Love, Sweat and Beers

I have always wondered how there can be so many Mills & Boon books out there - how many different scenarios can you use to create the enduring boy meets girl -> girl and boy clash with romantic fireworks -> boy or girl reveals vulnerability -> love against the odds ensues -> cage-rattling sex scene -> Happily ever after. Occasionally another fight slips in after the mad sex. Regardless... How many times can you retell that story?

Britain's Rugby Football Union has developed yet another scenario in which to play out the scenario: at the football. With such catchy titles as The Prince's Waitress Wife, The French Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress, At The Argentinian Billionaire's Bidding, The Ruthless Billionaire's Virgin, The Italian Count's Defiant Bride, Blackmailed into the Greek Tycoon's Bed, The Virgin Secretary's Impossible Boss and The Sheik's Lovechild who wouldn't want to read these? I am most impressed by the incorporation of power, money and salacious tarts in each of these titles - even the Virgin Secretary... Like she's going to be a virgin for long, right? In these hard economic times, the Rugby Football Union has managed to not only promote football, but also to inspire women to remember that fairytales do happen - some women can end up with an Italian count as long as they are stubborn, raven haired and attend rugby matches.

The books are of course available at your local bookshop, as well as at RFU merchandise stands (something for everyone!). I wonder how many women will be reading the book instead of watching the rugby down at the oval?

Here's an insight into the quality of the latest offerings. The promo material for The Prince's Waitress Wife tells us that When virgin waitress Holly is thrown into the playboy prince's arms, he lives up to his wicked reputation by bedding her—then casting her aside! Holly is pregnant! Casper is furious; Holly's just a scheming gold digger, but royal protocol demands he make her his bride! (Golly... All those exclamation marks - so much excitement!)

An extract from The Prince's Waitress Wife in which our seductress has her face plastered on the big screen during the match:

Her voice rose, her cheeks were scarlet, and her reluctant glance towards the stadium ended in a moan of disbelief. 'Oh God, I can't believe this, my hair is all over the place and my bottom looks huge, and - everyone is looking.' His eyes on the pitch, Prince Casper watched with cool detachment as his friend, the England captain, hit a post with a drop-goal attempt. "'More importantly, you just cost England three points."

I just don't know how you could pass up on this! A new English staple has been born.

Is this your next Prince Charming?