I subscribe to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Newsletter.
And while I can’t afford a thing she markets, ($545 for a pair of jeans? Hellz, no), I do love to read what she and her team have to say.
They are always coming up with the most clever ways to describe products and clothing, always seem to have the most up-to-date information on health and wellness, and aren’t afraid to say the f-word, or talk about how much a great martini tastes after a long day.
Recently they put out a Valentine-inspired issue, and it was so unique. Somehow they got away with using the phrase F*UCK IT/YOU/ME, etc. for each category heading. It made me laugh, which kept my attention long enough to read the entire article.
So, borrowing a page from GP herself, I give you:
The 5-Minute [SEXY] Newsletter – February, 2022.
Romantic Movies to Watch that Feature Good…well, you know
- The Wedding Date. There’s something about Dermot Mulroney. Maybe it’s the scar across his lip, or the disheveled hair, or the quiet, reserved demeanor of his character…whatever it is, it works. The scene where he *almost* kisses Debra Messing is toe-curling. And then, of course, the sex scene on the boat with Maroon 5’s “Secret” playing…no words.
2. The Holiday
Jude Law is, without a doubt, the best on-screen kisser alive.
There. I said it.
He’s so good, in fact, that he gets to occupy both number 2 and number 3 of my post. First for The Holiday, because…his kiss with Cameron Diaz, when he’s drunk and has just busted into her rented cottage that belongs to his sister, is heart melting-ly sexy. I wonder if actresses swoon a bit when they see they are cast opposite him. It must be the equivalent of winning the dreamboat lottery for them.
Anyway, the Holiday. A perennial favorite of mine.
3. Cold Mountain.
This movie. Gah!
It’s a heart-ripper for sure, and it takes a lot of guts to get through the second half of it. After all, it’s a film about the Civil War, and it’s brutal in places. But the underlying love story between Jude Law and Nicole Kidman is…freakin’ hot. They are both so innocent and yet soooo in love with each other. And when he finally works up enough nerve to kiss her before he heads off to war…well, it probably only took one shot to get that scene right. Even Nicole looked like she’d just received the best kiss of her damn life. And then the scene at the end when they reconnect in the cabin…hellooo steamy steam. So yeah, Jude Law for numbers 2 and 3.
4. Safe Haven.
When asked to describe my own novel, Lost in the Right Direction, I say it’s like a cross between Safe Haven and Sleeping With the Enemy. Safe Haven because the main character has run away from an abusive relationship and, of course, falls in love with a hunky hunk of a gorgeous man. In the case of Safe Haven, that’s Josh Duhamel. I mean, it’s not even fair to the rest of the men out there, this guy. And when he finally, finally kisses Julianne Hough, there really ought to be fireworks going off in the background. Hello? Against a tree, with all that nervous energy all bundled up between the two of them…it’s definitely a hot movie. One of my favorites.
5. Bridgerton, Season 1 (Netflix). Pretty much any episode past about episode 2 is freakishly hot for a period drama. I went into it expecting something like Downton Abbey, where the characters were all pretty uptight, but this show…hoooo-eeeeee, I had to be sure no one was around when I was watching it because, damn. Simon and Daphne are too, too much. And that scene where he licks the ice cream off of the spoon – mon dieu! It only gets better from there.
Happy movie watching, and please do add your recommendations in the comments. I’d love to add some new shows to my favorites list.
Pink Isn’t Just for Lingerie (although, yes please)
It’s a universal fact that the color pink looks good on absolutely anyone. Alright, maybe that’s my own opinion, but I have yet to see it look poorly on anyone. Here are some ways to wear it that will brighter your day, and possibly your night as well.
Button Down Everyday Shirt, $23.99
Pink bralette, $18.99
Darling and comfortable. Channel your inner 90’s Madonna and wear this with something see-through (or just to sleep in, whatevs).
Pink Sunglasses, Tory Burch, $94.38
A splurge, but a timeless one at that. These would look terrific with a black t-shirt and denim shorts, or a white, deep v sweater and white linen pants. Endless possibilities.
Kendra Scott Rose Druzy, $68.00
Simple. Gorgeous. Eye-catching. My work here is done. 🙂
Spicy Reads
Everything I read this past month was great. Honestly. Not a bad book in the bunch, and that’s saying something because I am super picky. Each of these has charm, wit, some steamy scenes, and definite tingle factor.
The Hating Game, by Sally Thorne
Enemies to Lovers trope that is quick and witty and so dang cute. I want to be Lucy and I want to work with Josh. Adorable. Definitely going to re-read!
“When I press my fingernails into him, his throat constricts in a swallow and I manage to land one glancing, open-mouthed kiss across it. I can feel the effect it has; his hands flex, his hips tilt toward me. Something heavy presses into my stomach.
This is the best game I’ve ever played in my entire life.
His hand settles on my lower back and I arch against him and manage to get one hand on the nape of his neck.
“Is there a reason we’re not kissing yet?”
“The height difference, mainly.” He’s trying to conceal the fact he’s got an erection hard enough to dent a tin can.”
Told you. Funny, witty, and steamy.
The Love Hypothesis, by Ali Hazelwood
Science – check. Academia – check. Intelligence – check. Hot hero – check, check, check, check, check.
This is another Enemies to Lover trope but done under the fake relationship sub-genre that has the slowest burn I’ve ever read. When these two finally do get together, though, holy sh*t.
It’s pages of fire. Like, actual flames shooting off the pages and straight into my heart. There’s a reason this book was chosen as an Editor’s Choice for Best Romance.
“He kisses, Olive thought, like a man starved.
There were two kinds of heat, the one curling tight at the bottom of her stomach, and the one rising to her cheeks. Olive could barely tell them apart. “I am…”
“Perfect.” He wasn’t really talking to her. More to himself, marveling at the way his ….(censored)…”
Definitely a steamy read and a perfect choice for the airplane or a long car ride. Just don’t let anyone read over your shoulder. 🙂
People We Meet on Vacation, by Emily Henry
Definitely the more serious book of the bunch, but this one is still a terrific read.
Two best friends
Ten summer trips
One last chance to fall in love
Poppy is a modern day hippie and Alex loves his khakis and structured life. An unlikely duo with an undeniable pull toward one another. Add in a steamy kiss in the rain that is a scorcher and you’ve got the armchair travel romance book of the season.
“When I look back up at him, he’s beaming at me, and I think, I love you more now than I ever have. How is this possible that this keeps happening with him?
“Can we take a picture together?” I ask, but what I’m thinking is, I wish I could bottle the moment and wear it as perfume.”
Be prepared to have your heart stretched a bit. This one, although a true romance, deals with some big issues.
Sexy Getaways
Palm Springs.
No need to say anything more. Cocktails and limited clothing. Take me there.
Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas
No casino. No smoke. Just a stunning pool in a quiet part of the strip (truly!) and the sexiest rooms you’ve ever seen. The bathtubs alone could be a centerfold for Playboy.
At-Home Day Spa Products (to help with the sexiness)
Bath Tray, 28.99
I actually have this and it’s awesome. It extends to fit across any tub and has all sorts of storage for everything you would want (too bad it doesn’t come with noise-cancelling headphones…)
Charcoal Facial Mask, Beauty Counter $49
Another splurge, but worth it. Beauty Counter’s products cost a little more because they are rated by the EWG (Environment Working Group) and “every ingredient is screened and assessed against 23 safety endpoints (like carcinogenicity and reproductive harm).” Plus, if you enter your email address, you can save 20% off your first order. I’ve tried these products and they really are great. The lip gloss is amazing, too.
Body Brush Set, $19.95
Body brushing is kind of what I imagine it feels like to be a cat licking itself.
Weird, I know. But stay with me.
Body brushing is sort of painful in that it’s a shock to the system to feel the rough bristles on your skin, but then it feels like the best back scratch you’ve ever had, and before you know it, you’re brushing everywhere.
Fortunately it’s good for you, too.
Body brushing is supposed to help shed dry skin, improve circulation and get rid of toxins via lymphatic drainage. It also claims to get rid of cellulite, but I think my toothbrush says that on the side of the box as well.
If you haven’t tried the body brushing experience yet, I would highly recommend it!
And, that’s a wrap for February.
Hope you enjoyed this newsletter. Send me a note if you did. And send me a note if you didn’t. Especially if you didn’t. 🙂
Take care.
xo
Megan
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn, literally, about two cents. But they still make me put this disclaimer so I’m not ripping anyone off. Carry on.