Running With Quills, Blogsite for Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, and Suzanne Simmons
Susan Andersen
Suzanne Simmons



Stella Cameron
Stella Cameron




Lori Foster
Suzanne Simmons



Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Ann Krentz




Elizabeth Lowell
Elizabeth Lowell




Suzanne Simmons
Suzanne Simmons






Welcome to Running With Quills, your online newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what your favorite authors (that would be us) are doing throughout the year. Here you will find the release dates of our new books and get information about our backlists. We'll preview our cover art here long before the books hit the stores and we'll keep you informed about works-in-progress and special projects. You'll also receive advance notice of signings and appearances. From time to time we'll give you a peek at our worlds, tell you what we're reading, and introduce you to some new authors.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

It Men--A Poll

What is "It?"
People, in particular men in this case, have some mysterious "its" that have power over others (women in this case:). There are sensations, emotional and physical, that are evoked in us and not simply because someone is gorgeous. Often the person who demands our attention is physically plain, but there is something, there is "it."
I picked out a few men who are frequently mentioned as being in the "it" category. Your special McDreamy may not be here, but you should be able to find someone to interest you...
George Clooney
George Clooney
Christian Slater
Christian Slater
Isaiah Washington
Isaiah Washington
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp
Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan
Brad Pitt
BradPitt
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise
If you can pick one of these gentlemen as your standout, please let us know--preferably with an attempt to explain what reaction you have to him, what his special qualities are--as far as you are concerned.
The votes will be counted!
May the rains not fall on you,
Stella

53 Comments:

Blogger elizabeth said...

Brosnan
Ben Afflect for the way he can own a movie screen (no pic, Stella!)
And BANDERAS, even though I love light-eyed men.
(If the blue vamps had had green eyes, I'd have been in heaven!)

1:01 PM  
Blogger Marg said...

Just one? Can't do it!

1:19 PM  
Anonymous Cher B said...

Yes, yes, Brosnan. I first saw him in Remington Steele and thought, "Wow". And Ben Affleck. Many don't think he can act, but I agree with Ms. Ann, there is just something about him. And, of course, my favorite Bond, Sean Connery - sigh.

1:21 PM  
Anonymous Julie Rowe said...

Christian Slater would be my choice for an IT man. There's something about guys with little boyish charm and a receeding hair line that gets to me. Coincidentally, I married a man with that same sort of boyish charm and he also has a receeding hair line. :-)

1:27 PM  
Blogger Suzanne Simmons said...

Oh, dear, we only get to pick one! Well, I tend to identify these actors with the roles I liked them in.

I mean Russell Crowe is a chameleon. He was a total hunk in "Gladiator," but not quite so hunkish, although brilliant, in "A Beauitful Mind."

George Clooney has that wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor, of course.

I can only pick one, are you sure?

Okay, then I'll take Pierce Brosnan, who was irresistible in one of my favorite grown-up romance movies, "The Thomas Crown Affair."

2:36 PM  
Blogger Gram said...

Sorry ladies, as much as I appreciate all of those young men I find that Robert Donner has always been a favorite of mine. He played Exidor in Mork and Mindy. He has the same sexy/dangerous characteristics as Jack Elam always had as the bad guy in so many westerns. Sort of makes your toes curl!

4:13 PM  
Anonymous amy said...

George Clooney is my #1... and he is so far above any of the others, that I have absolutely no issue choosing only one!

As for why... Let me count the ways:
1. His way of looking at his leading ladies, interviewers etc. He looks like he is interested and actually listening to what is being said.

2. The smile and those laugh lines... Shows a wonderful sense of humour

3. The way he balances being serious with being funny... perhaps only an act for the 'public', but I like the way he can be so earnest and serious one moment and then so funny the next

4. You just know he's a "guy's guy" -- he'd watch sports and hang out and drink beer and not think him above it all

Uh, yeah. My name is Amy, and I love George Clooney to distraction. *g*

4:25 PM  
Anonymous Tammy said...

Brosnan. I remember seeing him when he first starred in the show The Manions of America (I think it was Manions mayb it was Banions). I've followed him through Remington Steele, through James Bond, and most of his movies.

Why? Besides the obvious looks - he's just go that special something - attitude maybe? that says I'm confident, I know myself. And whoever his leading lady is he makes her feel special. I think he'd make any female feel special becuase that's the type of person he is.

4:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Antonio Banderas - he has a cute smile.

5:02 PM  
Blogger talpianna said...

I'll take two, even though they aren't small: Pierce Brosnan and Hugh Jackman. It's not just that they are gorgeous and sexy and talented; it's that irresistible twinkle in the eye!

Stella, why are you cursing me with rainlessness? Don't you realize that we've had a drought here in Arizona for YEARS? If your curse works, I'm coming to Seattle to shower with YOU.

cxwjt -- Cute existentialists will join Talpianna.

5:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the way Antonio looks. He's so sexy.

6:36 PM  
Blogger Brandy said...

Brosnon. He is charming, intelligent, mannerly, elegant, and yet retains that humility that makes him not just handsome but boyish.

7:19 PM  
Blogger Santa said...

Pierce Bronson does it for me. That smile. The accent. Those eyes. The accent. I adored him on Remington Steele. There's just something about a wild Irish rogue!

7:47 PM  
Blogger DFender said...

My top three:

Adrian Paul - you may remember him from The Highlander TV series... Yum.... There can be ONLY ONE. Mmm.

Matthew McConaughey - I'm sure you all know Mr. Southern Charm... Whatta smile. Great dimples. Nice abs.

Sully Erna - Lead singer for Godsmack - He's a little naughty, a little dark - a LOT sexy...rowr

Nope, not a one on your list but hey, I'm not complaining... I've got their pictures in my nasty little mind... lol lol

Deb

mjvknzab: Maybe jokingly vote knowing nothing zany about boys.

8:06 PM  
Anonymous Kat said...

I'm gonna have to go with Depp...

Not only is he gorgeous, but extremely talented. He has a sexy voice as well, has anyone else noticed that??

Look at the movies he has done, the characters he chooses (with the execption of Willy Wonka), and the way he embodies the roles.

I know that all actors do this as well, but there is just something about Depp that makes me melt inside every time I watch one of his movies.


gpkpxc - Go play Katrina's piano Xaiver, caio.

8:08 PM  
Blogger Lori said...

He's not on your list, but I love Aiden Quinn. His eyes... mmmmm....

Lori S

8:46 PM  
Blogger susanna in alabama said...

Of these, Denzel Washington. Handsome, very manly, confident and intelligent, with an evident sense of humor and... solidness. He and Pierce Brosnan are the only two who feel solid to me - men who keep promises. Pierce comes in second, for me. And where's Mel Gibson? There are many physical and personality things that I find attractive, but it's that sense that he would mean his promises and connect to me as a person that hooks me. Then comes character, intelligence, sense of humor.

Okay, Denzel's little smirky smile doesn't hurt in the least.

I confess my views of movie stars are heavily influenced by what I know of them offscreen too. I may love Strider/Aragorn, can't stomach Viggo Mortensen. So probably all of these men could play roles that would make me believe in them for the moment, but as themselves... not so much.

susannac
(not one of the published suzannes)

8:50 PM  
Anonymous Marilyn said...

Antonia and George Clooney very sexy. Tom Cruise a mess, I used to like him but he's well a mess....you've picked incredible men.....I like men with beautiful eyes and a great smile, strong mind and body and most of all spirit. So ladies, you've picked quite a range of men! Don't forget Denzel, he'ls brilliant!!!

9:04 PM  
Blogger Pia said...

I would go for Val Kilmer especially when he was Ice Man in Top Gun (even when he was the super agent in Top Secret). I love his macho charm, he seems so cool and confident.

9:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hugh Jackman. Just look at that sexy half smile he has.

9:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hugh Jackman. He got that down to earth personality and he is still with his wife (who doesn't love loyalty?) AND he is physically er... nice ^__^

11:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brosnan. Being gorgeous is probably the least of his charms. Elegant, masculine, loyal, mature, kind, intelligent, witty, charming, talented -- all with a twinkle in his eye and a welcome abilty not to take himself too seriously. He also seems to genuinely like and enjoy women. Denzel is up there though and for many of the same reasons.

11:52 PM  
Anonymous Ranurgis said...

Actually, I'm with Susanna on this one. Though sexy is great, reliable is better in the long run. I'm not sure if a really sexy guy who's too aware of himself is really that appealing to me. I've always liked Brosnan and especilly Denzel Washington. Reliability and trust are "it" for me.

12:04 AM  
Blogger lhae said...

Russell Crowe. A great actor, also a pretty good musician. And did I mention, he's totally hot and gorgeous. I just love the guy. :)

12:15 AM  
Blogger Jay said...

Johnny Depp. Colin Farrell. Val Kilmer.

Intense, talented, beautiful eyes. I'm a sucker for the ones who look like they've been there and given half a chance, they'll take you there too.

And an unlikely contender - Tim Curry, in role, as Frank N Furter.

12:38 AM  
Blogger Stella said...

My goodness, Lori, where has Aiden Quinn been, other than as a hero in a book by someone around here? What a great, cheeky face.

I get a vote and I'll throw it in for Isaiah Washington. All it took was the silent comfort he(As Preston Burke) gave his female counterpart (the fabulously talented Ms. O) in Gray's Anatomy following an ectopic pregnancy. Strength is far more than physical and understanding is pricelss.

Stella

2:52 AM  
Blogger Teresa Medeiros said...

It's Russell all the way for me! Never could resist a dangerous man with a baby face.

4:39 AM  
Anonymous AgTigress said...

I am hampered by the fact that I practically never go to the cinema and watch very little TV: the only one of these whom I have seen on the screen is Russell Crowe, because I was dragged, kicking and screaming, to the film Gladiator. He was okay, I suppose. Also, I imagine most of these men are young enough to be my grandsons... I belong to the generation that swooned over Richard Burton, and over Sean Connery in the first Bond films.

Leaving that aside, in terms of conventional good looks, and without any real knowledge of their personalities, the stand-out for me would be Hugh Jackman. But as you have nearly all mentioned, looks are only part of the appeal.

And could I just endorse Jay's passing approving reference to Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

:-)

5:08 AM  
Anonymous jillw said...

Off the list I have to agree with Lori and say Aiden Quinn. SEXY voice and love the hair.

On the list it's Brad Pitt. One of my favorite movies is "Legend of the Falls" and I loved Pitt in that role. (Aiden Quinn was also in this movie.) Outside of a movie role he looks great scruffy. I love that look. And he seems to have a real affection toward children and helping others, a very admirable trait.

6:44 AM  
Anonymous mumti said...

Definitley no 1: Pierce Brosnan
Hes hot, sexy the perfect hero

a close second 2: Hugh Jackman
the wry smile, those eyes

1:18 PM  
Blogger Lois said...

Oh, while my guy is Sean Connery, you have Pierce Brosnan!!! Sigh. :) The accent, did you get a good look at him??? LOL As James Bond, he's playful, the hero, but as Remington Steele, he has that and wants his one lady. He's another guy who seems to age ever so gracefully. :)

Lois

1:28 PM  
Blogger Kelley said...

Out of these men there are two who stand out for me. One is Denzel Washington. There is just something about his that attracts me. He is more handsome than fine. There is something dignified about him. From everything I have heard about him, he is also a great person. That attracts me to him even more.
The second one is Johnny Depp. His attraction is harder to explain. I love his personality, and the fact that he doesnt see himself as attractive and it amazes him that everyone think he is. Other than that, he's just plain gorgeous.

3:06 PM  
Blogger Lisabella said...

My, oh my, Pierce, without a doubt! Tammy, I too remember his "Steele"-blue eyes from "The Manions of America," a mini-series about Irish immigrants. Who could forget that scene when he throws Kate Mulgrew on their bed? Though I was young when I saw it, I have NEVER forgotten it! Can anyone say "Alpha Male?" And he was superb as "Remington Steele," my favorite 1980's series. I thought he made a great James Bond, though the movies became too violent for my taste. And he was delicious in "Laws of Attraction" with Julianne Moore (she's an uptight Type A personality and he, to borrow a phrase from Johnny Depp in Chocolat, "gets the squeak out." I also love that he's not afraid to show his tender side and or his love for the environment. Okay, okay, I guess I'd better calm down...

3:18 PM  
Anonymous Jeannie said...

you should add Adrian Paul.... he was The Highlander for many years and is up for the next James Bond. He is totally yummy.... I met him and he has a HUGE following (I went to one of the conventions).... He's number 1 on my list

3:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm with Elizabeth, Brosnan.

Why.... let me count the ways (too)
1 Tall
2 Dark
3 Handsome
4 Georgous Accent
5 Can *actually* act
6 Thomas Crown Affair and Laws of Attraction
7 THE BEST 007 EVER!!!!!

However also Love Love Love Brad Pitt....

Siân

6:47 PM  
Anonymous Karen Scott said...

Will Smith all the way for me! I love his big... ears *g*
I used to love Brad Pitt, until that whole Angelina Jolie affair.

4:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm with Santa - give me an irish rogue every time. That's what I have in real life and I won't settle for less than Brosnan. Though Hugh Jackman is pretty nice scenery,too.

Marva

9:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pierce - without a doubt. Why? His voice - Just fabulous. I loved the wit and look he gave to Remington Steele (Shameless plug - the first 3 seasons of Remington Steele are now available on DVD - average price on amazon..com $30)
and Bond - I have absolutely no interest in seeing the new bond. Very suave and debonair. Very refined.

Gail - who can't remeber her password to login...

10:25 AM  
Blogger Beezzez said...

George Clooney

Why? Because he has the aura of an old Hollywood leading man. He has charm, charisma, a terrific sense of humour and those looks that just get better with age. He's like the entire package a very nice package!

2:01 PM  
Blogger Santa said...

I forgot about Denzel Washington. I know he's done alot but when he galloped up that Tuscan hillside in those purple leather pants in 'Much Ado About Nothing', well, be still my heart! He has an adorable half smile and twinkle in his eye!!

And Keanu Reeves - some say he can't act --- not a problem, I'll admit to liking him as eye candy!! He was pretty hot as the villian (forgive me, I can't remember his name Sir John?) in that same movie!!

8:42 PM  
Blogger Stella said...

TA-DAA!!

As if you couldn't figure this out yourselves...

The vote is in and the winners are:

Pierce Brosnan 14
Denzil Washington 3
Antonio Banderos 3
Hugh Jackman 2
Johnny Depp 2
George Clooney 2
Russell Crowe 2
Brad Pitt 2
Isaiah Washington 1
Val Kilmer 1
Christian Slater 1

I don't need to write that they are all winners, but...

Cheers, Stella

12:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hugh Jackman is my "it" man of recent years. I saw him on "Martha"on Monday(5/29)and in a "Boy From OZ" on broadway last year. The man definatly has presence,looks,charisma,charm,and he can sing!WOW!!

3:28 PM  
Blogger Steve, Mae & Nic said...

Christian Slater....I have thought he was "it" since I saw him in "Hethers".

4:13 PM  
Blogger LauraT said...

Hugh Jackman~! I am thinking X-men.
I am thinking funny, I am thinking every man should be like him.

12:05 PM  
Blogger daftaz said...

Russell Crowe - this gets complicated. "Proof of Life" is a movie with Meg Ryan & Crowe. Her husband is kidnapped in a South American country, and Crowe works for the company that holds his kidnap insurance. Not to give the spoiler, it's about unrequited love. I'm in love with Crowe as the character who can love a woman so much, he won't do anything about it except save her husband for her.

Other than that, who left Viggo Mortensen off this list?!?

1:36 PM  
Blogger BUGG said...

Well...I'm picking two and I don't care how you feel about it.

Brosnan: Yummmmy
Denzel Washington: "Sigh"

Charity

9:03 AM  
Anonymous Amy F. said...

Hugh Jackman. He's got a great sense of humor and humility. That's unheard of in Hollywood!

PS: I think Julian McMahon should be on there too. He is so dreamy.

12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In no particular order: Hugh, Antonio, Pierce, Russell and not on your list: Wil Smith & Mel Gibson.

Mostly for sheer talent, but also as men who are loyal to & love their wives. That is just the sexiest thing in the world in a man - one who is not afraid to love a woman & doesn't think letting the world know it makes him less of a man.

12:00 PM  
Blogger Irishpixie said...

Matt Damon, Matthew McConaughey, and Ryan Gosling are my eyecandy.

But as they aren't shown, I'll go with Pierce Brosnan and Hugh Jackman...something about a man in a yellow towel...

*clears throat*

Anyway, my reaction and his special qualities.

There are very few men who can make me sit up and meow just by hearing their voices. Brosnan and Jackman accomplish this quite easily. Just something about their voices makes my toes curl and (to quote Shelly Long on Boston Legal) makes my southern region turn tropical.

And I'll leave it at that.

1:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I feel kinda dumb saying it but.. The Rock. Stop laughing, I know his name is really Dwayne. I love the gentle giant type. Rowr.

5:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, excuse me while I finish my off my fantasy which all these guys are in. Whew!! Anyway I have a real hard time chosing one. But I do know what "does it" for me. The intensity. The intensity in their eyes and in their overall "aura". It doesnt matter what these guys wear or if they are neat and clean, its their intensity. It makes you feel like they are focused JUST on you. Oh boy!! Does that ever "do it" for me!! My Name is Sunita. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!

7:39 PM  
Anonymous Emeraldax said...

Of the people on the list, Hugh Jackman. I can't say what it is, but the first pic I saw of him out of the Wolvie getup, and I was hooked. Completely.

But my overall vote goes to Thorsten Kaye. He plays Zach Slater on All My Children (very similar to Jayne's male protagonists). The man has everything - he is a true Renaissance man. Having met him in person, he is even better in real life. Dear heaven!

Visit his website and see for yourself ladies. I challenge you!

http://www.thorstenkaye.com

11:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All these guys are great. Tom Cruise has to be one of the most talented man in Hollywood, and he has been on top a long time. I hope he stays there because he makes great movies.

5:58 PM  

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