We’re very exited today in the jungle to have been asked to participate in a very special poll. Wonderfully witty authors Diana Holquist (who was the brainchild behind the “Trash Talking Rita Finalists” video that was such a blast last summer) and Julie James have made a name for themselves by finding the sexiest men alive. Just look at their overs and you’ll see what I mean…
These ladies are hosting a super-speial poll to decide on the sexiest man in America and have asked us in the Jungle to help. So without further adieu…hello Diana & Julie!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In just four days, one of the most important choices facing our nation (and the world) will be decided. Obama? McCain? No, forget those guys. We’re talking People magazine Sexiest Man Alive 2008.
Ladies—we have serious issues to discuss. Namely:
Frontrunner Patrick Dempsey. Yes, he’s got the bod, the smiles, the eyes. But is he experienced enough to hold this crucial office?
Depp. Is he destined to join the ranks of Pitt and Clooney as a two-time winner? Or, as many pundits claim, has he strayed too far outside the mainstream (How can you tell a Sexiest Man Alive from a pitbull? Eyeliner…)
Romance fans, I’ve learned, seem to favor the underdogs. Gerard won our poll last year by over 500 votes! But is the world at large ready for real change?
And then there’s Mr. Smith. Enough said.
A little Sexiest Man Alive trivia: who is the only non-actor Sexiest Man Alive? Hint: he wasn’t an athlete. Hint #2:
Remind you of anyone? And does anyone live in Philly? Did you see this guy speak in the rain? I’m just saying…
So what do you think? Who should be the sexiest man alive for 2008? Vote in the poll:
And if you want to win a signed copy of either Sexiest Man Alive or Just the Sexiest Man Alive, visit our website blogs to find out how (http://dianaholquist.com and http://juliejamesbooks.com).
So what you think? What is it that makes the Sexiest Man Alive so sexy? Who should be this year’s pick? And do you know the answer to the trivia question?
–Diana Holquist and Julie James
Welcome to the jungle where the monkeys run wild . . . Carly Phillips, Janelle Denison, Julie Leto, Leslie Kelly
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
Subscribe to Posts 
Comment
I think Patrick should win this year. He’s come in second a few times and I think it’s time he came in first. I don’t know, there’s just something about him. Could be that voice – have you ever heard a sexier voice, so softspoken and just – whoa! Words fail me.
(And is that Barack?)
Comment
Hi Diana & Julie! :wave: It’s great to have you both here. I have both books, and in fact Julie, I’m reading yours now and I’m loving it. If I can, I’m going to try to make your booksigning tomorrow night in the city. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Gerard tops my list, though Hugh is a close second. I just love how rugged and masculine these men are. And those accents, especially Gerard’s. You’d have to pick me up off the floor if I ever met him *g*
Now all the contenders are quite sexy in their own way, so it’s a good variety. May the sexiest man win!
Comment
WELCOME DIANA AND JULIE!
Julie what a great surprise! Guess what’s in my pocketbook? I’m reading your book and loving it! (MY Julie, this is what I get for not knowing who’s visiting each week, LOL!) It’s fantastic, Julie James! Diana, I’ll pick up yours next! :bigturk
Comment
Welcome to the jungle!!!!
Wow, what a tough choice but I gotta say Gerard Butler. Man, he is
Have a great day, everyone!
Comment
Hi Diana and Julie! Welcome to the Jungle! Give me Gerard Butler, baby!! I did almost pick Daniel Craig but there’s something about a Scottish accent.
The only non-actor was John Kennedy Jr. :-)
What makes a man sexy? A quiet gentleness, a protected vulnerability even when he projects a tough guy image on the outside.
Have a great day all,
Cher :gobbler:
Comment
:freezin This is how it feels right now in my office. I’m wearing my coat. :freezeman
Okay now to the Sexiest Man Alive, I voted twice once for Will Smith, because he is just wonderful. A nice guy, funny, sexy and a wonderful husband and father, all of these things make him sexy. And for my second and more importantly most deserving pick Gerard Butler. This man IS sex. He has the accent, the looks, the penetrating blue eyes. I with Stacy, if I met him you would have to pick me up with Bounty, because I would melt.
Comment
While Will Smith would make me turn around and walk backwards in a crowd to get a good gander at him, that other guy? Not so much. Sexy is in the eye of the beholder and despite all the power he’ll be wielding come January, he just doesn’t push any of my buttons.
On the other hand, it’s a real toss up between Patrick Dempsey and Daniel Craig. Patrick is cute and sweet and intense and hawt. Daniel is intense and hawt and intense and…did I mention hawt? :wub:
Since my brain is focusing on intensely hawt at the moment, Daniel gets my vote. (Though I had a hard time not writing in either Sam Elliott or Sean Connery. Yeah. I’m old!
)
Comment
Welcome to the jungle Diana & Julie! I would love Patrick Dempsey to win, but think that Gerard Bulter(who I agree is super HOT) will take it this year. I’ve loved Patrick Dempsey since he first came onto the scene years ago(Can’t Buy Me Love). Give me some McDreamy any day of the week!
I’m with Cher that the only non-actor winner was John F. Kennedy Jr.
Comment
Ahhh. Sam Elliot. He still makes me drool. Linda Hamilton is one lucky woman.
I’m with you on Will Smith too Silver.
However, I did vote for Gerry Butler. It’s the eyes and the accent that get me. Daniel Craig came in a close second. Hopefully, I will get to see 007 today. :danmonk
Comment
Hi, everyone.
Thanks so much for the warm welcome, and for all your insight into this very important matter. (“Gerard Butler IS sex”–I’m going to be giggling about that all day!)
Yup, JFK was the only non-actor Sexiest Man Alive. Kinda amazing. Now, did you guys know or did you look it up?
Gerard Butler ran away with this poll last year, too. It’s so interesting that romance readers like him so much.
Keep ‘em coming!
–Diana
Comment
I think People is going to pick Brad Pitt. They LOVE Brad Pitt and Angelina.
Sexy is a guy who is smart, funny, family oriented, loves his significant other (puts her first instead of himself), hot, etc. I am particularly fond of Chuck Todd of NBC News (Don’t hate me). I am a political junkie and could listen to him for hours and really not hear what he is saying. He’s not particularly hot, but he doesn’t think he is attractive, either. He’s so cerebral. Face it, I love nerds.
Comment
I voted for Patrick Dempsey (feeling loyal) but had to look twice at Will Smith, LOL. These sexy men. It’s so hard to choose!
Comment
Welcome to the jungle Diana and Julie! I have both of your books on my bookshelf — now I just have to read them, which I plan to do SOON!
So many sexy guys to choose from!!! Hugh Jackman is my #1 pick, followed by Gerard Butler. I think it’s the accent that gets me everytime! :giggler
Comment
Yeah, I’m a sucker for nerds, too, Katie. My Sexiest picks tend to star on shows on the Discovery channel! LOL.
Check out this link:
http://www.laineygossip.com/Sexiest-Man-Alive-2008-category-gossip.aspx
for some more Sexiest Man Alive 2008 insight. Gerard doesn’t even make the list! And Phelps? Oh, I sure hope not. He’s a child!
–Diana
Comment
Diana and Julie, I was remiss in not welcoming you to the Jungle! I was too busy drooling. Ev, you and I have ALWAYS agreed about Sam. (*warily eyes that potted plant*
) I really should explain that one of these days… *snorfle*
I really should be editing and working on blurbs and excerpts today but I just can’t get motivated. I’d rather think about sexy men. If I could get away with it, I’d go catch some Bond this afternoon….
Y’all have a great day!
Comment
Hi everyone! Thanks for the welcome. Sorry to arrive late to the party, but my husband’s out of town and I’ve got a sick and very stubborn toddler. :wallbanger ‘Nuff said.
Carly and Stacy– that’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the book!! Stacy– definitely come by the signing if you get a chance. Does that mean you’re in the Chicago area, too?
Okay… so you’re gonna hear it here first, my prediction for SMA 2008 (which of course will be totally wrong–ha). I’ll guess that People’s going to do something different this year and pick a sexiest couple or sexiest family and choose Brad and Angelina and the brood. They’ve done it before– fifteen years ago they chose a sexiest couple. Any guesses who it was?
Otherwise, I’ll throw in my hat with the Daniel Craig team. Not traditionally handsome, but oh my in Casino Royale that man was
Comment
Welcome Diana and Julie.
I vote for Will Smith, but I will never stray from MAtt McCoughney being my fella. That southern drawl gets me every time.
Have a super day!
Comment
Julie, yes I’m in the NW ‘burbs. About 15 miles from the bookstore. I’m trying to get out of work a bit earlier so I can avoid the worst of rush hour traffic. Any other booksignings in the works?
Another one of my faves is Denzel Washington. Can’t believe I forgot about him.
Comment
Diana…I love that blog you talked about. I think it might be a Brad/Angelina duo, that someone else mentioned.
Michael Phelps is pretty hot…he’s legal, so that’s okay.
Comment
Stacy– funny, I’m originally from the NW suburbs, too. (Although now I live in the city.) The Book Cellar is the only signing I currently have on the calendar, although if that changes I’ll obviously update my website.
In complete agreement with you on Denzel. Ever since Crimson Tide. Whew.
Comment
Welcome to the Jungle Diana & Julie!
I’m glad you came to visit with us. Choosing the sexiest man alive is like picking your favorite child! Not possible to have just one. For me I have to have a tie between Patrick Dempsey & Hugh Jackman. Oprah had Hugh Jackman on last week when they showed clips of Australia–wow! That man is such a hunk! But then I also love Tom Sellack, Harrison Ford, Denzel Washington, David James Elliott, the list could go on & on!! Since I am much older than most of the actors I tend to not fall to hard for the real young ones—to much like drooling over my 19 year old grandson!! Yuck!! 
:danmonk :jiveturkey: :givethaks
Comment
To me, Simon Baker is the sexiest guy around. I loved him from his prior CBS show, where he portrayed an ex-drug user, turned Social Service rep. That show & his current, THE MENTALIST, are good shows, but, I could miss each if it weren’t for Baker. He makes the hour worthwhile. Jackman would be my 2nd choice, but, way behind Baker.
Comment
Guess I haven’t yet learned how to spell my name. LOL
Comment
:freezin I just came home with a new space heater for my place… Brr, its cold out and snowing. I :heart1: Gerard, so you know I voted for him.
Sexy is a guy who is good looking and very sweet and kind hearted.
Welcome Diane & Julie.
Comment
Patricia, I love Simon Baker too. In fact tomorrow I think I’m going to post some pictures of him up at my blog, if you’d like to take a look *g*
Comment
Ha! This is like finding new romance writers–who the heck is Simon Baker? Link, please! (Not that I”m avoiding revisions on my new book or anything…)
Glad you’re finally warm, Elisa. :bigturk
–Diana
Comment
Diana, here ya go….
http://www.starpulse.com/Actors/Baker,_Simon/gallery/SGG-051051/
Comment
Welcome Diana and Julie.
Well I voted for Patrick. But Mr. Smith was a very close second. You know that old saying, “too many men too little time. ” :dominatrix:
Comment
Diana, here ya go….
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2017303296/nm0048932
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3005388800/nm0048932
http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/simon-baker/photos/174797/21
Comment
Lance Briggs, Dan Hampton…..Michael Jordan anyone but an actor please…..
Comment
Hi Diana & Julie! I have to say that Gerard tops my list. I’ve been infatuated with him since I saw him in Timeline a couple years ago. He was uber sexy in that role.
As for what makes a man sexy, I’d have to say it’s a combination of looks and personality. To be the sexiest man alive, he definitely has to be drool worthy, but he also has to have the personality to match. None of those pretty but shallow guys need apply.
Comment
How about Josh Bernstein, from the A&E show “Digging for the Truth” and who is now on the Discovery Channel? I was lucky enough to meet him last year. Cute AND smart – very sexy combination.
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/josh-bernstein/josh-bernstein.html
Comment
Ooooh, Stacy, I love Josh Bernstein! He was a big reason I watched that show.
Comment
I love Gerard Butler and Patrick Dempsey and George Clooney – who should be on the list. :bigturk :jiveturkey:
Comment
Thanks for the links! Loved the curly hair. And such eyes….
“Anyone but an actor.” I hear you, flip. That’s the number one reason people tell me that they’re not so sure they want to read Sexiest Man Alive….they don’t like actors. Then there are the folks who LOVE to read about actors. I guess it’s like sports stars; some readers avoid them like the plague…others can’t get enough.
I just looked up Mr. Berstein. Lovely.
–d.
Comment
Fingers crossed for my man….
–Diana
Comment
My vote went to Patrick Dempsey! Mainly because he has been the runner-up a couple of times already.
Simon Baker really tops my list, followed Damian Lewis and ex-Oiler Fred Willis.
Pat Cochran
Comment
I would have to go with Jason Statham….from The Transporter and Crank…as my top pick. I think this man is absolutely gorgeous and so sexy. He is probably a long shot.
Next, I would go with Gerard Butler…gorgeous!
Comment
According to the Today show website, it’s Hugh Jackman. The link is already up, the show is at an ad and then they will announce the winner. Guess they decided to do it early. In time for the movie release maybe??
Comment
Yup, they called it early. Hugh, huh? He got less votes here than Barack Obama. Although, in fairness, I added him late, after he got almost ten votes in “other.”
Okay, I’m going over to check on winners. I’ll report back.
Thanks so much, everyone, for playing! It was a blast!
–Diana
Comment
Hmm…. Hugh Grant. Didn’t see that coming, but I’m not sure I can disagree. Any man who can play both Wolverine AND sing and dance definitely catches my eye…
Thanks to everyone for having us here and for voting– it’s been a blast!
Comment
Hugh Jackman? Who? What? No way! But, yes, indeed. Hugh Jackman is the Sexiest Man Alive (according to People magazine). Since almost no one picked him in the contest, if you did, you win! If you didn’t, still good news. Julie and Diana will randomly pick “wrong” entries to make up the difference and each send off five books anyway. And, in the spirit of fun and the holidays, if you picked Mr. Jackman in the comments here, send both Diana and Julie your snailmails at Diana@dianaholquist.com and info@juliejamesbooks.com and we’ll send you books, too. After all, you must be an expert on what makes a man sexy to have called this long shot. Thanks so much for hanging out with us here. See you next year, we hope!
–Diana and Julie
Comment
Well, of course he is!
I didn’t post yesterday, but it was between him and Will Smith for me. Gerard Butler is my new celebrity crush, but since he’s already won, I was open to either Hugh or Will.
Great post, Diana and Julie…thanks for your post here at Plotmonkeys!!
Comment
No, no, not Hugh Grant…he’s cute, but he’s no HUGH JACKMAN!
YUMMMMMMMM!!!!
Julie, Janelle and I all saw him on stage in NYC. And I also met him once. He is utterly drool worthy and charming and talented.
Very deserving win, IMHO.
Comment
While I was really pulling for Gerard Butler, I can’t say I’m disappionted that Hugh Jackman won. He has definitely earned that title.
Comment
Oops– I actually meant Hugh Jackman, not sure why I wrote Hugh Grant… You are right, Leslie– Mr. Grant is cute but not in the same league as Mr. Jackman. And funny, b/c I definitely CANNOT see Hugh Grant playing Wolverine. ; )
Comment
i love the acting skills of Gerard Butler. he is definitely a great action star.`;-