The pictures above…oh my and va va va voom. I am a Tony Stark fan, so of course my favorite. Although I won’t turn my nose up to any man who works hard for a living and shows it by takeing off his shirt!

I love an improvished titled gentleman, who is willing to repair a fence, lay a new roof, till part of his land and yes, break horses (amoung a few hearts along the way). We read about how an Earl, Duke, Viscount etc is athletic in build with muscular thighs from riding and with their shirts off, are nicely formed from fenceing and boxing…gentlemen sports indeed, there is just something so endearing about a man who doesn’t mind getting a little dirty.

I think any trade where a man has to swing a hammer is sexy or saw wood, as long as he his brawny and does it shirtless… he can do what he wants…

Great post Tessa! And thank you for sharing the cover of Diana’s novella with us-it’s lovely! As are the photos you’ve posted here, which were a wonderful surprise. Great way to start off the day.

More heroes and heroines in academia would be cool. I don’t know a lot of romances starring professors. All those late nights researching and spending time in the secluded library stacks.

I think I’d love to read about more chefs in romance-it’s physically demanding work, and all the chopping, grilling, stirring, sauteeing and slaving over a hot stove can be very sexy and sensual. I have to be honest and say I’m an absolute sucker for a man who can cook.

And given my love for The West Wing, I would LOVE to read about characters who are involved in politics. But I concede that can be a challenge to have a hero or heroine in elected office since the profession doesn’t have the best reputation. But maybe they can be staffers and work for a Senator, Congressman, or Governor who is actually a good honest person doing their best for their constituents!

cannot wait for Diana’s story. The cover is lovely.

What a gorgeous cover! I already have this pre-ordered and can’t wait to read it. I love that Diana’s hero is a blacksmith. One of my all-time favorite historical romance heroes is a blacksmith. There’s this scene where the heroine walks past the open door of the forge and sees him silhouetted in the firelight, all sleek and glistening with sweat, muscles bunching. She makes a noise, he looks up, their gazes connect…well, let’s just say the next scene is verrrrrry satisfying!

Hm… “Hot and sweaty” is good, maybe even great. For some time. But social difference is no trifle thing. Not only because of society’s judgement, but blacksmiths and ideal lady (such as Diana) must be different in so many ways: education, manner of speaking, purposes and dreams… I think, it is main reason why we are so short on workingman in historical romance.

Anyway, want to read this novella)))

Well, the thing that has always struck me about all the stories I’ve read and all the photos I’ve seen of the estates are the gardens and the gorgeous landscapes around the estates. I’d enjoy something about a gardener who’s serious about his work. I’ll bet most folks don’t give them a second look, like they’re part of the landscape–and delving into a gardener’s story could titillate–and shock–and warm a reader!