Escaping to the Tropics with Annie West


Have
you ever lived through miserable weather and long tiring days of work and
longed to escape to a tropical paradise? I’ll put my hand up to that. Even now,
when the weather in Australia is of the heatwave variety, the idea of a
tropical beach appeals. Maybe it’s the gorgeous, glittering sea, the balmy
breezes or the shade of lush vegetation. Sigh.









That longing inspired the setting of my current book (The Greek’s Forbidden Innocent), so I happily indulged myself recalling time spent in the tropics. It made diving into my story each day so much easier!





If
you’re dreaming of a tropical escape here are a few tips.





First
up, check your dates. Even Paradise can get thrashed by rough weather
sometimes. This first photo is of Trinity Beach in far north Queensland (the
north east part of Australia). It formed part of my inspiration for Mina and
Alexei’s story. Out to sea is the Great Barrier Reef. So if you were planning a
trip there you’d want to be able to explore the Reef, right? And swim in the
sea? It’s best not to assume that because it’s winter in the northern
hemisphere, it’s automatically the best time to visit. Summer in this area can
be hot and incredibly humid. It’s storm season too, so if a cyclone is going to
roll in from the Pacific, this is the most likely time of year. Then too,
summer is stinger season in north Queensland – there are some very unpleasant
jellyfish that ride the currents at that time of year, which means for a couple
of months it’s better to swim in a pool than at the beach, though the reef is
usually okay. Wherever you’re going, do your homework in advance.





So,
you’ve checked your ideal tropical destination, saved your holiday money and
checked when to go. What else?









Take
your cue from the locals.  They don’t
usually sunbake all day. Pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen and, if you’re not
used to the sun, take it in small doses. Turning lobster red and sore on the
first day of sun exposure can take the shine out of the most wonderful holiday.
 Insect repellent is handy too.





Keep
up your fluids! There may be a sunken bar in your resort pool – lots of fun and
such a luxury. But remember to top up with water as well.









Oh,
and those pretty coconut palms? They do drop coconuts from time to time. Maybe
find some other shade to relax in.





But
with those couple of precautions, your trip should be marvellous, with the
beach on your doorstep and nothing to do but unwind. Don’t forget to take some
reading matter so you can loll about by the water, enjoying the decadence of
totally relaxing in idyllic surroundings and not working! Could anything be
nicer?





If
you’ve got the time and energy, don’t miss the chance to explore more than the
beach. Check out the local towns, maybe meet some locals, go on a tour of the
rainforest or learn about the local wildlife. The tropics are so richly diverse
and fascinating. Plus of course there will probably be jet skis, canoes, paddle
boards and all sorts of fun activities to enjoy.





If
you can, try to see at least one sunrise or sunset. They can be absolutely
spectacular!





If
you have suggestions on a tropical paradise to visit, please let me know. I may
just have to do some research for another book! Is there an idyllic location
you’d like to escape to right now?





About Annie









Australian Annie West loves writing passionate, intense romances and not just because it gives her a chance to ignore housework! She is a USA Today Bestselling author, published in 25 languages. Annie writes contemporary stories about charismatic heroes and strong heroines. She loves being in contact with readers as far apart as Brisbane, Bremen and Bermuda. When not writing and avoiding housework she can be found walking, enjoying good food and good company, travelling and reading.





Annie has a new book out right now!





Connect with Annie via





Her website: http://www.annie-west.com





Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author





Or sign up for her occasional newsletter
with book updates, behind the scenes information and giveaways: https://tinyurl.com/ya56pe7c





THE GREEK’S FORBIDDEN INNOCENT









The Greek’s
virgin bride…


…is hiding her royal identity!

While helping her friend escape an arranged
marriage, dutiful Princess Mina finds herself captive
on enigmatic Alexei Katsaros’s luxurious private island! Mina must convince
Alexei that she’s his future bride, but she doesn’t expect their scorching
chemistry to be so deliciously overwhelming… And after a night in the Greek’s
bed, suddenly there’s more at stake than just Mina’s hidden identity—her heart
is at Alexei’s mercy, too!

Escape to an island paradise with the
billionaire and his royal bride!









Buy on:





Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback





Amazon UK Amazon Aus


24 comments:

  1. A tropical escape sounds so wonderful, and the book sounds good!

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  2. That totally sounds like it would be a nice place to travel to. I used to live near the beach when I lived in California. I miss the beach at times.

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  3. Sounds like a great read and a trip to the tropics even virtually would be a wonderful trip :) Thanks so much for the review :)

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  4. Sounds like a great read to take with, when visiting Australia:)

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  5. My pleasure, Suzanne! Glad you found them useful.

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  6. My pleasure, Suzanne! Glad you found them useful.

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  7. Christine, I can tell you I loved this island setting as I wrote Forbidden Innocent. I'm happy you like the sound of both! :)

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  8. Hi Mary,
    I know what you mean. I was born and brought up on the coast but lived inland for years. I so missed the ocean while I was away.

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  9. Hope you enjoy the virtual trip in the book, Denise! :)

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  10. Sandra, or somewhere else! I find myself loving tropical settings when I'm in deep winter or craving a story with a snowy setting when it's warm here! :)

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  11. Hi Annie

    Fabulous book with a fabulous setting, and I do love the tropical settings that I have seen on the cruises I have been too Maree and Mystery Island are lovely places not big fancy houses though :)

    Have Fun

    Helen

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  12. So wonderful that you enjoyed this story, Helen. It was a special one for me. I've followed your cruises with interest and know how much you enjoy them. I haven't been to either of the places you mention. Maybe one day! :)

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  13. I'm pleased you found them useful, Lady Fi!

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  14. Oh that would be quite the view to wake up to compared to our very drab winterscape right now. lol

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  15. I am watching it snow out my window right now- so this is the perfect post to read. :) I was taken away to the tropics for a little bit. Great travel tips! Thanks, Annie.

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  16. Excellent tips. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  17. Great tips!

    My sister lives in the southern US. When she first moved there, she was surprised to see that most of her friends who have lived in the sun for generations, avoid it like the plague.

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  18. Great tips!

    My sister lives in the southern US. When she first moved there, she was surprised to see that most of her friends who have lived in the sun for generations, avoid it like the plague.

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  19. Herding cats - I know what you mean. When the days are grey I dream of blue skies.

    As I'm in Australia it's still pretty summery here but change is in the air!

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  20. Oh, that's so nice to hear, Stephanie! I'm so pleased.

    I share travel photos in my FB author page every Tuesday, and though they're not always sunny, I find them a great way to escape. Here's the link if you're interested https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author/

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  21. Waving right back at you from sunny Australia! Hope you're enjoying spring over there.

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  22. Oh, Elizabeth, it makes such sense when you see what the sun does to your skin over decades. I'm always amazed by my nothern hemisphere friends who rush out to bake in the sun where I'll sit in the shade. It's what we're used to, I suppose.

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