Brothers of the Vine
Forever Evermore
Women of W.A.R.
In 1908, Mills & Boon was founded in London and it launched a century of escapist publishing that we have come to know and love today. Across the pond, also in 1908, the oldest cocktail in the world, the Sazerac, appeared in The World’s Drinks and How to Mix Them by William T. ‘Cocktail Bill’ Boothby. Coincidence? Maybe. A serendipitous plot point that will be a catalyst for a glorious romance? Absolutely.
Keep reading to find out the perfect cocktail to sip on while you’re reading your favourite Mills & Boon–because nothing makes for a more sexy, glamorous and heart-racing evening than reading a good book.
Modern
Power and passion, Modern is the leading series line that makes Mills & Boon iconic. A cocktail for this line needs to be exactly what you asked for. Sex on the Beach is a perfect mix of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. It’s sexy and sophisticated. Replace the vodka with Fireball if you want to get sassy.
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Bound by a One-Night Vow by Melanie Milburne
‘Marry me or lose everything.’
The Italian’s outrageous proposal! Heiress Isabella Byrne is on a deadline. She has twenty-four hours to wed or she’ll lose her inheritance! Her father’s protégé, hotel magnate Andrea Vaccaro, knows she can’t refuse his arrogant proposition for a temporary union. They’ll seal the deal at the altar that very night. But with their ever-smouldering attraction bursting into flames, can Izzy risk surrendering to the temptation that awaits her between Andrea’s sheets?
Consequence of the Greek’s Revenge by Trish Morey
His vengeful seduction… will bind them together — forever!
Athena Nikolides is wary of being exploited for her newly inherited fortune. But charismatic Alexios Kyriakos is already a billionaire, and with their overwhelmingly intense desire, Athena feels safe with him. So she’s devastated to learn Alexios only wants her to avenge himself against her father! But when the consequence of their undeniable passion is revealed, now he wants her for so much more…
Dare
The newest line to the Mills & Boon family, Dare is next level sexy, so we need a next level cocktail. Between the Sheets is a cocktail made with white rum, cognac, triple sec and lemon juice. A smooth sailing cocktail in taste, it hides a potency that will have you coming back for more.
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King’s Price by Jackie Ashenden
His marriage deal… Her sexual awakening!
Unscrupulous businessman Leon King is going legit. A calculated marriage to the daughter of a wealthy Sydney philanthropist could help redeem his family’s reputation. But Vita Hamilton has her own scandal to shake: a decade-old sex tape that still haunts her. Getting emotionally involved with Vita will cost Leon dearly. With their intense sexual connection, is it a price this King is willing to pay?
Play Thing by Nicola Marsh
She’s been playing it safe…
but now it’s time for a new game plan!
Prim and proper Charlotte Baxter lets her naughty side run wild when she meets a hot stranger one night. She’s riding on a high — until she discovers the mystery man is also her demanding new boss! With her career her top priority, an affair with Alex Bronson is forbidden…so why is she ready to risk it all for another scorching encounter?
Western Romance
We need a cocktail that will wrangle you in with a lasso, just like the Western Romance line — something rugged, smoky and warm. Obviously, we’re going with a Dark ‘n’ Stormy on this one. Made with ginger beer, rum and lime, this cocktail is a perfect refreshment after a long day of falling in love with a cowboy.
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Western Duo
A Cowboy’s Pride by Karen Rock
Rancher Cole Loveland has no interest in dredging up the past, but his ex-fiancée, Katlynn Brennon, has other plans. To save her struggling TV show, she’s come back to Colorado to investigate the infamous Cade-Loveland feud. Trusting Katlynn again isn’t easy – she’s already chosen her career over Cole once. But he’s beginning to realise that true love, like legends, never dies.
Rodeo Daddy by Marin Thomas
The day Hallie Sutton dreaded has finally come – Drew Rawlins has found out the secret she’s been keeping. But the rodeo is Drew’s whole world and Hallie needs a full-time dad for their boy. Still, how can she deny the injured bronc rider the chance to get to know his son?All Drew wants is to carve out a place in his son’s life – sorting out his feelings for Hallie isn’t as simple. The emotion simmering between them is just as strong, but winning the world championship is still number one on Drew’s list. Can he have it all – the title and the chance to prove he’s the man Hallie and Nick need?
Betting on Texas by Amanda Renee
More Than The Ranch At Stake
When Miranda Archer bought Double Trouble Ranch, sight unseen, she was eager to leave city life behind and start fresh in the Texas Hill Country. But the property came with some unexpected extras: a few cattle, a couple of horses and one surly cowboy.
From the minute Jesse Langtry first laid eyes on Miranda, she captured his heart. Beautiful and determined, Miranda is everything Jesse wants in a woman. There’s just one little hitch. Jesse’s dream girl just stole his ranch!
Sure that rural life will be too much for Miranda, Jesse bets her that she won’t last a month at Double Trouble. If he wins, she’ll sell him the land–if she wins, he’ll leave for good. Pushing each other away seems to bring them closer–and that’s where the real trouble begins!
Desire
Secrets and scandal invade this series, so we need a cocktail that is controversial, yet you want to try at least once — a burning mystery we must uncover! The B-52 cocktail will keep you wondering with its complex, layered composition. Made with Kahlua, Baileys and Grand Marnier, this distinct cocktail will split into three different colours due to the alcohol’s density. You’ll be thinking about this cocktail for the rest of the night!
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Desire Duo
Tempt Me In Vegas by Maureen Child
Cooper Hayes won’t share his hotel empire, especially not with his business partner’s secret daughter – even if Terri Ferguson is the most beautiful woman in Vegas. He’s obsessed with sinful fantasies – and buying her out. But Terri refuses his offer…while she shares his bed. With enemies working against them, how far will Cooper go for a love that money can’t buy?
The Boyfriend Arrangement by Andrea Laurence
Instead of attending yet another friend’s wedding alone, Harper Drake asks Sebastian West – sexy, available and not a total stranger – to pose as her adoring boyfriend. With sparks flying, a little faux affection could be fun and no one, especially Harper’s ex, will guess the truth. Except things get very hot, very fast, for real…and then a blackmailer’s threats force them to reveal all their secrets!
Rancher Untamed by Katherine Garbera
At tonight’s bachelor auction, money’s no object… That red-hot cowboy will be hers!
Pippa Hamilton-Hoff has come into a fortune, and her first purchase is the bachelor on the charity auction block, Diego Velasquez. No one in Texas knows she’s secretly an heiress — or that she craves Diego. She wants this time with him, even knowing it’s temporary. Because Pippa can’t stay forever…but is she willing to leave her untamed rancher behind?
Historical
A classic is needed for this series line — and it’s obviously the Old Fashioned. Made with one sugar cube, wetted with Angostura bitters, soda, and rye whisky, it’s a staple that has been around since the beginning. Old fashioned love stories, old fashioned drinks.
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Historical Duo
A Proposition For The Comte – Sophia James
The Makings Of A Lady – Catherine Tinley
A Most Unsuitable Match by Julia Justiss
Shunned by the ton How would she find a husband?
After her mother’s latest outrageous affair, innocent Prudence Lattimar has fled to Bath. With her dubious background, she must marry a man of impeccable reputation. A clergyman with a title would be perfect. She must steer clear of Lieutenant Johnnie Trethwell though — his family is as notorious as hers, no matter how funny, charming and unfailingly honourable he is!
Intrigue
Suspenseful and heart-palpitating stories — we can translate that into a cocktail with a Sazerac. Made with cognac, a sugar cube and bitters, this cocktail captures your attention with its wide range of (presumably unrelated) ingredients. It’ll be the absinthe on the rim of the glass that will get your heart palpitating.
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Intrigue Duo
Danger On Dakota Ridge by Cindi Myers
Paige Riddell never expects her relaxing hike to end in gunfire…or in Rob Allerton’s strong arms. The handsome DEA agent arrested her troubled brother years ago. Now he suspects a connection to a prominent Colorado developer’s death. The feisty blonde vows to prove her brother’s innocence, until she becomes the murderer’s target. But when her greatest adversary becomes her live-in bodyguard, Paige wonders what will be the cause of her undoing: the killer…or her fierce attraction to Rob.
Wyoming Cowboy Justice by Nicole Helm
Resident bad boy and saloon owner Grady Carson knows his brother is not a murderer, and he’ll do anything to prove it. But partnering with Laurel Delaney? Worst idea ever. The beautiful, by-the-book cop challenges him like no other. Bad family blood – and a killer at large – makes their attraction unthinkable. Dangerous. Reckless. How can they solve a crime to prevent a family war and then let forbidden love ignite it anew?
Rogue Gunslinger by B.J. Daniels
A deadly homecoming in Whitehorse, Montana.
Bestselling author TJ Clementine thought she’d be safe with her sisters during the holidays. She was wrong. Dead wrong. Now her ‘biggest fan’ has followed TJ to Whitehorse, Montana, with visions of murder in mind. The only person who can help TJ is ruggedly handsome loner Silas Walker — if she can trust him. Because this mountain man knows just how to hunt deadly shadows…and win.
Romance Suspense
Do you want love or danger? A question the protagonists of a Romantic Suspense book ask themselves — but you won’t have to ask yourself the same question with a Perfect Martini. Unlike the traditional Martini and the Dry Martini, the Perfect Martini is made to balance the dry and the sweet liquors. Made with gin, dry and sweet vermouth with a lemon garnish, this cocktail will satisfy all your tastebuds so the book can keep you at the edge of your seat instead.
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Romantic Suspense Duo
Rancher’s Deadly Reunion by Beth Cornelison
When Piper McCall heads home, she runs smack into ranch hand Brady Summers, the man she left behind. Years later, the sparks between them burn as brightly as ever, but dark secrets – like the identity of his orphaned nephew – still linger. And when Piper’s life is threatened, neither she nor Brady will ever be the same again.
Trained To Protect by Linda O. Johnston
From the moment Elissa Yorian arrives at Chance K-9 Ranch, an unknown foe has her in his sights. Fortunately, Officer Doug Murran is on the case. As he tracks Elissa’s mysterious enemy, he does his best to resist the electricity he feels every time he looks at her. Still, their passion might not be enough to protect Elissa from a murderer…
Conard County Watch by Rachel Lee
Archaeologist Renee Dubois is used to digging up the past, not falling headlong into intrigues of the present. But trouble comes her way when she meets ex–Marine Carter Copeland, whose cool–and–collected demeanour contrasts with his lethally sexy looks. As Carter and Renee stumble across a deadly secret, they must race against time to survive.
Medical
Pulse-racing and clean, Medical obviously calls for a minty cocktail like a mojito. Made with Bacardi, mint, soda water, sugar and lime, this cocktail will make you feel reinvigorated and sparkling, healthily alive.
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Medical Duo
Reunited With Her Brooding Surgeon by Emily Forbes
Grace Gibson loves her job as a transplant coordinator at a Sydney hospital. But she’s blindsided when a ghost from her past reappears. Devastatingly handsome surgeon Marcus Washington was her childhood neighbour – but he’s all man now, and hiding a wealth of pain. Will Grace be the woman to break down his walls and claim his heart?
Tempted By Mr Off–Limits by Amy Andrews
Lola Fraser knows better than to fall for her best friend’s brother, paramedic Hamish Gibson. Living together whilst he’s training could get awkward – fast! But as they work together on a heartrending case, they can’t resist the temptation to take their minds off work. Surely one night will be enough…until they discover it isn’t!
The Shy Nurse’s Christmas Wish by Abigail Gordon
From shy nurse… to Christmas bride!
Darcey Howard has come to the beautiful seaside town of Seahaven for a fresh start. Working over Christmas on the children’s ward at Oceans House will help her to forget her traumatic past. But her quiet, safe existence is shattered by gorgeous surgeon Daniel Osbourne. Enigmatic Daniel is the last man she should fall for, but he’s just too tempting to resist
Cherish
There’s nothing like the rush of falling in love — you don’t realise it’s happening but oh-what-a-feeling when it does! A soft, gentle cocktail for this series line is best — like an Angel Face. Innocent, but a little on the adventurous side. Made with gin, apricot brandy and Calvados, this cocktail is perfect for sating your sweet tooth.
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Cherish Duo
Almost A Bravo by Christine Rimmer
It’s shocking enough discovering she was switched at birth. Now, to fulfil the terms of his adoptive father’s will, Aislinn Bravo must marry Jaxon Winter or he loses his beloved ranch. Living together as husband and wife for three months only deepens Aislinn’s desire for her long-time crush. But how can she dream of a future with Jax when her whole life is a lie?
The Rancher’s Christmas Promise by Allison Leigh
‘We believe the infant girl under our protection is your daughter.’With that, rancher Ryder Wilson’s world turns upside down. But he is determined to make a home for the baby his estranged late wife left on a stranger’s doorstep. Lawyer Greer Templeton is there to help, after growing attached to little Layla during the search for her daddy. It’s enough to make Ryder propose a marriage of convenience. But does love factor into his Christmas promise?
Second Chance in Stonecreek by Michelle Major
Part two of Maggie & Griffin’s three-book love story!
No matter how much mayor Maggie Spencer avoids bad boy Griffin Stone, there’s only so far to go in Stonecreek. Only so much she can deny an undeniable attraction. And only so many times she can relive their blazing night together. Their families are feuding, the gossips threatening her reelection, but nothing can keep her away. Is it desire…or is it (gasp!) love?
Forever Romance
We need a cocktail that will linger for a while — like true love. A cocktail like an espresso martini. Comfortable and familiar, but will keep you going with vodka, a shot of espresso and coffee liqueur until the wee hours of the morning.
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Forever Romance Duo
A Diamond In The Snow by Kate Hardy
Wedding The Greek Billionaire by Rebecca Winters
Christmas with the Duke by Katrina Cudmore
Reunited with her first love…for an unforgettable Christmas!
Ciara Harris hoped her first Christmas working back at Loughmore Castle would mark a fresh start, but the return of Tom, now Duke of Bainsworth, threatens to uncover feelings she thought long-buried. Being snowed in on Christmas Eve with Tom forces Ciara to face the truth — there’s still something magical between them. As the castle’s fires burn warm and festive, so do Tom and Ciara’s feelings of hope…
The Best Of…
Our upcoming series line, The Best Of, features Australian and New Zealand talent and will be launched in November 2018. Nothing says Australia like Bundaberg. The Blender’s Barrel is made with Bundaberg rum, lime juice, vanilla syrup, pineapple juice, soda water and bitters. This cocktail is perfect for sipping in the summer heat and reminiscing about fast-paced, sun-drenched love.
Pair these cocktails when your Mills & Boon read of choice and you have a perfect romance of treasured past-times. From spicy to sweet, with a kick or a kiss, these cocktails will compliment your reading experience and transcend you into literary nirvana.
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Best of: Melanie Milburne
Unmasking the Doctor- includes the stories A Doctor Beyond Compare and Her Boss’s Special Care
Best of: Barbara Hannay
Once More With Feeling- includes the stories A Miracle for his Secret Son and Runaway Bride
And remember kids, read responsibly.
By Hillary Albertson