Wednesday, 6 June 2018

Tall, Dark and Undead

Today I am featuring the lovely Sandra Cox's latest work. Sandra is a talented person, hard working and incredibly generous.  She is also a prolific writer and isn't constrained to any genre or topic. 



Blurb:

Gutsy, kick-ass Suzanne James has no intention of complicating her life by falling in love…especially with a vampire. But it’s hard to stay objective when a drop-dead gorgeous male rescues her from three assailants in a dark alley. All but unconscious, she could swear her hero has glowing red eyes and two sharp, pointed teeth.

Adrian Caine has spent the past hundred years, in vampire parlance, a vegetarian. When he rescues a beautiful blonde in a dark alley, it takes all of his formidable control not to backslide. Attraction turns to desire. Even though it’s not in Suzanne’s best interest, he can’t stay away.



Excerpt:

Executive suites are a well-kept secret at hospitals. If you’re the average schmuck, you’ve probably never even heard of a hospital suite. I was an average schmuck myself. My paycheck planted me firmly in the middle-class schmuck category. And if I had to say upper or lower middle class, it certainly wouldnt have been upper, but I digress.

Kess hurried back with a cup of coffee that sloshed over the sides as he trotted toward me.

“Bless you, Kess.” I snatched it from his outstretched hands and took my first swallow. “Ah, caffeine.” I closed my eyes and had a private moment. Besides indescribable sex, which to be honest I couldnt say I’d had that much of, the other two things that moved me to ecstasy were coffee and chocolate.

As if he could read my mind, Kess dug in his gray silk suit pocket and pulled out a bag of candy.

Kess, I could kiss you.” I put down the coffee with my good hand, grabbed the bag and ripped it open with my teeth, held it over my mouth and poured them in.

“I would have done that for you, Suzie.”

Nobody but Kess got away with calling me Suzie. Since my mouth was full, I could only nod.

He took the bag from my hand and handed me the coffee. I swallowed with difficulty then took a slug of hot caffeine.

Once  again  his  skinny  derriere  hovered in  the  air  before  he  plopped  down.  I finished the coffee and held out my hand for more candy-coated chocolate pieces.

First tell me what happened.”

I stuck out my lower lip and managed to make it tremble.

Kess was tough when it came to meeting quotas and staying on budget but he was a softy for people, especially me.

“Here, here.” He poured the remaining pieces—all five of them—into my outstretched hand. I swallowed the candy and looked at my empty coffee cup then decided not to push my luck. Kess had done enough for me already.

So what happened? The leather chair sighed as he leaned forward.

It was very strange, Kess.” I was just getting ready to explain how strange when Annie, one of the kitchen assistants, rushed in with my tray.

At the interruption, Kess began to mutter in Latin. I grinned. Hed apparently forgotten that hed taught me how to curse in that particular language after wed consumed several margaritas at happy hour last month.

Anny plunked down the tray, gave me a sour look and hurried away. Everyone knew I got preferential treatment. I lifted the lid and beamed. Steak, baked potato, a slice of pizza loaded with everything and a piece of coconut cake.”

And a carafe of coffee,” Kess added helpfully.

“I dont suppose youll take this sling off my arm? I asked without much hope.

He looked around furtively. Just long enough to eat.”

Thanks, Kess! You’re the best.”

I picked up my fork with my right hand and winced, the shoulder tender. But I’d survive. I started with the cake and worked my way backward. For hospital food it was pretty darn good. When my stomach groaned in protest, I stopped.

“I cant eat another bite.” A good deep breath and my distended belly would pop. I leaned back against the pillows and closed my eyes

There isn’t another bite.” Kess shook his head. Your metabolism is unbelievable. How you stay a size two defies imagination.

I’m a size six.”

“Whatever. Let’s get your sling back on before Nurse McCarthy comes in. Shell skin me alive.”

Trust me. No nurse, or doctor for that matter, is going to skin a hospital administrator, at least not while they’re on the payroll.” I leaned forward as he gently slid the sling over my shoulder and around my arm. I wouldnt have admitted it for worlds but it did relieve some of the throbbing from the fork work.

Since another cup had come with the tray, Kess helped himself to the carafe, took a sip of coffee and leaned forward in his chair. “Now tell me what happened.”



About Sandra Cox

Instead of her own mug shot Sandra chose to send us a photo of the beautiful Frank.  Butter wouldn't melt in that cat's mouth...







A vegetarian and animal lover, Sandra lives with her husband, their dog and several cats in sunny North Carolina.

Besides paranormal, Sandra also writes historical and time-travel romance, young adult fantasy and non-fiction.

117 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Jamie Ghione: I am sure it would fit well in one of your reading challenges too.

      Delete
  2. Hi EC - yes interesting ... I'd say that too -though tempting to read. Good luck to Sandra with this different type of romance ... cheers to you both - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: So many books, so little time.

      Delete
    2. "so many books, so little time"
      If I was to start reading everything I've got waiting I wouldn't be online for months! Possibly a couple of years.

      Delete
    3. River: Definitely years. And years.

      Delete
  3. Nice to read, if you can read. I love the cat, snuggels.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I checked on both library systems I am a member of but they have no books by Sandra Cox. I was interested in reading this book. : (

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caterina: I am so sorry that your libraries don't have her work. I must check ours.

      Delete
    2. Hi Catarina (What a pretty name.), I'm basically an E girl, but it is in paperback. Depending on their budget, they MAY order it for you if you requested it.
      Thanks for your interest. Much appreciated:)

      Delete
  5. Great EC. I’d consider this book a fun read. I need that every so often.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie Smith: I certainly need fun reads. Often.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the interest, Marie. Much appreciated.

      Delete
  6. Well done Sandra, you've given readers plenty to think about.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, that's lovely! Yes, i have to look this one up.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My library also has nothing by her, much less this book. I'll go check Amazon. Thanks for the fun read, EC! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DJan: Thank Sandra rather than me - and Amazon assuredly does have her work.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the kind words, DJan, and for checking at your library. I basically write E but it is in paper. They may order it for you.

      Delete
  9. Well that was different I want to know what happened too.
    Merle............

    ReplyDelete
  10. Annie then Anny? Tsk Tsk.
    The book does sound great though, is it available as an e-book?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: You are a much better proof reader than I am. And yes, it is indeed available as an e-book.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for asking, River. I'm an E girl:)

      Delete
  11. Congrats to Sandra on her book. I love that Adrian is a vegetarian vampire.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie Aguirre: A vegetarian vampire is a wonderful thought isn't it?

      Delete
    2. I'm so glad to hear that, Natalie. I got a nasty- gram for using the term vegetarian vampire. This makes me feel better;)

      Delete
  12. Thank you for introducing me to this writer. I shall put her on my reading list.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Must wander over to Sandra's blog..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey M-w, How are you. Please wander over:)

      Delete
  14. Great promotion, Sue. Thanks! This sounds like (yet another) book to add to my list. I don't usually read zombie or vampire stories, but you picked a tantalizing excerpt. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Darn you! I just bought the book. (Maybe Sandra should hire you as a publicist...) :)

      Delete
    2. Heh. What a great idea! Sue...Oh Sue....:)
      Thanks for purchasing, Susan. Hope you enjoy it.

      Delete
  15. Dear Ec

    Hmm...sounds intriguing - another one for the wishlist, methinks!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ellie:) I love being on wish lists:)

      Delete
  16. Yippee for Sandra. She's pretty awesome, eh? I like the concept and what a great cover!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Crystal, How are you, girl?
      Thanks for the kind words;)

      Delete
  17. Thank you so much for hosting me today, EC:)
    You're the Cat's Meow:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. This sounds like a wonderfully fun book! Oh and I love Frank without knowing him.

    Teresa C.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. T Powell Coltrin: Frank is a charmer isn't he? And Sandra writes well.

      Delete
    2. Frank and I thank you, T.

      Delete
  19. Replies
    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Huge congratulations to her. And to all writers.

      Delete
  20. It would be awfully tempted to beg him to bite me.
    Hot book. Congratulations, Sandra.

    Take care of yourself, EC.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats, Sandra. Wish you well. Love the typography you chose for the cover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: And I just had to scan up again to check out the typography.

      Delete
  22. Who wouldn't want to read a book featuring a cat photo instead of the author's?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strayer: And every cat who has ever shared our lives looks MUCH better than I do.

      Delete
    2. We love our cats, don't we?

      Delete
  23. Congratulations and best of luck, Sandra. I'm much like you, I'd send a beach photo (just look at my avatar), versus a picture of me :)

    Elsie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elsie Amata: I would choose almost any photo instead of one of me.

      Delete
  24. Congratulations Sandra.
    How nice to be featured here. Love the cat photo. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Myrna R: Is Frank a charmer? Just like Sandra.

      Delete
  25. Sandra has a great sense of humor, and a beautiful cat. Now she's created another story with a hunk for us to drool over. Sandra, is there no stopping you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzie: She is a dynamo isn't she? And I hope that nothing can stop her.

      Delete
  26. She does write great! I was invested once I started and startled when the excerpt stopped!! Thank you for the intro. to the writer, and to her beautiful cat. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mail4rosey: I am sure she will love reading this.

      Delete
  27. Sandra is a very kind person, but so are you.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous: You are a bore. And I strongly suspect American women boycotted your first.

      Delete
  29. Replies
    1. The Happy Whisk: Huge congratulations to her.

      Delete
  30. So nice of you to feature Sandra - she has a big heart!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Truedessa: A huge heart and a lot of talent.

      Delete
  31. Anonymous has a problem and since I'm all he described I won't sully his blog by visiting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JahTeh: As I replied to him I suspect American women beat him in the boycott race.

      Delete
  32. Replies
    1. Cloudia: I am so grateful to have found so many talented people (you included) in the blogosphere.

      Delete
  33. Such a good post here.
    Lovely to read your review.

    I love Sandra's blog and I really like the cat photo!

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: The lovely Sandra deserves all the credit for this post.

      Delete
  34. Sandra has been tenacious to reach publication. After reading the above, I can see why her book is coming to fruition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Kane: She has been tenacious. And have many books to her credit (and credit it is).

      Delete
  35. I think we all need a break from serious tomes sometimes! I wish Sandra all the best with her ventures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim: No arguments from me - on either count. I usually have at least two books on the go and my range is broad.

      Delete
  36. Oh wow...thank you so much for this recommendation...I am totally hooked!
    Vampire stories are definitely my thing!!:))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ygraine: The pleasure is mine. I hope you enjoy Sandra's book.

      Delete
  37. This would be an awesome beach read -- now, off to find a beach! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. daisyfae: You have time in your very busy life for beach reads? Colour me amazed.

      Delete
  38. Sandra is a great person and an amazing writer! Congrats Sandra! Love Frank! Big Hugs EC! Big Hugs Sandra!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magic Love Crow: She is both of those things. Thank you for the hugs - received and returned.

      Delete
  39. Replies
    1. Diane Tolley: Sandra will be so pleased to hear that.

      Delete
  40. I have no idea how I even found Super Sandra, and it took me awhile to even know she was a published author (lol), which is crazy, I know. I'm a fan of vampires, but I also love that she writes in other genres. I adore her sense of humor and kind spirit so much! Hugs...RO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RO: I don't know how I found her (or she found me) either. I am very glad our paths crossed though, not least because I suspect she brought us together as well. Have a great weekend.

      Delete
  41. She's a newer author to me, but I find her titles to be so darn intriguing and attention grabbing, for me. Like Love, Lattes and Danger due out in August.Even Ghost for Sale. The thing about them is before I'd even read a word of her book, I get the desire to write something, anything just from her title. Silly right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen S.: I think Ghost for Sale was one of the first I read. And I smiled rather a lot as I guzzled it.

      Delete
  42. Dear EC, thanks for sharing your liking for Sandra. I found the whole posting interesting. I'm not into vampires, but I so like historical novels and so I'm going to look her up in our library. You mention that she's an animal lover and a vegetarian. Me too! I live with three cats and have lived with cats since 1972--so 46 years. And I've been a vegetarian for 39 years. So she and I have some things in common! I'll go to the library website and see what the library has to offer of her work. Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee: Sandra's range is very broad. I suspect you will find one or more of her other books which appeal to you. There are books about cats for example...

      Delete
  43. Gotta love a cat who's a friend to butterflies!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a cute kitty! Adorable. Exciting to see Sandra here. Her book sounds intriguing. Wishing her all the best!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete