Like many other historical romance authors, I have a fondness for outdoor love scenes and put one in my new Regency novella, LADY EM’S INDISCRETION. Maybe real Regency folk didn’t spend as much time cavorting around gardens as the fictional ones. But they could have, and based on human nature, I bet some did.
Some of my favorite fictional spaces for outdoor romance: mazes, bowers, and what appears to be another of my fetishes (along with the chaise longue): the classical folly. One of my critique buddies asked when a Grecian temple is going up in my backyard. Maybe after I buy a chaise longue. 🙂
I enjoyed the use of Stourhead Gardens as the setting for the famous rejection scene in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, with Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen. They don’t quite kiss, but I find this scene very sexy.
As for favorite outdoor love scenes in fiction, I have many. There was a fun scene in a fountain in Laura Kinsale’s MIDSUMMER MOON. I loved the ending of ILLUSION by Jean Ross Ewing (aka Julia Ross), in which the hero ties up the heroine in chains of daisies.
What are some of your favorite romantic outdoor scenes, whether from books or films?
From comments on this post, I’ll draw five names to receive a Kindle edition of LADY EM’S INDISCRETION. If you win, you can also suggest a friend who will receive one as well. Comment through Friday (one entry per person) and I’ll announce the winners next Saturday.
I absolutely LOVE that scene from the 2005 movie! Every time I see it (yes, I do watch it often) I want to scream at the tv, just kiss her, already!
In my mind the perfect “Al Fresco” love scene must have an element of food as well as intimate relations. A picnic in a secluded glen is perfect, for then there can be a blanket for a modicum of comfort…and to protect milady’s tender skin! Wine, some berries and, of course, a tall, DARK and handsome Duke is also required! Preferably he would be just a bit sweaty from some sort of physical activity, warm and already half undressed!
Oh dear! I had best stop so as not to give away the ending!
I always like the garden scene where they walk thourgh the gardens and kiss the ladies. Then they are always frowned upon.
I do find the setting of the 2005 P&P rejection scene a bit contrived, but very very beautiful.
The almost kiss is more powerful than an actual kiss because it leaves the reader (or viewer) wanting more, just like Margay said.
Elena, Lady Dearing’s Masquerade is number 8 in Historicals at the Kindle site!
I forgot to say I ordered my copy of Lady Em’s Indiscretion!
Yes, that rejection scene in the rain is over the top, but I love it. URST FTW (Unresolved Sexual Tension For The Win.)
I like riding and carriage scenes for outdoorsy romance.
I can’t think of a particular scene, but I always love the caught in the rain scenes – where they’re both all wet and can see through some of their clothes and warm up by kissing, either in the rain or wherever they’ve taken shelter.
I’m with Margay!! But I always find it fun when the hero & heroine get snared by weather issues and manage to always find a rather ‘lovely little cottage’ just within a few feet!!
I just love romance settings no matter whether they take place in the gardens, bowers, in a carriage, in the rain, during a picnic, or in a drawing room. Of course, the better chance of exposure (danger), the better.
I absolutely love the dawn scene from Pride & Prejudice and the first proposal scene. Everytime I watch the first proposal scene I always hope that they kiss. They get so close.
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Chains of daisies reminds me of a pivotal outdoor love scene in To Have and To Hold in which daisy chains are very important. But I think my favorite is the one in A Precious Jewel in which Gerald tries for the first time to give Priss pleasure instead of just taking it.
I’m a huge fan of Darcy coming across the fields in that coat in”P&P.” In the commentary, the director says he let the scene go on too long and I immediately thought, “Oh no, you really didn’t.” — willaful
I see many of us feel the same way about wet, gorgeous men. 🙂
Tracey, I’ve written something a bit like that picnic scene in The Redwyck Charm, as long as a viscount will do.
Diane, thanks for that news! I’ve been seeing the sales increase but this is really cool. 🙂
Anonymous, I haven’t read To Have and to Hold but I do remember that touching scene from Mary Balogh’s book. And I totally share your feelings about Matthew McFadyen in the mist.
I’m not sure if it really counts as an al fresco moment since it is in the city, but when I think of ‘weather’ kisses I always think of Jess and Dain in LoS kissing in the thunder storm. So hot!
So many hot scenes in LOS, Green Otter! It’s one of my all time favorite romances.