by Candace Havens
Guys who can fix things are sexy. Like, super sexy. My husband can sometimes unclog a sink or toilet. And he’s great a mowing a lawn. But if anything needs to be fixed around the house, and I can’t figure it out on my own, I have to call in someone to help.
So…when I’m writing fiction my heroes fix things. I made all my Marines in my last Harlequin Blaze series guys who can fix things.
Need some drywall up or Christmas lights on a two-story house, my hot Marines can help you out. Ben in Christmas with the Marine is great at fixing all kinds of things, and he’s never had a “real” Christmas so he goes a little crazy when he’s decorating Ainsley’s house for her.
I think maybe this fascination with guys who can fix things comes from the fact my 23-year-old house needed an update from the early nineties fashion it’s been wearing. There was never enough time, and my husband talked about taking down the blue and white checked wallpaper, but he works hard and so do I, and well, 10 years later it still hadn’t been done.
Until last week. A week ago, we found an amazing contractor. The next day he had ripped up most of our wood floors and done all kinds of demo. By the fourth day the kitchen counter tops were gone, most of the downstairs was painted and, well, it’s amazing. He’s so fast and good. And he’s very kind, not what I would call alpha Marine material, but he’s a very nice dude and good at what he does.
We’re doing a renovation on the whole first floor. New floors, all new kitchen, paint, lighting, everything. It’s crazy what’s just happened this week. And we’ve only just begun. I thought you guys might like to see some of the photos of what’s happened so far.
Do you have a handy man in your life? Do you think I guy who does laundry or cooks is sexy? (I DO!) I want to hear what your favorite heroes can do.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE MARINE
Subject: Major Ben Hawthorne
Mission: To make one sexy civvy’s Christmas wish come true
Christmas is almost here, and guys are the last thing on personal shopper Ainsley Garrett’s list. But her icy resolution melts when she sees an incredibly hot Marine shopping for toys. A man in uniform with a hot bod and a heart of gold? Maybe a gal can believe in Santa after all…
Major Ben Hawthorne has his career to think about, but when it comes to Ainsley, he’s willing to break his own rules, at least for one night—provided they can get this insanely wicked attraction out of their systems. Only, once isn’t enough. Now Ainsley’s checking her list twice…before she falls for a Marine.
Your post is spot on! Yes, I have a “handy” man in my life, and I’m doubly blessed. Not only is he good with his hands (big smile), but he is a former Marine! Once a Marine, always a Marine! There isn’t much he can’t fix around the house or yard, and we’ve done most of the remodeling ourselves in our 55+ year old home. He does help with the household chores occasionally, but I keep him out of the kitchen. Well, unless he’s helping with washing the dishes. (We don’t have a dishwasher. Even when we remodeled the kitchen several years ago, he asked if I wanted one – nope, I went for more space.) He’s great when it comes to all outdoor cooking.
I wish you well with the kitchen remodel. I know from first-hand experience; it’s worth the effort.
Semper Fi!