Anna Campbell’s Reckless Surrender
Hi Anna, thanks for dropping by my blog. It’s fantastic to be able to welcome you here. Congratulations on your recent ARRA Awards – Favourite Australian Romance Author and Favourite Historical Romance, woohooo!!! Well deserved wins. Since we finalled in the Emma Darcy you have been an inspiration to me – and your support and encouragement have been fantastic. It’s a bonus that I love your books too!
Hélène, it’s brilliant to be here. Thank you for inviting me! I’m so excited about BORDER WATCH coming out and seeing a book of yours on the shelves. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I met you all those years ago. Congratulations! I hope you’re enjoying life as a published author!
Hmm, life as a published author and a pilot still feels a little frantic some days but I am enjoying it! Themes are important in your stories, Anna, and that’s a big part of what makes them so wonderful to read. CAPTIVE OF SIN has a hero who is captive to his own fears and incapable of moving forward until he’s faced them. (He’d be treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in today’s society…) What’s the theme in MY RECKLESS SURRENDER?
Thank you, Hélène. There’s a Shakespeare quote that I kept in mind the whole time I wrote MY RECKLESS SURRENDER. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive.” Wow, just looked that up and it’s actually not Shakespeare (I thought it was MACBETH!) but Sir Walter Scott. We live and learn!
Diana Carrick is offered the chance to make her dreams come true but first she has to commit what she believes is a victimless crime and seduce Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft. But of course there’s no such thing as a victimless crime. So it’s a story about temptation and the consequences of giving into it! I think of this book as a ticking bomb romance – because of course the reader is waiting for the revelations to come out and mayhem to ensue!
Yep, we do love mayhem! So do the themes come first or do the characters bring their own themes and conflicts with them? How do you strengthen those themes?
What a great question! Actually what comes to me first is sort of a job lot! I get an opening scene, generally involving my hero and heroine (I like them on the page together as soon as possible), and there’s always a problem there. The story grows organically from that. With CAPTIVE OF SIN, I had that really vivid image of Charis cowering in the stables on a cold winter night and Gideon coming to her rescue like a knight in shining armour, which of course is exactly what he is, even if the armour is slightly tarnished! With MY RECKLESS SURRENDER, my opening scene has a woman going against her deepest instincts to offer herself as a notorious rake’s mistress—and finding that the rake isn’t at all the selfish, careless debaucher she expected. I then write the story pretty much without editing and the themes emerge as the story does. Once I’ve got a whole story arc from go to whoa, I know what those core issues are and I go back and strengthen their presence throughout the novel.
Tell us some more about MY RECKLESS SURRENDER.
I describe this book as a dangerous seduction in Regency London. It features two strong, complex characters who get more than they bargain for when they begin a liaison to while away a few summer weeks. Diana is a woman who sees a chance to break out of the strict class barriers of 19th century England and exercise all her frustrated talents and ambitions so I think people will relate to her, even if they don’t 100% approve of her actions. Tarquin is a real change for me – my first non-tortured hero, or at least he is until Diana starts turning his life upside down. He’s a man with a reputation for debauchery but he’s also got a powerful sense of personal honor, evidenced by his reformist politics. I really had quite a crush on Tarquin when I was writing the book!
I always think it’s vital to love my leading man and your heroes are very easy to lust after… Your books are often described as Regency Noir. What influenced you to write the darker side of human nature?
This always makes me laugh because as you know, I’m not actually that dark in real life! I think my natural voice is comic but one day, I came up with an idea for a book about a courtesan and the Scottish duke who wants to marry her. Definitely not a comedy. I was positive I couldn’t write that story but the characters wouldn’t leave me alone. So one day, I sat down to write the first chapter to shut up these people and show them they had no place in my universe. And CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, my first published book, was born. Sometimes working against the grain can have its benefits!
Whose books have had the most impact on your writing?
Oh, how long have you got? I’ve got a career writing Regency romance because of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. I love the Brontes and in terms of voice, I’m close to the gothic feel you get in something like JANE EYRE. I devoured Victoria Holt and every Mills & Boon I could get my hands on when I was a teenager. Then I discovered historical romance starting with Kathleen Woodiwiss. I adore Dorothy Dunnett, Loretta Chase, Laura Kinsale, Anne Stuart, Liz Carlyle. I’ve always been a voracious and omnivorous reader so I think everything has had some influence! As a how to book, I love BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott and BECOMING A WRITER by Dorothea Brande.
Your sex scenes are hot, Hot, HOT! How do you go about writing them? I need to be sitting under a fan to read them, so I’m wondering, do you turn up the aircon, grab a good glass of wine and take the phone off the hook? Phonus interruptus might not be a good thing…
Phonus interruptus? Ouch! That sounds really uncomfortable! LOL! I’m so glad you love the naughty bits. Thank you! I really work hard on those – MY RECKLESS SURRENDER is my sexiest book yet. The nature of the plot means that these two people spend a lot of time in the bedroom! In the early drafts, the love scenes are usually pretty prosaic, but I love the way a
good sex scene doesn’t just get your characters naked physically. They’re naked emotionally too, even if they don’t want to be (believe me, Diana and Tarquin don’t want to be!). Then I go back and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite – generally I shorten to make it more intense. My first draft love scenes meander on for pages and pages but in there, there’s the germ of something really strong, both emotionally and physically. Actually I think the emotional heat of a love scene is much more important than the physical heat. And I always try to have something at stake with the plot. They’re never just having good (or bad, as sometimes happens in my books!) sex – there’s lots of other stuff going on at the same time. You need that dramatic tension to keep the reader involved.
I know you’re up and working early in the morning. Gives us a glimpse into a normal writing day – if there is such a thing…
Snort! Is there such a thing as a ‘normal’ day? My routine varies according to how close to deadline I am. But you’re right, I always wake up horrifically early, check emails, do anything urgent like blogs or interviews or promotion. Then I work through until around 11, 11:30, have some lunch, a snooze, then go back in the afternoon for another few hours.
Where to for Anna Campbell’s next story?
I’ve written the first draft and it features my first genuinely bad boy hero. He wants to put his evil plans in motion but finds himself distracted by the last woman he ever thought he’d be attracted to. I’ve always adored stories about alpha males completely at sea after they encounter lurve! At this stage, it’s scheduled for the middle of next year.
Oh no, that’s such a long time to wait… sigh…
Anna, it’s been fantastic to have you on my blog and, as always, I’ve learnt so much.
So folks, tell us your favourite love scene – book or movie – and why it resonates for you. Anna will draw a winner on 25th May and that lucky person will receive a signed copy of My Reckless Surrender.
MY RECKLESS SURRENDER – Anna Campbell, Avon Books, June 2010
69 Responses to “Anna Campbell’s Reckless Surrender”
Comment from Bronwen Evans
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:09
Hi Anna
I loved Captive of Sin and can’t wait to read My Reckless Surrender. I love dark hero’s and clever heroines.
How long does it take for you to plan, plot and write the first draft of your book? Do you edit as you write or simply edit at the end?
Comment from Johanna Jochum
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:47
Hey, great interview! I have lots of favorite love scenes from books. One was a Christina Dodd book, involving a shower, Johanna Lindsey’s The Magic of you has a great scene on a ship and Eloisa James Pleasure for Pleasure is really hot! I can’t really just name one! I’m thinking of several more right now. I can’t wait to read your book it looks very very good!
Comment from Christine Wells
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:49
Helene, lovely to ‘see’ you here! Congratulations on Border Watch! You must be so proud.
Anna, congratulations on MY RECKLESS SURRENDER. Yes, I think you’re right, that it’s your hottest book yet (which is saying something) *G* I’m lucky enough to read Anna’s books in manuscript form and I love it when they come out and I can (a) gloat and (b) see what everyone else thinks!
Very hard to choose a favourite love scene –there are so many great ones, but maybe from Jenny Crusie’s WELCOME TO TEMPTATION — the scene on the dock. The great thing about that was not so much the act itself but the dialogue. I think dialogue is key in a love scene.
Comment from Amy Conley
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:50
Hi Anna, Great interview and nice to see you visiting other great authors. Been a quiet day here too. Just laying out in the sun and enjoying the warmth, and no rain, for a change.
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:52
Oh Liz, that’s too funny and if Anna doesn’t want it for a sequel I might have to snaffle it myself!
Hi Bronwen, Anna does do clever heroines and dark heros sooo well!!
Comment from Sharon Archer
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:53
Hi Helene and Anna
Great interview – I enjoyed the snippets about your writing process, Anna! And if I could just indulge in a small fan moment here — I agree with Helene, since finalling in that very same Emma Darcy Award, you’ve been an inspiration to me, too!
The love scenes in your books feature hugely among my favourites because you really ramp up the conflict for the characters with them. Diana and Tarquin sound like no exception!
Congratulations on winning the ARRA Awards! And good luck with My Reckless Surrender – I know it’ll be a smash hit! Can’t wait to see it on the shelves DownUnder.
Sharon
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:57
Joanna, welcome! I’ll have to look up Johanna Lindsey’s love scene – I do love a good shipboard romance.
Hi Christine, lucky you getting to read the manuscripts! And you’re right, I think dialogue is very important and you do that so very well in your books! Have yet to get my hands on Sweetest Little Sin, but I will!!
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:05
Hi Sharon, 2004 was a very good year! Can’t wait to read Bachelor Dad, Girl Next Door!!
Comment from Leigh D’Ansey
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:28
What a great interview! Thank you and contratulations, Anna. Your love scenes are very hot! One of my other favourites is from the movie ‘Enemy at the Gates’ with Jude Law and Rachel Weisz – two young soldiers, unkempt and without privacy in a city turned to chaos by warfare – grim but very moving.
Comment from Louisa Cornell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:38
Oh this is almost like a trip to Oz! G’day my two Aussie friends! Great interview, but it only makes me more anxious to read the book !!
Some of my favorite love scenes are:
The wedding night scene in The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas. I love it because while she is bemused and has enjoyed it and realizes he is indeed a skilled lover, he is completely blown away by his own powerful reaction to making love to Evie. He even says it was almost like he was the virgin. LOVE that scene!
I love all of the sex scenes in Claiming the Courtesan because you truly see the emotional evolution of their relationship from love scene to love scene.
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:42
Liz, giggled at your ex-mil’s line! How funny! For some reason I’m thinking of that old joke:
MAN: Do you like Kipling?
WOMAN: I don’t know. I’ve never kipled.
Boom, boom!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:44
Thanks, Bronwen! So glad you loved COS!
The first draft is usually few months work, depending on how hard I find the story. Then I polish for at least six months before I send it off. My first drafts are AWFUL! I don’t edit as I go because turning on that internal editor frightens away the story somehow. So the first draft is pretty well straight through in one go – and you’d believe it if you saw it! 
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:45
Thanks, Johanna! It’s fun to think of great love scenes, isn’t it? Love your list!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:47
Hey, Christine, thank you so much for saying such nice things about SURRENDER. Yup, definitely my hottest book yet! Snort!
I absolutely adore that scene in WELCOME TO TEMPTATION. Actually I don’t think they actually do the deed in that and it’s still amazingly sexy. Do you remember the bear and Julianne? Oh, be still, my beating heart!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:48
Amy, I love hanging out with other authors, both in cyberspace and in the flesh! They’re great girls! Glad you’re having a lovely day. We had a beautiful day yesterday but today’s looking like rain. I’ve got a stack of work things to do, though, so it probably is good that the sun’s not tempting me to laze about!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:48
Hey, thanks, Helene! And that’s MY sequel, hon! Sheesh, is nothing sacred?
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:53
Hey, it’s my buddy Sharon! I’m on Sharon’s group blog today, the Love Cats! Looking forward to that!
Ooh, I’m an inspiration? That’s not what you tell me when we’re face to face Actually thank you, that was a lovely compliment and I shouldn’t tease you. Or not much!
Actually I really believe a sex scene should never just be about sex, if you know what I mean. It needs to move your plot forward somehow. If there’s no dramatic tension, everything goes a bit limp. Snort!
Thanks for the congrats too. The ARRA Awards were a huge thrill. If anyone wants to see a happy author clutching two plastic trophies, check out my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Campbell-Fan-Page/464724380503?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=384626&id=464724380503
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:54
Helene, Sweetest Little Sin is brilliant! It just got voted the best read of May on the Season website, so clearly everyone agrees with me!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:55
Ooh, Leigh, that love scene in Enemy at the Gates sounds really intense! Yum! Actually it’s a kiss not exactly a love scene but I adore that scene on the battlements in The Last of the Mohicans! Wow, that’s intense too. Thanks so much for saying such lovely things about the books!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 08:58
Hey, it’s the fabulous Louisa! Nah, a trip to Oz is much noisier Book’s out tomorrow (well, tomorrow in Oz days!).
Love your description of the love scene from The Devil in Winter. And isn’t that the most beautiful title?
Hey, thanks for mentioning CTC! That’s some great company you’ve got me in. Actually my idea of that book was that the love scenes would chart the changes in the relationship so they really WERE the plot!
Comment from Jeanne Adams AKA la Duchesse
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:03
Did someone say Mayhem? Grins. Swinging over from the ROmance Bandits Lair to say howdy, Anna!
Helene, your book sounds faboo too! :>
Anna, I’m looking forward to this book, as I do ALL your books. Can’t wait!
Jeanne, AKA La Duchesse
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:09
Hey, thanks, Bandita Jeanne! And if anyone knows about mayhem, it’s YOOOOOOOOO! Helene’s book is right up your alley, actually. Helene, Jeanne writes brilliant romantic suspense too!
Comment from Suzanne Welsh
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:18
Helene and Anna, what a lovely interview! Anna you are going through your third generation of fans here in Dallas. How? Well, so glad you asked. I had just finished Captive Of Sin at work (1st generation fan), gave it to my friend Megan, who read and loved it (second generation fan) and she gave it to her sister to read, (third generation)! And that’s how we do it!!
Can’t wait for MRS to hit my hot little hands!
Comment from Suzi
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:18
Anna and Helene,
Amazing to think you ladies, including Sharon, all finalled in the same award and are now famous published authors. Well done all of you.
And I have a favourite love scene in a movie whose emotion I’d love to capture perfectly in a book. It’s in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere risks everything, overcomes his fear of heights, and climbs the fire escape carrying a bunch of flowers to stop Julia Roberts, a prostitute, from leaving. He does it at the hotel doorman’s urging, another first for him to even acknowledge hotel staff, and throws aside everything he’d ever believed and clung to, in order to marry the woman he loves. I love the idea of a hero throwing aside his life-long beliefs in order to gain true love. Sigh!
Suzi
Comment from Suzanne Welsh
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:20
OH and I’d insist Megan buy a copy, but she’s already ordered your back list and the newest book, so one borrowed book has lead to more sales in the long run, dearest!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:30
Hey, Suzanne, I love the way you’re spreading the word of Anna Campbell through your circle in Dallas! I still get a giggle out of you standing at the door at my first Avon signing and only letting people in when they promised faithfully to get my book. The writer next to me asked me what my secret is – I told her it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know! It’s a very fond memory – your support means an enormous amount to me! You know, all jokes aside, I still think word of mouth is the best way to sell a book. It isn’t flashy and it can take some time but long-term it’s the best marketing you can get. I know it works on me!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:31
You know, I didn’t even think that – I lend books out all the time and turn people into devoted readers who will buy everything else by the recommended author. I think it’s a great investment! It’s like libraries – I love it when libraries have my book and it’s popular! NEVER apologize for lending out one of my books, hon! I think it’s great!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:32
Hey, and please say a very warm hello to Megan for me and tell her I think she has excellent taste, both in friends and reading, LOL!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 09:34
Suzi, I love looking back on that Emma Darcy Award dinner and thinking how we all sat together and go on so well! I adore that scene in Pretty Woman – I think it was partly responsible for me writing courtesan books! I love the he rescues her and she rescues him right back line – I think that’s true about every single book I’ve written! Great choice!
Comment from Jeanne Adams AKA la Duchesse
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:24
*bowing* Mayhem is my watchword. Snork. I’m looking forward to Helene’s book, Anna, now that you’ve told me about it. Going in the TBB (to be bought) list!
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:26
Jeanne, I’ll have to look out for your books – especially if mayhem is your specialty!
Suzanne, sounds like COS is getting around! Had to laugh at your ‘one borrowed’ line. I have a friend who rang very apologetically to tell me she’d loaned her copy of BW out, but that it was ok because the person she’d loaned it to was buying several more to give as pressies!! Hey, I don’t think any writer minds how a reader gets their hands on a copy!!
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:28
Hi Suz, Pretty Woman ticks all the boxes doesn’t it. And yes, for me the Emma Darcy award dinner was a turning point and I treasure the friends I made there.
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:42
Jeanne, Helene’s book is brilliant and as I said a completely JEANNE book! Hey, they’re going to blow up the Sydney Opera House! How much more Jeanne can ya get? Snork!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:45
Helene, I always figure if I can get someone to read my stuff – no matter how – the chances are I’ll have someone who will read more. Oh, goodness, I sound like some horrible drug pusher, don’t I? Do you want a sweetie, little girl? Bwahahahahahaha! I’ve had people apologizing for borrowing from libraries too – hey, never, never do that. Number one, libraries are great places and no more need be said. Number two, I get paid for library borrowings in Australia at least. Number three, libraries buy the book in the first place and will replace it if it’s popular and falls to pieces which happens to the best of us (she said, checking her butt in the mirror!). Oh, and I had a number four which is that if I get a must-have author through a library, I end up buying the books anyway and I don’t think I’m alone in that!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:46
Helene, I had such a flashback to the ED dinner when you sold Border Watch! I couldn’t have been happier for you! Felt like I’d be in there on the ground floor, if you know what I mean!
Comment from Quilt Lady
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:50
I love Anna’s books and she writes some awesome love scenes! With books its hard to mention just one also movies too! Pretty Women is up there with the movies! Also Dirty Dancing had some awesome scenes in it!
Comment from Fiona
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:50
Hi Helene and Anna, great interview with brilliant questions. I have COS on my tbr pile, can’t wait after reading this. The first love scene that came to mind for me was The notebook, when they are in the rain…maybe i just wish it was me kissing that hunk. I’m a big fan of romance and hesitate at reading a book unless i know there is romance threaded through it. What can i say…i love a great ‘happy’ ending! See you girls in Sydney!!
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 11:02
Ah Dirty Dancing… sigh… it did have some lovely moment, Quilt Lady! The Notebook ‘rain’ scene was gorgeous Fiona but then I cried and cried and cried some more… Can’t wait for Sydney!
Leigh, glad you liked the interview. Enemy at the Gates was excellent wasn’t it. Very gritty and real.
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 11:04
Louisa, thanks for dropping by. Devil in Winter sounds wonderful. One of the things I love about hosting a guest is all the fabulous books I find out about. My postman must wonder what happens when there’s this sudden influx of parcels arriving for me…
Comment from Caren Crane
Time May 24, 2010 at 12:06
I love the love scene in ‘Moonstruck’ when Loretta finally lets her hair down and pushes Ronny to knock the table out of the way and kiss her senseless. It’s hilarious and just right. What could be more romantic than a man shouting, “A bride with no head!” at you? *snork* Makes me want to go watch it now!
Comment from Jo Robertson
Time May 24, 2010 at 12:23
Hi, Helene and Anna! What a great interview. I never get tired of hearing the details about Anna’s latest book.
One of my favorite love scenes from a movie is from ONE FINE DAY where the hero (George Clooney) and heroine (Michelle Pfeiffer) finally get their respective kids settled down watching The Wizard of Oz and they kiss. It’s so tender and scary at the same time as they try to negotiate falling in love around the antics of single parenthood.
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 12:26
Hi Caren, humour can absolutely make a love scene more memorable!
Jo, anything with George Clooney makes me go, ahh….. That scene in One Fine Day is lovely!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 14:22
Hey, Quilt Lady, thank you for saying such nice things about the books. Oh, Dirty Dancing is one of my all-time favourites. I LOVE that movie! Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 14:24
Fiona, really looking forward to meeting you in person! I think Sydney is going to be great. And what a wonderful location, right on the seafront there. Our international guests will be stoked. Hope you love COS! You know, I haven’t seen or read The Notebook. Maybe I should! Thanks for swinging by!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 14:24
Helene, don’t you just love getting books in the post? It’s kinda like Christmas! The volcano is putting paid to my latest deliveries, though!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 14:37
Caren, strangely that description of your favourite love scene didn’t surprise me! Hmm, wonder what that says about you, LOL! Thanks for swinging by, my Bandita friend!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 14:38
Jo, I remember that scene! The kiss was so touching – and sexy too! Believe me, I don’t care how tired I am, I wouldn’t go to sleep if I had GC in the house! Snort! Thanks for swinging by – laughed at you never getting sick of hearing about the book. Hmm, wonder if you’ll feel the same after the blog tour, LOL!
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 15:36
Your blog tour is going to keep you very busy this week, Anna! Lots of opportunities for people to snaffle a copy of My Reckless Surrender!!
And that unpronounceable volcano has a lot to answer for…
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 24, 2010 at 15:42
Snort to the volcano! And hey, thanks for plugging the blog tour! There’s a list on my website: http://www.annacampbell.info/latest.html The new ones go up 1st June. I’ll also mention each one on Facebook for those of you addicted, uh, signed up there.
Comment from Christina Phillips
Time May 24, 2010 at 18:16
Hi Anna and Helene! I can’t wait to read My Reckless Surrender – and it’s your sexiest one yet? *fans self in anticipation*! I do enjoy reading a hot love scene!!! Congratulations on your new release and your beautiful ARRA awards!
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 20:16
Welcome, Christina! I can’t wait for Forbidden in September! A fabulous year all round!
Comment from Alison
Time May 24, 2010 at 20:44
Great blog! Have enjoyed reading all the comments! Congrats Helene, Anna and Sharon on all your published successes! Keep up the outstanding writing! Alison Van V.
Comment from Helene
Time May 24, 2010 at 21:39
Alison, hello to the fourth member of that Emma Darcy Award!! Glad you enjoyed the blog. Hope you and your family are all well.
Comment from Cheryl Wright
Time May 24, 2010 at 23:27
Hi Anna – great weekend in SA last week! (Was it really only a week ago? Hard to believe!)
My favourite love scene – although technically you could probably say it wasn’t a love scene at all – was in the film “The American President”.
There’s a ball going on, and he – the Prez – dances with the woman he’s in love with. (He’s not supposed to fall in love with her, let alone be seen with her in public – according to his ‘handlers’.) Hundreds of people are watching their every move, yet they are only aware of each other.
That scene has stuck in my memory for years, and I’ve seen the movie at least a dozen times, and would see it a dozen times more. Love it!
Comment from Julia Smith
Time May 25, 2010 at 02:28
‘Do you want a sweetie, little girl? Bwahahahahahaha!’
LOL!…uh, yes, actually, I want one called My Reckless Surrender…
Favorite love scene? You know you’re asking the impossible. Here are a few:
Bryan Brown as Joe Harman sees Helen Morse as Jean Paget in her sarong and throws away his cigarette in A Town Like Alice.
Warren Beatty as John and Diane Keaton as Louise see each other in the train station in Reds.
And of course Richard Armitage thinks all is lost but discovers it isn’t, at the train station in North & South.
Comment from H Maree Davis
Time May 25, 2010 at 03:56
Seriously, one? Oh ack.
Colin Firth’s proposal scene in ‘Love Actually’.
Don’t expect the same answer tomorrow – I have commitment issues.
H!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:28
Christina, having read FORBIDDEN, I know you’re an aficionado of a good love scene, snort! Yeah, these two are actually just in it for the sex at the start – everything gets inconvenient when emotion comes in. But we had to have lots of nooky to establish the connection!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:29
Helene, FORBIDDEN is fantastic – unlike FANTASTIC which is forbidden! You’ll love it. I want a Roman Holiday now!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:32
Hey, Alison, our partner in crime at the EDA Awards! Thanks so much for swinging by!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:33
Cheryl, thanks so much for coming all the way from Melbourne for Romancing the Novel. That was wonderful! So glad you had a wonderful time. I had a ball. Oh, I remember that scene – I’ve only seen The American President once but that scene stuck in my mind. That and the one where she thinks a friend is playing a prank when the pres rings for a date. Well, you would, wouldn’t you?
Comment from Helene
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:34
Hi Cheryl, that is a wonderful scene in the ‘The American President’. That moment when everyone else ceases to exist. Lovely!
Julie, A Town Like Alice has such raw movie bubbling along underneath the surface! And I’ve always loved Bryan Brown…
H Maree, I have to laugh at your commitment issues – I’m in the same boat…
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:35
Julia, laughed at you calling MRS a sweetie! I don’t feel nearly as much like a dirty old woman as I did! Oh, great choices! As you know, I drool over that train scene in North and South. It’s just perfect. I vaguely remember the Reds scene – we’re going back many, MANY years since I saw that. And would you believe I’ve never seen A Town Like Alice? I was at boarding school when it was on and we had strictly rationed TV hours. Sigh. It was a huge deal when it was on, I remember.
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:36
H Maree, so do I! If you ask me today, I’d probably say the love scene in Blade Runner although it’s a while since I’ve seen it. Hmm, being ravished by Harrison F? I could handle it!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:37
Hey, Helene, you get up early, my friend! Hasn’t this been a fun blog? Thank you for having me!
Comment from Helene
Time May 25, 2010 at 05:46
And likewise, Anna! I’m sat here eating my porridge loving being home for a change and smiling at you being censored at boarding school!
Thank you for being such a stellar guest!! It’s been fabulous having you here. And thanks to all the visitors for so many, ‘Oh yeah, that’s right’ moments yesterday. Wonderful!!
Comment from Helene
Time May 25, 2010 at 06:09
So drum roll, please!
The winner is Suzi!! Gotta love Pretty Woman!
Anna, enjoy release day today. I know My Reckless Surrender is going to give me another leading man to lust after and I can’t wait to read it!
Comment from Anna Campbell
Time May 25, 2010 at 06:13
Thanks, Helene! So excited about the book coming out today. Congratulations, Suzi! And thank you to everyone who swung by to comment. I’ve had great fun here!
Comment from Christina Phillips
Time May 26, 2010 at 16:44
LOL Anna – I know I’m late back but just had to say – yes I’m also a great fan of reading lots of nooky to establish the relationship!
Thanks, Helene ! x
Comment from Liz
Time May 24, 2010 at 07:08
Not sure about my favourite love scene but your quote ” oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive” Reminded me of my (ex) mother in law. She added another line to that … ” but if you practise for a while , how you can improve your style” … Maybe a theme for a sequel ?