Welcome to my Reading
Comfortable? Wonderful. Now
let’s get started.
To get us started can you tell
us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
Hi Dawn. Thanks so much for
having me on your blog today. At the time of filling out these interview
questions, I’m working on the last book in my Regency-era Scandal in Surrey
series. But next up on my release schedule is Marriage Minded Lord, the first
book in my new Regency-era series.
Here’s the blurb for Marriage
Minded Lord (which releases September 17th from my indie label New
Independence Books)
When an outrageous meeting leads to inappropriate desire,
will family honor and duty destroy a chance for true love?
Felix Alan Darrington, Earl of
Swandon has been summoned to London
Clarice Delacroix is a lady’s
companion. Though she’s an illegitimate daughter of a duke, her mother was a
French opera singer which puts Clarice firmly between worlds. Possessed of a
quick temper and a penchant for making pastries, she longs for adventure,
romance and acceptance, but she refuses to be anyone’s mistress. Her mother’s
life is not for her.
As Felix schemes to spend more
time with Clarice and find out why the Frenchwoman intrigues him, the titled
lady who wishes to be his countess conspires to keep them apart. Felix quickly
finds that balancing relationships between family and love is not as easy as
first thought, or as black and white. Someone in his circle isn’t telling the
truth, and the repercussions could prove deadly to Clarice’s future.
And a short excerpt:
The background conversation
faded as did everything else Olivia said while Felix stared at the newcomer.
Her rust-colored gown set off slightly olive-hued skin. A few curly tendrils of
black hair had escaped the knot at the back of her head and clung to her neck,
but her big brown eyes framed with sooty lashes captivated him.
“Which one of you requested to
see Cook?” Her French-accented English was as flawless as if she’d spoken the
language all her life. Plush lips formed the words. With great effort, he
wrenched his gaze from her mouth to focus on her. She held a crystal trifle dish
in both hands. Every layer of the dessert was clearly visible, all purple jam,
pale pastry cream and pound cake.
His mouth watered. His pulse
pounded. Sweat trickled down his back and dampened his shirt. What an enchanting creature. “I did.”
Felix rose. He resisted the urge to straighten his clothing in her presence.
“I’m Felix Darrington, well, I used to be until I assumed Earl of Swandon
title.”
She curtsied. “Very good, Lord
Swandon.”
Olivia rapped her knuckles on
the tabletop. “Clarice, I must tell you—once again—that talking about your
betters to the kitchen staff will not be tolerated.”
The Frenchwoman nodded. She cast
her gaze downward. “I understand, my lady. I do apologize for making my
comments so loud that you overheard.”
Felix stifled a snicker at the
last second. The chit was clever. He liked her even more.
Color blazed in Olivia’s cheeks.
Her eyes glittered. “Be that as it may, I intend to hold back two days of pay
from your salary this month for your insolent attitude. Perhaps that will teach
you more than my words do.”
“Yes, my lady.” Though Miss
Delacroix kept her gaze to the floor, Felix swore he felt the heat of anger
come off her even though the length of the table separated them.
Olivia nodded. “Very good. Now,
let’s have a look at the trifle. And pray, tell me why Cook refused to join
us.”
Miss Delacroix moved around the
table until she stood at its head, pausing between him and Olivia, her gaze
fixed on Felix. Mischief and slight annoyance warred for dominance in that
bright gaze. “Cook is too shy so she requested I come in her stead.” A faint
smile curved her lush rosy lips. “However, she’s pleased you enjoyed her meal,
and I think you’ll enjoy the dessert as well.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” How
would those lips feel against his? Would her voice sound as sultry whispering
endearments in the dark? He banished his wayward thoughts.
“For the love of God, put down
the trifle, Clarice.” Irritation clung to Olivia’s voice. “We’re all anxious to
finish, and I’m certain you have other tasks to perform that don’t include
bothering my guests.”
“I do, thank you, Lady
Drummond.” With a barely discernible wink, Miss Delacroix turned a slow,
deliberate half-circle as fluid and seamless as her voice, then she upended the
trifle dish directly into Olivia’s lap.
If we asked your muse to describe you using five words, what do you think they would say?
Hmm, let’s see: determined,
funny, persistent, quirky, dedicated.
Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I’m not a big fan of dogs.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Somewhere in Florida
If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
Well, that would depend on what
genre they enjoy. If it’s contemporary, pick up Hollywood Dreams and
Buttercream or Operation Wedding Crash. If it’s historical/Regency, I recommend
Lady Parker’s Grand Affair or Act of Pardon.
Where
do you find the inspirations for your stories?
Inspiration
is everywhere! From pictures, paintings, the grocery store, cafes, or anywhere
else there are people and a chance of the imagination to be engaged.
Are
your characters able to love or do they need to be taught?
I like
to think it’s a mix.
Do you have a book that was
easiest to write or one that was the hardest?
One of the easiest books was The
Engagement Present, a ménage coming out soon. One of the hardest would have to
be the one I’m working on now.
If you could collaborate
with one author who would it be?
Actually, I am in the planning
stages of a historical series with author Emma Lai. I’m really looking forward
to getting started sometime early next year.
Coffee, tea or other drink to
get you moving in the morning?
Tea, or if it’s a really tough
morning, regular Coke.
What is coming up from you in
2013? Anything you want to tease us with?
Well, I’ve the third Redemption
Cove ménage coming (The Engagement Present), a sensual Regency (Marriage Minded
Lord) as well as an entry in a movie star anthology, Romancing The Stars. It’s
never a dull moment around here.
Anything else you want to add?
If you haven’t connected with me
on social media yet, please do so! I love chatting with readers.
Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com
Believing is Seeing blog: http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2931453.Sandra_Sookoo
1 comment:
This one sounds so good. I know I will love it. That was a great excerpt. Beautiful cover.
Sue B
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