October 17th, 2026
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She’s the lady everyone overlooks. He’s the prince who can’t look away.


October Reads Worth Falling For

Danger, desire, second chances, and unexpected romanceβ€”discover this month’s Fresh Fiction Featured Books.


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Melissa West | Why Small Town Southern Heroes Put the H in H-O-T!

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When you talk about romance novels, contemporary or otherwise, one certain character
will always come into the conversationβ€”the hero. Intellect, muscle, ink, and often
attitude for days, these men can make or break a novel like no other. And depending
on the hero you may find yourself fantasizing reading about a millionaire, a soldier,
a firefighter, and on and on. Because truthfully, if you can think of a hot guy with
a hot career, there has probably been a hero modeled after him.

And while I love a hero as much as the next girl, I am particularly fond of small town Southern heroes, like the Hamilton brothers in my adult contemporary romance, RACING HEARTS. With their flannel shirts and worn jeans and cowboy hats, these brothers are sure to steal your heart!

To prove my point, here are five reasons small town Southern hotties put the H in
H-O-T!

1. While no one would deny that a well-tailored suit is sexy, there is nothing like a man in jeans, and Southern men can always be found in a pair of worn, low- hanging jeans, a fitted T-shirt and a come-here smile. Yum! 2. There is nothing sexier than a man who loves his family, and small town Southern heroes are often family men. They come from huge families and want nothing more than to support and care for them. Who can resist that? 3. An extension of the above, Southern men can cook! Their mamas wouldn’t have them roaming around the house doing nothing, so they put them to work in the kitchen, and those skills are ready to sweep our heroines off their feet. 4. They have hot careers! Firefighters, handymen, officers, soldiers, carpentersβ€”small town romances are full of heroes who know how to get their hands dirty…in more ways than one. They can fix things around the house, rebuild a car, and these men would never jump back from a snake in the yard. No, they aren’t afraid of anything. Plus, tool belts are just hot. 5. Accents! Few women can resist the charm of an accent, and Southern men are ready to talk their way into your heart! For an introduction into the awesome-ness that is the Southern man, meet racehorse trainer Trip Hamilton in RACING HEARTS. You won’t be sorry!

About Melissa West

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and teen sci-fi romance, all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing? She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

Connect with Melissa at www.melissawestauthor.com or on Twitter @MB_West.

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RACING HEARTS

About RACING HEARTS

In the lush heart of Kentucky, the Hamiltons are horse racing royalty, born to produce champions. To win takes heart and soulβ€”and to love takes the wild spirit of the land itself…

The oldest of three headstrong brothers, Trip Hamilton is considered the best horse
trainer in the world. But he learned long ago to keep his focus on the horses and
away from the riders. He’s seen the way heartbreak can waylay a career, and he’s
determined not to risk itβ€”until a stubborn, sexy rider thunders into his life, breaks
his resolve, along with several of his rules, and takes his heart right out of the
gate…

Emery Carlisle has a point to prove. She’ll be the first woman to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby, if only Trip will hire her, and let her ride the spirited colt she fell for at first sight. He won’tβ€”unless she agrees to train with the horse at Hamilton Stables, under his guidance. It’s supposed to be strictly business, but as the race approaches, and their undeniable chemistry builds, Trip and Emery may be headed for the greatest win of allβ€”as long as the losses of the past don’t gain on them…

Comments

1 comment posted.

Re: Melissa West | Why Small Town Southern Heroes Put the H in H-O-T!

I, too, find Southern men hot....love that accent! This was a very good interview and I thank you! I will also be on the look out for Melissa's book.
(Kathleen Bylsma 5:27pm October 28, 2015)

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