Have a Date with a Hunky Viking with Harlequin

Romance novel publishers Harlequin have coupled with their star-crossed soulmates BBDO Toronto for a series of hidden-camera advert starring women on dates with fictional characters.

In Viking and Cowboy, the publisher of such titles as The Magnate's Tempestuous Marriage and Sizzling Nights with Dr. Off-Limits bring to life larger-than-life (and that's just what's in their pants...) characters from their books to go on dates with women in real-life locations. And quicker than you can say 'engorged member', things get steamy.

In the first of the online ads, directed by Timothy Hamilton of Circle Productions, a cowboy moseys into a modern bar with a fine filly on his arm, with real-life onlookers watching in shock as the two engaging in heavy petting and a little light lasso play. See the full ad at the bottom of the article.

In the second, also directed by Hamilton, a woman goes on a bowling date with a Viking and...well, insert your own joke here really. We're going for 'the valkyries are not the only thing that are going to rise tonight...' Someone get us a job at Harlequin, this stuff is fun to write.

Speaking of the ad, Harlequin senior director of marketing Farah Mullick said “Harlequin is all about taking our readers on romantic escapes; we loved the idea of bringing that notion to everyday life."

Click here to see another steamy spot for Harlequin by BBDO Toronto.