In case you weren't aware, this month is Pleasure Your Mate Month. Sounds naughty, doesn't it? Most of the search results about this date have an element of sensual pleasure, but it's really meant to promote showing affection and appreciation towards your mate.
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Sometimes in the spring, after my hubby has been working in the yard, a small vase with a flower will appear on my desk. That brings me pleasure. I also like it when he does the dishes.
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He recently had to return to full-time on site after working from home during the pandemic. He leaves at 6:15 am and gets home around 6:30 pm, which is a long day. I'm not the best housekeeper, but I've been trying to control the clutter and have dinner ready so that home is like a sanctuary for him.Â
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I've noticed that many romance novels are getting spicier and spicier. I don't necessary mind it, as I enjoy a good sexy bit. But for me, but the elements of a great romance don't hinge simply on the sexy bits (some romances don't have sexy bits). Some of the enjoyment comes from the flutters of attraction and the angst from conflict. I love that stuff, but what really makes a great romance for me are the swoony bits; moments in which one character is doing something to bring
pleasure to the other in a non-sensual way.Â
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One of the first romances I ever read was The Return of Rafe MacKade by Nora Roberts. The scene that stands out for me is the one in which Rafe attempts to read poetry. The scene is funny, it's sweet, and it's swoony. It's a grand gesture; one that brings pleasure to his love interest.
In Wed to Her, my marriage of convenience romance, Jagger brings pleasure to Chelsea when he secretly renovates her family's home according to her home update planner he'd found.Â
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In Risk It All, my romantic adventure romance, Max creates a wildlife foundation for Madeleine, who's passion is animal preservation. Â
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I enjoy little bits like that because it shows that the relationship is more than just a physical attraction. Love, affection, and a desire to make the other person happy are involved. Let's face it, I'm a big, sappy, hopeless romantic. Sigh!
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So I realize that my some of my book examples of giving pleasure involve expensive gestures. It doesn't take a lot of money to show affection or appreciation toward a loved one.
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But if you do like expensive gestures and billionaires, I know a place were you can get free billionaire romances. You can grab as many as you want.