by Susan Stephens, author of Italian Boss, Proud Miss Prim (Harlequin Presents, Oct. 2009 — should be in stores in North America next week and on-sale now on eHarlequin.com!)
Katie Bannister is shy, prim and plain.
Rigo Ruggiero is rich and blessed with blistering good looks, along with all the confidence that accompanies massive personal success and universal approval.
An uneven contest?
It would appear so. But Katie has had one dream stolen away from her, and rather than folding, she has rebuilt her life and carried on. A doormat, she ain’t! Something arrogant Rigo Ruggiero has to learn fast.
Setting this romance in one of my favourite cities in all the world, Rome, was a true indulgence. I never lose the sense of awe I feel whenever I visit the city and always take the open top bus tour to marvel once again at the living history that exists side by side with today’s modern and ultra-fast pace of life.
The Coliseum is a particular favourite of mine–and so evocative, especially when the building is lit up at night when the arched openings of this circular arena glow with a mellow light and you can practically hear the crowd baying for blood.
Each time I visit Rome I learn something new about the city–and not just where to find the best ice cream–though I do mention the name of the street where you can find my favourite in this latest book!.
I just love Roman men–so proud, so arrogant, so well groomed and sharply dressed–even in jeans–and so darn sexy. No wonder I return to Italy again and again as a source of inspiration!
Take one quiet, unfashionable girl and fill her head with outrageous thoughts and the lust for wild adventure–and then mix in an apparently irredeemable bad-boy with a secret life as different as it could be from the way the public and Katie Bannister see him, and you have the seeds of my October release, Italian Boss, Proud Miss Prim.
Rigo is a typical Roman male–ruggedly good-looking, super-fit, and unashamedly sexual–And he knows it!
Katie might be courageous, but has she bitten off more than she can chew this time?
With a hero like that no wonder I absolutely adored writing this book and I hope you enjoy it too. Bring on the Roman hero, and let’s see what Katie Bannister can do with him!
And, as this book is a prequel to my sheikh duet across the Modern Heat/Modern Presents line, which begins in December (in the UK from Modern Heat) with Ruling Sheikh, Unruly Mistress. You can read Rigo’s sister’s story in Master of the Desert, when feisty Antonia–the girl with a knife–takes on The Sword of Vengeance--the Sheikh with a much bigger knife--in April 2010 for Harlequin Presents!
Have fun reading everyone!
With my warmest wishes to you all,
Susan
I always enjoy your books. Can’t wait to read this one.
I echo Linda. Always enjoy your books as well. Take care. Caroline x
Sounds FABULOUS, Susan – and you really bring the eternal city to life with your passionate words.
Best,
Sharon
Great post. I can remember our day spent in Rome. It was amazing.
Another sheikh? I can’t believe how many are going to be published this and next year. Can’t wait.
I love Rome, Susan, and your post brought memories rushing back in delicious detail. Even more reason to pick up your gorgeous Roman hero:-))
Love the sound of the upcoming sheikh duet too! Please keep them coming.
Rigo really sounds a challenge, Susan. And you’re right about those stylish Roman men – how do they do it?
Susan, I adore Rome too, and Rigo sounds delicious. I’ve had my head turned many a time wandering the streets of the Eternal City. It’s such a fabulous place, so rich in history and culture and yes-good-looking men!
Best wishes,
Melanie x
Thank you all! Excuse the delay in my getting here – I’ve been on holiday- and this time my computer was confiscated by my hisband – can’t blame him really!!!
But I’m back to say, yes, Rome is one of my all-time favourite places, and having the opportunity to revisit it in my dreams and create the type of hero who makes my blood pound is a real buzz and a privilege.
Sxx
And I can hit the right key – I meant, of course my husband confiscated the computer- or was that him hissing in the background as I went back to work
xx
Susan, I’m so envious of your trips to Rome and it sounds as though you had plenty of inspiration during those visits! Can’t wait to read this one –
Sarah
x