New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster chats about colorful characters, heroic equality, and the joy of being a sports groupie. Read on …

MB: What or who inspired your novel?

LF: The fighters of the UFC and PRIDE. It's the ultimate in mixed martial arts, grappling and boxing. The men involved are the best fighters in the world. I love the sport and watch it whenever possible. My husband and I own most of the DVDs and are searching for the few we don't have.

Like most groupies, I have my favorite fighters, including Randy Couture, Frank Mir, Vitor Belfort and Chuck Liddell. Recently a few others have really caught my attention, too. Some day I hope to see the fights live.

Bas Rutten, one particularly entertaining fighter who now does the commentary during the fights, is also an actor, as is Oleg Taktarov. (They are) fascinating men -- and prime fodder for a romance novel.

MB: What do you like most about your novel?

LF: Probably the back and forth banter between the characters. I love writing a hero and heroine who are equal, if not in physical strength then in courage and intelligence. And I always have fun with colorful secondary characters. Denny Zip was a joy to put in any scene.

MB: Who is the most heroic person you know?

LF: If we're talking real life, then my husband. He's by far the finest man I know. I could go on and on, but that'd embarrass him. Day in and day out, he goes out of his way to help others, to show compassion and caring, and he's a top notch husband and dad, too.

MB: Who's your romance hero: dark, brooding bad boy or white knight in shining armor?

LF: Jude Jamison is, in my opinion, neither one. He's an everyday-kind-of-guy who finds himself in exceptional circumstances through no fault of his own. With courage, common sense, and a deep protective streak toward others, he shows heroism. That's the type of personality that appeals to me. I believe heroes are all around us, but they don't often have the opportunity to behave heroically. When the situation demands it, heroes-at-heart can step up to the plate and do what needs to be done. I *love* writing those character types, giving them a story, setting them up in a romance.

MB: Answer the question you wish an interviewer would ask.

LF:"Jude's Law" has a sequel titled "Murphy's Law," due out Sept 06. It's a continuation of secondary characters Ashley Miles and Quinton Murphy. Other characters from "Jude's Law" put in appearances so readers can keep up with everyone.