AustLit

The Outback bad boy is now a rich, powerful man -- and he's come to claim his bride!

Ric Donato wanted Lara Seymour. But Ric was a bad boy. Six months' punishment on an Outback ranch forced him to grow up. Now he's a Sydney tycoon....

Ric's ready to claim Lara. But despite his success and wealth, she seems just as unattainable as ever. How can he persuade her? By doing what a bad boy would do -- kidnap her and make her his bride! (Blurb)

Billionaire Manolo del Guardo needs a new nanny for his six-month-old daughter... fast!

Ariane Celest is a Sydney TV reporter sent to interview the rags-to-riches tycoon, and she's surprised to find out that he's a devoted father... in a fix!

His baby girl is adorable, and Ariane is persuaded to look after her... temporarily. But Manolo is a man who recognises a good deal when he sees one, and he wants to keep Ariane. So he wastes no time in thinking up a way for her to take over permanently. - back cover (Chatswood 2004)

Billionaire Johnny Ellis inherits a share of Gundamurra, the beloved Outback station of his youth -- and all of Megan Maguire's hostility.

Megan resents Johnny's magnetic masculinity -- Gundamurra should be hers alone. Shocked when their mutual tension explodes into a night of passion, Megan is further amazed when Johnny lays out his rescue package: Gundamurra will belong fully to Megan -- if she becomes his wife! (Blurb)

'Exclusive: Australia's richest, most ruthless tycoon bares all!

'Reporter Amelia Jacobs has got a scoop with Vaughan Mason. She'll spend a week in this rich man's world...

'Revealed: the passionate playboy...

'But Vaughan's skill at seducing women is legendary in Sydney's newspaper gossip columns–and Amelia's determined not to spend the week in this rich man's bed!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Kidnapped by rebels, Belle Winters discovers her rescuer is actually Rafiq al Akhtar, Sovereign Prince of the desert kingdom of Q'aroum. Whisked away to his exotic palace, she is astounded to learn that Rafiq himself paid the ransom to save her life and that he expects her to show her gratitude... by marrying him!

'Rafiq intends for Belle to carry out her royal duties both in public and in private. But will this unwilling wife succumb to the sultry heat of the desert and to Rafiq's seduction?' (Publication summary)

'A marriage is forever, not just for convenience...Hunter Myles: this Australian's worth billions and can buy any woman he wants!Lily Harper: perfect for a convenient marriage and she needs Hunter's help! Hunter's ring is on her finger, but Lily knows it'll only be there for twelve months. Soon, a year doesn't seem quite long enough. Lily has fallen in love with her temporary husband!' (Publication summary)

'Will she surrender to the sheikh?

'Rosalie Winters is a challenge. Beautiful and aloof, she doesn't play the games of flirtation and seduction that Sheikh Arik Kareem Ben Hassan expects from women. She intrigues him with her lack of sophistication and guile.

'Arik realizes he must move slowly to gain her trust. Rosalie is quiet, even withdrawn, as though something has changed her. But Arik also knows that once she's at his command Rosalie will welcome the loving that only he can give her....' (Publication summary)

'Trapped by desire.

Maggie is at her most defenceless when she meets Khalid, a mysterious yet sympathetic stranger. Their single night of passion has consequences neither expect. Khalid's solution to their situation is simple, a marriage of convenience. But can Maggie give up everything she knows to marry the enigmatic lord of a desert kingdom? Can she trust her life to the hands of the man who makes her vulnerable in ways she's never been before?

'Khalid is determined to do the right thing by Maggie. She stirs his protective instincts even though she's one of the strongest and most resilient women he's ever met. More, she arouses desires and feelings he thought he'd buried long ago. He doesn't know where the passion between them will lead, but he refuses to back away, even if it means obliterating the walls they've each built around their emotions. He will have her as his bride and he won't settle for anything less than all of her: mind, body and heart.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Amanda-Jayne wasn't looking for a husband - but, if she had been, she certainly wouldn't have picked Reb! He had a reputation for many things, but being a family man wasn't one of them. Only now, after one reckless night of passion, he was about to become the father of her child...'

(Source: back cover, 1999 Sydney edition)

'One stolen night...
Cristabel Valdez yearns to say yes to her boss-to Jared's dinner invitations and the sensual promise behind them. An intimate involvement with him is dangerous, but can she risk just one night to remember?

Jared King will use everything he has to hold her, keep her. And like his legendary family who have flourished in this part of the Australian outback, he will not be defeated by anything. For him one night is not enough...' (Publisher's blurb)

If only Lucy's sexy boss, James Hancock, would see her as a desirable woman -- not just his sensible secretary! Unbuttoning Lucy's prim suits is indeed on James's mind....But will he lose the best assistant he's ever had?

Lucy is thrilled when James sweeps her into an intense affair. But when passion leads to pregnancy...dare she risk marriage with him? (Blurb)

There was only one way for Mikayla to clear her father's debt to powerful tycoon Rafael Velez-Aguilera: by offering herself in exchange! She knew it was crazy -- Rafael had his pick of glamorous women, and Mikayla was a virgin....

But Rafael was intrigued by Mikayla's proposal and immediately presented her with a contract of her duties as his mistress for a year! Top of the list was sharing his bed. What had Mikayla let herself in for? Rafael was an intensely sensual man, and once he'd made love to Mikayla, he might never let her go.... (Blurb)

Emily Sherwood has one chance to save her writing career...but powerful Sydney financial adviser Damien Margate won't let her write a book that will expose his family secrets. He'll stop at nothing to prevent her -- even marry her!

Emily can't afford to refuse his offer of marriage. Damien will pay off her debts and save her from financial ruin. But all too soon the fierce attraction raging between them becomes impossible to ignore -- and their paper marriage seems in danger of going up in flames... (Blurb)

When her younger brother's reckless exploits leave Maddison Jones at Demetrius Papasakis's mercy, the last thing she expects from the ruthless billionaire is a proposal. But Demetrius knows Maddison has to agree to a marriage of convenience.

It takes every ounce of Maddison's acting ability to get through the wedding ceremony, however, Demetrius is intent on claiming all that his temporary wife has to offer. (Publisher's blurb)

'Marriage wasn't on his agenda – but his mistress was!

'When Jason Pollack bought out Beville Holdings, he had plans for its beautiful blond receptionist. But the infamously ruthless tycoon soon discovered that his wealth and power didn't impress Leah Johanssen. She was the first woman in a long time who didn't want to chase him down the aisle!

'Leah's refusal of Jason's advances made him desire her all the more. He'd make her want him – he wouldn't rest until he had Leah in his bed and at his command!' (Publication summary)

'Brooding tycoon Rafe Benton sees beautiful Antonia Malleson as a pawn in his plans to avenge his family's mistreatment by his brutish father. He decides to use his wealth and devastating sex appeal to get this delectable ice queen-and his father's newest favorite-into his bed….

'Now Rafe has Antonia right where he wants her, but her innocence changes everything. Suddenly he's forced to question his own behavior.and the depth of his feelings for Antonia. Could it be that this dark and dangerous man has finally found the woman to melt his frozen heart?' (Publisher's blurb)

'Rafaele Fiorenza is furious. To get his inheritance he has to marry...his estranged father's mistress!

'Emma March was only doing her job caring for the late Valentino Fiorenza. She expected no mention in his will, let alone a stipulation to marry his son! But financially, she's desperate...

'Rafaele will treat Emma like the moneygrubbing harlot he thinks she is. He'll wed her, bed her and destroy her. But then he discovers his new wife is a virgin! He's forced an innocent woman down the aisle....' (Publication summary)

'From society ice-queen... Only hours ago she was a tempting stranger. Now Damon Savakis knows who she really is – Callie Manolis, society ice-queen and duplicitous niece of his arch enemy... ...to his unwilling mistress! Yet when Callie’s avaricious uncle loses the Manolis money, she is at Damon’s mercy and is forced to become the Savakis mistress! But Damon is unprepared for her bravery, poise and purity in a world full of greed. She’s paid her dues as his mistress...he’ll take her as his willing wife for free!' (Publisher's blurb)

'Rich, Russian and reckless… or ready to wed? Infamous playboy Aleksi Kolovsky has stunned the world by getting engaged! But the ring on his fiancée’s finger doesn’t mean for ever…just until the House of Kolovsky deeds are signed over to him. Aleksi told his PA Kate to think of their mock engagement as a promotion, but there are certain fringe benefits she hadn’t considered…like discovering if Aleksi’s reputation as a phenomenal lover really does precede him! Overtime suddenly has a whole new meaning! The House of Kolovsky Billionaire brothers take a bride!' (Publisher's blurb)

'Seduction in the Sand

'Speculation surrounding exiled rebel Prince Tahir Al'Ramiz has reached fever pitch! After being spotted causing mayhem in an exclusive Monte Carlo casino, Tahir decides to fly home for his brother's coronation. But when the remains of his helicopter are discovered, the worst is assumed... Until he comes back from the dead, with no explanation as to how he survived!

'Now a mysterious beauty has moved into the palace. Rumors of a pregnancy abound... Could it be that this notorious playboy prince's lost days in the desert camouflaged a secret affair?' (Publisher's blurb)

'A lavish masquerade ball is no place for plain-Jane receptionist Carys Wells. Used to being unnoticed by the glitterati, Carys feels vulnerable and exposed by the searing gaze of a dark masked man. Little does she know he's the man she ran from two years ago, whose wicked touch is about to become her undoing once more....

Alessandro Mattani cannot remember Carys, but his body does – intimately. And the red-blooded Italian is determined to claim all that he believes is his....' (publisher's blurb)

'Sabbatini men play for keeps, losing is not in their vocabulary. When Maya met Giorgio Sabbatini, he rescued the penniless waif and stray despite her inferior breeding. So her decision to divorce him now is made with a heavy heart. Giorgio belongs to a notorious blue-blooded family, and their duty to maintain its lineage is unquestionable. Unable to give him the heir he craves, Maya knows she has to walk away. But the ink on their divorce papers isn't given the chance to dry: after one last, reckless night of passion there's a very shocking announcement. ' (Publisher's blurb)

'Ruling prince...

'Raul, Prince of Maritz, is furious that an archaic law is forcing him to wed. But scandal and unrest has dogged this prince for years, and a marriage to recently discovered princess Luisa Hardwicke will help bring stability to the monarchy.

'...reluctant princess

'Only, Luisa is an outspoken, mud-splattered farm girl, who isn't going to come quietly! Even as she's reluctantly transformed into polished perfection, Luisa challenges Raul at every turn – and he finds himself anticipating their wedding night with an excitement he never imagined he'd feel...' (Publisher's blurb)

'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....' (Publisher's blurb)

'From invisible PA…

'Tycoon Cam Hillier requires a suitably attractive young lady to grace his arm at this season's fundraising party, but time is running out. So Cam must turn his attention to the woman right under his nose—his dowdy PA, Liz Montrose.

'To belle of the ball!

''Personal duties' were not in Liz's job description—but, with her little daughter to clothe and feed, she knows she must go above and beyond. But there will be no sensible suits or thick-rimmed glasses to hide behind tonight! Cam's never noticed her before…but all that's about to change!' (Publication summary)

'Cast into a world of black, Declan Carstairs is a man in torment. Consumed by guilt, he sees no way out of the darkness his world has become. Only one thing drives him - finding the woman who caused his brother's death, and the accident that took his sight.

'Housekeeper Chloe Daniels refuses to pity her devastatingly gorgeous boss, but treating him as the strong, capable man he is soon proves dangerous. As Chloe falls deeper under Declan's spell, awakened by his touch, she forgets all about the secret she keeps that may destroy them both…' (Publisher's blurb)

'Chained by silk and jewels Across the bustling nightclub, bodyguard Zahir El Hashem watches his latest charge swaying temptingly on the dance floor, his pulse quickening. Returning the Princess to her bridegroom might not be such a simple operation after all… Soraya Karim has always known one day she must resume her royal obligations – just not so soon! Clinging to the last shreds of her freedom, Soraya insists they take the long way back to Bakhara – and their attraction reaches a dangerous fever pitch… Once they reach the gates of the palace such a liaison will be utterly forbidden. From then duty must reign… ' (Publisher's blurb)

'Zander Kargas developed his drive to succeed first from his father's cruel fists, then from living on the streets. He's fought for everything, and few challenges remain...or so he thinks!

'Charlotte is the best secretary Zander has ever had the pleasure of dealing with, and the only woman to fire his blood in a long time. But she works for his bitter rival....

'Zander, assuming he can acquire her the way he does with most things, reaches for his wallet – except, Charlotte can't be bought. So Zander must entice her...beginning with a very indecent proposition!' (Publisher's blurb)

'Jordan had struggled to forget Gino Bortelli, the arrogant, sexy Italian with whom she'd had an affair ten years ago. Things had ended abruptly, but still Jordan craved Gino's touch. Then, all of a sudden, Gino was back-older, wiser, sexier and even more arrogant. But she was older and wiser too, to let him tempt her would be her undoing. However, Gino was determined to have her back in his bed, and, to Jordan's shame, she wanted that as well...' (Publication summary)

'Last year, Scarlet King was a blushing bride-to-be, but now she's alone and more than anything she longs for a baby. This time she's determined to prove she doesn't need a man!

'Successful, spine-tinglingly gorgeous John Mitchell has desired Scarlet for years, so seizes the chance to claim her. But his proposal comes with a devilish price: if she wants a baby, they'll do it the old-fashioned way!

'John reminds Scarlet of the pleasures she has been missing, but when the affair is over will Scarlet gain her wish...or lose her heart?' (Publication summary)

'Shy, cautious Violet has always kept herself hidden away from the world. But now she's had enough of life in the shadows. Her resolutions? To accept every party invitation received and to find a man who will steer her away from purity…

Enter Leo Wolfe, internationally renowned film director who is power, wealth and attraction personified! If there was ever a man to lead Violet from the path of virtue, it's him.

But is Violet ready for where he wants to take her? ' (Publisher's blurb)

'Out of the limelight...

Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now that the woman at the center of it all is released from prison, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet.

'And into the fire!

Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade....' (Publisher's blurb)

'Dial R for Revenge…

Forgiveness is a foreign concept to wealthy investment trader Jonas Deveson. Someone has been stealing from him. He's got a good idea who it is and she's going to pay….

'Seeing the harsh lines that bitterness has carved into Jonas's handsome features, Ravenna Ruggiero knows he'll never see the shades of gray in her actions.

'Jonas blackmails Ravenna into working as his housekeeper to pay off her debt, but living under the same roof leads to unexpected yet forbidden temptation, and Jonas is no longer sure who is being punished!' (Publisher's blurb)

'"Rich, famous and notorious. Raúl Sanchez Fuente scores three out of three."

'When she agreed to help out a friend, Estelle Connolly didn't expect to end up as an escort to a society wedding, or to catch the eye of the most powerful man in the room.

'Innocent Estelle struggles to retain her sophisticated cover especially when Raúl makes her an outrageous offer – the money to settle her family problems in exchange for a few months of her time…as Mrs. Sanchez!

'The contract has been signed, the Spanish honeymoon arranged, but there isn't a clause to cover all consequences of the wedding night….' (Publisher's blurb)

'Her million-pound question!

'Supermodel Ava Kelly is more used to luxury yachts than London canal boats. But she desperately needs a refuge from the paparazzi and delectable Blake Walker's boat will provide the perfect bolt-hole. This brooding ex-soldier is bound to rescue her, right…?

'Wrong. Pampered princess Ava is the last person Blake wants in his personal space—she's far too tempting! But with a million-pound charity donation hanging in the balance Blake can't say no. Now that Ava's close enough to touch, keeping his hands off her is pretty difficult, too! Maybe money isn't the only thing at stake this Christmas….' (Publisher's blurb)

'His out-of-hours invitation…

'Cruelly dumped by her fiancé via text message, Vivienne Swan quits her job as an interior designer and nurses her shattered heart in private. Until an intriguing offer from Jack Stone – a wealthy property developer whose skilled flirtations she's managed to evade – tempts her from her shell.

'Working side by side with Jack on his latest project gets Vivienne's mind off her ex but on to erotic thoughts about her boss! It might be wildly pleasurable, but an affair with Jack is playing with fire. He's a man used to taking what he wants, and now Vivienne is at his mercy!' (Publisher's blurb)

'...When Harriet McKenna's own relationship goes up in smoke, her ruthless boss, Alex Katona, challenges her to take a leaf out of his book and embark on an illicit affair with him! This means being at his beck and call beyond office hours, and in return Alex promises to show Harriet how pleasurable life can be…' (Source: Mills & Boon website)

'...Prickly, buttoned-up racing team owner Abby Ellison isn't legendary playboy Matteo Di Sione's type. But Abby has something he needs—a necklace prized by his grandfather—and where his lethal charm doesn't work, sponsorship of her team does! ...'

'Relentless Italian Raffaele Petri needs reclusive researcher Lily Nolan to see his revenge plans come to fruition. But the damaged beauty is feisty, argumentative and all too intriguing to be ignored! '

'Scarred as a child, Lily shut herself away from cruel prying eyes, so working for a man as breathtakingly handsome as Raffaele makes her own physical imperfections harder to bear. Until Raffaele's kisses awaken the untouched woman inside.'

'As Raffaele's retribution draws closer, Lily must use her newfound strength to help him release the torment eating at his soul. But will Raffaele risk his vengeance for her love?' (Source: Booktopia website)