What's the Problem with Being Naughty?

You know I have to go there sometimes, after all I am writer of awesome naughtiness. But, really I am curious about why anything of a blatant sexual nature raises so much controversy. There are some who have no qualms about accepting their sexuality, expressing it, sharing it and reading about it. On the other hand there are those who blanch even if you just mention the word sex. Now, I am not trying to say that any one is "right" and anyone is "wrong." Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and in my opinion right and wrong are often subjective as life tends to hover mostly in areas tinted with gray. In the blog title I’ve used the word naughty, not because I view sex as anything negative (I’m sure this is obvious) but just because it’s fun. I use it in a playful manner and embrace that being “naughty” can often be fun and sometimes enlightening as far as personal growth goes.

I think there’s a delicate balance between unhealthy and healthy expression of sexuality. There are some who are terrified of it and others who seem to be ruled by it. I think a healthy balance lies somewhere in the middle. However, my biggest issues are with those who insist on attempting to force their views on people like me, who enjoy writing about the discovery of the sexual journey. Since I’m a writer of erotic romance it’s safe to assume I believe that sex is a natural and healthy form of expression, when all parties involved have consented to participate. I and some of my fellow authors work hard to write books that are intense and heated but we also work to add emotional chemistry, a high level of emotion and characters that we hope will last in a reader’s mind, long after they’ve finished the book.

The most frustrating thing is when I hear comments about how sex “cheapens” or takes away from the deep emotional aspects of a story, or even a relationship. I’m really curious about where this point of view comes from. Are some trying to imply, every couple experiencing a healthy and exciting sex life has a shallow relationship or that their relationship has less emotion or companionship then a couple that doesn’t? I can’t say that I agree. I certainly don’t feel that sex makes a relationship, but it certainly doesn’t take away from it either. Actually I think these kinds of decisions are personal and the type and amount of sex had, should really be left up to each individual couple. Why do others feel the need to impose their beliefs and what could be considered negatives comments on others, when a lot of the time it’s really none of their business. If you don’t understand something, then way try to make a judgment call about it? And if you don’t like something, why bother to focus on it in the first place? Just curious.

My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

My Boyfriend's Back

A Short, Sweet Romance

by Chrissy Olinger

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance only .99

15,826 words

Available on Kindle
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"Fear not! I bring you tidings of... DAMMIT!"

With those few words, Jack Lynch's world was turned upside-down. Once the nerd everyone loved
to torment, he has returned to his home town for his twentieth reunion. Now a multimillionaire, Jack has everything but the one thing that matters: his
true love. Twenty years ago he let her slip away. Now he's back, and determined to win her heart.

But screeching tires on an icy road change everything. If being temporarily dead weren't bad
enough, Norman— an angel in training— returns Jack's spirit to the wrong body— the class bully, John Lydon.

With the rockin' hot bod of his former nemesis, the help of a nerdy angel, and his own wits,
Jack has to get Rori to see him, love him, and bring about a miracle... without revealing this true identity. The clock is ticking, and he only has three days.

Jack's got the brains; his new body has the brawn; and Norman's got his back. What could possibly
go wrong?

*This book contains some mild language, no strong sexual content, and an excessive amount of silliness.

Poetry Time!

A poetry contest was held at my job. The topic was diversity or how we see or feel about the adversities in life regarding our many differences. I entered, though I didn't final, I was asked to recite my poetry at the poetry slam they are having tomorrow. Here is my piece. Enjoy.


Thunder Showers
By. Lauren Murphy


Shriveled up, dry, filled with regret
Rooted in firm, unyielding hatred
Immersed, in a dismal drought
Caused by scorching bitterness
Overcast, clouds cover my minds eye
Distorted images, incoherent thoughts
Dangerous emotions, lashing out
Lightening striking, thunder rumbling
Tearing through, the sky opening
Glistening moisture, pouring down
Soothing feelings, of raw blatant
Aching, a waterfall of relief, a shower
Of forgiveness, relief flows through me
Nourishing my core, my heart begins to beat,
My mind calm at peace, steady are my thoughts
The sky begins to clear, clouds disappear
I become free, to love, once again.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley

She was made for sin. Sin was something he knew intimately.

John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he’s driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won’t lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she’s as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

Carina Press or Amazon or All Romance ebooks

"The story is hyper intense, hyper complex, its what romance, new romance is supposed to be. Its NEW its fresh, it expands, its so beyond new, its freaking shiny. In the package wonderful. I loved it, I loved it I loved it. " -Romance Book Forums

Avoidance Stinks!

Well I’ve made it over my hurdle of avoidance (with my writing) and have been editing again. I tend to avoid a story when I feel it has high potential. See, I really like the story I’m currently working on (OK I like them all lol), but I keep having a nagging voice in my head that keeps hinting that maybe I can’t do it justice. Perhaps it would be better left to someone who has more experience or even talent. At least that’s what the voice tries to tell me.

I don’t think this is just a “me” thing, or even just a writer thing. Most of the people I know or have spoken with on any level have revealed to me that they’ve had similar doubts regarding their own lives. Some people are concerned they are in over their heads at their jobs, in their relationships or raising their children. But somehow we manage to keep pushing through it all anyway.

The thing is, no matter how much the little voice of doubt pesters me I still keep going. I still keep writing, and polishing and submitting my work. I don’t think I could stop if I wanted to (and I don’t). I love being a writer, it’s who I am. So, I have decided not to let this negative little chatterbox get me down. I am going to finish this damn story and submit it! Go me!

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

Holidays are all about relaxation. And what better way to relax than with a hot holiday fling?

On vacation in Mexico with her two best friends, forty-one-year-old Celeste Kopp vows to break out of her middle-aged rut and live life to the fullest. Taking surf lessons is on the top of her to do list. However, when she meets sexy surf instructor Ben, the idea of a holiday fling with a younger man becomes the only thing on her list.

Ben is more than willing to live out Celeste’s fantasies as well as a few of his own. But their holiday romance turns out to be more than either of them bargained for when the connection between them deepens. Being with Celeste forces Ben to deal with his own baggage in a way he never expected.

As the vacation draws to a close, Celeste realizes she wants so much more from Ben than a holiday fling, but can she convince him that their future together is worth the risk?

Buy Link

For more info on Lauren visit her website http://www.laurenfraser.com

Starch

This is not a post about health and wellness or changing my diet. I am talking about the stuff they put on your clothes at the cleaners. Now I am certainly a fan of clean clothes and I am an even more of a fan of anyone who will clean them for me… even if I do have to pay them. What I want to know is what is the deal with the starch?

Last week I dropped off my clothes at the cleaners, a pair of jeans, a few shirts and a sweater. The very friendly lady at the desk asked if I wanted starch and I gave my usual response, “Light starch on the jeans please.” The next day I went to pickup my clothes (they do have very fast service) and decided to put my clothes away immediately rather than procrastinate until later (which is what I usually do).

I successfully managed to get everything in the closet one by one, but stopped when I got to the jeans. They felt like cardboard. Out of curiosity I decided to put them on. I had to practically peal the pants open and jam my foot into the pant legs to get them on. Geeze, and this is what they call light starch? I wonder what’ll happen if I ask for heavy. Will my pants break when I try to pull them apart? Will they become ornamental jeans like those framed jerseys you see on people’s walls? I mean really, how much starch could one pair of pants need?