AustLit

'Talented, gorgeous and hopelessly in love, American movie star Mitchell Pyke and Brazilian supermodel Vida Torres were Hollywood's most talked-about couple. They seemed destined for 'happily ever after' – until Vida left Mitchell for his best friend, and Mitchell publicly vowed he would never love again.

'Sydney dog trainer Kitty Hayden has never even heard of Mitchell Pyke. Still reeling from the loss of her mother, Kitty is too busy cleaning up the various messes made by her indolent younger sister, Frankie, and trying to find a girlfriend for her terminally single best friend, Adam, to keep up with celebrity gossip.

'When her work takes Kitty to Mitchell's movie set, their worlds spectacularly collide. The chemistry between them is undeniable – and it's not long before Kitty is turning her life upside down to be with her leading man. But as Kitty quickly discovers, when someone as famous as Mitchell Pyke tells the world he'll never love again, the world listens. And the vindictive Vida is never far away. With constant reminders that she's merely a consolation prize, how can Kitty compete with such a tenacious adversary – especially when she starts to suspect that Mitchell isn't over Vida after all?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When handsome army officer Avery Fox unexpectedly inherits a fortune, he instantly becomes one of the season's most eligible bachelors. More accustomed to the battlefield, he has no patience with the naive debutantes who fill the ballrooms of London.

'Honest and impetuous Lady Lucy Radley is a breath of fresh air, guiding him through the season and helping him to avoid any traps. So when Avery is left with little option but to marry Lucy, he can't help but feel he's been manipulated. Nor can he shake the feeling that a duke's daughter should be out of his reach.

'From the wildly beautiful Scottish Highlands to the elegant soirees of Paris, Avery and Lucy go on a journey that is full of surprises for them both. But will their feelings for each other be strong enough to overcome the circumstances of their marriage and survive the ghosts of Avery's past?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Ophelia Lind is used to keeping secrets. But right now, they're ruining her life. Her secret identity is making her miserable. The secret protecting the love of her life is getting harder to keep. And her father is about to discover that she's the daughter he never knew he had.

'When Hermes asks her to deliver one last message, she grudgingly accepts. It's almost a welcome distraction. Until everything goes cockeyed, the gods start disappearing and the Harbinger gets the blame.

'With the gods on the brink of war, only Phi can uncover the truth in time. But when everyone she cares about turns against her, Phi's about to discover that some secrets shouldn't be kept. Because there's always something left to lose...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Poppy Greenwood needs money fast. Her estranged father, one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, has promised to help – on the condition that she work on the set of his next movie. Although Poppy despises the world of show business, she has little choice but to agree.

'Hot-shot director Max Madden has an Oscar in his sights. He needs this film to be a success but an overblown budget and a difficult cast are ruining his plans. Not only that, but the Executive Producer's daughter has arrived to spy on him. To keep a close eye on Poppy, he insists she work directly for him.

'But as they work together on location in southern France, the temperature begins to rise. Max knows the boss's daughter is definitely off limits – and Poppy does not want a relationship with anyone in the industry. Yet against their better judgment, an intense chemistry begins to build ...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Magazine stylist Dani Conroy has a tragic dating history. She's popular with men, but Dani is after a lasting relationship and the guys she dates never want to stick around. When her most recent boyfriend breaks up with her at the cinema, she decides to give up dating entirely.

'Dani swears off romance and turns to ice-cream, old movies and her girlfriends. When she realises they're having their own dating problems, she whips up a quiz to unearth everyone's perfect partner and starts matchmaking – with unexpected results.

'Meanwhile, her dedication to staying single is challenged by Josh Reeves, the gorgeous new staff photographer. He's not interested in dating either, although he won't say why. The two of them start hanging out as friends, but it isn't long before Dani is wondering exactly why he's not interested in a relationship – with her or anyone else.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Heiress Lady Zara Ravensdale and Xavier Hunt, the gardener's son, were once inseparable. But before their romance had a chance to bloom, it was crushed by scandal and betrayal.

'Xavier is now an international celebrity and sexier than sin while Zara is deep in debt, running Ravensdale Manor as an upmarket hotel to make ends meet. Unable to forget the past, Xavier returns to the manor, determined to exact his revenge on the Ravensdale family – once and for all.

'Together again, passions reignite and the old chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. But Xavier and Zara are both keeping secrets and neither can forget their troubled history. Will they be able to uncover the truth of that night or will Xavier's need for revenge tear them apart forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Raised by a pair of hopeless hippies, Nell Connor had to grow up quickly. But now her father, awash in whisky, has handed her the reins of his Irish pub. After obliterating every trace of Ireland, Nell has transformed it into a smart, and trendy bar. Business is booming but, outside of work, things aren't going so smoothly.

'When gorgeous musician Declan Gaffney arrives, it's clear he's definitely not Nell's type. He's Irish (therefore must be feckless and unreliable), he sings romantic Irish ballads (which Nell hates) and his nomadic lifestyle reminds her of some of the most painful parts of her childhood.

'After Declan helps Nell out of a tricky situation, her father takes a shine to him and starts matchmaking. And when her aura-reading mother turns up, Nell's carefully ordered life is thrown into chaos. She's losing control but the biggest shock of all is yet to come ...

'In a story that shines a light on the unusual forms family can take, Nell must accept that sometimes love takes you in unexpected directions.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Since his notorious wife died in mysterious circumstances, rumours about James, the handsome Duke of Trent, have scandalized society. Now, he must marry again – but finding an eligible woman willing to overlook his past won't be easy.

'Defiantly single, Lady Alethea Sinclair has already turned down six offers of marriage. She prefers living on her own terms and refuses to answer to any man. Yet when Alethea meets the seductive and enigmatic Duke she finds herself strangely drawn to him.

'Intrigued by Alethea's defiance of society's expectations, James is instantly taken with the willful beauty and soon they are enjoying a playful flirtation. And when circumstances force them into a comprising situation, he does the honourable thing and marries her.

'But adjusting to the constraints of marriage doesn't come easily to the rebellious Alethea and, despite their growing feelings for each other, the Duke's troubled past keeps getting in the way. Can they learn to trust each other and give love a chance before it's too late?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Small town vet Abby Benson has fled to the country to put her shameful past behind her. She's just beginning to find her feet again when handsome stranger, Rue Thorn, arrives in town and begins to stir things up. Rue is gorgeous, kind and thoughtful and the two share an instant attraction. But convinced he'll despise her if he learns about her history, Abby reluctantly keeps him at arms length.

'Determined to win Abby over, Rue tries to reshape himself as the sort of guy he thinks she might be interested in. And for a while it seems his act is working. But when he finds out that Abby has been lying to him, it isn't long before everything start to unravel …

'A moving story of trust, forgiveness and the power of love from the author of Uncovered by Love and The Playboy's Dark Secret.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Ambitious Australian Anna Harding seems to have it all: a glamorous job as a gossip columnist, and a beautiful home in London that she shares with her gorgeous boyfriend, Finn Cassidy. Her only problem is her regular run-ins with their neighbor Luke, who is furious about Anna's internet shopping constantly being delivered to his place by mistake.

'When her flighty best friend Helena winds up pregnant, Anna agrees to be godmother – despite her aversion to children. But then Finn announces he's moving to Belfast for a great job in television and Helena takes off to Scotland – leaving baby Ivy behind. Suddenly Anna's perfect life is in pieces as she tries to juggle the baby, her job and a long-distance relationship.

'Will Finn wake up to himself and return home or will he be swayed by the charms of his seductive producer? Will the irresponsible Helena finally sort herself out with the help of her eccentric great aunt? And will Anna's life ever be the same, especially after Luke's unexpected response to the chaos unleashed next door?

'Nothing is certain in this entertaining and moving tale about the relationships that matter most.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'You don't become a notorious British celebrity without rubbing a few people the wrong way, which is why writer and comedian Ben Martindale has decamped to Australia until the latest media frenzy dies down.

'When he meets Amy Blaine, a perky blonde who dresses like a 1950s pin-up girl, he knows he's hit the satirical jackpot. He begins to fill his weekly London column with snarky observations about her life, clothes, and even their most intimate moments. It doesn't occur to him that Amy, who is letting her guard down for the first time in her adult life, might be upset - after all, it's hilarious, and his readers love her!

'It isn't until Amy discovers the extent of his betrayal that Ben begins to realise just how badly he's cocked up the best thing that ever happened to him. But is it too late?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Manhattan editor Elan Moore thinks her dreams have come true when she is asked to manage an upcoming celebrity memoir. Not only is her career taking off, but she has amazing friends, the perfect boyfriend and finally she's mastered the art of avoiding her mother. But when her oldest friend Luke comes back into her life, things start to get complicated. To make matters worse, celebrity author Rox Wriothesly has no intention of being managed. Elan soon realises that this 'opportunity' may be the catalyst that brings everything else crashing down around her.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Modern woman Kate Manning has always been fascinated by Sir Caleb, a fifteenth century knight whose portrait hangs in the mysterious Castle of Kildare. Now the new owner of the castle, Kate finds herself even more drawn to him, until one day the unbelievable happens: Caleb steps out of the portrait.

'Frozen in time since a gypsy cursed him hundreds of years ago, Caleb awakens at the touch of the most desirable woman he's ever seen. Yet to end the curse and free himself from the portrait forever, he must claim the heart of a woman with Romani blood – not this flirtatious blonde who tempts him beyond belief.

'As Caleb fights against his growing feelings for Kate, he must also find a way to keep her safe from those obsessed with the castle's hidden treasure. There are some willing to do anything to unearth it, no matter who gets in their way…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Ophelia Lind has never been your average girl, but since becoming the Harbinger, her life has become even more complicated. Still a messenger for the Olympic gods, Ophelia is desperately trying to balance her new position with her complicated family. The only thing that's been going well is her deepening relationship with demigod Aden.

'When a message delivery goes awry, a dangerous artefact is stolen, and a woman beloved of the gods goes missing, Ophelia falls under suspicion and she realises that once again she's become caught up in a sinister plot. And if that weren't enough, someone is stirring up trouble between her and Aden. As the threats begin to escalate, Ophelia must try to clear her name before the gods take action. But will she be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect what she loves most…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Prince Alexander Davros is on the run. From the press, from his bodyguards, and from a secret that threatens his position as heir to his country's throne ...

'Journalist Maddie Lawson is determined to prove herself capable of covering hard news. She's fuming when her boss tells her to investigate reports of a European prince holidaying undercover in Sydney. As far as Maddie is concerned, Alexander Davros is a freeloading playboy.

'When their accidental meeting results in a media frenzy, Alex is convinced Maddie's just been using him for a story. And Maddie can't believe the cute surfer she kissed was actually royalty. With her professional reputation in tatters, Maddie has no choice but to accept the royal family's offer to travel to Europe to write a profile on the Prince.

'While furious that his father has arranged for Maddie to visit, Alex is forced to keep her close or risk having her uncover his secret. And as they spend more time together, the attraction between them grows. But if Maddie discovers the truth, she'll have to choose between the career she's worked so hard for and the man she's just getting to know ...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Three strikes and you're out…

'A series of strange accidents are occurring at Sirona, a luxury spa resort in the picturesque English countryside. Billionaire owner Nic Capitini wants the person responsible sacked. But the law requires he give three official warnings. Nic checks in undercover to gather the evidence he needs, and when he arrives to find his general manager enjoying the spa's facilities, he doesn't think it will prove very challenging.

'Despite first impressions, it isn't long before Nic realises that not only is Poppy Bradford beautiful, she's a brilliant manager who runs the resort superbly. And the chemistry between them is undeniable. When Poppy herself is threatened, it seems clear the incidents are part of a systematic campaign of sabotage. Even though he believes she's innocent, Nic knows Poppy is hiding something. But will learning her secret mean losing her forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When English society playboy Jonathan Hartley-Huntley is sent to outback Australia after a disastrous affair with his editor, all he wants is to take a few pictures, do a quick interview and get back to his usual life of luxury as soon as possible. Until he meets his host, the irresistible Charlie Hughes, and suddenly the back of beyond is a lot more appealing.

'Running the pub is a labour of love for Charlie and she has no desire to ever leave the tiny town of Bindundilly. That is, until Jon discovers an old painting that raises questions about both their lives. Charlie impulsively decides to follow him to London, and as the feelings between them begin to deepen, she starts to wonder if there's more to life than the pub. But at Jon's family home, the magnificent Hartley Hall, they become acutely aware of the differences between them, and it soon seems clear they have no future together – especially if Jon's mother has her way.

'Family and tradition threaten the course of true love in this warm and witty novel.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Eight years ago Shelby left Sydney for LA, determined to set the world on fire. Now she's nearly broke and her boyfriend has left her alone at Christmas. Lonely and miserable, Shelby finds herself drawn back to the childhood home she thought she'd left behind . . .

'Frangipani House now belongs to Dan Sayers, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks who found a new start in Kirribilli. When he spots Shelby dragging her suitcase up the front steps on Christmas Eve, he can't believe his eyes. It's been four years since he last saw her. Then, she'd been aloof, a stranger in designer sunglasses and killer heels, barely acknowledging their shared past.

'As Christmas unfolds, Shelby and Dan grow closer than ever before and Shelby begins to see her ramshackle home in a new light. But before she and Dan can have any hope of a future together, they must first confront their past.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Holly Plume is a bookseller by day and a romance blogger by night, dishing out scathing reviews under her pseudonym, Sultry Scarlet. When she scores an invite to the publishing event of the year, Holly couldn't be more excited. Finally a chance to meet her favourite author, the mysterious thriller writer known only as AJ Ruffo.

'When Holly literally falls into the arms of the mysterious and charming Santo Randolfi, she's sure it must be AJ. After all, Santo has tousled good looks, dark curls, luscious lips . . . He's exactly what she'd imagined. But when Santo reveals he's actually the author of a romance novel Holly recently slammed on her blog, keeping her online identity a secret becomes vital.

'As Holly struggles to keep Santo from learning the truth, she realizes just how much she likes him. But when he discovers who she is, will their relationship be over before it's even begun?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.