Friday, September 21, 2012

What Floats Your Boat?

I promised that my next blog entry would have zero promotion to it. Well, would a book giveaway be promotion?  Seriously, would it?  Well, think about it while a spin a tale for a moment.

Preparing my plate for dinner tonight, I was standing in the kitchen with my O.H.  Without being asked, he opened the freezer, emptied the ice trays into the ice bucket, and refilled the ice trays.  My only thought as I watched him do this: Wow! That is so incredibly sexy.

Of course, my next thought was ... how has my idea  of sexy changed so much?  Sure, I remember my early twenties when my idea of sexy was shoulder-length, wind-blown hair and a killer smile.  Heck, that's still sexy.  But as our lives change, our ideas and fantasies change. 

When your life becomes a rush of work, errands, and just the general go-go-go that leaves you struggling to catch your breath, you find that the things that get your motor going again have changed from those more lackadaisical days of high school and college. 

Do I still find the image of the strong, virile, take-charge male appealing? Oh, heck yeah!  But attractive and sexy has taken on a more dynamic form as I accumulate years.  What else do I now find attractive?

My husband refilling the ice trays without being asked.
A man vacuuming the house. (Yeah, after a long day at the office and a long night ahead of me writing books, housework is not high on my to-do list.)
And my favorite -- A man reading a book.  There is nothing sexier than seeing a man read a book.  For me, the sexiest thing of all is a man reading fiction, preferably science-fiction or fantasy.

So, here's where the giveaway comes in.  Tell me what normal thing turns you on.  (Let me add this important caveat: I don't want to read about the strange, kinky shit that turns you on.  Please, keep the really weird stuff to yourself or I will delete the comment from my blog.)  I'm looking for the average and mundane things like I mentioned above. The thing that is unexpectedly important to you.

Leave me a comment and you will be entered to win an early copy of my next novel, Angel's Ink.  This contest is open internationally. The contest closes at midnight Eastern time on Friday, September 28.  I will draw one winner randomly and announce the winner on Saturday, September 29.

88 comments:

Rasha said...

My husband playing in the leaves with our three boys aged 11, 9 and 7. Big goofy grin on my face...

Unknown said...

My husband in a flannel shirt, jeans & work boots using a chain saw....MMMMM

Jocelyn Mullis said...

mmy husband in his boxers and a white tshirt ....cleaning our bathrooms...nothing makes me happier

Unknown said...

As I am happily single, and plan to stay that way, I can only say that my true love, a new book, is what turns me on. The weight in my hand, the smell, the font, the crackle of the spine as I open it, and delving into the depths of a new world: these are my turn-ons.

Jessica @ a GREAT read said...

Hmmm...I have to agree with you with a man reading a book! Something sci-fi/fantasy too!

Of course...I'm picturing this too perfect man doing it without a shirt on!

Jan and Al Schwartz said...

Mine is to this day is when I said to Al lets quit Schaeffers, sell the house and all our possesions buy an RV and hit the open road with our 7 cats and work minimum wage jobs just so we can see this beautiful country. The rest is history. Nine years ago that was sexy and still makes me smile.

Chelsea Baird said...

Being single gotta say smile,nice arems and an arm tattoo :)

Emmi said...

I love watching my husbrand drive because I really admire him for being so calm while driving - I have a driver's license, too, but I'm always freaking out if I have to drive somewhere. When he's concentrating on the traffic he's just too sexy.

Book Devourer said...

I like to see my husband splitting wood and/or starting a fire. I also like to see him doing handyman jobs around the house. I know you said vacuuming but my husband likes to vacuum and I don't so I don't see it as too sexy. If I can see him successfully repair something around the house, now that is sexy.

Allison W said...

Sometimes just a smile meant for me is nice. or if you want something more physical, opening the door still feels pretty nice and gentlemenly.

Haven said...

When my husband does things just because it makes me happy. Like going to haunted houses or looking at Halloween decorations for the millionth time. The man will venture into Hobby Lobby sometimes because I ask! :)

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I totally know what you mean, though at the moment I don't have a love interest that is physically present in my daily life. Little things (and important ones of course) that a person does to make you know that in the hustle and bustle of life, she notices you, is thinking of you, caring for you, being thoughtful of something you need - and took the time to do something for you or let you know. For example, I love finding a note that says something I needed to hear, or that simply lets me know she was thinking of me. Or, I sometimes misplace things like my glasses or my keys. So it's sexy to me when someone knows where I put things when I'm looking for something - the way it says that person is paying a quiet, affectionate attention to me even if I wasn't. Making me laugh, defintitely. Being emotionally expressive, the way it both relaxes and excites me. Making me think - because intelligence is incredibly sexy. Kindness towards others for sure. Also, for me, there is something affectionately sexy in getting to know the small things about a person, like their unique mannerisms or something they always do - the way it feels intimate and makes me smile just to see them among my everyday.

Anonymous said...

My husband being there for me through all my medical stuff the last year, helping the kids with stuff, reading with our daughter. It is the little things in life that mean so much, to paraphrase The Crow. :)

Skye S. said...

With being a history major and living in the university library, I can never draw my eyes away from that stressed out guy who has a large coffee and a stack of old books in front of him. There's usually a fair bit of hand-abused hair and furious scribbling/typing going on as well.

And, of course, when men play the piano I am utterly transfixed and gawk without shame.

Damn those attractive men.

bn100 said...

A man who's smiling and happy.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sara M said...

Manners. I'm almost 25, and it's amazing how many people my age don't have manners. I may be a bit biased... After getting my piercings and tattoos, I became extra polite because it felt like (mostly older) people just assumed I was gonna be rude. It's amazing that I still get amazed looks when I hold doors open and stuff...

But I digress, other things I find attractive: reading a book, glasses, piercings/tattoos (that you can see on a normal, fully clothed person), being a cat lover.

One of my favorite things about my girlfriend is to watch her play with our cats. She's so loving and gives them equal attention.

Unknown said...

I love cats. I had 4 when I moved in with my husband. One day I came home from work and he said "I didn't fold the clothes because the kitties were sleeping on them". My ex-husband used to get mad about the kitties sleeping on the clean clothes. That's why he's the ex and I now have a super sweet and sexy husband now:)

Unknown said...

His "evil grin" when he has a secret he knows will make me happy... There's just something about that look that makes me breathless...

Unknown said...

My husband and I have not been blessed with any kids so when he plays with and gives attention to my 9 month old great niece Zoey I find that is when I find him the most sexy.

Bramblemoon Farm said...

I know this is nerdy, but my husband had to replace our propane water heater with an electric one. This means he had to do some rewiring, and turn the electric off. That moment when he turned it back on, and it worked was very sexy. I think it was that look on his face that said "Whew...it really worked!" A man who can fix stuff around the house is a sexy thing:)

Unknown said...

Now! Sorry, too many nows...

Sheyodi said...

When he looks into my eyes, smiles and shares that special look letting me know how much I am loved and how precious I am to him.

Sharon B said...

My husband on the tennis court!

Bethany C. said...

My husband set up my new tv and blu-ray player in like 3 minutes. And has this innate 6th sense when it comes to grilling meat.

Jo said...

My hubby reading poetry to my bump when i was pregnant was the cutest, sexiest thing ever :-)

Gail said...

My husband seems to be so serious all the time. So on the rare occasion that he opens up and lets a laugh out, it just brightens his face. It reminds me why I married him 33 years ago. Oh yeah, it doesn't hurt that he cleans & does wash too. ;)

Unknown said...

I would have to say that when my husband comes home and cooks to give me a break. Also when he is cuddled up with our 2y old on the bed watching kid shows. When he brings me flowers or gives me cards...He always has a knack for getting the PERFECT card!

Unknown said...

When I would come home after a busy day and my hubby would have his Marine Corps apron on and be in the kitchen cooking with the kids and hand me a glass of wine with his dimpled smile and a twinkle in his eye and whisper "love you" that just flat did it for me.

Tiffy said...

When He wears a long sleeve button shirt and rolls the sleeves up. Then he smiles...too hot :)

LadyBonBon said...

My husbands smile - still & always.

Sarah said...

As his own idea my husband vacuums and dusts each Monday morning after I leave for work. He doesn't want the allergens that are stirred up to give my sinuses any trouble. By the time I'm home that evening, the house looks great, and I'm not sneezing.

Melvin's Wife said...

It really gets my gears going when I catch my husband staring at me when he thinks I dont see. While im cooking or reading I catch him looking at me...Its pretty hot!

Unknown said...

Intelligent conversation on any topic without getting offended. Let's discuss politics, religion or the Higgs-Boson particle. Doesn't matter.

Lissa B said...
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Lemon Lime Creations said...

Sitting at the kitchen table doing homework with the kids, after I have had a long day, and then saying, sure let's order pizza.

Chelsie Russell said...

ooooohhhhh, I love it when my crush looks over at me and pulls his hand through hair while smiling devilishly. Man, that really gets me going

Lissa B said...

A man that adores his wife and loves his children is incredibly sexy!!!

Unknown said...

I love it when my husband cooks dinner and feeds our doggies before i get home from work. I love watching him in the kitchen, and I don't even mind cleaning up after him.

Jody H said...

My husband, who has stayed with me through my being sick and still looks at me with love (and lust), which will never die

Anonymous said...

I love it when My hubby is working on the car and ask me to help he is very patient when teaching me something new.
Peggy
wolfspirit12188@yahoo.com

Lady Zzala said...

I have to say I love it when I can go into an electronics store and the man behind the counter talks to me not at me. A meeting of minds. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Then if he can have a conversation about PC gaming and my favorite books, I am a goner.

wifey said...

My heart skips a beat every time he lays his head on my baby bump <3

Kathleen Smith said...

I'm single, but casually dating. I love when a man takes the initiative to plan something unique!

LITERAL ADDICTION said...

My beau with a huge smile acting like a little boy & playing with our Lab in the pool. Melts my heart every time. :)

Anonymous said...

I enjoy a man who can cook. I remember the excited look in his eyes when he watched his favorite cooking show and then explained how he would make it better and then would cook the next night for me. Yumm.

Casey said...

I'm not married, so I can't say about the little things like cleaning or cooking, but to me there is nothing sexier than a man reading. I have dated guys who don't like to read, but those relationships always seem to end earlier than when I date a guy who loves to read. Go figure. :)

imnellen said...

After 12 years together it is the everyday things that get me saying "Hmmmmm..." From making dinner and asking me if I'd like a glass of wine. To doing the ironing, THAT is really sexy! Especially since I am horrible at it and he will freshen up my clothes for me.

Michelle K said...

I'm not married, and it's very sexy to see a guy helping out a small kid in some little way. Gives you a sign that they'd be open to kids in the future.

Anonymous said...

My boyfriend vacuums the apartment (we have a large furry dog) and take out the trash/recycles without being told. He loves to have a tidy house while sometimes I don't mind a few dust. I like that he does it for me even when he comes home tired from work. I always welcome him with a hug and a big smile on my face, that is the first thing he usually see when he open the door to our home. =)

SdyLion said...

I love a rain storm- its nature at its best- power and beauty and all that energy. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

My husband and I do not have children of our own, but we tend to have my nieces and nephews over most days, because my sister works nights and goes to school during the day. Every time I see him helping one of the children, with such patience, even though they are not his or mine, it makes me melt.

I know you only asked for one, but I have to mention this one as well. Before he met me, he could NOT cook. He even managed to burn soup once. Don't ever mention hamburger helper in his presence either, or you will be sent a nasty look. He hated that he couldn't cook, so I have been teaching him. Having him so determined to learn is a HUGE turn on. He looks so focused as he is chopping vegetables. It is just breath-catching.

Unknown said...

My idea of sexy? My boyfriend making sure we are home in time to watch Doctor Who and Sons of Anarchy. My boyfriend playing with my son (from a previous relationship) and not getting tired before my son does. Both of these things are incredibly sexy to me. Hell, even watching him play one of his PC games. When he "fanboys" over a game or a show. This is all sexy to me!

PamDrum said...

My husband is an international transportation rep, but he's kept his Class 1 driver's license since the old days. Once a year or so, we help someone move and he borrows a big semi truck and trailer from work and drives it. Something about him driving that truck is so sexy to me!

Forrest said...

My guy doing the dishes after I've cooked dinner. It's simple, but kind. I also love it when he irons my clothes, yes I said my clothes. Spoiled I tell you! Spoiled!

kathy miller said...

I find nothing sexier than a man who really listens. When he asks me how my day was and I can tell he really wants to know.

Crystal said...

After two jobs and two kids. It is amazingly sexy to see my man cooking dinner. Just standing there and watching is definitely great!

Anonymous said...

For me, it my hubby bringing me tea (without me asking for it). He'll come into my computer room, where I'm playing at writing a novel, and say "You want drink?" and I look up to see a steaming mug of tea and the grin that makes my stomach do crazy flips.

Linda said...

How he cares for me when i´m ill, or that he´s got no problem what so ever buying female products for me =) a pink box with tampons? Bring it on! LOL When he´s noticed something off without me saying anything, and helps me *sigh* I love how he can surprise me, still.

best wishes, Linda

Anonymous said...

When we both had a hard day at work and he still gives me a massage. When he cooks and cleans. When he helps my family just to make me smile. Gwen.

wdiaz15 said...

a normal thing for me would be when he BUYS me a book he knew i really wanted. :)

donnas said...

It was always cooking for me when I got home from work. I really miss that.

Unknown said...

One of my favorite "He is so sexy" thought moments is when my husband finishes his shower. He comes down stairs, hair still wet, wearing a towel or his 'Superman' pj's... carring the laundry basket! I just love that! :-)

Teresa Brewer said...

sexy is when someone asks you questions casually and plans something based on what you like.. Maybe read a book you enjoyed or asks your favorite dish and attempts to cook it. Being a women seems that we put so much in ..Nice when someone tries to do something for us :)

Lizzie said...

Having a man open the door for me and flash me a smile as I walk through. Good manners? Oh, my! Be still my beating heart!

April said...

Walking into the house after wrangling two kids at soccer practice after a long day at work to find him in the kitchen starting one of his awesome dinners. Watching him cook is almost musical.

Melicent S. said...

I really like men who play guitar. The way they zone out and just focus on the music... it's amazing to watch and sometimes feels like I'm watching an intimate moment.

JackJackAttack said...

When he lets me sleep in on the weekend and entertains our son, then cleans up the house before I wake up. Brings a smile to my face and gives me the warm fuzzies. :)
Also, when plays handyman around the house. Sexy is a man who is good with his hands, right?

Unknown said...

Seeing my husband at home holding down the fort, after spending an entire week out of state taking care of my mom. I never appreciated him sooo much until he wasn't there for the random, just someone to talk to about whatever crazy weird things that go through my head. Having company that lets you be who you really are, and makes you feel good about it! I love that man, just realizing his presence and acceptance makes me feel overwhelmed with desire!!!

Summer Ross said...

I'm new to your blog- and find it fantastic.

lets see the sexy everyday thing my manly Man does that turns me on- working on his motorcycle in a pair of jeans and a tank top. Yummy.

Anonymous said...

Two things. 1 when my hubby does yard work with me. I love to garden and he doesn't but just watching him pull weeds or cut the lawn - yes!
Also, putting my 4 month old baby boy in the bath, usually my thing, to see my man get the same joy out of his complete calm and happiness - yes!

Denise Keef said...

With the busy every day things...usually we just give a quick kiss and I love you as hubby is walking out the door and then a quick one when he gets home from work and it's "How was your day". But there is that one kiss that he sneaks up on me...turns me to face him...usually while I am making dinner...looks at me with love in his eyes...and kisses me with so much tenderness...well...game over! Even after twelve years of marriage...It gets me every time!

Tina said...

We farm. There is nothing more appealing than seeing him on the tractor just doing his job. That song she thinks my tractors sexy....well....yeah.

Chelly Writes said...

I watched him cut up a tree with a chainsaw once. I doubt I'll ever forget it.

Bethany said...

Getting dressed up for church, something about a nice suit and tie :) Yummm :)

Vampyre said...

Hi,

I'm a semi new readers of yours but I have loved what I've read so far.

Kim Harrison's Drama a box is where I virtually live. That's where I found out about the give away.

Smiles are what make my day. I love making a woman smile, it just brightens up my day.

V^^^^V

Vampyre said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jennifer P said...

I'd have to say that catching him look at me with a sexy grin is the sexiest thing ever.
A close second is him handing me a glass of wine so I can unwind with a book while he cooks. I think that's beautiful. :)

Michelle Brack said...

Waking up in the morning to that sexy bedhead and sleepy eyes!!! Love that moment!!:-)

Unknown said...

Help in cleaning up the kitchen, without asking for it... And a little kiss on the back of the neck.

kateryna from MTL said...

My boyfriend walks up to me and out of the blue says hop on.. I would stand on his feet and we dance.. It makes me smile and gets me out of a bad mood instantly.. I love him more every time.

Unknown said...

I am not lucky enough to be married. lol Congrats to all the long lasting one's I see. It has only happened to me once, but it was the best... I had been up all night yet again (I've never slept well), and my bf at the time came in the door with that smile I loved stretched to one side, coffee in one hand, and a book (that I had been talking about for over a month) in the other... He walked up, kissed me on the cheek and said "Sorry you had a bad night baby". Talk about sexy, I melted lol

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nicole Blum said...

My boyfriend caring for me and looking after me, i.e. cooking home made soup, when I am sick.
Or, there I have to agree with you, a man reading a book of the same genre I like, and even better him reading it to me...

vampgirl1988 said...

i'm a single mother one one lil boy so what make me the happiest is when he looks at me and says mommy ur so pretty !!!!! thats better than hearing it from a man any day cause he really means it

rj0711 said...

coming home from work each day and finding that my husband has cleaned the kitchen for me...best feeling ever!

Aja said...

When my husband shows up unexpectedly and he's wearing his "terminator glasses" and he smiles at me like I'm the center of his universe.

zeldaqueenofmars said...

When my husband clears and washes the dinner dishes without any prompting. Then he makes the coffee and gives the dogs a biscuit. He's the greatest.