Not sixteen birthdays but sixteen books with Harlequin Mills and Boon. Yes!! My editor has just recently accepted my 16th book and it will be out this year. The title is to be DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY and I'm absolutely chuffed.
It probably sounds strange as I've been working away at my books, devoting so much time and energy to get them written, polished and ready for publication, that I almost didn't notice the significance of this event. Sixteen seems a perfect number for a romance writer to celebrate. It makes me think of first love, heady summer days and sultry nights dreaming of romance and swooning over some gorgeous boy.It also means I'm an adult, in terms of my writing. Well, a young adult at least. Maybe that means I'll have to be very, very serious from now on. Or maybe I'll just do what I've been doing and work hard at something I love to do.
Because this is a special occasion I thought I'd celebrate by giving away a signed copy of my March Presents Extra release: GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT. Here's a taste of what it's about:
Sheikh Prince Amir has vowed to redeem his scandalous family name. So the last thing he needs on a tour of his desert kingdom is to have a sensuous blonde - with more spirit than clothes - presented for his harem!
Fiery Cassie might have been kidnapped by bandits and dolled up as the Sheikh's love-slave, but she refuses to be any man's plaything. Yet spending a week in Amir's desert tent pretending to be his mistress would get under any girl's skin. Especially when she is under his sheets.
To be in the draw to win my signed book, simply leave a comment on this post. I'd love to know what memories 'Sweet Sixteen' conjures for you. Or if sixteen wasn't a stellar year, perhaps you could share with us which one has been the best so far.
To read more about any of Annie's books or enter her latest website contest, visit her at http://www.annie-west.com If you're eager to grab a copy of GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT here are links to it at Harlequin, Amazon and The Book Depository (free postage).
42 comments:
Congratulations, Annie. The book sounds amazing. :)
Congratulations on achieving your number sixteen.
I turned sixteen so long ago it's a distant memory. I'm sure I had a great time.
Hi Liz. Thank you! I still grin at the idea of you enjoying my first sheikh story so much. I must admit I thought of you when this one came out.
Hi Marybelle. Thanks for the congratulations. Like you, I had my 16th birthday a while ago so it's nice to have a reason to celebrate sweet sixteen again.
Annie, huge congrats on reaching Sweet Sixteen with the books. Although given the sexual tension in your stories, I think perhaps Steamy Sixteen might be a more appropriate title! Love Girl in the Bedouin Tent! One of your best!
Congrats!!!
I met my husband-to-be when I was 16 :) We will be married this year (after 15 years of being together)
Sixteen books -- wow, what a fantastic milestone, Annie! At sixteen, I was boy crazy. That's pretty much all I remember. Your books are certainly memorable, and I can't wait to read Defying Her Desert Duty! Congratulations!
Anna - what a hoot. Though I think you're right about 'Steamy Sixteen' for 'Girl in the Bedouin Tent'. Such fun though.
Hi Host. Wow - that's terrific - meeting your husband to be at just 16 and now getting ready to tie the knot. Best wishes for lots more happy years together!
Congratulations to you Annie on your Sweet Sixteen. I hope the next 16 bring just as much pleasure. Last week my daughter's step sister turned Sweet Sixteen and our gift to her was a very lovingly handcrafted from scratch cake! The girls and I put a truck load of effort into it and it was well received. In fact I was told it was the best ever birthday cake the family have tasted. White chocolate passionfruit mud cake. MMMnnn Mmmm. Now all the Grandparents, Aunties and cousins have put in an order for their birthday hehe... Here's a link littlepeainabigpod.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/sweet-16.html (I hope) :)
Vanessa, it sounds like you were a typical 16 year old. What fun. At 16 I'd discovered category romance and was falling for brooding tall, dark, handsome heroes in a big way. Sigh. Thanks for the congratulations!
P.s at 16 I was in love! The boy of my dreams. Actually he's my first love and it's true what they say. You never forget! I've compared future partners to him. I'm still close with the family but I dont see him as much (that's just odd seeing him) but here's something funny (weird funny). He's also my eldest daughters god father... That's not normal sounding I know - long but happy story :)
Sixteen books! Annie, that is very sweet indeed! Congratulations!
The most memorable thing I remember about turning 16 was tasting champagne for the very first time... sadly, it made me weepy rather than merry! Obviously I had no head for alcohol - only slightly better now! LOL
Hi Tash. I think it's pretty normal to be in love at 16. Everyone I knew was. How amazing that you're still in touch with him and that he's your daughter's godfather. So often we lose contact with our first love.
Tash, I just found your first post. Missed it earlier! Wow, that cake sounds amazing. I love the sound of white chocolate and passionfruit. Anything with passionfruit is fine by me! And something made specially is such a treat.
Currently having major trouble with my computer. Just hope this message comes through. So will check out the link tomorrow. Thank you!
Hi Sharon. That's pretty significant - your first taste of champers. Do you know, I've just realised I can't recall when I first tried bubbly. Rather sad. Actually, I think it might have been on my 18th birthday. Does that mean when I have my 18th book accepted...?
Hey Annie, as I write this there are 16 comments on your post, I'm almost loathe to change it to 17 by adding another!
Congratulations on your Sweet 16th book with H M&B--that's quite an achievement.
When I was sixteen I was crazy for fashion--wish I still had the figure and the chutzpah to dress like that again!
Happy sweet sixteen, Annie! Before you know it you'll be in your 'twenties', so enjoy this time. Congratulations.
Malvina
i havent found some one special, but the sweet memories was when sixteen till eighteen.
congrats on the sweet sixteen, annie ;)
Hi Annie. Congratulations on your 16th book. My best year was the year I got married. :)
Kandy, oh at 16 I was able to wear so many things I wouldn't today. Funny how you think that's never going to change. I'm glad you left the 17th comment. It's great to hear from you.
Malvina, it's lovely of you to drop by. I'm looking forward to being in my twenties again too. Fingers crossed on that one!
Hi Eli. I think those late teen years can be magical. I met my husband when I was 18 so for me that was a top year. I hope your special person is just around the corner.
Hi Crystal. I can shed why that would be a top year for you. For me too. It's such a special event, isn't it? Thanks for the congratulations.
Tash, I visited your blog and checked out the lovely birthday cake you made. It looks just gorgeous. I bet that was a treat!
Annie,
My "Sweet 16" year was so long ago that the
world was barely 16! (LOL) The year between
16 & 17 began well but spiralled in a down-
ward fashion. I acquired my first two boy-
friends and that was partially good. The
first was of a short duration and the second,
to whom I was greatly drawn, broke my poor
little heart! That was my "Sweet 16" experience!
Pat, it sounds like you had an eventful time that year. Two boyfriends and a broken heart! Some years are just packed with emotional intensity, aren't they? First love definitely counts - so incredibly intense, or so I remember it. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations, Annie! I've loved each and every one of your books! xo
Ah, thank you, Lee. That means a lot to me.
Congrats, Annie...GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT sounds REALLY good! I can't wait to get my hands on it! Turning sweet 16 was a long time ago for me too...but I remember being super excited about getting my drivers license and being able to 'single car date'! My folks let me group date when I was 15...but I could start REAL dating when I turned 16. THAT was a big deal! Though I remember my first 'single' date being kinda awkward at first and thinking I wished the others were with us so that we could talk to them and it wouldn't be so quiet. LOL! Thx for the AWESOME giveaway op! :)
barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com
Hi Annie,
I seem to have trouble posting so hope this goes through.
Congratulations on your wonderful achievement! I hope you're having a Sweet Sixteen party to celebrate. :)
My sixteenth year was fun and crazy. I was in love with a boy who was in love with my best friend who was in love with that boy's best friend who was in love with me. It was wild, LOL.
Hi Annie,
Woohoo, sixteen books! What an amazing accomplishment! I have heard so many fab comments about your book GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT. I hear it comes highly recommended! I wouldn't be surprised if it won an award!
My best year would have to be my first year of college. That is when I met my soon-to-be hubby! He asked me out on a date and we went dancing! I absolutely love to dance, so he captured my heart from that moment on. He is my hot Italian lover! :-)
Hi Barbara,
It sounds like 16 was a massive birthday for you. Interesting about the dating rules. I wasn't sure what a single car date was at first but soon worked it out. Sounds like you had a year to remember.
Hi Cheryl,
Sorry to hear you've been having trouble posting. Thanks for persisting. It's lovely to see you here.
Actually, I hadn't thought of having a Sweet Sixteen party to celebrate it. Hm. Will have to consider that one. For some reason I'm imagining cupcakes to go with it, not quite sure why. It could be fun.
Oh, Cheryl, your sixteenth year sounds amazing. Your life then sounds like something out of a Shakespeare play or a very complicated film comedy. I hope the four of you sorted it all out!
Michele, your first year at college is definitely one to remember. What fun and how romantic to go dancing on your first date. Obviously that husband of yours has great style!
Thanks for the congratulations and the kind words about 'Girl in the Bedouin Tent'. I'm thrilled to hear you've been hearing it recommended.
It's almost time for the next post to appear so I thought I'd better thank you all for stopping to celebrate my 16th Harlequin story with me. It's been fun.
I've also done a random draw for a copy of GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT. So - CONGRATULATIONS, BARBARA! If you email me with your address I'll get a copy of the book in the mail to you. You can reach me at annie@annie-west.com
Yay, congrats for Barbara. I've just finished reading it Annie. LOVED It!!! You could feel the pain in the garden when "it" was found out (didnt want to elaborate due incase it would be considered a spoiler) And thank you for your nice comment about my cake :D
I think we posted at the same time :D That's ok, I think you do amazing replying to everyone!
It's odd isnt it, you wouldnt read about it! He's now happily married with a lovely wife and two kids and one step daughter. (cue alanis morrisette's song Ironic). Life is strange :))
Yeah, Barbara! This book has been glowing with compliments!
Oh, Tash and Michele, I've just popped back and seen your comments. How lovely. So glad you enjoyed it, Tash, and thanks for not sharing the spoiler!
Sixteen. Oh yeah. Dropped out of school (boarding school introvert meltdown.) NOt even my three M&B a day habit could stave it off. Became a governess on a station out west for a few months then worked in a Tyre Service and then a Book shop (finally somewhere I felt at home) By seventeen I was ready to go back to school and finish Year 12 as a day scholar.
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