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You Are Cordially Invited to Attend...by Carolyn Brown



a secret wedding

where

Jasmine King

will marry her best friend

Ace Riley

at the

Cupid's Wedding Chapel

Las Vegas, Nevada

(No gifts please...the marriage will only last one year)

It's a LAUNCH PARTY!
It's a wedding!
It's a secret!
It's only going to last one year!

That's what Jasmine and Ace thought when they flew to Las Vegas...

She and Ace had taken different flights. He'd flown out of Dallas on Friday and gotten their rooms. She'd arrived late Saturday afternoon and caught a taxi to the hotel. It was down to the wire, swim or drown time, red light or green light. Her hands were clammy and sweat was pooling up around the band of her bra. Nervously, she looked at the clock. The hands whipped around so fast that it made her dizzy...

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?

Jasmine struck a pose for him. "Do I look like a blushing bride? You know you shouldn't see me before the wedding. It's bad luck."


Ace fanned his face with his black Stetson and whistled through his teeth. "Oh, darlin', you look every bit the part and don't worry about bad luck. We're in Vegas and no one knows what we're up to. You know what they say: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! We ain't got a thing to worry about. Shall we go get married!"

None of their friends or family were at the wedding so there was no one there to protest the farce ...


"No one to protest?" The preacher asked.

Jasmine bit back a giggle. Her four best friends, Liz, Pearl, Austin and Gemma would be stampeding through the chapel like a herd of longhorn heifers if they had any inkling what was going on that minute. But they didn't and never would. Maybe someday when they were all sharing a room in a nursing home she'd tell them about the year she was married to Ace Riley. The vision that popped into her head was five old ladies sitting around a domino table...

And then the preacher pronounced them man and wife, for absolute real and there was no backing out of the year long marriage now. Surely to god Ace didn't plan on kissing her...

But from the look in Ace's sexy eyes, he was going to seal the deal with a real kiss.


She shut her eyes and moistened her lips. Lights started flashing and wedding music began playing, this time louder than before and with lots more jazz. Lord, a kiss had never affected her like that before.

Holy shit! That wasn't supposed to happen, Jasmine thought.

But when she opened her eyes, it wasn't just the sparks of a kiss setting off the music and the stars. All the people in the church were holding cameras and talking all at once. Someone with a video camera and a microphone on a long stick shoved chairs to one side so they could get closer. Red dots danced in front of Jasmine's eyes and she wondered if it was the result of flashes and bright lights or if Ace was really that damn good at kissing.

And that is when they found out they were the lucky couple who'd just won the big contest at the Cupid's Wedding Chapel. A limo to drive them to the Bellagio where they'd been booked for the night in the honeymoon suite. And at ten o'clock that evening they found out that national television had picked up the news of the contest and it was aired right there in Technicolor for the whole world including their friends in Ringgold, Texas and their families to see.

It's a helluva lot easier for a cat to get out of a bag than to get the critter back inside the tow sack once it's been let out. Now Jasmine and Ace were really, honest-to-god, married. And their mothers were clamoring about a second wedding in the great state of Texas within the next month. Chaos reins in Ringgold, Texas with Jasmine and Ace right in the middle; their hearts telling them one thing, their minds another and the year stretching out before them.

This was such a fun story to write, starting at what is usually the end of a romance book and working backwards. Jasmine had a very wide stubborn streak. Ace was cockier than any cowboy I've ever written about. But they kept me on my toes and today is the day that their book, One Hot Cowboy Wedding, hits the racks in the book stores. I'm so excited that I can hardly sit still and I know Jasmine and Ace are two-stepping all over the Double Deuce Ranch just east of Ringgold in celebration.

Reviews are arriving:

RT Reviews:
Lazy drawls and pointy toed boots are at the heart of Brown's Texas-set romance. The third book of the Spikes & Spurs series will make readers laugh along with the large and colorful cast of characters. (4 Stars)

Long and Short Reviews: I know when I pick up a book by Carolyn Brown I'm in for a treat. I consider her books like little socials with old friends...I genuinely loved the characters. They have a sizzle I couldn't get away from...classic characters, a dash of spice and a healthy addition of southern twang. It's a winner. (4 Stars)

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews: (Two reviewers) Amanda says: Welcome back to Ringgold, Texas! Where the men are true blue cowboys and the girls are smart and sassy... (4 stars)
Gennie says: If you like hot cowboys, good old-fashioned wisdom, family, close friends and some good sex scenes, you will love this book an Carolyn Brown's Work. (4 stars)

Romancing the Book: One Hot Cowboy Wedding is exactly what this book was! From the very, very and I do mean very hot Ace to the delicious Southern talk right down to the blazing passion between Ace and Jasmine. I adored every second of this book. It has the makings for a really good romantic chick flick.

A Snarky Space: "I love the way the characters in this story talk because it is so uniquely Texas and matches the books authenticity in a way that will make readers smile... the characters are fun, loyal, and the story had surprise turns within it."

So come right on in to One Hot Cowboy Wedding and celebrate with us. There's champagne, wedding cake, punch, a chocolate fountain and even some of my favorite little mints shaped like cowboy boots and hats. Help yourself and while you are sipping at the bubbly, pick up a copy of Jasmine and Ace's story and read all about what happens AFTER the vows are said.

What do you look for first when you are thinking about buying a book? Cover? Back blurb? First few sentences? What catches your eye?

In celebration of the wedding, I will give away one signed copy of One Hot Cowboy Wedding, along with a surprise swag bag to a lucky person who leaves a comment today! (US and Canada only, please.)

Comments

  1. Carolyn~
    Congrats on the release of OHCW! Loved the excerpt. I generally skim the books until either the cover or author's name catches my eye. Then I'll read the back cover blurb if I'm not familiar with the author.

    Have a great launch week!

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  2. Sounds great, Carolyn! I pick up a book based on the title or author. If I like the cover, I'll read the blurb. If I like the blurb, I'll read the first page, and then I decide. Congrats on the new release!

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  3. I'm RSVPing...I'll be there, Carolyn! Loved the excerpt!

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  4. Tracey, glad you could attend the wedding. And congrat's on YOUR new release!

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  5. Cheryl: That's pretty much the way I pick out a book, too. And thank you for stopping by today.

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  6. Terry: GREAT!!! Ace and Jasmine will be so glad to see you!

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  7. Carolyn, I'm going to be the first author to write a Cowboy Duke, I can just feel it... I need to do some research first, though. Do you have a spare bedroom there at Cowboy Central?
    Congrats on the release, and keep 'em coming.

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  8. I can't wait to read this book. I have been waiting for Ace and Jasamines story.

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  9. Anonymous: I can't wait to read about a Cowboy Duke...and Cowboy Central is like Grand Central. Noisy and always open for business!

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  10. regency: That's music to Jasmine and Ace's ears...they had to take a back seat to Raylen and Liz and are so, so ready to have their time in the spotlight!

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  11. This book looks amazing, Carolyn! I can't wait to read it. Congrats on the release of what is sure to be another best seller. xx I'm reposting on my FB page.

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  12. Sara, THANK YOU for the repost! Jasmine and Ace have their fingers crossed that this is a best seller and sure hope you are right.

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  13. Oh, I love a good wedding with a cowboy. Can't wait

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  14. if its a new author to me (i have quite a few must buy authors, no matter what thier book looks like) i go for the cover first.. then i read the back blurb, then the first few pages...

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  15. Hi Carolyn. Your book sounds great. For me, it is a combination of back blurb, excerpt and cover.
    Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  16. Congrats on your release. That's a great excerpt and a wonderful cover! I love wedding dresses on covers.

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  17. LS: Jasmine and Ace are glad you came to the wedding. Hope you like what happens after the wedding is over and they have to pay the fiddler!

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  18. alainala: Isn't reading wonderful? I love it when one of my favorite authors has a new book coming out...the excitement in the wait is an adrenaline rush!

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  19. Crystal GB: Jasmine and Ace were such fun characters to work with. I'm hoping my readers have as much fun reading them as I had writing their story.

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  20. Shana: I squealed when I saw this cover...and Jasmine says to thank you for the compliment. She went to a lot of trouble for a wedding that was only going to last a year but then Ace is her best friend.

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  21. Sounds like another winner! Congratulations, Carolyn!!

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  22. Sounds like an awesome book..would love to read it.

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  23. A cover might catch my eye, but the blurb will be the deciding factor...it has to snag my attention. And if it does, it's a sure bet I'll flip the book open and read a few pages before I even make it to the check out, lol. But a great cover is NOT a must. A lot of times I will flip books over and just read the blurbs and not even look at the covers because they distract me.

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  24. Ashlyn: Jasmine and Ace and I all thank you for that vote of confidence.

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  25. Melissa: Thanks for commenting and it's good to know that some folks do really read that teaser on the back. Here's hoping you LOVE the blurb on One Hot Cowboy Wedding!

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  26. Angie, thank you for coming to the wedding. Jasmine hopes that everyone who comes to the wedding thinks it's awesome!

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  27. Author recognition is a big one but if it's an unknown author a cover may attract me but it's the back cover blurb that decides it for me. Congratulations on your new release.

    catslady5(at)aol.com

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  28. I have a few 'must buy' authors and look for that first. Then it's title, blurb, & cover. Didn't know I had such a hankerin' for COWBOY romance 'til I read my first by Carolyn Brown...You've got me hooked, Carol! Nobody does weddings like cowboys & cowgirls!

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  29. Hello, catslady! Thank you for stopping by and for your input. I'm guilty of studying the teaser on the back of a book, too, before I buy it.

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  30. Good mornin' Yia Yia, your comment sure put a big smile on my face this morning. Thank you! My cowboys and sassy heroines are in total agreement with you about cowboy weddings.

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  31. I may pick up a book because the cover or title catches my eye, but more often than not it is because of word of mouth or a familiar author name. However, the decision to purchase the book is based on reading a random excerpt.


    Congrats on your latest release! Cowboys make me weak in the knees....

    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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  32. Congrats, sweet lady! It sure sounds like you have another winner to me!
    Amelia

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  33. Lil, what an interesting concept. Just open up the book and read where it falls open! That will certainly keep me on my toes to make each page memorable.

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  34. Amelia, I'm so glad see your brilliant smile at the wedding today. Jasmine, Ace and I will be very glad to see a best seller so I hope your mojo is good!

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  35. Congrats on your new release!Love your books. The cover is what catches my eye, but the blurp is what makes me buy the book and also recommendation.

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  36. Quilt Lady, thank you for coming to the wedding. Glad you like my cowboys and spicy ladies and thanks for your input. I think that word of mouth is a valuable tool, too!

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  37. Ooo...I love weddings and...I love cowboys and...I love Carolyn Brown books cause they never fail to make me smile! Can't wait to read One Hot Cowboy Wedding!

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  38. Anne, your comment sure made me smile! So glad that you like my cowboys and the women that finally get them to the altar!

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  39. First off, congrats on your latest release! =)

    These days, I pick up a book based on reviews I've read or recommendations from friends. However, sometimes I just pick up a book based on it's cover. Thanks for the giveaway.

    kliu107(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. I love weddings! Especially ones with hot cowboys! We can always count on Hot cowboys from Carol! Thanks for sharing them with us!

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  41. Thank you, Kristi. Covers do go a long way to catch a reader's attention and good reviews are simply GREAT! But I love it when my books are recommended by readers to other folks who love to read.

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  42. Jayci, bless your heart for stopping by today. Hey, everyone, Jayci's husband even reads my books! YAY!!! Love you, kiddo!

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  43. I fully admit that I am a cover snob. If the cover doesn't catch my eye then I usually won't bother reading the blurb. Your cover is beyond awesome. It made me smile even before I read the blurb.

    Congratulations on the new release, Carolyn!

    geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com

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  44. StacieD: So glad that the cover caught your eye! Love the bit about you being a "cover snob". That is so cool!

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  45. Congratulations on the book! I look at the covers first. The cover looks great!

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  46. bn100: Thank you! When I first saw the cover, I squealed.

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  47. I cannot tell a lie--I did not read any of this. I have the book on my bookshelf and I don't wanna ruin the experience of reading it!!! Now, if the housework, ironing and children will stop calling my name and let me read this book!!!!

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  48. Amy Louise Brown Morgan is my daughter folks! And I'm very proud of her. She's finishing her teaching degree with online courses, raising six kids and putting three meals a day on the table. She deserves that superwoman cape in the washing machine because her four year old spilled Kool-Aid on it!

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  49. Congrats on the release, Carolyn! I love the premise and the invitation and cannot wait to read One Hot Cowboy Wedding!

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  50. Congrats on the release of One Hot Cowboy Wedding, I can't wait to read it.
    I guess I look at the cover first of a book, because it's usually what catches my eye, but then I decide to buy it based on the back blurb and any excerpts that may be in the front of the book. These days though, I usually have a list of books that I've heard about on the internet, so it doesn't really matter what the cover looks like, I'm already dying to read them after hearing about them.

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  51. Colleen, so glad to see that you made it! I saved chocolate (it's hiding in the kitchen cabinet so Ace wouldn't eat it all) for you. Hope it lives up to your expectations!

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  52. Barbara E: It's simply great when folks talk about our books. Jazzy and Ace get so excited when they hear their names mentioned!

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  53. Oh boy, I hope I win!

    One of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors.

    Congratulations on the release, Carolyn!! Keep 'em coming!

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  54. Kaye, that's my ego boost for the day! Thank you so much!

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  55. Carolyn,
    This book sounds sexy and fun!!
    Can't wait to read it. Please, keep writing these great cowboy books and I will keep reading them!
    Irene

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  56. Irene, it's a deal! I'll write 'em if you'll keep reading 'em!

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  57. Looks fabulous - love the premise, adore the cover. Here's wishing you all the best!

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  58. Hi Amanda and thank you! It doesn't have the "casket scene" but it does have a skinny stretchin' scene.

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    1. Hi Miz Carolyn I waz going to just sneek in here and read this post but then you had to mention skinny stretchin and I got to chuckling :p You did such a good job with this one as usual its a slam dunk winner! Talk soon <3 you.
      Cindi

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  59. The names went into the Stetson and the one that came out was Kaye Barley. Congratulations! I hope you enjoy Jazzy and Ace's journey from their Las Vegas wedding to the end of the book!

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  61. congrats carolyn for the release =D

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  62. Congrats on the release and I just gotta say that I love the cover for this!

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  63. Congrats on the new release. Have read a couple of other cowboy stories and have loved them. Have also loved Carolyn's books that I have read. Would love to win and read this book.
    One of the first things that catches my eye about a book is the cover. I am a total cover lover. I have bought a few books by cover alone and have never been disappointed. I then check out the author and then the title.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    christinebails@yahoo.com

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  64. cinful, I'm glad you made it since you were one of the first folks to read the story and got such a kick out of Ace and his skinny stretchin'!

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  65. Eli, thank you and thank you for stopping by!

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  66. Winnie, that cover is eye catching isn't it. Sourcebooks does such a wonderful job on all their covers for us authors!

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  67. Chris, love that expression "cover lover"! Like I've said previously, Sourcebooks do a fantastic job!

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