Age old tale

I now understand the hype behind Twilight.

I've read the book, watched the movie, and enjoyed both a lot more than I expected to.

I'd heard so many reviews, most of them not good, that I suppose I'd lowered my expectations so was pleasantly surprised.

For me, it's not about the writing.
Not about the plot.
Not about the paranormal stuff that I don't usually read.

The catch for me is the age old love story between star-crossed lovers.

Whatever happens in the plot, I want to keep reading to follow the relationship between Bella and Edward. I'm hooked on their romance. Simple as that.

And yes, I went out and bought New Moon the day after finishing Twilight. It has moved to top of my towering TBR pile.

Romantic Times Top Pick!

I've received a lovely early Christmas present!

My current release in the UK, MARRIAGE: FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?, out in the States in Feb, has received 4 and a half stars and Top Pick from Romantic Times!

Here's what they had to say:
It's been 10 years since Brittany Lloyd left New Zealand after bad boy Nick Mancini refused to go with her. Now she's on the cusp of a major career breakthrough but needs his help. She's in for a surprise -- he's now the multimillionaire owner of an international hotel chain. While the attraction is still there, so are the memories of how things ended. Nick says he'll help her if she'll help him -- by marrying him so his business associates will take him seriously. But how long will the marriage stay in name only?

This lovers-reunited tale is awash in passion, sensuality and plenty of sparks. The terrific characters immediately capture your attention, and from there, the pages go flying by.

Hot on the heels of A TRIP WITH THE TYCOON scoring an award nomination for Best Harlequin Romance, I love the fab folks at RT!

(An aside on the review...the book is set in Noosa, Australia, a fave holiday spot of mine.)

Manga magic

Much excitement when I brought in the post yesterday...I received a Manga copy of THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL.

I was so enthused, I scoured it several times cover to cover, and ended up accidentally leaving the book at my folks, hence I can't scan it for you.

I get super excited by manga editions of my books, for the simple fact I can follow every scene through pictures! It doesn't matter that I can't read Japanese, the book is laid out beautifully.
I particularly love finding key scenes and how they are portrayed.

I think this is my 4th Manga translation, yet the only copy I've had to date is this one, for THE WEDDING CONTRACT.

I was never a cartoon fan as a kid but discovering my books laid out in picture form makes me a convert!

RT Award nomination!

I'm thrilled to announce A TRIP WITH THE TYCOON is a Best Harlequin Romance 2009 finalist in the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards.

You all know how much I adore this book, it is a favourite, so to be nominated for this award (my first RT nomination!) I'm absolutely thrilled!

Fellow Romance finalists are Fiona Harper (Invitation to the Boss's Ball was released in the UK in the same book as my Tycoon, so if you want to read 2 finalists for the price for one, go grab it via the BookDepository, free delivery worldwide!)

Jessica Hart

Myrna Mackenzie

Melissa McClone

Fellow fab Mod Heat authors Kate Hardy (who delivered the exciting news to me!) and Trish Wylie are finalists for Best Presents.

Smiles all round!

Special release!

This month, my May 09 release, THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABY, is available in a special pack, alongside my buddy Fiona Lowe, and Aussie icons Margaret Way and Meredith Webber.

RRP is $30, but you can buy it here for AU$22.40. Bargain!

Would make a great Chrissie present!