Louisa Cornell, ladydawgfan, KateS and Kelly Ryan are the winners of Fun Contest Saturday!
Lori Austin's (aka Lori Handeland) An Outlaw in Wonderland has been named one of Publisher Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2013!!
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
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For Refreshment Only Sundays (FROS) has always believed in the the finest principles of democracy … like equal access to sexy, FROSian men; the freedom of all citizens to ogle; the right to bare arms and abs; and full and enthusiastic participation in the FROS Voting Process.
Today, we have two delightful FROS candidates for you to vote upon, both from upcoming movies:
First, Johnny Depp as the delightfully delicious vampire in DARK SHADOWS:
And second, Robert Downey Jr. as the wise-cracking billionaire playboy superhero in THE AVENGERS:
(Ballot Note: While I know there are other sexy FROS candidates in THE AVENGERS, they didn’t get their election petitions filed in time, so only Robert Downey, Jr. is listed on our ballet.)
It’s good to encourage participation in the election process, too, so I’m giving away a t-shirt featuring the cover of my coming May 22nd book, THE TAMING OF A SCOTTISH PRINCESS, to one lucky commenter today. The winner will be drawn at random after midnight PST from the comments made.
So get ready voters! Give your candidates a good, thorough once over; whip our your trusty voting pen; and let us know who you’ve selected for today’s FROS!
Not a fan of Tim Burton, but love Marvel
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:18 am.
Robert Downey Junior all the way. I would actually rate Jeremy Renner and Chris Evans a little higher but since they didn’t get their ballots in on time I will go with the iron man.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:44 am.
Robert Downey Jr mainly because the only movie I liked Johnny Depp in was Edward Scizzorhands.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:50 am.
I prefer Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man. I have seen various Marvel related movies and liked them. I’m not impressed with the previews for Dark Shadows featuring Johnny Depp. I thought the Dark Shadows movie was going to be some weird dark comedy about vampires from the previews I’ve seen instead of based off the soap opera show with the same title that aired back in the past despite not seeing any of that soap opera to know which is the truth.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:09 am.
I have never seen the appeal to Johnny Depp so I will vote for Robert. Did you know that the actor who played Barnabas in the Dark Shadows original TV show died last week?
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:29 am.
One million votes for Johnny…I do take issue with Tim Burton for Johnny’s Justin Bieber hairdo. But I know beneath that wig is his long dark hair and beneath all that eyeliner are dark eyes that smolder to the point of burning, and lips so sexy, they make a grown woman weak. So, un, yeah, Johnny.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:37 am.
I knew you were going to say that … heh!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:59 pm.
It’s good to be known.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 10:19 pm.
Now, normally I’m firmly with Lisa H in the Johnny Depp camp, but I just can’t get behind that make up! My vote today is for RD Jr, although I really wish we were abe to vote for Chris Helmsworth…
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:49 am.
RDJ hands down or wherever ……it IS almost Cop A Feel Month so that would be ok.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:07 am.
I’ve been copping a feel of the very nice tush on New Guy for the last week. I guess that I have been getting in practice a little early. *g*
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:02 am.
We need a like button!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:12 pm.
Kelly, practice makes perfect!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:00 pm.
Like them both, but going to have to go with RDJ in this contest. Was a big fan of Dark Shadows (both the original and the 90′s reboot) and don’t know how I feel about the direction they’ve taken it in. Really looking forward to the Avengers movie, though. You could do an entire FROS just on the men from that movie!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:30 am.
RDJ all the way. His intelligence and smart wit make him a truly fun super hero. Being a billionaire does not hurt!
Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins? Not in this lifetime or the next…
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 10:16 am.
Oh goodness… that’s a tough decision. I desperately want to see both movies, and I love both Johnny Depp and Robert Downy Jr… but I think in this particular vote, I’d have to go with Robert Downy Jr.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 10:42 am.
Robert Downey Jr., no doubt, no questions. Super sexy, dark eyes, deep voice, whole package!! YUMMMM factor of 20+ on a scale of 1-10.
And BTW, IMHO, Johnny Dell pulls off the part of Barnabus Collins about as well as I do. Bring back Ben Cross and then we’ll talk about a movie version.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:27 am.
DYAC!!!!! That was supposed to be Johnny Depp in my comment, not Dell.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:30 am.
It must be something in the stars because I’ve had some serious spellcheck issues this week, too.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:01 pm.
Cast my vote for Robert Downey, Jr. He’s really hot as Iron Man and Johnny Depp is just too weird as Barnabas Collins.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:28 am.
robert downey jr is so dark and handsome. he sports facial hair better than most.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:30 am.
I’ve a thing for superheroes – Robert Downey, Jr – all the way.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:41 am.
if only elections could be this fun & easy
sexy hero always beats corny vamp (even when it’s played by Johnny Depp — just not his best look) 
go Robert 
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:41 am.
Donna said, “if only elections could be this fun & easy” … Amen!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:24 pm.
RDJ is coming in at over 90%. That’s a strong early showing!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:56 am.
Johnny has to hold his own! So I’m going Johnny all the way. And adding in a Mr. Hemsworth in Snow White and The Huntsman.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 11:58 am.
Robert for sure!!! He is smokin’ hot!!! Loved him in Iron Man, and I can’t wait to see The Avengers!!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:03 pm.
I have always been a big JD fan so for me it is definitely JD all the way !
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:05 pm.
I vote we take your t-shirt/prize and make both candidates wear… followed by a pictoral reveal. THEN we vote.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:08 pm.
Lori, I like how you think!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:14 pm.
Between these two I would have to say Robert Downey Jr. And thanks Karen for a good entertaining Sunday
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
You’re welcome!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:02 pm.
i vote for chris hemsworth mmmmmm he was even hot in star trek. but i also like johnny depp over robert downey jr
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:13 pm.
Love both men as actors but have to go with Robert Downey Jr. in looks, he’s just more “manly”.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:13 pm.
No question about it, Johnny Dell. BTW, would love to see him in a kilt!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:20 pm.
Johnny Depp in a kilt … yummmm. RDJ would look good in one, too. Why don’t ALL men just wear kilts, dagnabbit!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:03 pm.
Stupid auto correct! I meant Johnny depp!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:22 pm.
Iron Man! (I don’t care for the Tim Burton look that Mr Depp has going on)
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
It has to be Johnny Depp hands down! His portrayal of Barnabas Collins is a hoot! I cannot wait to see this movie. I have to admit that I’m a bit prejudiced as I used to watch the original Dark Shadows on TV. I would run home after school so I would not miss an episode of it. OK. I’m dating myself, but I loved the show. Even if I’m mmmmffffmmmmpphh years old, I would still proudly wear a t-shirt depicting THE TAMING OF A SCOTTISH PRINCESS!!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:34 pm.
You’re in the drawing, Connie!
I just watched a few of the episodes online and they were fun and entertaining and deliciously campy. I can see why you loved it as a child!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:04 pm.
I would go with Johnny Depp as the early Barnabas. I remember the TV show and my girlfriends would run home from school to watch it.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:35 pm.
Johnny Depp all the way.Put him in your t-shirt Karen and no one could touch him!!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
I vote Johnny Depp because he is so sexy. That being said, I would not go to either movie. Not a big fan of action or vampire movies.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
I like both of them but I prefer Robert Downey Jr. I do love to watch Johnny Deep.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
I am going with RDJ, as he cleans up so great. After all his trials, he has done well. and, he is dreamy in a t-shirt! I think the last time we saw JD in a t-shirt, was “21 Jump Street”. So, I will keep my vote for Robert!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:44 pm.
Johnny Depp all the way!!! Don’t care for the portrayal of Barnabas in this movie but I’ll always be a fan over Robert Downey Jr. Just never really liked RDJ as an actor. :-S
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:45 pm.
I would have to go with the Johnny Depp movie Dark Shadow. I love the comedic, sexsual tension this movie has.. I mean I am not a real fan of either Tim Burton or the Marvel characters, but I think I would really have to go with Johnny on this one…
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:52 pm.
My vote is for rdj!!!! I love him in ironman and sherlock!!!
Can’t wait for the next book!!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:57 pm.
Have always loved RDJ. He is kind of funny and quirky
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:01 pm.
Even as Barnabas, Johnny Depp still looks sexy! Afraid I have to go with Depp.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:18 pm.
I’d definitely vote for Johnny Depp. I’ve actually met him two years ago. He and Vanessa were dining in a restaurant where my sister and I also were seated. It was only a small place, with three tables – the other was occupied by a bunch of Texans who were so full of themselves they did not pay attention to any other person. But my sister looked right at Johnny’s face, and she remarked: ‘That guy over there looks artistic, he even looks a bit like Johnny Depp’. Depp must have heard her, for when the Texans left, he suddenly jumped up (and we saw Vanessa thinking: what’s come over him?) and made excuses for their behavior. He did not have a hat on, but it was the same picture like he was standing on the mast of the Black Pearl. He then continued talking to us, and wished us a good evening and Merry Christmas when we left.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:32 pm.
Wow! What a sweetie!
I’ve heard that he and Vanessa are having marital issues — I sure hope not. They always seemed so cute together. 
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:46 pm.
When we met them, they sure seemed very much in love. You could see it in everything!
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 3:24 am.
Oh no, how could you (Karen) put me in this misery. I can’t choose! I love them both, honestly! But as much as I love Robert in Sherlock Holmes, I’d go for Johnny. He is my favorite actor. He makes me laugh. Plus I remember him vividly when I was a child when we (my family)watched Once Upon a Time in Mexico where he lost both of his eyes. But I love him most in Alice in Wonderland.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:33 pm.
I did not watch the old Dark Shadows, and not very many of the new Marvel movies… BUT
I must admit that Johnny Depp is much funnier than RDJ in these two trailers, so I vote for Johnny Depp. Fainting into the piano keys was a hoot!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:34 pm.
Robert Downey Jr. Hands down.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 1:38 pm.
Both men were seriously droolworthy when they were young (Depp in 21Jump Street and Downey in Tuff Turf and Weird Science). Now though, I don’t know who to chose. They are both funny and quirky… Okay, I’ll go with Depp. He’s a bit better preserved than Downey.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 2:00 pm.
I cast my vote for the FROS Award to the fantastic Johnny Depp! After his stunning portrayal in movies like Edward Sissorhands, The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Pirates of the Caribbean you know he once again will give a stellar performance as a Vampire in as well!
I know of no other actor who is as proficient in capturing his role with such a complete abandon and completing becoming the character he plays!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 2:06 pm.
Have to go with Robert Downey Jr. on this one. As much as I like Johnny Depp, there’s something creepy about the make-up here. Now if it were Captain Jack versus Tony Stark, that would be a whole other contest.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 2:08 pm.
No fair! This is like having to choose between my two children, an impossible choice. But if I have to choose, I’d have to go with Johnny Depp, he’s always been a favorite. Oh man, but Robert Downey Jr as Ironman, he’s so cool. Oh, you’re so cruel to make me choose.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 2:27 pm.
SO not fair! I love both actors. BUT, Dark Shadows is such a huge part of my childhood memory. It is something I shared with my paternal grandmother. Nana was a huge fan of Dark Shadows and I remember watching the summer reruns in Pennsylvania at my Nana’s.
There have been some complaints about Tim Burton’s take on Dark Shadows, but I think they are playing it for camp and frankly I realize now it was TOTALLY camp. And I STILL love it!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 3:19 pm.
Louisa, I had never seen it, but I watched a few episodes online and it was incredibly campy. As article I read said they originally wrote the series as a gothic — very much Rochester and Jane Eyre (and if you think about it, it had all of those elements — the eerie house on a hill, family secrets, the innocent governess) but then didn’t do well, so eight months in, they threw in some paranormal elements and people went nuts for it, so they added more, and more. Eventually they had a vampire and a werewolf, and a crypt, and a curse, and a ton of other paranormal elements. The whole thing sounds like a ton of fun!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:57 pm.
I would have to say Robert Downey, Jr. I love Johnny, but not crazy about what Burton does to him.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 3:31 pm.
Don’t watch tv or movies, and can’t offer a comment on either… That being said, I can’t wait for your new book. I had gradually picked up all your historical romances, and read 14 of your books in less than a month.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:00 pm.
Lynne, aw, thank you so much.
That’s so sweet of you!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:58 pm.
Totally not fair because I truly love them both. I adore Depp and Barnabas Collins sparked my love of Vampires which I have never outgrown.
Robert Downey Jr an absolute genius in everything he does and so very irreverent! Tony Stark is wonderful, you have to love him. Can’t I just vote twice, once for each of them??
And congratulations on the new book, if I don’t win a copy I still have Amazon on virtual speed-dial.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:18 pm.
Thanks, eviqn!
It’s tough to choose between them. I love them for different reasons, which makes it hard to compare them, but one must vote, regardless of how tough the choice.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:58 pm.
Okay fine! (she says poutingly) We will do this the old fashion way – Coin Toss! Heads – Robert; Tails – Depp. Ready,set, FLIP!!!HEADS! TAILS!HEADS! TAILS!And it is HEADS! So RDJ gets the FROS nod today, sorry Johnny, it’s Karen’s fault she made me choose.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:15 pm.
Lol! That was VERY diplomatic of you and I accept full responsibility. Ah, heavy is the head that wears the crown … heh!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:27 pm.
I vote for Robert Downey Jr.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:20 pm.
From a sexy perspective I would have to say Robert Downey Junior wins this one. While Johnny Depp looks like he will be comical in this movie he does not appear to be sexy.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:20 pm.
I’ve always liked Robert Downey Jr & Johnny Depp never did anything for me. So, I vote for Robert!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:30 pm.
This is so hard!!! I like them both, but since I still haven’t seen the iron Man movies, and since I adore Johnny Depp, I’ll have to vote for Depp. He always makes me laugh!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:45 pm.
And it’s so sexy when a man can make you laugh!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:59 pm.
Robert Downey Jr, definitely. There are not many things that I’ve seen Johnny Depp play in that I could appreciate his acting except for Edward Scissorhands, he is either playing a role that is way too serious or too ridiculous.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:25 pm.
If we’re going by these movie roles, I’ll take Iron Man. I like a man with blood running through his veins.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:36 pm.
Ok, yes, the blood-running-through-his-veins is primo. Otherwise, his hands would be cold and that would never work.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:28 pm.
Yay! Susan!! I agree! When I look in the mirror, I would love to see my leading man standing behind me, wrapping his warm arms around me. And, it would not hurt to have strength in those arms!
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 12:29 pm.
I’ve waited a while to answer because obviously I won’t gain many friends with what I am about to say. I have never really seen any appeal in RDJ. That’s just me, but hey. So, I go with Johnny Depp. He is sexy to the point of needing a cold shower…
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 5:43 pm.
My vote is all for Robert Downey junior, love him as iron man and Sherlock Holmes !
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:06 pm.
There is just something about Johnny…though I am not necessarily a fan of Tim Burton, Depp is wonderful at bring uniqueness, life, and well..character to his roles. And I do have to agree with Kelly, he is pretty sexy!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 6:54 pm.
I loved Johnny waaayyyyy back when (remember 21 Jump Street), however I have to go with Robert Downey, Jr. I like the more mature look now.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:05 pm.
Midnight showing…I has my ticket. Can’t wait for Dark Shadows either. RDJ tho just eeks past Johnny.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:37 pm.
My vote is foy Johnny Depp.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 7:54 pm.
I can’t believe all these votes for RD!!! I mean, yeah he’s too cool for school and all that BUT this is Johnny Depp ya’ll are voting against, goddesses! But that just leaves more Johnny for me, my preciouses …
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:37 pm.
Lol!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:29 pm.
I have to chose? That’s just cruel!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:12 pm.
So it is.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:30 pm.
write-in ballot for Chris Hemsworth?
Otherwise, I tossed a penny, and it’s Johnny Depp!
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 9:14 pm.
Johnny. From a pirate…to a thief…to a gangster Oh, yeah, he’s one hot man. Think of all the fun you could have with man who can role play along with your mood! Just sayin’
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 10:02 pm.
Almost too tough to decide, but I’ll have to go with RDJ.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 10:07 pm.
Robert Downey Jr.
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 10:12 pm.
Wow. This is a hard one. They are both incredible. If I am going to vote on just the trailers, I am going to go with Robert Downey Jr.
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 1:19 am.
And the winner is (chosen by the random number generator at random.org) is JANAE!
Congrats, Janae!!!
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 9:56 am.