Enjoy this excerpt from my novel, *Pretty Kinky for a Love Story*, available now on Amazon.

If this narrative were a film, it would likely open with a vibrant montage, perhaps set to the rhythm of Sublime’s “What I Got.”

The scene would commence with a collection of books—yes, I confess, I’m a bit of a bibliophile. You'd see them overflowing on nightstands, coffee tables, and newly added shelves. Titles from Brene Brown, Marie Kondo, and Esther Perel would be prominently displayed. We’d be depicted listening to audiobooks during various activities, from washing dishes to driving. Footage would show Jack leafing through The Bible for Dummies during his lunch hour.

You'd catch us exploring Spotify for engaging podcasts, exchanging our favorite episodes from The Art of Manliness, Philosophize This, and The School of Greatness. Clips of Jack sending me intriguing YouTube videos about Carl Jung or Friedrich Nietzsche, with me watching them while fixing my hair, would follow. There'd be scenes of us animatedly discussing these new concepts while brushing our teeth side by side.

The montage would then shift to us practicing yoga on our back deck, followed by sessions in front of the fireplace with the kids, and moments in our bedroom where savasana seamlessly transitions into cuddling and playful kisses.

The camera would capture the sun setting over our kitchen during deep, laughter-filled conversations, with children and friends surrounding us.

You’d also see us meticulously checking food labels, discarding items laden with added sugars and gluten, and restocking our pantry with fresh produce. The purchase of a Vitamix and a new cache of supplements, nuts, and seeds would be highlighted.

Visuals would show our family walking through the neighborhood, with my outfits becoming more form-fitting as I grew stronger. You’d see me standing tall, with shoulders back and a sun hat in place.

Jack and I would be seen together constantly—chatting while cooking, lifting weights in the basement, and trying to keep our Costco bill under $400.

We’d appear while bathing the kids, sharing cuddles and bedtime stories, kissing them goodnight in their individual beds.

Then the scene would cut to the kitchen, where I urge Jack to stow away a bottle of cabernet. With a flourish, I reveal our little one-hitter, signaling that we’ve officially traded wine for weed.

Our bedroom would transform from a nursery extension into a serene retreat, adorned in earthy tones, with a plush king-size bed facing windows overlooking the lake. You’d see us conversing as we pull down the duvet and lay a Turkish towel across the crisp white sheet.

We had always shared a close bond, spending as much time together as we could. Yet, our conversations once revolved around people, events, and future plans. While we were open about feelings and aspirations, our discussions felt more mechanical and distant back then.

Was it the cannabis? The restful sleep we finally achieved? Our shift from a sugar-laden existence to one filled with intentions, mantras, and yoga? Had we discovered the right literature to nourish our minds and spirits? Or was it simply the onset of a mid-life awakening?

Now, our dialogue shifted to encompass profound topics—ideas, purpose, passion, psychology, philosophy, and our place in the universe. Our discussions delved into who we aspired to be and how we could better ourselves. Capturing that essence through mere footage seemed impossible; it felt larger than any screen could contain.

It was akin to falling in love anew.

Naturally, this montage would also include our intimate moments.

You’d witness Jack approaching me, kissing me deeply, his height compelling me to lift my head to meet him. The intensity in his gaze signaled his eagerness, igniting a sense of anticipation within me.

He would lift my shirt, kissing me again before guiding me to lie on our bed. As he slid my yoga pants down, I’d find myself exposed, enjoyin