Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
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.
Kelly swallowed hard as she heard Jack’s
answer to her ‘proposal.’ She was relieved he was going along with it, but a
tight ball of nerves had been growing in her stomach since she walked in the
room and she felt that ball taking over her entire being.
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/loriryanromance
To
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-my-mailing-list/cdpp.
Lori will
be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the
tour.
The tour dates can be found
here:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
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:
facebook
The Perfect Duke
ASIN: B00BT0NGOC
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
What A Week--Glad It's Over
Monday, May 27, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
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…
. “D...don’t
move or else.”
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.com
www.possumhollowseries.com
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.brookes.9?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Lindsey_Brookes
Buy links:
Amazon:
Barnes
& Noble:
Lindsey
will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
he tour dates can be found
here:
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
SBB:The Cracked Slipper
When Eleanor Brice
unexpectedly wins the heart of Gregory Desmarais, Crown Prince of Cartheigh,
she's sure she's found her happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, Prince Charming
has a loose grip on his temper, a looser grip on his marriage vows, and a tight
grip on the bottle.
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.facebook.com/thecrackedslipper
twitter:
@crackedslipper
http://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:
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