I also had some fantastic news at the end of 2007. In the week before Christmas I heard from my editor that my seventh book has been accepted by Harlequin Mills and Boon. It will be called The Desert King's Pregnant Bride and will be an October 2008 release in the UK. Other release dates to be advised. This was wonderful news as I grappled long and hard to get Maggie and Khalid's story just right. It will be my third sheikh story and while most of it is set in Khalid's desert kingdom, it opens in the beautiful Hunter Valley, Australia, a few hours drive from my home.

Then, just before new year came the news that my 2007 release The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride has been nominated for the prestigious Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards, specifically for Best Presents. This is my first ever such nomination and I’m absolutely thrilled, even more so as I know some of the other authors nominated, and their work. I’m delighted to be in such fantastic company. Other nominated Presents books are by Helen Bianchin, Robyn Donald, Natasha Oakley and Julia James. In addition a number of other Aussie writers and friends have been nominated in other categories – wonderful to see so many familiar names and great writers on the lists!

December was a chance for me to catch up with other writers. My dear friend and critique partner, Anna Campbell, flew down to visit and we had a lovely couple of days relaxing together and sharing news. One of the highlights of her visit was a wonderful seaside lunch where we discussed books published and yet to come. Anna and I have a tradition of sharing a waterside lunch to celebrate our successes. This was our first on the edge of the Pacific, instead of Sydney Harbour. I'm glad to say it was a wonderful success, especially as we were entertained by a pod of dolphins who came in to feed and frolic amongst the surfers and swimmers. The restaurant was stylish, the food tremendous and the company excellent. My only regret was that I didn't take a good photo of the long, lovely beach just outside the window to share with you. Technically we were celebrating the success of my first sheikh story - The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride, which many readers seem to have loved. But we found time for a few other toasts, including for Anna's second book, Untouched, which is currently gathering terrific reviews.

I also managed to catch up with a lovely Harlequin author, Michelle Douglas, in December. I was amazed to discover that Michelle lives about 15 minutes away from me and has been writing for years. Her very first release, His Christmas Angel, was on sale in the UK and Australia/NZ in December. Michelle and I have met a couple of times for a 'quick' coffee which has taken several hours as we chatted about books and writing. What fun!

I have to report that the response to my recent new year contest with Anna Campbell has been overwhelming. I've never seen so many entries, and they're from all around the world. Details of the results, and of a brand new chance to win are on my contest page.

Hello to everyone who stopped by the EHarlequin Open House in December. There were lots of romance readers and writers visiting over one short day. It was great to catch up with people in the lead up to the festive season. I loved the recipe for Welsh Cakes I got there too, which was a bonus.

Dates to watch out for:

2nd week in January: pop over to Liz Fielding's website where I'll be blogging. This will be part of Liz's party to celebrate her 50th book! What an achievement!

18 January: I'll be at the Pink Heart Society talking about a great romantic movie.

2/3 February:  I'll be back at the Pink Heart Society with a post for their weekend wind down.

I hope your new year starts well and continues that way. I'm hoping to fit in a little reading before I get to work on my next story. Best wishes for 2008!

This month I’m trying to restrict my time on the internet as I’m working very hard on a new story. However, I’d love to have some company on the following blogs:

1 February - Tote Bags and Blogs and

2-3 February - at the Pink Heart Society with a discussion aimed specifically for writers.

Speaking of resources for writers, I’ve just posted an article to my website about time and how writers can use it to help achieve their goals. You’ll find it on my articles page.

The last few weeks have also brought a spate of translations for my books including, most recently my first Russian release. Now that's exotic!

Despite the way February sped by I did manage a little time for socialising, especially with other authors. In fact I had some great writerly discussions with friends. As you can see, it was all serious talk! Here I am breakfasting with historical author Cheryl Sallick and young adult author Vanessa Barneveld.

This month I'm blogging at the Pink Heart Society on 26 March, so please drop by and say hello. I'll be talking about where writers find their inspiration and I've persuaded some fabulous romance authors to share their experiences with me.

On the subject of reviews, I was thrilled to be sent a 4½ star CataRomance review for the anthology MILLS AND BOON PRESENTS... which contains my story THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS. Again, you can read more on my book page but here's a taster: "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!"

My other thrilling news is that one of my 2007 releases, FOR THE SHEIKH'S PLEASURE is a finalist in the prestigious National Readers' Choice Awards. This is an enormous honour. I'd love to attend the special reception where winners are announced at the San Francisco (Romance Writers of America) Conference in July.

Speaking of awards, I'm chuffed to announce that my dear friend, Anna Campbell has won the Romantic Times award for best first historical romance with CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. What a great excuse for a celebration!

Something new for you now. I recently circulated a newsletter to readers. As well as sharing information on my books, I included a special competition with a chance to win extra goodies, only open to newsletter recipients. This is something I'll do from time to time in the future. If you want to receive any future newsletters, just contact me with your email address.

8 May  - at Tote Bags n Blogs.

10 May - at the fabulous Romance Bandits' lair

14 May  - at Yo, Ho, A Writer's Life for Me (where I get to relax with a crew of pirates!)

14-20 May - chatting on all sorts of things at the lovely Jane Porter's bulletin board; and

20 May - at the Pink Heart Society

Please feel free to drop by and join in the discussions!

This month I've posted information for you about THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE, my next release. If you go to my book page you'll find a short description of the book and some of the photos that inspired me as I wrote. Hard cover copies of the book are already available to order in the UK. This is my third sheikh story and a little different from the others. As ever though, it was wonderful visiting my hero's faraway kingdom and finding out how Khalid and Maggie were going to find their happy ending. Look out next month when I'll be posting an excerpt from this new story.

Something new that I've just heard about via Harlequin. Daily Lit is a site that sends readers books delivered in instalments, by email, straight to their computer.  It's not a pirate site, just a different way of buying your latest read. Over 200 Harlequin titles are available from there, including 2 of my most recent releases: THE GREEK TYCOONS UNEXPECTED WIFE and FOR THE SHEIKH'S PLEASURE.  As a taster, bestselling author Kate Walker's newest Harlequin Presents release, SPANISH BILLIONAIRE, INNOCENT WIFE, is now available from DailyLit for free. You might want to check it out.

Speaking of books, I've just uncovered a stash I'd forgotten, of my first ever published romance: STRICTLY BUSINESS. The books got me thinking about romances that are old favourites and about newer favourites that have recently slipped onto my keeper shelf. That led to an idea for a new contest, with free books to be won by a couple of enthusiastic romance readers. All you have to do to win is tell me a little about one of your favourite books. Visit my contest page to enter. It's easy!

And if you want to continue the discussion about favourite romances, visit me on 10 July at the Pink Heart Society when I'll be talking about one of my all time favourite stories. I'd love to have you drop by.

And for readers in English, a little news of forthcoming releases. My next title THE DESERT KING’S PREGNANT BRIDE has been scheduled for UK release on October 2008, followed by Australian/New Zealand release in November 2008. I’m waiting to hear about the North American release.  I’ll post more about that later. Plus, some more excellent news: my book THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS, which is currently available only from the UK in an anthology (“Mills and Boon Presents...”) has been scheduled for Aus/NZ release in December 2008 as a stand alone ‘Sexy’ title with a bonus novella by talented author Melissa James. Needless to say I’m looking forward to the lead up to Christmas this year!

For writers, or for readers interested in that perennial question of ‘Where do writers get their ideas?’, I’ve posted a new article on just that subject. You can read it on my Links and Writing page. You’ll find information there from a wide range of authors including Helen Bianchin, Bronwyn Jameson, Kelly Hunter, Abby Green, Ally Blake and more.

If you’re looking for a diversion, I’ll blogging at the Pink Heart Society on 25 June.   And for another diversion, don’t forget the new contest where you can win signed new release books by Michelle Douglas, Kelly Hunter and me.

For those of you, like me, who are heading into the cooler months, I’ll leave you with some mementoes of a recent quick trip to Caloundra on Australia’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Believe it or not I worked while I was there, with the help of my good friend Anna Campbell, but I did manage to sneak out now and then for a walk on the waterfront.  Isn’t it lovely? I can’t wait to visit again.

September marks the month Khalid and Maggie's story, THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE, is available (it won't be in stores till October). It's a Mills and Boon Modern release, available direct from the Mills and Boon website link.

Some other books out this month that I'll be watching for are Christine Wells' THE DANGEROUS DUKE (a historical with a very sexy twist) and Abby Green's THE SPANIARD'S MARRIAGE BARGAIN. For a chance to win Abby's new book, and my own latest desert prince, visit my contest page.

This month also marks a major milestone - The Pink Heart Society turns two years old. Hard to believe! The site has been so entertaining and informative, from posts on techniques for writers to the perfect male inspiration for our heroes.  If you haven't already done so I'd urge you to check it out. I'll be posting there on 23 September about something most women find seductive (no, I won't tell you about it now). I'll hope to see you there some time.

On 15th September I'm giving away a prize to celebrate the Pink Heart Society's birthday. For the Little Pink Dancing Guy the gift, of course, has to be Tim Tams, that wondrous Australian sweet treat that goes perfectly with a good book. Pink Tim Tams are available too, (of course!). For others the prize has to be a copy of my latest sexy sheikh, Khalid, in a signed copy of THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE. Just send me an email with 'Pink Heart Birthday' in the subject line and tell me where Khalid is from (the answer is in the excerpt on my book page). I'll email the winner after 15 September.

Also this month (and coming up far too fast since I have a manuscript I need to finish) is the Romance Writers of Australia (RWA) Conference in Melbourne. Actually, despite the frantic effort to write my story, I can't wait. Our Australian conferences are so much fun and so inspiring. I spend those several days learning so much, talking so much, sharing so much (and, sadly, eating so much) that it's an absolute ball. If you're in Melbourne on 23-24 August, it's well worth aiming to attend. We'll be at the Langham Hotel on South Bank. More details available from the RWA website.

Finally, if you're looking for diversion and a review of a classic romantic film, check out my blog on the Pink Heart Society site on 15 August.

Thanks everyone who has contacted me recently about THE DESERT KING’S PREGNANT BRIDE. It’s heart warming to hear Khalid and Maggie have pleased readers since their story was released in the UK in October. This month their book appears in bookstores in New Zealand and Australia with its distinctive red-edged cover! And, yes, I suspect I’ll be drawn to check out the shelves from time to time. It’s such a wonderful feeling, having your story out there for people to read and hopefully enjoy.

If you want to see what reviewers thought or read an excerpt, visit my book page. There is also information on how I came to write this story.

I’m delighted to share with you the news that I’ve just sold my ninth title to Harlequin Mills and Boon. THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS will come out in August next year. I scooted through writing this story as I enjoyed it so much: the setting (some gorgeous Greek islands), the characters: Callie and Damon who set sparks off whenever they got close, and a story of revelations and gradual understanding. I’ll look forward to telling you more about it next year.

This month I’ve posted a new article on my writing and links page. It’s especially for readers who love the strong Modern/Presents/Sexy heroes – whether they enjoy reading them or writing them. It’s called THE HEART OF THE ALPHA MALE and first appeared in the Romance Writers of Australia magazine, Hearts Talk. For those of you who are members of Romance Writers of Australia, there will be an online discussion at ROMAUS on exactly this topic from 6 November. I’ll be there and so will some terrific RWAus writers who had a soft spot for a strong hero, so if you’re able, do come and chat about alpha heroes.

Also this month I’ll be at:

It would be great to see you there!

At last THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE is on the shelves in the UK. It seems so long since I first saw Maggie and Khalid's story in book form! Even longer since I heard the book had been accepted. That's one thing I'm learning as a writer - patience! It's quite a wait from the time I type 'The End' till the day the book appears in shops.

Already I've received lovely positive feedback on this book so I'm hoping plenty of other readers will enjoy this, my third sheikh story. This book has a hint of the Cinderella about it. It's a story with heart and a hero and heroine who, I believe, really deserve their happily ever after. Maggie thinks herself the least likely woman to snare a man's attention, especially the charismatic new Sheikh of Shajehar. Khalid believes he can never again give his heart to a woman, but finds himself bound to Maggie and learning that love is stronger than all his careful plans. You can read an excerpt on my book page and enter a contest to win this book. Even better, you may want to read the whole opening and buy the book at the UK Mills and Boon site. 

If you enjoy hearing about the ideas that spark stories, make sure to visit my books pages. I've just included information on both THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE and THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS, giving some insight into what inspired them and how they came to be written. (Including a few pictures that inspired me as I wrote).

A few dates to remember this month:

In the meantime I'm busy with revisions on my latest story. I'll look forward to sharing more news with you next month.

By the time you read this update I'll be far away on a long-planned trip. For the whole of December I'll be travelling with my family in Europe and Britain, possibly enjoying a white Christmas for the first time in years. In the process I'll be scoping out some sites for possible story settings (ah, so hard, but someone has to do it!) as well as some other specific story research. So if you email me this month and I don't respond, don't worry. I will be in touch later!

I'll miss seeing my latest release on the shelves here in Australia and New Zealand. I'm particularly excited about this story as it's a special one for me. THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS was a story requested for inclusion in a special anthology to mark the centenary of Mills and Boon in London. Now it's being released Down Under just in time for Christmas and it's being published as a special edition with Melissa James' novella CELEBRITY WEDDING OF THE YEAR. Before she moved to Europe Melissa and I were briefly in the same writing group so it seems serendipity that we're together in this edition even though we haven't seen each other for quite some time. As you can imagine, the release of this edition as a Christmas special makes the season doubly exciting for me.

THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS is a very sexy story set in a glamorous world of wealth, power and privilege. Rafe, my hero, is bent on revenge and buying Antonia as his mistress is part of his scheme to right past wrongs. Yet with Antonia he discovers something he'd never expected. Antonia is a woman pushed into a situation with virtually no choices, yet she refuses to be defeated. I loved the tug of war between this pair, especially as I saw the attraction between them grow into something much stronger.  I also enjoyed  the world of this book: lots of high society glitter and gloss and beneath it all the driving passion and emotional intensity that disrupts Rafe and Antonia's lives completely. To read an excerpt or a review of this book, go to my book page. Or you can buy a copy at Harlequin Australia.

Things happening this month: on 18 December I'll have a blog at the Pink Heart Society and do check out the fabulous end of year contest I'm running with lots of prizes offered by talented Aussie authors.

All the best for the festive season. I hope it's a peaceful, happy time for you and yours. I'll look forward to sharing more news for you in the new year.

In November I visited Guildford, Sydney for a library talk with my friend Anna Campbell, and had a brilliant time. Thanks to everyone who turned up. Here are a couple of mementos:

January was a busy month with writing, summer holidays and some major works happening at our house. I thought I’d share with you two pictures from that summer month. One is the Stargazer lily that’s been flowering just outside our home. Lovely isn’t it? And the other is a scene from Melbourne. I’m recently back from a short trip to that southern city, after revelling in the delights of the Australian Open Tennis, theatres, sightseeing and shopping.

I had such fun last month, contributing to Liz Fielding’s blog site. Congratulations, Liz on the publication of your 50th book. What an achievement! Thank you, too, to all the people who joined us there and left comments. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions.

Spring has sprung! It's amazing how suddenly it happens. I recently returned from visiting Melbourne for the Romance Writers of Australia conference on a balmy afternoon (so different to the chill the week before). The perfume of native orchids, lilies and other spring flowers wafted on the breeze and the new season had arrived. That sense of new growth all around is enough to energise me. Add to that the marvellous incentive of a brilliant conference and I feel ready for anything.

The conference exceeded expectations. We had a range of wonderful speakers, both local and from across the globe. The latter group included Barbara Samuel, Jo Beverley, Margie Lawson and Jenny Hutton (editor from Harlequin Mills and Boon). The sessions were informative and inspiring, the venue gorgeous, the celebrations fantastic and the awards ceremony such fun. One of my favourite moments was accepting a prize for my talented friend, young adult writer, Vanessa Barneveld, who couldn't be there. Congratulations to the many talented writers who won awards or finalled in competitions this year.

Above all, it was a friendly conference. I spoke to people I'd known for years and met new friends, enjoying their company and their views. Getting together with other writers is one of the best things! You can see by the smiles at the dinner hosted by Harlequin for its authors and at the conference dinner, how much we enjoyed ourselves.

July is conference month in North America. I wish I could attend my first RWAmerica conference in 2008 but sadly it's not to be. I'll have my fingers crossed for great contest outcomes for the many friends and other favourite authors who've been nominated for prizes. My own FOR THE SHEIKH'S PLEASURE is a finalist too, in the National Readers' Choice Awards. I hope everyone who attends has a fabulous time.

And, just following up a little news from last month: a surprise package arrived recently. It turns out that Arik, my second sheikh, has also gone Japanese, with FOR THE SHEIKH'S PLEASURE recently published there.

And to end on some excellent news, I've just discovered my latest Spanish release is available now! PASION EN PRIVADO is available from the Harlequin Iberica site. Isn't it a wonderful cover? I think I'm in love!

Apologies for the delay in posting news (my webmistress was AWOL having a marvellous time in the US).

First up I'm thrilled to say that my 8th book for Harlequin Mills and Boon has just been accepted. BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE will be released in the UK in May next year. Dates for US and Aus/NZ to be advised. My first Sicilian hero is on his way!

Also, for the US/Canadian readers who've been asking about my next North American release, I can tell you THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE has been scheduled for release there in April 2009. That's a bit of a wait, but do keep checking my website contests as I'll be offering early release books there. In the current contest you can win a copy of THE GREEK TYCOON'S UNEXPECTED WIFE as well as my first ever published (Aussie) romance: STRICTLY BUSINESS.

Don't forget too, that if you're interested in receiving newsletters (just a few a year) advising you of upcoming releases, email me. Newsletter readers also get the opportunity to win additional prizes.

This month I've posted an excerpt from my next book: THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE so you can get a taste of how that story starts. The hard cover edition is already available (waving hi here to Lorie P who must, I'm sure, be the first person on the planet to buy and read it). If you like a strongly emotional romance, or if you enjoy a sheikh story you might want to check out the excerpt of Khalid and Maggie's story. Just visit my book page and click on the title to read it.

As many of you know, August is romance writers' conference month. Many of my friends have recently been in San Francisco for the Romance Writers of America Conference. It sounds like it was fantastic and I'm looking forward to hearing lots more detail from those who attended. I'm particularly thrilled to say that both Anna Campbell (historical author extraordinaire) and Donna Alward (talented Harlequin Romance author) took out honours in the Booksellers Best Award. Congratulations, ladies!

July already and winter has hit with a rush of whistling wind and even some rain. Even here on the coast north of Sydney it's been cold enough at night to light a fire and enjoy the cosy warmth. It's perfect weather to snuggle down with a good book or two and that's exactly what I plan to do. Of course I'll be trying to write one as well as catch up with my reading. Plus July is a significant month for birthdays in this house so the month promises to bring some nice celebrations. I have my fingers crossed for even more books when it comes to possible birthday gifts.

Thank you to the many readers who’ve contacted me recently after reading one or more of my stories. It’s wonderful to hear from you. I’ve been so pleased to receive such positive feedback about Stavros and Tessa’s story THE GREEK TYCOON’S UNEXPECTED WIFE. As I write this that book has been on the Waldenbooks bestseller list for romances for a fortnight and I’m very happy. It’s been great too, hearing from readers who have just discovered some of my earlier books. A writer’s life is pretty solitary and receiving mail from readers is terrific! Don’t forget, if you want to be advised of approaching releases, you can put your name down to receive my occasional newsletter simply by mentioning it to me in an email.

Speaking of releases, I’ve had a spate of lovely news about those. Just a few days ago I received copies of my first translation into Japanese. I was fascinated to find that as well as the book starting from what I’d consider the back, even the picture on THE SHEIKH’S RANSOMED BRIDE was reversed. So that makes editions in 10 different languages in less than 2 years. Pretty amazing! That means there are Annie West titles in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Korean, Greek and Japanese. I also have a new Spanish translation appearing in October, called Pasion En Privado (Passion in Private, which I think is a wonderful title).

Nice news this month. First up Stavros and Tessa make it onto the shelves in North America in THE GREEK TYCOON'S UNEXPECTED WIFE. Watch out for this release in stores from the middle of the month as a Presents Extra edition. Harlequin is now offering four extra stories, along classic Presents themes, in the middle of each month. That's in addition to the usual releases at the beginning of the month. In mid May the theme is Greek tycoons, so be prepared to get swept away to a world of wealth, glamour and passion. Stavros certainly makes the grade on that score. He's wealthy, powerful and used to getting his own way. It was wonderful watching him struggle against a force greater than anything he'd ever experienced - his growing love for the woman he'd married but barely knew. Thanks very much to the lovely readers in the UK and Australia who've written to me about this story. It's wonderful hearing your feedback. A recent review of this book from CataRomance noted that "The edgy atmosphere between Stavros and Tessa is like a live entity; sizzling and boiling until the explosive consummation". (You can read more on my book page).

March is a very busy month for me so I'll keep my news brief.

First up I'm pleased to say that my story THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS is now available. Antonia and Rafe's story is part of a special anthology being released by Harlequin Mills and Boon to celebrate the centenary in the UK of Mills and Boon publishing. A hundred years of publishing! That's an incredible achievement.

I'm thrilled that I was asked to contribute to the special centenary release called "MILLS AND BOON PRESENTS...". This is an anthology of three full length novels, showcasing the work of new authors and is introduced by best selling author Penny Jordan. I'm one of those authors along with Annie Burrows who writes historical romances and Margaret McDonagh who writes medical romances. In one collection readers can experience three different styles of romance. This one volume contains brand new novels:

~ AN ITALIAN AFFAIR by Margaret McDonagh

~ THE EARL'S UNTOUCHED BRIDE by Annie Burrows; and

~ THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS by Annie West.

At the moment dates have not been set for release of this anthology outside Britain, so if you don't live in the UK and you don't want to miss out, the best way to buy is copy at the moment is through the Mills and Boon website or UK Amazon.

If you want to read more about THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS, visit my books page.

To celebrate the launch of MILLS AND BOON PRESENTS... Annie, Margaret and I are jointly hosting a contest where you can win free books from all three of us. It's easy to enter. Check out my contest page for details.

More nice news that came my way recently. As well as receiving a CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, my 2007 release THE SHEIKH’S RANSOMED BRIDE was voted Favourite Harlequin Presents of 2007 in the CataRomance 2007 Best Book of the Year Awards. Thank you to all the people who voted for Belle and Rafiq's story. It's wonderful to know that readers enjoyed the story so much!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope the 14th is a special day for you.

Some very special news I’ve recently received: my release THE SHEIKH’S RANSOMED BRIDE has been awarded the CataNetwork’s Reviewers’ Choice Award for 2007. This is my first writing award and I’m celebrating!

At last the time has arrived when I can visit the shops and see THE GREEK TYCOON’S UNEXPECTED WIFE on the shelves here in Australia. Nothing beats that feeling of seeing your work go from messy manuscript to luscious book in the store. Except maybe hearing from readers who enjoyed the book too. This is a story I loved telling – high stakes, glamour, Greek island setting, a gorgeous hero who’s got so much at stake – he’s just discovered he has both a wife and a fiancée! To find out more about how I wrote the story, or read an excerpt, go to my book page. If you read the book and want to share your thoughts, feel free to contact me.

Hello too, to any readers from India. I’ve learned that THE GREEK TYCOON’S UNEXPECTED WIFE has just been released there.

Good news for those who like a sneak peak at forthcoming books. I’ve just posted an excerpt for THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS. You can read about how I came to write this story which will appear in a special centenary anthology for Harlequin Mills and Boon in April. Watch out next month when I’ll start a very special competition to mark the release of that anthology.

Speaking of competitions, don’t forget to check out the one running right now from my contest page. It’s easy to enter and there are free books to be won!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2008 is a wonderful year for romance readers and writers alike.

I'm very excited about the new year as it starts with the release of my latest book for Harlequin Mills and Boon. The Greek Tycoon's Unexpected Wife goes on sale this month in the UK and next month in Australia and New Zealand. (Readers in North America will have to wait till May.) Writing Stavros and Tessa's story was lots of fun, though Stavros is such a strong-minded character sometimes it was a challenge too! If you'd like to read an excerpt of the story, or see a couple of the pictures that inspired me as I wrote, go my book page. The picture of the swimmer on that Greek beach really does remind me of Stavros. It's been several months since the release of my last story and I'm very excited. If anyone spies it on sale in the shops, or better yet, takes a picture of the book on the shelf, I'd love to hear from you. In fact, I'll send a prize to the first person to send me a photo with details of where it's on sale (separate prizes for different continents!). It's a thrill having this book released in the first month of Mills and Boon's centenary in Britain. I never thought one of my stories would be part of that particular celebration!