It is with such great pleasure that I introduce Christina Phillips as today’s guest blogger. This is Christina’s second guest blog here at MM. Her erotic ancient historical romance, FORBIDDEN, was met with amazing reviews and she joins us today only a month and a bit away from the release of the second book in her series, CAPTIVE. Here is Christina . . .
’Tis the Season for Sizzling Hot Warriors
A big thank you to my good friend Michelle and the ladies at Magical Musings for inviting me back to chat about the second book in my Forbidden series, Captive.
My ancient historical romances for Berkley Heat are set in Britain during the first century AD, when the Romans invaded and were charged with eliminating Druids from the face of the Empire. These fearless warriors, used to tough campaigns, harsh conditions and primitive provinces are brought to their knees by their intriguing heroines. Unfortunately for them, their heroines also happen to be powerful Druids 
.
I loved exploring the challenges that faced Maximus and Carys in Forbidden and Bren and Morwyn in Captive (and Tacitus and Nimue in the third book in the series, Enslaved, which I’m writing at the moment!) Not only do they have to overcome the conflicts of their differing cultures but also the machinations of the ancient goddesses, who refuse to fade quietly into the background just because of political change.
But because it’s almost Christmas, I thought today I’d focus on another aspect of my Forbidden series. The Hot Warriors. *Happy sigh* For whatever reason, Romans aren’t as prolific in romance as, for example, Highland Warriors. And much as I adore a sizzling Scot in a sexy kilt I’d like to put forward the case for hot Roman warriors as well. I definitely think there’s room in romance for more heroes in skirts. After all, we’re talking about leather, weapons and ripped physiques here. And not that I’m biased or anything but Clive Owen was pretty hot in King Arthur (although let’s face it, Clive Owen is pretty hot in anything… or even nothing!!!)
And who can forget Russell Crowe in Gladiator? Not to mention Brad Pitt (looking exceptionally fit!), Orlando Bloom and Eric Bana in Troy.
Then of course there’s James Purefoy in the BBC series Rome, as well as the recent Spartacus: Blood and Sand. And Colin Firth plays a very sexy Roman tribune in The Last Legion.
And because I’m that kind of girl, I’m also going to mention the delectable Hugh Jackman who would look completely fabulous in a Roman toga!!! But we’ll just have to make do with drooling over him wearing a towel. Not that I’m complaining…
So what is it about a guy in a kilt (or a skirt!) that is just so hot and sexy? Is it the air of supreme masculinity, those muscular calves or the secret hope an obliging gust of wind will whip by at an opportune moment? Or is that just me?
I’d love to offer a copy of either Forbidden or Captive* to one lucky commenter. Either leave a comment or answer this question: Which actor would you most like to see as a smoky, sexy warrior in your stocking this Christmas morning?
* As soon as I receive my author copies, probably mid-January 2011!
Between a warrior and a princess comes an erotic passion as all-consuming as the hatred between their warring worlds…
Excerpt: Over 18s Only, please!
Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man—the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…
Excerpt: Over 18s Only, please!
Enslaved:
A Druid priestess is captured and enslaved to a Roman tribune who must decide whether his loyalty lies with his heritage or the woman he suspects may be Rome’s deadliest enemy…
My Website: http://www.christinaphillips.com
WINNER: Congratulations to Rhianna, you are the winner of the giveaway.
Forbidden and Captive sound awesome!
Hm. For me, I’d have to say Jason Carter (played Marcus in Babylon 5… why, yes, I am a geek!). He can read the telephone book and look pretty.
I’ll go with Hugh Jackman. I’m sure he looks good in anything! I’ve seen him on talk shows, too, and he has a great personality to go with his looks.
BTW, terrific choice of pictures! I’ll check out your books this morning.
Thanks, Nonny! I have to agree about Jason Carter. I’m adding him to my naughty list!!!
Hi Edie! I had a huge crush on Hugh Jackman for years, he’s sooo lovely. Then I discovered Clive Owen… and more recently my eye has been wandering to Henry Cavill. I blame my fickleness on all the research for hot heroes I have to undertake *cough cough*!!
Christina, what a horrid question to ask – just one actor? – goodness me….decisions, decisions. I mean you’ve mentioned some above but there’s also Clive Owen (how did you forget Clive?
), Gerard Butler (300 abs), Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Viggo Moretensen, Sean Bean, and many many more…. 
I think I may go for the abs of Gerard Butler and well he played a Spartan, so part of my Greek heritage.
Omigosh. Here I am sitting at work, drooling at 8.36 am in the morning… So many choices…. And then to imagine them with only a Christmas stocking (heh heh). This would be a time I wish I were Jewish and could get one for each of the twelve days of Christmas. Alright, since you’re making me say just one, I’ll go with Gerard Butler (oh, sweet, tasty Gerry).
BTW, I’m glad you talked about your books. They are right up my alley… so I’m off to Amazon right now to download Forbidden to heat up my holiday reading.
Berinn, I just read FORBIDDEN a couple of weeks ago. It is really, really good. Christina’s world-building is second to none.
Thanks for the affirmation, Michelle! I downloaded it to my kindle app this morning.
Mmmm I feel the need for a festive warrior, send one to me Christina
Hey Christina! Great to see you here
I’m not generally one for the hulking warrior types. I tend to go for floppy-haired pretty boy emo types, especially if they’re English. This pleases my husband because, well, that’s him! However, the perfect compromise is the beautiful, brooding, fit, fantastic Richard Armitage. He’s the answer to all questions about hot dudes.
Now, I’ll send you my address if you can managed to get him to me in time for Christmas. Cheers!
LOL, Christina. Thanks for such a fun blog, and for visiting MM again! I have to admit my eye was caught by Michael Fassbender in CENTURION, which I watched the other day. Oh, my, goodness! Where did that man come from? Yum. You’d like the whole movie, which is about the lost Ninth Legion and their clash with the Picts. And Fassbender wears his Roman leather skirt like a real man
.
I have to agree! It’s about time someone began putting Roman warriors on parade. I’m going to have to say the wind factor definitely factors into it all but I like them because there’s usually a certain eloquence to the brutishness of the Roman hero. You know he’s a dedicated soldier but could also carry on a conversation. And men in just enough armor to protect the vitals but be stripped off in a flash has an appeal my naughty mind can’t help but get fantastical with.
Hmmm… my choice for an actor I’d love to see don the Roman garb… ouch this is a tough one as my first thoughts ran toward the actors already mentioned already. My mind keeps coming back to Paul Bettany even though I don’t find him particularly attractive. He just strikes me as an actor who could really pull off the Roman soldier part so well it would make him sexy.
Otherwise I would love to see Hugh Jackman in the armor… or out of it. 
Hey Christina!
Merry Christmas! I would love Charlie Hunnam under my tree with a bow…with only a bow! He works well as a biker…i would love to see him in a kilt!!
Can’t wait til Captive comes out!
I can’t wait to read CAPTIVE. It looks like a fabulous read.
I’d love to see Gerard Butler under my tree on Christmas morning!
Hi Christina,
What a fun post! I’m not that big on movie stars but I did think Brad Pitt looked mighty fine in TROY. =)
As I mentioned on many of your blog stops I am so happy that you are writing about ancient historical times. It’s a very nice change of scenery. Looking forward to reading CAPTIVE!!
Hi Christina,
I’ve always loved Eric Bana’s portrayal as Hector. Andy Whitfield as Spartacus is my current crush and I would love to see him in my stocking.
Hello Christina,
)
Hmm which to read first? Captive or Forbidden – you make the choices hard for a girl! I guess I’ll just have to indulge in both simultaneously! (Cause aren’t two sizzling heroes even better than one?
I have to agree with Jane – if she’ll share, I’d love to see Andy Whitfield in my Christmas stocking. Though I’d also settle for Alex O’Loughlin – or maybe both if I can find a big enough stocking…
Great interview ladies!
I have a *thing* for Eric Bana. Just love him, and even named one of my hero’s after him
Merry Christmas
Tam
Thanks so much for being here, Christina! I love ANY discussion about sexy warriors…
I will have to say Eric Bana is pretty wonderful! Wishing you a very happy holiday!!
Only ONE actor – Christinnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaa!
Trying not to double up here with what I’ve read of everyone else’s Christmas stocking wish – I’m going to go with Christian Bale
. When I saw him in Reign of Fire and then Batman, I thought yep, there’s a guy who’d look good decked out in warrior leathers etc.
Have a great Christmas everyone, and I hope your stocking wishes all come true!
I will go with Hugh Jackman.
Though I love the picture of James Purefoy from Rome. Loved him in that one.
Oooo. I totally agree with the Hugh Jackman photo. Yum.
Terrific blog, Christina. Yes, I can appreciate hot guys in kilts, but you’re right. There is a sad lacking of hot guys in togas.
Your series looks like a winner. Thanx for joining us here at MM.
Eleni, since it’s Christmas I think you can choose as many hot warriors as you like!! I did love Viggio as Aragorn (when he washed his hair, that is… ha!)? Actually, I never realised how buff Gerard Butler was until the other night when I watched him in The Gamer. OMG!!! I think I’ve been converted
? Berinn, lol, I’m imagining them wearing nothing but a glittery Christmas stocking!! I wouldn’t say no to that
And I also think celebrating the 12 days of Christmas with 12 different hot guys sounds just about perfect!!
Thank you so much for your kind words about my books – I hope you enjoy Forbidden!!
Michelle! Hugs! So glad you enjoyed Forbidden!
LOL Margaret, I’ll send a hot warrior your way to melt some of that snow you’ve had!!!
Hi Carrie!! Ooh yes, I’ll go with Richard Armitage too, especially when he’s playing a smoking villain!! And speaking of hot Brits I adore Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham!!
Michelle, I watched the trailer for CENTURION the other day, and can’t wait to see the movie. Michael Fassbender is one of those actors whose face I recognised but not his name (though I will definitely remember it now!) And thank you so much for inviting me back to MM!! It’s always so much fun here!
Rhianna, that’s exactly why I love my Roman heroes!! They’re tough and loyal but also educated. And hot. Did I mention the hotness factor?! And OMG so funny about the armor covering their vitals!!! I think Paul Bettany would look great in Roman gear and as for Hugh Jackman he always looks great in anything! (and even better out of it… lol!)
Hi Christy! I just Googled Charlie Hunnam -OMG how did I not know about this gorgeous guy before?! I can just imagine him wielding a bow, in fact I can see him as a Viking!!! Although he would definitely look awesome in a kilt!! Merry Christmas!!
Thanks, Jennifer!! I must admit, I wouldn’t mind finding Gerard Butler under my tree in the morning either!!
Hi Scorpio!! Brad Pitt looked fabulous in TROY. I couldn’t stop looking at his legs
I’m so glad you enjoy the ancient historical romances!!
Hi Jane! I do love Eric Bana, especially when he plays a villain! As for Andy Whitfield oh yes!! He’s welcome to snuggle in my stocking any day!!
LOL, Cass!! Captive starts six months after Forbidden ends, so although both books stand alone I’d recommend reading Forbidden first
And seeing as it’s Christmas I don’t see why both Andy and Alex (OMG YUM!) can’t share your stocking!!
Hi Tam!! Merry Christmas
And lol on naming your hero after Eric Bana – and why not!! Eric is total hero material!!!
Hi Marilyn! I’m always willing to chat about sexy warriors
And another vote for Eric!! I think he’s going to be very tired come New Year!!!
LOL Kylie!! I know, so mean of me
Hey, I love Christian Bale too, I really enjoyed him in The Prestige (of course there was also the delectable Hugh to drool over so I kind of closed my eyes to the holes!!!) I’d love to see the pair of them in leather skirts, that’s for sure!!
Hi Larena! Hugh Jackman would make the perfect stocking filler
Though have to agree, James is very much up there especially in his Rome gear!!
Thanks, Liz! Yes, I think we could definitely do with more hot heroes in togas!!
Ryan Reynolds
He’s so yum !!
It’s the skin and leather combination. And Hugh Jackman, of course.
Hi Mariska! Ooh that’s just reminded me, I had a dream about Ryan Reynolds last night!!! I can’t remember what it was about, but I had a smile on my face when I woke up!!
infinitieh, exactly!! I can’t resist that skin and leather combination!! A good pair of muscled thighs always helps, too
Christina,
Still, whilst in the middle of imagination, I’m thinking a bit of this one and then toss in a component of another… Maybe Mr Not So Well Known is the way to go as a new author. Sound the cymbals for both author and actor at the one time. Better than same old, same old, even if they are favourites with the multitudes.
Hugh Jackman would’ve done nicely this am.
Bring on the fresh blood so your characters aren’t copies of all that they’ve portrayed before. Well, that’s my take on it.
Robyn
Hi Robyn! I saw Hugh on the tv this morning dressed in his cricket whites, and very nice he looked too
I must admit, I don’t have any actor in mind when I’m writing my heroes, although I might think he has Gerard Butler’s biceps (for instance!!) or Clive Owen’s sexy smile. It’s more in the details rather than the overall package 