Aphrodisia Authors :: Blog

Temptations…I’ve been trying to avoid them, but failing. I decided a while ago that I’d give up coffee and just drink herbal teas–that the coffee everyday probably wasn’t great for me. But, I’ve succumbed. As fall approaches and the mornings have cooled, a hot mug of coffee, sweetened and creamed beats tea hands down. Coffee is one temptation I’ve been giving into.

I also planned on sticking to a diet after returning from Atlanta where RWA held it’s national convention, and seeing all those thin, pretty, successful authors. My butt is way too fat, and could use some good slimming down before I’m seen in public again. But dark chocolate has been calling to me, as has Indian food. Indian food is loaded with gee (clarified butter) and so fattening–but so damned tempting.

Email and being online is another temptation for me, and one I thought would be in my best interest to chill out on during the day when I’m supposed to be writing. But alas….I can’t stop checking my email or seeing who’s doing what online.

So many temptations I’ve been giving into. Sigh….

In my upcoming release, Tempt Me Twice–Hot Damn! Two days away–Dante gives into the temptation of his wife, Latoya. They’ve been having mariage trouble, and drifted apart like so many couples do, but they’re willing to do what it takes to save their relationship, including finding the ultimate temptation and giving in to it…

Ugh…for some reason, I couldn’t get the cover of Ellora’s Cavemen:Dreams of the Oasis III to upload, but here’s the link to read about it on my site. Tempt Me Twice

What people are saying about it:
All the stories within the third volume of the Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis series are appealing and enjoyable… Those readers who are looking for action, passion, and a vast selection of stories to read will find this multi-author anthology an excellent read.” — Francesca Hayne, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

“Dante and Toya are one incredibly hot couple! I loved their play together and I loved the intensity of their relationship. Their pain as they deal with the possible end of their marriage is palpable and so is their love for each other. Tempt Me Twice was my first taste of Renee Luke, but it won’t be my last!” — Shannon, Joyfully Reviewed

What are your temptations? And, are you going to give in?

Renee

Over on my blog, reneelukenovels.com, I’ve been running a sampling of men all week in search of the perfect hero for the story I’m working on.

I love the story, but have had a hard time wrapping my brain around what the hero looks like. I knew about his Alpha bad-ass attitude and the fact that he’s a reformed playa who’s finally taking life seriously and looking for the woman who’ll be serious with him, but I didn’t have an image of what he looked like.

Now I do. Dwayne, aka Rock is the perfect image of my hero, Israel Hughs. He’s so finger-licking-yummy that I can’t wait to put him with Maya (the heroine) and see how these two get along. It’s going to be hot, in and out of bed.

But my difficulty coming up with an image for Israel is a first for me. Usually I know what they guy looks like as soon as the story starts forming in my head. And his name comes pretty quickly after that–though I do keep a baby-name book and notebook for character names.

As many of you know, I’ve used LL Cool J to model a hero before. I’ve got a major crush on this man–it’s the dimples and those lick-em-up lips–and have had the hots for him since I was sixteen. That’s before I knew my boo who I married 15 years ago next Friday.

I’ve also used Rock before in a historical because Scorpian King photos looked like the perfect medieval warrior. This is the first time I’m putting him into a contemp setting.

All my troubles over the last week finding and deciding on a guy has me wondering if I’m alone. If you’re a writer, how do you come up with your heros? Is it from images you’ve seen of men you deside? Are they purely fictional images you create all on your own.

And if you’re a reader, do you want a real image of the hero? Do you want to know who he was modeled after? Does that take away from the fun of creating your own hero–the one that’s perfect for you? Would prefer vague discriptions so you can imagine your own image of the hero while you read?