Ahhh...It's raining men...

Ahh...the romance. Regency men...there's nothing like 'em... Images like this are why I write in this era. ;-)

What Do I Find Sexy/Romantic in a Man…

Sexy is…

…my husband’s arms, especially his forearms. He’s a drummer and that must have something to do with it. Watching him play, those sinews twisting and flexing. Don’t even get me started on the look on his face when he’s drumming. Heavens, it’s enough to make my feet tingle.

…a man’s arm settling protectively on your arm or lower back, even if you don’t need protecting.

…catching him looking at you with a warm glint in his eye.

Romantic is…

…walking in to find he has put away the dishes(even if I have to look around to find what I need), folded the laundry (even if he doesn’t do it the way I would), or swept the floor. And he doesn't expect a parade for it.

…when he gets up first and gets the newspaper or puts out the dog.

…arriving with the DVD of a TV show you loved as a kid, that he’s never heard of, but he buys it anyway. And watches it with you. Even if he has no idea why it appeals to you.

…bringing you a Twix when he stops by the store on his way home.

…just sitting quietly together. Anywhere.

Mmmm… I need to go write now…

WHAT I FIND SEXY/ROMANTIC IN A MAN...

What I find sexy: Kissable mouth, broad chest, nice ass, six-pack abs. Dark hair, blue eyes and a five o'clock scruff that he rubs all over your naked body. Someone who towers over you, makes you feel safe, protected.


What I find romantic: A guy who doesn't talk all over you but who can actually string a few intelligent words together. A man who won't balk when you want to watch "Pride and Prejudice" for the 10,000th time but who enjoys taking you to a game (any sport, pick your poison). One who commiserates with you when you've had a rotten day and saves his griping for the next.


Alpha males are sexy. The broodier, the better. Give them a tragedy and it will make them stronger but it will break something in them that only the love of a good woman can fix. Give them hardship and they will overcome it to be hugely rich and successful. And still be able to give a woman the emotional connection she craves.

A romantic is a guy who isn't afraid to laugh at himself, hug his best friend, kiss his kids and tell his significant other he loves them.

When you find all these qualities in the same guy..he's a keeper.

Steph

What I Find Sexy/Romantic in a Man Is...

Okay, I will admit, I have a weakness for men who are big, blond and dangerous. Love it. I think that came about long ago. Love blonds. Then I saw Lucius Malfoy played by Jason Isaacs. OMG... I was inspired. Of course, Lucius in Descendants of Darkness [book] was inspired by Jason Isaacs in that blond wig. Hubba hubba. Readers like him...loved him. Yeah, I had a few readers thinking I was a direct link to Lucius. The book went on to be a RT Top Pick and a Reviewer Choice nominee (2004).

I've written a lot of books since, but it wasn't until Crossed Swords [book] that I revisited my image of the ultimate male--big, blonde and dangerous--with Captain Fredrick Thorne. He is a mixture of Lucius the vampire but with a slight change. He looked more like Ryan (pictured), one of EC's models. The book was one of thos stories that flowed from me onto the computer. I took a chance and wrote my passion--historical romance. It isn't vampires or wolfies, but the hero was much more real to me as a pirate bent on forcing his captive into his bed. I didn't expect much in return for the book, but I hoped readers would be swept away into the pirate fantasy. I am happy to say Romantic Times BOOKClub magazine gave it the "nod". Crossed Swords is an April 2008 Top Pick!

I wanted to write a sequel featuring Fredrick's brother, Malcolm, but I hesitated because historical erotic romance isn't as popular as dark paranormal. But now I changed my mind! More blond, big and dangerous heroes are in store as they set sail for adventure on the high seas.

Okay, so sexy man to me is blond and goreous.

Romantic is something beyond looks. The most romantic man is a man in love and is willing to stand by his woman. That is my husband. He believes in me and my writing. His endless support is the most romantic thing. I love him.

Yes, every hero I write--no matter his hair color--has a little of my husband mixed in there.

Yo ho! Yo ho! A Pirate's life for me!!! Drink me harties, yo ho!

What I Find Sexy/Romantic in a Man Is...

The first thing I think of when I think "Sexy Man" is really good abs. I am a total sucker for washboard abs. I also have a thing for dark eyes and hair. ( The dark eyes and hair can be traced back to my senior year in high school. I went to my prom with a guy who had blond hair and blue eyes and everyone thought we were related... ewww... LOL ).

Now for a man to be "Romantic" more effort is involved. Being romantic isn't about how he looks, but the actual effort he puts forth to show you he really does care about you. Being romantic doesn't mean he spends large amount of money on you... it can be as simple as a call or email telling you he misses you when you can't be together. Gifts are nice too, as long as they aren't a new vacuum or toaster...LOL He should also like puppies and children, and believe in giving foot massages too...

And btw, I'm including a pic of a good friend of mine, Julian Fantechi. I decided this topic needed to be accompanied by a sexy man! : )

Annmarie