After the signing at Turn the Page Bookstore, where the people are awesome and the diet Pepsi is DAMN cold, I asked each author to sign a book of their choice for a giveaway on this here hot pink page of Bitchery madness. I carried that giant pile to the cash register and managed not to drop any, then I carefully packed them in the trunk of the car and drove them home, where they are now hidden in the china cabinet of my house, where toddlers and cats fear to tread. Seriously, signed books? OMG. SO precious.
I mentioned on Twitter that I’d be giving away the Hella Pile Sequestered in My China Cabinet, and it’s time to rock and roll. Thanks to @YoungLibrarian on Twitter, I have a quest for you folks who would like this Hella Pile of Sequestered Books. You know the Inn Boonsboro has rooms named for famous romantic couples, right? Your task, should you like to win the pile of books, is to come up with an additional room for the Inn. It has to be a romantic couple, even one from a romance novel you adore, and it has to be a couple that has a happy ending. No tragic deaths or wasting away from a massive head cold or some shit like that. Happy endings, yo. Extra awesome points for those who mention the decor or decorating theme of the room based on the couple they choose. Could be a color scheme or a piece of furniture, but get funky, folks.
You have 24 hours starting now, so leave your room/couple suggestions and any decorating ideas in the comments. Winner will be selected from the comments and will receive the following pile of signed books – every one of which is new and signed by the author. So get busy with your romantic inclinations.
ETA: Nora Roberts has also added to the pile of signed books! She’s going to send me a signed Advanced Reader Copy of her upcoming July hardcover, Black Hills, which features a childhood-friends-to-lovers relationship (paging Jane, party of one, your favorite trope is ready) between a wildlife biologist in South Dakota and a New York City investigator who moves to the Black Hills. This brings the total book count to fifteen – yay!
oh I knew I’d have to add.
The Harry and Emma suite: from Laura Lee gurhke’s And Then He Kissed Her. with fresh fruit and honey, piles of newspapers and manuscripts to edit in silly ways, the full set of the 1001 nights, and whole chickens (not just the wings) and quails. Also a terrace that leads to a pool or lake.
Olivia Joules & Scott Rich (Helen Fielding’s Olivia Joules & the overactive imagination)
Decorated in a manner fitting for a seaside tropical escape, this seemingly innocent room is armed with hidden spy gadgets, small weapons in case of terrorist attack, scuba gear, and of course a little travel case is included that has all of Olivia’s travel survival tools + a copy of her rules for living.
Ready to go diving in the ocean? Wonderful! Just watch out for speed boats and that pesky Pierre…
How about an Oulander Jamie/Claire room? Please, please, please? The potential choices of color and design for tartan/plaid fabrics, delicate laces and rustic furniture are unlimited! The decor would be a combination of practical and feminine. Throw in a few doctor/warrior sentimental pieces of art/statue.
Right, so many of my favorite couples taken, must try something different…
The Miles and Ekaterin room, from the Vorkosigan series (we have so many Bujold couples already mentioned, I can’t believe this one was missed) Hand carved oak funiture, of course, and decorated with classic weaponry and red Barrayaran skellytums; but with the latest communication technology as well, and a monitor for the twins’ nursery. Plus, handicapped accessible!
Or (from my favorite new release) the Alfie and John room from Alex Beecroft’s FALSE COLORS. Hey, gay couples have disposable income too, and wouldn’t it be nice to have a romantic retreat that’s same-sex friendly? Beautiful Caribbean decor, with lots of tropical plants (and no slugs), rope slung bed with hand-embroidered coverings, gauzy sheer curtains… and a BIG bathtub.
(verification word: out97. Well, the year’s a little off…)
Acheron and Tory. You could go with a New Orleans theme, sprinkled with a bit of their Atlantean home.
omigosh, I can’t believe I forgot the cat-blanket for the Miles / Ekaterin room. In fact, forget every other decorating suggestion. Cat-blankets in EVERY room!
Is it cheating to go again? I don’t care.
Scheherazade and Shazzenan from the Thousand and One Nights. Okay, he did behead all those other chicks, but that was before he found twu wuv.
And of course, a room fit for a Sultan and Sultana, where decadence is a must. Rich, embroidered fabrics, gauze curtains, lots of pillows on the floor for lounging, and a copy of the Kama Sutra. (Girlfriend must have had more than stories to enchant the Sultan, although some of them are pretty racy!)
My choice would be Sarah Dearly and Thierry from Michelle Rowen’s Immortality Bites Series. The Sarah and Thierry room would have red velvet walls, a burgendy and white patterned plush carpet, a crystal chandelier to illuminate the room, a California King sized bed in the center of the room with fluffy pillows, red silk sheets, white rose petals covering the bed, and red and white roses on the nightstands on either side of the bed. On the night stand is some delicious B Positive Blood for our vampire couple and some hot fudge for some sexual fun. The walls are sound proof so noise is no issue. There’s a fireplace and a heart shaped jacuzzi to set the mood for true romance.
A Evelyn & Ann room would be a nice addition I guess (but then we would need a men’s room too, just can’t think of any romantic couples off the bat here).
Based on Evelyn Hall & Ann Childs from Jane Rule’s Desert of the Heart (the more likeable versions of the movie naturally, not the slightly psychotic book versions).
The decor would need to reflect both Ann’s Game of Chance character and Evelyn’s cooler, book educated personality.
How about the Will and Ellie room (Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer)? I see a country/rustic, vintage look. Four-poster bed with a quilt, an old 40’s radio …
Oh, fun…wish my tired brain would function better. Only thing I can come up with is a room themed after Buffy and Angel. Or maybe Buffy and Spike. I just finished watching some of season six last night…
How about Dean Robillard and Blue Bailey from SEP’s Natural Born Charmer? The bedroom would be set up just like the gypsy wagon they loved (except maybe a slightly higher ceiling!) and the attached bathroom could be done up in Blue’s Murals. There would be a beaver costume in the closet, of course! Southern cooking like I’ve only read about but never tasted would be served, of course. A family photo album would include rocker/groupie pics, as well as some candids of Dean at the beach, Dean and his dad working on porch, Dean sweaty after a football game… umm yeah, maybe I’m ok with just the photo album…)
Ayla and Jondalar by Jean M. Auel.
Lots of stone details, maybe a stone floor, marble table and some clay pots, to get some kind of modern cave feeling. A fireplace is a must, so you can smell the smoke if you want to. A hide or two for the bedding, and some art to resemble cave art. Neutral colors, and not too much decoration, Ayla likes it simple, not ornate.
I’d love to see a Rupert and Daphne room, from Loretta Chases’s Mr. Impossible.
It would be decorated as an Egyptian dahabeeyah, with low couches and lots of luxurious throw pillows. As homage to the scenes in the pyramids, perhaps even a fake sarcophagus? And because of the constant mention of delicious foodstuffs, there would certainly be a tray of Egyptian coffee and sweets on a low table.
There would also be books in many languages, lots of gauzy drapes, and a CD of traditional music.
Plus the scented bath products would be called “Goddess,” and they’d smell like incense, the way Daphne is described as smelling.
*Sigh* Although I suppose asking for a pet mongoose to be there might be taking matters a bit too far. . .
Great gasping giveaways, Batman! Count me in.
A Jamie and Claire room from Outlander would be wonderful.
I’m crying my way through Heaving Bosoms – and not from sadness either. I’ve laughed so hard my husband has sat down beside me and read over my shoulder cracking up along with me! Great job.
How about a Rupert and Daphne Room from ‘Mr. Impossible’ one of my all time favorite couples. Plus the decor would be a mix of ancient Egyptian artifacts and British colonial furniture.
I know that someone already said this one….but I have a great idea to make the room super romantic. I would like to nominate Bella and Edward…..this is because they are the new “great” couple that has come from wonderful romance……on to the decorations……I would start with a full wall with nothing but windows (like edward’s room). Then I would have a strong bed (you know how those vampires are) and tons of beautiful lush ferns and ivy everywhere to give it a forest feel. The carpet would be a plush off white. The furniture would be black and modern (the way I picture the cullen’s house). There would be no kitchen (what would we need that for?)
Hades and Persephone
The underworld never looked so enticing and is inspired by the myth. You won’t need to traverse the Styx or worry about Cereberus to enjoy the rich, sensual atmosphere. A king-sized four poster bed, dark maple wood furniture, and a fireplace . . . you will think you’re in Mt. Olympus. The bathroom offers a whirlpool jacuzzi tub, a jet spray shower with six rotating heads, and a steam room with complimentary Pomegranate and Sandalwood scents that will make you want to stay much longer than planned.
Beatrice and Benedick, my all-time favourite Shakespeare couple (and maybe my favourite couple full stop). In keeping with their relationship, decor would probably be quite sharp and spiky…hmm, not so comfy. Paint the walls with stylized birds of one tongue and beasts of another, add a letter rack for those terrible love notes you didn’t mean to send, and a screen to hide behind when people are having conversations they want you to overhear.
I was going to suggest Willow and Tara from Buffy, because they have quite the sweetest relationship on TV, but of course that doesn’t end so happily. Could have been awesome though, with purple sparkly swirls of magic and red velvet curtains to symbolise….well, you know.
The Shadow and the Star room.
I loved Sam & Leda a Japanese decor with touches of Victorian maybe.
OK, now I need to do my add ons to other people’s awesome ideas!
Buffy/Spike – the room much come with collapsing walls so you could bang the house down around you.
Sophie and Phineus from Welcome to Temptation – must have a picture or mural of a view of the town INCLUDING the water tower. Yes, pictures showing the water tower as it has looked in all it’s different paint schemes. And the balcony/porch would be set up like an old dock. (but without the dead body)
Wrath and Beth need a spindly desk and chair, with a letter opener stabbed into the desk and chairs, please.
Han & Leia – However else you do this room, it *must* have costumes in the closet. Absolutely. From all three movies, please. I need the Jabba costume, the buns and gown from Ep IV, Han’s leather vest and blaster from Ep IV, too. And how about a scrapbook with pictures of them hanging out with Luke and Chewie?
Dirty Dancing – I suggest Johnny’s cabin instead of a hotel room. Slamming screen door out to the porch. Record player and plenty of room to dance.
Lloyd and Diane – Say Anything – the porch must include a car to stand on with a boom box to hold. And a guitar to play really, really bad songs with.
That’s all for now… but I’ll be thinking!
Introducing…
The Marty and Jennifer Room
There’s is a love that has stood the test of time! The focus of this Back to the Future-themed room will be the Dolorian bed, of course, which will vibrate pleasantly to the purr of 88 mph.
There will be plenty of alarm clocks on site, a nifty booby-trap contraption that will make you breaksfast and a sweet axe in the corner, in case you feel like wailing (to the absolute horror of the Lizzie and Mr. Darcy room next door.)
For a mere $50 extra, you have the option of letting Doc transport you to 1885, 1955, 1985 or 2005. Inn Boonsboro claims no responsibilty for those indviduals that fail to return the next morning at the 10am check-out.
Maurice Hall and Alec Scudder from E.M. Forster’s Maurice. One of the most romantic books and endings of all time, I think, and especially romantic because it was so absolutely unthinkable at the time because they are overcoming class differences AND the fact that they’re both men. The room would include rustic yet period accomodations befitting two men who run away into the wild forests of England to live unorthodoxly happily ever after as woodcutters. And also a fireplace for “sharing” in front of.
Seriously, I cannot recommend this book enough. Forster’s other books are much more Serious Literature but Maurice is a straight-up wish-fulfillment, happy-making romance and it makes me cry happy tears every time.
Wow, I have to admit that I really like some of these ideas—Beatrice and Benedick are great, but Shakespeare is already there. Ditto Jane Austen. Claire and Jamie Fraser are one of my favorite couples, and who doesn’t love Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane? I think a Nora Roberts couple would be great (in addition to the JD Robb pairing), but who could choose?
Of the real-life couples, I like John and Abigail Adams—I would go for comfy farmhouse furnishings, big four-poster bed with a featherbed and a beautiful quilted bedspread.
Probably not in the same league as the greats, but they are in my heart—Michael and Sydney from Wild At Heart. The décor should be inspired by the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and feature replica maps and souvenirs, including a program.
My pick is Vidal & Mary from Heyer’s Devil’s Cub. The room could be done in the Georgian/Regency period with maybe some touches of Paris. A big four-poster bed like the one Vidal recuperated in after his ‘injury.’ Man, I feel a re-read coming on.
I’d totally pick David Blaine and Abigail Stewart from Ginna Gray’s “Once in a Lifetime.” I loved that book. Their room would be a total luxury cabana with faded, dark wood floors with soft creamy sand colored walls. A wide, luxurious king sized bed in dark wood with thick, square posts. Gauzy white fabric would drape down from the ceiling, around the posts and down to the floor. All the furniture would match the bed with the colors coming rich fabrics, plants and pillows. The bathroom would be light and airy with a huge walk in shower and jacuzi tube.
The whole room would be an invitation to lounge in bed all day.
The Joan Wilder and Jack Colton (or Joan and Jack) from Romancing the Stone.
Appropriate Decor:
Green and gold motifs in a cool, whitewashed room. Palm leaf style ceiling fans, faux mosquito netting. Perhaps a few framed pictures of Old Skool romance covers and manly machetes (or some such jungle gear).
Frack! The sultan is Shahryar not Shazzenan! Shazzenan was Shahryar’s brother.
I suck at this game. No more commenting before breakfast.
I don’t think anyone has nominated Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora. Yes, it’s a Disney movie but it was the first of many romantic stories I’ve come to love. I always liked them best, mainly because Phillip is the only “prince charmings” that had a personality.
I would scent the room with something similar to Bvlgari pour femme, and give the room a very ornate decor.
The Lessa and F’lar room—Celtic-medieval with dragon-themed arrases and perhaps a trompe-l’oeil painting of a window with a gold and bronze dragon peering in. The alarm clocks would be shaped like fire lizards.
Another Beauty & the Beast variation, from the 80s TV show—lovingly preserved but highly eclectic furnishings from all times and places, a soft percussion of steam-pipes, lighting kept at a soft golden glow.
The Mac and Barrons room from KMM’s Fever series (on the assumption that there will eventually be a HEA, right?): Irish lace, Waterford crystal, shelves of antique books – and lights. Many, many lights.
Oh, I want an Adam & Amanda room! (Adam’s Rib)
It would obviously have to have a big bed in dark wood, striped curtains and an extra, narrow bed that only makes sense if you read the Hays Code.
Breakfast in bed would be mandatory. Newspapers w articles on murders that will eventually put a serious strain on your marriage are, however, optional. As is referring to your loved one as ‘pookie’.
The bathroom needs a massage table, though. And, just for the record, none of you can wear the pants.
How about a Fawn and Dag room? (The Sharing Knife)
It could be decorated like the inside of a tent, but with some homey Farmer amenities.
I would go for the Ellie Dinsmore and Will Parker room.
(Yes, I’m obsessed with Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer, thanks for noticing)
There would be soft yellow walls with blue accents. Yellow is Ellie’s “color of affirmation” and blue for the morning glories, of course. A late ‘30s to early ‘40s decor would rock my socks.
One of my favorite romantic movies is Ladyhawke, so a Navarre and Isabeau room would be amazing. It would have to incorporate the wolf and hawk in the decorating, maybe with a general medieval feel.
Kathrine and John
One of the very first romances I ever read – though likely more true romantic fiction, it still has the HEA – is the true story of John of Gaunt, AKA John of Lancaster, and Kathrine Swynford. Their love story plays out against the historical backdrop the Hundreds Year war, the reign of Edward III and the Regency of Richard II. John’s long lime affair with Kathrine and the many progeny (last name Beaufort), were a scandal – but it was all topped off when John, technically heir to the throne as long as Richard remained childless, petitioned the king to marry Kathrine, a commoner, late in their lives. His request is granted and John and Kathrine marry at last and legitimized their children by royal and papal decree. (If memory serves, he had to agree to surrender any claim to the throne to get the permission, making his son Henry, cousin to Richard II the heir apparent.)
The character of John is an old man in Shakespeare’s Richard II when he gives the famous soliloquy:
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,—
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
The book, by Anya Seton, is brilliant and the love affair one of the most famous in history. John’s love of Kathrine lasted decades and she stayed with him all through his second marriage knowing, as a commoner, she was not eligible to marry him, yet hurt by his marriage. Seton did a fabulous job on these historical figures. Her research was impeccable.
(PS – He’s loved by the Tudors as their rather tenuous claim to the throne was based on being descended from John.)
There have been some excellent suggestions so far.
I wanted to add one of my own, tho I admit the name doesn’t sound overly lyrical. From one of the romantic biographies I read as a child— Mrs Mike.
Katherine and Mike’s room would have to be a warm, rustic wilderness cabin decor, suitable for withstanding the coldest of Canadian winters—with a roaring fire in the fireplace and a bearskin rug, and a big feather bed covered with lots of pillows and quilts and pelts. An inviting room— a place of shelter, comfort, and love that overcomes all hardships. The artwork would range from delicate needlepoints to native weavings, and have the occasional Mountie-type stuff scattered about as well—perhaps some snowshoes and other paraphernalia hanging by the door.
Diane :o)
“Don’t waste ‘em, Kitten” still makes me smile and sigh
When I was in sixth grade, my class read Redwall by Brian Jaques. The hero is Matthias Mouse, who falls in love with a girl mouse named Cornflower. Therefore, I would like to nominate the Matthias and Cornflower room. It should look like a little room in the roots of a tree. Colors would be subdued and foresty, with touches of cornflowers—embroidered on the bedspread and pillows. A canopied bed with embroidered curtains and acorns carved on the tops of the bedposts (and on other pieces of furniture.) Everything should be cushy and soft and should looked well-loved and well-used.
Heavens, what an enormous list!
Roderick Alleyn and Agatha Troy (Ngaio Marsh): 1930s-50s decor; visual references to his sleuthing and her art.
Any one of several Heyer couples would work (with a Georgian or Regency visual theme), but particularly Venetia and Damerel, I think.
Lucy and Max (Mary Stewart, This Rough Magic) – decor based on the intense colours and distinctive landscapes/seascapes of Corfu. Actually several other Mary Stewart couples would work well, too, with the many memorable settings and locations she used.
Going with the BDB theme, I would nominate Vishous and Jane’s apartment hideaway. It might have to be in a more “sehcluded” area of the Inn though!
Another suggestion would be Isadora Peabody and Ryan Calhoun from Charm School by Susan Wiggs. Of course, the room will be pirate ship themed.