Is Riverside County Home to the Hottest Husband in America?

Is Riverside County home to the Hottest Husband in America?

Lee Rice of Palm Desert thinks so. She nominated her hubby, Tom Rice III, for the honor in a contest organized by Redbook. The Rices are Palm Desert residents, and Tom runs his own business, Rice Construction, in Palm Desert.

The magazine received more than 1,500 submissions and Tom is now one of "25 sexy and sweet contenders" for the title.


The magazine tells readers "now it's up to you to decide who will be crowned the Hottest Husband in America. Read their stories, check out their pictures, then cast your vote."

Lee told Redbook she and Tom first met at a convention in Indian Wells. Here's more from Lee's submission to Redbook:

"He's a tall drink of water," says Lee, 42, about her 6-foot-5 husband. And while she loves his height (and long, muscular legs), there is more to Tom than looks.

"He grew up in a home with mostly women. He was the youngest of six siblings and the only boy. I think that’s given him an uncanny ability to handle my mood swings!"

His kindness doesn't just extend to her—and that's one of the reasons she fell for him.

"Two weeks after we met, he came to the beach to play volleyball and meet my friends," Lee says. "It was one of my girlfriends' first beach day since having a baby, and she was carting the playpen, stroller, and diaper bag. All of my guy friends just waved to her, but Tom jumped up without hesitation, carried everything for her, and cradled the baby while she set up the playpen. I melted."

These days, Tom is all about giving Lee a break by providing her with a spa day, a glass of sparkling cider, or sometimes, just a little escape when she's stressed.

"He'll plan a quick road trip, pick me up from work, and have the car all loaded up with my favorite snacks and drinks," Lee says. "He's always thinking about my happiness—that's the epitome of romance to me."

For more info on the contest and the other finalists visit www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/hot-husband/americas-hottest-husbands-finalists-2014.