By Lynn Raye Harris, author of Behind the Palace Walls (Harlequin Presents Extra, June 2011)
I’m not quite sure why I decided to write a Russian set book. I don’t always know where my ideas come from or why they only seem to work in a specific setting. I could have written BEHIND THE PALACE WALLS with an Italian hero. Or a Greek. Or even a sheikh.
But Prince Alexei Voronov had to be Russian. Beyond that, I knew with a certainty that the opening scene took place in Red Square. There was a woman running from something, though I didn’t know what or why. And Alexei was there to save her.
That’s all I had when I started writing. Scary to begin a book that way, but I often do. Yet I had the most amazing adventure as I got to know Paige Barnes and Alexei Voronov! One thing I absolutely knew Paige and Alexei must do was to take a troika ride through the snow. (It’s my homage to one of my favorite movies, Dr. Zhivago.)
I suppose it’s very American of me to want that scene, but then Paige is American too—she also wanted the romantic ride with the handsome prince, snuggling beneath a blanket, whisking through the snowy landscape. Alexei has a plan when he takes Paige on that ride, but he quickly discovers that all his plans are spiraling out of control.
I so love it when a hero loses control…
What happens next has consequences for them both that will change their lives forever. That’s why I love writing these stories! They’re so dramatic, so much larger than life. How many of us will ever meet a Russian prince or take a troika ride in the snow? But in the pages of a novel, we all can.
I’ve included a few pictures I used as inspiration for settings in the book. If you could go behind the palace walls for a day, what kind of prince would you want for your guide? I’d take a Russian. But tomorrow I might want a desert prince or an Italian… 
What beautiful pictures, Lynn. Can’t wait to take this trip to Russia with Paige and Alexei.
Hi Lynn! Sorry, I have to admit that I’ve never read your books but I hope to start with this one! Sadly, I don’t know when it’ll be available in Italy.
This post captured my attention at once for two reasons: I’m Italian and graduated in languages (among which, Russian, of course!)
As you, I love everything about this wonderful part of the world and those photos makes my heart beat faster everytime I remember those places…
Russia has something magic and mysterious in the deepest part of itself – something that Pushkin, Dostoevskij, Tolstoj and other great writers described for centuries so well.
Doctor Zhivago is one of my favourite books and movies too.
To answer to your question… yes, I’d definitely choose a Russian prince too.
So old-fashioned, charming and with that pronounced Russian accent, always recognizable…
I loved this book! The opening chapter is high octane and delicious, and the rest of the book is pure Lynn Raye Harris goodness. I devoured it in one sitting!
I think I’ll have to get this book.
I started liking Russian heroes with Jennie Lucas’ “The Christmas Love-Child.” I can’t wait to read about Alexei and Paige, though who knows when I’ll get to it the way books pile up around here. 
Hi Lynn,
Lovely pictures and such a great setting. Russian heroes are very much on the up and up. So rich, so sexy and that accent! Don’t get me started!
Hi, Jean! Thanks for stopping by!
Michela, so nice to meet you here! I’m not sure when this book will make it to Italy, but I just had one there in April so hopefully not too much longer. I agree with you about that Russian accent. I love it!
Caitlin, I adore you!
Thank you so much!
Hi, Danny! I hear you on the pile up of books. I’ll never dig out from the pile I have — and I keep buying them anyway.
Hope you enjoy when you are able to get around to reading it.
Hi, Melanie! I’m very happy Russian heroes are becoming so popular! I’d love to write another one.
Loved, loved this book. Especially your Russan alpha and all of the secrets!
Hi, Marilyn! Thank you so much!!! I loved my Russian alpha too. I’m thinking it’s time for another one.
Ooh, strange that you should reference Dr. Zhivago as being one of your favourite films. It’s one of mine, too – and just the other day on my website, I included the music of the theme tune – the dreamiy romantic SOMEWHERE MY LOVE.
This is a great post, Lynn – and the snowy photo is very Zhivago-like!
Hi, Lynn – loved this post and Dr. Zhivago is one of my favourite films, too. In fact, just the other day I posted a clip of the dreamy theme tune (SOMEWHERE MY LOVE) on my blog and now I can’t shift the haunting music from my head!
That snowy picture you’ve included is VERY Zhivago-like – oh, and your Russian hero sounds delicious!
Hi, Sharon! Oh, so lovely that you are a Zhivago fan too! I think I probably watch the movie once a year. I’ve only read the book once, but maybe I should again. *sigh*
And I *love* SOMEWHERE MY LOVE.
How did you pick Voronov’s name? Voron means crow in Russian and vor means thief. Did that influence you?
Medved, BTW means bear. Zhivago comes from the root Zhizn or life. Tolstoi means fat. I love Russian names. I met a Zholtoukhova (yellow eared) once. She wore her blonde hair covering her ears, so I never did figure out if her ears were yellow.