Bitchin' Blog Posts
Smug Bull: Win Original Limited Edition Art from Laura Kinsale
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | March 18, 2010 | Thursday at 10:39 am | 113 Comments
You know what would look good on your wall? A smug bull, that’s what.
To celebrate the release of Lessons in French, Laura Kinsale is giving away a very limited edition print of an original artwork by Charles Rutledge. Inspired by the illustrated editions of classic Jane Austen novels, this sketch features the scene of Callie and Hubert in the kitchen, on the lam from the constable. To quote Kinsale, “It’s very much in the spirit of an illustration from a 19th century book. As well-known comic book curator and art critic Cliff of Dr. No’s commented; “That is one smug bull.”
Have a look:
There were only 5 prints made, with 2 artist’s proofs, and Laura gave away one on her site in January. This is one smack of a collector’s item to someone who is a Kinsale fan, especially if you enjoyed Lessons in French - and if you didn’t win that one, here’s another chance. I have one limited edition copy on archival paper, signed by the artist and by Laura Kinsale, and an autographed copy of Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale to one random commenter. (Note: All copyright in the artwork remains with the artist, and his permission is required for any copy or digital display.) The print will be unframed print number 5/5 and an autographed copy of Lessons in French.
What do you have to do to win? Simple: leave a comment and tell me which scene or line in a romance novel you’d love to see in an illustrated drawing such as this one. Comments close in 24 hours, so start pondering and making your artistic wishes! (Me? A tie between Merlin flying, and that scene in the beginning of The Duke and I where Daphne punches out that annoying guy, Nigel.)
Standard disclaimer: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Use only in a well-ventilated area. For a limited time only. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Parental advisory: explicit lyrics. Falling rock.
Lyssa said on 03.18.10 at 11:13 AM • [link]
I had to pick…so I went to one of my personal DIK series. That sort of artwork deserves two thinks. A wonderful image, and a good passage.
So I chose a scene from Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series. In it the urbane Daemon (for those who have not read the series, imagine Roark with magic) how his back was injured. And he explains that Kaelas, the 800 lb white tiger-like magical cat became scared by his wife when he woke her before her coffee. She yelled at the cat. So the cat ran and tried to climb in Daemon’s lap. Who found himself:
(page 42 of Tangled Web by Anne Bishop)
quizzabella said on 03.18.10 at 12:21 PM • [link]
Hmm, gotta be the scene in “Lover Avenged” where the sympath queen makes Rhevenge (her half brother) have sex with her in return for keeping his secret - he’s half sympath which is a big no-no in vampire society.
The image of a tall, weird looking woman, in a venomous body stocking with scorpions as earrings making a great big bloke with purple eyes and a mohican haircut her bitch is just such an amusing image…
(well to me anyway)
Tina C. said on 03.18.10 at 12:43 PM • [link]
You know, when put on the spot like this, to think of the perfect scene or line for something, my mind goes blank. The only thing I can think of is the opening scene between Lady Julia Grey and Nicholas Brisbane, when they meet the first time over her husband’s body.
Philyre said on 03.18.10 at 01:31 PM • [link]
The hardened sailors making over the heroine scene from Charm School by Susan Wiggs!
Sycorax said on 03.18.10 at 01:41 PM • [link]
Pen from Heyer’s The Corinthian, dangling on the end of her knotted bedsheets, with Sir Richard standing underneath looking up at her.
Bibliophile said on 03.18.10 at 02:38 PM • [link]
Damn, Sycorax, I was going to mention that one. Oh, well, I’ll find another one.
*puts on thinking cap*
CharmedKim said on 03.18.10 at 02:52 PM • [link]
Two memorable scenes that come to mind are from Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series:
In Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, where the Valkerie, Reagan is throwing cars over the house because Bowen trapped Mariketa.
and
In Dark Desires After Dark, when Holly grabs Cade’s horns.
SugarSpice said on 03.18.10 at 03:11 PM • [link]
The scene in Lord of Scoundrels when Dain and Jessica almost get hit by lightning. That would be an awesome image. But then again, anything from Heyer’s The Grand Sophy would also be really cool.
AgTigress said on 03.18.10 at 03:13 PM • [link]
I must be more bloodthirsty than I realised, because the scenes that spring first to my mind are those in Georgette Heyer where determined heroines shoot, or threaten to shoot, sundry villains and heroes: the indefatigable Sophy confronting the moneylender or shooting poor Charlbury in order to make him appear more noble and ‘romantic’, or Mary defending her virtue against Vidal in the inn. But some of the best scenes in Heyer are crowd scenes, and do not lend themselves to a single vignette.
Silverflame said on 03.18.10 at 03:24 PM • [link]
The scene from Lisa Kleypas’s It Happened One Autumn, when the girls are discovered playing baseball in their underthings by the stormy Lord Westcliff!
Kate Jones said on 03.18.10 at 03:35 PM • [link]
I’d love to see the scene in Garwood’s Guardian Angel where Uncle Harry is carrying Caine’s stepmother out of the house, because “Caine would want me to have her!” Ha.
StacieH4 said on 03.18.10 at 03:52 PM • [link]
I’d pick the scene in Nora Roberts’ Sea Swept when 10 yr old Seth is hanging off the roof of what is to become Boats By Quinn with Philip and Ethan out of reach above him and Cam on the ground below, waiting to catch his fall.
Nadia said on 03.18.10 at 03:58 PM • [link]
I don’t remember which “In Death” it was, but the scene where Roarke is dangling off the top of the Statue of Liberty and Eve is desperately trying to pull him up would make an awesome illustration. But that would probably look better comic-book style rather than pen and ink.
Here’s a funny scene I’ve always loved: JAK’s “The Golden Chance” when Phila shows up at the summer party, mouths off to the security dude, and Nick hoists her over his shoulder. As he’s introducing her to his cousin this way, that would be a cute drawing.
Diatryma said on 03.18.10 at 04:05 PM • [link]
Nadia, I’m pretty sure that’s Loyalty in Death.
I’d like the bit in Heyer’s Cotillion where Freddy’s just punched Jack and everyone is amazed. Dolph hiding somewhere, his fiancee being sensible, and Freddy’s expression of anger, pride, and sheer bafflement.
For even more ridiculosity, Julia Quinn’s What Happens in London has the Gothic novel and the Russian prince, lots of silliness there.
I might go with another bit from Sea Swept, when the line is something like, “The Quinn brothers stood in the principal’s office like a well-mortared brick wall.” I heart the Quinns so much.
Or Jennifer Crusie! Anyone but You! Trenchcoat, window, dog! That’s probably the easiest to illustrate in this style.
Amanda from Baltimore said on 03.18.10 at 04:41 PM • [link]
The scene in Jennifer Crusies’ Fast Women when Nell, Gabe, Suze, Riley, Tim (Nell’s ex), and Whitney (Tim’s new wife) are sitting in the bar.
Nell looks around and comments that she’s slept with everyone at the table except for Whitney. It is really funny. Tim and Whitney are first disbelieving, then disgusted. Riley and Suze are amused. Gabe is thrilled and winds up dragging her off for a romp. Classic Crusie.
Macaire Hill said on 03.18.10 at 04:55 PM • [link]
I like the scene in Julia Quinn’s What Happens in London when Lady Olivia and Sir Harry look into the drawing room and see Sebastian giving a dramatic reading from Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron to the Russian Prince, his bodyguard, the butler, the housemaid, and Edward, all of whom are positively rapt.
Phina said on 03.18.10 at 04:58 PM • [link]
The ball scene from Celeste Bradley’s The Imposter when Clare first sees Dalton posing as Sir Thorogood in all his highly flamboyant glory.
KimmieB said on 03.18.10 at 05:09 PM • [link]
Dammit, I was gonna say What Happens in London! You know what? I still will, except I am gonna say the scene in the park where Sir Henry and Olivia’s brother team up to taunt/tease her. I would love to see how the artist draws Olivia writhing with indignant rage, and the two men smirking.
kinipela said on 03.18.10 at 05:13 PM • [link]
At the beginning of Spell of the Highlander ( Karen Marie Moning), there’s a scene where Cian (your typical thousand-year old, just-released-from-an-enchanted-mirror Druid hottie) is standing in front of the heroine, Jessi, and protecting her from a baddie. Jessi, who concludes she must be dreaming all this decides to lick Cian’s back…and Cian is totally WTF.
Castiron said on 03.18.10 at 05:36 PM • [link]
The scene from Mr. Impossible where Daphne Pembroke is talking about Coptic to Rupert Carsington over coffee. Some great stuff could be done with facial expressions there….
Janet S said on 03.18.10 at 05:44 PM • [link]
I have 2 - my favorite - Lord of Scoundrels - the kiss in the rain under tha lamp post. or
Dream scene in My Sweet Folly in the market in India
or - make that 3
Merlins flying machine - in the ball room complete with statuary and gilded mirrors.
Amanda Blair said on 03.18.10 at 05:54 PM • [link]
Definitely the scene in Bet Me when Cal propose to Min by putting a donut around her finger with all of their family standing around. With Min wearing only a comforter.
Bianca said on 03.18.10 at 05:54 PM • [link]
Oh, yes, yes! I’ll second this one (hopefully, that still qualifies me). That scene is awesome, the way Heyer writes it. :)
I’d also love to see that scene from Judith Ivory’s Black Silk, in the middle of the book, where Submit and Graham are out in the English countryside, chilling in a meadow. It’s summer, and the the very beginning of their romance; it seemed so lovely the way Ivory wrote it.
Amber said on 03.18.10 at 06:05 PM • [link]
I’m thinking the scene in Laura Kinsale’s Prince of Midnight where the hero has taught the old, blind mare how to do tricks and is entertaining people in a barn, while the heroine is standing in the back trying not to show how touched she is.
Or any of the scenes involving Nemo.
Brooks*belle said on 03.18.10 at 06:11 PM • [link]
Midsummer Moon:
The scene where Merlin’s little hedgehog curls itself around Ransom’s finger and quite literally pins it in place. Ransom sends for Merlin to rescue him, but while waiting, has to endure conversations with several visitors to his office while being tortured by little spines in his finger.
Bibliophile said on 03.18.10 at 06:15 PM • [link]
I think I would like to see the scene in Jennifer Crusie’s Anyone But You, when Fred has just stolen Nina’s bra and embarrasses her in front of Alex.
Sybylla said on 03.18.10 at 06:24 PM • [link]
I’m going to go with Jennifer Crusie’s Bet Me also, except I’d choose the scene when Cal has just found Min’s long-missing snow globe and is holding it up to her. I think the combination of delight and horror on her face would be priceless.
Faye said on 03.18.10 at 06:41 PM • [link]
Oh lord, I can’t think of the title now, but the heroine is a hard riding, brusque, not-particularly beautiful, very high ranking woman who ends up with a roguish sort.
In the scene I’m thinking of, she’s staying alone at an inn when an unknown but handsome man bursts into her bedroom, begs her shelter him, and hides in her closet. His pursuers enter and she screams for bloody murder before lecturing them like crazy about the insult and impropriety of invading her room.
Later, she confronts him (in the Bath assembly rooms, I believe) and fully upbraids him, only to have him offer some particularly compelling reply and take all the wind out of her sails in front of a large and fascinated audience.
Either one would make a great illustration!
Sarah McG said on 03.18.10 at 06:55 PM • [link]
The scene from Thief of Hearts where Lucy Snow asks Gerard Claremont aka Captain Doom, for his opinion on her seascape watercolour paintings would be my pick. Lucy expects him, like everyone else, to fawn over her paintings and is surprised by his response. I can just imagine a picture of the two of them talking over her technically perfect, but souless painting, while Gerard’s passionate description of sea creates another more powerful image alongside. My favourite line from the scene is when Gerard declares that “The sea at dawn is a cathedral, Lucy” .
Cheryl said on 03.18.10 at 07:34 PM • [link]
The scene in the Curtis’ Sunshine and Shadows where Susan attacks the movie monster and then she hears: “It’s a costume, lady. A costume.” The she meets Alan whose first words to her are, “Not a child, after all.” This is my favorite book.
KathyB said on 03.18.10 at 07:46 PM • [link]
I have 2 favorite scenes from the same book—Slightly Dangerous. The first would be just after Christine has dripped lemonade into Bewcastle’s eye (I can just see her on the balcony and him below) or the scene when the entire family is gathered around outdoors and you-know-who is up in the tree ready to dive.
Tracy said on 03.18.10 at 08:16 PM • [link]
I would like to see an illustration from Julia Quinn’s To Sir Phillip, With Love: Eloise outshooting her brothers and Sir Phillip while her brothers stand around and complain about her freakish skill.
Henofthewoods said on 03.18.10 at 08:16 PM • [link]
The card game with revenue agents in the Unknown Ajax by Heyer. Just because you are making me pick one.
Anthea Lawson said on 03.18.10 at 08:25 PM • [link]
Faye, that’s Freya Bedwyn’s story from Balogh’s Slightly Scandalous. :) I really enjoyed that one.
Ohh, KathyB the lemonade dripping into the eye - yes.
But my pick is the orange-evisceration scene from Courtney Milan’s debut, Proof by Seduction.
Kathy C said on 03.18.10 at 08:32 PM • [link]
I’d say the scene in To Sir Phillip with Love when her brothers show up and He tells them if they’re going to break his legs to get it over with already. I love that part.
Ridley said on 03.18.10 at 08:36 PM • [link]
Hmmm, that’s tough.
The scene near the end of Soulless where Alexia takes her vampire friend to a rooftop to watch the sun set would be a lovely thought to look at. Such trust and friendship there.
But then Westcliff finding a drunk Lillian with her finger caught in a bottle, and all the sexual tension therein, would make an amusing line drawing. Bonus points if Kate Beaton did it. She does the best facial expressions.
Megan O said on 03.18.10 at 08:54 PM • [link]
The beginning of the “reformation” in Reforming Lord Ragsdale by Carla Kelly. Having coerced Ragsdale into signing, while drunk, a contract agreeing to release her from indentured servitude if she “reforms” him, Emma Costello barges in on Ragsdale the next morning to begin the process. She wipes the vomit (!) off his face, locks up his liquor cabinet, and orders him to take a bath. He responds by stripping off every stitch of clothing in front of her, including the eyepatch that covers his gouged-out eye (!!), and flipping her off before he steps into the bath and insists on having her scrub his back.
I would pay good money to find the artist who can depict the goosepimples that Kelly describes covering Ragsdale’s ass, and also convey Emma’s desperate need to escape so she can “laugh herself into a coma.”
Saffi said on 03.18.10 at 08:56 PM • [link]
Any of the chess scenes in Eloisa James’s Duchesses series - I can’t choose just one. Maybe all of them, cartoon strip style!?
SonomaLass said on 03.18.10 at 09:07 PM • [link]
I want an illustration of a Pall Mall game featuring all those lovely Bridgertons!
Heather said on 03.18.10 at 09:26 PM • [link]
Just about any scene from The Windflower! Especially anyone where Merry is frustrated, or Cat is awesome.
My favorite Kinsale is The Dream Hunter but it doesn’t have very many light moments. Maybe Arden reading the book by A Lady of Quality.
DreadPirateRachel said on 03.18.10 at 09:28 PM • [link]
In Georgette Heyer’s “Friday’s Child,” there’s a scene in which the heroine (appropriately named Hero) is at the opera with her husband (partner in an amiable marriage of convenience) and a group of friends. She knows that her husband has some history with various of the women around town, and when she sees one of the chorus girls flirting with him, she blurts out without thinking of the company, “Oh, is that your opera dancer?”
It’s such a classic moment; I’d love to have an illustration of it.
Frankie said on 03.18.10 at 09:29 PM • [link]
I think the scene from It Happened One Autumn where Lillian gets a tad too tipsy would be funny.
And I would love to see one of Samuel from the Shadow and the Star. (In ninja gear, please!)
Laura Kinsale said on 03.18.10 at 09:50 PM • [link]
LOL Frankie, I can think of a scene from The Shadow and the Star—the one where Leda discovers he’s been hiding up on a beam while she dressed. She’s furious, and his leg is broken. I’d put this quote on it:
“I’ve every right to clean my floor and move my furnishings if I please, without some housebreaker complaining of it! And—and then hanging up in the eaves like a horrid vampire bat!”
Great comment topic, Sarah is a master at thinking of them!
KristenMary said on 03.18.10 at 09:54 PM • [link]
How about in Devil’s Bride by Stehpanie Laurens at the beginning when Devil tosses his wife-to-be Honoria up in the saddle, climbs up behind her without a shirt on, and when she questions him, he simply tells her “Get use to it”. She doesn’t even know his full name yet. I never thought I’d like a book with a character named Devil (hello, alpha male alert) but I’m enjoying it immensely.
Lisa said on 03.18.10 at 09:59 PM • [link]
The opening scene from SEP’s It Had To Be You. Phoebe’s poodle Pooh escapes from Phoebe at her father’s funeral and gets chased all over the graveyard by Phoebe, Phoebe’s Hungarian faux-lover Viktor, the hero Dan Calebow, and an entire NFL offensive line. The dog, understandably, panics, and ends up urinating on Phoebe’s father’s casket, which anybody who knew Phoebe’s father would probably agree he deserved.
Basically, if the bull is smug, what facial expression would this artist bestow upon a purebred white poodle peeing on Bert Somerville’s grave?
PetiteJ said on 03.18.10 at 10:13 PM • [link]
I would love to see the rounders-in-knickers scene from Secrets of a Summer Night or perhaps the scene from Scandal in Spring when Daisy and Matthew Swift are disentangling the goose. I’d also be happy to see Rupert whistling in prison when he first meets Daphne in Mr. Impossible. Or perhaps Olivia beating Peregrine with his own sketchbook in Lord Perfect. I’d also love to see the scene from To Desire a Devil when Reynaud St. Aubyn bursts into the political tea and breaks the table, all scraggily and tattooed. There are so many meet-cute scenes that I can think of that would be great. And of course, anything from Nora Roberts, including a sanctioned picture of Roarke, or any scene of the Baranovs by MaryJanice Davidson.
Virginia C said on 03.18.10 at 10:21 PM • [link]
My favorite work of romantic fiction is “Ashes in the Wind” by the late, great Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. “Ashes” is a soaring Civil War love story which shows the humanity and the tragedy of both sides of the conflict. Cole Latimer is a Yankee surgeon whose compassionate nature and strong physician’s ethics benefit both “the blue and the gray”. Alaina MacGaren is a beautiful young Southern woman forced to pose as a young boy in order to survive. In her disguise as “Al”, the young cleaning boy at the military hospital, she comes to know Dr. Latimer. The beginning of their relationship is that of sparring partners who form a tentative friendship. The scene where Cole realizes that not only is “Al” a female, she is the mystery woman with whom he shared a night of blazing passion and also the illusive, veiled widow whom he has pursued is something else! Once they finally face each other as man and woman, a deep, abiding love begins to grow. Their passion overcomes many doubts and obstacles and finally reaches full bloom. Both of these characters went through a personal growth process as the horror of the War Between the States and its lasting aftermath unfolded. Cole’s disgust and frustration when he was unable to save a life due to military interference was deeply felt. Alaina’s desire to be seen as a lovely young woman instead of a ragged boy was palpable. An unforgettable love story.
Sara N. said on 03.18.10 at 10:21 PM • [link]
Is it skeevy of me to vote for the scene in The Viscount who Loved Me where Anthony compromises Kate? I’d just like to see the shocked faces of the onlookers.
Liz B. said on 03.18.10 at 10:45 PM • [link]
Having just read “Lessons in French” I would love to see an illustration of the melee in the marketplace: Cry havoc and let slip the hens of war.
I would draw the Duc’s glowing eyes, with the rest of his face disguised by the muffler as the hens and goats, sheep and calves erupt into chaos behind him.
Lyvvie said on 03.18.10 at 10:50 PM • [link]
I’d like to see the scene from Diana Gabaldon’s Voyager where Claire goes back to Scotland the second time knowing that Jamie is alive and she walks into the printing shop in Edinburgh and Jamie faints.
Nicole North said on 03.18.10 at 10:50 PM • [link]
I’m enjoying Lessons in French so much! Thank you for the awesome read, Laura! I would have to choose the scene I just read where Trev is hiding out in Callie’s dressing room among her stockings and reading books about cattle breeds. That would be a funny illustration. :)
Teril C said on 03.18.10 at 10:51 PM • [link]
Oh that is a great print, right for above my mantel… hehehe. I would like to see is this one:
“One thing I’ve learned about vampires—they keep pulling new rabbits out of their cloaks. Big, fanged, carnivorous bunnies that’ll eat your eyeballs if you’re not paying attention.”
— Laurell K. Hamilton Bloody Bones
now i know, I know it is not romantic, but it would be pretty funny.
Beth said on 03.18.10 at 10:51 PM • [link]
Don’t enter me in the contest, but…
Hahaha! That’s the first thing that came to my mind, too!
jenifer said on 03.18.10 at 11:05 PM • [link]
Because I read it recently enough that it’s still in my brain, how about the scene in Barbara O’Neal’s “The Secret of Everything” where Tessa is photographing the salt in Natalie’s hand.
Michael said on 03.18.10 at 11:09 PM • [link]
I’m choosing the scene from The Duke where Robert and Belinda ride off from the symphony on his horse.
Michael said on 03.18.10 at 11:09 PM • [link]
That’s The Duke by Gaelen Foley of course
Jessica L said on 03.18.10 at 11:29 PM • [link]
My favorite scene has already been mentioned by Brooks*belle with the hedgehog from Midsummer Moon wrapped around Mr. Duke’s finger. I just about died laughing at that and go back and read it when I need a good laugh.
Another scene from Midsummer Moon would be the mishap with the “salt.”
“N.A.-C.L.” He frowned at the white crystals. “Are you certain this is salt?”
“Oh, yes. That would be the chemical formula, you see. Sodium chloride.”
“Dare I ask what this ‘Aphro.’ signifies?”
“I expect that means that it’s African salt.”
Such a funny book, so many scenes could be great illustrations.
A.M.K. said on 03.18.10 at 11:41 PM • [link]
Oh, I’d love to some scenes from Loretta Chase’s The Last Hellion illustrated. Maybe Lydia and Ainswood’s first meeting - Ainswood on his back after she hit him? Or when she’s impersonating him at the club? Or a dozen more, really:)
Chelsea B. said on 03.19.10 at 12:04 AM • [link]
I think the scene in J.R. Ward’s Lover Revealed when Zsadist writes down ‘I love you’ for Bella to see. Awe! I loved that part so much!
Pat A said on 03.19.10 at 12:18 AM • [link]
I’d love the print because I adored Hubert. I’d like to see the opening scene from the Raven Prince, where Edward, the Earl of Swartingham is in the mud puddle with the wild eye horse and the incredibly ugly dog sitting and watching. Of course Anna is nearby offering to help him up.
appomattoxco said on 03.19.10 at 12:31 AM • [link]
All I can think of is a book I read as a child that was illustrated that way. It was called the Tinderbox I recall the name because I had to look up “tinderbox.” All I recall of the book was that the h graduated from college and was a landscape designer. She wanted to marry but only if she asked the man and he said yes. The picture I remember is of h on one knee like prince charming in reverse preposing to the hero. For some reason I think it was at a picnic in graveyard?
Michelle Santiago said on 03.19.10 at 12:41 AM • [link]
from one of my most current read: when Holly was playing baseball for the first time with the kids Pace coaches and the ball hit square on the forehead and knocked her on the ground.
Shannon said on 03.19.10 at 01:22 AM • [link]
I would like to see any of the scenes in Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ So Worthy My Love in which Elise and Maxim prank each other. Partly because I want to see the crazy Elizabethan fashions.
Kaetrin said on 03.19.10 at 01:38 AM • [link]
Hm…
It’s between the scene where Anthony & Kate are hiding under the desk during a storm in The Viscount Who Loved My by Julia Quinn
or
The scene where Jessica shoots Dain in Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels.
Kaetrin said on 03.19.10 at 01:39 AM • [link]
Er, of course, I meant The Viscount Who Love ME!!!
Kathleen said on 03.19.10 at 01:43 AM • [link]
LORD OF SCOUNDRELS: The part where Dain and Jessica are looking at the watch that Jessica is buying for her grandmother. Dain is anticipating shocking her by showing her the watch’s naughty hidden image, but instead he is shocked that she knew it was naughty all along.
Any campy scene from any campy Joanna Lindsay book. Complete with Fabio look-a-like. (Like in MAN OF MY DREAMS when Meg realizes that her “horse trainer” is- GASP- a DUKE OMGWTF.)
FINDING THE DREAM: When Margo, Kate, and Laura stuff Candy (naked) into the locker at the spa.
Laura (in PA) said on 03.19.10 at 01:47 AM • [link]
The opening scene in Mary Balogh’s “Slightly Scandalous”, when Freyja faces down the strange man in her bedroom.
Liza Lester said on 03.19.10 at 01:53 AM • [link]
Lord Peter and Harriet in the punt in Sayers’ Guady Night- as Peter sleeps and Harriet reads a peculiar book she filched from his pocket, and admits she is in love with him, after all.
Laura (in PA) said on 03.19.10 at 01:59 AM • [link]
Pooh, that one’s already taken. How about the scene from Kristan Higgins’ “Just One Of The Guys”, when Chastity is trying to impress her date, and sees her dog run by down the street wearing her brother’s underpants, and they’re all trying to chase her down (the dog).
cate said on 03.19.10 at 02:21 AM • [link]
Hard choice, but I love the scene in Janet Chapmans The Seductive Imposter, where our heroine + her sister are utterly rat-arsed on strawberry daquari’s, & insist on trying to put up the puffin statue…..all the while being watched by our hero + his best mate….who can’t believe their eyes
Ayesha said on 03.19.10 at 02:28 AM • [link]
My favourite scene is in between Christian and Maddy, when they are hastly married. His uncles are at the door and she finally relinquishes. It is exquisitely done.
Ayesha said on 03.19.10 at 02:30 AM • [link]
Addendum to above:
God, I forgot to write the book’s name, “the flowers from the storm”. I always presume everyone has read it, :).
Stacey P. said on 03.19.10 at 02:33 AM • [link]
...OK, so the fact that the very first comment (Lyssa) calls for a scene from Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series just made my night, since that’s one of my favorite series, :) And it immediately makes me want a scene out of ‘Prince of Ebon Rih’, one of the short stories in that series (not technically a romance novel, but that story is very much a romance at heart, even more than the series). It’s the scene where Lucivar pisses Marian off, and she tries to hit him with a frying pan without thinking. She’s so afraid that she’s made him angry, but he just drags her outside and teaches her how to throw a pan properly, and do some real damage, :)
Sonic said on 03.19.10 at 02:34 AM • [link]
I would love to see the scene from the Precious Gem romance book “Three for the Road” by Barbara Daly where the heroine bounces on the car seat as she’s getting in and it hits the hero (an undercover detective) on the head and he bites his tongue and is struggling to keep from crying out (he’s hiding in her car and she doesn’t know it…yeah, I promise it really does make sense).
that scene cracks me up every single time
Kim said on 03.19.10 at 02:51 AM • [link]
I would choose Julia Quinn’s What Happens In London where Olivia and Valentine are leaning out their respective windows talking to each other. Another scenefrom the book is where Sebastian is on top of a table reading from a romance novel.
Carrie Zimmerman said on 03.19.10 at 02:54 AM • [link]
I just finished reading NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE by Sarah MacLean. There is a duel with a very interesting outcome that would be fantastic as an illustration.
Jessi said on 03.19.10 at 03:26 AM • [link]
I just want to throw in some western romance:
The scene in Laurel by Leigh Greenwood when the hero’s teenage brother saves the day by showing up dressed as a woman.
krsylu said on 03.19.10 at 03:33 AM • [link]
That scene in La Nora’s “Jewels of the Sun” when Jude punches Aiden in the schnozz, giving him his first broken nose. This is in response to his arrogant assumption in telling everyone in the village that she will marry him. Go, Jude!
Egads said on 03.19.10 at 03:37 AM • [link]
How about a paranormal with strong romantic overtones? The scene in Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews where Kate meets the Beast Lord for the first time. She can’t see him in the shadows, so she crouches and calls out “Here kitty, kitty, kitty.”
Stefanie said on 03.19.10 at 03:42 AM • [link]
I would love to see a drawing of the Lucky Charms scene in SEP’s Nobody’s Baby But Mine. Cal opening his car door and an avalanche of Lucky Charms spilling out of it, his face showing disbelief and frustration.
The What Happens in London scene is also an awesome suggestion; I laughed so hard at that scene.
Linda Henderson said on 03.19.10 at 04:09 AM • [link]
I’d like to see the wedding of Eve Dallas and Roarke from J.D.Robb’s In Death series. I love that series. I just finished Fantasy In Death this weekend.
Conferencing Services said on 03.19.10 at 04:22 AM • [link]
Love can’t resist the problem. I love read too the series are real serious and full of emotion.
eaeaea said on 03.19.10 at 04:52 AM • [link]
I really enjoyed Lessons in French - I would love a scene depicting how they managed to dye the bull a different colour. I kept picturing it as I read the story…
Other scene would be from Mary Balogh’s Slightly Dangerous - when the Duke of Bewcastle climbs the tree to dive into the water. The Duke’s sister hugs the heroine saying something like ’ If you are responsible for this - I will love you forever’.
Love that scene.
dreamysusan said on 03.19.10 at 04:58 AM • [link]
Definitely the game of Pall Mall in Julia Quinn’s The Viscount Who Loved Me.
Dreamer said on 03.19.10 at 04:59 AM • [link]
I would definitely have to say the scene in Laura Kinsale’s The Shadow and the Star where Samuel returns to find Leda finishing up bottling the cherry brandy. That would make a marvelous illustration! Absolutely perfect with her leaning back against him.
sweetsiouxsie said on 03.19.10 at 05:05 AM • [link]
Many of my choices were already mentioned! So many good scenes. This one is from The Christmas Wedding by Laurie Brown.
Matty rushes into the sitting room of the hotel suite and there is her son Nathan in a giggling fit on the sofa while Preston, Lord Bathers is sitting cross legged on the floor entertaining two year old Bess by adorning himself with Bess’ doll’s clothing. A doll’s straw hat is on his head, a little purple lace dress on his cravat and one tiny white glove on each tip of his index fingers. As Bess giggles with delight, she and Preston switch out the hats and dresses.
I found this scene charming and think it would make a great illustration.
Natalie Arloa said on 03.19.10 at 05:20 AM • [link]
I’d love to see an illustration of the scene towards the end of Bet Me, with Min tied to the ugly sofa and Cal eating Krispy Kremes right next to her. Or actually any of the scenes with Min and Cal and his nephew and her shoes.
Mel L. said on 03.19.10 at 05:25 AM • [link]
Any Sherrilyn Kenyon’s DarkHunter series or JR Ward’s BDB. All those guys, I’m picturing, would be hunk-a-licious in whatever scene they happened to be in…and I want to see what someone else would see them as compared to what’s inside my head.
Rachel W said on 03.19.10 at 05:41 AM • [link]
I would pick the scene in Midsummer Moon when the hedgehog gives away Merlin’s location. I’d love to see the look on Mr. Duke’s face when the hedgehog goes trundling by the temple.
Juliet Burns said on 03.19.10 at 05:58 AM • [link]
I’d love to see the scene from Prince of Midnight where he’s training the horse to do tricks so it won’t be put down when they have to leave it behind in France.
KimberlyD said on 03.19.10 at 06:07 AM • [link]
I didn’t read all the comments so I don’t know if its been said but the scene from Devil’s Cub (Heyer) when Mary shoots Dominic. I’d love to see it illustrated right after she’s shot him, when he is surprised and she is so upset and concerned for him. I bet it would be hysterical!
Rene B said on 03.19.10 at 08:13 AM • [link]
Another two scenes from Lord of Scoundrels stand out to me: the one where Jessica and Dain first meet in the antique shop and are squaring off for the first time, or the scene in which they are at a cafe and he is unbuttoning her glove while murmuring things to her in Italian… I would just love to see the expressions on thier faces.
And I also would love to see the What Happens in London dramatic reading scene; I nearly fell out of my chair when I read it the first time!
Stelly said on 03.19.10 at 08:14 AM • [link]
I forget the name of the novel, but it was a historical and the scene in question entailed the hero attempting to teach the heroine how to ride horseback. She completely shocked him when she showed how much she already knew about it, her father having taught her from a young age. I’d love to see a sketch of the hero’s shocked face as well as the smug look on the heroine’s. P:
Rebyj said on 03.19.10 at 09:13 AM • [link]
Gabaldon’s Jamie says to Claire in one way or another in each book words to the effect of. “I want to take ye into the woods and split ye like a ripe peach.”
illustrate that one! Lol. Enter me I’d hang it above my 4’ talk bookshelf in my bedroom. Lovely!
Nancy said on 03.19.10 at 09:51 AM • [link]
Scene for illustration: In Karen Robard’s Dark of the Moon when Connor sees Caitlyn for the first time after believing her dead for over a year….
Chrissie Linnit said on 03.19.10 at 10:16 AM • [link]
Scene from chapter twenty-one of Jo Beverley’s ‘St Raven’ where Cressida is snooping around in the mews behind Mirranda Coop’s home and she’s discovered by the grooms in the stables and is awed by their maleness - it’s one of those scenes where you don’t know whether to giggle or drool!:
Noite said on 03.19.10 at 11:25 AM • [link]
I’d love to see Jo Beverly’s opening scene in “Emily and the Dark Angel,” where Piers Verderan runs into Emily while the Violet Tart is hurling powder from above. I love the idea that one of the characters in the book creates a caricature of the scene that is described, but obviously not seen.
Treehugger said on 03.19.10 at 11:49 AM • [link]
I was scrolling through these smiling and nodding, as you do, until I got to Liza Lester’s mention of the punt scene Gaudy Night.
I cannot second that scene strongly enough (excuse me, I must flit away and find the book again. It is demanding to be read).
Vikki Johnson said on 03.19.10 at 02:18 PM • [link]
Laura Kinsale’s The Prince of Midnight, when S.T. and Nemo barged in and saved the girl. It was really too bad, you recall him thinking, that Leigh wasn’t there to see it.
Faellie said on 03.19.10 at 02:56 PM • [link]
Am I still in time?
Something from Heyer, please. Either the Talisman Ring, with Ludovic as the maid with the broken perfume bottle, or from Faro’s Daughter, with Deb in the “gambling house”.
terhare said on 03.19.10 at 03:18 PM • [link]
I want to see the scene in Kinsale’s “The Shadow & the Star” where the heroine Leda is in her dreary garret room admiring her hair after just brushing it before noticing the hero/shadow watching from the rafters ....sounds creepy as I type but Kinsale conveys emotions that make it dreamy!
AgTigress said on 03.19.10 at 03:43 PM • [link]
Yes, that’s another great image. Also from the same book, Ravenscar and Deb sniping at each other while he is incarcerated and tied up in the cellar. Or Deb at Vauxhall Gardens in her deliberately vulgar mode, with a huge headdress and vividly striped dress. Really, Heyer is just FULL of great visual moments.
I’m not sure which scene from Sayers’ Gaudy Night was meant, but if it’s the major high-sexual-tension one, the moment when Harriet finally admits to herself that she fancies Peter something rotten, I think it is on the bank rather than in the punt, isn’t it? In any case, I don’t think one could easily convey the impact visually.
:)
Laksamee Putnam said on 03.19.10 at 04:29 PM • [link]
I’m going to have to go with Jenifer Cruise and the opening scene in “Welcome to Temptation”. The girls driving up to the town and getting the first glimpse of the phallic water tower and deciding to film it for the opening credits. I knew I was going to love the book right then.
Runner up would have to be from “Faking It” toward the end of the book when Matilda decides she has to paint the walls of her all white room.
Kacie said on 03.19.10 at 04:29 PM • [link]
In Larissa Ione’s latest - Ecstasy Unveiled….Tayla compares Sin to Smurfette and as she attempts to describe who and what Smurfette is to her non-cartoon/pop-culturally-ignorant husband, Eidolon. His brother Wraith is listening in on the conversation and Eidolon’s asks something along the lines of “Does she have sex with all the male smurfs?” And Wraith says, “Dude, it’s a cartoon.”
You have to picture the three - all super-sexy demons in human form - the guys are all gorgeous and alpha talking the Smurfs.
I laughed out loud.
TheDuchess said on 03.19.10 at 05:09 PM • [link]
The scene would have to be from Bet Me, when they are all sitting around the dinner table at Cal’s parents’ place. That scene was… memorable, to put it lightly.
passed57… passed over 57 times…??
amybee said on 03.19.10 at 07:20 PM • [link]
When, in Elizabeth Hoyt’s The Serpent Prince, the hero and heroine’s eyes meet over the dead body of the man the hero killed in a duel.
Robin said on 03.19.10 at 08:38 PM • [link]
I have been rereading a lot of Suzanne Brockman, especially troubleshooters, and have two scenes from those books.
First the serious one: The scene in Over the Edge where Teri realizes that Stan isn’t just telling her to wear her flack jacket to boss her around, but because he cares for her. The illustration would have Stan and the rest of the troubleshooters in the helo and Teri waving good-bye
Oh, another one from Over the Edge, the one when Alyssa comes back into Sam’s room and sees him crying
On to the funny scene: One of my favorite scenes in All Through the Night is when Robin and Jules come into their house dripping wet and Jules mentions to Robin that he is going commando and everyone who is there for the surprise bachelor party hears him.
I want to second the Pall Mall Scene from the Bridgerton books. The illustration would definitely have to have Kate with the Mallet of Death and Anthony with the pink one, perhaps when Kate sinks his ball. Also, the scene where Lillian gets her finger stuck in the bottle and when Westcliff finds them playing rounders in their knickers. Lisa Kleypas is like crack. Finally, I want to second the scene in What Happens in London when Sebastian is standing on the table reading Miss Butterworth. If Julia Quinn were to write the entire saga of Miss Butterworth, I would be the first in line to buy it.
Robin said on 03.19.10 at 08:47 PM • [link]
To go along with the scene with Teri and Stan I would put the caption:
And it occured to her that in a flash of realization that when he said that, maybe it wasn’t because he wanted to boss her around, to keep the distancing effects og age and experience prominant in their relationship. When he said that, maybe it was his way of telling her just how desperately he cared
Mantelli said on 03.19.10 at 11:00 PM • [link]
Oooh, ooh! I’d love to see the scene from These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer right at the end, with Leonie, Duchess of Avon standing on the table, “Bah,” said the Duchess of Avon. It’d be full of wonderfully-dressed 18th-century characters drinking a toast, especially the wonderful, red-haired Leonie and her beloved Duke!
Leigh S said on 03.19.10 at 11:14 PM • [link]
Unfortunately, I’m not super well-read in romance, but I’ve always liked Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The lines I would like to see drawn are this—“What a consternation of soul was mine that dreary afternoon! How all my brain was in tumult, and all my heart in insurrection! Yet in what darkness, what dense ignorance, was the mental battle fought! I could not answer the ceaseless inward question—why I thus suffered; now at the distance of—I will not say how many years, I see it clearly.” (approx. Chapter 2, pg. 12)
Thanks for the chance—enjoyed reading others’ ideas for a drawn-up scene. I’ll def. have to check out some of these books.
Leigh S.
Cat S. said on 03.19.10 at 11:52 PM • [link]
I have to go with Payton Kendall baring her cheeks in the courtroom as a thrilled/horrified JD Jameson looks on, courtesy of Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James.
Michelle said on 03.20.10 at 02:52 AM • [link]
Too many to choose from! And I second (third, fourth, fifth, etc.) many of the previous postings.
I would love any scene from Crusie’s “Bet Me” - love, love, love that book! How about the scene where Cal is helping Min pick out a dress and making her feel beautiful?
Gretchen said on 03.20.10 at 03:31 AM • [link]
I just finished Lessons in French! It was my very first regency romance (I’m usually a paranormal girl).
If I had to pick another scene from Lessons in French, I would love to see an illustration of Trev hiding under his mother’s bed while his mother’s nurse stomped around demanding bloodletting and bedrest.
As for an illustration from another book, I’m going to go with the scene in JR Ward’s “Lover Awakened” directly following Bella’s needing time, when Butch, Phury and Vishous all wake up naked in bed together. The thought of these three HUGE alpha males, waking up in a tangle of limbs in the same bed and all the awkward conversation that follows? Hilarious.
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