Sweet Heat: Memphis Flyer Hotties 2014 

Whether you're spending this Valentine's Day feeding conversation candy hearts to your partner or crying alone into a box of picked-over drugstore chocolates, just know that the Flyer staff is thinking of you.

That's right. As our Valentine to you, dear readers, we've narrowed down more than 100 reader-submitted hotties to just 14 and asked them some get-to-know-you questions. Then we photographed them at Memphis' newest hip candy store Sweet Noshings in Overton Square and long-time gourmet chocolatier Dinstuhl's in Laurelwood Shopping Center (both great choices for scoring great Valentine's gifts for your special someone), as well as the new vintage soda fountain at A. Schwab (where lovebirds can share an old-fashioned lemon-cherry phosphate). — BP

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Nathan Ashby

30 • Partnered • Leo

You probably know him best as DJ Nathan Ashby. Ashby got his start spinning at raves more than a decade ago, and he still spins at parties and special events all over town. By day, Ashby works in marketing and advertising for the Orpheum Theatre. He's a multi-talented dude. As a kid, he was a competitive gymnast, and he spent his early adulthood coaching a women's gymnastic team. These days, you're more likely to find Ashby behind a turntable or cooking up gourmet meals in his kitchen.

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, unique, aggressive

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

I don't know if it's embarrassing, but I'm a huge Madonna fan. That might be embarrassing to other people, but to me, it's the Holy Grail.

Last concert/show you saw?

Madonna in Houston, Texas

Favorite sweet treat?

I'm a big gummi bear person.

One thing you could not go a day without?

Music

Perfect date?

A super sophisticated five-course meal somewhere like Chez Philippe, immediately followed by the cheesiest low-budget horror movie we could find to rent.

Favorite TV show?

American Horror Story

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

James Dean, Bill Maher, and Madonna

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Rodney Dunigan

34 • Single • Taurus

As the morning news co-anchor on Local Memphis (Channel 24), Rodney Dunigan is up and at 'em when most Memphians are still dreaming the night away. The Chicago native wakes at 2 a.m. to make it to the 5 a.m. newscast, and he's off work for the day by noon. That's when he squeezes in time for his most beloved past-time — running. He's ready to hit the hay again by 8 p.m. before doing it all over again. "I have to be in bed early like a kid," Dunigan says.

Describe yourself in three words.

Funny, charming, charismatic

Hidden talents?

I can spin a basketball on my finger.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl"

Last concert/show you saw?

Kanye West, about three or four years ago

Favorite sweet treat?

Sweet tea

One thing you could not go a day without?

Sweet tea

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Sofia Vergara from Modern Family, Oprah, President Obama

Farthest place you've traveled?

Rome, Italy, this past December

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Lying on a beach in Miami

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Jacqueline Sparks-Davila

24 • Single • Aquarius

If you hang out in the Cooper-Young District, you've no doubt been served by Jacqueline Sparks-Davila. She works at both the Beauty Shop and Bar DKDC, but that's not all. On the side, she does social media work for Quizno's. Sparks-Davila says she couldn't go a day without the Internet, and she plans to turn social media marketing into a full-fledged career.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

I love the Spice Girls. I will get down and sing the Spice Girls in karaoke with no shame.

Last book you read?

My mom got me a book for Christmas called If the Buddha Dated. It's a handbook for finding love on a spiritual path.

What did you eat for dinner last night?

I made some Mexican grilled chicken with cheese, sour cream, guacamole. I just threw it on the George Forman because I don't really have cooking skills.

Favorite sweet treat?

Butterfingers

Describe your typical weekday.

I wake up, lie in bed until noon, and then I make lunch. I get back in bed, and then I get ready to go to work.

Idea of a perfect date?

One that is not awkward and where the conversation flows. We could have a good dinner at some place not too fancy and not too casual. And [my date] doesn't ask me to a movie because movies are the worst first dates. And at the end? Smiles and sparks.

Relationship deal-breakers?

Boring guys. I went on a date with this guy, and he was a snooze-fest. He didn't have fun. He only had one beer. I was like, "Come on! Let loose!"

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Beyonce (because she's flawless, and I want some advice from her), Channing Tatum, and someone interesting and smart like the Dalai Lama

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Laurel Amatangelo

30 • Married • Sagittarius

Don't be surprised if you run into this art director for Archer Malmo dressed head-to-toe as She-Ra or Captain Planet. Laurel Amatangelo, a self-professed geek, has a thing for cosplay, and she's in the process of finishing up her ready-to-wear collection (based on female "geek" figures such as Wonder Woman and Samus from Metroid) for Memphis Fashion Week.

Pets?

My husband and I share three cats. One is mine, and she's my little baby. We have an almost inappropriate relationship with the love we have for each other.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

I don't know what's embarrassing anymore. But I've been listening a lot to the Frozen soundtrack, so I'd say "Let It Go." It's what you need sometimes.

Last concert/show you saw?

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds in Nashville last St. Patrick's Day

Last book you read?

Just finished all of the Princess Jellyfish manga. I don't know if that counts as a book. I read comics more than I read actual books.

Favorite sweet treat?

I'm a chocolate chip cookie monster.

One thing you could not go a day without?

If I don't snuggle with my kitten every day, I will pretty much die. That is a requirement as soon as I come home.

Idea of a perfect date?

We go to Andrew Michael's "No Menu Monday." It's a culinary adventure. You get really good wine and really good food, and I get lots of geeky, fun talk with my husband.

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Akevia Allen

19 • Single • Virgo

After several people told Akevia Allen that she should go into modeling, she decided to follow their advice. She couldn't play basketball anymore because of health concerns, and modeling seemed like the perfect alternative. But she knows she can't model forever, so she's studying psychology at the University of Memphis as a back-up plan.

Describe yourself in three words.

Diverse, enigmatic, multi-talented

Last book you read?

Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dream Girl. It's a self-help book.

Last movie you watched in a theater?

The Best Men Holiday

What did you eat for dinner last night?

Italian cheese bread with pepperoni and sausage from Little Caesar's

Favorite sweet treat?

Banana split ice cream

One thing you could not go a day without?

My phone

Relationship deal-breakers?

Bad breath

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Michael Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tyler Perry's Madea. He has to come as Madea.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Hopefully, I'll have a few houses and a couple kids. I'll have a modeling agency and a lot of money.

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Ryan Carter

32 • In a relationship • Cancer

"I love being around people. I enjoy huge crowds and festivals and being in cities where there are tons of people. It energizes me," Ryan Carter says. And that's likely why he's pursued a career in advertising sales for Local Memphis (Channel 24). Before he went into sales though, he served as the station's art director, Carter's other passion. This jack-of-all-trades also plays drums and guitar and occasionally acts in local films.

Describe yourself in three words.

I can sum myself up in one word — goofball.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

My iPod itself is the most embarrassing. It's a second generation iPod. I've had others since, and this one has outlasted all of them.

Last book you read?

I read a bunch of sales books, but for fun, the last book I enjoyed is called Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad. It's about the indie underground from '81-'91.

What did you eat for dinner last night?

I cooked for my girlfriend. We had tenderloins with sautéed mushrooms, squash, and zucchini. I grilled asparagus and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Favorite sweet treat?

Dinstuhl's Cashew Crunch. I've never smoked crack, but I can imagine the euphoria and addiction is like eating that candy.

Idea of a perfect date?

Just something simple, like grabbing beer and a slice of pizza

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

James Spader, Dave Attell, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Too cliché?

Farthest place you've traveled?

Unfortunately, I have not left the United States. I've been all over here. I've seen Canada and Mexico and pointed at them.

Dream vacation?

Somewhere tropical — a beach with really good surfing and burritos

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Corbin Carroll

23 • In a relationship • Capricorn

Corbin Carroll came to Memphis from Nashville to attend the Memphis College of Art. But these days, his canvas is in the kitchen. Carroll is a sushi chef at Sekisui Midtown with dreams of owning his own restaurant one day.

Describe yourself in three words.

Intelligent, funny, mysterious

Pets?

I have two pets — a boxer named Roxy and a border collie named Nova.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

"Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" by Frankie Lyman

Last concert/show you saw?

The Deftones at Memphis in May

Last book you read?

Child of God by Cormac McCarthy

Last movie you watched in a theater?

Evil Dead

Favorite sweet treat?

I do not like sweets.

One thing you could not go a day without?

My girlfriend

Favorite TV show?

Breaking Bad

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

David Lynch, Miles Davis, and Celph Titled

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LaShonte Anderson

24 • In a relationship • Taurus

This local pop artist, a student of Stax artist David Porter's Consortium MMT, is about to embark on her first international tour in China. She's a talented music artist, and also an accomplished jookin' dancer. She was the first female to win a citywide jookin' contest, paving the way for other girls to get into the iconic Memphis hip-hop dance. "Being an artist, you have to have something that separates you from the Rihannas and the Katy Perrys and the Lady Gagas, and jookin' gives me that edge," Anderson says. When she's not performing, Anderson teaches music to children and studies film production.

Describe yourself in three words.

Spontaneous, crazy, life-of-the-party

Hidden talents?

I'm a great cook.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

"Calabria" by Enur. It's a Mexican song, really uptempo.

Last movie you watched in a theater?

Ride Along with Kevin Hart

What did you eat for dinner last night?

I had taco night, and everybody came over and had tacos. And we had some cocktails.

Favorite sweet treat?

Chocolate-chip cookie-dough ice cream

Favorite TV show?

I don't watch TV anymore. But when I used to, it would have been America's Next Top Model.

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, and Whitney Houston

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I see myself dusting Grammys and Oscars, making some films that are box office hits.

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Ryan Barber

26 • Single • Capricorn

You may not have heard Ryan Barber's name, but if you're into local rap, you've likely heard his lyrics. Barber is a ghostwriter for local rappers, as well as artists of other genres. When he's not writing rhymes, this modest hottie enjoys watching wrestling and playing video games.

Describe yourself in three words.

Pretty awesome guy

Hidden talents?

I'm a little talented with computer programming.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

"23" by Miley Cyrus. That's a guilty pleasure. I don't tell too many people about that one, but I need to go ahead and get that out of the way.

What did you eat for dinner last night?

It was the SuperBowl. I had a lot — spaghetti, croissants, macaroni pasta, chips. The typical football party platter.

Favorite sweet treat?

Blue Bell vanilla ice cream

Describe your typical weekday.

I'm usually sitting in a studio writing a song that I could usually care less about. Most of the people I write for know that about me.

Idea of a perfect date?

I don't believe in dating. It's better for people to get to know each other naturally. When people go on dates, they tend to put on more of a show than a natural character.

Relationship deal-breakers?

Everybody has quirks. I can put up with a lot.

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Tupac, John Lennon, Vince McMahon. That would be an interesting evening.

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Lauren Lee

24 • Married • Gemini

Lauren Lee may only measure in at 4'11", but she's not short on personality. This little firecracker loves to laugh, and she gets her kicks from snowboarding trips to Montana. Lee spends her days working at the Heaton and Moore law firm, and she also manages the office at her husband's garage door company, Dixie Door.

Describe yourself in three words.

Short, goofy, curious

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

"Come and Get It" by Selena Gomez

What did you eat for dinner last night?

It was SuperBowl Sunday, so I pretty much ate an entire veggie tray for dinner.

Favorite sweet treat?

Pumpkin cheesecake from Olive Garden

One thing you could not go a day without?

My dog. He's a bull terrier, like the Target dog.

Idea of a perfect date?

Anything random and spontaneous. My husband will say, "Hey, we're going here to eat." I just love going to spontaneous, random places.

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

My favorite actors are Andy Samberg and Amy Poehler from Saturday Night Live. And Jack Nicholson.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Hopefully, still working at a law firm. I hope to be settled down and more mature. I can't really think of anything I want to change.

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David O'Hare

23 • Single • Gemini

David O'Hare came to Memphis by way of Ireland to play tennis for the University of Memphis. Currently the team captain, O'Hare led the team to the Sweet 16 for the first time in the U of M tennis program's history. He recently returned from Belarus where he played in the prestigious Davis Cup tournament. He's currently ranked third in the country for doubles.

Describe yourself.

I'll use an Irish word called "banter." It means I look for banter or a little bit of fun. I'm just a typical fun guy. I like to have a few drinks. I like to meet new people.

Hidden talents?

I'm fluent in Gaeilge, an ancient Irish language. It was my first language.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

Probably Justin Bieber

Last book you read?

I'm currently reading a motivational book by Michael Johnson called Slaying the Dragon.

Last movie you watched in a theater?

Wolf of Wall Street

Favorite sweet treat?

Cheesecake

Describe your typical weekday.

Class and tennis. That's all I do during the week. I train every day.

Dream vacation?

I would like to tour Thailand, Japan, and Sydney, Australia.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Hopefully, having had a pretty successful tennis career and having a couple Grand Slams behind me, maybe even an Olympic medal. I'd like to become a businessman after tennis.

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Katrina Boone

26 • Single • Scorpio

Katrina Boone was shuffled between 13 foster homes as a kid, but it was the first set of foster parents who helped lead her to her dream of becoming a model. She broke into modeling at a young age, and she also studied ballet. After a brief stint in the Army as a young adult, Boone fell back into her first loves. These days, she works as a model and a dancer for promotional work, and she passes it on by teaching ballet to children. Eventually, she'd like to be a case manager for foster children.

Pets?

I have a Chihuahua named Nixon. I named him Nixon because he's a little crook. He likes to steal everything.

Hidden talents?

Sign language

Last movie you watched in a theater?

Superman

Favorite sweet treat?

Chocolate fondue

One thing you could not go a day without?

Tea. I love hot peppermint tea. I have to have that like some people have to have their coffee.

Idea of a perfect date?

Being picked up at my home by a gentleman who has home training. He takes me somewhere I've never been before, and he pays for the meal because guys don't do that anymore.

Favorite TV show?

Are You Being Served? on WKNO

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Farrah Fawcett

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I see myself as a retired ballerina/model hopefully changing children's lives through case management.

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Chandra Madison

35 • Dating someone • Virgo

This former Tennessee Titans cheerleader has traded her pom-poms for law books. Chandra Madison works as a civil litigation attorney at Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh. But she fondly recalls her cheerleader days: "I danced pretty seriously in college, and I was getting ready to graduate. On the last day applications were due, my friend dared me, and I ended up making the squad."

Hidden talents?

I sing. I have a degree in vocal music. It's hidden because I don't do it anymore now that I'm an attorney.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

The theme song from the movie Gladiator

Last concert/show you saw?

The Memphis Symphony.

Last book you read?

The Value in the Valley by Iyanla Vanzant

What did you eat for dinner last night?

I didn't eat dinner. I had half of a cupcake.

Favorite sweet treat?

Mint Oreo cookies

One thing you could not go a day without?

Reading a daily scripture. My day doesn't seem to go right without it.

Idea of a perfect date?

Either spending the day at an amusement park or an outside music festival and then ending the date with a roof-top dinner prepared by my date. Not sure how this would work logistically, but it would be awesome.

Favorite TV show?

Dateline, Project Runway, Dance Moms, anything on Discovery Channel

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Tony Brown

32 • Married • Gemini

Tony Brown spends many of his days traveling around West Tennessee, Arkansas, and Northern Mississippi talking to surgeons about orthopedic devices. He works in medical sales for Mizuho Orthopedic Systems Inc. When he's not on the road, Brown likes to spend time with his 16-month-old son, Brenner, his wife, Kembree, and his two dogs, mixed breed Lennox and pit bull Lane.

Hidden talents?

I'm pretty good at football.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

Anything Baby Einstein

Last book you read?

I'm reading a book called You Herd Me! by Colin Cowherd. He's an ESPN sports announcer.

Favorite sweet treat?

I don't have a sweet tooth really. But I do like lemon pound cake or sweet potato pie.

One thing you could not go a day without?

My iPhone or computer. My phone is my business. It's my livelihood with emails and contracts.

Idea of a perfect date?

We could have a chef come in and cook and serve us in our house, get a little music going. And we could end with a nice dessert and a movie.

Favorite TV show?

I'm into FX. I'm hooked on all their shows, like Breaking Bad, Justified, and Sons of Anarchy.

What three celebrities, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Martin Luther King Jr., Jay-Z, and Madonna for my wife