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From Michelle: Sophia Nash's new novel, "The Kiss" is splendid and, like all her novels, witty in that sweet, naughty and sophisticated way that's so very much like the "Sophia" we've come to know and love. I find Sophia warm and generous -- she's been immesurably helpful to me as a colleague. Plus, she's a total hoot to hang with. Please welcome her back to RBTB with your warmest "Sealed With a Kiss" Bella buongiorno...

From Sophia: I use the Latin term for "kiss" when I'm pressed to describe my job to new acquaintances. They never fail to ask if "osculum" is a sub-specialty of gynecology and I always reply, staightfaced, "Yes. It concerns the lips." At that point, if they haven't fainted dead away, they become my friends. Well, since I'm among the loyal already, let's move right to the heart of one of the best things life has to offer.

When I was writing "The Kiss," I wondered: What would be the ultimate kiss? Extraordinary longing would play a key role, which led to the idea of unrequited love, the most painful love ever. And undeclared longing would be another element. Imagine secretly yearning for someone for fifteen years and then in one exquisitely poignant moment, that person pulls you into their arms, and suddenly, everything you dreamed of is coming at you a hundred miles an hour. You would hold that memory in a corner of your soul forever.

Romance authors are not the only people who think about kisses. Scientists spend millions investigating osculum. Here are some actual findings:

1. "If a man is a bad kisser, the woman is not going to want to have sex with him."
2. "Men think kissing should lead to sex no matter what."
3. "Men are more likely than women to think a kiss could end a fight."
4. "Men are more likely to want to exchange more saliva during a kiss."

I'm certain every woman here is wondering why companies spend millions for answers we've known since well before the Dark Ages. And who is collecting the saliva from the men? Are the men good looking? OK, maybe I'm the only one wondering the last part.

So I ask you, for purely scientific reasons (and potential fodder for my current work in progress): What makes a kiss stand out? Is it technique, scent, touch, taste, location, or is it ALL about the one you're with? I'll tell you my secrets if you tell me yours.

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Superstar Linda Lael Miller GuestBlogs Monday, Feb 25!

Jacquie D'Allessandro's here Wednesday Feb 27.
Don't miss our Romance Book Club, Fri Feb 29th: "The Lady's Tutor," by Robin Schone.
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Click here to check out Michelle's video AuthorViews, plus a new excerpt from Ann Christopher's "Sweeter Than Revenge."


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