s secret need for a wife and Kelly comes up with a plan to fix both of their problems.
Just when Jack needs her, Kelly breezes into his office, introduces herself to his Aunt and cousin, and hands Jack an offer. She will marry him for a year so that he can retain the stock that will keep him in control of Sutton Development if he’ll pay for her to go to law school. Jack has no idea where his beautiful savior came from or who she is but he’s willing to take a chance to save it all.             The deal may have kept Jack in control at Sutton Development but his private life quickly spirals out of control. Just when Jack realizes that he wants more than a year with Kelly, his wealth puts her in great danger and he is left scrambling to save her life and their future together.             Chad, with a look on his face that promised Jack would be grilled for details later, excused himself to return to his office. Kelly watched Jack out of the corner of her eye as she continued to talk to his aunt. She had seen Jack Sutton on occasion coming in and out of the building when she’d met Jennie for lunch and Jennie had told her he was handsome, but handsome didn’t even begin to describe the man.
Jack was tall, at least six foot three or four inches. He had dark brown hair that curled up at the edge of his collar. His eyes were a rich, deep brown, almost mahogany, and his face had chiseled features with a strong jaw. There wasn’t a damn thing about the man that didn’t sizzle.
He wore a suit, but even in that Kelly could see that his body was hard and fit under it – his tall, lean form toned and strong. His intense gaze made Kelly’s breath go ragged and she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be alone in the room with him if he had this kind of effect on her with his aunt and cousin with them.
Jack sat on the edge of his desk, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles in front of him, arms crossed over his chest. He watched her quietly while Kelly finished chatting with his aunt.
Kelly wrapped things up and ushered Aunt Mabry out the door by four o’clock as she made excuses about Jack needing to get back to work. She closed the door behind his aunt and turned to Jack. That’s when Kelly felt the ground fall out from under her and her world tilt on its axis.
Suddenly, she faced Jack Sutton. Kelly found herself feeling very shaken, to say the least. She looked up at Jack and realized that, in essence, she had just waltzed into his office and proposed.
“I can’t believe I just did that,” Kelly began to pace frantically. She wrapped her arms around her waist and circled the room.
“Oh God, oh God, oh God,” she said and she began to feel like she might hyperventilate. She slid down onto the couch that sat along the longest wall in Jack’s office and tried to breath but ended up taking in huge gulps of air that felt as if they might choke her. For the first time since she came up with her hair-brained scheme to get her hands on enough money to attend Yale Law School by marrying Jack Sutton, the reality of what she had just done hit her like a ton of bricks.AUTHOR Bio and Links: Lori has had a number of careers before embarking on her newest adventure of writing novels. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Law, she practiced law for three years, working primarily in the areas of utilities law and intellectual property litigation.
More recently, Lori owned and operated a dog training business in Austin, Texas, where she specialized in aggression and became an expert in the field of dog bite analysis. Lori sold her dog training business in 2013 and is now a full time writer and mother of two.
Lori still lives in Austin with her husband -- who is endlessly supportive of her changing career paths -- and her two children, one cat, and three dogs.
How can your readers follow you?
To follow me on Facebook, visit: http://www.facebook.com/loriryanromanceTo visit my website, visit: http://www.loriryanromance.com/
Want to be a part of my online street team? Email me at Loriryanauthor@gmail.com and put the words ‘street team’ in the subject line. I’ll email you back with directions for joining my team.
To join my email list to receive updates and news, including sneak peeks and free giveaways or contest news, visit http://www.loriryanromance.com/#!join.... 
Lori will be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
The tour dates can be found here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-super-book-blast-legal-ease.html

SSB: The Perfect Duke

BLURB:   Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke.  Nothing that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect” duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what’s important.
Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart, that “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder?  EXCERPT: The duke peered down at her. “I asked Timmons to refrain from telling you about the servants’ lives.”
“You told him what?” Cara stood. “You had no right.”
“Actually, I have every right.”
For the first time in her life, Cara wanted to throw something at another human being. Fortunately, the oriental vase on the table closest to her was out of reach. “Tell me something. Do you relish being feared by your staff?”
He took a backward step. “That is ridiculous. They do not fear me.”
“Don’t they? And what makes you so sure?” Cara could not believe the man had no idea how he treated others. “When did you last speak to a footman?”
“I speak with them daily.”
“Don’t you mean ‘command’ them daily?” She’d witnessed the impersonal way he treated his staff. “I’m willing to wager you don’t even know one of their names.”
“Charles.”
Cara crossed to within inches of him. Staring up into his frigid green eyes, she enunciated every word. “There is not one footman named ‘Charles.’ It’s the name you give them, like referring to all dogs as ‘dog.’”
“You would not understand. That is the way things are done. It would be impossible for me to learn every footman’s name.”
“Impossible, or tiresome?”
The duke took her arms in a firm hold and Cara had the impression he wanted to shake her. “My conduct is not your concern.”AUTHOR INFORMATION: “Once Upon a Time”are four of Dawn’s favorite words. Her love of story became a love of romance when she read Georgette Heyer’s, Devil’s Cub. It inspired her to write stories with strong characters that discover love is never easy, but always worthwhile. Dawn’s written several award-winning novels set in Georgian England – an era filled with rules and intrigue. Her characters often defy “Society” as they pursue love, run away, pursue, run away – well, you get the idea.  
Then again, she might write romance in order to do the research. What other profession encourages you to sit in the audience at Harlequin’s Male Model search, and take notes, or just sigh?
Dawn lives in a Victorian home in Upstate New York with her husband and very independent cats. When she’s not writing, she’s singing, gardening, learning to play the harp or wood carving. If you’d like to learn more about Dawn and her novels, go to her website at www.dawn-ireland.com          LINKS:www.dawn-ireland.comwww.smpauthors.wordpress.comfacebook The Perfect Duke ASIN: B00BT0NGOChttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BT0NGOC

What A Week--Glad It's Over

Wow. Glad last week is over. Besides the day job, writing, taking care of the critters and showings, the HH had his knee replacement surgery. Thursday we got up at 4:15 a.m. and headed for the hospital. I got home about 8:30 p.m. But it went well. The HH should have full range of motion once he's healed. Oh yes and did I mention the night before we left for the hospital the hound ate his phone? Cats Rule. Dogs Drool (and destroy things). The HH got it back before Penny actually swallowed anything but she did effectively destroy it. The week before my son's boxer ate a sponge and a cardboard Pepsi case and had to have surgery. They removed a pound of junk blocking her stomach. Again... Cats Rule, Dogs,etc etc.  AND.....My boss's daughter got bit by a copperhead. Yup, glad last week is in the review window.

Memorial Day

Remembering the bravest of the brave

It's The Weekend

Enjoy Your Weekend

VBB: Kidnapped Cowboy

BLURB:After countless attempts to speak with the owner of the retreat for troubled teens she runs on the outskirts of Lone Tree, Montana, Caitlin Myers resorts to kidnapping Brandon ‘The Ogre of Lone Tree’ Barnes in a desperate attempt to change his mind about turning Stoney Brook into a vacation resort for the wealthy.
Retired rodeo star, Dalton Barnes, gets the surprise of his life when he’s abducted by a soft-spoken female with a ‘gun’ and taken to the retreat his family owns. He soon learns she’s kidnapped the wrong cowboy by mistake. She wanted his brother. Things go from bad to worse when a late spring snowstorm strands them together at the cabin. But it’s during their snow-in that Dalton learns why Caitlin has gone to such lengths to save Stoney Brook. Having had issues with his older brother himself and a not so happy past, Dalton promises to do what he can to help her.
When confronted Brandon tells Dalton he’ll hold off on his plans for the retreat, but only if Dalton agrees to stick around and help run it. Keeping his promise to Caitlin, Dalton agrees and what starts out as a common goal to turn the troubled teens’ lives around that summer ends up turning theirs around as well. Can a man who has always avoided putting down roots and a woman with a deep-seated fear of abandonment hang on to the happiness they’ve found together? Or will the past return to threaten their newfound love?
Love, laughter and a heartwarming read…Dalton Barnes froze, one leg hiked up on the chrome running board of his brother’s truck, one hand curled snugly about the open door.  Being held up on the main street of Lone Tree, Montana, where crime was virtually nonexistent, was the last thing he expected to happen when he’d driven into town that evening for a couple of drinks. 
No, make that being held up by a woman on the main street of Lone Tree.
“All right,” he said in the same calming tone he used when working with horses, “I won’t.”
If his assailant were a man he might have attempted to wrestle the gun away.  Instead, it was a female jabbing the barrel of her weapon into his back.  A nervous female at that if the trembling of her hand was any indication.  Not a good combination.
“Good.”  Her voice shook as much as her hand.
“If you’re after money, there’s about fifty bucks in my wallet.”
She let out what could only be described as an unladylike snort.  “That’s all?”
“Look,” he said, his patience slipping, “I can get more.  There’s an ATM machine across the street.  We can just take a walk on over there and I’ll get you whatever you need.”  He started to turn.
“D...don’t turn around,” she gasped, sounding panicked.
The barrel felt like a tree trunk pressing into his back. “I won’t,” he said, throwing up his hands.  “Just take it easy.”
“I don’t want your money,” she replied, sounding more shaken than he felt and that was saying a lot, considering he was the one with a gun barrel rammed into the center of his back.  “I want you.”
Okay, now that was unexpected.AUTHOR Bio and Links: Romance author Lindsey Brookes grew up reading romance novels. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a four time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist and winner of Harlequin's Great American Romance Novel contest. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.Check out her websites:www.lindseybrookes.comwww.possumhollo... Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.brookes.9?ref=tn_tnmnTwitter - https://twitter.com/Lindsey_BrookesBuy links: Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/KIDNAPPED-COWBOY-ebook/dp/B00BG0TI6A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365463124&sr=8-1&keywords=kidnapped+cowboyTBarnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kidnapped-cowboy-lindsey-brookes/1114581224?ean=2940016254630

Lindsey will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
he tour dates can be found here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-book-blast-kidnapped-cowboy-by.html

SBB:The Cracked Slipper

BLURB:Eight years of mistreatment, isolation and clandestine book learning hardly prepare Eleanor for life at Eclatant Palace, where women are seen, not heard. According to Eleanor's eavesdropping parrot, no one at court appreciates her unladylike tendency to voice her opinion. To make matter worse, her royal fiancé spends his last night of bachelorhood on a drunken whoring spree. Before the ink dries on her marriage proclamation Eleanor realizes that she loves her husband's best friend, former soldier Dorian Finley.
Eleanor can't resist Dorian's honesty, or his unusual admiration for her intelligence, and soon both are caught in a dangerous obsession. She drowns her confusion in charitable endeavors, but the people's love can't protect her from her feelings. When a magical crime endangers the bond between unicorns, dragons, and the royal family, a falsely accused Eleanor must clear her own name to save her life. The road toward vindication will force a choice between hard-won security and an impossible love.
The Cracked Slipper is a book club friendly fairytale retelling in the vein of Gregory Maguire, with a dash of romance. Set in a pseudo-renaissance, corset-and-petticoats enchanted kingdom, The Cracked Slipper brings a magical twist to women's fiction.EXCERPT:"Their host, Sir Robert Smithwick, rose and gave a toast to the health of his nephew. Other speeches followed, each more suggestive than the next. She laughed out loud when Dorian subtly mocked Brian’s inability to hold his liquor. Gregory spoke last, and gave a surprisingly thoughtful salute to his cousin. She patted his arm when he sat, and he gave her a tentative smile.
As everyone returned to their venison and cliff shrimp Eleanor's stepmother tapped her goblet. Mother Imogene rose and lifted the cup. “I must ask you to pause for just one more moment,” she said. “I have another announcement.”
“My darling,” she said to Sylvia. “We’ve all so enjoyed your hospitality this summer. But now my daughter must remember herself, and rest, for with the winter will arrive a future duke! Our dear Sylvia is expecting!”
The guests applauded, congratulating Imogene and Sylvia. Sylvia gazed demurely in her lap, as if embarrassed by the association with procreation. As for the expectant father, he was nowhere to be seen. His wife’s entertaining had proved too much for him, and the duke returned to Harveston for some peace.
Eleanor glanced down the table. Anne Iris retched into her cup, but it was Dorian’s calm face that inspired her. She stood and the room quieted. “My dear sister,” she said. “Let me extend my good wishes.”
Sylvia’s simpering went rigid.
“I will say, Sylvia always had a flair for the dramatic when we were children. Who knew you would entertain so many with your widely varied talents? While I have recently been ill, I’ve heard you neglect no one, from the loftiest lord to the most common stable hand. We are so fortunate there is one among us who gives so generously of herself to others. It’s no wonder His Grace, your husband, took his leave. It must be difficult to share you with so many.”
Imogene’s eyes bulged and her nostrils flared, while Sylvia gave an uncertain twitter. Eleanor looked at Dorian again. He winked.
“So I salute you, Your Grace,” she said.“May your child look just like you. Just as lovely.”
The guests applauded, all the while hiding their smirks and chuckles in their goblets and napkins. Eleanor sat down. This time Gregory touched her arm. “Well played,” he said."AUTHOR Bio and Links: Stephanie Alexander grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, the oldest of three children. Drawing, writing stories, and harassing her parents for a pony consumed much of her childhood. After graduating from high school in 1995 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the College of Charleston, South Carolina. She returned to Washington, DC, where she followed a long-time fascination with sociopolitical structures and women’s issues to a Master of Arts in Sociology from the American University. She spent several years as a Policy Associate at the International Center for Research on Women, a think-tank focused on women’s health and economic advancement.
Stephanie embraced full-time motherhood after the birth of the first of her three children in 2003. After six wonderful years buried in diapers and picture books she returned to her childhood passion and wrote her own fairytale. Her family put down permanent southern roots in Charleston in 2011. Stephanie is an adjunct professor of Sociology at the College of Charleston. www.thecrackedslipper.comblog.thecrackeslipper.comwww.facebook.com/thecrackedslippertwi... @crackedslipperhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Cracked-Slipper-Series-ebook/dp/B007FLG8KS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364778060&sr=1-1&keywords=the+cracked+slipper


Stephanie will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
The tour dates can be found here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-super-book-blast-cracked.html

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Loved It! It may be even better than the first one. Darkness introduces us to the larger than life villain Khan. There's nonstop action as Kirk and his crew set out to capture him. The special effects are just what you'd expect from a Trek movie.  I particularly enjoyed the repartee between the crew, and the focus on Spock's conflicts with his human and nonhuman side. And let us not forget Christopher Pine--as if we could. The blue-eyed hunk delivers.  If you haven't seen it, I think you'll enjoy it. Punch it.

It's Going To Be A Week Or... I Had A Dream

The house is on the market and the hubby is going in for knee replacement surgery. Yikes!
This is what we'd like to see:
The housing market in this area is still depressed. I've seen homes drop over 30K in a year. Which if you're in the high 6K figures or above wouldn't be so bad but if you are just in the average range....Ouch! Now if you're on the buying end that's another story.
Luckily, we aren't in a position where we have to move.
What's the market like where you live?
~*~About the surgery...All I can say is, we'll both be looking forward to this time next month. We went to a knee-replacement class. I almost wish I hadn't gone, being a firm believer in ignorance is bliss. It brought home the fact just how out of commission he'll be. They have these handy dandy little gadgets they send home so the patient can put on their own shoes and socks. It reminds me of those  little portable arms on the claw machine that you put money in to try to get a toy out.  Yup its going to be all kinds of fun.~*~
I had a dream...It was a great dream. Perfect. It would make a wonderful movie or book. Can I remember it to write it? Snort. Of course, not. The only thing I remember is the hero and heroine were looking for a bomb and the heroine found out the butler was her father.  You say it doesn't sound like any book you'd want to read? Trust me, this would have been a great one. I'm hoping for a rerun.~*~Now what about you? Did you have a good weekend? I trust so. Have an excellent Monday. Or have one that's as good as a Monday can be.   

It's The Weekend

Enjoy it...I'll be back Monday.