Authorpreneur Dashboard – Sandy Lo
Lost In You: Sometimes Mr. Wrong Is Really Mr. Right
Romance
Cooper Jackson is a twenty-five year old woman, who shuts down in relationships. Burdened by her mother's failed love life and her untimely death, Cooper won't allow her heart to get broken, or stolen, either. A chance meeting with a famous singer, Ryan Latham could change Cooper forever. She finds herself wanting to give her heart to Ryan...one problem: he's engaged. To divert her attention, Cooper throws herself into a relationship with Ryan's best friend, JT, a man just as unstable as she is. Lost In You is a coming of age love story for a slightly older generation; it's about finding yourself, overcoming your past, and building a future.
Book Bubbles from Lost In You: Sometimes Mr. Wrong Is Really Mr. Right
A date with the bad boy.
I selected this excerpt because I feel it captures the sexual energy between JT and Cooper. It also shows how sometimes the "bad boy" really isn't as bad as he seems. You get to see Cooper's inner struggles with who she is. I think any fan of any pop star can appreciate this scene. It's a fantasy come true, but at the same time, some of us girls wonder if we'll lose respect for ourselves, or if others will lose respect for us, if we follow through with these fantasies. Little did Cooper realize was this one night stand would turn into more...
The Love Triangle Begins...
As a woman who is extremely aware of how crazy we can be, and how we over think and change our minds so frequently, I wanted Cooper Jackson to display that. Sometimes I want the reader to love Cooper. Sometimes I want them to be frustrated with her. However, I don't think anyone could blame her for developing feelings for both Ryan and JT -- two charming but very different pop stars. "Lost In You" was my debut novel and though my writing style has changed slightly since, the characters and story lines still have an impact on me whenever I read it back. I somehow learn something about myself, my writing and people.
Dream Catchers
Romance
Dreams come true only if you believe in them...Haley Foster never bothered to believe in herself or find her dream. Growing up with a silver spoon in her mouth, her parents gave her everything she needed except freedom. Fate steps in at the bus station when Haley bumps into Jordan Walsh, literally. His unpolished manners and rock star attitude rile her, though she is oddly drawn to him. Haley and Jordan's opposing personalities clash while on the bus-before they wind up stranded together! Haley finds herself in quite a predicament with no way to get home. Jordan challenges her to escape her wealthy conformity and go with him to New York, despite their disgust for one another. Haley is enthralled with the carefree, in control and gorgeous Jordan, yet he remains a stranger to her in many ways. With his help, Haley begins to discover who she is and what she wants. She finds herself at a crossroads: go back to her old life where she merely exists or take a stand and chase her dreams.
Book Bubbles from Dream Catchers
Uptight Rich Girl Meets Laid Back Rocker
Chapter 2 of "Dream Catchers" introduces the leading man, Jordan Walsh. I don't want to toot my own horn about my character, but I'm pretty confident any girl would fall in love with him. He has a little mystery going on and smoldering good looks, but at the same time, he's down to earth with a sarcastic sense of humor. On top of that, he is musically gifted. Jordan was inspired by my love of Jared Leto and his band 30 Seconds To Mars. (To be clear, when I say inspired, I don't mean he IS Jared Leto. Far from it!) As for Haley, she may come off as stuck-up, but believe me, it's all a front for her insecurities and social awkwardness. Her parents practically kept her locked up, and she hasn't had much luck with guys or friends for that matter. You can catch glimpses of Jordan and Haley's intrigue with each other in this chapter, foreshadowing what's to come in the rest of the book!
Sometimes you have to let go.
In this excerpt, Haley and Jordan arrive in New York City. She is pretty much freaking out, but at the same time, she is enjoying the thrill of doing something for herself for the first time. She knows this trip away from her parents, and the rich snobs she's used to being around, is necessary. This is the first time she has lied to her parents. It's the first time she is alone with a man other than, Christian, her father's right-hand man at his law firm, whom she is utterly repulsed by. Even though Haley finds Jordan frustrating and at times, rude, she can't help but to find him attractive and inspirational.
I fell in love with my main character.
As a writer, the more you get sucked into the story and your characters, the better you'll be able to suck your readers in. When I created Jordan Walsh, I imagined my dream man. To my surprise, my dream man was not Prince Charming or some overly sappy, never argumentative, always grinning lovesick fool. Jordan is gorgeous, yes. Perfect, no. He is flawed and moody, but compassionate. He loves to challenge Haley. He loves to tease. He's genuine. He says what he means and means what he says. His flaws and the things he has to overcome throughout the book series just made me love him more, and I hope my readers feel the same. I wanted Jordan to be believable and not some fictional phenomenon that we know will never exist. Enjoy this excerpt which sets the story up and begins Jordan and Haley's relationship.
EXPRESSIONS
Romance
EXPRESSIONS is the third and final installment to Sandy Lo’s DREAM CATCHERS SERIES. The book is a series of vignettes written from the point-of-view of various characters throughout the book series. From letters to blog entries to song lyrics, EXPRESSIONS delves deeper into the minds of the characters. Sandy hopes fans of the series will enjoy this 52-page companion book.
Book Bubbles from EXPRESSIONS
The Watch Dog
Literature & Fiction
Garrett “Rett” Baker has taken one too many wrong turns in life that slams him into a dead-end. He finds himself forced to return to his small town life in middle Tennessee where he left behind broken relationships and bad memories. With plans to leave as soon as he saves some cash, Garrett finds himself living in his deceased grandmother’s home. Bittersweet memories come rushing back to Garrett, and the ghosts of his past begin to haunt him. The one thing from his childhood he keeps trying to find–his long gone mutt, Brownie, seems to be what is leading him to places he doesn’t want to go, and people he never wanted to see again.
Book Bubbles from The Watch Dog
Painful, But Important Memories
The idea for "The Watch Dog" is a tribute to my childhood dog, Brownie. Growing up, Brownie was my safe place. When I was scared or sad, she comforted me. When I was happy, she played with me. Brownie was my sister, my best friend, and my protector. After she passed away, a hole was left in my heart, but it seemed to be filled by a spiritual presence. To this day, over 15 years after her death, I still feel Brownie with me. She visits me in dreams and sometimes, I even feel like she is in the room with me. The day that she passed away was one of the toughest for me. Reliving this memory while writing this book was incredibly difficult, but therapeutic. Writing about such an amazing animal to touch my life made me relive all of the happiness she brought into my life.
Exploring Spirituality
"The Watch Dog" was different for me than my other books. It made me want to write in some place new; some place with views that might not match mine. It made me want to break out from a girl's point-of-view. It made me not want to write a fairytale love story. I wanted something slightly more real and raw with broken relationships and warped views. Let's face it, this world isn't perfect. Some people are sexist or racist or homophobic. Some people look at someone's image more than their heart. Garrett "Rett" Baker is THAT person. He is affected by all that's been done wrong to him and he takes it out on the world. With the help of the people he doesn't see eye to eye with--like his gay brother, emotional mother and an overweight do-gooder he had bullied, he winds up finding a deeper meaning in the world. He finds out what it means to love and be loved.
Take Me Home (Dream Catchers Series, #4)
Romance
All Cami Woods has ever known was a hard work ethic and an unhealthy marriage that leaves her a single mother of her brand new baby. The story unfolds when Cami takes a vacation to visit friends in Florida and winds up having a hot and steamy affair with a major league baseball player. That famous baseball player isn’t a stranger to the DREAM CATCHERS SERIES, however. He’s Jordan’s little brother, Drew Ashton. With leftover feelings for gorgeous rock star Jordan, Cami finds herself in quite a predicament as his equally irresistible baby brother starts to steal her attention more than just bases. TAKE ME HOME is a story of loss, loneliness, renewal and true love, making it a wonderful addition to the romantic book series!
Book Bubbles from Take Me Home (Dream Catchers Series, #4)
The Beginning of Cami and Danny's End.
"Take Me Home" is part of my "Dream Catchers" series, but it can also stand alone. This book takes place about sixteen years after "Breaking The Moon" and is from Cami's perspective. Cami is a tough, somewhat of a bitchy business mogul. She is the band Tortured's manager and is married to their drummer, Danny - who you will read in this excerpt, was having an affair while Cami is pregnant. You'll find out about Cami's complicated relationships--her long battle with Danny, her pining for his best friend Jordan, pop star Matt who always had a crush on her, but what "Take Me Home" is really about is Cami's steamy affair with New York Yankee, Drew Ashton - who happens to be Jordan's little brother. Cami went through life never fully loved or satisfied with who she was or the people around her. Her divorce, baby boy and new romance with Drew changes all that, but she just might have to risk everything to experience true love.
Breaking the Moon
Romance
BREAKING THE MOON is the tumultuous tale of heartache and love, and how sometimes it’s just not enough. A follow up to 2010′s DREAM CATCHERS, Sandy Lo continues Haley’s journey of self-discovery as she is faced with new obstacles all while trying to understand the tormented past of her boyfriend, Jordan. In the beginning, love is as easy as breathing. After almost two years of dating, Haley and Jordan are the perfect couple. They’re young, carefree and on the brink of their dream careers. Life is perfect until their world is turned upside down by unexpected news: Haley is pregnant. The couple struggle with the news as well as Jordan’s demons and concepts on family. Will they be able to pick up the pieces after their world shatters?
Book Bubbles from Breaking the Moon
Chemistry is Everything!
I think this excerpt represents Jordan and Haley's relationship throughout the "Dream Catchers" series pretty well. In "Breaking The Moon", the summer lovers you got to know in "Dream Catchers" have been dating for a year and a half. A certain level of comfort has developed, but their infatuation with one another is very much the same. Haley and Jordan complement each other perfectly. When she's anxious, he calms her--and vice versa. They support each other in accomplishing dreams and dealing with their families--who aren't exactly happy they're together. This scene takes place around Christmas, when family drama is at a high. Jordan knows just how to calm Haley down when the tension gets to be too much! ;-)
Take Me Home (Dream Catchers Series, #4)
Romance
Cami Woods has ever known was a hard work ethic and an unhealthy marriage that leaves her a single mother of her brand new baby. The story unfolds when Cami takes a vacation to visit friends in Florida and winds up having a hot and steamy affair with a major league baseball player. That famous baseball player isn’t a stranger, however. He’s Cami's ex-boyfriend, Jordan's little brother, Drew Ashton. With leftover feelings for gorgeous rock star Jordan, Cami finds herself in quite a predicament as his equally irresistible baby brother starts to steal her attention more than just bases. TAKE ME HOME is a story of loss, loneliness, renewal and true love, making it a wonderful addition to the romantic book series!
Book Bubbles from Take Me Home (Dream Catchers Series, #4)
The world of Cami.
I selected this book bubble because I think it encompasses all that surrounds Cami Woods. Throughout the "Dream Catchers" series, we've come to know her as loyal, but catty. She doesn't sugarcoat things; she comes off a bit harsh and tough. Now, with her marriage ending and becoming a mother, she's a bit broken down, and is trying to reevaluate the people in her life. She's surrounded by good-looking men and celebrities. But she doesn't have much faith in love or feelings--hers or anyone else's. But this moment is when she sees Drew as a man, and not a little boy for the first time. That both upsets and intrigues her as she finds herself attracted to him, but worries he's now tainted like she is.
