Acts of service men are the best men
I can’t stop writing them.
Cross-posted on Substack.
I wish I could find the post about acts-of-service MMCs that sent me down this spiral. Unfortunately, my pre-perimenopausal brain filed it away under “gone forever.” But it did leave me with a realization—pretty much every man I write is an acts of service man.
Because why wouldn’t they be??
So yes, we’re talking about acts-of-service men today, because apparently, I have a type. But first…
I tried to cut back on my caffeine this week. That lasted exactly one day. (It’s April. We are approaching the end of the school year. What was I thinking?) So, instead of cutting back on caffeine, I’ve added a spinach and fruit smoothie (literally spinach, frozen fruit, and almond milk) to my day. That has lasted four days now, and I can honestly say I think it’s making a difference. My gut is certainly happier, which is no small thing. Hopefully, I can keep it up…she says as she sips her second coffee of the day.
I definitely have a type of romantic hero I lean toward, and that is the acts of service man. I’m trying to think if acts of service is a love language in my real life. I think yes, it is. The thing about real life acts of service, though, is that once you’ve been married so long, they’re just kind of things that happen. They aren’t really notable like they are when you’re first falling in love. Taking out the trash, loading and unloading the dishwasher, cooking dinner, paying the bills. These are all things that Mr. Samberts does on the regular (and many more!), but they’re also things that need to happen to keep the house running. I appreciate it all immensely—I should probably share that appreciation more because lord knows I don’t want to do do any of those things—but it’s different when it’s something outside of chore-related tasks, like taking the kids to the park so I can write, or putting gas in my car without me asking. Which he also does!
So, yeah, I definitely swoon at acts of service. Looking at the other four love languages, acts of service is probably the one I like to receive the most. (Though, this enneagram type 3 girlie does like words of affirmation, too.)
It makes sense, then, that I will EAT IT UP when romance heroes perform acts of service. I love reading it, and I love writing it. Big or small, I want them ALL. When they bring you coffee (Daniel and Adam), get you food (Ben), or take care of you when you’re sick (Brandon). Or…when they make sure their fridge is stocked with whipped cream because it’s your favorite treat (Trevor), hold you during a panic attack (Beckett), help you set up a Halloween haunted house for kids (Mike), or fly across the country to come see your shows (Lennon). And who can forget keeping your grandmother’s bookstore in tip-top shape (Liam).
And my Strong Enough men? Yeah, they’re acts of service guys, too. Most of them have something to do with food. Ryan, for sure, always makes sure Scarlett is fed. But he also washes her hair when she’s depressed, which…HELLO. Casey also makes sure Trina is fed, but also buys her a library book from a Friends of the Public Library sale because libraries are her happy place. Anastasios sends nutrition information with room service to Caitlin’s room because she’s a type 1 diabetic and needs to count carbs. (How sweet is that?)
Just thinking about these men has me kicking my feet and squealing.
I don’t think I’ll stop writing men who perform acts of service any time soon. So…tell me. What acts of service are your favorite? What would you like to see me include in a future book? Who knows, I might use your suggestion!
Not a Strong Enough Word – June 2, 2026 * Not on the Same Page – August 18, 2026 * Not the Way it Ends – November 10, 2026
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Not the Way it Ends is flying from my brain to the keyboard. I crossed 65,000 words, and we are nearing the third act! (Yes, they break up. Yes, it will break your heart. Yes, it will also put it back together and make you believe in love and humanity again. You gotta trust me!) I am so freaking excited about this book, y’all. If you are, too, you can preorder it now!
Emersyn
This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.
With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.
Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.
Oakes
It’s her.
After all this time…it’s her.
But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.
But it’s her.
I’m here because of her.
The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.
Eliza:
I don’t believe in manifesting; I like plans, my normal routine, and I’m not a risk taker. But a weak moment on New Year’s Eve makes me scribble a secret, humiliating resolution on paper. I never expected Mackenzie Carrington—the hot and elusive real estate mogul—to read it over my shoulder.
Instead of mocking me, he surprises me with a proposition. Act the part of his doting girlfriend to prove to his traditionalist father that he’s ready to take over as CEO. In exchange, Mac will personally help me step into a new era: one where I shed my sheltered, careful and predictable persona.
Mac:
My father’s ultimatum was clear: bring my “serious” girlfriend to his retirement gala and show stability, or kiss the CEO position goodbye. Remembering Eliza Pierce’s not-so-innocent manifestation was the break I needed.
The deal is simple: she provides the respectable image I require to secure my future, and I give her the experiences she’s been missing.
I thought six months with her would satisfy my curiosity, but the more time we spend together, the less fake our relationship feels. Now I have to face my biggest challenge—can I not only convince my father I’ve changed, but convince Eliza to stay?
