#BookBlast Ten Brides for Ten Heroes Anthology

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to TWO randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter during the tour. Please click the banner to see the other stops on this tour.

Ten Brides for Ten Heroes spans the gamut of the ever-popular wedding romance genre—from heartwarming laughter to thrilling adventure, from sweet to steamy. This 10-book bundle features novels by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. So get ready to toss the bouquet and say, "I do!" as ten brides risk it all to find their happy ever after.

Buy Links:
Amazon
Apple

About the stories:

Wedding Fever by Patrice Wilton 

- The romantic comedy series, Serendipity Falls.

Mila O’Reilley owns Wedding Fever, a bridal boutique in Serendipity Falls Mall. She sells more than dresses, she sells dreams along with the belief in happily-ever-after – a sentiment she personally doesn’t share. Can a jaded bridal consultant and a cynical news reporter uncover the true mystery of Serendipity Falls without being swept away in the madness?

Find Patrice at: http://www.patricewilton.com

The Army Doctor's Wedding by Helen Scott Taylor 

- The Army Doctor's Series

Major Cameron Knight throws himself into the danger of front-line, battlefield medicine to keep the demons from his past away. When he rescues an injured charity worker who's saved a tiny newborn baby, he marries her so they can take the orphan back home for surgery. With this brave woman he finally has the chance to redeem himself and find love.

Find Helen at: http://www.helenscotttaylor.co.uk/

Wedding Surprise by Mona Risk 

– The Holiday Babies Series

Claire and David faced many challenges over the years. Finally, Claire's dream of a wonderful white wedding to the man she loves is about to come true. Two weeks before the wedding, Adriana, the high-school classmate who’s tried to snatch David several times, makes an announcement that threatens to destroy the couple's happiness. Is Claire and David’s love for each other strong enough to turn the worst wedding surprise into the best?

Find Mona at: http://www.monarisk.com

Tomboy Bride by Alicia Street 

– The Dance 'n' Luv Series

Kendra returns home for her brother’s wedding determined to get her age-old crush to finally see her as more than a tomboy. But will her game of making him jealous with a hot and handsome faux-beau make him fall for her—or backfire and leave her in ashes?

Find Alicia at: http://aliciastreet-roystreet.com

Destination Wedding, by Rebecca York 

– The Decorah Security Series

From the moment Nick Cassidy signed on as one one of Camille Norland’s bodyguards, sexual sparks flew between them. Although determined to keep his emotional distance from her, Nick is forced to admit his real feelings when she’s kidnapped by a ruthless Russian mobster with matrimony in mind. Can Nick rescue her before the wedding night? Can they escape from Victor Zanov’s tropical island death trap? And can they come to terms with their complicated relationship?

Find Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccayork.com

Summer of Love by Annie Jones

Brides, Beehives and Barbecue! Can mother daughter mayhem be far behind? Bless her heart, it's 1967 and a determined southern bride isn't sure love is really all she needs.

Find Annie at: http://theanniejones.com/

Return of the Runaway Bride by Donna Fasano

Savanna returns to her hometown to explain why she fled on her wedding day, but she never imagined how her escape all those years ago changed Daniel. Can she make him understand—and forgive?

Find Donna at: http://www.DonnaFasano.com

Single and Searching by Rita Herron

A woman looking for love... A reporter looking for a story... A mad rush to find a criminal... When the truth comes out and danger strikes, will they succumb to the passion burning between them?

Find Rita at: http://www.ritaherron.com

Here Comes the Bride by Theresa Ragan

Samantha Johnston, a reporter for the LA Beat, attends the wedding of one of America’s hottest actors in hopes of learning the identity of his mystery bride, and ends up saying, “I do.”

Find Theresa at: http://www.theresaragan.com

Love Me Tender by Mimi Barbour 

– The “Elvis” Series

After her year in Texas as an exchange student, Annie leaves pregnant and heartbroken. Nine years later she returns to introduce her eight-year-old son to his American family. And to the man who still haunts her dreams – the handsome, embittered rancher who never knew he’d fathered a son.

Find Mimi at: http://www.mimibarbour.com

LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenbrides

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Review: #Eureka

Or Why You Should Watch the Smartest and Funniest Show Currently on TV

Eureka

It's funny. It's smart. It's a smartass show. It's got the 'dumb' town sheriff who thinks like a regular person in a town full of genius disasters--and usually is the one to save the day. It may sound trite and cliche, but it's really not.

This is the last season. I won't go into why I think SyFy cancelled this wonderful show. Or why I don't think we need another 'reality' show about scaring people, ghost hunting, or the paranormal objects people own.

If you haven't watched any of Eureka, now is your chance! You don't have to, but in starting with season 1, episode 1, you can meet Jack Carter and his rebellious (if brilliant) daughter as they stumble (literally) into a hidden town in Washington State that's full of the world's most brilliant people. Even the cafe owner has a PhD in food!

Each season has an overall arc--time travel, space travel, mind travel (trust me on that one). And each season has guest stars. Ever watch Star Trek: Next Gen? Remember stupid little Wesley Crusher? Wil Wheaton is now a recurring guest scientist with a knack for snobbery and accidents. Plus there are smart houses, AI deputy sheriffs, and enough romantic arcs to make a romance novel look crowded.

The only draw back is Salli Richardson-Whitfield. Not because she's a bad actress (definitely not) but because the writers seemed to have dumbed down her character and then given her even more scenes with her new blah-ness. Alas, you take the good with the bad.

Friday Guest: KAREN MUELLER BRYSON

* What's your ideal, I want to spend a month, vacation spot?

My husband and I live outside of Phoenix, Arizona, which has two seasons: hot and very hot. Our area is also part of the Sonoran Desert, which is extremely dry. When we vacation, we like to go places that are lusher and cooler than the arid desert. My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii for our Honeymoon (over a decade ago now!) and I would certainly welcome the opportunity to go back, if I had an entire month to enjoy the islands!

On our Honeymoon, my husband and I visited Maui for a week and then stayed in Kauai for a week. If I were to return for a month, I would probably want to spend the time on Kauai, the “Garden Isle.” Not only is Kauai one of the most breathtaking and beautiful places in the United States, the weather there is nearly perfect all year long. Kauai has miles of pristine beaches, wonderful mountain views, luscious plant life and amazing waterfalls. Even if you’ve never been to Kauai, you’ve probably seen the island depicted in film. The island was featured in the musical, South Pacific; the blockbuster, Jurassic Park and the recent Academy Award winner, The Descendents.

My husband enjoys golfing when we vacation, so while he spends time on the fairways and greens, I can relax on the beach with a good book, warm breeze and frozen drink in hand. Then we can spend romantic evenings together, dining and taking long, moonlit strolls on the beach.

Excerpt from Twyla’s Last Trip:

Lucinda peered intently into her microscope until Bunny's voice blared from the intercom—again. “I'm sorry to bother you, Lucinda, but Mr. Yates is on the phone. He says he won't hang up until he speaks with you personally.”

Lucinda took a deep breath, stood and exited the lab. She marched over to the reception desk and ripped the phone from Bunny's grasp.

“Lucinda Starr,” she growled into the phone. “How may I help you?”

Thirty-year old T.J. Yates, the epitome of all things country, spoke to Lucinda from his cell phone. “Miss Starr,” he said. “I know we've never met but I've been your mom's attorney now for nearly a decade.”

“Will you please get to the point?” Lucinda interrupted. “I'm in the middle of an extremely important experiment.”

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but your mom has passed away.”

Lucinda flinched slightly but then it was back to business. “And what does this have to do with me?” she asked.

“Well, Miss Starr, you are the sole beneficiary of your mom's estate.”

“Estate?” Lucinda snorted. “My mother was a cat lady, who lived in a trailer.”

“Miss Starr,” T.J. continued. “I don't think you understand.”

Before T.J. could finish, Lucinda slammed the phone into the receiver and hurried away.

T.J. looked at his cell phone dumbfounded. People never hung up on him, especially women.

Dakota, his two-year old bloodhound, glanced up from her doggie pillow and gave her head a tilt.

“I think this requires a little trip up to Chicago,” T.J. said.

Dakota just yawned and plopped her head back down on her bed.

Excerpt from One Last Class

Thirty-two year old, Zak Spencer was sound asleep in his tousled bed, naked, except for the thin white sheet that covered the lower half of his body. Zak had been aged by recent disappointments but remnants of his boyish good looks were still visible. Elvis, Zak’s two-year old basset hound, snored on the floor next him.

Mindy, a 40-something cougar, slowly rose from the bed trying not to wake Zak. She carefully removed her clothes from the floor then snuck over to a corner chair and grabbed her purse for a quick escape.

But when Mindy tripped over Elvis and he let out a yelp, she crashed to the floor.

Zak awakened and noticed Mindy was no longer next to him. He scanned the room but didn’t see her anywhere. “Mindy?” he called.

“I'm down here.”

Zak peeked over the end of the bed and saw Mindy on the floor clutching her clothes and purse.

“What are you doing down there?” he asked.

“I tripped over your dog.”

Elvis wagged his tail.

As Zak rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he said, “You're leaving already?”

Mindy pushed herself up from the ground and tried to cover her nearly naked body.

“But it’s so early,” Zak continued.

“I've got a lot to do today,” Mindy lied. “I'll call you. I promise,” she blurted as she hurried out of the bedroom.

Zak jumped out of bed and pulled the sheet as a covering as he tried to catch Mindy. But she was quick. She had already made her way through the apartment and grabbed a jacket from a hanger next to the door before Zak caught up to her. Zak was now tangled in the sheet as he tripped up to Mindy and said, “You don't have my number.”

As Zak scrambled for something to write with, Mindy admitted, “I'm not really going to call you.”

Zak was genuinely hurt. “Why?” he managed to get out.

“This was fun and everything but I really don't want to date a former Malibu Boy. It's so last decade.”

“But…” Zak searched for something more to say.

“I've got to go,” Mindy shouted as she bolted out the door.

About the Author:

Karen Mueller Bryson is an award-winning screenwriter, produced playwright and published novelist. She has been writing since she learned to read and fell in love with books! Karen is the creator of Short on Time Books, a series of fast-paced and fun novels for readers on the go. When she’s not at her computer creating new stories, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.

Website
Facebook
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Blog
Short on Time Books
PRIZE INFORMATION

Karen will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenters during the tour and to the host whose post has the most comments (excluding Karen's and the hosts).

Friday Guest: Kit Marlowe

Kit, thanks for stopping by! Tell us a little about your diverse interests: Gothic romance, the Jazz Age, and Steampunk?

Oh gosh, so many things! I am always looking to be amused, so I seize on whatever excites me at the moment. When I started The Mangrove Legacy, I had a head full of Alice in Wonderland and Jane Austen, but then I learned about Georgette Heyer from Stephen Fry, so I had fun throwing in all the cant from the Regency era. That crazy slang makes me laugh. Pirates and the King of Naples—well, what's not to love? And spindly-legged insects I have a fondness for.


The Big Splash grew out of my fondness for P. G. Wodehouse and Winifred Watson, both very funny and writing in the early twentieth century. There's such an excess of wealth and wild behaviour in the Jazz Age, you can really go wild and still be within the realm of realism because rich people had incredibly bizarre adventures at that time. I've ventured into steampunk and magic with my new serial Airships & Alchemy and I have a new Constance and Collier story on the back burner. Airships & Alchemy will allow me to combine some steampunk motifs with a little magic and art (so The Art and the arts!) and a touch of Jane Eyre. You can read it as a work in progress right now.


It's a bit anxiety-provoking to put up a first draft in process, but I really think that doing things that terrify you will make you more fearless. And writers should be fearless!

What are your 2011 goals?
I want to get a full length medieval novel done and the next madcap Jazz age adventure. Under my other names I have a million billion projects and I need to figure out how to manage all the different personas and projects so we're all happy.

You do have a lot going on, and I'm in awe of the amount of work you do-teaching, writing under 3 names, plus you have to eat...and sleep one presumes! Where do you find the time and energy?

Anything else you’d like to share?
Please please please! Stop by my Facebook page and say you like me :) That's going to be the primary place that I will disseminate information about releases and appearances. I'd also love to see reviews on GoodReads and Library Thing and All Romance Ebooks and Amazon. It's tough getting word out on your books: authors need all the help they can get!

The Big Splash
The Mangrove Legacy
Kit Marlowe
Find me on Facebook
Airships & Alchemy

Excerpt:
From Chapter One:
From behind the door Caroline Alice Mangrove could hear the unaccustomed sounds of disagreement between her parents; which is to say, she heard her father’s throat clear and her mother’s gentle weeping. Lord and Lady Mangrove had been arguing in near silence for many days on end. Alice (as she had been called since childhood when her nurse trembled before the three syllables of her initial name and, struck dumb, failed to speak again until the child was weaned) feared that the topic of their disagreement was likely to be her impending marriage. To whom she had been given was not yet clear. Her parents had come to some sort of impasse and the meaningful glances exchanged that morning at breakfast could only signal that things had worsened to nigh on a fever pitch.

When she heard her father rustle his newspaper, Alice’s wide blue eyes brimmed with tears and she fled the chaos to take refuge in the solarium. The gentle green fronds of the ferns and orchids soon soothed her troubled nerves. Life was a harrowing prospect when you were seventeen, unmarried and wealthy. It was a very dangerous age—almost too old but still in the realm of possible. Her parents had been too protective, she thought for the hundredth time. As if to chastise her for this disloyalty, the bland face of Mr. Radley, the gardener, appeared before her.

“Evening, Miss,” he said, pulling at his cap, oblivious to the fact that it was only mid-afternoon. “Mind the orchids, they’re a bit stroppy today. Forgot to water them yesterday.”

“Yes, Mr. Radley, I won’t be a moment,” Alice said hastily, gathering up the pages she had spread before her and blushing with embarrassment that he might see what she had. Why do dresses seldom have pockets, she thought crossly, folding the papers roughly.

“The philodendrons are all right,” Mr. Radley called, but Alice had already scurried for the library, hoping to encounter a sanctuary at last. But as she opened the door, whom should she find but her cousin Elizabeth Jane, whom everyone called Lizzie. Well, not the servants, obviously—they in fact called her Miss Elizabeth Jane. As if to demonstrate the fact, Mrs. Perkins stepped in behind her and said “Miss Elizabeth Jane, a letter has come for you.”

Alice was unprepared for the sudden change in her cousin, whose handsome face had blanched white. While she remained unmarried still at the age of twenty, there were those in the family who held out hope for the lively woman.

To be fair, there were probably more who held that her very spirited nature was completely antithetical to the notion of marital union. Alice’s own father had set his seal upon her cousin’s fate at the St. Stephen’s banquet not three years past, when he had taken in his niece’s most recent witty retort and said, “Good god, woman, no decent man will marry you.” For some in the family, that was that.

Alice emerged suddenly from her reverie as her cousin gasped. Lizzie clutched the letter to her breast. “It’s from the King!”

"Our king?" Alice demanded breathlessly as Lizzie colored significantly.

"No, you -- you misunderstand me," her cousin stammered. "King, King -- I only meant...Mr. King. In Harlow. The collector of...spindly-legged insects. You know my interest in insects of all kinds, Alice." Lizzie seemed to have quite recovered herself, but for the slight pink flush at her neck. However, Alice did notice that she had also tucked the letter in question into the recesses of her sleeve. Hmmm, thought Alice, she had never considered the uses of sleeves. It would render pockets obsolete, although it would require one to wear unfashionably billowing
sleeves.

"Insects," Alice repeated with some suspicion still lurking in the shadows of her vocal tones.

"Insects!" Lizzie repeated with some of her former venom. "That will be all, Mrs. Perkins." Lizzie waved off the hearty domestic. "My cousin and I have much to do." The housekeeper looked distinctly disappointed as she curtseyed perfunctorily and slipped silently away, closing the library door with some evident reluctance. "I hope she's not going to go gossiping," Lizzie muttered once the door had whispered shut.

"I doubt Mrs. Perkins has much time for gossiping. There's the laundry to manage, dishes to wash, dinner to direct -- she has rather a lot to do," Alice said, suddenly realizing what a trying life poor Mrs. Perkins must have. I shall not complain about the lumpy darns in my stockings ever again, she thought with a surge of pity that would be forgotten within a fortnight.

"I can only hope so," Lizzie continued, oblivious to Alice's ruminations. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to read the King's letter."

"You mean Mr. King's letter," Alice corrected.

"Alice," Lizzie said, softly stealing a glance at the door, "I have a secret to share with you."

"Oh, I love secrets!" Alice crowed. "Tell me! Is it about that handsome young man we spotted talking to Mr. Bennett at the Assembly Ball last month?!"

Lizzie regarded her cousin with obvious puzzlement. "Why on earth should it be about him? No, no, it is about this letter."

"Oh." Alice had entertained many pleasing thoughts about that still nameless young man in the idle weeks since. "Oh, it's not from Arthur Boylett," she continued with dismay. She knew her father had leaned in his direction as far as her suitors went and was very cross to imagine that she may indeed have to marry that dull young man.

"Alice," her cousin said, rousing her from a growing despondency, "Not everything is about you. This letter is actually from --" and she paused again to ascertain that they were alone in the library, then whispered, "From the King of Naples!"

Alice paused thoughtfully. "Africa?"

"We paid Miss Travers far too well," Lizzie said, frowning as Alice's father was also apt to do when speaking of the recently sacked tutor. "No, Alice. Naples is in Italy."

"Ah."

"The King. Of Naples." Lizzie cocked an eyebrow at her younger cousin.

"Why is a king writing to you?" Alice asked at last.

Lizzie smiled. Alice had long ago noticed that when that happened, Lizzie looked very cunning indeed. It was most unbecoming in a lady. "We have worked out a plan to --"

Just then the door of the library flew open and very flustered Mrs. Perkins shot into the room again. "Oh, Miss Alice!" she sobbed, "Come quick, your mother needs you!"

"What is it, Mrs. Perkins," Lizzie said, somewhat cross at having her own revelation upstaged.

Mrs. Perkins was wringing her hands as she blurted, "It's your father, Miss Alice -- he -- he's dead!"