YIPEE!!!
HUZZAH!!!!
and BRAVISSIMO!!!
Aunty's Launch Party for The Treasures of Venice is finally here!
Aunty is so excited she can scarcely keep her straw gondolier's hat on her head. Yes, my Banditas, Buddies, and curious on-lookers, this celebration has a Venetian theme! The cabana boys are serving up gelato and lots of bubbly champers (or Asti Spumati if you prefer) while dressed in their striped gondolier shirts and sparkly Carnevale masks.
Meanwhile, Demetrius and the other gladiators are giving gondola rides out in the moat. (No, Aunty did not make them dress up, their tunics are quite festive enough!) The line forms to the left of the entrance.
I am soooo excited to finally see this book on the shelves! In case you hadn't heard, The Treasures of Venice was the story that finalled in the 2006 Golden Heart and led to me meeting all the other wonderful finalists. And of course, that ultimately led to the founding of THE ROMANCE BANDITS! Is it any wonder this story has such a special place in my heart?
Here's a brief blurb about the story (and a peek at the gorgeous cover): When American librarian Samantha Lewis and Irish rogue Keirnan Fitzgerald set off to find priceless jewels, they become embroiled in a 500-year-old love story that eerily prefigures their own...
In 15th century Venice, beautiful and wealthy Serafina falls in love with Nino, a young Florentine sculptor. They decide to flee to Padua, and to fund the trip, Nino copies a set of jewels that then disappear.
In modern-day Venice, Keirnan needs Samantha's help to locate the jewels so he can pay his sister's ransom. Samantha must decide whether the man she's so drawn to is her soul mate from a previous life...or are they merely pawns in a relentless quest for a priceless treasure?
Here's what our own dear Le Duchesse Jeanne Adams had to say: "A fast paced, intricate plot, a deliciously dangerous hero and a smart, intriguing heroine. What more could you want than
to be immersed in the delicious adventure that is The Treasures of Venice? Loucinda McGary has done it again with a brilliant novel that looks to the past, entwines it in the present and makes you wonder at every twist and turn if the hero and heroine will get out alive. Snap this one up, it's a keeper!"Meanwhile, that squealing sound you hear would be yer olde Aunty, who learned a few days ago that Romantic Times magazine gave The Treasures of Venice a 4 star review! The reviewer said: " Samantha and Keirnan's romance is the stuff dreams are made of, and their adventures while trying to track down the jewels and rescue his sister will keep you on the edge of your seat."
Aunty spins giddily out of control and collapses into the waiting arms of Sven and Lars who carry her to the nearest fainting couch. Thank goodness for our historical author Banditas who have furnished some rooms of the Lair in period furniture.
WHEW! Where was I? (Aunty fans herself vigorously.) Oh yes! This Launch Party!
Since The Treasures of Venice is all about hidden jewels, we need to celebrate with a good old fashioned treasure hunt!
So please, tell Aunty and the rest of us where in the Lair (or the world, for that matter) would you look for jewels hidden for 500 years? And whom would you like to bring along to assist you in your search?
Aunty will be giving away an autographed copy of The Treasures of Venice to one clever treasure hunter. And an autographed copy of The Wild Sight, or a box of chocolates (if you already have one or both books) to another successful treasure hunter.
GOOD LUCK! And PAR-TAY!!!
94 comments:
Congratulations on the book release, Aunty Cindy!
Um, haha can I bring the banditas? As a whole? (And it's a given I'm bringing the GR, right? I mean he doesn't count...)
Where would I look? Google search! Where in the world? Italy. Totally. And if I got side tracked or lost... well, no big hurry, right? ;)
lol and now I can go to sleep/back to the room I escaped from, which I'm sharing with my sister *and* her dog. Along with the GR, it's quite crowded today!
ROFLOL, Limecello!
You, the GR, your sister and her dog all in the same bedroom paints quite a picture! :-)
OF COURSE you can bring the Banditas to help you search! IF you can drag us away from the Lair and the gelato, and the cabana boys, and the drinkie-winkies... Um, what was the question again?!?!
AC
Congrats on you new release Aunty Cindy! Can't wait to read it!
Pass me a Margarita please, before I go off on the treasure hunt! I think I am going to hunt in the Highlands of Scotland myself. Maybe George Clooney can come along. Could I please borrow the Cabana boys to help me in my hunt!
OOOO! Excellent plan, Virginia!
There are so very many hiding places in the Scottish Highlands! And I'm sure you and George will be able to explore all of them thoroughly! ;-)
I THINK we can spare a couple of cabana boys. But no more than 2 or 3. You know how they are about leaving the Lair unattended.
AC
Congrats on the new book release!
I think I'd drag Clive Owen along because he looks good in a dinner jacket and we might need his looks and savoir faire to gain entry into a villa where the walls contain hidden jewels. I, of course, would have a mini metal detector (compliments of Q)hidden in my Judith Lieber minaudiere...
Lime...hope the GR doesn't snore!
Congrats, Aunty Cindy!
I think I'd go to England to hunt for treasure. I would ask Charlie Epps from Numb3rs to help me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI3uK1k-g6k&feature=related
Better watch out PinkPeony!
I think there may be a couple of Banditas plotting to spirit away your helper Clive Owen! *AHEM* You might want to check the potted plants in said villa for signs of Suz or Mme Wells, just sayin....
Oh, and it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to hide that mini-metal detector from the GR. You KNOW how he is!
AC
EXCELLENT choice of helpers, Minna! Esp. if Charlie is anything like as smart as his character on the TV show! He'll scratch out a dozen or so mathematical equations and narrow down the location of the jewels in not time.
AC
Congrats limecello he is going to have lots of fun this time round searching missing jewels and a dog to play with as well
Whoo Hoo Aunty Cindy what an exciting day the big launch of such an anticipated book I am soo looking forward to getting to know Keirnan and Samantha. I loved Jeanne's comment and huge congrats on the Romantic Times 4 star review way to go.
Now where would I search for lost jewels here in the lair I would have to say the caves that you all have to go to sometimes or perhaps Ireland and who would I take to help me yes it would have to be Hugh Jackman (I wouldn't mind getting lost in the caves or Ireland for that matter with him it could be the start of another story for someone to write LOL)
I am lining up for a gondola ride on the moat and yes I will have a glass of Asti Spumati or Verdi is very good as well.
Huge congrats Aunty Cindy I am going to love this party.
Have Fun
Helen
HUGS Helen!!!
I can't wait to hear how you like TToV!
Searching for jewels in a cave (whether here in the Lair or in Ireland) with Hugh Jackman sounds DIVINE!!! I think you may have some company on that treasure hunt, Hugh is such a MAJOR FAVORITE around here!
Cabana boys! Bring our Helen a flute of Verdi, RAPIDO!!
Demetrius, steer that gondola over to this side of the drawbridge, please!
AC
Buon Note, Everyone!
Keep the party going whilst Aunty takes a wee little snooze and dreams lovely Venetian dreams.
AC
AC...just what are you inferring? That Suz would grab debonair Clive and Mme Wells would make off with my handbag (very likely) while the GR, makes off with the metal detector AND the jewels, and retires in style at the same farm where all those pardoned poultry end up each Thanksgiving?
Congrats Aunty Cindy on the new release!
Great post and pics!
I would hunt for treasure in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt and I would bring Billy Zane because he looks good without a shirt!
Maybe we will find some mummies and have a fun and adventureous journey!
Hi Aunty Cindy,
I would definitely go searching for the hidden jewels. Of course Eric Bana will be my personal assistant on this jewel hunt. He'll be wearing one of those safari jackets. I'll probably have Bear Grylls from Man vs. Wild tag along in case we find ourselves stranded or in danger.
Congrats AC! I already have my copy!
Hmm, I'm too busy looking for treasure in my head to put on the pages of the WIP! But maybe I'll go look along the Downs in West Sussex, and I'll take along the guy who plays Erik in True Blood. He's tall, he can see things I can't. Yeah. That's why.
Congrats, AC! TTOV is a terrific story!
I'll be heading to Italy to search for those jewels. It's been three years since I've been there and the withdrawal pains are getting pretty bad. ;) I'd like to take Joanie and her gladiators. You up for that, JT?
congrats Aunty Cindy.
Yes, I'd look might be fun and I'd also choose Eric Bana since he has been time traveling lately, he'd be the perfect person to bring wirh me and maybe he could go that far back in time to find them.
Woohoo!! Congrats, AC!! I can't wait to read this story it sounds so awesome. And since Venice is so fresh in my mind (and the starting place of my next book) I will be heading to BN just as soon as I get my copyedits (arriving on my front porch this afternoon) and book 4 into my editor.
Congrats again!
Congratulations on the new book Aunty Cindy! I would look in Spain, I don't know why but it sounds like fun and, of course I would take the whole family.
Congratulations on the new release. Treasures of Venice sounds incomparable and wonderful. I would look in Italy, since Italy has captured my heart and soul. My travel companion would be Patrick Stewart. Fearless and ready for adventure.
WOOOOT!!!!! It's Out, it's OUT!!! Yeah!!! Now I can tell absolutely EVERYONE to buy this book. Grins.
Now, pass me a nice Mimosa so I can settle into my cushy chair on the battlements of the Lair with my binoculars. *thank you Demetrius, my pillow DID need adjusting* I have to keep track of these jewel hunting treasure seekers.
Besides, the view from up here is marvelous. All those...helpers...on the treasure hunts. Yes. Well, they look mahhhhhvelous through the binoculars. *No, Demetrius, I don't know when Joan is coming over, but I'm sure you'll hear the trumpet fanfare*
Now, AC, tell us Alllllll about the journey of this book. Grins.
Oh, BTW, Lime, congrats! He's back in your loving care and obviousl, going on the treasure hunt!
So please, tell Aunty and the rest of us where in the Lair (or the world, for that matter) would you look for jewels hidden for 500 years? And whom would you like to bring along to assist you in your search?
Either Scotland (buried under the ruins of one of their magnificent castles) OR somewhere tropical, like Florida or the Caribbean. (I only say Florida because it's got a history old enough that you could probably hide some jewels that have long been forgotten in St. Augustine...and the Spanish always had the best jewels, right?) A Scottish-Spanish fortune hunter would help me. He would of course, play the guitar in his spare time.
I also wouldn't mind sending some Crown jewels with some Revolutionary characters and burying them somewhere in one of the Founding Fathers residents (which one? You have to track the clues to find out!)--and having some hunky American History professor who happens to hail from Great Britain to help me. (After all he'd like to restore the jewels to the Crown.)
Whoootttt and a huge celebratory squeal for the release of your second book, Cindy. The Treasures of Venice is a TREASURE to read. I started it again last night (having read it in draft 3 years ago) and I have to say it's even better the second time around.
Congratulations, Lime, you're back on a roll with the rooster (uh, no pun intended). I think someone's going to have to wrest him away from you LOL.
What a hopping party and it's not even noon here on the east coast. Whoohooo!
I'm reading this book right now and am loving this Irish hottie...errr... I mean hero. ;)
I do believe Demetrius is hiding some interesting treasure under that tunic. No map or assistance needed. I'm sure I can find it on my own. *wg*
Oops, forgot to say where I'd search for the treasure and I see that Virginia's stolen George Clooney, who was my first pick.
Hmmm, let's see. I think I'll bring along Gerard Butler exactly as he looked in 300! I'm sure his fierce warrior look would intimidate anyone into telling us where the jewels are.
Hmm, I think I'd look somewhere inside the Doge's Palace since that's where Sam and Kiernan first go in the book.
A Venetian-themed party? Le awesome!
First order of business: congrats, Aunty Cindy. The book sounds soooooo good, and anything that helped bring you banditas together has my thanks. So, thank you, hot shirtless Irish rogue named Keirnan on the cover!
*cough*
Anyway, on the the next item on the agenda: the search. (dum-dum-DUUUUM! What? It needed a dramatic intro!) Well, I think I'd bring a hot, shirtless Irish rogue with me, inspired by Keirnan, since he sounds quite capable. We'd search in a small country in the Middle East, and I'd need his skills (read: his gorgeous body) to help us sneak in, posing as a model and his assistant because... well, just because. Once we got there, the sheik would catch me snooping (while hottie was posing for pictures, yum!) and would become suspicious, despite - or perhaps because of - the overwhelming attraction he felt for me. Several heated encounters later, the suspicious sheik would convince himself that the only way to learn the truth would be to question me when my defences were at their lowest, which would result in the best sexual encounter of either of our lives. Afterwards, he'd be so shocked to realize that I'd been a sweet, innocent virgin that he'd accidentally let slip the fact that he'd slept with me for information, and a heartbroken Lynz would run to hot shirtless Irish rogue for comfort. Accidentally walking in on me while I was locked in Irish rogue's comforting embrace, the sheik (who'd felt guilty and had searched me out to apologize and propose, to make up for his mistake) would tell himself that my virginity didn't actually mean I was a good person. But he'd still feel an inconvenient and constant attraction for me, and in order to deal with it, would blackmail me into becoming his mistress. He'd quickly realize that he admired my quick wits and strong morals, which would lead him to question his own actions. Upon learning that the Irish rogue was actually gay - shock! gasp! betcha didn't see that one coming! well, not at the beginning of this paragraph, you didn't - the sheik would finally admit to himself what the reader had known all along: that he was in love with me and had been trying to deny it, futile as the attempt was. He'd seek me out, find me crying over the fact that the man I loved (the sheik, not the rogue, keep up with me here) would never love me back, and grovel soooooooo nicely. Then he'd propose :) and as a wedding gift, he'd give me the jewels, which his family had kept hidden for the past 500 years as part of an ancient promise. And the story of Irish rogue's true love would come out in an online sequel the next month.
*looks up* Wow. I need to stop reading Presents novels. Like, right away. Also, if you read that whole paragraph, you deserve a margarita. Go ahead, it's on me.
He's tall, he can see things I can't. Yeah. That's why.
*snort* Sounds very logical to me! (And if you need a tall guy, you may as well make sure he's good-looking in the process, right?)
Congrats, Aunty Cindy!
I'd look for the jewels to be hidden in an old mine or an old mine site in Britain. I'd like to have Paul McCartney with me.
Congratualtions AC on the launch! The blurb sounds absolutely fantastic and I could hear Jeanne's enthusiasm in her quote. Sounds like a winner.
I think the jewels might have gone down on a ship laid asunder by pirates. Who better than Johnny Depp to help me recover them. Of course, I'll be drinking margaritas on the deck of our vessel while Johnny and assorted hunks get wet. Maybe I'll toss them a towel...and then again...maybe not.
Oh I think I'm going to sail on my own ship to look for this treasure and that way I can go to many places and since there's lots of room why just pick one helper - Indiana Jones comes to mind, Brandon Frasier also knows how to hunt treasure and how about Orlando Bloom and maybe even Blackbeard himself and...lol
Morning All!
Aunty stretches and squints at all the various treasure hunting implements scattered about the floors and furniture.
I see we've all been BUSY!
ROFLOL Pink! Suz grabbing Clive, Mme D-W snatching your handbag and the GR absconding with your metal detector is EXACTLY what Aunty had in mind! I think you have a great first draft there. What WILL you do next?!?!
AC
Razlover,
Billy Zane does indeed look mighty fine with his shirt off! *AHEM* Or so Aunty has HEARD (can't have Eric and Hugh getting jealous, now can we?!?!)
Be sure to take plenty of sunscreen on your expedition to the Valley of the Kings. I've heard Egypt can be quite toasty this time of year. ;-)
AC
Lime, AGAIN????? And you know any jewels the GR finds he will wear. He LOVES a little bling!
Aunty I am SO EXCITED about the release of this book!!! I can't wait to read it. And HUGE congrats on your 4 star review, but I certainly expected no less of the writer of The Wild Sight!
Before I run over to get in line for my very own gladiator ride, I mean gondola ride let think about where I might look and who I might take along.
My CP just returned from a nine day trip to Italy. Her husband took her for her birthday. She spent the actual day of her birthday in Venice and it was her favorite part of the trip!
I think a little trip to Chatsworth might be in order. I would have to take Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler and violinist David Garrett with me. (What can I say, I like variety!) There have to be jewels somewhere in that house and there are SO many rooms, nooks, and crannies in which to hide for a few hours .... I mean look for jewels.
And if we don't find them there we might run up to Scotland and see what sort of jewels I can find under some of those kilts.
Then our treasure hunt would take us to the coast of Australia where my three assistants can don some sleek swim trunks and go diving for jewels on the Great Barrier Reef. I would let them come up on the beach to rest under my lovely cabana tent. No towels to dry them off? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use my body.
I DO love a good treasure hunt!
LOL Jane!
Now HOW did Aunty KNOW who you'd chose for a personal assistant?!?! Your taste is exquisite, as always, m'dear. ;-) And GREAT PLAN to have someone like Bear Grylls (I've seen him on Letterman and he was a RIOT) who is always prepared for ANY situation... Like stepping between you and Eric at a crucial moment (Aunty nudges Bear and winks)...
AC
Deb,
Thank you SOOO much for buying TToV! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
And yes, a tall guy to see over things is very useful! Aunty knows this from years of experience... And it NEVER hurts that he is easy on the eyes, just sayin...
AC
HUGS and HUGE THANX PJ for you lovely words about TToV!
Going to Italy is wonderful ANY TIME! So THAT explains where Joanie has gone. I do believe I see a wisp of a green feather boa hanging out the side of PJ's luggage! :-)
AC
Thanx Dina and GREAT CHOICE!
Eric has been time traveling, hasn't he? (I really need to see that movie!) And talk about a range, he's already been back to ancient Troy so he should be able to find anything after that, don't you think?
AC
Hi Christie!
GOOD GOOD LUCK with those copyedits! And I'm still waiting for your FULL REPORT on the time you recently spent in Venice. TELL TELL, Bandita!
BIG WOO HOO that you're using Venice as a locale in one of your books, too.
AC
Lime, AGAIN???!!!!
Cindy, congratulations on your release day! As I've said to you numerous times, this book sounds fantastic. I remember my ears pricking up way back when we met as Golden Heart finalists and you told me about it and the inspiration behind it. That's back when it was called The Jewels of the Madonna which I still think is a fabulous title.
May you have a huge success!!!!
I'm thinking the outback in Australia and I'd take Anna, and Annie West, Then to add to the fun, we'd also kidnap Hugh Jackman!
Congratulations on the book release! Are we still on for next Tuesday at B&N? I'm looking forward to it!
As to the hunt for jewels, I think I'd need someone young and strong to help with any digging. Maybe Taylor Kitsch from Friday Night Lights? And maybe Tom Hanks, since he did so well solving the DaVinci Code.
Hmmm. I'm thinking the jewels I'm after would be right up Aunt Cindy's alley -- Celtic treasures, or maybe Guinevere's crown. I'd have to go to Avalon, and up into the Brecon Beacons in Wales.
Congratulations, Aunty Cindy!
Happy Launch Day and enjoy that
great RT review!
I and my Honey, of course, would
begin our search in Venice, Italy.
I would include in my search the
Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs,
and St. Mark's Basilica. These have
all been in place for centuries and
centuries, what better places to do
a search! Should these not pan out,
I would go on to the churches on the tour list. I would make sure I included the Chiesa Della Salute,
Chiesa Gesuati, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Chiesa di San Zaccaria,
and the Chiesa di SS. Giovanni e
Paulo. Oh, my heart beats faster
just thinking of this project!
Pat Cochran
Yay! Congrats, AC!! I can't wait to read Treasures *g*
I so wish I could go searching for missing jewels but I'm afraid I'm stuck in the cave until I get these proposals done *pout* Oh, well. If I can't come out to play, I guess I'll just have to take a cabana boy or two back with me ;-)
Just wanted to pop in to say how much I'm looking forward to reading this, AC!!
Congratulations on book #2 hitting the shelves and may there be many more to come!!
Woohoo!! Hi, AC! What a launch party! I see the cabana boys are hopping as they provide libations to all these thirsty celebrants!
Hmm... a jewel search? Maybe I need to enlist some talented help from MI-5 or the other super secret spy agencies--shouldn't they know how to find all kinds of stuff? ;) As for where to start? I'll let them make the plans--maybe a world-wide tour, but not until after we party! :)
Congrats on snagging some help from the GR, Limecello!
There are some wonderful places that we are visiting serching for lost jewels and whats more some great people helping us to search.
I did so enjoy my gondola ride I think I will have another one and of course some more Verdi even though it is very early here in Australia this party is just getting started YAY.
Have Fun
Helen
Congrats on the book release! I have to say...I have been reading this blog for quite some time, although I rarely post a comment, and you gals throw a great party!
If I happened to be looking for jewels hidden away 500 years ago I would start my search in England. After all, Henry VIII had a very dangerous court and many people his their fortunes. Besides, I have always wanted to go there and this would be a perfect excuse. I would take Daniel Craig with me, as James Bond, of course. He could provide many useful contacts and his blue eyes are so nice. Or maybe I should ask Robert Downey Jr. to play Sherlock Holmes one more time and help me find some jewels.
Hey, Marilyn, sounds like I need to iron the safari suit for our treasure hunt! Looking forward to it.
Lunaticcafe (hmm, I was going to ask if I can call you Lunatic, but perhaps not!), welcome to the commenting stream! We're delighted to see you. Don't be a stranger now, you hear? Here, have a margarita. Yeah, that's right, let go of Daniel and have a drink.
Bwahahahahaha (Fo gives evil laugh as she runs away with Mr. Craig! You'll never catch me! My word is my BOND!).
500 year old treasure? If I believed it to be in Venice, I'd look in the old cathedrals, maybe in the tombs. Or under the velvet padding of a very public reliquary. Nothing quite like hiding things in plain sight!
Hurray Cindy!!! We are all so thrilled for you! I adore this book -- what a gorgeous cover! I love the incredible places you describe. One really can tell you're a world traveler!
Now, I can barely see in this bright light, so I'm going to run back into my cave (no partying for me until the BOOK IS DONE!). Enjoy your day, you multi-published goddess of an author!
Gwynlyn, clearly I've been reading too many dirty books. When you said 'under the velvet padding', I didn't expect a public reliquary to come next. Snork!
PinkPeony...Moi? Take off with dear Clive? IN A HEART BEAT!!
And I have some jewels he can search for....er uhm. okay...We could search for. :)
Treasure hunt you say? Why Gerard Butler and I was just saying we need to do something new and exciting this long weekend. Gerard thinks (he says "Hi", btw) we should go to Romania. He knows of some caves and old castles that are perfect for 500-year-old treasure. Congrats on the release Aunty...wait, what, Gerard, please not while I'm talking to the Banditas...urrr, well, if you put it that way...later Bandits...
So sorry, Aunty was called away on some urgent family business but WOW!!!
This party is HOPPING!!! HUGE THANX to everyone for stopping in and participating in the jewel search, gondola rides, and... oh yes, the drinks!
CABANA BOYS! Bring out the industrial blenders and Kate's secret mojito recipe! It's still EARLY!
Maureen,
Spain sounds like a terrific place to search for jewels. I suggest you start with the Alhambra Palace in Granada!
Traveler,
WISE choice indeed, to take Patrick Stewart with you to Italy. I could listen to him talk all day and all night.... May I suggest you start on the Amalfi Coast? It's a long way from Venice but the scenery is spectacular and not just because Patrick will be in it!
AC
Le Duchesse,
Are you still lounging about up there on the battlements? I know Demetrius has been working hard on the gondolas all day.
Thank you AGAIN for the lovely quote and all your support for this book! As most of the Banditas know, TToV was rejected by 24 agents and almost as many editors before my editor at Sourcebooks decided to give it a second look. It was actually written BEFORE The Wild Sight and is truly a book of my heart. I'm SOOOO happy it is finally in print and readers and reviewers are giving it some LURVE!
Have a Mojito, m'dear! In fact, have TWO!
AC
Hellion,
Why does your Scottish-Spanish fortune hunter look suspiciously like Jack Sparrow?!?! Never mind...
I've been to St. Augustine and the old town and the even older old fort are fascinating places. Perfect hiding places for jewels, IMO. ;-)
Oh, and what a KEWL idea about the founding fathers hiding some Crown jewels!!! (Aunty scribbles furiously in idea notebook) Now if that history prof from GB looks like Paul Bettany, I am TOTALLY ON BOARD!!!
AC
Jo and TerriO,
I'm SO COMPLIMENTED that you are both in the middle of reading TToV. Perhaps you can compare notes?!?!
And TerriO, better keep an eye out for Joanie T. before you start searching through Demetrius or any of the other gladiator's tunics! I saw her in the armory the other day practicing some new moves with swords. Just sayin...
AC
Jo,
If you and Gerry bump into Pat and her honey in the Doge's Palace, you might want to stop for an espresso in St. Mark's Square before hitting all those churches. ;-) Treasure hunting can be thirsty work.
Oh cabana boys...
AC
PHEW, Lynz!
Better send that story proposal off to Harlequin right away!!! I think you might have a WINNER there. Except for the part about the Irish rogue being gay. Joanie and I will NEVER stand for that! The things we will have to do to him to convince him that he actually bats for a different team will probably need to be send off to Ellora's Cave...
Hmmm, perhaps Aunty has imbibed one too many margaritas? Or Mojitos? Or Martinis?!?! HIC!
AC
Chey,
Paul McCartney was my very first lust object, and he could STILL eat crackers in my bed with no repercussions. Happy Hunting!
Donna,
Better not let Tawny or Hellion catch you lounging about on a yacht with a drippy wet Johnny D. and various other hunks... Alas, I don't see ANY dry towels anywhere here in the Lair. ;-)
AC
Catslady,
Sounds like you and Donna will be sailing the seas in dueling yachts!
Brendan F. and Orlando B. are FANTASTIC selections for treasure hunting assistants! Wait, it that Trish I see sneaking aboard your vessel? That Bandita has quite a thing for Orly.
AC
Louisa,
A trip to Chatsworth sounds DIVINE! But THREE assistants? Now I think you are being GREEDY m'dear! Expect some Bandita company out on the Great Barrier Reef. However, I'm afraid there are still no towels (Aunty stealthily kicks a bar towel under the couch) to be found anywhere in the Lair!
AC
Marilyn
Poor Hugh is getting run quite ragged with all the treasure hunting he is being forced to do! It must be terribly exhausting to be such a Lair favorite!
Not sure you'll have Fo to accompany you, however. She seems to have disappeared with Daniel Craig, PUNNING all the way! :-)
AC
Hey Becke,
You know me too well, those Celtic treasures sound RIGHT up my alley!
Looking forward to being on your B&N Mystery board next Wed!
AC
Wow Pat!
You and your DH are making a thorough search of Venice! Don't forget Santa Maria de Miracoli, that church plays an important role in TToV. ;-)
AC
Beth and Kirsten,
Thanx for popping out of your writing caves to say hello! I appreciate your well wishes and hope you both enjoy TToV... WHEN you are finished with your projects.
You may each take a cabana boy and one blender full of your choice of refreshment. But remember... NO TOWELS!
AC
Thanx a BUNCH Suz!
I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm a MULTI-PUBLISHED AUTHOR! (THUNK!)
Ummm, is that Clive Owen I see handcuffed to your sleeping-coffin? (Suz IS the Vampire Bandita, remember?!?) Better take an extra mojito with you... ;-)
AC
I beg to differ, Aunty. It isn't a case of being greedy. It's all about being prepared. One always needs to bring along a spare or two. I mean what happens if I break one?
Fedora,
Enlisting the help of super spies like MI5 is a brilliant plan!
Meanwhile, you can sit back and relax on another gondola ride with Helen and Demetrius... Here, better take 3 mango margaritas with you.
AC
LunaticCafe,
Thanx a bunch for commenting! You are definitely in the right place with that nickname. ;-)
Tudor England is one of my favorite time periods! They knew how to wear JEWELS!!! And I'm sure they knew where to hide them too. Besides, didn't Eric Bana also play Henry VIII recently?!?! OOO LA LA!
Now if we can just find where Fo has run off too with your assistant Mr. Craig... Have a mojito whilst we look.
AC
Dear Gwynlyn,
Since Fo has already beaten me to the naughty entendre about the padded reliquary (that woman has the fastest quip in the Lair!), I'll just say that searching in a TOMB in Venice is positively INSPIRED!
AC
Mm... these mango margaritas are delicious! Thanks, AC!
OK, MI-5 guys, do your thing! ;)
Thank you ladies! Let's see...I've had a couple drinks and someone has stolen my jewel hunting partner. Well then I shall just pick another, at least until Daniel comes back:) Hmmm. I could always take Sean Connery- after all, he was Bond once too!
Thanks for welcoming me to such a great party ladies and Congrats again on the book.
Cybercliper,
I hope you and Gerry are having a successful treasure hunt in Romania. By chance did you run across any towels? ;-)
AC
SNORK!!!!
Louisa, ONLY YOU would need to take spare assistants in anticipation of breakage!
Oh dear, it appears Aunty has snorted mojito all over her Venetian lace frock! And there's not a towel to be found in the Lair.... Perhaps I'll have to use one of the gladiator's tunics. MUAHAHAHA!
AC
Have another margo mangarita, Fedora! HIC! OOPS! I mean a mango margarita! Frankly, Aunty has lost count of how many she's already drunk... Wait! I'm NOT DRUNK! NOT, I tell you!
Where is Sven? I need a foot massage...
AC
LunaticCafe,
I'm so happy you joined the party and thank you and everyone for the good wishes and compliments about The Treasures of Venice.
I do believe that is Mr. Craig wearing the straw gondolier's hat and looking rather dazed. Now you can have a Bond for each arm!
Enjoy!
AC
{Peeking cautiously around the corner}
Hello? Anybody alive in here?
Man, some party! And I had to miss most of it because of the DDJ
Must have been some great launch! Everyone's lying around the Lair with big sloppy smiles on their faces...bedecked in jewels!
Lime has some in her hair, Helen round her neck, PJ......PJ!!!!! There???
And {swish...holds point of sword to Terrio's hands reaching for the hem of a tunic} Demetrius is QUITE content to keep his family jewels right where they are, thank you missy!
Now, I've grabbed an appletini and am joining the Duchesse on the ramparts to watch through binoculars....
Congrats, AC!!! Can't wait to make the acquaintance of anothe Irish hunk.
JOANIE!
HIC! Is that your first appletini? Bottoms up, Bandita! (Aunty steps over a snoozing PinkPeony wrapped around a cabana boy.)
We have an Irish hunk sunburning out in the Egyptian dessert to seduce!
AC
Aunty Cindy:
But... but... the only way to make the sexy Irishman noneligible but still someone I can drool over is to make him gay! Because if he is eligible, then I should already be with him.
He could be my brother... but then my staring at him would be creepy. WAY CREEPY. He could be a longtime family friend... but then my staring at him would mean I was in love with him, which would give me a chance to be in a friends-to-lovers story, and I love those, so I'd choose him over the sheik.
You see my problem here? The only way I can have my shirtless Irish rogue and my sexy desert sheik, too, is for the rogue to be gay. Or maybe he could be bi, he just doesn't know it yet, and a Spice Brief could teach him the truth in a steamy ménage... hmmmm... now this idea has promise.
Oops, should've said ineligible there...
Also: reason #94896 why you should adopt a nice older dog instead of buying a puppy:
Hi! Hi! Yay! We just got back from a one-hour walk! Yay! I'm warmed up, let's start seriously playing now! Yay! Play play play play play! Ugh.
About that steamy Spice Brief, Lynz,
EXACTLY MY POINT! And Joanie and I are just the Banditas to teach the boyo, doncha know?!?! Only I'm thinking the Spice won't be so Brief. AHEM!
AC
(Fo emerges disheveled and distinctly wobbly on the feet) Oh, man, I'm shaken AND stirred! Lunatic (I hope you won't mind me calling you that), thank you for lending me your spy-ral notebook. Um, I definitely took some dictation!
I would most certainly search for those jewels and I think my hunting partner would be Matthew McConaughey. lol
Deidre
But Joanie! I promise I wasn't going to take the jewels. I was just going to handle them a bit. You know, check them for weight and color.
I can't believe I typed that with a straight face. Someone pass me a Kamikazi!
You know, check them for weight and color.
ROFLMAO..........
Gods! I just saw Demetrius smile for the first time since that unfortunate incident with that Tridant...
Hehe, Spice not-so-Briefs. Well, if you're having one with Irish rogue, I'm having one with my sexy sheik husband, so everyone's happy!
Anyway, I'm going to a conference thingie tomorrow and the whole thing's in SPANISH - I wonder how many hours I'll last before my brain sprains itself? - so I'm off to bed. Thanks for throwing such a great party, banditas!
Nice one on the spy-ral notebook, Fo. I like that.
Sneaking in late to the party after a long day out filled with boring chores.
I'll just recline here in a corner while the hockey hunks give me a massage. Pass the mojitos!
Congrats on your launch AC - my copy is in the clutches of the Amazon pigeonm who I assume is holed up somewhere devouring every page! (NOT LITERALLY, i HOPE!)
I know I'm real late to the party (darn those boring obligations!), but I just wanted to add my two cents: I would start my search in Paris and Cannes with Gilles Marini and if we ran into Johnny Depp along the way...okay, you caught me. The treasure I'd be looking for would be Johnny Depp and his....well, I think you can fill in the blank, no pun intended!
Margay
Did somebody say mojitos????
Kate here, sneaking in unforgiveably late to Aunty's party, but it's just as well, isn't it? Because everyone's passed out and won't notice that I've goosed--er, gently awakened Daniel Craig, and we're off to Dubrovnik to find the jewels!! HA!!!
Congratulations, Aunty!!!!! You multi-published wonder, you!! What fabulous reviews, too!! Can't wait to read this one!!
Oops, gotta go! Daniel's feeling frisky!! Snork!
DANG! Aunty is itching to see Dubrovnik... but is waaay too hung over to hitch a ride with Kate and Daniel (who must be EXHAUSTED after yesterday).
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU EVERYONE for making my Launch Party so fabulous!!!
AC
Hurray! Congratulations!!!
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