by Anna Cleary, author of At the Boss’s Beck and Call (Harlequin Presents, December 2009)
Venetian Heroes, and should they be let loose upon the world? Or must we all simply learn to lock up our daughters?
Amy, Anna Cleary here thanking you for your invitation and the opportunity to talk about Venice. Oh, and yes, that’s right. At the Boss’s Beck and Call.
The truth is, I’ve been in love with Venice for a very long time. No doubt every city has its beauties, but there is none that shimmers in my imagination quite like la Serenissima, the Jewel of the Adriatric, and one of humankind’s most extraordinary treasures.
I love reading about the history of the Republic, especially of the glory days during the Renaissance when Venice ruled the Mediterranean. Picture the stately caravels, the galleons laden with gold and exotic merchandises from the four corners of the earth sailing the Grand Canal to swell the city-state’s brimming coffers.
This was the period when Venetian artists and musicians were inspired by the creative explosion taking place in Florence. Their contributions to the astonishing outpouring of artistic treasures of the time still delight our yearning souls and bring millions of visitors to Venice to marvel every year.
But what made the Lady of the Lagoon such a powerful magnet? I suspect it had to do with the traditions of thoughtful governance, the mingling of philosophies and cultures from east and west that had enriched Venetian life since before mediaeval times.
This is why, when searching for a hero to capture the heart of one Lara Meadows, a rather cautious small-town girl from Bindinong in the Blue Mountains, Australia, I dreamed of a man to inspire her and jolt her from her comfort zone. One who represented a tradition of sophistication and subtlety, wealth and aristocracy not altogether commonplace among the fine citizens of Bindinong.
So of course I looked to Venice. And there I found a splendid example of prime Venetian hero. Alessandro Vincenti, Marchese d’Isole Veneziane Minori, or for those of you who find your Italiano a little on the rusty side, Marquis of the Minor Venetian Isles.
Alessandro is Venetian to his fingertips, yet he prefers to describe himself as a citizen of the world. A bon vivant in every sense, the lean, hard, dark-eyed guy appreciates fine cuisine, wine and a rich Puccini melody.
And like the Venice of old, Alessandro has his dark side. In fact, the gorgeous guy can be something of a ruthless devil. I suspect I know what you’re thinking. A scintillating devil who regards seduction as an art form should probably fall madly in love with a woman who isn’t easy to pin down.
Lucky for Lara, Alessandro isn’t a man to throw in the towel where his passions are engaged. And his passions are engaged, my friends. Make no mistake!
I hope you enjoy reading Alessandro’s and Lara’s story. One tiny question still niggles me, though. Can a hero be too practised in the seductive arts, or should a talent for seduction be a necessary and vital part of every hero’s arsenal?
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your views on this delicate matter…
anna x
Anna your book sounds a delicious as your hero. I went to Venice for the first time this year and can vouch for its sheer romanticism. Such a gorgeous place to set a book. And I firmly believe that every hero should be well practiced in the seductive arts
!
x Abby
Anna, I agree with Abby – I don’t think a hero can be too practised in the seductive arts, but if there’s any doubt then maybe Abby and I could conduct a survey. We’d have to travel to Venice and question hot blooded Italian men which would be tough, obviously, but it’s important that we Presents authors research our craft thoroughly. In the meantime, At the Boss’s Beck and Call will no doubt help satisfy the craving for seductive Italians.
x
I agree with Abby and Sarah. A HM&B hero cannot be too skilled in seduction, and your hero Alessandro was very skilled. And yet, he showed a rather endearing, vulnerable side when he met little Vivi for the first time. I love the gift he bought her, her reaction and how he gently won her over. Proving that his skills at seduction weren’t confined to the bedroom. Though his softer side came only after he vented his all his anger and disdain at poor Lara in the first chapters. I loved the miscommunication there, and the smooth flowing dialogue, making the whole story seductive.
And I love Sarah’s idea of a survey…especially if I can go along…I’ve never been to Venice
Oh, I love Venice! It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. And since it’s unlikely that I’ll be visiting there again anytime soon, sadly, I suppose I will just have to read At the Boss’s Beck and Call instead. I can’t wait.
Skill in the art of seduction is a must, naturally, for an uber sexy alpha.
But I like it when some of those seductive skills get rocked a bit by how affected he is by the heroine. When she can shake that smooth facade, especially when he has such finely honed skills, it’s always fun to sit back and watch the fireworks!
Can’t wait to read the book, Anna, it sounds wonderful.
Hmmm, am liking the sound of conducting a *ahem* very serious survey. Sarah, when do we leave?!
x
Anna, I’m definitely with you on the lure of Venetian heroes and Venice. And, Sarah, when you’re organising that survey of yours, count me in! I don’t trust you and Abby to take it seriously. Merri and I could keep up the onerous task of investigating Venetian heroes when you two get distracted.
Anna, I agree with Merri about Alessandro’s endearing, vulnerable side. Despite his initial coldness he was such a warm hearted and hot blooded hero. The scene when he meets Vivi was terrific.
I have to say my vote goes for a hero whose seduction skills rate as ‘formidable’.
Anna, your hero sounds delicious and Venice is on my ‘places to visit before I die’ list! And I agree – skill in the art of seduction is a must for any alpha hero. Alphas have been built up to be legendary in their prowess as lovers and in the art of seduction. I can’t imagine an alpha who doesn’t excel at it!
Looking forward to reading the book.
Abby and Sarah, have fun conducting your survey!
Part of the Alpha hero’s appeal is his skill at everything!
This is a man who does not need to be shown the location of any of the more sensitive areas of the heroine’s body. He will be quite rightly supremely confident in his ability to give a woman pleasure.
Though as Maisey says, it’s even more delicious when his feelings for the heroine shake his usual certainty just a little.
Hi Anna,
I always think of you as the luxurious read when I shop for my favourite line, Modern Heat of course. And even this post here has that touch of decadence that goes hand in hand with your stories. This sounds like the perfect read, can’t wait to get my hands on it.
As for your question, that was a joke right???? Seriously, can a man ever be too skilled in the art of seduction? Ah, absolutely not. Like Maisey wisely said, it’s wonderful to see him struggle, maybe to see him appreciate something simple like a kiss when he’s taken such things for granted all along. But I’m a greedy kinda gal so the more skills he brings, the happier I am.
Good luck with that survey by the way, should I feel sorry for Venetian men everywhere?
Aideen.
Oh, but of course he’ll have all the necessary skills still, Aideen.
His skills will never be questioned! (who would dare?) But that’s exactly the kind of thing I like, when a kiss shakes his formidable self control!
But then, of course he knows just what he’s doing and where he’s going, Jane…no road map required.
Oh heavens, I’ve done something here to upset the site fairies because my reply to all you lovely gals who’ve dropped by to help me indulge my passion for Venice has vanished into the ether.
I’ll try again!
First I must set Caitlin straight. I know this post is a little misleading.
The truth is At the Boss’s Beck and Call is set in Sydney, though Venice is there to some degree in Lara’s imagination because of her passion for Alessandro.
Thank you Abby and Sarah! Brilliant suggestion about that survey. Count me in!
And Merri. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Thank you for your generous words.
Merri and Annie, I’m so glad you liked Alessandro! I have to admit I was quite in love with him myself. I don’t think it needs to be pointed out here though, that when it comes to formidably sexy heroes, Miss Annie has them all sewn up!
Did I mention that I’m visiting Venice in April? In fact, my daughter and I plan to stay there in a fifteenth century palazzo built for one of the Doges. Anyone would think we were rich. ROTFL. But how often do I visit Venice? I say to my critics. (There are people who would balk at the palazzo. But as Aideen has picked up from reading my stories, I’m not one to stint when it comes to plunging into self-indulgence. In fact, Aideen, its about time you and I met somewhere in the world and did coffee. How about Harry’s Bar ?
You take the vaporetto that does all stops on the Grand Canal…
Thanks for dropping by Lee, and I certainly agree with you about Venice. Its one of those legendary places we all have to see before we die. Hope you get there soon!
Maisey–congratulations by the way on your beautiful news. For those readers who haven’t yet heard–Maisey is about to see her own fabulous books blazing from the bookshelves right next to Sarah’s, Abby’s and Annie’s. What a day that will be, Maisey!
And Mulberry, you certainly have it right about the Alpha heroes. But I think it’s important we see their vulnerable sides too. The tender, squishy bit in the centre makes the rock hard exterior all the sweeter to a passionate hot lovin’ women!
That’s woman! I can spell.
Luxurious. Luscious. Indulgence of the most satisfying kind. I’m very fond of wallowing in an Anna Cleary story. Also very fond of a hero who takes seduction seriously. It’s all part of the fantasy, isn’t it? Don’t want our heroine having to work too hard…
Quite happy to meet you and the rest of the gals in Venice, Anna, but I’m not much of one for coffee. It’ll have to be champagne. Perhaps there can be masks.
Incidentally, Caitlin, I recently stopped by at your website, and by the look of it you’ve been to quite a few romantic and exotic destinations of your own.
I must say Pure Princess Bartered Bride looks delicious. I love a hero as cool and quiet as a jungle cat!
cheers
anna x
Drinks are on me, Kel. How about a fine, dry prosecco?
Hi Anna
Great post and I enjoyed reading all the comments
WRT your question – ‘Can a hero be too practised in the seductive arts?’ def not!
Your Alessandro is hot and I loved him and Lara’s journey esp them coming together.
Your books are divine!
BTW – enjoy Venice, sounds wonderful
Thank you Joanne, that’s a message to thrill an author to the soul!
I’m delighted you like the books. Hope the one I’m currently tearing my hair out over receives a massive injection of divine inspiration soon so as not to disappoint you!
I’ll see you in Venice!
a. x
A survey, did you say? In Venice? I think I can make myself available
At the Boss’s Beck and Call sounds like yet another fabulous Anna Cleary Present tale! You’ve really got me in the mood. Can’t wait to wrap myself up in your characters, their plights and the sizzling passion, Anna.
Have a fab time in Venice!
Robbie
As it is Robbie, I can’t wait to be thoroughly wrapped up in the sizzling adventures of Eden Foley and that wicked, gorgeous Devlin Stone in Devil in a Dark Blue Suit.
I have them burning a hole in my bedside table as we speak!
See you in Venice! Or if that’s not possible, how about the Hilton Champagne Bash in Brisbane tomorrow?
anna x
Thanks, Anna! Yep, quite exciting.
It’s sinking in slowly but surely…
Looks like I’m coming late to the party here – loads of comments – but ofcourse, I’m not at ALL surprised! I LOVED Alessandro and Lara’s story as I loved all your others!!
And yep – a hero definitely needs to talented at the arts of seduction!!!
Rach!
Talented, with an accent like Francesco Da Mosto and tall, dark and handsome with it…
Right, where do I sign up for this survey?
(and congrats again, Maisey!)
I must love Venice. I just brought The Venetian’s Midnight Mistress by Carole Mortimer so I have one more book to add to my delight list!
Ah, Rach. Lovely to see you here! Are you joining the queue for Venice?
I’m glad to see you doing the survey, too, Christina! We’ll track down that Francesco Da Mosto and get him to introduce us to his friends and cousins. Then I think we should have some glittering occasion, probably with masks, in a palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. We can all swan around looking impossibly beautiful and mysterious in our diamonds, designer gowns and stilettos, our tape recorders tucked into our Versace bags. Then tall, darkly handsome Venetians will probably spirit us away one by one into the shadows for some serious, meaningful conversation.
And Linda. Thanks for dropping by. I think you’ll love Carol’s book. Her wonderful Venetian is to die for!
Congrats on the book, Anna!
And count me in on the survey
One teeny addition, though, per favore – gelati?
Count me in for the venice trip. I agree with the others, the hero should be a practised one in the arts of making love, which is why its so delicious when the heroine (usually fairly unpractised) rocks his world and tilts his view of the world when they have their moments together.
Thats how he knows its true love isn’t it? Because he’s been there, done that, and discovers that its all new with the heroine, she (like that beer) refreshes parts other females don’t?
Venice has long been on my list of places to see before I die (it’s been bumped up a notch, actually, since I took Australia off my list!
). I think I need to join Abby and Sarah on that research trip.
Kate, thanks for dropping by, and rest assured there’ll be lashings of gelati! Venice is simply awash with the stuff! IN every conceivable flavour! Although come to think of it, I’m not so sure about passionfruit….Hmm. That needs to be taken into account.
Hello Sally! Lovely to see you here enlisting for the Venetian survey. Although I may have strayed into virgin territory myself once or twice in previous books, from my own POV I think it’s perfectly okay if the heroine has had some previous relationships before she meets the hero. So long as she has good moral principles and is strong and honourable, she can be a fine heroine, and still have the beer effect.
And Kim. I suspect your brother-in law’s wombat experience has given you a deep-seated trauma. Or…
Surely it’s not the Australian cricket team that scares you?
I love romances with conflict and this definitely is one of those because at the end of their affair six years earlier they both agree to have a “time out”. The sexy Italian Alessandro Vencenti is going to America to finish his education and the beautiful Lara Meadows to return to her family home in Australia. They agree to meet months later back in Australia at The Centrepoint Tower if they still feel the same way about each other. Of course that doesn’t happen and now its six years later and they are fated to meet again at Lara’s publishing firm where Alessandro is going to reorganized and restructure and appoint a new Managing Director. What he doesn’t know is that he’s a father!
Remind you of some movies……Sleepless in Seattle and an Affair to Remember? A fabulous romance by Anna!
Ah, Venice! A woman after my own heart, Anna. I’m going back one day, come what may….
A skilled man? Absolutely! But a man who can take direction without it being an absolute affront to his ego is also worth his weight in gold
Amy
Ah, Amy. You never fail! LOL. You’d better come along!
Hi Marilyn! Thank you for coming! And you’re right, I loved both of those movies, but it was the old tear jerker that had the biggest effect on me, I think. I’m sure I saw it late one night on some old- time movie show, probably when I was an impressionable teenager (maybe five or ten years ago…) and wept buckets.
It’s amazing how these old experiences sneak in to influence our stories! See you in Venice!
anna
Anna, I adore Venice!
Was lucky enough to visit many moons ago, alone at the time…having a seductive hero along for the next visit would really make the trip
Anna, you could squeeze me in too, couldn’t you? I adore Venice. Especially those hot, hot days and coming out of the baking sun in a piazza into a dark, shady alley. Very mysterious and alluring. I like my heroes the same way. Hot, dark, mysterious. Maybe not shady
Oh yes Louise. You’re in! That little image you gave us there has us all salivating to be there at once!
And I agree with you. Hot, dark and mysterious, yes indeedy!
Nic, you’re certainly included in the invite, but are you sure it’s wise to bring along a hero? Would he be inclined to cramp your style when it came to your survey duties? How would he react to those hot, dark, mysterious Venetians?
Nah…it’s all research, I tell you
LOL! I think I understand!