Please join me in welcoming Nicola O. of Alpha Heroes.  One of the things I like best about Nicola’s blog is that her voice is very clear, to the point, and intelligent without being superficial or bitchy. Here’s an example, from her latest review, of a Samantha James:

I’ve been kind of cranky lately. I’ve been reading a lot of things that just feel all meh. I think it’s probably mostly me, but I’m going to take a little of it out on Samantha James anyway.

Now, how could you not finish a review post that begins that way?

Here are Nicola’s answers to the Racy Romance Questionnaire:

1. What motivated you to start your blog?

I couldn’t find enough RL people willing to talk about romance novels. Much less blather on about them at great length.

2. Are those still the reasons you blog?

Pretty much.

3. How has your blog changed since you started it?

Mostly technically. I try to include more graphic elements; I am more conscious of how frequently I’m posting, and I try to post less epic novellas. Self-editing, what a trip.

4. If you had to describe your blog to someone with an incredibly short attention span, how would you do it? (One word or fewer, please).

One word: Alphaheroes.

Two words: Romance Reviews

5. If you could only read one romance blog (other than your own, chica — I am one step ahead of your ego!) for a week on a desert island (knowing you would get all your faves back after that one week) which would it be?

Probably Literary Escapism. Jackie posts almost every day and has really good content. Not precisely romance, but there’s a lot of overlap.

6. Do you sometimes feel like blogging has taken over your life? And if not, what is the matter with you and why aren’t you more committed?

Jessica’s note: The fact that Nicola did not answer this one tells us everything we needed to know, doesn’t it? She’s clearly got another window open on her browser and is looking at her stats or drafting posts while trying to answer these questions.

7. What are your long term goals for your blog?

For best-selling authors to come to ME first and beg me to read their galleys.

8. What unique contribution to Romanceland does your blog make (can be a negative contribution if you’re feeling self-esteem challenged today)?

Huh. I like to think that I take a literate if not literary view of romance novels and give them a fair (and kind) review, along with opportunities for discussions, especially around character development.

9. What’s one thing another blogger does that you admire?

Hmm. Of course there are lots, but I really like JenB’s utter shamelessness and willingness to discuss ANYthing about romance books, especially things that a lot of us are privately wondering “does anyone else think this is WEIRD/GROSS/EXTREMELY HOTT ?”

10. Name a blog you enjoy that deserves way more readers.

I don’t know if she’s hurting for readers, but lately I’ve really been enjoying Ms. Moonlight.

Jessica’s note: Nicola is the first respondent who did not name check Triple R. I may have to rethink my loyalties.

11. How hot is your blog’s look? Choose one scale and rate yourself:

Vegetarian Rating scale: Scorching, Smoking, Glowing, Tingling, hot coffee, cup of tea (caffeinated), cup of tea (herbal), milk (tepid), O’Doul’s, ice water.

Heh. If we’re talking about overall attractiveness, I might go so far as Glowing. If we’re saying out and out sexiness, I’m more down by herbal tea. But my blog is SFW!

Carnivore Rating Scale: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Denzel Washington, Nathan Fillion, Simon Baker, Zac Efron, Jonas Bros (all three), Jonas Bros (any one), Paul Giametti

I’m afraid I cannot acknowledge a scale of male pulchritude that doesn’t include Daniel Craig or David Beckham at least somewhere near the top, if not AT the top.

You mean this slovenly specimen? Shudder.

Omnivore Rating scale: Christian Bale, Halle Berry, Hellboy, Charlize Theron, Doctor Manhattan, Daniel Radcliffe, Lady GaGa, Alf, iCarly, E.T.

iCarly is below Alf? Hahahaha. *wheeze*.

Jessica: YES! look:

12. Kindly enter the Blog Stat Slut Box (you can’t see it, but you now have a truth telling digital lasso around your computer and cannot lie. Also a purple sequined thong.) (FYI: there is a loophole for exaggeration, hyperbole, and false modesty)

a. Number of times a day you check your stats (readers, multiply by 3 to get a more accurate number):

2-3. If it’s a slow work day.

b. Give it up. How many subscribers do you have? Hits per day?

It’s all right there. I have 23 followers per the blogger widget. On a new-post day, I usually break 40 hits. My average is somewhere in the 30s. Of course, my all-time record-breaking day, infamously known as The Day of the Penis Post, I got something like 2000 hits.

c. Are you happy with those numbers? And if so, why don’t you have any ambition?

Well, they’re growing. And I don’t do naked men posts or erotica reviews, so there’s only so much I can hope for. *wink*

13. What’s one bit of advice you could offer to anyone thinking about buying a piece of real estate in Romanceland?

Link and comment, comment and link!

Thank you, Nicola!!