Cirrus@Austlit

'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)

'All her life Johanna Coleman had been used to getting her own way where men were concerned, and now that she had decided she wanted to go on this exciting expedition among the lagoons of northern Australia's Timor Sea she didn't anticipate much trouble. Not, that was, until she met Nick Bannon, the leader of the expedition, who made it clear from the start that he wasn't having her.

'And so began a battle of wills between them – Nick, who for once had an iron hand without a velvet glove, and Johanna, who found to her dismay, in no time at all, that there was no one else in the world for her but Nick Bannon.

'But Nick, it seemed, didn't want her – now or at any time in the future. Was Johanna, for once, going to lose?' (Publication summary)

'Paige Norton's friendship with Joel Benedict was progressing very satisfactorily. In fact, it had reached the stage of his "taking her home to meet the family".

'Home was Koombala, the vast Benedict cattle empire in the middle of the Australian Outback. The family was Joel's stepbrother Ty Benedict, the Boss of Koombala. Paige hadn't much liked the sound of Ty when Joel had first told her about him – and when she actually met Ty she liked the reality even less. He was hard and autocratic and seemed to have little time for her.

'The last thing she wanted was to find her-self falling in love with him .. ' (Publication summary)

'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)

'Carly Taylor had made it on her own for six years, raising her daughter and hiding from the heartbreaking memories of the husband who d betrayed her.

'But when her daughter's life was threatened, Carly was desperate enough to go to the man she'd tried to forget and ask for his help.

'Stefano Alessi was the embodiment of power and once he learned he had a child, he was determined to wield that power ruthlessly. He gave Carly one option: return to his home and to his bed.

'And that was where the danger lay. For once Carly was locked in Stefano's embrace, the world would cease to matter. For how could she fight the sheer force of a man whose greatest weapon was the desire she felt for him?' (Publication summary)

'Val Seymour appeared to be the ruthless rogue, yet he was also charming, intelligent and... sensitive. Lucille almost believed that Val wasn't just looking to make another notch on his bedpost, but was the kind of man she'd been searching for - the kind who wanted a wife...' (Publisher's blurb)

'Hannah's marriage to Miguel Santanas had given her a privileged, glamorous life. She ran her own business by day, and shared her bed with a passionate, sexy husband by night. Miguel was everything a woman could want – and more!

'But this perfect marriage was a social contract uniting two powerful families. Love hadn't been part of the deal. So why was Hannah so jealous of the flirtatious Camille's attentions toward Miguel? Did that mean she felt more for him than she'd realized – and did he feel the same?' (Publication summary)

For months, Katrina has tried to forget she's still married to Nicos Kasoulis! As newlyweds, they were bonded by desire. Then Katrina became convinced her powerful, sexy, property tycoon husband was having an affair....

Now Katrina discovers that, under her father's will, she can only gain control of the family business if she's reconciled with Nicos -- for one year! Knowing Nicos expects her to refuse, should Katrina surprise him and put their marriage to the test? (Blurb)

'Was the jilted bride expecting a baby?

'Isabel boldly asked Rafe to accompany her on what was to have been her honeymoon. Love wasn't part of the deal, but handsome, arrogant Rafe St. Vincent could help her to forget that she'd been jilted. Only, the honeymoon was soon over...because it seemed as if, accidentally, Isabel might have conceived Rafe's child....' (Publication summary)

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)

'When Jack Cassidy first set eyes on Lisa, he had to have her. He knew it would take time, careful planning and execution—Lisa was the ultimate ice princess, perfectly groomed, controlled and cautious. She never dated rich, renowned playboys like Jack! But one long, hot night unleashed the kind of passion Lisa had never dared dream of...and the realization that she might have conceived Jack's baby....' (Publication summary)

'When ruthless Italian barrister Dante Costello hires Matilda Hamilton, he sees an opportunity. Matilda's job is to create a magical garden, in the hope it will help Dante's troubled little girl. However, since attraction between them is hot and intense, why not take Matilda as his mistress, as well?

'Dante has always kept his emotions firmly under wraps when it comes to relationships. But this time will he succeed when his desire for Matilda is pushing him to the edge of control? ' (Publication summary)

'Greek billionaire Damon Latousakis is claiming a mistress–the same woman he exiled from his life four years ago. Charlotte Woodruff has never forgotten her heartbreak when Damon wrongly accused her years ago. But how much longer can she keep their child a secret? When Damon finds out he has a daughter, his demands take a different turn: he paid for a mistress, but he'll leave with a wife!' (Publication summary)

'About to lose his kingdom, Xavian is marrying for power–his wedding night will be purely for duty. As he unveils his new queen, nervous and naked, bathed in fragrant oils, he's stunned that she's as beautiful as the desert stars....

'This queen deserves a royal bedding worthy of the "Arabian Nights."..and in her arms Xavian discovers that, though he may not have a kingdom, he has the strength and power of a thousand kings.

'But this untouched queen could be his undoing....'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Back in her husband's bed!

'Four years ago Gianna made a whirlwind marriage to the man she loved – Raúl Velez-Saldaña was the father of her baby. But, tragically, her pregnancy didn't last and neither did their marriage. Discovering Raúl's infidelity, Gianna left.

'But the Spaniard who stole her heart has returned!

'As far as Raúl is concerned, his marriage to Gianna was simply postponed – now he wants his wife back! In public they are the perfect society couple; in private the secrets of their past still haunt them both and their desire is just as strong as ever....' (Publisher's blurb)

'Plain Emma Stephenson might not look like a tycoon's glamorous assistant, but for playboy Luca D'Amato breaking through her no-nonsense attitude is his favourite new game.

Sensible Emma thought all they'd be sharing was an office - not a bed! But she's learning fast what being Luca's personal assistant really means. Now he's standing there offering her a promotion, and she's trying to find the words to tell him...she's pregnant!' (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)

'Nine month wedding night scandal!

'Nico Eliades is back on the idyllic Greek island of Xanos to uncover long-buried family secrets. He can't help but notice a bride in a crumpled wedding dress sitting on the steps of his hotel.

'Constantine's orchestrated marriage is over before the wedding night. A humiliated virgin bride, she longs to feel desired, and at Nico's skilled hands she experiences white-hot passion.

'But their one night brings more than just shame on Constantine and her family.... Constantine has no choice but to reveal her bombshell to Nico – yet still her fingers tremble as she dials the number for Eliades Enterprises....' (Publication summary)

'Red Carpet Confession!

Getting falsely arrested feels like a scene from a bad movie for rising star Lily Wild, especially when she discovers the conditions of her release -- around-the-clock surveillance by world-class lawyer Tristan Garrett. Ignoring her attraction to the sinfully sexy man who crushed her youthful heart is getting harder by the minute! Lily's reputation is in Tristan's hands now and when he says jump, she'd better ask how high!

With a reputation founded on control, he's determined not to lose his head over this little minx again. But he blazes white-hot every time he looks at her and it's burning away his couldn't-care-less facade!' (Publisher's blurb)

'A beautiful love affair and a burning betrayal…

'Eliza Lincoln is stunned to find Leo Valente at her door; four years ago his passionate embrace was a brief taste of freedom from her suffocating engagement. Until Leo discovered her secret…

'Yet he hasn't come to rekindle their affair. He has a proposition he knows Eliza can't refuse: she's the only person who can help his small, motherless daughter.

'Torn, Eliza can't ignore a vulnerable child, but the last time she was near Leo her desire nearly consumed her. Is she willing to take that risk again now that the stakes are even higher?' (Publisher's blurb)

'A sensual agenda

'In the boardroom men quake at Michael Finn's business prowess and in the bedroom women beg for his touch. Nothing eludes the Australian tycoon's grasp, except for free spirit Lucy Flippence, his employee's sister who tests his practiced charm.

'Vivacious Lucy is a fish out of water in Michael's corporate world, but once she gives in to the attraction between them, she seems made for his bed. It won't be long before Michael's ticked her off his to-do list, so she'll pretend it's the luxury lifestyle she enjoys and not the feelings he's awakened in her, feelings her crippling secret has forced her to deny….' (Publisher's blurb)

'Seven days without her crown! Princess Layla of Ishla craves just one week outside the gilded cage of her palace. A chance to try absolutely everything that is forbidden! 1. Sharing a romantic dinner 2. Dancing the night away 3. Kissing a gorgeous man. The only exception? She must remain pure for her future husband! When she arrives in Australia, she finds there's only one man who can help her fulfill this dream. Revered yet feared, Mikael Romanov has earned his ruthless legal reputation, yet spirited Layla quickly gets beneath his skin. Mikael's sworn to protect her, but can he protect Layla from himself.' (Publisher's summary)

'Seven days without her crown! Princess Layla of Ishla craves just one week outside the gilded cage of her palace. A chance to try absolutely everything that is forbidden! 1. Sharing a romantic dinner 2. Dancing the night away 3. Kissing a gorgeous man. The only exception? She must remain pure for her future husband! When she arrives in Australia, she finds there's only one man who can help her fulfill this dream. Revered yet feared, Mikael Romanov has earned his ruthless legal reputation, yet spirited Layla quickly gets beneath his skin. Mikael's sworn to protect her, but can he protect Layla from himself.' (Publisher's summary)

'The most dangerous game of all…

Standing outside a decadent Las Vegas nightclub, innocent schoolteacher Daisy Wyndham has never felt more out of her depth. And that’s before sultry Argentinian polo player Luiz Valquez rides to her rescue in front of the global media, leading to reports of their engagement….

It’s a dangerous charade, but one they’re both prepared to play! Luiz can shake his playboy image, and Daisy can cast aside her cloistered upbringing. With Luiz doing his best to be good and Daisy trying her hardest to be bad, it’s only a matter of time before one of them gives in….' (Publisher's summary)

'The most dangerous game of all…

Standing outside a decadent Las Vegas nightclub, innocent schoolteacher Daisy Wyndham has never felt more out of her depth. And that’s before sultry Argentinian polo player Luiz Valquez rides to her rescue in front of the global media, leading to reports of their engagement….

It’s a dangerous charade, but one they’re both prepared to play! Luiz can shake his playboy image, and Daisy can cast aside her cloistered upbringing. With Luiz doing his best to be good and Daisy trying her hardest to be bad, it’s only a matter of time before one of them gives in….' (Publisher's summary)

'A princess for the playboy. The Princess of Surhaadi is desperate to escape a life lived in the shadows of her family’s past. One misguided night of rebellion later and Leila’s world comes crashing down thanks to two little blue lines on the pregnancy test! When James Chatsfield – world renowned bad-boy and soon-to-be father – hears the shocking news, he knows he needs to act and fast! He'll propose to protect his heir, but will Leila ever believe he sees her as more than just the mother of his child?' (Publication summary)

'His until midnight…?

'When millionaire Matteo Santini bought one night with Bella Gatti, it was to protect her innocence from the dangerous game she was caught up in. He never expected to be so undone by their fierce attraction or her disappearance the next day.

'Chambermaid Bella has escaped her shameful past, but her memories of that night with Matteo still burn. Forced to attend Sicily’s most exclusive wedding together, Bella knows the dark-hearted tycoon will want a reckoning. As the clock strikes twelve, it’s clear the only way Bella will be leaving the party is with Matteo — via his bed!' (Publication summary)

'The price of endless pleasure!

'Clients, women, money…ruthless CEO Sev Derzhavin is a master at getting whatever — and whomever! — he wants. Rejected as a child, Sev has never been refused since. So when his personal assistant resigns, Sev can’t resist the challenge of enticing the beautiful brunette to stay…

'Naomi Johnson has to walk away before she gives in to the chemistry with her infamous heartbreaker boss and opens her heart to yet more bruises. But on their last business trip to Dubai, Sev makes a shocking suggestion to relieve the tension between them: enjoy some overtime — in his bed!' (Publication summary)

'Nikolai Eristov lives by one rule: never look back. The inscrutable tycoon has buried his past so deep that, to the outside world, the only thing driving him is his personal chauffeur.

'Until Nikolai meets elegant ballet dancer Rachel Cary at a wedding… Behind her practiced smile and innate sensuality, he glimpses a woman running from shadows as dark as his own.

'One electric night together leads Nikolai to promise Rachel two weeks of exquisite pleasure. Except for the first time, this indomitable billionaire lied. Because two weeks isn't nearly enough! ' (Publication summary)

'An explosive reunion! Every night, prima ballerina Anya Ilyushin dances for Roman Zverev–the man who once captured her heart, before shattering it. Anya has buried the fragments behind an impenetrable wall, but when Roman saunters into her dressing room, their fierce attraction is rekindled...Beneath Roman's wealth and sophistication lies an untamed wildness–there's nothing civilised about what he feels for Anya! He left before their longing could consume them both, but memories were branded onto his soul. Now he's back and determined to make Anya his own!' (publication blurb).

'...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! ...'

'He will finally claim his inheritance!

'Four years after inheriting—and liberating—a concubine, powerful ruler Sayid is shocked to see the transformation of Lina. No longer shy and naive, Lina is a feisty, irresistible woman. And Sayid has never wanted anyone more! But he’s duty bound to his country, and Sayid can only commit to a brief affair. Will Lina accept his outrageous proposal of a week in the royal bed?' (Publication summary)

'Opal Clemenger's facing bankruptcy, and the only man who can rescue her is ruthless tycoon Domenic Silvagni. Domenic's filthy rich, and he thinks money can purchase him anything– including a wife. So he agrees to help Opal, but only if she consents to his marriage ultimatum. Opal has no choice but to marry Domenic, but then he makes another demand: she must provide him with an heir. But Domenic quickly realizes that there's one thing he can't buy– his wife's love... ' (Publication summary)

'The instant Beth Walker comes face-to-face with her new boss–tall, tanned and incredibly toned Aidan Voss–they can't take their eyes off one another.'

'CEO Aidan has one rule of business: keep his personal life out of the office! But is Beth the exception to the rule? He may not be able to offer her any more than a hot-and-steamy fling, but he's a master of seduction–and he's moved Beth to the top of his to-do list....' (Source: fictiondb website: fictiondb.com)

'Alexandra Hill is worlds away from Max Goodwin's usual choice of glamorous employee. But this CEO needs a secretary–fast. He hires Alex, with one condition: a makeover! Soon she's turned from dowdy assistant to stunning beauty–and Max's thoughts turn from professional to very personal indeed....

'Max's playboy lifestyle couldn't be more different from Alex's convent-school upbringing. But Alex doesn't want to be just mistress to a billionaire. However, Max decided long ago that he would never take a wife....' (Publication summary)

'With this fling...

'Successful archaeologist Charlotte Greenstone has no time for men, so invents a convenient one–who bears a highly inconvenient resemblance to sexy stranger Greyson Tyler! To protect her mortifying white lie, Charlotte begs Grey to act as her temporary fiancé...

'I thee bed?

'One glimpse of Charlotte's killer curves, and Grey can't resist making his own outrageous proposition–he'll pretend to be her fiancé... if they can enjoy all the benefits of being a couple! Smoking-hot Grey is definitely fling material, but Charlotte knows that's all it can ever be.... Isn't it?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'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)

'The last woman he would ever marry

'The last time Andreas Ferrante saw Sienna Baker she was naively trying to seduce him. Whilst her provocative sensuality is emblazoned on Andreas's memory, the terrible consequences torment him. So the news that they must marry to secure his inheritance is unthinkable ...

'Once devastated by his heartless rejection, when she sees Andreas again it makes Sienna's humiliation burn brighter. And as for marrying him ... ? They'd be lucky to last the ceremony without killing each other!

'But there's a fine line between love and hate ... Will the flames of anger turn to white-hot passion on their wedding night?' (Publisher's blurb)

'When fragile Emelia awoke from her coma she had no recollection of the strikingly handsome man before her, whose eyes glittered like fine-cut gems—hard and impenetrable. But he aroused something within her….

'Javier Mélendez had wed Emelia for convenience and bedded her for pleasure. The rules in place during their marriage had suited him perfectly, and he'd ensured his trophy wife adhered to them…. But as Emelia's memory slowly returned, she seemed to be laboring under a misapprehension…that their marriage was based on love!'   (Publication summary)

'He wants her — no matter what the cost!

'Daniil Zverev is the world’s most ruthless and sinfully seductive tycoon. No one would ever know the cruelty and rejection that fueled his ascent. But beautiful ballet teacher Libby Tennent is getting under Daniil’s skin and dangerously close to the truth.

'From the moment she waltzed into his office, feisty Libby has challenged the dark-hearted Russian. He doesn’t do favours, yet he helps Libby’s business. He definitely doesn’t do relationships, yet one night with Libby isn’t enough! Money might be no object, yet the cost of getting closer to Libby is much higher…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'One summer on a private island

'With her ultimate temptation

'Scientist-turned-schoolteacher Amelia Ashford warily agrees to a summer job in Greece caring for Santos Anastakos's young son. But her priority is the welfare of the little boy, not the outrageous and irresistible billionaire who hired her. Even if their chemistry is, scientifically speaking, off the charts

'Santos doesn't believe in romantic love--his father has eight ex-wives. He does believe in tantalizing pleasure, and with surprisingly innocent Amelia in his luxurious Greek villa, it's just a bedroom door away But their incendiary passion will test Santos's ruthless control more than he ever anticipated...' (Publication summary)