Now, let me introduce you to Rhys Uhlich.  Rhys is a native Australian and a surfer dude.  Last year, Rhys won the Australian reality show contest Make Me A Supermodel.  Earlier this year, he named as a finalist in the 22nd Annual Cleo Bachelor of the Year Award.  When asked during an interview to describe himself in just three words, Rhys responded with “relaxed, humble, and good-humored.”   But prior to becoming a reality show contestant and subsequent winner, the now 27 year old Rhys was an elementary physical education school teacher in Australia.   Can you imagine having HIM has your P.E. teacher?   Sheesh, none of my P.E. teachers ever looked like that!!

So this month my question to you is this . . . do you remember a hot teacher from your school days?  If so, tell me about him.

Charles, thank you so much for joining us today.  I am sure all the ladies are very excited to learn more about you.  First, I must say that I have truly enjoyed getting to know you over the past couple of weeks.   You are a very sweet man with a great sense of humor.   I think your nickname for me has taken hold – Sweet N Low.  LOL!    Now, on to the interview.
Buffie:   Tell us how you became aware of the Mr. Romance contest.

Charles:  Well, I owe all of this to Annette Batista. None of it would be possible without her. She saw my model portfolio on ModelMayhem.com and always believed I had a look for romance covers. The beginning of this year was very hard for me. I couldn’t get out of bed. Days went by without me eating. It was a very low point of my life. She called me and said “Get up, your coming to Tampa. I need you for a project.” And that is when I came to Tampa and shot the centerfold advertisement for the RT Review Magazine. After the shoot was finished, Annette, Patty (the model in the ad) and myself drove to Orlando to meet with some of the organizers of the show to discuss things. I was sitting there listening to them talking about this event and I liked it. It sounded really cool. They invited me to come and I got sponsored by Betweenyoursheets.com. The rest is history.

Buffie:  How did it feel to win Mr. Romance?

Charles:  It truly is an honor to win. I cannot describe the feeling I had when I heard my name announced not once, but twice in the same night. The cover model is awesome, but I also hold the Readers Choice Award in the same level. Making so many people happy and making such a great impression with all those wonderful people is something that I can’t explain.

Buffie:  Have you been surprised at the response you are already receiving from the romance community?

Charles:  It’s definitely a new world to me. Everybody has been really nice to me and I’m going with the flow. The community is awesome. I’m very happy and proud to be part of the “Family”.

Buffie:  Have you ever read a romance novel?

Charles:  I will be very honest. I read more magazines than novels. I was very ignorant to this book world. I didn’t know the difference between a paranormal thriller and a western romance mystery. HAHAHA, but during the week, I would take the time to ask people (authors and readers) what these categories were and explain them to me. I feel one of the best things I got from this convention was the knowledge about books and the different types that they have to offer.

Buffie:  I assume you have been in the modeling business for a little while. Please tell us how you got your start.

Charles:  Well, I did a body building competition back in November 2007. I had a friend at the gym ask me if I got my pictures taken. She said I was in the best shape of my life and needed to document it. She then introduced me to Model Mayhem. I did another show in July 2008 and after that, I had one shoot, which led to another shoot, which led to, well, you get the picture.

Buffie:  Before you started body building, what was your profession?

Charles:  I never thought I would be a model or body builder. I used to work at a pizza place in high school. I even worked at Wal-Mart in my early 20s. I loved the photo lab when I was there.   After Wally World, I worked a few warehouse jobs and ended up at a machine shop doing plastic and fiberglass fabrication. I moved to Jersey but couldn’t make it out there.   When I came home, the old job couldn’t afford to hire me back due to the economy. I’m doing temp agency work now and struggling, but its building my character and making me stronger.

Buffie:  What is one thing we would be surprised to learn about you?

Charles:  There is only one woman who truly has my heart, and that is my niece “Baby Girl”

Buffie:  Can you tell us what kind of uncle you are to her?

Charles:  Baby Girl is my world.  She looks up to me a lot and listens when I tell her stuff.  Her parents even say that she listens to me more than she does them.  I remember times when she would be crying at night and I would come over and make everything better.  I think that’s what makes me so special.  Whenever anything is wrong, Uncle Charles will make it alright :~)

Buffie:   So I guess that means you are not currently in a relationship?

Charles:  Nope. And I still claim single on my taxes. Hahaha.  A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I don’t have a girlfriend.

Buffie:  What is the most romantic thing someone has done for you?

Charles:  One time, this amazing girl took me to the arts theater in San Francisco. It’s a nice outdoor area. Night time. She pulls out her Ipod and tells me “just listen to this song, it reminds me of you”.  She put it on, grabbed my hand, and we slowly danced under the stars. I’m usually the one who does these sort of things. It was nice having it done to me. I was weak in the knees after that moment

Buffie:  What is the most romantic thing you have done for someone else?

Charles:  Oh man, where do I begin? HAHAHA!  There was this one Christmas. The girl I was with at the time got 12 days of Christmas. Each day I would have something delivered to her job. On the last day, I showed up with a necklace from Tiffany’s. It wasn’t the gifts that mattered, it was the thought and time and actual heart that I put into this which made it romantic.

Buffie:   So when you are not modeling, what do you like to do in your spare time?  What’s your hobby?

Charles:  I’d say working out is my favorite hobby.  I am getting more and more into photography so that is also something I enjoy doing.  I love capturing moments in peoples’ lives, especially the happy ones.

Buffie:   Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

Charles:  5 years? hmmm…… I would like to see myself happy and healthy.  I really can’t be specific, but those two things sound about right.

Now it’s time for the speed quick round. These questions only required short and sweet answers.

Last movie you saw?   Kingdom Of Heaven

Last book you read?   It was a magazine, Mens Health

What couldn’t you survive without – your cell phone or your laptop?   Cell phone. Mine has a built in computer

Favorite snack food?  Peanut M&Ms

Favorite vacation spot?  Marina Dunes in California

Blondes, brunettes, or redheads?  I don’t discriminate. I love all women equally. HAHAHA!  I am a sucker for a Latina though.

Charles, thank you so much for joining us today.  I really appreciate the time you have given to me for this interview.  May your career be long, fruitful, and very satisfying.

From all the research I did on Nathan Fillion, I have come to the conclusion that this man is a genuinely nice guy. He was born in Edmonton Canada in March 1971, and has appeared in many television shows and movies.Not only does he portray an author on the show Castle, but he is the co-founder of the non-profit organization Kids Need to Read.   This organization was created to help inspire imagination in children and to foster a love a reading for kids by providing books to under funded libraries. A man who loves books . . . someone after our own hearts!

So ladies my question for you this month is . . . good looks aside, have you ever fallen for a television or movie character?   If so, who was it?

Gilles exploded onto the hottie scene after appearing in the movie Sex and the City, which I am told has a very special *ahem* shower scene.   I have not yet seen the movie, but it is now at the top of my list!!!    Gilles has made several appearances on tv shows, like Nip Tuck, Dirty Sexy Money, Ugly Betty, and Criminal Minds.   Gilles latest venture is being a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.  He is paired with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.   He told the local radio station that he took the job with Dancing with the Stars because he daughter loves to dance and he wanted to do this for her.

Gilles was born in Grasse, France.   While still in school, he worked in his father’s bakery.   Now can you imagine Gilles rolling dough out on the table with flour all over him?   I definitely get some mental pictures going through my head!!!!    He served in the French army as a firefighter.   After that, he moved to the United States and started working as a model.   Gilles is married and has two children.

So tell me ladies, do you like my pick this month?   Would you do the tango or salsa with him?   I know that I would

Andrei:   Oh it’s an absolute pleasure.  Thanks for having me.

Buffie:  Can you tell us briefly how you became a contestant in the Mr. Romance contest, and how it felt to win the title of Mr. Romance 2005?

Andrei:  Well, I was introduced to the Mr. Romance contest by my manager who I had just hooked up with a few months earlier.  It’s a great sensation to win a contest, especially when the audience consists of a thousand women screaming! LOL!

Buffie:  Yes, I bet the screaming women do help.   Do you know how many romance novel covers have you done so far?

Andrei:  I would say probably around fifty, between ebooks and print.

Buffie:   Wow, that is quite a bit.  Is there a particular cover that you enjoyed doing or had the most fun with?

Andrei:   It was great fun working on the cover of “Taken and Seduced” by Julia Latham but I enjoy all the work I do, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it.

Buffie:   Oh, I just love Julia Latham’s books, and I have seen the cover for that book – oh la la!  Now, I know that you started your modeling career as a fitness model, and in the last couple of years have ventured into fashion modeling.   How does a book cover shoot compare to your other modeling shoots?

Andrei:  Shooting a book cover usually requires taking on a role, such as a knight, cowboy, warrior or whatever.  Fashion is simply about making the attire look its best and fitness revolves entirely around the body. So there is a clear distinction between each.

Buffie:  Can you tell us a funny story from one of your modeling shoots?

Andrei:   I can’t recall any right now, but it’s always interesting working outdoors.  People who walk or drive by, especially in New York, always pass some kind of comment.

Buffie:  Have you ever read a romance novel before?

Andrei:  Unfortunately the most I got to was reading extracts so far.

Buffie:   Have you been surprised by the response the romance community has given to you?

Andrei:   Absolutely, it’s been really great being a part of the romance novel industry.  It’s like having one huge family outside of what you’ve already got.

Buffie:  Since this is a romance site and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, we just have to ask . . . what is the most romantic thing you have done for someone?

Andrei:  Romantic?!  What’s that about?   LOL . . .  Actually I often enjoy preparing dinner and creating the right atmosphere.

Buffie:  Really?  We ladies love a man that can cook!!  So what is your favorite thing to cook for your sweetheart?

Andrei:  Well my favorite dish varies from time to time, but it will definitely consist of either poultry or red meat accompanied by rice or whole wheat pasta

Buffie:   Mmmm.  Sounds delicious to me!  What is one interesting fact about you that we would be surprised to learn?

Andrei:   Whether it’s interesting or not that’s up to you to decide, but I’m a very, very organized person.

Buffie:   I find that very interesting.   I guess in your line of work, with shoots all over the world, you really need to be organized to have some kind of control over your life.

Before we hit the speed round, I would like for you tell everyone about your blog site.  I know that I have enjoyed commenting on your weekly blogs and have loved seeing the male perspective on several topics.

Andrei:   Well my blog ItsAllAboutRomance is of course about romance.  The main difference is that it’s all from a man’s perspective.  What I write comes from stuff I observe on a daily basis as well as personal experience.

Buffie:  Now it’s time for the speed round.   These questions only required short and sweet (like me!) answers.

Last movie you saw?

Andrei:  Must have been the last 007.

Buffie:   Last book you read?

Andrei:   Ooooh… too long ago! Don’t remember.

Buffie:   What couldn’t you survive without – your cell phone or your laptop?

Andrei:   Laptop

Buffie:   Favorite snack food?

Andrei:   fresh fruit

Buffie:   Favorite vacation spot?

Andrei:  Las Vegas

Buffie:   Blondes, brunettes, or redheads?

Andrei:   Doesn’t really matter!

Buffie:    Andrei, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit with us.   I really appreciate your graciousness towards me and all my emails J    It has been a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know the man behind the face.    I hope your career continues to be success and life is full of joy.

Buffie: Chris, thank you so much for being with us. Everyone here at Romance Novel TV is very excited to have you with us today. I must tell you that you have the honor of being our very first interview for the Hottie of the Month blog.

Chris: Thanks! I appreciate it! Anytime! Sorry for being late, I had a few things been going on since I have moved to Los Angeles. So — spank me later! (laughs)

Buffie: Ahem, Chris dear, we can discuss spanking later. In private Now, on to the questions. Can you tell us briefly how you became a contestant in the 2008 Mr. Romance contest?

Chris: Well, there was a friend named Lisa Torres who actually introduced me to the whole scene. I did a trailer for Christine Feehan and Circle of Seven Productions was the one who did it. Soon thereafter, I had a whole team of people wanting me to try out for Mr. Romance. That team consisted of the Feehan family, Lisa Torres, Rose and Anthony Germano of A&R Photography, along with Crossing Realms LLC. I am pretty sure I’m leaving out some other names, but it was quite fun and the support was wonderful. I actually lost the first Mr. Romance competition to Jason Santiago, but the next year I was sponsored again by Christine Feehan and Between Your Sheets. Along with that, my old posse, Crossing Realms, A&R photography, and a truck ton of people climbed aboard to support me. They were so glad I won. I gave out so many hugs and kisses before and after the competition. So, I got the “He’s the hugger” name. (laughs)

Buffie: Well, there sure isn’t anything wrong with being known as a hugger. I know I am. How did it feel to win the competition?

Chris: I was, basically, shocked. I didn’t think I was going to win. Actually, I experienced a lot of stress from working so much. You had to mingle, meet so many people, hear about different stories, hang out really late (which is hard for me), and then practice for a show at the end of the week. I signed a bunch of autographs, and gave out lots of hugs and kisses. The hugging part was great. And seeing older friends was super fun!

Buffie: How many romance novel covers have you done so far?

Chris: It is quite funny, I have not done any, except for ‘Mistletoe and Ouzo Kisses’ by Debby Allen. It is from The Wild Rose Press. Debby Allen was specific in what she wanted and when I did the cover image, it turned out fabtastic! Wonderful romance at its best! You can find her website at: http://romanceebooksnewsletter.blogspot.com/

Buffie: Can you tell us which books the covers are for?

Chris: Mostly romance novels, however, my wonderful friend, Cindy Holby, aka, Colby Hodge, does some nifty difty science fiction! As far as doing one from the Mr. Romance competition, Dorchester will pick the one they think will be best. Currently since I have moved and went through some personal issues, it’s been hard to get a time to go to New York to shoot.

Buffie: Have you ever read a romance novel before? If so, which one?

Chris: I’ve read Christine Feehans’ Dark Celebration because I wanted to get a feel of the character. This was done AFTER I did the book trailer. Wonderfully, I happen to hit the character dead on! The story was great! Christine is not only a great friend, who also ‘adopted’ me in her family, but she is talented and the sweetest thing in the world! Cindy Holby wrote a book which I researched the character I portrayed in the competition, I was amazed at the story and the way she wrote. In her story, Star Shadows, it had a touch of everything, science fiction, romance, and suspense. I plan on reading Mistletoe and Ouzo Kisses by Debbie Allen. There are a few more I want to read, because the thrill of it all, and not to mention from some fans, they have expressed so many excited feelings in reading one.

Buffie: Have you been surprised by the response the romance community has given to you?

Chris: Most people who contacted me, I became friends with. I learned a lot from the romance community, in fact, it has changed my life for the better. I learned a few things from both readers and writers. Those things I have incorporated in my life one way of the other. Women, or men, want real lovers. Real partners. Real people who look at them as a human being. Caring, thoughtfulness. A touch or a simple “hello, I was thinking of you…” in a phone conversation. Life and love means friendship forever, not just for a while. It’s hard to keep in touch with everybody, yes, but I try my best whenever possible.

Buffie: Since this is a romance site we just have to ask . . . what is the most romantic thing you have done for someone?

Chris: The most romantic thing I’ve done, so far? I made someone smile and feel like they can be themselves. They told me that, and it was something they have always wanted to experience. That makes me feel proud to enable someone to have that freedom. That in turn, makes me truly happy.

Buffie: Well, that sure sounds darn sweet to me! What is one interesting fact about you that we would be surprised to learn (other than you are a master at computer programming)?

Chris: I am a horrible person when it comes to a schedule. No wait… people at Crossing Realms know that one. Hmmmm, a horrible Texas Hold ‘Em player? Wait… no, Christine can vouch for that one… Hmmm. I would say… sometimes I suffer from internal depression. That, my dear could be shocking! However, I smile to disable that.

Buffie: Even though we have only communicated via email, I have quickly gathered that you have quite a wit about you. Honestly, you had me giggling at my computer late into the night. Have you always been funny? Were you the class clown in school?

Chris: I am -always- a class clown. I am quite funny indeed. Actually, it kind of made some people mad at the competition, because I was called ‘Zoolander’ by one person. They also said, “Why does Mr. Romance have to be so funny?” My response was, as I squinted my eyes and licked my lips in a seductive way, “Women love a man who can make them laugh. Not some boring person who sits there, looking like arm candy with no brains. It is scientifically proven; women love a man; who listens, and talks. Not about him, but in a way that makes a woman, smile… or giggle, the least… little bit.”

Buffie: Chris, you are so right about that! I know that you have done quite a bit of acting, including television and film. If you were able to work with any actor, who would it be and why?

Chris: Keanu Reeves. I will one day. You’ll see. I think he’s a good actor, and I like the way he stayed out of public eye.

Buffie: Chris, I have no doubt you will achieve this goal.Now it’s time for the Speed Round. These questions only required short and sweet answers.

Buffie: Last movie you saw?
Chris: Bolt! LOVED IT! Wait! Let me get my ball!

Buffie: Last book you read?
Chris: The Bible. Psalms.

Buffie: What couldn’t you survive without — your cell phone or your laptop?
Chris: Lappy.

Buffie:Favorite snack food?
Chris:Kit Kat! Oh –Gawd!

Buffie:Favorite vacation spot?
Chris:Home, Xbox 360, with ice cream, and a date!

Buffie:Blondes, brunettes, or redheads?
Chris:Although it doesn’t really, matter, I love a brunette.
Buffie:(And no ladies, I didn’t pay Chris to say brunette. In fact, he didn’t even know that I’m a brunette!)

Buffie: Thanks again for joining us today Chris. I wish you much success in your personal and professional endeavors. And I hope that one day we will meet.

Watch the Circle of Seven Book Trailer Video below of Dark Celebration with Chris Winters.

This month’s hottie is none other than . . . Santa!!   Yes, you heard me right.  It’s Santa.   Come on ladies, once you think about it I’m pretty sure you will agree with me.    See, Santa is a man with a twinkle in his eyes.   Personally I just love it when you look into a man’s eyes and they twinkle back at you *sigh*.   Santa is a man who always has a gift for you (and we ladies just love that!).   He is always happy to see you.   And talk about a sweet ride – the man has a convertible!!!    Also, he likes to indulge in baked goodies so he definitely wouldn’t be telling you that you can’t eat it.

Now, ladies, before you kick me off the hottie of the month blog, you need to know that I referring to the new and improved version of the old time Santa.   There will be NO bellies that jiggle like a bowl full of jello!  Now take just a moment or two or a hundred to view the new and improved Santa.  Oh yeah, I think I could sit on his lap and ask for anything or nothing at all.    All I have to say is “Santa baby, hurry down in the chimney tonight!”

In the spirit of Santa and in the tradition of the season, I would like to ask you ladies  . . . who is on your wish list to grace the Hottie of the Month blog in 2009?  I just may have the magic to make it happen!

Ladies, let me introduce you to Grant Bowler.   This sexy 40-year old was born in Auckland, New Zealand, thus his captivating accent. I could listen to that man speak all day (and night too!). He has been acting for several years. The majority of his roles have been in Australia. His most notable one was being the host of the Aussie version of The Mole for 4 years.    Before coming to Ugly Betty, Grant played Captain Gault on Lost.

I can’t imagine coming into the office and finding out that the new Chief Financial Officer (head bean  counter) is this delicious looking man. He would definitely need to punch in a few formulas in my spreadsheet.  I have worked with a few good looking doctors in the past, but no one near as good looking as Grant.

Now ladies, here is my question for you.    Have you ever worked with a hottie such as Grant?   If so, did you ever mix business with pleasure?   Or did you just wish you could?  Come on, you can tell

Not only is Jenni a wonderful lady and gifted author, but while the RNTV group was having dinner with her and fellow author Jacquie D’Alessandro, Jenni revealed an interesting fact that shot her WAY UP in points in my little book.    Sweet, darling Jenni has met, spoken with, and even touched . . . are you ready for this . . . the handsome, sexy, utterly delicious Gerard Butler.   GERARD BUTLER!!!!!!   Needless to say I was in complete shock and awe.   Can you imagine stand in front of this gorgeous man?

I think we are all quite aware of just who Gerard Butler is, but here are few quick facts about this hottie.

~ born in Glasgow, Scotland (he has a sexy accent)
~ graduated from Glasgow University Law School (he’s got brains too!)
~ has appeared in several films including Dracula 2000, Phantom of the Opera, Tomb Raider, 300, PS I Love You, and Nims Island.

Now my question for you is . . . are you holding out on me too?   Have you meet, talked, and touched a famous, sexy man?    Girl, if you have . . . you need to spill.   Right.  This.  Minute.

Adam was born 33 years ago in Yonkers, New York, to a Puerto Rican and Cuban family.    He attended college at NYU where he received an education degree.  Wouldn’t you just love to have a teacher that looked like Adam?

He has been voted one of Inside TV’s 50 Sexiest Men on TV and In Touch Magazine’s Hottest Hunks of Summer.    Most people know him from the CBS TV series CSI Miami, where he plays Erik Delko.

I found this quote by Adam regarding his thoughts on romance:    “My idea of a romantic time is when two people are focused just on each other.   That could be at dinner, in bed, in the midst of mayhem, whatever.”

I think the man has a good grasp on romance, don’t you?   And I do believe that my last minute research has resulted in one wonderful Hottie of the Month!