A Royal Romance - Annie West

I don't know why, but there's something about a royal romance that holds a secret appeal for me. Not enough to follow the latest royal gossip in the magazines, but definitely enough to use as the basis for a story.

This months sees my book PROTECTED BY THE PRINCE on sale in North America. Readers elsewhere might already be familiar with it as 'Passion, Purity and the Prince'.

It came about because I had an urge to write a fairy tale romance. Take one handsome royal "Like Prince Charming's far more experienced and infinitely more dangerous older brother". Place him in a picturesque alpine kingdom with a castle straight from a fairy tale. Given him a troubled past that still shadows him, a strongly heroic nature plus a single-minded determination to pursue the woman he wants. Add one independent, clever heroine who buries herself in her work with old books rather than trust her heart again. Add a big question mark over who the rightful heir is to the kingdom. Spice with the fact that both prince and bookworm heroine are torn between an attraction that hits them out of the blue, their need to do the right thing and their own hearts. Stir in a royal ball, a makeover and a romantic sleigh ride and watch the temperature rise as love clashes with duty!

Seriously, I found writing this book a real treat. It was the emotional journey Tamsin and Alaric embark on that hooked me from the start and kept me enjoying the writing till I'd finished. But sprinkled in with that was the pleasure I got from those fairy tale elements of the royal world that we like to enjoy. My hero, Alaric, didn't particularly likey the restrictions of his royal duty at a formal ball but I loved the glamour of it.

Living in a castle? Sounds wonderful to me. Owning a treasury of royal gems? Having staff to do the housework? Well, I wouldn't say no. Perhaps it's shallow of me. I know money doesn't bring happiness, and this story is a case in point. It's not Alaric's royal status that brings my couple happiness, but their honesty and loyalty and above all, love. At the same time I confess I revelled in the chance to explore some of those elements of the royal life that most of us only dream about.

How about you? Would you like to experience a day in the life of a royal? What would you enjoy most?

To celebrate the release of PROTECTED BY THE PRINCE this month Annie will send a signed copy of her book to one person drawn at random from those who comment. Just leave a comment and keep your eye open for the winner (which may be posted a little late as Annie is away part of today).

To read an excerpt of PROTECTED BY THE PRINCE or find read some 'behind the scenes' information on it, visit Annie's website. To buy the book try Amazon or The Book Depository. Annie's thrilled about this release, especially the little tag on the cover that says she's a USA Today Bestselling Author!

Lazy January - Annie West

I love January. I always have. Here in Australia it's summer holiday time. Children are out of school for a couple of months, Christmas is over and, if you're lucky you'll have a little time away from work to recuperate or take a seaside holiday with the family.

Most Januarys I'm busy, since writing doesn't stop just because everyone else is on summer vacation. However, it FEELS different. It feels like holiday time.

A sleep in is understandable in summer, even if most of the time you don't get a chance. It's hot, which means you need to conserve energy by sitting, or even better, lying in the cool shade and reading or getting beaten at a board game by the family. Any outside work is done early in the morning or after the sun goes down (evenings are terrific) and long cool drinks with lots of ice are the order of the day.

The fridge is still full of leftovers, there are mountains of summer fruit to be eaten, like cherries, raspberries and mangos. BBQs and salads are fine for dinner, as are leftovers, which means much less hassle wondering what to cook for everyone. We always seem to manage a picnic in there somewhere. Eating outdoors, preferably with a feast of lovely fresh food and treats left over from the Christmas/New Year round of celebrations is one of my favourite treats.

Of course, while we're lounging, others are busy. In Australia it's tennis season, which means multiple tournaments on tv where you can watch the world's best in top form. If you've got the energy you can go to some of the matches. I'm thinking of Sydney this year for a day watching others swelter and stun me with their talent. Maybe next year I'll make it to Melbourne for the Australian Open (a real treat). There's cricket too. Even if I'm not watching it, I love the sound of it in the background, whether you're outdoors or working at home while others watch it on TV in another room. The gentle pock of the ball, the roar of the crowd and the relaxed pace epitomise summer. What is it about knowing others are working hard in the heat when you're cool and relaxed, that makes you feel good?

Despite my focus on the joys of relaxing in summer (especially with a book, a cool glass and preferably lots of water to loll in) January is the month I feel energised to get things done. Sort out the photos I've been putting off for ages. Find out just what is in the bottom of the cupboard in the spare room. You know, the jobs you never quite find time for in the general day to day rush? It's also the time I like (if I can) to treat myself to spreading a massive jigsaw across the dining room table in the hope others will help me with the hard bits. I love the sloth of summer but I want to achieve something too.

How about you, how do you like to spend your January? Are you caught up in the New Year sales? Following New Year's resolutions? Lying low after a big celebration or diving back into life as normal?

This month Annie's looking forward to the release of her Harlequin Presents Extra: PROTECTED BY THE PRINCE in early February. It's a sexy Cinderella story. A recent Romantic Times review said 'this modern-day fairy tale delights from start to finish'.
You can read an excerpt and behind the scenes information about writing it, or enter a contest to win a signed copy on her website. You can order a copy from Amazon or The Book Depository (free postage anywhere in the world).