Across the Beer Bar With….Oh, Sorry, You Were Saying Something, Hans?

I am thrilled and honored to have 2 very special guests at my beer bar today. Professional model and super nice guy Scott Nova and his almost-too-good-to-be-true-but-actually-very-awesome significant other, Lesley. I met these 2 at the RomFest down in Tennessee last year and we had such an amazing time I declared Scott my Official Stand In for Hans, the Liz Muse. He even came by Ann Arbor for the release weekend of GOOD FAITH!



Without another second to keep you waiting, let's get started….

Liz: Welcome to my beer bar Scott and Lesley, what can I pour for each of you to start? Lesley: We’re thrilled to be here, Liz, we don’t get out much so thanks for the invite!  Ok, if I must drink, I’m a wuss, give me something light.Scott: Well, I really liked your Wolverine Dark Lager when I tried it in your hotel room ;)Lesley: /sideways look….Oh wait, I was there too ;)Liz: Well played kids.



Liz: We met as you might expect at a romance writer's convention. I know you do a ton conventions like it Scott so I gotta ask, how does it feel (really now, be honest) to be so objectified at those things? Scott: At times, it’s a little much to take in...and some ladies get a little (sometimes a lot) handsie but I also know that a LOT of them really look up to their authors and the heroes that the authors depict on their covers. With that said, in the end, it’s pretty cool all at the same time. Especially for me, the ex-skinny kid who was bullied majorly in high school. I’m also a big softy at heart, so if I can make some fans happy by taking nice photos and conversation, then I’m all for it. It’s also incredibly ego boosting too. So you’ll never hear me complain lol



Liz: You guys are professional health nuts, right? I mean, it's all about the right foods and whatnot. Have you always been that way?Lesley: Not in this capacity, no.  When Scott went into the fire academy six years ago he noticed the perks of being able to lift heavy things so he rededicate himself to the gym.  I was a dancer in my past life and was doing a Caberet in Columbus, Ohio three and a half years ago.  When I saw the...um...skimpy costumes, I decided I could stand to lose a few pounds.  Scott said I could come to the gym with him to lose some weight (cue romance spawned by the gym).  When you rush to the gym after work every day just to see your gym partner, it really pushes you to get into the gym!  Almost 4 years later, we’re still gym partners, or as it’s called in our circles, “swolemates”!Scott:  HAHA yes, we are definitely swolemates….there’s no doubt there. We’ve gone to the gym on Valentine’s Day, and Christmas Eve before. The lifestyle we have is just that, a lifestyle. It’s not even a 2nd thought for us to know that we will be cooking over the weekend to make sure we have the proper foods, in the right quantities and all packed ready for the week. We don’t premake dinners, Lesley cooks those fresh each night and we sit down as a family and eat. Sometimes we have my son, Jacob, and so we all make sure we sit down and eat together. And no, I wasn’t always like this, I used to THINK I knew what was good eating for bodybuilding, but only in the last two years have I really learned. I’ve honed in my body, and made it as much a granite statue as I can. Liz: Ponders "Granite Statue" for about a half second too long….



Liz: Scott did I dream this (sideways glance at the reader) or did I see that you have applied to be a firefighter? I thought the whole "IT geek with a smoking hot body" thing was working pretty well for you. Are you seeking this career change for a reason or is something you've always wanted to do?Scott: Well, IT was great...for a time. But there quickly became a very large hole in my life. I don’t play well in the corporate world. I’m an alpha male...no need to cover that up. Anyone who really knows me, will know that. It’s not little man syndrome, I’m not little. I just say it as it is, back up what I say, and stand behind what I’ve said and done. And that ISN’T how most companies or corporations work. It’s all about lying and being shady and I don’t do that. I also get looked down on BECAUSE of my lifestyle choices with bodybuliding and diet. More than once, I get accused of being anti-social because I didn’t go to lunch with the team. Not my fault those guys go to Five Guys Burgers three times a week. I also always felt something was missing...I was blessed with a mindset of not panicking whenever something happens. I MAKE results happen, I don’t wait for someone else to take charge. I also was blessed with very strong shoulders, and a strong back, and all things you need to be a good firefighter. So, nope, you were correct, I recently applied for a firefighter position and interviewed….Keeping the fingers crossed.
Liz: Oh, we will, make no mistake about THAT!




Liz: Whoops! empty glasses. What can I get for you next?Lesley: What now?  A second round?  Good thing Scott is driving home.Scott: Oh hell, why not...keep the Lager coming. Liz: I'll get you kids trained up properly in no time….oh, sorry, watch that hand….





Liz: Lesley you are lucky that you are so nice because frankly, "bikini model with hot cover model fiance" is not usually a description that cries out "New Liz Friend." However, I have to tell you that you charmed the group at the convention just as much as the hunky guy over there. Do you usually attend those with him? Is it...weird to have all these writer ladies with active sex imaginations glomming all over your man? be honest....Lesley:  Haha, I think that’s a compliment so I’ll take it!  I have gone to a day-con or two with him before; met a few authors, helped Scott with some swag.  But RomFest in Gatlinburg last year was the first time that I was able to really hang out with you authors and get to know you all as friends!  If and when it works into our schedules and makes sense for me to come, I enjoy the conventions just as much as the next girl.  I don’t find it weird at all!  First and foremost, I’m his number one fan (sorry ladies, think that you are all you want, but it’s me) so I have just as much fun watching him parade around as everyone else.  I just truly enjoy watching him in his element and having so much fun, because it’s true, he LOVES doing this.  Active imaginations you say?  I’m just a young pup, I’ll gladly take any pointers you women have!
Liz: Yes, you are his Number One Fan without a doubt. Because frankly, for most of us, we prefer not to wash his socks or any of that other mundane crap. We have enough of that in our lives. We'll just keep him tucked away in our fantasy corner….BUT, should you require advice my dear, well, I'm guessing we could arrange a lengthy demonstration.



Liz: Tell us a little about your journey into your current life as professional model. If I remember correctly it's a cool story. Is it how you guys met?Scott: Well, I got interested in modeling in college...but didn’t do anything with it until Cindy Walker recruited me for the RT-LA for Mr. Romance and the rest is history. The rest of my modeling is up and coming because my body is getting bigger and more muscular and that IS what folks pay for. Lesley: No, no, no, I am NOT a model.  I’ve been a prop for him once or twice, but that’s all.  You can see me on stage in a bikini, but you probably won’t see me in front of a lens!



Liz: Scott, what are your goals for Life as Cover Model? To be the next Fabio or that Jimmy whatshisname? (you're cuter, just saying--again that whole "nice guy, hot bod, lovely face, computer geek" thing is just titillating).  Tell us an embarrassing story about Life as Male Cover Model---come on, give it up. How about your favorite cover so far?Scott: Well, I don’t want to copy another model that has been very successful, but I’ll kind of take cues from them and try to avoid some of the pitfalls that they have had at times.  Ultimately, I’m taking my own path. When those two guys were coming up the ranks, doing their thing, they had very little competition compared to today’s guys. With the internet and social media, every guy with a set of abs calls himself a cover model before even getting a cover; or maybe one cover that they “gave” away to an indie-author. So my goal is to be a very fun filled cover model that can help authors promote their products and also become a regular name when cover models are discussed. I know that I won’t be everyone's favorite, that’s impossible, so I try to make sure that I reach as many folks as I can. Embarrassing moment in cover modeling eh? Well, there was this one time that I had to wear a Hans outfit at this brewery...GAWD that was rough. LOL *wink* But no, really...embarrassing I don’t really have one. Really I don’t...I’m pretty easy going, and it takes a lot to embarrass me.  Plus, I generally know what I’m getting myself into in each situation.

Liz: Guys, it's getting late so let's share a nightcap...what can I get you do NOT say "water because our bodies are a temple that cannot be sullied" or I will be forced to smack your heads together.  One last question: when is the Big Day? Lesley: Oh dear Lord, no more please!  I’m such a light weight!Scott: Well, I DO have to drive tonight, so, maybe just a half glass!!


Lesley: Big day?  Err...umm….what day are you airing this interview?  Because we kind of sort of eloped on April 2nd :)Scott: Yep, I put a ring on it, and then put another one on it on April 2nd.

Liz: woo hoo!!! Congrats! Ok, now he's really hitched ladies so sheathe your claws…..but he is "Hans" so I get to talk to (argue with) him daily!

Lesley:  Things came up, life throws you curveballs, and so, we took the day off work, we snuck off to the courthouse, just the two of us, and got hitched!

Liz: and if THAT is NOT the fodder for a novel, well, you guys are getting lazy out there….


Thanks for coming by Scott and Lesley. Enjoy married life…and remember, that skills demonstration is just a phone call away….