Happy New Year everyone! I hope your year begins well and keeps improving.

For me 2010 starts with the promise of fresh beginnings and new opportunities. Above all I'm hoping for a healthy, happy year for my family and friends. It will be a busy year with some important things happening in the family and a writing schedule to keep me on my toes. In addition there are quite a few releases coming up, so do pop in from time to time (or subscribe to my occasional newsletter) to keep up to date on new releases.

Right now FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD is still on sale in the UK. This is my first reunion story and a very passionate read. Reviews are yet to arrive but reader feedback has been lovely, eg: "It was a terrific read with lots of emotion, heartwarming, and I had to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next!"

Also still available this month in North America is BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE. Two releases at the same time is a terrific feeling. I've also just received a fantastic review for this book from Romance Junkies. The reviewer gave it 4.5 blue ribbons and said "Annie West pens an exciting tale complete with all the heartache, desire, tension and drama necessary to ensure that readers stay captivated 'til the last page.  Beautifully written!"

I had lovely news too about one of my recent releases. The Barnes and Noble blog Heart to Heart named my DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE one of the best books of 2009! What an enormous thrill that was.

And there are more books to follow. February sees the hard cover release of THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS. I'll share that cover with you when it's available. I can't wait to see it myself! In the meantime books I have just seen are THE SHEIKH'S CINDERELLA (an anthology of stories with two other writers) available in March and NOVIA POR CHANTAJE (the Spanish edition of BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE and translated as "Bride by Blackmail").  Aren't they terrific? I'm particularly looking forward to getting my copy of the anthology of three novels about desert kings!

I'll be blogging this month in a couple of places and would love to have company if you want to pop in:

Thanks to all the people who visited me while I blogged through December at various sites. It was lovely chatting with so many other romance readers.

I'll leave you with a couple of pictures I took just before Christmas, on a very short vacation to one of my favourite places in New South Wales. I'm already planning a return trip. I think you can see why!

All the best for a terrific start to 2010.

So, all around it's a great month for me, with my first two Italian heroes on the shelves at the same time. What better Christmas treat could there be?  Well, there IS even more great news! I was absolutely thrilled to discover my book THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE has been listed as one of just two category romances on Heart to Heart, the Barnes and Noble blog. It's one of their favourite books for 2009! You can imagine my smiles!

Early in the new year I'll post about my forthcoming books for 2010. There are quite a few coming up.

It’s Valentine’s Day this month. I hope all of you manage do to something special to celebrate, whether it’s a romantic dinner with a lover, a relaxed picnic or an evening curled up with some great reading.

Speaking of reading, I’m thrilled to say my FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD is out now in Australia and New Zealand. I can’t wait to see it on a book store shelf! I think the cover looks great with the bright red ‘Sexy’ format.

I’ve now received the first couple of reviews for Carys and Alessandro’s story and I’m very happy. CataRomance gave the book a 4.5 star review and said: "Talented romance writer Annie West pens a passionate tale about a love too powerful to forget in FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD. A mysterious hero and a down-to-earth heroine live their love story among exotic locals, entertaining the reader with their struggles to reclaim their forgotten love. Beautifully written and emotionally charged, FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD by Annie West is a perfect read for all lovers of romance."

Marilyn at Marilyn's Romance Reviews wrote: "This engaging romance was exactly what I expected from author Annie West; one with a twist, secrets, passion which leapt off the pages and powerful emotions."

Coffee Time Romance gave the book a 4 cup review and said: "FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD is a great story…Once again Annie West has told a story full of intrigue, suspense, sensuality, and a storyline that is very compelling and realistic."

My other book out in February (yes, it’s a double release month again) is a hardcover edition of THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS in the United Kingdom. Rafe and Antonia’s story is a passionate, highly-charged one. CataRomance summed up the story this way: "THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS is a steamy Modern Romance by a fabulous writer who is set for stardom! Featuring a gorgeous Alpha hero, a spirited heroine and plenty of glamour, passion and seduction, if you like your romances sexy and emotional, then pick up Annie West’s books: you certainly will not be disappointed!"

This book was originally available in the UK in a paperback anthology, and then as a ‘Sexy’ in Australia and New Zealand. I don’t yet have a North American release date for it, but if you’re into steamy, emotional romances, this may be one for you. You can buy it here.  Here’s the cover. Isn’t it evocative? Just for contrast I’ve also included the cover of the Japanese edition that came out last year. I love the way they captured the sense of glamour in this story! 

Another book out this month is my dear friend Anna Campbell’s latest gripping historical romance, called CAPTIVE OF SIN. If you’re in Australia or New Zealand, look out for this cover.  This is a fantastically engaging story featuring one of the best emotionally tortured heroes I’ve ever read.

If you want to catch up with me on the web this month, pop by the Pink Heart Society on Thursday 25th.  In the meantime, I hope you have a terrific month, with a romantic theme!

March has crept up so suddenly I still can’t quite believe it. February was such a busy month on a number of fronts. It included the acceptance of my 12th BOOK for Harlequin! PASSION, PURITY AND THE PRINCE will be a September 2010 release in the UK with other release dates to be advised. Alaric and Tamsin’s story was a delight to write and I had a ball drawing on research from a recent European trip. It features a strong, sexy rogue of a hero who happens to be a prince in his own gorgeous alpine principality and a reserved but independent heroine who’s more than a match for the dark shadows that haunt him. I’ll post more about the story later in the year. I can’t wait!

Some tremendous news recently to hand is that not one, but two of my books, have made it through to the final round of the Australian Romance Readers’ Awards! Yippee! You can imagine how thrilled I am. THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS and BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE are being voted on now, along with other books in the Favourite Short Category Romance group. If you want to view the listing for all books in the final categories you can see them at the Australian Romance Readers’ website. I’m in great company there.

Speaking of books, for those of you in the UK, or able to visit UK shopping sites, THE SHEIKH’S CINDERELLA is out this month. It’s an anthology of three sheikh stories by myself, Alexandra Sellers and Barbara McMahon. My contribution to this ‘Lords of the Desert’ Collection is THE SHEIKH’S RANSOMED BRIDE, a story that keeps getting such lovely reader feedback. If you haven’t yet read it, here is your chance. You can find it at UK Amazon or visit my book page to read an excerpt of the story.

Thanks everyone who’s been sending me such lovely comments about my FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD. It’s wonderful to hear from you. I’m posting excerpts from recent reviews on my book page. Only this morning I discovered it’s been awarded a 4 star review from Romantic Times and a 5 Blue Ribbon one from Romance Junkies!

Other news this month is that I’m starting a fabulous new contest with great books to be won, written by me (of course), debut Harlequin author Tina Duncan and historical author Anna Campbell. Visit my contest page for details.

This month I have two blogs to check out:

Do pop by and leave a comment if you have time.

Now I’m off to start work on a new story. Wish me luck!

All the best,

At the Melbourne Romance Writers' Guild (MRWG) with Elvina, Serena and Margaret.

With more marvellous writers from the MRWG.

With Serena and Josie and the book they helped me research.

Last month I also made the trek to Melbourne, one of my favourite cities. This time I drove (a couple of days each way) so it was a mammoth journey, but well worth it. My visit was a nice mix of personal and professional. One of the highlights was catching up with fellow romance writers Serena Tatti, Margaret Midwood, Elvina Payet and Josie Caporetto at the marvellous Brunetti’s restaurant. You can see why I say ‘marvellous’ – I’ve never seen so many gorgeous cakes and sweets in one place – but I didn’t eat any of the cakes in this picture. Really! I also was privileged to spend a day with the fantastic Melbourne Romance Writers’ Guild. What an impressive, positive group they are. Thanks so much for the warm welcome girls! It was a real pleasure to be there. For anyone in Melbourne, interested in joining a supportive romance writers group, check out their website for details.

OK, it’s official, my garden is too dangerous a place to be. After two sightings of venomous snakes I have a perfect excuse to stay indoors and write, or read. But on the other hand, the change of season weather here is so magnificent it can’t be wasted in the house. I’ll just have to be careful with gloves and shoes while weeding.

I’m looking forward enormously to Easter as it means our family will be all together – a very special time and a great chance for us to reflect on the good things in our lives. Of course the fact that the Easter Bunny or Bilby may drop by with goodies is a bonus. For some years here in Australia the Easter Bilby has been gaining popularity over the Easter Bunny as the bringer of good things (since bilbies are Australian native animals, harmless, cute and endangered, while rabbits though cuddly, are introduced pests that destroy habitat).

I’m thoroughly looking forward to April. It marks the release of Carys and Alessandro’s story (FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD) as a Presents Extra edition in North America. Thanks to those readers who’ve already bought it – I’ve seen this title doing so well on eHarlequin’s ebook bestseller list! Thanks too to those of you kind enough to write to me about the story.

Here’s a taste of what some of the reviewers said:

“The chemistry sizzles in this delightful twist on the secret baby plot…” Romantic Times

"...a wonderful emotional ride...This book is a definite must-read!” We Write Romance

"...one powerful and emotional romance that shimmered with a sensuality that will melt your heart." Marilyn’s Romance Reviews

In other news just to hand I’m thrilled to bits to announce that my book THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS has made it through to the final round of the Award of Excellence Contest run by the Colorado Romance Writers. Here’s the link if you’d like to see the list of finalists. This is my second year to final in the contest and I’m so pleased, especially as my friend, medical author, Sharon Archer, has finalled too. You may remember my enthusiasm for Callie and Damon’s story, which was wonderful to write, after I’d carried the idea for their book in my head for so long. This story hasn’t been published yet in North America but if you’re curious you can read the beginning or buy the book (in print or electronically) from the UK Mills and Boon site or visit the book page for a taster and a look at some gorgeous pictures that helped inspire me as I wrote.

As romance devotees may know, the finalists of the RITA contest for published romances have recently been announced. There are too many to name but I’d especially like to congratulate Kelly Hunter, Jennie Lucas, Anne McAllister, Bronwyn Parry, Jane Porter and Elizabeth Rolls who’ve made it through to the final round. And on a very special note, congratulations to my dear friend Vanessa Barneveld, a talented Young Adult writer who has finalled for the second year running in the prestigious Golden Heart Contest for unpublished authors. Fabulous news, Vanessa!

For a little taste of what’s coming up, visit my book page where I’ve just posted an excerpt from my June/July release SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY’S LOVE-CHILD. Tahir took my breath away when I wrote him. I hope he has the same effect on you. 

Two things to finish my news for this month. First, don’t forget to visit my contest page before 11 March for a chance to win books by Tina Duncan, Anna Campbell and me! Second, I’d better mention where I’ll be blogging this month in case you’d like to pop by:

Well, colour me thrilled! Not only did my recent North American release FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD make it onto the Waldenbooks Bestseller List two weeks running, to my utter delight it also appeared on the USA Today Bestseller List. Now there's a first! Thank you to all those readers who went out (or sat at their computer) and snaffled a copy. And especial thanks to those who've been sending messages saying such nice things about Carys and Alessandro's story. April has been a real treat of a month.

To other news: I've just received my first editions of SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE-CHILD. The cover is gorgeous I think, with those lovely archways lending local colour to my new sheikh story. I'm looking forward to seeing whether readers and reviewers enjoy this story as much as I did writing it. Don't forget you can find an excerpt and some of the pictures that inspired me on my book page. And there's a chance to win a copy, plus other fantastic goodies in my latest contest.

This book is part of the brand new Dark-Hearted Desert Men series, featuring four tall, brooding, strong-willed sheikhs. The four are:

Each can be read alone, or of course, you read the set, as I intend to do.

In other book news I'm thrilled to tell you that my book THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS, which is currently a finalist in both the Award of Excellence Contest and the Australian Romance Readers Awards, will be available soon in both Spanish and French. Here are the covers.

Also this month I can report I've just had a marvellous trip away, to supposedly sunny sub-tropical Queensland, to visit my friend and marvellous critique partner, Anna Campbell. What a brilliant short holiday! Excellent company, wonderful food, lots of talking and plenty of books. The fabled Queensland weather? Not so brilliant, but we didn't mind. The rain gave us all the more reason to sit and have a good natter and soon the sun was out so we could stroll (or was it march?) along the waterfront and visit the fabulous local markets. These few pictures will give you an idea of what a great time we had. 

I intend to spend May with my head down, writing, so not many blogs this month. I'll be at the Pink Heart Society on Friday 21 May. Feel free to pop by and say hello.

Don't forget too, to check out the fantastic new READING TREASURES CONTEST on my contest page.

Happy reading, everyone, and to those of you in Australia to whom it applies: Happy Mother's Day!

As I write our glorious sunny autumn has shifted into winter. Grey skies, the sound of rain on the roof and a chill in the air. Perfect weather for curling up with a good book, or in my case, sitting at the computer trying to work out exactly how my heroine and hero are going to deal with the issues still keeping them apart.

Meanwhile I'm so excited because at last SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE-CHILD is out in stores. This month it's in the UK and next it's North America, Australia and New Zealand.  This is the final book in the 4 part mini continuity called Dark Hearted Desert Men. I love that series title. If you enjoy linked books this is one for you, but don't worry, it's definitely a book that can be read as a stand alone story too. I've already heard from a couple of readers who grabbed their copies early and I've been told Tahir and Annalisa's romance is now sitting proudly on some 'keeper' shelves. Just what I like to hear! Plus, just before posting this news, I received the fantastic news that Romantic Times Book Reviews has given this book a 4.5 star review. Yippee!

This is a story about a man who has everything the material world can offer. Tahir has success, wealth, looks, power and sex appeal. He gets what he wants whenever he wants it, but there's an emptiness at the core of his world that even instant gratification can no longer hide. His world and Annalisa's collide and he finds himself on the edge of life, in a barren heartland where he'd never again expected to venture. When he returns to 'civilisation' it's to discover one unassuming woman has turned his world upside down. When their paths cross again, Tahir discovers she's changed his life forever. For Annalisa, battling to find a place for herself in a new world of wealth and privilege, Tahir is both her comfort and the centre of all her doubts.

If you visit my book page you'll find an excerpt from this story. You can also enter a contest to win a copy of the book and other prizes donated by two of my favourite authors: Sharon Archer and Anna Campbell.  You can grab your own copy of SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE-CHILD from lots of places, including Amazon, UK Amazon, or Mills and Boon.

Last month saw the 2nd annual Australian Romance Reader Awards. I'm proud to say that two of my books (THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS and BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE) made it into the finals!  Sadly I didn't make it to the awards night, which I hear was marvellous, due to a prior commitment interstate. But I'm thrilled that a number of my friends walked away with reader prizes, including Kandy Shepherd for 'Love is a Four-Legged Word', Anna Campbell for 'Captive of Sin' and for all round popularity, and Paula Roe for 'The Magnate's Baby Promise'.  A special mention too to the wonderful Nalini Singh and Bronwyn Parry who received awards that night. CONGRATULATIONS girls! By the way, if you want to win a signed copy of Paula's latest title, it's part of the prize in my current contest for people who've subscribed to my newsletter.

Speaking of Anna Campbell, this month sees her latest romance 'My Reckless Surrender' in the book stores. This intense, intriguing historical romance features a gorgeous rake and a seduction with a fascinating twist. You can read about it here.

Feel free to join me this month as I blog at:

Until next month, Happy Reading!

Hi everyone and Happy July! This is a month for celebrations in our household. No, not because of US Independence Day, or France’s Bastille Day. It’s a month of birthdays here – always a great reason to celebrate. Plus July sees my latest desert love story SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE-CHILD, released in North America. What great reasons to party!

As you read this I could well be celebrating since the month kicks off with my own birthday and I have plans to enjoy myself with those dear to me. As that’s followed soon by other family celebrations it should be a big month. I’ve included here a photo from a recent get together. It was taken at high tea at a very glamorous hotel that provided inspiration for the opening of one of my books. This was high tea with a twist – pure chocolate! And it tasted every bit as good as it looked.

But it’s the release of my new Presents story that I most want to share with you. I’m thrilled by the response my hero, Tahir is receiving from early bird readers. One reviewer said: "They do not come much more tall, dark, and handsome than Prince Tahir, but beneath the beautiful blue eyes lurks the soul of a lost and desperate man." (more details on my book page). Tahir is a wounded hero who truly comes alive only when he meets Annalisa, a woman who isn’t impressed by his past, or his current status, but who falls in love with the man behind his mask of careless sophistication. Here’s a taste from the book’s back cover:

To continue the celebration theme I’ve posted a brand new Summer Sheikh contest on my contest page with not one but 4 different sheikh romances to be won. This has to be one of my easiest contests ever so if you like desert heroes, check this one out.  And in breaking news... I'm pleased to say I've just added a second prize to this contest. Major new talent Kandy Shepherd is offering a copy of her just-released romantic comedy, Home is Where the Bark Is. Kandy's stories are warm and wonderful and satisfying. Another great reason to enter!

This month also sees news from Romance Writers of Australia about finalists for the Romantic Book of the Year. There are some fabulous books in here, and by some of my favourite authors. Congratulations to:

I love September. Spring is starting and I've just returned from two wonderful trips away and feel energised and ready to start an exciting new story. One trip, to South Australia, was purely for fun. The second, a stay in Coogee (a fabulous beachside suburb in Sydney) was for the Romance Writers of Australia conference. As well as being a great networking and learning opportunity it was a real treat!

I think the pictures tell the story better than I can!  All those smiling faces, all those wonderful excited writers. What a blast! Spending time with other people who love romance fiction is one of the best things. I came away inspired and with renewed enthusiasm. It was great catching up with friends I don't see often (sometimes only once a year) and some of the conversations lasted well into the night.

But be assured I made the most of my conference time, attending a variety of wonderfully informative sessions including by visiting authors Jessica Hart, Vicky Lewis Thompson and author/publisher Debra Dixon. We had speakers covering topics to do with the craft of writing. We had inspiring (and funny) thoughts from great authors. We had people talking about a range of topics from how to keep your body healthy when you spend so many hours glued to a computer, to how to attack someone/defend yourself (for those writing books other than Harlequin Presents). A host of publishers was represented, including Dianne Moggy, Christina Lee and Haylee Kerans from Harlequin Enterprises.

We talked and laughed and learnt and did far too much eating, but the cliff top walks were fantastic for enticing us out of doors. We also had a wonderful book signing afternoon organised by the Australian Romance Readers Association which was a huge success and lots of fun. Thank you ARRA organisers! I had the good fortune to sit between Christine Wells and Helene Young, talented and delightful authors who made being at our table such a treat. Sadly my only pic of the three of us is a little too dark to share here but I've included one of me with Christine.

One of the highlights of the conference was the awards night with lots of new names attracting applause. The announcement of the Romantic Book of the Year (RBY) was the culmination of the ceremony and I'm thrilled to congratulate again Sharon Archer, Amy Andrews, Tracey O'Hara and Sophia James. Well done, ladies!

Another reason to love September is the fact that PASSION, PURITY AND THE PRINCE is in British stores right now. This is a very special book for me, exploring one of my favourite themes - the Cinderella story. It's about what happens when a prim, bespectacled bookworm meets a modern day prince charming, one with hidden shadows. It's about awakening and transformation and seduction and true love. Sigh. Yet Tamsin is no shrinking violet, simply swept off her feet by a handsome man. I found both Tamsin and Alaric satisfyingly complex and I loved writing their story. Next month the book will be available in Australia and New Zealand. Do check out my book page to read an excerpt.

It's been a lovely month as Tahir and Annalisa's story SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE CHILD is on sale and readers have been contacting me about it. The book appeared on both the Waldenbooks and the USA TODAY BESTSELLER LIST. Colour me thrilled! Even better though were the comments I've received. It's been heart-warming to hear Tahir and Annalisa have made so many friends. Your emails have brought lots of sunshine to an otherwise wet wintry month. Thank you so much for the feedback!

I've posted a couple of new review excerpts on my book page so you can see what the reviewers have been saying about SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE CHILD too.

Looking ahead there's a new book to anticipate: PASSION, PURITY AND THE PRINCE is a September UK release, but copies will be available in UK bookstores in late August. If you've ever dreamed of being swept off your feet by an intriguing, dashing hero in a fairytale kingdom, this could be a book for you. I've just posted an excerpt from the book so you can get a small taste of Tamsin and Alaric's story. Also on that page you'll find a few of the pictures that inspired me as I wrote the book.

I'm also sharing the cover of a new manga (Japanese comic book) edition of one of my stories that came out, I've just learned on my birthday. I'm waiting to receive my own copy and can't wait to discover which story it is!

I won't be home much this month. I have several trips away, including to the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Coogee (Sydney's seaside) mid month. I'll be catching up with lots of friends there and I'm looking forward too to the stimulation of chatting with others I haven't met before, but who also share of love of romance writing.

Associated with the RWA conference, the Australian Romance Readers Association is organising a book signing from 4.30-6.30 on Friday 13 August. If you're in the Sydney area and would like to come and meet some romance authors, do drop by. You can find details here.  You can bring your own books for signing or get some there. As well as the books there's the chance to chat with people whose books you've read and there will be giveaways from many of the authors. All round it should be enormous fun.

Speaking of giveaways, don't forget too, that I've got a marvellous summer sheikh contest running till almost the end of the month. It's easy to enter. Details are on my contest page.

This month you'll find me over at the Pink Heart Society on 5 August, talking about one of my favourite recent reads. Feel free to join me!

It’s going to be a wonderful awards night at the Romance Writers of Australia conference next month!

I’m starting July with blogs on the 1st of the month at both IHeartPresents and at Tote Bags n Blogs. Then on 19th July I’ll be visiting the Pink Heart Society, so feel free to pop over and say hello.  Also this month, I’ve been invited to be a guest at eHarlequin’s Passion Week online discussion on 21 July. This is a first for me so I’m hoping some of you will come and keep me company.

Finally, keep an eye out this month for some fantastic new releases: Home is Where the Bark Is by Kandy Shepherd, and My Reckless Surrender by Anna Campbell. Great holiday reading!

It's wonderful to hear good things about my books. So imagine my delight when I received a gorgeous certificate in the mail from the Colorado Romance Writers for THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS which was a finalist in the 2010 Award of Excellence. I smile when I think of Callie and Damon's story and it's fantastic to think of the judges enjoying it so much too.

Right now I'm plotting a new story that will keep me busy for some time, but to celebrate the launch of PASSION, PURITY AND THE PRINCE I've decided to run a new contest. Visit my contest page for a chance to win a copy of this latest release and books by two other Harlequin Presents authors: Jennie Lucas and Tina Duncan.

This month I'll be blogging at two of my favourite places:

Wishing you a month full of great stories!