Day #4: Gaelen Foley Talks "Guys as Gifts" (It's Christmas in July)

It’s Day 4 and Avon’s “Christmas in July” is building to a climax…and as lovers of romance novels, I know we all can appreciate that. (I’m referring to a plot climax! What did you think I meant?) We are all delighted you stopped by. We invite you to help us celebrate great summer romance reading with a raffle each day for all participants who tell us what famous male celeb(s) you want Santa to leave in your stocking!

In my July release, MY DANGEROUS DUKE, the hero, Rohan, the Duke of Warrington, is given the heroine, extra-spunky Kate, as a gift (See video to the left of your screen, dear reader! Or read an excerpt here.) Now, this story premise got me wondering…and I thought it would be funny to ask readers and some of my author friends, too:

If someone gave YOU a hottie of the opposite sex, who would you want to be given, and what’s the first thing you’d make him do?  

Please join in the merriment below! But first, let’s find out what today’s authors have to say. (Hint: Neither one asked for Gerard Butler today. So, please, Gerard, take some time to recuperate from yesterday, you poor fellow.)

Well, look who’s here, it’s the divine Kathryn Smith, author of WHEN MARRYING A SCOUNDREL. (Excerpt here.) What a great title. So, this is set in the Victorian era, and I have to say, even your hero’s name makes me want to read it immediately: Jack Friday. That just sounds fun. Congrats on the RT Top Pick, btw!

So, what do you think, Kathryn? Who are you going to ask Santa for?

Kathryn: This week (it changes!) I would pick Russell Brand because I think he’s hilarious and has a real biting wit. I love how he speaks with this cockney accent but then uses wonderfully eloquent words at times. Add that to the fact that I’ve always had a thing for tall, skinny Englishmen and we’re all set. Plus, I really do think he’s pretty AND he could read the phone book to me and make it sound fabulous!

Gaelen: LOL. He’s got kind of a bad boy look going on here, doesn’t he? Very rock’n’roll. Kinda reminds me of Jim Morrison (only…alive). Maybe it’s just the black leather. Funny is good, too!

Next up…Sarah MacLean! The highly impressive new author of NINE RULES FOR ROMANCING A RAKE (a NY Times Bestseller, y’all!) Read an excerpt here.

Sarah, who is Santa going to bring YOU for our little Christmas-in-July? I think your stocking is looking pretty full, there. You may need to hang an extra one on the fireplace…hmm.

Sarah: Hi ladies! First, I have to thank Gaelen for this rigorous intellectual exercise–one that kept me busy *cough* thinking *cough* for days, in the name of critical research for the sake of the romance genre. I was proud to be called upon for such important work.

I’ve narrowed my hottie-as-gift to one of two men…it’s simply too hard to choose just one.  So, I begin with Eric Ripert: New Yorker, Four-star and Three-Michelin star winning chef, and OMG a silver fox to boot.  Or, more aptly, considering the hot accent, un renard d’argent.  This guy is one tall drink of water.  And he knows his way around the kitchen. Yes, please.

So, what’s the first think I’d have him do?

I’d have him make me Bouillabaisse. Because that has to cook for a long time…and while we were waiting, we could find something else to do…like sharpen my kitchen knives.  

And the second choice? Jon Hamm.

Tall, dark, handsome, hysterically funny…and that voice!  I’d have Jon come over and read to me. The text is really irrelevant–The Great Gatsby, Nine Rules…, the phonebook…he can choose. And if he wants to wear that white tank top…that would be ok, too. 

Gaelen: I see we all agree on the appeal of Ye Olde English Accent. LOL.

So, what do you think, readers?

If someone gave you a hottie of the opposite sex, who would you want to be given, and what’s the first thing you’d make him do? (Husbands and boyfriends don’t count!) Leave your (PG-13 please) answer below and you’ll be automatically entered to win today’s prizes, from Kathryn Smith and Sarah MacLean.

Enjoy!