Coming soon - White-Hot Holiday: a Real Men Novella

Previously released as part of the Stranded with a Hero anthology, White-Hot Holiday will be available for individual sale on July 28.

Nice is about to meet Naughty…

When Aussie Naomi Spencer hears her uncle's American friend is coming Down Under for a short visit, she can't wait to be rid of him. Aaron's “Bah Humbug” attitude drives her crazy...and so does his incredibly sexy smile, and the way he pitches in to help her get ready for all her relatives. Okay, so maybe he's not a total Grinch. But when Naomi’s uncle warns her to stay away from his playboy friend, Naomi’s simple holiday gets even more complicated.

When a volcano grounds all flights back to the States, Aaron Cade finds himself stranded in Oz. For Aaron, family holidays are to be endured, not celebrated. Only Naomi brings magic to the simplest things: shopping for gifts, finding the perfect decorations, and making him feel at home in the bizarrely tropical December heat. His sudden, overwhelming attraction to Naomi will turn his idea of home upside-down…but can he change everything for one white-hot love?

Reviews:
"ANOTHER WINNER ..... yippeeeeeeeeeeee Now I cannot wait to read all the Real Men series!!!
the story flowed beautifully and was captivating!
the chemistry between Aaron and Naomi burned~~they had the perfect balance of flirting, romance and touching heartfelt moments *****swoooooon*****
AWESOME NOVELLA!"

"This was a sweet and romantic book. The characters were really likeable. I really enjoyed watching the sparks fly with Naomi and Aaron."

"Very sweet, light romance novel. A breath of fresh air..."

"Coleen Kwan gives us some holiday joy Australian style...no snow here. Just a hot guy, a volcano and lots of sparks between Aaron & Naomi. Great story with wonderful characters"

Buy

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Music video - Middle Distance

A new music video from my musician partner:

Short Soup revisited

It's a cold and blustery day today, and I'm making winter soup. Which reminds me of my Short Soup story. So what is short soup anyway? Some people know it as wonton soup. Basically it’s a Chinese dish of dumplings filled with pork mince and tasty seasonings served in a clear broth. It's delicious comfort food, and it seemed like an apt title to my story about two Australian-born characters whose parents jointly own a Chinese restaurant.

Toni Lau and Dion Chan have been lifelong friends growing up together in a small seaside town. Toni moved away, first to study and then, after her marriage, moved abroad to work. Dion, on the other hand, stayed behind, seemingly unambitious. Now, after a five year absence, Toni is newly divorced and back in her home town for a little R&R. But things have changed while she’s been away. Dion is taking over their parents’ restaurant and he seems to have definite plans for change. More disturbingly, Dion himself has changed, and Toni begins to find herself inconveniently attracted to this new Dion.

Here's a short excerpt:

~*~

“Welcome back, Toni.” A husky note lurked in his voice. An awkward pause developed before he moved forward and wrapped his arms loosely around her. “It’s good to see you again.”

As their bodies met, she found herself tensing. Over the years she’d received hundreds of hugs from Dion. But this one felt different. Now she was hyper-conscious of his physicality. His biceps were rock-hard, his chin rough stubbled, the mound of his shoulder disturbingly smooth. He smelt of sea and masculinity. Unfamiliar. This wasn’t the Dion she used to know. She pulled away, perplexed.

“Sorry.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I probably need a shower.”

She shook her head. “No, it’s just–” She broke off, unable to explain why she felt so off kilter. “I’m not exactly myself today. That’s why I stopped here for a breather when I arrived.”

He nodded in sympathy. “Not ready to show up at your folks’ place, huh?”

“I’ve been looking forward to seeing them so much, but now I kind of have to gather my thoughts first.”

He pushed sand around with his foot. “Your mum’s been worried about you. Your dad too, though he doesn’t say as much.” He pressed his sole down on the sand hill he’d created. “I know I’ve told you before, but I’m sorry about you and Nick.”

The words sounded flat, rehearsed. She couldn’t decide whether he meant it or not. Dion barely knew her ex-husband. She’d met Nick at Sydney University where they’d both been studying commerce. Nick’s busy social calendar meant he’d only accompanied her to Piper Bay a handful of fleeting occasions. Soon after graduation, she and Nick had married and migrated to London, both of them landing jobs at the same investment bank. They were going to work and travel all over the world, forging their careers, then when they tired of globetrotting they would return to Sydney, buy a house together and start a family. So much for their dreams.

Toni drew in a deep breath. “Thanks,” she replied. “So am I.”

“You’re better off without him.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself.” But it didn’t always help.

He shot her a sharp glance, his eyes not soft any more. He looked like he was about to say something, but at the last moment he changed his mind and shook his head. What? she wanted to challenge him. What were you going to say about Nick and me? I need to know. But he turned away to pick up his beach towel, leaving her to stare after him in disappointment.

~*~

Teaser Tuesday - Darke London

I thought I'd post a teaser from my historical/supernatural romance, Darke London, today:

~*~

He smiled at her. “Miss Barchester? You look quite fierce now that you’re armed. I should hate to accost you in a dark alley.”

She blushed faintly and smiled back at him. “‘Miss Barchester’ is so stuffy and formal. Please call me Nellie.”

His grin widened. “As long as you’re happy I’m not taking liberties. And of course you must call me Julian.”

“Thank you, Julian.” She flicked the blades up one last time. “From here on, no one will be taking liberties with me.”

~*~

Undercover in the CEO's Bed - excerpt

In this excerpt from Undercover in the CEO’s Bed, Jacinta and Lex are discussing the nuts and bolts of making others believe that, after a nasty breakup and months of silence, they have reconciled.

***

“Are you sure it’ll be so easy to fool people into thinking we’re back together?” she asked.

“Why not?” He shrugged his wide shoulders. “We’ll go to a few public engagements, some big, high-profile parties. We’ll be seen together as a couple, and people will assume we’ve reconciled. It’s not unusual.”

“Yeah but we’ll have to...you know, play a role.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “You don’t have to sleep with me...” His cool eyes glinted. “...if you don’t want.”

Her chest grew hot. “I wasn’t even considering that.”

Liar, his eyes flashed.

“You weren’t?”

Forcing herself to hold his gaze, she caught the amusement and heat mingling in his blue depths. Her breath shortened. Just one loaded stare from him was enough to send her into meltdown. The packet tore between her fingers and sugar spilled out.

“Don’t get any ideas, buster. I have standards. I could never sleep with a man I despised.” Yeah, keep telling yourself that and maybe it’ll hold true.

“Keep your panties on,” he drawled. “All you’ll have to do is suffer a few kisses and hugs from me in public. Think you can put up with that?”

A few kisses and hugs from Lex? Heavenly torture. But what if she wanted more after that? She busied herself sweeping up the spilled sugar and depositing the debris into her saucer. “I guess.”

“And no heavy petting without prior arrangement.” The glint in his eyes lingered.

“No heavy petting, period.”

“Why make such strict rules? You might enjoy it. I’m not a bad kisser, you have to admit.”

He was a fantastic kisser, the best she’d ever had, but pigs would fly before she’d admit that. “When do you want to start?”

“Tonight. There’s a big party I’m supposed to attend. I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear something slinky. You know the kind of thing I like.”

For a moment she spluttered. How dare he talk to her like that?

***

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Release day for Undercover in the CEO's Bed

Woo-hoo, it's release day for Undercover in the CEO's Bed!

Release day always makes me nervous. Have I written the best book possible? Will readers like it or not? I've come to realise that I can't control everything or please everyone, but it's still an anxious time when the fruits of my labour are finally delivered.

Anyway, here's the blurb:

Billionaire Lex Rochester has a problem. Someone is trying to sabotage the family company, but the investigation needs to be highly discreet because Lex suspects it’s one of his own relatives. His solution—hire IT security specialist Jacinta Greene, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. With Jacinta posing as his newly reconciled girlfriend, the other Rochesters won’t suspect they’re being monitored.

The last thing Jacinta wants is to see Lex again. Their breakup still tortures her, but she’ll do just about anything to help her kid brother, even pretend to reunite with Lex. But the more time she spends with Lex, the more she realizes she’s never gotten over him. Which is bad news, because she and Lex are fatally incompatible.

The fire that still burns between them is as hot and irresistible as ever. Can Jacinta remember what’s real and what’s fake, or will she be hurt by Lex all over again?

For a limited time only it's only 99c at selected retailers. Note: sale pricing cannot be guaranteed.

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Entangled Publishing is celebrating the new look for Indulgence by running a giveaway (US only).

Entangled’s very first imprint, Indulgence, brings us the romance we want. And the fantasy men we can’t get enough of! Their new covers show off those rough and ready cowboys, CEOs, and alpha tycoons we crave. Join us in celebrating the brand new look of Indulgence!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coming soon - Undercover in the CEO's Bed

My latest book, Undercover in the CEO's Bed, releases next week May 27!

I'm in love with my cover:

Billionaire Lex Rochester has a problem. Someone is trying to sabotage the family company, but the investigation needs to be highly discreet because Lex suspects it’s one of his own relatives. His solution—hire IT security specialist Jacinta Greene, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. With Jacinta posing as his newly reconciled girlfriend, the other Rochesters won’t suspect they’re being monitored. 

The last thing Jacinta wants is to see Lex again. Their breakup still tortures her, but she’ll do just about anything to help her kid brother, even pretend to reunite with Lex. But the more time she spends with Lex, the more she realizes she’s never gotten over him. Which is bad news, because she and Lex are fatally incompatible. 

The fire that still burns between them is as hot and irresistible as ever. Can Jacinta remember what’s real and what’s fake, or will she be hurt by Lex all over again? 

Preorder at Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon AU