Wednesday, August 1, 2012

August 2012 Releases

Deserving of His Diamonds? by Melanie Milburne

Emilio Andreoni's goal is perfection. A corporate king and Italy's most eligible bachelor, he craves only one more thing to complete his phenomenally successful life—the perfect woman!

Once he thought that woman was shy Gisele Carter, until her scandalous goings-on became headline news and he called off their seemingly perfect engagement.

But now Emilio is faced with proof of Gisele's innocence. He's determined to win back the only woman who ever truly satisfied him, but first he must persuade Gisele she's worthy of wearing his diamonds again.…

For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=26300

Sunday, July 1, 2012

July 2012 Releases

Captive but Forbidden by Lynn Raye Harris

The news that wild socialite Veronica St. Germaine has cleaned up her act and stepped into her father's shoes as ruler of a Mediterranean principality creates a tabloid frenzy! But it's not just the paparazzi that are out for blood.…
Duty demands that bodyguard Rajesh Vala must protect Veronica—whatever the cost.… But Veronica has always rebelled against commands, and she isn't making Raj's job easy!
He calls it safeguarding. She calls it being held captive at his beach house. Both realize that the attraction between them is inconvenient.… Veronica is forbidden, notfor bedding!
For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=26195&cid=226 


Santina's Scandalous Princess by Kate Hewitt

Santina's Princess Natalia has been spotted on the arm of billionaire Ben Jackson, famous for his ruthless work ethic, devastating good looks and disdain for the spotlight. But Ben has no chance of avoiding the cameras with notorious party girl Natalia in tow!
Most surprising of all, Natalia has been seen putting in a full day's work in Ben's office! Has the legendary socialite swapped couture and cocktails for photocopying?
One thing's for sure—if we could all have a brooding, dynamic boss like the devilishly attractive Ben, work would be a whole lot more exciting.…


Heart of a Desert Warrior by Lucy Monroe

Stepping off his private jet in his designer suit, Sheikh Asad returns to his kingdom ready to secure his legacy. For beneath the starched white shirt beats the heart of a desert warrior!
Iris Carpenter barely recognizes the man standing before her. He's more magnificent than he was six years ago and even more dangerous. Especially when the searing heat of his eyes burns hotter than the fierce desert sun.
Iris can resist all she likes, but Asad knows it's just a matter of time before the flame-haired temptress is back in his bed—where she belongs!


His Majesty's Mistake by Jane Porter

Spurned and publicly humiliated by the father of her child, Princess Emmeline d'Arcy has no ring, no wedding date and no legitimacy for her unborn baby.
And the last straw? Having to trade in her gilded lifestyle and pretend to be her twin sister, otherwise known as Sheikh Makin Al-Koury's personal assistant.
Accustomed to being waited on hand and foot, Emmeline finds herself having to jump to the click of her boss's skillful fingers—day and night! But once the sheikh uncovers her shameful past, will his touch be nothing but a scorching memory?



Monday, June 4, 2012

City or Country? Annie West

As you may know, I've got a new book out this month. UNDONE BY HIS TOUCH is a Presents Extra release in North America. Romantic Times gave it a 4 star review, saying:
'Wests' twist on the Beauty and the Beast is an emotionally compelling read.'

It features another of my favourite hero types: intense and passionate. In this case Declan is also wounded - physically and emotionally, which makes opening up to Chloe and trusting in love a big ask for a man used to relying on no one but himself.

I was thinking about the book and how it fits into a couple of different segments with quite distinct features. I'd better not tell you too much about that as I don't want to give any spoilers that might ruin the story for you. But I can say that the different locations, as well as being a simple geographic change, also represent different phases in the relationship between Declan and Chloe.

I didn't plan that, it just happened as I wrote and its only now, looking back that I can see the distinction, which I find fascinating. It's amazing to look back on what you've written and find things you've done instinctively, but which work so well in the context of the story.

The book is set in Australia - partly in the city of Sydney,  near the centre of the city and the harbour, where Declan has an amazing rooftop apartment. The rest of the book is set in the Blue Mountains, a scenic area west of Sydney where small villages rest on a fertile plateau that drops away in an amazing escarpment into rugged wilderness that's World Heritage listed. This photo is taken near Wentworth Falls, looking out across the escarpment. The book opens on a cliff rather like those, while Declan and his brother are climbing together. Declan's house, which I fell in love with as I wrote, is based on some gorgeous old, rambling homes that were built in the mountains over a century ago. I could see one of them as the perfect hideaway for a recluse.

I used two of my favourite places to set this book - places I love to visit for different reasons. That got me wondering about which is better - either for a short break, or to live. Or, to set an intense Presents story.

Do you like the glamour of the big city in your reading or do you prefer the quiet of the country? Do you like to read about the opposite of where you live or doesn't the setting matter to you?

If you want to read more about UNDONE BY HIS TOUCH visit Annie's website or pop over to Harlequin, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or the Book Depository.

Friday, June 1, 2012

June 2012 Releases

The Sheikh's Heir by Sharon Kendrick


Stop the Press: Unexpected Baby Shock for Sheikh and Jackson Party-girl!

Unconfirmed sources report that celebrity wedding planner Ella Jackson is pregnant! Currently single, Miss Jackson caused quite a stir at her princess-to-be sister's royal-studded engagement party last month when she tossed a glass of vintage champagne over Sheikh Hassan Al Abbas following a very public argument.

What happened in private is anybody's guess. But a palace insider confirmed that Miss Jackson was seen leaving the Sheikh's opulent suite the morning after the party...

Could this Cinder-Ella beat her sister to a royal title…and a royal heir?



The Forbidden Ferrara by Sarah Morgan

A Ferrara should never share a bed with a Baracchi—however high the stakes!

Dark-hearted Santino Ferrara has always remembered how long-legged, hot-tempered Fia Baracchi felt in his arms—much to his frustration. Then a million-dollar business deal throws them together, and keeping his distance is no longer an option.

But Fia is living a lie. If it's ever discovered that her precious little son is Santino's heir, she'll be disowned—their families' feud is legendary! But her real fear? That she can't forget the scorching memories of her one night with the enemy—and that she still craves more.…



Not Fit For a King? by Jane Porter

It was the stuff of fairy tales: Hannah agreed to help out a princess, and within hours finds herself engaged to a king! This dangerous charade has to end fast—the electrifying chemistry between them feels far too real!

Zale's royal bride-to-be looks like the pampered princess he's being forced to wed—yet she's transformed into a feisty woman who makes his blue blood run hot! But is she fit to be his queen? Zale will just have to tempt her out from beneath her tiara to find out!



Undone By His Touch by Annie West

Cast into a world of black, Declan Carstairs is a man in torment. Consumed by guilt, he sees no way out of the darkness his life has become. Only one thing drives him—finding the woman who caused his brother's death, and the accident that took his sight.

Housekeeper Chloe Daniels refuses to pity her devastatingly gorgeous boss, but treating him as the strong, capable man he is soon proves dangerous. As Chloe falls deeper under Declan's spell, awakened by his touch, she forgets all about the secret she keeps that may destroy them both.…





Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May 2012 Releases

A Night of Living Dangerously by Jennie Lucas



Lilley's fairy-tale wish is about to be granted. She'll swap her gray suits for a fabulous dress and killer heels, and dance the night away with the man every other woman wants…but only for one night.


Alessandro Caetani does not do happy-ever-afters. In fact, his charm extends only as far as getting his Little Mouse secretary into bed. Lilley has never taken such a risk before, but this is her night of living dangerously.…

For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25742

Sunday, April 1, 2012

April 2012


Sheikh Without A Heart by Sandra Marton

Dressed only in a skimpy sequin-studded bikini is not the way Rachel Donnelly wants to meet Sheikh Karim al Safir. Especially when he is so devastatingly handsome—and fully clothed!

Karim is horrified that this is the mother of his newly discovered nephew. His raging pulse at the sight of Rachel's barely dressed body belies his reputation as the sheikh with no heart, but he'll live up to it to ensure that the heir to the throne is raised in Alcantar!



Savas's Wildcat by Anne McAllister

Yiannis Savas, the irresistible playboy of the Savas dynasty, was every girl's dream. But he quickly turned into Cat's nightmare when his promises led no further than a fiery affair.

Now Cat MacLean has grown up and out of her girlish fantasies. Determined not to fall prey to smooth talk and fast charm again, she's engaged to someone sensible.

Then she's forced to spend a week with the one man she's never forgotten. Yiannis's heated gaze pierces her defences, and suddenly sensible doesn't seem quite so good….



The Devil And Miss Jones by Kate Walker

Martha Jones has never taken a risk in her whole life. Until the day she runs out on her wedding and succumbs to the magnetism of a man she has only just met! A man she knows only as Diablo.

Lone wolf Carlos Ortega won't promise Miss Jones more than one searing-hot night. Yet Carlos is shocked by Martha's sweet innocence. This runaway bride is a virgin, and it seems the repercussions of their sizzling encounter could last forever….



Monday, March 5, 2012

A Different Desert Experience - Annie West

GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT, my current book, begins in an isolated encampment in wild, inhospitable mountains. Cassie and Amir spend a week in the most luxurious tent you could imagine - one fit for a king, and later they return to his royal palace. To get the feel of the story right I had to imagine an arid, almost deserted landscape.

Readers often ask how much research I do for the settings of my books. It varies. I often write about places I know or have visited. If it's somewhere I've never been then research, including contact with people who know the place, is invaluable.

This time I can tell you that yes, I've visited a desert. A couple in fact. I've camped out on the fringes of the desert in Australia (yes, we have them too!). I've ridden a camel into the desert in Egypt and walked far enough to learn how difficult it is to trudge through sand. I've felt the blaze of daytime heat and been surprised by the evening chill of a desert night. I've been amazed at the number of stars you see in the desert sky at night. And I've shuddered at the thought of coming across a scorpion.

But it had been some time since I'd been in a desert when I planned Cassie and Amir's story. So when I had the chance on a recent trip to Dubai, I signed up for an excursion to a desert national park.

This was a completely new experience for me. Instead of moving under my own steam or on a four-legged animal we were in a 4WD driven by a man who clearly saw the desert as a playground for thrill seekers. We deliberately veered at improbable angles over steep dunes and more than once it seemed inevitable we'd overturn. Imagine a roller coaster on wheels... It was exhilarating and fun, but I think he was disappointed I didn't scream as the dips and sways grew more outlandish.

We saw a spectacular sunset and had a delicious meal. I hand my hand painted with henna - a soothing, fascinating experience but far too short. We were entertained by a belly dancer and there were, of course, camels to be ridden. And there were lots of us. I had to laugh when I turned from taking the photo of the sunset (above) and clicked this photo of just a few of the many people who'd also booked a desert trip. This was not the setting for a blissfully romantic tryst.

It was a fun, fascinating experience and one I wouldn't have missed. I got to soak up the scent of the desert and feel the prickle on my skin as the night closed in around us. It helped me focus on some of the things I wanted to bring to the setting for GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT and it also reinforced the things that would be different in my story. Cassie and Amir's book would have less people and there'd be horses for transport, not 4WDs. There would be a sense of isolation - the two of them trapped together in difficult circumstances, and despite that, a sense of pure luxury that befits a royal sheikh.

Have you ever been somewhere you'd always wanted to visit? Did you find it just as you expected? Or was it full of surprises, like my desert trip with a thrill seeking driver? Would you rather be surprised or are you disappointed when places aren't the same as you imagined?

GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT is out this month as a Presents Extra release. I'm thrilled to say it's just been awarded a CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award (yay!) and was also shorlisted for an Australian Romance Readers' Award. You can read an excerpt of it on my website.