Interview: Michelle Lauren dishes about TEMPTATION EVE

Minx Malone: So tell us about your newest release Temptation Eve?

Michelle Lauren: The book is available 11/13/2009 from Cobblestone Press. It is part of their Wicked line – and this story is definitely that. Here is a blurb:

Sometimes passion has a price…
Eve Templin has the reputation of an ice queen in the courtroom, but in the bedroom she craves the thrill of sexual submission. Past betrayals left her wary of emotional involvement with a Dominant, but she can't ignore the connection she feels with one in particular, incubus Alonso D’Agostino.

Alonso is everything Eve craves in a Dominant: Intelligent. Exotic. And insatiable. He is also one of her law firm's biggest clients and a notorious playboy. When he offers her more than a fling, will she risk her career for love or walk away for good?

Watch the video

Minx: What inspired Temptation Eve? Have you ever dated anyone you work with?

ML: Originally, I wrote this as a piece of flash fiction with no paranormal elements. It was very hot and very short. But the characters had more stories to tell so I revised it. I’m very glad I did because plot went in a totally different direction.

No, I have never dated a coworker. I’ve been tempted before, though.

Minx: Which comes to you first, the characters or the plot?

ML: The characters. Plot develops out of whose story I'm telling. Alonso and Eve have a lot in common: they are both successful, attractive people with major control issues. Both have experienced hurt and betrayal in the past and don't trust open declarations of love. They indulge their need for intimacy with these games.


Minx: While your love for nerds is well known, I have it on good authority that you have a tendency to fall for villains. Which is your favorite?

ML: Nerdy villains, what else? Alonso isn’t a villain, but he is definitely a bad boy. A real triple threat: looks, brains and attitude, the kind of guy that would never bore me. And that is a major attraction.

Minx: The character of Alonso seems like a merger of those two concepts - the intelligent bad boy. Was his characterization intentional or did he just "happen" that way?

ML:It was intentional. Women love bad boys. To me, the best bad boys are a marriage of brains and brawn. They’re cunning, seductive and yet vulnerable.

Readers will be able to empathize with Alonso’s situation. Beneath his sometimes brash attitude, he harbors a desperate yearning for Eve, someone he thinks is out of his reach.

Minx: The title of the story alludes to Eve's greatest temptation, the freedom to give up control. What's your greatest temptation?

ML: Easy. Pajamas. Strange, huh? What can I say? Some women collect shoes. I can’t pass up a cute pair of PJs.

Minx: Can you tempt us with an excerpt?

ML: Sure. Enjoy!

Sex with an incubus definitely wreaked havoc on a woman’s wardrobe.

Eve Templin glared at the run in her black lace thigh highs before she turned and scowled over her shoulder at her lover.

“You are costing me a fortune in lingerie. This is the third pair this month!”
Said incubus, Alonso D’Agostino, grinned. Lush, midnight black curls fell across his forehead as he studied her. Hunger darkened his normally pale gray eyes to pewter. His finger trailed up her thigh, causing the muscles to jump.

“Let me make it up to you, bellissima.“

Eve gasped as his callused hands palmed her butt and then spread her cheeks. She bit her bottom lip to muffle a moan. No matter how many times they met, this part—the anticipation—never got stale.

“Do you have any idea how hot you look right now?”

She could imagine. Kneeling on the floor, hands bound behind her with his red silk tie, her thick curls swinging around her waist and naked except for those thigh highs, she probably looked like a pagan offering to the gods.

Warm breath ghosted over her entrance, followed by the cool glide of Alonso’s tongue thrusting inside her heat. Eve’s head dropped on a moan—only to jerk upright as laughter, loud, feminine and entirely too close for comfort, filtered through the door. Her pulse skyrocketed.

More laughter, accompanied by the clink of glasses and the crooning strain of a saxophone, reminded Eve why having sex in a closet during her law firm’s annual Black and White Ball was a really bad idea. Right now, a flimsy door was the only barrier between her and two hundred of her coworkers and clients. Even worse, Alonso seemed oblivious to the danger.

What was it about him that made her natural sense of caution disappear? Six months ago, Eve would have blamed her reaction on his powers. Blessed with a touch that could take a woman from zero to orgasm in seconds, the thirty-four-year-old playboy never lacked for lovers.

Alonso was everything she wanted in a Dominant: exotic, intelligent and insatiable.

But their attraction went beyond physical chemistry. She enjoyed spending time with him. Beneath his aloof exterior was a man who—despite spending most of his adult life on the wrong side of the law—could win legal debates with his eyes closed, was surprisingly insightful, and had a biting sense of humor and a smile that made her forget why falling in love with him would never work.

Not only was he a commitment phobe, he was also a client. Make that her firm’s biggest client. Wolkowich, Blythe & Templin was a Virginia-based law firm that catered to paranormal clientele. At age thirty-one, Eve was the youngest partner and the only female, a distinction she’d worked too hard to jeopardize.

Despite the preternatural nature of the firm’s clients, Wolkowich, Blythe & Templin maintained a disappointingly conservative view on some matters, including lawyer-client fraternization. If her relationship with Alonso ever went public, she could kiss her professional credibility goodbye.

Eve opened her mouth to tell him to wait. At the same moment, his lips closed around her clit and sucked. All thoughts of stopping vanished.

Buy Link: http://cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/temptationeve.htm

If you enjoyed that, be sure to visit Michelle's Freebies page tomorrow to read Chapter 1 FREE!

**BONUS** Get an exclusive 6k FREE READ w/purchase of Temptation Eve. It includes a SNEAK PEEK at Nocturnal Cravings Book 2. TO RECEIVE: Just email your purchase receipt to interactive@michellelaurenbooks.com.

**Want to know more about the book? Chat with incubus Alonso or visit the book’s Virtual Release Party for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card. Spread the word about the book and you can win even more goodies! **

Hot Hero Confession: Alonso D'Agostino **WIN Temptation Eve!**

Pictured above: Alonso relaxing at home

Today, we welcome Alonso D'Agostino, the hero from Temptation Eve to the blog. Stick around as he shares his guilty pleasures and what item he can't live without. He's also giving away a copy of Temptation Eve (Available 11/13/09 from Cobblestone Press)

Minx Malone: You obviously don't have a problem with strong women. How does it make you feel to have such a strong willed woman like Eve put herself in your hands?

A lot of people assume that submission is about power. It's not. It's about trust. Trusting someone with your body, your pleasure. Yielding to their will. Giving yourself to someone that wholly takes great courage. Knowing Eve has that much faith in me makes me more determined than ever not to betray that trust.

Minx: Eve's firm has a no fraternization policy doesn't it? Does it bother you to keep your relationship with Eve hidden?

That policy is a pain in the butt. I hate hiding my relationship with Eve. But coming out of the closet, so to speak, could cause us both a lot of problems, personally and career-wise. The smart thing to do is break up. But we can't. We don't want to. As Nietzsche says, happiness comes from living dangerously.

Minx: What's the kinkiest thing you've ever done?

I can't talk specifics or Eve will hurt me. Let's just say it involved silk, handcuffs and lots of maple syrup.

Minx: If you could take Eve out publicly, where would you go?

Venice. I haven't returned home to Italy for months and I'd like to show my bambina where I grew up. I would take her to Palazzo Ducale to see paintings. Then we'd have dinner at Ristorante Masaniello. We would spend the evening on a gondola on Canale Grande before returning to my family's villa for...dessert. **Eve elbows Alonso hard.** What? That wasn't even kinky! Well, maybe a little bit.

Minx: Think fast - Name one thing you can't live without.

Fanfiction. **Pinches Eve, who snickers.** It's a guilty pleasure. And no, I'm NOT telling what type of fanfiction I read. My ego has taken enough abuse. (Seriously - Eve? It's not THAT funny, unlike SOMEONE'S Hello Kitty collection).

Minx: What about your family? Do you have any brothers? Do they look like you? *hint hint*

I come from a close-knit, large family: five brothers and two sisters. Vanity would prefer I say that I'm the cream of the crop, but we come from a VERY blessed gene pool.

Minx: You seem like such a badass. Is there anything about you we'd be surprised to learn? A soft spot for babies or a penchant for romantic comedies perhaps?

I used to read Harlequin romance novels. Ma used to get them by mail, like 5 books at a time - and she'd read them in the bathroom so my father wouldn't fuss. When I was eleven, I found one stashed in the bathroom and started flipping through it. I got hooked.


Minx: What's currently on your ipod?

Take a look for yourself.

Create a MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

(If the player doesn't show up, view the player here)

As you can see, I listen to a little bit of everything. Usually, whatever mood I'm in, that's the music I listen to.

Minx: What can we expect next for you Eve? Any hints about what the future holds?

There's no telling when Alonso is involved. My relationship aside, the firm has experienced some troubles recently - whispers of blackmail, etc. It's not that unusual in my line of work, but this time feels different. Like a storm is brewing. Whatever it is, Alonso and I will be ready.

Minx: Thank you Alonso for taking time to chat with us today. Alonso will be with us all day to answer questions, so readers, post away!

**For more about Temptation Eve, visit the Virtual Party or Read an Excerpt.**

TODAY'S GIVEAWAY

A copy ofTemptation Eve.

To Enter: Leave a comment/question for Alonso on this interview post. Winners will be announced tomorrow.

Virtual Release Party: TEMPTATION EVE

“I can resist anything except temptation.” – Oscar Wilde

Temptation Eve, my first paranormal romance, releases November 13, 2009 from Cobblestone press. To celebrate, I’m hosting two month-long contests, giveaways & a special reader prize.

In Temptation Eve, opposites attract and passion is the ultimate temptation. But sometimes passion has a price…

Eve Templin has the reputation of an ice queen in the courtroom, but in the bedroom she craves the thrill of sexual submission. Past betrayals left her wary of emotional involvement with a Dominant, but she can't ignore the connection she feels with one in particular, incubus Alonso D’Agostino.

Alonso is everything Eve craves in a Dominant: Intelligent. Exotic. And insatiable. He is also one of her law firm's biggest clients and a notorious playboy. When he offers her more than a fling, will she risk her career for love?

VIDEO | EXCERPT| BUY

Now, for the PRIZES!

NOTE: All contests and giveaways last until midnight EST 11/30/09.

CONTEST: Countdown to TEMPTATION & WIN BIG!

Post my Temptation Eve widget online, then comment on the contest post to win some fantastic prizes:

FIRST PRIZE: $75 Limited Edition NARS The Love Set from Sephora. This set features the bestselling Orgasm Blush, Pillow Talk Lip Gloss, and a Sex Machine Lip pencil — the perfect gift for a night of temptation!

SECOND PRIZE: $20 Amazon Gift Card. For details, go here.

GIVEAWAY: Win NEW RELEASES from authors!
Visit my blog every Tuesday & Thursday through 11/30 for a chance to win new releases from authors like Crystal Jordan, Natasha Moore, Jeanne St. James & more! Click here for details.

FREE READ Get an Exclusive Free Read!
To thank readers who buy the book, I’m giving away a special 6k story from the world of Temptation Eve, plus a SNEAK PEEK at Book # 2 in the Nocturnal Cravings series.

INSTRUCTIONS: Email me your Temptation Eve purchase receipt (financial info redacted) by midnight 12/1/09.

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY (2 winners)

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure? Leave your answer in the comments on this post and you'll be entered in a drawing for 1 of 2 "guilty pleasure" prizes:

* $10 Amazon Gift Card
* Specialty Chocolate

N.J. Walters is LIVE on my blog today!

N.J. Walters, bestselling author of the Tapestries series from Ellora's Cave, is LIVE on my blog all day. She is revealing the "secrets" behind her new book, Alexandra's Legacy. Also, she tells us about the month-long scavenger hunt giveaway where readers can win their choice of 1 book from her backlist.

Don't miss the fun! LINK: http://michellelaurenbooks.com/blog

The Hottest Men in Scifi II: The Wrath of Khan

Today I’m continuing my countdown of the Hottest Men in Scifi Romance. If you missed last week’s installment, check it out over at the Liquid Silver Books blog here. I’m also giving away some PRIZES!

Before I give my final 5 picks, I asked author Paige Tyler to tell me who she thought was the hunkiest man in science fiction romance. Here’s what she said:

Paige Tyler: Garrick Carlisle (Valuable Cargo)

Why he’s hot:

“At 6'4" with blond hair, blue eyes and a body that would put the models on the cover of Muscle and Fitness to shame, he's completely gorgeous and utterly unique. The gorgeous part may be obvious, but why do I say unique? Well, you have to understand that in my book, Garrick is found by a deep space salvage crew, 700 years after he went into hypersleep!

To say that they just don't make men like him is an understatement. He is truly one of a kind - a fact the captain of the vessel that rescues him soon learns for herself, in the most erotic ways possible. But his looks aren't the only things that make him sexy. Not only does he know how to sweep a girl off her feet, he knows what to do with her when he gets her there! And get this, even though he's rescued by a whole ship full of women, he doesn't have eyes for anyone but his special captain. Now tell me that doesn't shove him up a few points higher on the "I-can't-believe-this-guy-is-so-hot" scale!

And, as if you need any more reasons, it turns out that Garrack will do anything to protect the woman he loves, even if that means flying a spaceship through a dangerous asteroid field, attacking a whole planet full of thugs, and coming face to face with the most feared pirate in the galaxy to do it.

Come on, now tell the truth, doesn't Garrick Carlisle just make you want to melt? That's the very definition of HOT!”

Now for MY picks. **Rubs hands together with glee.** They are...

#5 Jorlan en Sarr (The Stone Prince by Gena Showalter)



Why he’s hot: Sexy alien? Check. Slamming body? Double check.
This story is Pygmalion with a scifi twist: The heroine purchases a crumbling, fixer-upper that comes complete with a garden of pleasures, a series of erotic stone statues. One in particular, that of the enchanted Jorlan, tempts her. One kiss is all it takes to make her fall head over heels.

Jorlan is sexy, alpha and humorous as he adapts to life in the modern world and woos the headstrong woman who freed him.

#4 Kesuk (“In Ice” in the Sexy Beast anthology, by Crystal Jordan)

Why he’s hot: This is the first shape shifter on today’s list, but he definitely represents. Kesuk is a bear-shifter who lives on a planet of mostly ice. Although outsiders view his land as barbaric, Kesuk epitomizes the great things about his people: he’s a loving father; a tough but fair leader; and he has a soft spot for damsels in distress – especially when they crash their ships on his planet.

Watch it here:

#3 Barak Trace (Stolen Earth by Loribelle Hunt)

Why he’s hot: Obviously, I have a thing for sexy aliens. This sexy bad boy is dangerous, dominant and deadly. Even when he’s outnumbered, Barak never stops fighting – especially when it comes to protecting the woman he loves.

He first appeared in book one of the Delroi Connection (Invasion Earth) and I’ve eagerly anticipated reading his story since then.

#2 Zor Q’an Tal (The Empress’ New Clothes, Book # 1 in the Trek Mi Q’an series by Jaid Black)

Why he’s hot: There is a reason this book is a fan favorite– and a lot has to do with the 7-foot tall, built like a tank alien Emperor. While his behavior sometimes pushes the boundary between alpha and jerk, Zor is all about satisfying his woman. His love for her is evident throughout the book and he puts his life on the life several times in order to protect her. Who wouldn’t want a man like that?

#1 Kirek (The Quest by Susan Kearney)

Why he’s hot: Kirek is proud, fiercely independent and strong-willed enough to handle the outspoken female Captain who wins his heart.

I came across this book video on You tube. It was so good, I had to share. Enjoy!

Watch it here:

And now for the goodies!

CONTEST

Tell me: Which scifi hunk would you choose for a dream date & where would you go? Again, he can be from a scifi romance novel, TV show or film. Let your imagination run wild!

PRIZES: A Starstruck: Hunter pen and an autographed bookmark! (2 winners)

I will choose two winners by midnight 11pm EST on 9/24. Happy reading!

Contest UPDATE: Win PRINT copy of Crystal Jordan's CARNAL DESIRES

My September contest is now LIVE! Win a PRINT copy of CARNAL DESIRES, Crystal Jordan's sexy, scifi shifter anthology.

For a chance to win this book, do ONE or ALL of the following. Each thing counts as an ADDITIONAL ENTRY in this prize drawing. So the more you do, the more chances you have to win.

1) EMAIL me the correct answer to this question:

In Chapter 4 of my scifi romance Starstruck: Hunter (Available from Liquid Silver Books) what item(s) does Miranda break when she gets frisky in the bathroom?

Send emails to interactive@michellelaurenbooks.com with the subject "SEPTEMBER CONTEST."

2. POST about this contest on your blog/Myspace/Facebook or any social networking site. Email the link to your post to me at the address above.

3. JOIN my Yahoo Group.

4. SUBSCRIBE to my monthly newsletter, HERE.

**International entrants welcome!** Contest ends 9/30 midnight (EST). I'll announce the winner 10/1.

For more contest rules, please see my contest page HERE .

Happy reading!

HOT HERO INTERVIEW: Milo makes you BEG FOR IT **PRIZES**

Michelle Lauren: Milo, thanks for stopping by the blog today. Can you state for the record, your job at this company?

I was just promoted to Vice President of Mirage Advertising Agency.

ML: Why did you agree to this interview?

Actually Minx told me I had to do it. Not that I blame her. I work in advertising so I understand how important promotion is. She could have been nicer about the way she asked though.

ML:What’s the best part of your job?

Besides looking across the room and seeing Mya every day? Well, I love the challenge. Every account is different and it’s a true test of my creativity and drive to find the right solution for every client’s needs.

ML:How competitive are you?

I don’t think I’m THAT competitive. I just like to win. Who doesn’t really? I consider myself to be more “focused” and “determined”.

ML: I understand you and Mya are a couple. Isn’t that usually frowned on by employers? Why is your relationship allowed?

Mirage Advertising isn’t like other companies. Part of the reason we’re the best at what we do is because we think outside the box. We are professional of course but we’re not afraid to try new things or do things outside of the “conventional” methods.

Besides, I’m pretty sure James and his assistant Anya are an item too so it would be pretty hypocritical of him to disapprove of my relationship.

ML: What’s the kinkiest thing you've ever done?

Well, I’m really not that kinky of a guy. I love Mya’s curves and how soft she is and I don’t need anything like whips and chains to appreciate how feminine she is.

Although there was this time she did something to me with a frosted doughnut that I don’t think pastry was really designed for…

ML: What attracts you most to Mya?

I don’t know if I can even explain it. This is like astrophysics -type complicated, you know. I mean she drives me crazy sometimes but I love it. She’s stubborn, argumentative and occasionally scatterbrained. Of course she’s also creative, affectionate and intuitive. She’s a strong woman who appreciates a strong man. I don’t know how I’d get by without knowing she loves me.

ML: Milo, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. To get more of this hot hero, purchase BEG FOR IT.

CONTEST PRIZES:

Everyone who joins Minx Maone's newsletter by 8/31 will be automatically entered to win a FREE download of any one of Minx Malone's books.

Also, everyone who leaves a comment on this post is entered in a drawing to win ONE of three prizes:

(1) $25 Amazon gift card
2) A download of any of my books
3) An Ellora's Cave playing card deck

Winners announced in next issue of Minx's newsletter and contacted via email by 9/5.

Sneaking in Historical Detail by Victoria Janssen

Sneaking in Historical Detail
by Victoria Janssen

Detail is one of the keys to writing fiction in a historical setting. It's a way to show the reader that she's traveled in time. Things are different in the world she's reading about. Even simple differences spawn more and more changes. For example, the heroine of the story doesn't drive a car; instead, a male relative must drive her in a horse-drawn carriage. Instead of worrying about the cost of gasoline, she has to avoid stepping in horse dung and dirtying her silken dance slipper. All these details have to appear normal to the reader because they are normal to the characters in the book.

You don't need to include every single detail you've researched; in fact, you need less than you think you do, though sometimes that depends on your period; for example, romance readers are more likely to have a working knowledge of social mores in Regency England than in Moldavia during the same period. Still, a few telling details can reinforce the sense of time travel.



I use a few tricks to sneak in the details. Most of my tricks are used in tandem with story elements like characterization, so every detail does at least double duty. The thing I try to keep in mind is contrast. The historical detail contrasts with the present day.

First, if there's an opportunity to use a historical detail rather than a general detail, I do it. Especially if the detail involves something that's different now from then; for example, in my upcoming novel Moonlight Mistress (December 2009), which is set during World War One, a nurse is caring for a wound. She cleans the wound with Lysol, common in 1914 but surprising now, when Lysol is most often used to clean bathroom tile.

Second, it's easier for the reader to absorb details if they're included along with action and are meaningful to the point of view character, thus giving depth to characterization. An example from Moonlight Mistress, in which things have changed: "This hamlet reminded him of the ones they'd seen on their way into France, full of cheering people who gave them cigarettes and flowers and loaves of bread. Now it was devastated, all the people gone, gardens trampled, animal corpses bloating in the streets, houses and churches shot to pieces by the guns."



Third, if a character is visiting a new place, or visiting a place that has changed since they were last there, details are a necessary part of transition between scenes or locales. Another example from Moonlight Mistress: "Even in the dark, the hot, dusty streets were mobbed, three times as crowded as a normal night. Compared to that morning, the whole town felt alien to her. Boys hawked newspapers on every corner. Men stood and read the papers under streetlights and in the street itself, arguing vociferously, blocking wagons whose drivers cursed. Singing and pipe smoke, drunken cheers and angry shouts billowed from the open door of a beer garden."

And my last trick? Don't research it to death. As much fun as research is, eventually you have to write the book.


#

You can check out my blog here.

Excerpts from my books.

Purchase link for The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom & Their Lover. Moonlight Mistress is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

Beg For It *Virtual* Release Party

Welcome to the Beg For It Release Party! Thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate my very first release with Ellora's Cave. Everyone who leaves me a comment below will be entered in a drawing to win one of three prizes:

(1) $25 Amazon gift card
(2) A download of any of my books
(3) An Ellora's Cave playing card deck


In Beg For It, Milo and Mya are best friends, co-workers and rivals. They are also secretly in love with each other.

The only thing ad executive Mya Taylor loves more than winning is her best friend Milo Hamilton. Nothing has ever come between them until she finds out Milo is her chief rival for a new account.

Milo’s not sure when it happened but his secret crush has morphed into an obsession. He wants Mya in his bed, screaming his name, and he knows just how to make it happen.

When he proposes a friendly wager on the account, he knows the ultra-competitive Mya won’t be able to resist. She’s more than ready to lay it all on the line until she finds out how high the stakes are—the two of them. Skin to skin.

Suddenly, all bets are off…

When I was younger I always had a lot of platonic male friends. Guys seemed to be infinitely less difficult than girls, more relaxed, just more fun.

Fun without all the drama.

However as I've gotten older, even the idea of having close male friends has become something I can't really imagine. I find myself wondering if my husband will be jealous or if people at work will start to talk. It's no longer the relaxed, simple thing it used to be. When did things get so complicated?

As I was writing Beg For It, I couldn't help thinking back on some of those long ago friendships I used to have. Was I fooling myself in believing we were really just friends?

So I'm interested to get some other people's opinions. Do you think men and women can truly be just friends if they're also attracted to each other? Or do you think the attraction would always be in the way, even if you never acknowledged it, like the proverbial "elephant in the room"?


Minx

Romancing the Nerd: The Sexiest "Geeks" in Romance

Romancing the Nerd: The Sexiest Geeks in Romance

*This is part IV in my "Nerd is the New Sexy" series. See previous installments: The Hottest Geeks in Film ; The Nerd Next Door: TV Edition; and Four Reasons Nerds are Sexy.*

All July, I'm counting down the hottest nerds in romance, television and movies. Today, I'm sharing my picks for the sexiest nerds in romance novels. For a special treat, I'm also doing a fantasy casting call for who would play them on the big screen.

Also, I'm giving away PRIZES! So buckle up and enjoy the ride!

**UPDATE** Congratulations to Rebecca and Jasmine! You won autographed STARSTRUCK: HUNTER bookmarks. Email me HERE to claim your prizes.

---

HARRY AMBREWSTER (The Nerd Who Loved Me; as played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Fans of author Vicki Lewis Thompson will appreciate why I've chosen Harry as one of the sexiest nerds in the romance genre. The son of a scientist, Harry is a shy accountant at a Las Vegas casino where he meets love interest and showgirl, Lainie.

Nerdalicious^TM Factor(s): What's not to love about Harry? He's smart, witty, and great with kids. Far from being the "typical" paper pushing nerd, Harry isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and appoints himself as Lainie's protector when her ex-con ex returns to make trouble.

Also? Harry has a great sense of humor, as seen in the following excerpt from the book:

Excerpt:

"Happy populating." Dudley headed off across the golf course.

"Happy populating?" Lainie turned to Harry. "What on earth did you tell him?"

"I said this was your fertile time."

"My what?"

He shrugged and looked sheepish. "He picked up on the chemistry between us, so I decided to play on that to get rid of him. I said we wanted to give little Dexter a sister or brother, and your broken glasses were really no problem because I planned to keep you in bed with me the rest of our stay here, so whether you could see well didn't much matter."

"Oh." She wondered if he had any idea how a statement like that turned her on. "I guess we should go inside. I wouldn't want to make a liar out of you."

---

Dr. REUBEN WHITFIELD
("Reunion" in the Living Large anthology; as played by Brian J. White)

Nerdalicious Factor^TM (s): This was one of the first romance novels I read that featured a sexy, African-American nerd. Needless to say, I LOVED it!

Author Rochelle Alers did a fantastic job creating this character. Reuben is a former social misfit turned successful dentist with his own practice. During school, he was so intellectually-advanced that he not only graduated early but went by the nickname "the Scientist."

I loved that this was a reverse on the typical "ugly duckling turns into swan" story I see in fiction (those usually feature the nerdy girl getting a makeover into a McHottie). Reuben gets buff but he never forgets about his high school crush, a beautiful, plus-size woman. They meet again as adults for a ten year reunion, and the chemistry jumps off the page as seen below:

Excerpt:

"Reuben." His name was a breathless whisper.

"Yes," he whispered back, angling his head and moving his mouth over hers. He kissed Elaine without touching her. Kissing her was what he'd wanted since reuniting with her.

"Reuben? We shouldn't be doing this."

"Why not?"

"Because we're friends."

"Haven't you known friends to kiss each other?"

"Not like this, friend."

He chuckled deep in his throat. "Perhaps we can give a whole new meaning to friend."

You want to date me?"

"I do."

"Because you like me?"

'Yes."

Her lids fluttered wildly "Can we do this?"

"I believe we can."

---

OLIVER (The Accidental Virgin; as played by Wes Bentley)

**Sorry, but even going back through the book I couldn't find Oliver's last name. ** For those of you who haven't read this romantic comedy (emphasis on the comedy) by author Valerie Frankel, you're missing out on a treat. It's a slightly-older woman and younger man romance (he's 27 to her 32) - one of my favorite novel themes.

Nerdalicious Factor^TM (s): Oliver is the sexy computer hacker next door to the titular heroine, Stacy Temple. At first she isn't sure about him, but the more she sees him, the more drawn in she is. His sex appeal is subtle but intense; he's bold when he needs to be and is willing to fight to win her heart. The banter between them is great, too, as seen below:

Excerpt:

"I've had a few girlfriends, but I wasn't preoccupied by any of them."

"Is that how you know you're in love?" Stacy asked.

Oliver said, "Thinking about her all the time, imagining her reactions, trying to figure out what she'd think of things or what she'd say...That's love. That's the nature of love. When you're not with the person, you think about her. And when you are with her, you look at her and can't believe how lucky you are."

"I'm jealous," she said finally. "I don't have a working definition of what it means to be in love."

"You can use mine. To notice the signs."

---

NOAH BENSON (Starstruck: Hunter; as played by Justin Theroux)


Nerdalicious ^TM Factor (s):

Noah Benson is a favorite of the heroes I've written. His story is a twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. I love sexy nerds with edge and he is definitely that.

He makes it on the list for several reasons: he's an astronomy buff and is amazing with his hands - in and out of bed. Definitely the kind of geek I love: smart, but dangerous.

The scenes between Noah and Miranda (the celestial star he inadvertently knocks to earth and later must protect for hunters) were great fun to write. There is vulnerability and guilt to his character that's balanced by his sense of awe, protectiveness and attraction for Miranda, as seen in their first meeting below:

Excerpt:

"Is this heaven?"

The question surprised a laugh from him. Noah shook his head. "Far from it, sugar. This is Neptune."

"Oh. What constellation is that in?"

His blood froze. "What did you say?"

She touched the bruise on her temple. "Something hit me. I must have fallen." Her expression morphed from confusion to terror as she stared at him.

"Where do you live?"

She pointed a trembling finger at the sky, cementing his suspicion: she was the star. His eyes closed. Of all the places she could have landed, why here?

"Where am I?"

"Earth. I guess you've heard of it?" he said drolly when she gasped. He got the feeling that she would have run if she'd had the strength. "Don't worry; you're safe with me. What's your name?"

"Miranda."

"My name is Noah. Whoa!" He caught her as she fainted. He scanned the area, realizing for the first time how exposed they were. "Come on, sugar. Let's get you inside."

He carried her up the fire escape to his room and settled her on the bed. With grim resolve, he focused. Ten years ago, he'd failed to protect a star. He would not repeat that mistake. He would protect this one no matter what. His lips ghosted over hers.

"You're safe with me. I promise."

Thanks to everyone for joining me! Visit my site Saturday, 7/25 for a special event in my Nerd Appreciation month: I'm counting down The Sexiest Comic Book Nerds. Don't miss out on the fun!

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CONTEST QUESTION:

Who is your favorite nerd in romantic fiction and who would play him in a movie?

Answer both parts of this question in the comment section of this post for a chance to win autographed bookmarks from my multicultural sci-fi romance, Starstruck: Hunter.

The post will be revised July 14, announcing the winners. I will also contact them via email. Happy reading!