Liv Arnold

Author and sex advice columnist LIV ARNOLD is sure to make you laugh, philosophise about life and turn you on all at the same time

Welcome back to MAXIM Liv, congrats on your two amazing books. Tell us a bit about your shoot.
The shoot was in my hometown Melbourne at a warehouse/storage shed with a lot of real tradie equipment as props. Even though I have trouble understanding Ikea instructions, I loved the construction theme and the ripped tops and short shorts styling. OH&S anyone? The photographer Andrew K is a lovely man, and I enjoyed the chats about life, his direction and pretending to drive a tractor.

Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far.
I am a romance author and have written the books, Law & Disorder, Etched in Stone and Stepping Stone. As I’ve always had anxiety, a percentage of Stepping Stone’s profits are going towards Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Since I was a child, I worried about small things until the sun came up and pictured every worst-case scenario. My stories have realistic characters with real-life issues. I also write sex advice for various women’s media outlets.

What do you love most about yourself?
My ability to write sensual scenes and the tension build-up. I love the erotic — running your fingers up and down someone’s inner thighs and hovering dangerously close to intimate areas, or slowly taking each other’s clothes off without touching, showing self-restraint.
What is the first things you do when you get up in the morning?
I can barely see in the morning, let alone do anything.

What is one of your weird quirks?
I enjoy the smell of petrol.

How would you describe yourself in five words?
I’m good at being messy.

What’s the first thing you notice when it comes to the opposite gender? Physically and otherwise,
Honestly, I looked at a salami last night and was turned on. But my love language is Acts of Service. Actions speak louder than words. I’m attracted to a heart of gold the most.

What do you think is the most attractive quality in a man?
A man that creates a sense of danger. Release a bee in the bedroom. According to 60% of women surveyed, the risk excites them.

What impresses you on a first date?
In James Pratt’s feature film Malibu Crush, the couple go to the beach. I would replicate the scene but also help my date with rubbing on family-sized sunscreen on out-of-reach spots and he’ll return the favour. Actually, this setup reminds me of the song — Summer of ‘69.

What advice would you give a man?
On a date, the clock shouldn’t be the only thing that goes from six to midnight. Also, you may fascinate a woman by giving her a block of cheese.

Describe your ideal partner in 1 sentence.
Intelligent, driven, kind, respectful, hilarious, fun, reliable, makes me feel safe, well hung, throbbing and will pass a police check.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Have you seen Mandingo’s movies?

What words do you live by?
Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.

What is something new happening in your life right now?
I’m learning a bit of Spanish every day and writing my next novel in my Invested in You series, No Stone Unturned. The trilogy — Etched in Stone, Stepping Stone and No Stone Unturned — is set in an investment company called Stone Corp. Each book is based on a different woman in the same data analytics and IT team.

Lastly, what is one major thing you want to accomplish by the end of this year?
I wrote a novella about seniors finding love later in life and am turning the piece into a screenplay.