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Mr. Romance 2003: Lennell Dunbar
By Faith V. Smith
After dazzling judges and making fans swoon at the RT
Convention, Lennell Dunbar has returned with a royal serenade for
readers.
Lennell Dunbar, RT's reigning Mr. Romance, is a true-blue prince.
More than just a handsome face, he's a singer, an athlete and a whiz
with a Cuisinart. When he's not busy making public appearances as Mr.
Romance 2003, Dunbar is looking forward to making his debut as a dashing
privateer/captain/rake (fill in the blank) on the cover of a Kensington
romance.
The publisher doesn't use much cover-model art anymore but is searching
for the perfect project for the California-dwelling heartthrob. "We're
waiting to find the right book for Lennell's distinctive good looks so
we can have a dynamite product for the market," says Kensington vice
president and publisher Laurie Parkin.
When the single Dunbar entered the Mr. Romance competition at the fall
2003 RT Booklovers Convention in
Kansas City, his goal simply was to make contacts. But those hours of
rehearsal, the mad rush of attending party after party and meeting
hordes of new people, including RT BOOKclub founder Kathryn Falk,
was all preparation for the life he was about to lead.
"I didn't go to the RT Convention to win," he says. "I thought that when
they didn't call my name by the third [runner-up] I didn't get it, so I
was surprised. Then every-body was looking at me, and I asked [pageant
host] Leland Burbank why. He said, you won, and I said, no way." Dunbar
didn't enter with hopes of becoming a sex symbol. "That's not what the
whole thing was about," he shares. "It's sensuality, not sexuality."
The last few years have been full of firsts for the ambitious Mr.
Romance. Apart from getting into the world of cover modeling and taking
part in a cookbook called Romance and the Stove, he also shot the
cover for his debut CD, Anything for Love, which was released
last September. "I learned the ins and outs of the music industry," he
says.
Dunbar's piercing hazel eyes, flowing locks and striking features are
captured on the album cover, an homage to the 2004 celluloid epic
Troy (starring that other Mr. Romance, Brad Pitt), and the
stunning heroes of Lord of the Rings.
Determined to make it as a singing star, Dunbar thrives on meeting new
people and performing in front of an audience. "I love the spotlight,
being on stage, the energy, people clapping," he says. "It's a part of
me. And I would like to convey that message to others--to respect
people, no matter who they are, and to appreciate the people who help
you."
This is no short order for the man who would like to be the future
prince of pop. Whether gracing the covers of romantic books or crooning
love songs sure to entice women the world over, Mr. Romance is a class
act through and through.
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH MR. ROMANCE
Birthday: September 18
Astrological sign: Virgo
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 190 pounds
Waist: 34 inches
Chest: 42 inches
Hair Color: Brown, with naturally sunkissed highlights
Eye Color: Hazel
Marital Status: Single
Favorite thing to Watch on TV: Comedy Central
Ongoing Projects: CD for Ball and Chain Records; modeling and
submitting recipes for the Romance and the Stove cookbook.
Favorite Extracurriculars: When not appearing as Mr. Romance, the
California resident enjoys activities such as reading, surfing,
skiing, motocross and cooking.
The Lowdown on His CD: Part of a musical family--his mother was a
singer in England--Lennell has collaborated with some of the best
writers and producers in R&B and pop music for his debut album,
Anything for Love. "The music is really beautiful--it's sort of a
cross between Usher and Justin Timberlake."
As for his producer,
Rod Clemmons, Lennell says, "He is one of the hottest
singer/songwriter/producers in New York City. I'm planning on
making my mark in the music world with Rod standing behind me."
Date Night: A top-of-the-line restaurant in Los Angeles is just
the appetizer for a delicious night, when it comes to Mr.
Romance's love life. "Then we would go maybe to the Griffith
Observatory. We can hang out. There is usually a nice share of
city lights and stars."
Evenings are usually topped off by
watching something funny. "I like laughing. I think there's not
enough laughter in life. I enjoy the company of a good woman. And
whatever happens, happens. I'm not Mr. Lines. I don't do that.
I'm not Mr. Smooth, I'm just Lennell."
His Ideal Woman: The still-single Mr. Romance desires much more
than a physical relationship. "It's not just noticing her eyes
the first time. I have to spend a lot of time with that person.
I'm not looking for someone who just looks good but someone who
has a good brain and knows how to have a conversation. There is a
lot more to it than just the sexual [relationship]. Romance to me
is between two loving people. It's friendship and being excited
about coming home to that person."
Cooking For His Lady Love: Filet mignon, greens and potatoes are
a date staple for Lennell, usually followed by chocolate-covered
strawberries and whipped cream.
Best Physical Feature: "Uh, as in my body structure?" he asks.
"Probably my heart."
For more pictures of Dunbar, visit his website at www.mrromance2003.com. There, you can also
purchase his CD, Anything for Love, the Men of Romance 2005 calendar he
shot with Diane Duff, and get more information on the ROMANCE AND THE
STOVE cookbook.
(Romantic Times BOOKclub Issue #251, January 2005)
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