Thursday 14 February 2013

Romantic Interlude


I can't let St Valentine's Day pass by without a mention, since some of my writing is romantic intrigue. Venice is one of my favourite destinations and I still think it's the most romantic - without having to pay a fortune in a gondola ride. The year we stayed there for almost a week, our hotel was near the top of the narrow canal under the Bridge of Sighs.

One evening, I was standing at the open window admiring the view when a gondola whispered past. The gondolier, in his distinctive striped top and beribboned hat, was serenading the occupants. I found it much more romantic being the onlooker to such a scene. With its bridges, canals and labyrinth of narrow streets, Venice was made for intrigue!

A couple of people are offering free downloads today, so it might be an ideal time to stock up on more books, many with a romantic theme. Sally Quilford has a great list of stories on offer so there's bound to be something for everyone. Over on the Minxes of Romance, they're giving away an ebook of eight sexy stories about firemen, appropriately titled Blaze. Enjoy!

I've also posted a short piece about red roses over on the Romancing History blog.

Have a loving day, whether or not it's romantic.
Rosemary

11 comments:

Janice said...

Happy Valentine's Day Rosemary. Loved the photo of Venice - a place I would love to visit - it really has the draw of romantic intigue, doesn't it?

Thanks for the heads up on the freebies!

Janice xx

Wendy's Writing said...

Hi Rosemary. I went to Venice for my honeymoon with my first husband over 25 years ago. I then went again 5 years ago with my partner of a year (now my husband. we travelled there by sleeper train and it was so funny and romantic. I loved it on both occasions and like you, it is one of my favourite places. I would like to go back again sometime - maybe for an anniversary.

Quillers said...

Thanks for the plug, Rosemary.

Hubby and I had a lovely couple of days in Venice a few years ago. It was around this time of year and when we arrived it was snowing. It wasn't how I expected to see Venice, yet it made it more of a fairytale city than I ever imagined it to be.

Mary Smith said...

I want to go to Venice, too. Love the idea of travelling there by train as well. Better get on it before I'm too old for romance!

Vikki said...

Great photo and what a great name: 'Bridge of Sighs'. Loved Venice and definitely want to go back for a longer stay - very atmospheric city!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Janice - hope you manage to visit Venice!

Wendy - we love travelling by train too! Our trip was for our silver anniversary.

Hi Sally, nice to see you. Can't imagine Venice in snow but it must be magical!

You've a while to go yet, Mary - but you should definitely try to visit.

I want to go back too, Vikki!

Joan Fleming said...

Like most people, I'd love to go back to Venice, having spent five days there. I agree with you on the atmosphere, Rosemary. It's enough to stand and stare.

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to go to Venice. It looks lovely. Hope you had a good valentine's day.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks for your comment, Joan - Venice is very atmospheric!

Thanks, Anne - hope you manage a visit one day!

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Lovely photo.

And thank you so much for mentioning Blaze.

xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

You're welcome, Suzanne - thanks for dropping in.