Jenn LeBlanc's Blog, page 7

Cowboys, Marines and Dukes—oh my.

Worked with the handsome Guy Marquardt and beautiful Brittany Lines on Thursday for some cover shoot goodness. Here are some of the images that are not under embargo for clients:

For more images from the shoot go here

For more images from the shoot go here.

For licensing information send a request here:

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Tagged: beauty, Brittany Lines, cover, Guy Marquardt, illustrate, images, Jenn LeBlanc, model, photography, pink, portraits, romance, sexy, shoot, studio, victorian

Cover Kerfluffle

Trying to design a cover for Ds Lookbook.

 

Which one do you like?

 

Filed under: News Tagged: Derek Hutchins [image error]

#ManCandyMonday – Anatomy of a man

Welcome to my blog Man Candy Monday maniacs!!! I'm so happy to be master of ceremonies again and to kick off the new format wherein the weekly intro post has been decentralized.

This week, welcome to my humble abode, come on in, kick off your shoes, relax a bit and enjoy the candy.

We are here for the tour d'homme or Anatomy of a Man. Shall we go head to toe? Or is that a bit too cliché? Fine let's start with the toes, perhaps a circuit? Oh yeah you know that leaves the middle for last right? The middle includes my favorite word and all it entails, iliac. You'll see.

HEH.

Toesies, tootsies, puppies, des pieds, the feet. A set of metatarsels and phalanges bound by ligaments and muscle. Very well defined, with much personality.

Warm Toesies.

Let's go up the back side shall we?

Moving on up the leg, on the back we come to the gastrocnemius muscle, these twin muscles are more well known as the calf. The sexy pair of muscles above that is the biceps femoris, and of course go one futher and you have the gluteous maximus muscle. HOWEVER, my favorite muscle from this angle would be the lesser known gluteous medius muscle.

The gluteous medius wraps around the hip meeting the iliac crest, which we'll talk about momentarily.

Now, the meat of the backside is the gluteous maximus, but the crest, that beautiful crown of round flesh that we love to see above the waist line of his pants- that is the gluteous medius. It leads directly into the iliac crest which is the upper edge of the pelvis. There is a belt of ligaments connected here that basically separates the top of the man from the bottom of the man.

See how it curves around the hip there on that last image? The iliac crest, and what it does to a body, is my favorite part of the anatomy. We'll chat more about it, once we come full circle…so to speak.

Here are a couple that clearly delineate the iliac crest.

A clear delineation between top and bottom. Heh. Top and Bottom.

Moving on up, but a little more centralized we have the spinal chord. It beautifully separates a broad back of sinew and muscle quite perfectly. Flanking the spinal chord and wrapping around the sides are the latissmus dorsi. I think of them as wings, because when well defined, you can see them from the front when properly flexed.

See it here? Across the back and toward the side and the other stuff we'll talk about in a minute.

Now let's talk about those dimples. They are right there above the crest, on both sides of the spinal chord, low between the hips. You know the dimples. They are caused by the posterior superior iliac spine. Connective tissues, also on the pelvis, create that sexy dimpling.

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Moving on up! Shoulders. Big. Broad. Strong. Chiseled. Shoulders.

Shoulders are basically made up of the trapezius and deltoid muscles.

The trapezius in the muscle that joins the neck to the top of the back here:

 The OM tattoos are on his trapezii.

The deltoids wrap over the top of the shoulder, giving the beautiful round definition.

Alternately, when flexed they provide a great deal of textured definition

Beautiful arms right?

K moving on we have the face, eyes, hair— there are so many variations on these I'll just leave them all to your imagination and surfing. But on the way back down our first stop is the neck.

That divot at the base of the neck which is bounded by the two muscles known as sternocleidomastoid muscles. *sigh*

Steve Boyd always gives good neck:

So does THIS GUY:

Stop drooling, it's time for the chest. Pectoralis major and minor.

(it says "Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani" Which Jesus cried out from the cross…"My God, My God why have you forsaken me.)

Yeah, you know this image. But how can we talk chest without this big cavernous beast?

Moving on to the serratus anterior. These muscles make me all giggly inside.

It's the woven muscles above the ribcage, below the arms.

Yeah you knew he would show up again.

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Oh giggity it's time to talk abs.

Yes please.

That down the center, aka the six pack, is the rectus abdominus, and the flat slab of muscle on the sides, the one that sometimes looks cut out and glued on? That is the External abdominal oblique.

Please, who else is a better specimen of abs?

Yeah, there's that guy too.

Oh, or this guy is pretty good as well.

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So let's recap real quick with a side angle:

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The serratus anterior down to the external oblique, and let's not forget the latissmus dorsi, the large muscle that wraps around from the back to the side. The gluteus medius and gluteus maximus…

Now we're back to my favorite word: ILIAC.

So that belt, that wraps around the middle of a man, comes together nicely in the front.

Like this:

You can really see the iliac crest on this image of Mr. Boyd:

Let's use this image to finish up the anatomy:

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The hip. I'm completely obsessed with hips right now. The form, the purpose. THE PURPOSE…. *sigh*

See that ridge there on the hip, right where his hand rests? That is the sartorius. Just to the left of it, at the base of the external oblique is the iliac us. The iliac us goes all the way down. Just to the right of the sartorius is the tensor fasciae latae. Don't you think Starbucks should carry that? I do. I would drink it. Just saying.

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The iliacus is what makes up both sides of the famous V, that is also known as the Adonis line or Adonis belt or several other names. But we all know exactly where it leads don't we?

So tell me…was it HAWT enough for you?

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For updates on my work in progress, the follow up to The Rake And The Recluse, you can subscribe to my blog. All news goes there first, and as we are starting the casting for the next book there are quite often pictures of the models I am working with or looking to hire. You can also follow the casting work on my tumblr blog, or on Twitter with the hashtag #castingPerry.

Thank you so much for joining me and if you read my book PLEASE track me down somewhere and let me know what you think! I LOVE LOVE to hear from readers.

Because The Rake And The Recluse is a FULLY ILLUSTRATED novel, it is meant to be read as an eBook. It is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance eBooks and on iBooks from your iThingy and is ONLY $2.99!

A few bonus images of my fav male model, because who doesn't want to see NEW Steve Boyd images?

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The pint is…there is a lot that has to come together to make a beautiful man. I didn't even touch on arms or hands, and hands are, well…incredible. Aren't they?

Have fun tonight! See you at 7pm MST on twitter, don't forget the #ManCandyMonday

Filed under: Illustration, News Tagged: #mancandymonday, Derek Hutchins, Jed Hill, Joe Mangianello, Man Candy Monday, steve boyd, Timothy Olyphant, twitter [image error] [image error]

Lord And Lady Hotness – Shana Galen

Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was referring to this book on twitter as LORD AND LADY HOTNESS while reading it. Because is was hot, and boy HOWDY. I loved it. The tension, sexual and otherwise was stellar and palpable. I don't like reading fight scenes, but these fight scenes I READ because there was so much more to them than a smile parry and thrust! *snicker* kook I digress.



What a great read, I could not put it down, it had me on the elliptical trainer at the gym for 70 minutes three days in a row. I was sad when it ended. I can't wait to read it again.



This my first Shana Galen, but not my last, not by a long shot. Beautiful book, well written, well thought out, incredible characters.



I didn't not tool my eyes, I did not want to throw my iPad across the room and there was absolutely NO WTFckery whatsoever.





Get the book.



View all my reviews

Filed under: historical romance, review Tagged: historical, Lord and Lady Spy, romance, Shana Galen [image error]

Let me 'splain.

No, there is too much. Let me sum up…

My favorite movie of all time? Maybe, but I have levels where movies rest, and that level is occupied by a few other movies, not just THE PRINCESS BRIDE.

Anywhoo…

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE is going to be republished in its' original intended splendor.

Not enough info is it. OKOK so then let me 'splain.

Originally #TRATR was to be a serial novel in six parts. Due to circumstances beyond my control, which you can read about in earlier blog posts if you are ambitious, I had to cut it into two books. The first is the TRATR that you all know and love. (*grin*) The second book is the much anticipated story of Perry, the Rake. Herein lies the dilemma. I published the original and thought I would just publish the second when I was able to finish the principle photography, but it kept nagging at me. It was MEANT to be something else. After much waffling I have finally decided to republish the full SIX PART SERIAL with new material. Completely revisited, and re edited.

I'm really excited about this, and I hope you are too. I have added scenes that I wrote, simply because I missed my Gideon, and his Francine. I am working with an AMAZING new genius editor who, with fresh eyes, will whip this story into shape. I am revisiting every image I made for the book (nearly 50,000) and reselecting the ones that I think tell the story better. It will be a whole new book and it will lead up to the grand reveal: who is Perry's lady?!?!?!

The first book in the serial is set to release on December 20, 2011, and each book will follow at two weeks following that. There is one other thing. Because the file will be smaller i will have the option of introducing each novella at $.99!!! Oh HELLO!!! So you will be able to get your Roxleigh on for much less for each part of the serial for a limited time.

When the final book is real eased I will offer a complete book, all six parts of the serial, in a special edition. I will also republish the trade paperback and hardback (in a limited edition) as well.

I am so excited to be able to do this and to share this book the way it was meant to be shared. The complete story without interruption.

I really hope you will join me on this adventure. I am certainly looking forward to it.

But that is not all. #TWITCHY. Much anticipated, hotly awaited Twitchy. The anthology dissolved, boo hoo. That means Twitchy will not be out in January, but here's what else it means: I'm pubbing her m'self. What's that? Will she what? Oh yes, yes she will be illustrated, because if I'm on my own how could she NOT be illustrated? I start shooting both Twitchy and the Rake in November. And I am DAMNED excited about it. Also? Derek will be coming out for some fun times in the studio, because HOW COULD I NOT?!?!

Jenn

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Filed under: News, The Novel Tagged: historical, historical romance, illustrate, illustrated, illustration, Jenn LeBlanc, novel, photography, romance, The Rake and the Recluse, Victorian

Casting Perry on Kickstarter

Kickstarter is the coolest thing, it's called crowd funding. I have a project accepted by Kickstarter. I need a little money to hire the guys my fans would like to see play Perry in the follow up to The Rake And The Recluse. The first book cost quite a bit, and I paid every penny myself, unfortunately I cannot afford the cost of new talent, so I looked for a way to pay for it.

We all know I love to think outside the box, I mean, illustrated romance! Hullo! So I decided to go with Kickstarter. It's actually really cool. You can pledge as little as as $1.00 to my project, and you always get a reward. They are all listed on the Kickstarter site. Here's the other part of this funding source, if I don't meet the goal for funding, I get nothing. It's all or none. So I am going to be nauseous for the next 28 days or until my lovelies spread the word enough to get this thing funded so I can afford a beautiful man, and some clothes for him to wear.

Check it out! That part doesn't cost a thing. If you like the project, please share with your friends. If you REALLY like the project, consider pledging even ONE DOLLAR. Seriously , every single bit will help me get to my goal. And closer to Casting Perry.

Check out my project and send me a bone!

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Filed under: Illustration, Images, News, The Novel Tagged: casting, CastingPerry, crowd funding, crowdsourcing, Kickstarter, Perry, project, The Rake and the Recluse

Romancing the Countess – Ashley March

Romancing the Countess by Ashley March

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am going to try to write this without spoilers, so it may seem a bit discombobulated. I apologize in advance for my ADDness will be showing through…

This book this book. What can I say about this book. I adore Sebastian. He is snarky, irreverent, passionate, injured, wonderful and horrible all rolled up into one great big ball of green-eyed wonder. The journey these two characters take in this novel is absolutely moving and quite stunning. The emotions are raw and unmanageable, the power of their individual reactions is palpable and intense.

I could only image being one of these two people coming from both ends of the spectrum in this situation. One aware of the infidelity and prepared to celebrate freedom, the other so passionately in love with their spouse that not only does he have to deal with the grief of loss but the reality of the lies. I was also quite taken by Ian by the end of the book, because he is rather passionate with his wife, even though he is in love with another woman, and I wanted to know why, and the reasoning is such a powerful revelation in and of itself it was truly moving.

I was moved. I also very much appreciated the end not being wrapped up in a perfect little bow. You get your HEA that's for absolute, but there is no glimpse into the future for these two and the fact that Leah is given to be Henry's mother is beautiful and an honor to every wonderful step mother in the world. She wants her own children and not treated well, it could have gone terribly awry, but Ashley did a very good job with this piece of the story, and how the family question was left at the end.

This is a study in the human beast; motivation, emotion, drive, want. I was taken with the characters from the outset, and loved every word.

Favorite line "I'm not touching you."

There was no WTFckry, I did not roll my eyes once and never wanted to throw my iPad across the room. As for the cover, it is stunning. I love it.

I bought this copy from B&N in the middle of the night as soon as it was released because I have been waiting WAY TOO LONG to read it.

View all my reviews

Filed under: historical romance, review Tagged: Ashley March, historical, review, romance, Romancing the Countess

Courtney Milan – Unclaimed

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been putting off this review, letting it mull and it doesn't seem to have helped at all.

I waffle between being desperately in love with the story to being slightly annoyed with the heroine because of her deceit to being sad that the ruination of Mr. Turner seemed to go a bit faster than what I had expected.

I just simply do not know how to express in words the way I feel about this book.

It is easy enough to get the facts from a hundred different official reviews form different sources. I will not get into them, but that I am so torn about it, is what makes me love it that much more. I was hoping to read it again before I wrote this, and imagine I will update this as soon as I do reread it, but for that I will purchase my own copy.

Yes I will purchase a copy to keep. Yes it was that good. Yes I rated it five stars because not only was Courtney's writing as beautiful and lyrical as I have come to expect and love, but the tangled web of emotion and —I want to say suspense, but it isn't necessarily that. LONGING. Maybe that is it— is spot on.

This book wasn't just mindful it was endearing and this virginal hero was absolutely incredible. I was enamored with his beliefs, with his strength of character, with his personality. She was beautifully written even if I did not like that she was so desperately deceitful. I tend to have a problem with books where a simple honest conversation might suffice to repair all the tension, but Courtney schmoozed it just enough that it wasn't quite possible, and yet…and yet.

*sigh*

I will read it again. Possibly again after that.

I did not throw my iPad across the room, there was no real WTFckry, and the cover is simply beautiful.

I was given an eARC through Netgalley for review. But fully intend to purchase on release.

View all my reviews

Filed under: historical romance, review Tagged: Courtney Milan, historical romance, review, Unclaimed

#TRATR Book Trailer

I can't believe I didn't include this on my blog.

It is the most amazing thing and I am head over heels in love with it. One of my twitter be sties and my RomCon buddy Rita made it for me because she is just that damned crafty and fabulous.

So without further ado:

Filed under: historical romance, Illustration Tagged: #TRATR, Book Trailer, color, couple, ebook, epub, historical, historical romance, illustrate, illustrated, illustration, Jenn LeBlanc, love story, photography, romance, sexy, The Rake and the Recluse, torso, Victorian, vintage, wet

Ooohh Mandy…

Well, her name isn’t Mandy, but it’s close and damn but isn’t she a beautiful bride.

We did a studio pin-up boudoir mash up as a wedding gift for her hubs.

Overall we had a great time in-studio, just a bunch of girls playing dress up with a fancy camera and good lighting.

 

 

 

Tagged: beauty, boudoir, images, Jenn LeBlanc, photography, portrait, romance, sexy, strobe, studio