The inspiration for BOUGHT BY THE ITALIAN was twofold. First there were the messages from readers you'd enjoyed BACK IN THE ITALIAN'S BED, and wanted to read Chiara's story. Thank you so much for that! It was great to know you wanted more of this series.

Secondly, I was inspired by a wonderful trip I took to the Alto Adige, the South Tyrol, in the very north of Italy. I knew Luca and Gennaro's family came from there and this was a chance to set a story in that lovely area. Poor Chiara, used to the bustle of Rome, is a fish out of water in the mountain setting but she ended up enjoying herself. This is a glorious part of the world, with the most spectacular scenery of severe mountain peaks with small towns and villages clustered beneath. The skiing is marvellous here (something Gennaro enjoys) but I was there in spring when the roads were clear and the skies more blue than grey.

For those interested in local detail I can tell you that my experience of driving on those incredibly winding mountain roads might just have had a little influence on at least one major scene in this story! I hope you have as much fun with Chiara and Gennaro as I did.