October 17, 2006 • Print This Post
Not too long ago I was having one of those days. Good faith, not to mention patience, had gone out the window by noon, by which time I’d already had to deal with my husband (who I was mad at), my manuscript (which was NOT working), the principal of the middle school, a Visa payment that never arrived when it should have, and a sick dog. At the grocery store parking lot, I tipped my cart over thanks to a very uneven asphalt sidewalk. Can you say food everywhere? On one side of my car stood a bunch of twenty-somethings, on the other, an older couple. No one bothered to even look at me, much less help. (Which sort of reminded me of my current hero, who was NOT helping me At All in the writing of my book). Crawling beneath my car for a wayward can of tuna I cursed the lack of heroes in my book AND my every day life.
At my next errand, the dreaded gas station, I waited in a line to be insulted by the ridiculous cost per gallon. When the nozzle leaked everywhere, wasting my precious dollars, nobody from the gas station could be bothered to come look. After letting out a very un-heroine-like word, I realized I was extremely ready to get back to my manuscript, and the characters I’d created, even my damn hero. Yes, he was a wise-cracking, cocky son of a bitch most of the time, but when it came right down to it, he’d never pass a woman in the parking lot with a tipped over cart, I just know it.
But before I could get back to him, I hit the last errand, the post office, where I ran into my husband of all people. Huh. Turned out I was still a little mad at him. Waiting in line together, not talking, there was an older man leaning on a counter, and he suddenly collapsed, clasping his chest. My husband rushed forward, and caught him, and then had to do C.P.R. until the ambulance arrived.
Watching him save the man’s life, when I could only stand there helpless, I realized that there WERE still heroes in my every day life. I just had to be patient enough to find them. And maybe have a little faith.
So how about you? Have a fave real life hero? Or how about a fictional one? Real life for me? My husband. Fictional? Quinn from Crazy Hot (Tara Janzen).
Oh I’ll be drawing a random name for one of my Bravas, winner’s choice, so good luck!
UPDATE:
Loved all the comments, thank you so much! As for the WINNER, I had my daughter draw a name randomly, and she picked … drumroll … Samantha!
Thanks everyone!!!
Oh, and p.s. no, I’m no longer mad at him, lol!!
Posted by Jill Shalvis @ 1:00 am • Filed under: Jill Shalvis
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Aww . . . how fortunate your husband was there. I’m not sure I would have been able to move let alone remember any CPR training I’ve had. Fictional hero — an oldie. J.D. from A Cowboy’s Secret by Anne McAllister.
Wow, how wonderful your husband was there to help. I have to say that my husband is also my hero. He never complains about how many books I buy, he never complains about the house or other household chores I didn’t do and after eleven years of marriage he still opens the car door for me.
To me it’s the men & women out there like your husband that are the hero’s.
Oh, Jill, I love this story! What a great guy you have.
My real life hero is my husband, and also my dad. Fictional (all-time favorite) has to be Jamie Fraser.
That is an awesome story. WTG!!
Real life - my hubby
Fiction - Sam Starrett from Suzanne Brockmann’s books
Three cheers for your hubby–not just for doing the CPR, but for jumping right in and not waiting for “someone else”! That’s fabulous.
I’d have to say my real life hero is my dad. He’s got a John Wayne larger-than-life personality, he’s always got a story to tell, and he’s always there–whether during his 20 years as an EMT, sticking up for his family or helping total strangers on the street. He’s a tough skinned marshmallow and I absolutely love him.
Real life-my husband
fictional-Gail Barrett’s Smoke Jumpers
Hey Jill~
I think my real life hero is my brother - he’s always there for me. Fictional is a tie between Nora Roberts Cameron Quinn and Joe Walker by J. Shalvis
Wow. That’s an incredible story.
I’m hoping you enjoyed making up?
Real Life: Hubs
Fictional: Roarke.
Jill, I can so relate. Just when you get the feeling that the whole world has become a cold and heartless place, something happens that restores my faith in the innate goodness of the human race.
My real-life heros are the families of the Amish girls who were so senselessly killed by a disturbed man. They forgave the killer, comforted his family and attended his funeral. I don’t think i could do that.
In fiction, my hero is Rhett Butler. He was such a fascinating combination of bad boy and good-hearted man.
Hero’s
Real- my dad
Fiction- the men in “Bad Boys Southern Style”
My heros are my Dad (1924-2006), my Siamese cat, Damian, and Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.
Wow, your husband must of have been scared but he is a true hero to try and save that man.
I love Tara’s Crazy books. Yes her character would be a wonderful hero choice.
My hero is my hubby. He gives me my inspriation every day.
Definitely my hubby is my real life hero.
Fictionally, I’ll go with Nick - Crazy for You (Jenny Crusie)
And re: that man collapsing? Just a little reminder that our time here is precious. Too precious to stew for too long. We must laugh and dance and enjoy as much as we can. Which you obvsiously do, Jill, because who else can be so entertaining while telling us about crawling under a car for a can of tuna?
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jill!
My real-life hero is my husband. My favorite fictional hero is Bo Black!
Good for your husband too. He is a real-life hero!
A standing ovation of applause for your husband. What a hero!
Emergency workers everywhere are my heroes every day, but anyone willing to step up to the plate like your husband did should be honored too.
Fictional? Gotta go with Roarke.
Hello Jill!
You have a gem of a husband! My husband has rescued me many times. Like when my car breaks down or I hurt myself and he kisses my boo-boos! Ha, ha!:wink: Yes, my husband is my real-life hero.
I would have to say I love the “Texas Bad Boys” as my fictional heros.
that is great jill. i say my dad. he has always been there for me and the man in life so to speak. great to see you here.
Were you mad at your DH for hiding his ‘tool drawer’ from you?:lol: He was a true hero.
Real - My late Granddad
Fiction - Nick Allegrezza in Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson
My real life heroes would be my father, ex-Army, all the soldiers out there, firefighters and police men.
A hero from a book would be the men from Colters’ Woman by Maya Banks
My hero(s) are those like your DH who just pitch in and do what has to be done. Period. Put a little extra something in his tool box from all of us.:smile:
It is so great that your husband was there to help that man…….
My real hero would have to be my Dad who has always been there for me, no matter what.
Fictional hero - I would have to say that it depends on the mood I am in when I read my books. Although right now I would say Joshua (Wolf)Watt from Ready by Lucy Monroe.
You must be so proud of your hubby.
My heroes:
Real - my husband and my son - two guys who would help anyone.
Fictional - Alexi Stanislaski from Nora Roberts series.
Aww…you definitely have a keeper.
My real life hero is probably my dad.
My favorite fictional heroes are Lucy Monroe’s heroes from her Merc Trilogy (READY, WILLING, and AND ABLE). They are some yummy heroes.
Real Life Hero - or heroine I should say is my daughter. She has 2 jobs and works with mentally challenged adults. She has patience but doesnt let them get away with anything. She is a special person.
She has some health issues; is newly married and her husband had surgery just before their first anniversary. It was a trying ordeal and I am so happy that they met each other. And that Jack, is recovering from his surgery nicely.
My really life heros are my husband, dad and my brothers. I know that any one of these men would lay down their life for me or anyone that is harms way. As far as fictional heros I love any of the bad boys and I love any sports hero.
It must be quite something to be the husband of a romance novelist, and it certainly seems like he’s earned his hero quotient this week! Wow.
My real life heros are: Anna Politkovskaya, the Russian journalist who was killed last week, for never stinting in her moral duty and her profession. My friend Aleigh, for being a great writer and friend, who is always willing to listen when I’m in a decline and respond with something either realistic or hopeful, depending on what I most need to hear. My husband, for being able to fix bicycles, build shelves, and design giant buildings, all without breaking a sweat. Plus, he’s got a really cute butt.
My fictional heros are Brer Rabbit, Porter Osborne, Jr, and Bertie Wooster. And if we’re talking romance, then yeah, Jamie Fraser, no question.
It’s great that your husband was able to help. He really is a hero! My fictional hero has to be Roarke!
Jill,
I think your hubby is my hero too! lol What a wonderful human being.
My hubby would be my hero, he works very hard for us, takes good care of us and is ever mindful of (well, mostly) the things that make us happy.
Fictional heroes? There are just too many to choose from, but I’ve seen some great ones named above, many of my favorites too!
Real life hero? My father. For surviving a mild heart attack at 48 and prostate cancer at 63–not to mention all the other stuff in between. Fictious? The book was called “Sexy as Sin” (Harlequin Blaze) and I think the character’s name was Sin (his name was probably Sinclair or something). He was bought in a bachelor auction, given to a shy woman as a present from her “beautiful” sister..and then found out later on that she had been raped. I just thought it was sweet–and steamy–how he would give her control during their physical encounters. Even before he knew the reason why she HAD to have control.
How awesome that dh was there at the right moment in time. Kudos to him!!!
My hero is my dh who never complains, even
though a few days ago he had 7 teeth pulled in the dentist chair and only took 2 Advil and things always seem ‘good’ for him.
What a great thing your husband did.
My real life hero is my husband and favorite fictional ones are numerous, depends on what book I’m reading.
These thing could only happen to you Jill. My hero is my husband.
Leave me out of the drawing because you know I already have all of them.
Your DH is indeed a hero - I used to know CPR but have completely forgotten it.
Real life hero - my Uncle Bill who in WWII was one of the rangers that went into the Japanese POW camps in the Philippines and rescured American Soldiers.
A fictional one? How about five?
Cameron Reeves (Hiding Out at the Circle C), Ty Jackson (The Rancher’s Surrender), Jared Skye (Just Try Me) and Bo Black (Aussie Rules) by somebody or other; James Aidan Flanagan (The Player) by Rhonda Nelson.
Rescured? That’s probably where you rescue and cure them at the same time?:shock:
Your hubby’s definitely a hero
Let’s see, real life heroes. My dad. And a friend of a friend of ours, who holds a hockey tournament every other year for cancer research and the guys he gets to play for 10 days straight in the cold to raise money
Fictional, the one that comes to mind is ClanFintan in PC Cast’s Divine By Mistake but there’s tons of others too
What a great thing he did. He just earned himself extra Ding Dong’s. Do you know if the man is okay?
Jill, I’m glad your hubby was there for that man, he’s a hero.
My mom is my hero.
Fictional: Roarke
I hope the man is okay. Your hubby definitely deserves a treat!
As for real life heroes, my husband, and the men and women who serve in any capacity for our country.
In books, I have to say I enjoy all the Heroe’s!
My real hero is my husband. Fictional would be Roarke from the J.D. Robb books.
Kuddos to your husband!
My favorite real life hero of course is my fiance!:smile:
My favorite fictional hero is Ranger from Janet Evanovich’s series.
My parents who are both gone now are my heroes.
Fictional heroes are the boys in BB in Kilts and the Callahan boys in JoAnn Ross trilogy.
That’s very heartwarming. Heck, your husband is MY hero now too!:mrgreen:
My favorite hero in fiction is Jonathon from Adele Ashworth’s Stolen Charms, and oldie but a goodie.
My heroes are my children. They show me everyday that most problems in life are trivial. They have shown me how to forgive at times when I thought that I had forgotten how.
It is great that your husband was there. Real life heroes are just everyday people who do what is necessary in extraordinary situations.
Your husband is true hero! You must be proud.
I like the DeMarco boys in Jane Graves books.:smile:
Congrats to your husand, Jill. It must be wonderful to know that you have saved someone’s life. Kudos to him.
My husband and Dad are my heroes.
In fiction, I will always remember the heroes in Nora Roberts Dream Trilogy and Chesapeake Bay. Strong, sexy and caring men.
Jill- You are lucky to have such a great guy:grin:
My real life heroes are my mom and dad.
My fictional heroes are Griffin from White Heat and Kevin McKnight from Her Sexiest Mistake:cool:
I know you aren’t still mad at DH after that. How brave he was. A hero to be proud of. My real life hero was my husband who fought cancer and lost 16 years ago and our 2 children who both joined the Marines to serve this great country.Our son is a paramedic and daughter is stay at home Mom. My fictional hero is Dirk Pitt from Clive Cussler’s books and Harm from JAG. Be still my heart.:grin: Have a great day and Hugs to all.
I can’t pick just one - you hear stories of heroes everyday but I’m pretty sure that’s why I’m so drawn to romance stories - heroes that are larger than life. And what I like most about yours is they always have a sense of humor
Fannie, may God Bless you and your children.
Jill, your husband must feel so good knowing he saved someone’s life. I can’t imagine what that must feel like.
There are so many fictional heroes that I love, Cooper from Get a Clue by some author - the name escapes me. Oh yes, It is a Jill Shalvis. Anyone hear of her?:lol: I especially like heroes who have a great sense of humor.
My real life hero is my mom and my fiance
My unreal life hero is Ranek from Cathryn Fox’s book Liquid Dreams. He is so charming
Hugssss
Linda.H.
Loved all the comments, thank you so much! As for the WINNER, I had my daughter draw a name randomly, and she picked … drumroll … Samantha!
Thanks everyone!!!
Congrats Samantha!
wtg samantha
Yay:!::!::!:
Now what do I need to do? LOL
Congratulations, Samantha………..
Congrats, Samanta!
Congratulations Samantha!