I was really struck by the Christmas decorations everywhere, particularly the lights (which looked marvellous since it got dark so early). Every town, square or street seemed to have its own Christmas tree and decorations ranged from professional and massive to small and homemade. I particularly enjoyed the little Santas painted on cut logs outside people's doorways.

We visited quaint Christmas markets as well as busy cities and little medieval towns. We stayed in all sorts of places including an oast house in Kent, a castle on the Rhine and a 550 year old hotel with a fascinating history. One of our favourite days featured a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the alps. All were wonderful in their own way but I have to say staying in the castle was particularly inspiring. As you can see by the photo of me at the desk in our room I felt really quite at home! On a serious note the trip was just the thing for gathering research information for future books.

While in the UK I caught up with my editor from Harlequin Mills and Boon and was treated to a lovely lunch and a long chat. During our conversation she updated me on my 2009 release schedule. You'll find details of what's planned on my books page. In mid April there is the  North American release of THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE. After that comes BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE, THE GREEK'S CONVENIENT MISTRESS (North America), and THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS.  I hope readers find stories to enjoy in that list!

On the subject of books, if you live in Australia or New Zealand you should still be able to find copies of THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS on sale in stores or from Harlequin Australia during January.

This month I'll blog on Thursday 22nd at the Pink Heart Society and on Friday 29th at Tote Bags n Blogs. Please feel free to come and join in with a comment.

January is a big month, not just because it marks the new year, but for me because my dear friend Anna Campbell has her third book released. TEMPT THE DEVIL is available now in bookstores and on line. I can't recommend it highly enough. Already it's garnered excellent reviews and everyone I've spoken to who has read it is enthusiastic. This is a story about real characters whose dilemmas and yearnings reach out and grab you. It's intense and both emotionally and erotically charged - a book to savour and keep!

Finally, don't forget to check out my latest contest, with books to be won as well as a special Harlequin calendar showcasing 60 years of covers. Speaking of contests, Anna Campell is also running a terrific contest through February, with books by Aussie authors to be won, including my own FOR THE SHEIKH'S PLEASURE. Why not take a look at that too?

All the best for a great new year! Here's hoping it holds lots of good things for all of us.

Hello! I've recently returned from a month travelling with my family. The wintry European landscapes were so different from the heat of an Australian summer (as I write it's 37C outside, or almost 100F). What a change from brisk winds, warm fires and snowy vistas.

It was the trip of a lifetime, with so many highlights I've lost count and no disasters at all. Not even one piece of missing luggage! We met lovely people everywhere and lucked out when it came to timing for special events as well as catching up with marvellous friends. I've included a few photos to give you a taste of what we saw and did.

Other things to look out for this month are my regular Pink Heart Society blog on Friday 27th February, and the inaugural Australian Romance Readers Conference in Melbourne over the weekend of 21-22 February. Click here to find out more. If you're a romance reader this may be the perfect way for you to spend that weekend!

Finally, I'd like to thank Anna Campbell, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. During January Anna was feature author at Eloisa James and Julia Quinn's Bulletin Board.  That led to an invitation for me to join her along with fabulous historical author Christine Wells. What a treat that was! So many friendly people and such interesting discussions. It was a great way to start the new year.

Happy New Year 2009! I hope you've all had a wonderful new year celebration and wish you all the best for a happy, peaceful year full of goodwill, good experiences and good books.

I'm currently travelling but will be home very soon and will drop by to update my news.

Warmest wishes,  Annie

Now, for book news. I'm currently finalising a story and hope to be in a position to tell you more about it soon. If you head to my book page you'll find I've just posted an excerpt of my next release BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE. The book is available now in hardcover from the UK and to order in paperback. It's one of the most passionate, provocative stories I've written. More detail to follow closer to the paperback release. I've also just posted details of a new contest where you can win new releases: THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE which is an April US release.

Speaking of free books, did you know that as part of Harlequin's 60th anniversary you can now download free stories? Just go to Harlequin Celebrates.

A fairly quiet time this month with blogs. You can catch up with me on 23 March either at the Pink Heart Society or at Sia McKye's Over Coffee Blog.

Sweet treats at Brunetti's - a fab place for breakfast in Melbourne.

Annie with reader Elisa (middle) and Harlequin Romance author Michelle Douglas (right) at booksigning.

Breakfast at Brunetti's: (L-R) Josie Caporetto, Annie, Anna Campbell and Serena Tatti.

Annie with debut Harlequin Medical author Sharon Archer.

What do you think of my new look website, courtesy of talented Aussie Desire author Paula Roe? I love the new pictures in particular. Do let me know what you think!

February is a short month and it seems even shorter as I think of all the things I have scheduled, including finishing my current story! If only there were more days in the week... I have to admit it's taken me a while to get back down to work after the marvellous European trip in December. See, I just can't resist adding another photo from my trip - from the Galleries Lafayette in Paris. The fact that it's a particularly warm Australian summer, with long days when I'd rather be swimming or relaxing in the shade doesn't help. I do hope those of you weathering extremes of temperature one way or another manage it in comfort.

Meanwhile I have some book news to share.  First up I came home to discover a fantastic review for my next US release, THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE. Even though the book isn't available in North America till April I had to share it. Here's an excerpt:  "Annie West captures her readers with a lure as magical as tales from Arabian Nights.  THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE has all the magical elements of a good romance superbly woven into a timeless masterpiece."  ~ Ansley, 4.5 ribbons, Romance Junkies.

Isn't that a great way to start the year? Plus I've just seen it available for order on Amazon (exciting since I haven't received my own copies yet). Keep an eye on my contest page a little later as I'm planning a special contest to celebrate Khalid and Maggie's appearance in North America.

Also, hot off the press, I've just received my hardcover edition of BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE. This story will be on sale in hardcover in March, then in May in the UK and June in Australia/New Zealand (North America to be advised). I'm so thrilled to have this book in my hands, especially as I recall exactly how vivid this story was in my mind. It was wonderful to see that the cover takes advantage of a setting from my story in Sicily.  This is one of the most passionate, provocative stories I've written. An almost-revenge story with a twist. I've just posted some more details on my book page.

Don't forget, you have until 25 February to enter my latest contest, where you can win my most recent release, THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS as well as a terrific Presents by Jennie Lucas and a special commemorative calendar from Harlequin.

If you want to win a signed copy you have until 12 April to enter my website contest. After that, you'll have to look in stores or online.

There are a few other Annie West stories available now or just about to come out and I'll tell you more about them soon. In the meantime you can visit my book pages to read more about them. They are:

Thanks especially to the people who contacted me recently with lovely feedback after reading the hardcover edition of BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE. I'm so glad to hear Dario and Alissa's story hit the spot! He certainly is a hero who knows how to sweep a woman off her feet.

In other thrilling news I've just sold my 10th book to Harlequin. I'm into double figures. Amazing! This book is a little different from my earlier ones - a reunion story with a twist! It will be a January 2010 release and I'll post more about it closer to the date.

Other fantastic news (I've certainly had my share of good tidings lately) is that Rafe and Antonia's story: THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS is a finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence Contest!

I was also excited recently to see that one of my stories, FOR THE SHEIKH'S PLEASURE, has been reprinted again in Japanese, but this time in the form of a manga comic book! Amazing. It's enormous fun flipping through the pages and watching the story unfold, and especially seeing how the artist has interpreted my words. Arik and Rosalie look a little different to the way I imagined them and following a story from the right side or 'back' of the book took some getting used to. I hope Japanese readers enjoy this edition. Here's a peek at the cover.

I have a busy time coming up with lots of online events. Feel free to pop over and contribute or just follow the conversations online. I'll be at:

Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it. Plus I have a new book to work on…

Till next month, happy reading!

I'm so glad to have got to the end of this month. Though there have been wonderful things happening, the bushfires here in Australia have been appalling. I hope we never have to experience anything like them again.

If you'd like to do something to assist the victims, please consider these options:

On a happier note I'm just recently home from the inaugural Australian Romance Readers Convention. About 275 people turned up for a weekend talking romance at the Jasper Hotel in Melbourne. Congratulations to the organisers who pulled together a marvellous event. And also to the attendees, who were all so enthusiastic about romance. There were stacks of authors there, including Amy Andrews, Keri Arthur, Sarah Bennett, Ally Blake, Anna Campbell, Sandy Curtis, Mary-Janice Davidson, Michelle Douglas, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Stephanie Laurens, Dianna Love, Carol Marinelli, Melanie Milburne, Paula Roe, Elisabeth Rose, Alison Stuart, etc etc.

It was just fantastic meeting so many other readers and talking books all weekend. The book signing was fun, the panels were informative and I even enjoyed the one where I had to work, as part of a group discussing category romance. The awards night was a real treat. So many nice people at my table and so many lovely people received awards too, including Anna Campbell, Stephanie Laurens and Melanie Milburne.

Here are just a couple of photos from that weekend so you get a feel for the Convention. I wish I had a good shot of the stage full of authors who attended. Standing there before a packed auditorium, with so many camera flashes exploding everywhere was rather surreal and very exciting.

In other exciting news my story The Desert King's Pregnant Bride has been on sale in North America since mid April and I’m thrilled to say it’s been on the Waldenbooks bestseller list for two weeks, even going up to no. 2! YAY! Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy. I hope Maggie and Khalid’s story is just the sort of sheikh story you enjoy. So far the feedback has been ultra positive. No wonder I love to hear what readers think.

Look out at the end of this month for The Greek's Convenient Mistress in North American stores. This book is intense, emotional and passionate and features another strong alpha hero. More about that in my next update but in the meantime, check out the excerpt and reviews by clicking on the cover on my book page.

It seems to be contest season for authors. I mentioned last month that The Billionaire's Bought Mistress is shortlisted in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence Contest (short contemporary category). Whenever I think of this I smile. Partly because it’s such a great contest to final in, and also because this story is rather a favourite of mine. Now I’ve got the names of the others on the shortlist and I couldn’t be in better company. They are:

In other contest news some of my friends are doing marvellously, shortlisted in the following competitions:

As you can imagine, I have fingers and toes crossed for them.

To celebrate the release of Backmailed Bride, Innocent Wife and the upcoming release of The Greek's Convenient Mistress, I’m offering a brand new "Magnificent Mediterranean Heroes" contest. Details are on my contest page.

April was a huge month for blogging. I had fun on so many sites, including Romance B(u)y the Book (thanks Michelle!),  Romance Bandits and Cataromance, which hosted a special discussion on Harlequin Presents. This month you can catch me on:

The middle of the year and things seem to be getting busier than ever. Whether you're enjoying long, lazy summer days, or like me, keeping warm in the middle of winter, I hope you find lots to celebrate. As I write this we're organising a weekend break to the Hunter Valley vineyards by way of a birthday treat. I can't wait!

On the writing front there's lots to smile about too. This month sees THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS on sale in the UK. Yes, I know it's marked as an August release, but it will be in stores from 17th July so keep your eyes open if you're in Britain. This is the first month where there are two separate releases of Modern stories in the month.

This story had a long gestation period. I had my hero and heroine in mind for ages before I got a chance to write their story. When I did, the words just rolled onto the page. Here's a taste of what the story is about:

Passion runs high between Callie and Damon from the moment the book opens. They're lovers, strong characters who are determined to learn from past mistakes. But is their relationship a mistake or the best thing that ever happened to them? I've just posted a short excerpt on my book page so you can get a feel for the story.

There are more releases coming up too. In August PURCHASED FOR PASSION is released in the UK. This is a 'By Request' omnibus with full length stories by Emma Darcy, Julia James and me!  My story is a re-release of my first book for Harlequin Mills and Boon: A MISTRESS FOR THE TAKING.

In September THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS comes to Australia and New Zealand. BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE goes on sale in North America in December. Meanwhile, news has come through of releases in Germany and Portugal which I can't wait to receive. Here are some of the covers. Luscious, aren't they?

Other news which came out just too late for my last update was that some very special friends are in the finals of Romance Writers of Australia's Romantic Book of the Year, in various categories. These include:

Short Sweet Category:

Claire Baxter - The Single Dad's Patchwork Family

Melissa James - A Mother in a Million

Marion Lennox - His Island Bride

Fiona McArthur - The Midwife's Baby

Short Sexy Category:

Miranda Lee - The Millionaire's Inexperienced Love Slave

Carol Marinelli - Expecting His Love Child

Trish Morey - The Italian Boss's Mistress of Revenge

Paula Roe - Boardrooms & A Billionaire Heir

Long Romance Category:

Karina Bliss - Second Chance Family

Anna Campbell - Untouched

Anne Gracie - The Stolen Princess

Elizabeth Rolls - A Compromised Lady

Do keep an eye open for a couple of fantastic debut novels that are available now. I've read both in the last couple of weeks and had a ball with each one. Sharon Archer's Harlequin Medical, Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted, is a heart-warming, feel good story set in a small Australian country town. Kandy Shepherd's Berkley release, Love is a Four-Legged Word, is a warm, funny read about a couple who start off as unwilling allies, brought together by a dog and their growing feelings for each other.  For a chance to win these fabulous new books, plus wonderful new releases by Michelle Douglas (Harlequin Sweet Romance) and Paula Roe (Harlequin Desire), enter my current contest.

Finally, thank you to everyone who so generously supported Brenda Novak's wonderful auction in aid of research into juvenile diabetes. I'm told the auction raised around $290,000 US. Isn't that marvellous?

Don't forget that if you want to catch up with me during the month I'll be blogging from time to time. First up I'm visiting Sia McKye on 8 July and the Pink Heart Society on 10 July. Keep an eye on Kate Walker's blog and IHeartPresents at some time during the month when I'll be posting there too.

Ah, the lovely month of May. Do you realise we’re a third of the way through the year? It makes you think, doesn’t it? I’m taking stock of my deadlines and all the things I want to achieve this year.

But as well as working hard on my next project I’m celebrating.  Backmailed Bride, Innocent Wife is on sale now in the UK, available in bookstores or direct from UK Amazon or Mills and Boon.

This story was truly a gift to write. Dario Parisi is a man with a single aim: to restore what was stolen from his family. He thinks himself above revenge, but when circumstances dictate that the only way to recoup the lost estates is by marrying the granddaughter of his sworn enemy, he’s torn between anger and a sneaking delight in having her within his power. And, he discovers too late...a weakness for the one woman whom above all he can’t afford to trust.

For Alissa, marriage to Dario Parisi seems a nightmare made real. For years he’s haunted her, the very man her despised grandfather had planned for her to marry. The personification of every reason she has to distrust powerful, authoritative men. But marriage to Dario isn’t at all what she expected, and Dario himself is far more complex and fascinating that she could ever have imagined.

I hope you find this story as satisfying as I did when I wrote it. If you go to my book page you’ll find an excerpt to whet your appetite. Here’s some feedback I’ve received from some earlybird readers:

This book is also going on sale in India right now. Here’s the cover I found on Mills and Boon’s Indian site. Isn’t it interesting to see the different art work?

But there are other Annie West releases out before that. Here's the cover for my next North American title. BLACKMAILED WIFE, INEXPERIENCED BRIDE is a mid December Presents Extra edition. I love the way it looks with the American cover makeover! Plus I'm waiting with bated breath to see the cover of FORGOTTEN MISTRESS: SECRET-LOVE CHILD which is also a mid December release, but in the UK.

A few new websites have come to my attention recently. I'll be visiting from time to time to see what's happening. First up is the Romance Writers of Australia blog site. There have been some great posts so far with lots of news for both writers and readers. Another site I'm looking forward to is the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood which is the brand new blog site for the 2009 Golden Heart Finalists. My friend Vanessa Barneveld, a talented Young Adult author and recent Golden Heart finalist, will be blogging there on 16 October.

If you have time on 12 October, do stop by the Pink Heart Society when I'll be blogging. I have one of the coveted 'Male on Monday' spots so I'll be introducing a leading man sure to inspire all sorts of romantic imaginings.

Don't forget my current contest has wonderful prizes including signed copies of THE SAVAKIS MISTRESS (Annie West), WICKED LITTLE GAME by Christine Wells and MIRACLE: TWIN BABIES by Fiona Lowe. Good luck to those who enter!

Also, remember to look out next month when I'll be posting an excerpt of FORGOTTEN MISTRESS: SECRET LOVE-CHILD.

Finally, some free reading for you. Mills and Boon in Britain are celebrating their first year of eBook sales. They're giving away 10 titles. If you go to this site you'll have a choice of books to download. Plus, as you know, this year Harlequin celebrates its 60th anniversary. If you visit this site you can download 16 Harlequin titles for free. Enough there to keep most readers busy for at least a while!

As you read this I'll be on vacation in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, staying in a gorgeous old house surrounded by a cottage garden someone else has to weed! It's spring here and I have visions of myself on a comfortable seat in that garden (with my laptop of course!). Plus as you can see, the local national park is very scenic, so I'm aiming for some long rambling walks to build up an appetite for a visit or two to the fantastic German bakery nearby. Then there's the book shop… I'm sure we'll all have a terrific time and hopefully come back refreshed and ready for anything.

To other news: I've just sold my 11th title to Harlequin! SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE-CHILD is part of a 4 book sheikh continuity which is scheduled for UK release in June next year and for North American and Australian/New Zealand release in July. I'll tell you more about that closer to the date but I can mention that I had a wonderful time working with some very special Presents/Modern authors on our linked stories. I think readers will find this Dark Hearted Men of the Desert series very special.

It's a huge month for me and I'm very excited! I've got two December releases. Yay! It feels like Christmas has come early here. To celebrate I'm offering a fantastic December Double Delights contest which is dead easy to enter, but be quick - it closes on 8th December.

First up (fanfare please) there's BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE, a Presents Extra edition in North American stores from 8 December. This is a marriage of convenience (or perhaps more aptly - inconvenience) story. The back cover sets with scene with the tagline forced to wed… and share his bed. I adored writing this story right from the moment it popped into my head, with a take-charge Sicilian  hero determined to amend past wrongs no matter what the consequences. Dario and Alissa's relationship is combustible from the first but most of all I loved watching the subtle changes and shifts in their emotions as they began to know each other through their marriage. This book has been getting great reviews and reader feedback. Check out my book page where you'll find some of the quotes. One of my favourites describes Alissa and Dario's story as 'A luscious read that should not be missed'.

Second book off the rank is FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD, in UK stores mid month and of course available on the web (try M&B UK, Amazon or the Book Depository). The mid month release schedule is relatively new so keep your eyes open for that second round of books. This is my first ever reunion story, but it's a reunion with a twist which creates all sorts of tensions. The tagline: He's forgotten her past but not her body gives a hint about that. I've only recently received my copies of this book so I don't yet have reviews to post. In the meantime I'll look forward to hearing from readers on this intense, passionate story.

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.

This month is extraordinarily busy with blogs. As I'm also trying to finish my current story it should be an interesting time! If you want to drop by and join in any of the discussions you're very welcome. Here are the dates:

As this is my final update for the year I want to wish you and yours everything good for the festive season. I hope it's a time of happiness, peace and contentment for you. And I hope there are some good books in there too!

Best wishes everyone!

Finally it's here, the month THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE hits bookstores in North America. It's a mid month Presents Extra edition, released as part of a series of four 'Unexpected Baby' stories. The book has already been on sale via the Harlequin site through March where I'm happy to say it's been on the best seller list for both paperback and ebook editions. YAY! Here's a little taster:

Hello, everyone. I hope you're approaching those long summer days (or in my case, cool, wintry ones) with a stack of good books for company. I had a recent short visit to the gorgeous Blue Mountains west of Sydney where the days were clear and crisp and the autumn leaves gorgeous. I'm currently planning another visit (after the current project is finished) and intend to take a stack of books.

As I write this I'm thrilled to say my latest release The Greek's Convenient Mistress is on sale in North America. Not only that but I've just discovered it hit the Waldenbooks romance bestseller list in May even before I realised it was on sale (the release date is 1 June). You can imagine how ecstatic I was at that news. Thank you everyone who's gone out to secure a copy. I hope it lives up to your expectations. The reader mail I've received so far is just lovely. Here's a little about the story:

Sandra Garcia Myers recently gave the book a 4 star review in Romantic Times.

Meanwhile, Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife goes on sale in Australia and New Zealand this month. YAY! I can go out and gloat over it in stores. Would I do that? Really? OK, I confess, I have been known to stand and stare at my lovely books, but just occasionally. I don't want to put other readers off browsing. I've been basking in the glow of terrific comments from readers overseas about Alissa and Dario's story and hope local romance lovers enjoy this story just as much.

Don't forget, if you're interested in winning copies of these two new releases, go to my contest page and enter before 12 June to be in the draw!