Book excerpt: "A delightful and complex mix of comedy and fantasy--a sensual love story set in a sensational world. I hope for more from this talented author."--USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway. A Convenient Marriage . . . that can save--or destroy--a world Connall Storm is a man with aspirations. A two-name bastard on the colony of Last Hope, he enters a pragmatic marriage hoping to discover a treasure that will give him the power and wealth he wants. But in order to find it, he and his new wife must embark on a perilous expedition into the Western Mountains--and come back alive. Little does he guess that guarding his heart against his exasperating and far-too-sexy wife will be the real challenge . . . Arkana Crystal Song has blue blood, the finest education, and an unexpected, massively irritating new husband. All she wanted to do was find out what happened to her parents, who disappeared years ago. Now she's stuck trekking through the wilderness with a man who drives her absolutely crazy. And she's starting to like the feeling a bit too much . . . It isn't long before Connall and Arkana's fiery arguments flare into scorching passion. But when they come across a deadly alien menace on their travels, their love will face the ultimate test. Are they strong enough to save themselves--and their entire world?