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.

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?

For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25921&cid=226

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.…

For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25923&cid=226

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!

For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25924&cid=226

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.…

For more information, please visit http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25993&cid=226