Tag Archives: romance

Sexy Short Story: The Workout

Free Photo | Beautiful young woman working out

The following is a sexy short story I wrote a while back after working out at the gym. I know it has been a while since I posted a sexy short story. I hope there’s still an audience for them. Please let me know what you think. Leave a comment below and check out my other stories. Enjoy!


“How do you do it? How do you find the time and energy for all this?”

Kelly Lowell got asked that question often and for good reason. Once people learned about her career aspirations, her workload, and her day-to-day schedule, they looked at her as though she were crazy. Even her closest family members thought her ambitions were excessive.

They weren’t wrong, either. Since high school, Kelly had pursued a career in sports medicine. Her father was a former Olympian. Her two younger brothers were aspiring athletes. She tried to be an athlete too, but a fateful injury during a field hockey game in junior high school sent her down another path. In some respects, that path was more rigorous than that of any athlete.

Kelly’s weekly schedule read like a case study for obsessive overachievers. She was a full-time college sophomore taking on a full-time course load. She was a pre-med student pursuing two majors, one in biology and one in pharmacology. She also interned with the university’s athletic department, working closely with the medical staff to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to help her build a career sports medicine.

On top of those jobs, she worked part time at a local gym. Even with loans and scholarships, she needed extra money for textbooks and tuition. Kelly often joked that her day ended and began at sunrise, but for those closest to her, it was no laughing matter.

“I’m worried about you, Kelly,” they would tell her. “You work too hard, but act like it’s no big deal. That’s not healthy.”

She acknowledged and appreciated their concerns. She went to great lengths to reassure her friends and family that she could handle her workload. She always did so with a smile and an energy that shouldn’t have been possible for someone with her schedule.

Kelly suspected that made them even more concerned. Telling them she could manage her workload helped, but telling them with a beaming smile and boundless energy often left them more confused. However, part of that was her fault because she left out a few key details, one of which was about to play out.

“Five a.m. sharp,” said Kelly as she checked her phone. “Right on schedule.”

Sitting behind the front desk of the gym she worked at, she smiled as she checked her phone. That, in and of itself, was an accomplishment.

It was the middle of the week.

It was still pitch-black outside.

It was freezing cold.

The gym wasn’t supposed to open for another half-hour, but Kelly always came in early. She sacrificed a chunk of what little sleep she got to unlock the doors and turn on the lights. She didn’t get paid extra for it, either. However, she was still compensated in a very meaningful way.

“I’m ready when you’re ready, Kelly,” came a deep, masculine voice from the main workout area.

Her smile widened. That voice belonged to Alexander Braxton, an aspiring bodybuilder who worked just as hard she did in pursuit of his dream. He was the reason why she went behind her boss’ back to open the gym early. He was also the one who helped fuel that energy that gave her such passion and drive.

“I’ll be right there,” Kelly called out from the front desk.

She got up from the desk, walked up to the front entrance, and locked it to make sure nobody else entered. At this early hour, only the greatest overachievers dared to hit the gym. By that standard, she and Alex definitely qualified.

After turning off the front lights, she entered the main workout area through the double doors next to the front desk. The gym was large and spacious, stocked with every amenity an athlete needed. Alex made good use of every piece of equipment, but for someone as ambitious as him, free-weights and treadmills only went so far. Kelly understood that more than most.

With the doors behind her closed, she approached the tall, hulking man standing just in front of the weight bench. She could tell he’d just completed his warm-up. He had already worked up a light layer of sweat. It filled the immediate area with his intense, masculine musk. Her morning cup of coffee hadn’t entirely woken her up, but she was certainly alert now.

“And just like that, I’m ready to work harder…among other things,” Kelly said under her breath.

Just being near him got her heart racing for all the right reasons. Even by amateur bodybuilding standards, Alex was an incredible testament to the male physique. His arms were more muscular than most men’s legs. His legs were bigger than most men’s torso. While some men bragged about six-pack abs, Alex could boast an eight-pack and then some. His every muscle was so toned and chiseled, like a work of art from a master artist.

They were not overly bulky. They were not the product of steroids, either. Such a strong, masculine figure could only come from dedicated work and relentless drive. Kelly, being pre-med and having accomplished athletes in her family, knew the difference. That was how she and Alex had connected when she first arrived at college. That connection eventually evolved into something much deeper.

“The regional bodybuilding finals are next week,” Alex said to her with folded arms.

“My mid-terms are in four days,” she replied.

“I haven’t forgotten,” he said with a knowing grin. “Just letting you know I need this as much as you.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second.”

“You still doubt me?”

“Not at all,” Kelly said in a seductive, yet serious demeanor, “but I know you, Alex. I know you as much as well as you know me. People who are as driven as us…we never stop proving ourselves.”

True to that effort, Kelly made the first move. She stripped out of her clothes, removing her tank top and sweatpants. She hadn’t bother with underwear that morning. She never did when she met up with Alex. It only got in the way.

Now, fully naked and very much alert, she stood before the muscular man. With a seductive gaze, she dared him to match her energy. Alex, being both competitive and determined, never failed to measure up.

“I just love how you go about proving yourself,” he said as he admired her nude form.

“Some people need coaching. Some need meditation. You and me…well, we have our preferred methods,” Kelly replied.

“That, we do.”

With the same focus as her, Alex stripped out of his workout clothes. He couldn’t get out of his shirt, shoes, and shorts fast enough. Even under the gym’s poor fluorescent lighting, seeing him in all his glory was a sight to behold at any hour. The muscles his clothes didn’t cover were impressive enough. Seeing everything, including an endowment worthy of his stature, further raised the bar.

“Since we both need this, I’ll be thorough,” Alex told her.

“So will I,” said Kelly.

They both spoke with the determination, dedication, and drive that only a select few could boast. Adding intense sexual arousal to the mix only intensified the mood. Like every other aspiration, Kelly pursued it to the utmost and beyond.

Like a couple of caged animals in heat, she and Alex unleashed their unique passions on one another. Again, she made the first move. She jumped up into his powerful arms, threw her legs around her waist, and latched onto his powerful shoulders. Alex caught her and held her up with ease, grabbing a firm hold of her butt with both hands. The second she felt his naked skin touch hers, the next ambitious push began.

“Your turn to prove yourself,” she whispered into his ear. “Go on. Do it as only you can.”

It wasn’t a dare.

It wasn’t a request, either.

It was a catalyst…a very effective catalyst.

Locked in his arms, clinging to his muscular body, Kelly caressed his unshaven face and saw the fire ignite in his eyes. Every athlete needed that special spark to put them in that special zone. She could tell by his gaze and his touch that he was already there.

“As only I can,” Alex said with a determined tone.

He put those bulging muscles of his to use. With determination worthy of a future champion, he kissed her hard on the lips and laid her down on the weight bench. From there, their special brand of foreplay unfolded.

Alex was so energetic and focused, feeling and caressing his way around her naked body. He knew where and how to apply the passion. He traced his hand up her thigh, skillfully kneaded her breasts, and used extra tongue when kissing her. He made sure to maintain intimate body contact every step of the way, allowing his masculine sinews to press against her feminine flesh. That got her in the zone too and not just in terms of arousal.

Kelly was already wet and ready for more. Alex quickly caught up. She could feel the tip of this throbbing erection press against her thighs. However, as any athlete knew, a warm-up was just as important as the workout. To keep pushing themselves as hard as they did, they couldn’t skip those critical steps.

True to his word, Alex was thorough. He left few parts of her naked skin untouched or uncaressed. When their lips finally parted, she made it clear that she was done with the warm-up.

“I’m ready,” he said intently.

“So am I,” said Kelly.

Needing no further motivation, Alex took the initiative.

He rose into an upright position, grabbed hold of her thighs, and spread her legs apart. Kelly remained flat on her back, holding onto the heavy bar bell hanging right above her, which still had traces of his sweat on it. She kept urging him on with her gaze, watching as he aligned his erect manhood with her wet entrance. Once in position, he delivered a thrust worthy of his imposing stature and entered her.

“Ohhh yes!” Kelly cried out. “This…needed this…more than I thought.”

“Mmm…me too,” Alex said with a determined grunt.

He wasted no time establishing a sexual rhythm. The man humped her the same way he pumped iron. Like the rest of his rigorous workouts, he did motion with perfect form and fervor. Her body rocked in accord with his. His hard, throbbing cock pumped smoothly and rapidly within her womanhood. Hot flesh meshed with hot flesh, slithering and stimulating every intimate area at every step of the way.

Powerful grunts and groans filled the empty gym. However, these were not the sounds of strain. It wasn’t just ecstasy, either. As Kelly locked eyes with Alex, matching the fire in his eyes every step of the way, she felt the true impact of this feeling.

“Alex…so strong,” she said.

“Kelly…even stronger,” he said.

He leaned over and kissed her, but still maintained the vigorous pace of their sex. She eagerly kissed back, matching both the energy and passion he put into this profound act.

It never ceased to amaze her. No matter how often they did it, the power of this uniquely intimate feeling filled her with a special kind of fulfillment. It was a special kind of sex, one born from the distinct drive and ambition that she and Alex shared. Kelly had enjoyed her share of sex with previous lovers, but that was all it had ever been.

For a time, sex was either a distraction or afterthought. Then, in a perfect convergence of fate and luck, her path crossed with Alex. With him, she found a new kind of strength. She uncovered a side of herself that changed her idea of what she could achieve and how hard she could push herself. It became instrumental in handling her extensive workload. It also became an integral part of Alex’s training.

The fact it made for incredibly hot sex in the early hours of the morning wasn’t lost on her either. It wasn’t an afterthought, but it was a hell of a bonus. Through Alex’s skilled, thorough humping, he brought her on the cusp of orgasm. She tried not to make it that easy for him, but when the sex was this good, that was too much work, even for her.

“Yes! Ooh yes! I’m close…so close!” Kelly said through labored pants.

His focus didn’t waiver for a second. He stepped up the pace, thrusting harder and faster to give her that extra push she so loved. When the feeling hit, she didn’t hold back. She clung to the bar bell, curled her toes, and arched her lower back as that special feeling washed over her.

“You got what you needed…and then some,” Alex said.

Kelly barely heard him. She tended to be very vocal during sex. It was one of the reasons they had to do it in an empty gym at the crack of dawn, but it was hardly the biggest.

Alex temporarily slowed the pace of his rhythmic thrusting, giving her time and space to soak in the feeling. He knew how important that feeling was to her. It went beyond good sex and good workouts. It was part of that distinct drive that fueled her lofty ambitions. He had that drive too. As such, he also knew that she was not the kind of girl to make someone else do all the work.

“Now, it’s your turn!” Kelly told him.

His intense focus finally broke. He cracked a smile and she smiled back. She was still catching her breath, her mind and body flooded with orgasmic sensations. That had never stopped her from doing her part as thoroughly as he did his.

“Do what you need to do,” Alex said, his smile and his tone daring her to keep pushing.

As always, Kelly rose to the occasion. She channeled more of that unique strength, grabbing the hulking man’s toned shoulders and repositioning their bodies. It started with a heated kiss, but ended with Alex lying on the bench press, flat on his back. Now, Kelly was the one on top, straddling his waist with his still-erect cock aching for her intimate warmth.

It happened so fast, like a reflex they had trained. It was a testament to just how adept they’d become at tapping this powerful source of intimate strength. She made good use of that strength, grabbing hold of his waist and plunging her hips downward, driving his manhood up into her womanhood.

“My turn, indeed,” said Alex, still grinning as he admired her naked body.

“Don’t get too relaxed,” said Kelly seductively. “The workout has just begun!”

From there, she began riding him.

She rode him hard and fast.

She rode him as hard as he’d humped her.

He showed off his strength. Now, she showed off hers. She was every bit as thorough and fervent, working her hips and rocking her body in a focused outburst of energy. She watched his rugged expression become awash in bliss. He still kept doing his part, exploring her upper body with his powerful hands, giving extra attention to her breasts and butt. He tried to supplement her movements, but she made sure they weren’t necessary to get the job done.

“Harder…faster…stronger,” Kelly panted as she rode him.

She kept repeating it like a mantra, as if to engrain that mentality into his brain and hers. An aspiring bodybuilder needed more motivation than most. The same went for aspiring doctors specializing in athletes. When it took the form of great sex, it was incredibly effective.

Kelly still pushed herself as hard a she pushed her lover. She kept riding Alex’s cock, guiding him towards his ultimate peak. He didn’t make it easy on her. She could tell by his determined look that he wanted to hold out. It was his way of going the extra mile. She didn’t mind the challenge. Like everything else in her life, she embraced it. That only made the final victory more rewarding.

“Almost…there!” Alex grunted. “I’m really…really close!”

Kelly didn’t dare lose focus. She worked her hips harder, grabbing onto his shoulders while he squeezed her butt in anticipation. With her eyes, she made it clear that he’d pushed hard enough. He had earned his prize, just as she’d earned hers.

“Come! You’ve proven yourself,” she told him.

That fateful affirmation did the trick. At that moment, Alex came.

He was every bit as vocal as her, closing his eyes and flexing all the necessary muscles to enjoy his release. Kelly finally broke focus to enjoy the spectacle. Still holding onto his shoulders, she smiled and enjoyed the fruits of her intensive labor.

Alex clearly enjoyed it more. She felt the bulky muscles of his lower body tense and contract in accord with his climax. Within her hot depths, a potent mix of fluids gave form and substance to this powerful feeling. It was intense, intimate, and pleasurable to the utmost. Even for the high bar that she and Alex set, it was another triumph.

“You’re going to succeed next week,” Kelly said to him.

“So will you,” he said, still breathless.

“We work so hard. We push ourselves beyond our limits,” she said, “but when we have something like this…”

Her words trailed off. Alex opened his eyes, rose up, and wrapped him in his muscular arms. Within that sweaty, naked embrace, the breadth of their strength and drive once again revealed itself.

“Like this,” Alex said, “this isn’t just what drive us…or motivates us.

“Then, what is it?” she asked.

“A reminder,” he said, “a reminder of how much further we can go.”

He kissed her. Any shred of doubt or reservation melted away. It was all so clear. Great sex with a wonderful man who shared her ambition was profound, but only covered part of the feeling.

Thinking back to everyone who’d ever asked where she got the energy, the answer became clear. All that work, sacrifice, and struggle took a special kind of strength. In this moment, between her and her lover, she remembered that she was strong enough and so was he. In terms of reminders, they needed it. The fact it felt so good ensured they wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

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Survey On Artificial Intelligence: Approximately 42 percent Of People Would Have Sex With A Robot (And Why That Number Will Increase)

Sex with robots: Zuckerberg will make you do it |

Every now and then, science decides to study something that most people would deem unnecessary because it seems so intuitively obvious. There are multiples studies about how overeating can lead to weight gain. Most people know that. Some are living proof of it. There’s no need for exhaustive studies to confirm it.

However, we study it anyways because the details can be revealing. It can also reveal some subtleties and trends that are worth noting. They’re useful for business, researchers, policy makers, and anyone who’s simply curious about human nature.

I bring this up because recently, a company named Tidio, which specializes in chatbots, conducted a survey about peoples’ attitudes on artificial intelligence. It’s not the most scientifically rigorous survey, but that’s to be expected.

Artificial intelligence is a relatively recent trend and one that’s sure to become more relevant in the coming decades. Most people only have a cursory understanding of it and their perceptions are largely shaped by popular culture, going back to the days of “The Terminator.” Regardless of that limited understanding, people do have certain attitudes towards AI and that’s worth studying.

If you’re interested, here’s a link to the Tidio survey. I encourage everyone to check it out. It coves everything from how artificial intelligence could affect future jobs to whether people are comfortable letting an AI robot conduct surgery on them.

However, the one part of the survey I want to highlight is the one on sex robots. Given how often I’ve talked about them, as well as the sexy short stories I’ve written, that shouldn’t surprise anyone. I’ll also quote it here because, while it probably won’t surprise anyone either, I think I hints at a larger trend.

About 42% of our survey respondents would have sexual intercourse with a robot. Yet, only 39% believe they could have a romantic relationship with an AI. There is also a large discrepancy between men and women. Men are more open to both the idea of sleeping with a robot (48%) and falling in love with an AI (43% of male respondents).

I highlighted that bold part because I think that’s a critical number to keep in mind. Even if you’re not great with math or statistics, 42 percent is not a trivial figure. If you extrapolate that to the global population, that’s well over 3 billion people. That’s a lot of people.

Now, it’s worth reiterating that this survey was limited to only 1,225 participants and it’s hardly representative of the entire world. Those limits aside, it does at least hint that there’s a sizable part of the population who are open to having sex with a robot. What form it may take likely depends on the person, but the idea is already there.

I think that’s revealing because, even if people only know sex robots and artificial intelligence through popular culture, there’s still an appeal. Even though many sex robots in fiction end up being evil, that doesn’t dissuade some people from wanting to try it.

On top of that, a truly functional sex robot doesn’t really exist right now. There are a few working prototypes in existence, but nobody is going to mistake them for real people anytime soon. We’re still years away from sex robots that are as realistic as the ones we see in shows like “Westworld.”

Even so, the fact that 42 percent of people in this survey are already open to the idea demonstrates that there is a waiting market for sex robots. There’s also a sizable part of the population who is growing increasingly comfortable with artificial intelligence being part of their intimate lives.

Given how younger generations view technology, I suspect that 42 percent figure will only grow in the coming years. If anything, I think that number is low. I suspect that if this survey was done with a larger sample size, more people of varying genders would express a willingness to interact with AI, as well as use a sex robot.

I also suspect that, in the coming years, our overall comfort with the idea of sex robots will increase. There may still be a period in which they’re taboo. There’s also the whole uncanny valley issue that will likely impact how sex robots are designed, refined, and marketed. In the long run, though, I think attitudes towards sex robots will continue to evolve.

The fact they’re already at a point where 42 percent of people are willing to try one shows they’re already in the public consciousness. There is a kinky curiosity, of sorts, about what this technology has to offer. Make no mistake, the effects that will have on the future of sex, society, and technology are sure to be profound.

What do you think of this survey?

Do you agree with it?

Do you think it’s overstating or understating peoples’ willingness to embrace sex robots? Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, I’ll be contemplating how this could affect future sexy stories.

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Filed under sex in society, sex robots

Jack’s World: Why Love Triangles Suck (And How To Make Them Suck Less)

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. It’s about love triangles and why they suck. Need I say more? Enjoy!

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Filed under Jack's World, movies, romance, YouTube

My Top 5 Date Night (Superhero) Movies

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When we have two things we love, it’s only natural to look for a way to combine them. Without that inclination, we wouldn’t have such wonderful combinations like chocolate and peanut butter or beer and buffalo wings. It’s almost an instinct, mixing the things we cherish in hopes of compounding the joy.

As a fan of romance and superhero movies, I’ve certainly had this inclination before. I’ve built dates around going to a superhero movie. When I was with my ex-girlfriend, we would organize our evenings around a particular superhero movie or TV show that we both loved. It made for more than a few memorable moments, the details of which I’ll save for my novels and sexy short stories.

I know I’m not the only one who enjoys mixing date nights with superhero movies. The massive box office haul generated by superhero movies essentially guarantees that at least one couple has built their date night around them. I have friends and relatives who have used superhero movies, both in the theaters and at homes, to supplement their date night.

With this being a thing in our current cultural landscape, I thought I’d craft my own short-list for the best superhero movies to see on date night. Keep in mind, this list isn’t about which superhero movies are the best or most entertaining. These are the movies that evoke just the right combination of emotions that help make a romantic evening more intimate.

It doesn’t have to involve a major romantic sub-plot, although that helps. It also can’t be all spectacle and flare. There’s a time and a place for those kinds of movies, superhero or otherwise. For date night, the goal is to stir up passion and inspire romantic moments. Having seen pretty much every superhero movie multiple times, and also being a fan of romance, I feel uniquely qualified to craft such a list.

What follows are my top 5 superhero movies for date night. I imagine others will have a different list. I’m sure plenty will strongly disagree with my choice and ranking. That’s perfectly fine. This is just my assessment on which superhero movies are best suited for a fun, romantic date night. Enjoy!


Number 5: Captain America: The First Avenger

For those who cheered Captain America on in the final battle against Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame,” it’s easy to forget that he had a long journey to becoming the living legend we known and love. That journey began in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and while it didn’t gross $2 billion at the box office, it gave everyone a reason to root for Steve Rogers.

A big part of that journey involved a romantic sub-plot that was simple, basic, and inherently lovable. Before he became a Captain, Steve Rogers was just a lanky soldier who set his patriotic eyes on the beautiful, charismatic Peggy Carter. She wasn’t just a pretty face, either. She played an integral part in helping Steve become the hero he sought to be. It’s a beautiful story that just happens to have romantic undertones.

There’s plenty of action. There’s plenty of intrigue as well, in that this movie helped set the stage for the first “Avengers” movie. However, the heart and depth of Steve’s love for Peggy strikes all the right chords. It makes Captain America’s journey more personal. He’s not just this paragon of American ideals. He’s a man who seeks to serve his country and love a good woman.

It’s a simple story with lovable characters. That’s an essential combination for any successful date night movie.


Number 4: Wonder Woman

There are a lot of things that “Wonder Woman” did well. For a movie that had so much riding on it, both for the superhero genre and for female superheroes, the success it achieved at the box office is nothing short of remarkable. It’s only fitting that it checks most of the boxes for a good date night movie.

It’s an epic story full of gods, monsters, war, and humanity. Yes, there’s a great romantic sub-plot mixed in with Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor, but that sub-plot works because everything around it works. They both navigate unfamiliar territory together, sharing both the journey and the drama. Along the way, they help one another. They learn from one another. They make each other stronger.

At its core is the sheer heart it conveys. It has always been Wonder Woman’s greatest strength and this movie does everything necessary to capture it. Any couple seeing this movie will find moments that will make them smile and fill them with the urge to cuddle. The epic battles that Wonder Woman leads, along with Gal Gadot’s wonderful performance, is a nice bonus as well.


Number 3: Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix ending was too similar to 'another superhero movie': James  McAvoy

As big an X-Men fan as I am, I’ll be the first to concede that the movies have been hit or miss over the years. Some have been great. Some have been nauseatingly awful. However, even the most acclaimed X-Men movies rarely have the attributes of a good date night movie. That changed with “Dark Phoenix.” Of all the X-Men movies not associated with Deadpool, this one has all the traits of quality date night movie.

It’s not just a superhero movie. It’s not just a re-telling of one of the X-Men’s most iconic stories in the Phoenix Saga. This is a movie built on high drama and powerful emotions. Much like the Phoenix Force itself, the strength of the story and the characters involved stem from emotions. There’s love, loss, anguish, and sacrifice. Tears are shed, anger is shared, and the pain is palpable.

These are all core aspects of what made the original story in the comics so endearing. They’re also the sentiments that make a great date movie. The story isn’t all world-ending spectacle. It’s personal and emotional. What happens to Jean Grey and her friends in “Dark Phoenix” is both dramatic and powerful. It evokes the kinds of feelings you want to share.

There are plenty of other elements in this movie that are worth praising. I covered many of them in the review I wrote for this movie. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call “Dark Phoenix” the best X-Men movie, I’m comfortable saying it’s the best X-Men movie to share with a date.


Number 2: Deadpool

This is one of those movies that caught a lot of people by surprise in the best possible way. Without a doubt, the first “Deadpool” wildly exceeded everyone’s expectations, from X-Men fans to romance fans to fans of anything associated with Ryan Reynolds. Between the box office it generated and the praise it earned, it’s easy to forget that this movie is built around a love story.

That’s not just the musings of a self-professed romantic. That’s exactly what the movie says through Ryan Reynolds’ uncanny charm. Even the marketing for this movie teased its romantic undertones and for good reason. As funny, crude, and violent as Deadpool was, the movie was still built around romance and it was built well.

The love between Wade Wilson and Vanessa was genuine, sexy, and sweet. A lot of Deadpool’s motivations and antics were a direct result of his love for Vanessa. It’s the kind of love story that will make you smile, laugh, and even gag a bit. For any couple looking for a little of everything in a date night movie, “Deadpool” delivers all that and then some.

It’s the kind of romance that’s genuinely fun. No matter how serious you are with your lover, it’s important to have a little fun and “Deadpool” never misses an opportunity to have fun. That kind of spirit can only help anyone’s date night.


Number 1: Guardians of the Galaxy 2

The Marvel Movies Debrief: Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Recap, Legacy,  and MCU Connections - Den of Geek

Finding the perfect date night movie isn’t easy. Finding one that has just the right amount of fun, entertainment, and dramatic impact can test any couple’s patience. Sometimes, a movie is too serious and ceases to be entertaining. Sometimes, a movie is too theatrical, so to speak, and the drama just feels flat. Striking that balance is very challenging, but “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” proves it’s not impossible.

Of all the superhero movies I’ve seen, few hit me with as many feels as this one and it did so without going too heavy on the romance. While there were plenty of romantic elements throughout the story, the greatest strength of this movie was how it gets you to care about these characters. The fact that they include a talking tree, a rocket with a machine gun, and a guy named Taserface is secondary.

This movie had plenty of colorful moments that were funny and quirky. Like its predecessor, it dared to have fun with the genre. However, the fun never got in the way of the drama or the characters. There were elements of family, including parents and sibling rivalries. There were secrets and revelations that hit you in all the right ways. Even when you re-watch the movie, it still has an impact.

It evokes a wide range of feelings, more so than a typical romance movie. The sheer breadth of those feelings is what makes “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” an experience worth sharing. If you’re with someone who appreciates those feelings, then this movie will do plenty to satisfy. It’s the kind of movie that you can still enjoy by yourself, but it’s best when shared with someone special.


As I noted earlier, this is just my personal list. If you think there are other quality date night superhero movies, please make your case in the comments. I’d love to hear them. Given the rich slate of superhero movies planned for the coming years, this list is sure to change.

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Filed under Comic Books, Jack Fisher, Superheroes, Deadpool, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, movies, romance, superhero comics, superhero movies, X-men

Finding Love Has Become An Extended Job Interview (And For Good, Yet Unromantic Reasons)

Being a self-professed romantic and an aspiring erotica/romance writer, I often scrutinize the nature of romance more than most. Whereas some might watch a movie or TV show and see the basics of a romantic sub-plot, I’ll dig much deeper. I’ll identify which romances are inherently flawed, why some work beautifully, and why love triangles are inherently awful.

That scrutiny goes beyond media, popular culture, and my own efforts to tell a good love story. I often find myself observing how romance unfolds in real life. Whether it’s how people have pursued romance in the past to my own romantic endeavors, there’s a lot to break down and it doesn’t always make sense. Love isn’t known for being rational, after all.

It’s because of this tendency of mine that I notice things that rarely come up in discussions about romance. Recently, I realized something profound while reading several stories about how modern dating has changed in recent years, of which there are many.

Modern romance has become more a job interview than an emotional journey.

I imagine some will roll their eyes at that notion. Some might even agree with it and not need any convincing. A few probably think I’m giving this too much thought, even for a romance fan. That may be a fair point, but I believe the evolution of modern romance is becoming a lot less romantic.

To be fair, finding has undergone many upheavals throughout history. It wasn’t until the past couple centuries that people actually married for love. Those who claim to champion “traditional” marriage probably aren’t aware that marriage and formal relationships were little more than passionless business contracts for most of human history.

Love and romance were always there. We, as human beings, are hardwired to form loving bonds. It just took different forms and people went about it in very different ways. Most people have a general idea of how people go about it today. It tends to go something like this.

  • Two people meet, either in person or online
  • There’s a spark of attraction
  • They both pursue each other
  • They go on dates to learn about one another and explore their romantic connection
  • If the connection is strong enough, they forge a lasting relationship and build a life together

Granted, this is an exceedingly gross simplification. It still covers most of the basics. That’s the problem, though. It only deals with the basics and people are rarely basic.

It starts shortly after a mutual attraction is established. Once two people start pursuing one another, the dating phase starts. Movies, TV shows, and romance novels tend to be vague about how this unfolds. However, it’s here where the parallels with job interviews start to show.

While a love story may depict candle-lit dinners, coordinated dancing, and intimate gestures, the bulk of that process tends to involve more pragmatic acts. For two people to understand whether they’re romantically compatible, they need to get to know one another. To get to know one another, they need to interact.

That, in and of itself, doesn’t make dating indistinguishable from a job interview. For that, the modern structure of relationships is what fosters that and I’m not just referring to marriage. This affects couples who cohabitate, as well as those who are serial monogamists.

From a logistical standpoint, a modern romance has many moving parts. It’s not enough to just be attracted to one another, enjoy each other’s company, or have great sex. People often have to find a way to fit one another into their lives. There are jobs, career aspirations, and living situations to consider.

These days, people aren’t as likely to stay in the same place they were born in, especially if the opportunities in that town are limited. The same goes for their families. Even if they stay, sometimes their parents or extended family move away. Maybe it’s for retirement, going to college, or pursuing their own romantic interests. Having to accommodate all that into a relationship can be daunting.

In the same way you might be qualified for a job, but not in a position to take it, you might find yourself in a similar relationship with romance. All the emotional, physical, and sexual chemistry is there. However, you’re just not in a position to pursue it. You can’t maintain that relationship when you’re both living in other time zones or pursuing different paths.

That’s not to say long distance relationships can’t work, but it’s like trying to do a job remotely. There’s only so much you can do when you’re not present. If that weren’t the case, everyone would work from home or from a tropical paradise. I that as someone who has been unable to pursue major opportunities and broken up from good relationships due to distance.

Even if you can work around issues of distance and time, there’s also the matter of becoming entwined with family affairs. As the “Meet The Parents” trilogy so hilariously demonstrates, being with someone is rarely just about being with them, individually. At some point, if the romance is to be serious, their family will get involved.

That process can be as complicated as matching qualifications for a specialized job on a resume. You’ve got to make sure both families can get along. They can’t just tolerate each other at the wedding or during the holidays. They have to be capable of co-existing in a way that doesn’t undercut the romance.

It’s very similar from having a job that matches your skill set, but for an organization that is just insufferable. A lot of people have had to endure jobs they hated, even if they paid well or matched their various talents. When the organization within the job is awful, then even a dream job can be awful.

You can love someone with all your heart. You might even have someone your family loves. However, if your lover’s family is an absolute pain, then the romance will suffer. Now that relationships aren’t just business arrangements, we have to navigate around one another’s lives and their families. To do that, it’s necessary to treat dating like a job interview.

You have figure out if this person fits into your life.

You have to figure out if their hopes, dreams, and abilities match what you’re looking for.

You have to prove that your hopes, dreams, and abilities match theirs as well.

You have to determine whether you fit into the organization of their life and their family.

Ultimately, you have to build that shared life together around all of that, knowing that breaking up/being fired/quitting comes with a personal/professional cost.

On the surface, it’s hardly romantic. At the same time, there’s an undeniable pragmatism to it. As society has evolved, complete with more egalitarian gender roles and fewer taboos about being single, we’re in a better position to chart our own romantic path. We don’t just have to settle for limited options and few opportunities. We can dare to seek something greater.

As a byproduct, the basic romantic elements of intimate chemistry can never be enough. It’s necessary, if not unavoidable, to assess a prospective lover’s entire life to determine of that romance is even viable. It’s not easy and it’s exceedingly imperfect, as the rate of divorce and abusive relationships indicates.

However, being the romantic I am, I still say it’s worth pursuing. That process is still very likely to change as society, technology, and attitudes change. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are sure to change it even more. Whether it becomes more or less like a job interview remains to be seen.

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Filed under gender issues, human nature, Love Or Obsession, psychology, romance

Signs Someone Truly Loves You (According To Reddit)

How do you know when someone truly, sincerely loves you?

That’s a question that every love song, chick flick, and romance novel attempt to explore. I’ve certainly done my share of exploring with the novels and sexy short stories I’ve written. They don’t always answer the question, but they do give it drama and substance.

What about love in the real world? Stories are fanciful and theatric. The real world is not. However, true love still exists in this world. Being a lifelong lover of romance, and having seen it manifest first-hand in real people, I know just how real and powerful it can be.

Those real-life love stories are often more powerful than anything in fiction. Those stories are still out there, even in this cynical world we live in. You just have to know the signs, but that’s easier said than done.

What are those signs? Well, I certainly have my theories, but I understand the love manifests in many diverse ways. My experiences are limited, as are those of most people. Thankfully, that’s where Reddit comes in.

While it may have its dark corners, there are some genuinely heartfelt threads to explore. These threads will make your day for all the right reasons if you find them. Below is a video from the YouTube channel, Radio TTS, on a thread from r/AskReddit on signs that someone truly loves you.

If you’re a romantic or just want to explore the question, this is something that will definitely help. It may even help you realize for yourself just how much that special someone loves you. Enjoy!

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Filed under Love Or Obsession, psychology, romance, sex in society, YouTube

Jack’s World: Rey and Kylo Ren: The Greatest Love Story That Never Was

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. In this video, I wade into the world of shipping wars, which is something long-time romance fans like me tend to do often. As much as I love romance, there are certain romantic pairings that evoke a special kind of passion from the fans. One such ship is Reylo, the romance between Kylo Ren and Rey Palpatine in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

Now, I know this pairing is controversial among fans. I know the Star Wars sequel trilogy is controversial among the entire Star Wars fandom. This romance is often part of that controversy. As such, it’s worth exploring. This video is my way of breaking down the appeal, the strengths, the flaws, and the possibilities of this unique pairing. Enjoy!

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Filed under romance, Star Wars

In Honor Of Bill And Malinda Gates’ Divorce: Sad (And Funny) Divorce Stories From Reddit

I’m sure many have already heard the news, by now. Bill and Malinda Gates, one of the richest couples on the planet, are getting a divorce. Now, regardless of how much you despise the ultra-rich for hoarding so much wealth while avoiding taxes at every turn, divorce is a terrible thing. There’s no amount of money in the world that makes it less damaging to all those involved, especially the kids.

Now, we don’t know the particulars of Bill and Malinda’s relationship and I don’t think it’s fair to speculate. I’m sure there will be plenty of tabloid fodder over the course of the next several months or years, for that matter. I want no part of that.

At the very least, I think this would be a good time to take a step back and acknowledge how difficult divorce can be. I know many people personally who have endured it and its damaging effects. It has also affected my own family in profound ways. I’m sure plenty of others have felt it too.

To that end, I’d like to share some painful, but sometimes hilarious, divorce stories from real people who are nowhere near as rich as the Gates. This comes courtesy of Reddit and the YouTube channel, On Tap Studios. Also, if you have your own divorce story that you’d like to share in the comments, please do so. We all can’t be as well-off as the Gates, but we can still appreciate the pain and struggle that comes with every divorce.

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Filed under Current Events, human nature, real stories, Reddit, romance, YouTube

Finding Love During A Pandemic: A Love Story To Lift Your Spirits

I’m a long-time romance fan. I hope I’ve made that abundantly clear by now. I’m also still striving to become a romance writer. Between the books I’ve written and the sexy short stories I’ve told, the ideas are there, as well as the effort. This passion of mine has not changed, despite the deeply demoralizing impact of 2020.

I know things got quite bleak last year. I don’t deny all that bleakness got to me. There really was no guide to how to deal with a once-in-a-century pandemic. Once things started getting locked down and people I knew fell ill, it really hit me hard. This was bad. This was historically bad. Naturally, it seriously undermined my ability to enjoy romance.

Romance is about connection, hope, and intimacy. The events of the pandemic were the complete antithesis of all of that. It was not easy to navigate, to say the least. That’s coming from someone who was lucky enough to not get it.

However, now that vaccines are rolling out and I recently got mine, I find myself emerging from the soul-crushing feelings that plagued me last year. It has also inspired me to recapture my love of romance, both real and fictional.

To that end, I’d like to share a real life love story that captured all the right feels for romantics and non-romantics alike. On top of that, it’s a love story that played out during the worst parts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s quite possibly the least romantic setting imaginable, but love still found a way.

This story comes courtesy of NJ.com and involves an elderly couple who’d known each other for years, but found love during the worst possible times. Check out the story for yourself. If it doesn’t warm your hardened heart, then I question your humanity.

NJ.com: N.J. sweethearts found love in their 90s — right at the start of the pandemic

This is a story on how it is never too late to find love, and how even the worst of times can serve as the catalyst.

Bill Biega is 98. Iris Ivers is 91.

Their longtime friendship was blossoming into romance by March 2020. That’s when the coronavirus pandemic prompted a stay-at-home order at the Applewood continuing care retirement community in Freehold, where they resided in separate apartments.

Bill and Iris quickly realized they couldn’t stay apart, resulting in an awkward encounter more befitting a college dorm.

“A security guard caught me sneaking back into my apartment,” explained Bill Biega, who will turn 99 in July.

The guard told him that everyone on the floor knew what was going on and gave the furtive couple a choice: Move in together, or stay apart indefinitely.

Iris packed up her belongings and joined Bill in his apartment the next day.

Just over a year later, both are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The stay-at-home order has been lifted but Bill and Iris are still living together, a choice prompted by a pandemic that neither could have imagined. A ray of light, amid so much loss.

Iris described Bill’s one-bedroom apartment as “cozy for two.”

“I can’t imagine us not being together, as long as we can be. We’re also realistic, and we know that we’re not getting any younger,” Iris said.

I’ll say it again. Love is a beautiful thing. It’s also powerful. Even the worst pandemic in a century can’t stop it. At a time when we’re all starting to emerge from this year-long nightmare, we need stories like this. We need to be reminded that love is real and people can find it, even during the worst situations.

Let’s take comfort in that as we build a new normal.

To Bill and Iris, thank you for sharing this story. We all needed it.

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Filed under Current Events, real stories, romance, Uplifting Stories

Remembering (And Learning From) My First Date

man-woman-first-date-smiling

We all remember our first crush.

We all remember our first kiss.

We all remember the first person we ever fell in love with.

These are pivotal moments in our lives. They help form the core of our romantic identity. Who we are and how we go about loving others starts with those moments. Ideally, we get better at them over time, as do our lovers. They aren’t always great. Sometimes, they’re terribly awkward. I admit I’ve had a few. As awkward as they were, I learned from them.

With that in mind, I’d like to get a little personal again. I know it’s been a while since I shared a little anecdote from my life. I’ve told stories about my sub-par flirting skills. I’ve also recounted stories that definitively prove how awesome my mom is. I like to think these are stories people can relate to and learn from. I hope this one is similar.

This personal story is about the first date I ever went on. It’s another one of those pivotal moments, but one that tends to be more mixed. Sometimes, a first date is a prelude to an epic love story that culminates in two people getting married, having kids, and building a life together. It can also be an unmitigated disaster. You don’t have to look far to find stories like that.

For the most part, first dates tend to be a mixed bag. They can either be utterly forgettable or a moment you treasure for the rest of your life. The story of my first date lies somewhere in the middle. I hope my now ex-girlfriend feels the same way because it was her first date too. She and I were both young, romantically inexperienced, and socially awkward. In a sense, our date was destined to be mixed.

That didn’t make it any less meaningful. In fact, it gave us an experience to build from, one that would serve us well throughout our relationship and even after we broke up.

It started out simple. I planned to take her to a restaurant at a nearby mall. She loved seafood and this was one of my favorite places. It was also the first date in which my parents let me borrow the car. It was exciting, but still nerve-racking. I saw it as a critical first step in our relationship. I wanted it to be part of a real love story for us. It didn’t play out like I’d planned, but it was still a story.

Before we even got to our destination, there was a setback. While driving to the mall, I take a wrong turn and end up in some office park across the street. Keep in mind, I knew this area well. I’d been going to this mall since I was a kid. Now, here I was, getting lost in familiar territory with a girl I’m trying to impress. It was not a good start.

Much to my ex-girlfriend’s credit, she didn’t make a big deal out of it. She even thought it was funny. I doubt she knew how much I was panicking. I remember gripping the steering wheel so hard, wanting this to be a dream I woke up from before going on the real date. I still put on a smile and tried to make small talk. I’m pretty sure I started talking about comics.

Despite that setback, we made it to the mall. We then make our way to the restaurant without incident. I’m still recovering. I’m also being extra-vigilant. I’m holding her hand, smiling at her, and staying close like a respectable man should. All the while, I’m trying hide how nervous I am. I know she was nervous too, but she wasn’t the one who got lost less than five miles from his house.

Things finally settle once we’re at the restaurant. It’s not an overly fancy place, but it’s no fast food joint either. It’s a place with waiters, menus, and a cocktail list. At the time, we’re both poor college students so this is a nice change of pace for us both. I tell her it’s okay to splurge a little. My parents even gave me some money. We certainly made the most of it.

It’s here where the most memorable part of the date played out. At first, I struggle to keep a conversation going. I’m still socially awkward. I met this girl on the internet. I’m used to having time to think my responses through before answering. It’s not an easy transition. However, after we ordered, something amazing happened.

We started really connecting.

I know it sounds corny. It may even sound mundane because it was a date. Connecting is kind of the point. However, keep in mind that this is my first date and she is my first girlfriend. I’m in uncharted territory. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do. I’m just talking to this girl, trying to come off as the kind of guy she wants to be with.

Despite that inexperience, I managed to build that connection. We started talking about school. She started talking about her family. I started talking about movies, comics, and books I’ve read. At some point, I stop worrying about keeping the conversation going. I just talk to her like the person I’ve come to know from our interactions online. She really is that same person and that just endeared her to me even more.

The rest of the dinner goes great. I do recall eating a little too quickly and sloppily, but that didn’t matter. She ate the same way. I saw it as a sign. She also cursed a lot more than I did. She wasn’t big on making things too formal. She wasn’t trashy or anything like that, but she wasn’t the kind of person who censored herself. That ended up helping me navigate the night.

After we eat, we just walk around the mall together. I feel more relaxed. She’s more relaxed, as well. At some point, it doesn’t even feel like a date. We’re just hanging out, doing the kinds of things we like to do by ourselves. This time, we have someone to share it with. That, more than anything, is what made that date feel special.

It wasn’t a chore or some elaborate ritual. We were a young couple with a blossoming romance. We wanted to get to know each other and have a little fun. That’s exactly what we did. I learned a lot from that first date, both about the girl I was dating and the dating process, in general. If there are any lessons I hope to impart from that experience, it’s this.

A first date doesn’t have to go perfectly in order to be successful.

It can start off badly. It can even have a few setbacks. You can still make it work. You can even learn more from those setbacks than you would have, if everything had gone according to plan. I had a plan for that first date. That plan collapsed within five minutes of leaving my place. In hindsight, that was probably a good thing. It forced me to get back to basics on why I wanted to date this girl in the first place.

Even though that relationship didn’t work out, that first date set a good tone for us both. We were together for a good nine months after that. In that time, we had a lot of fun. We shared a lot of great moments, some of which I’ve recounted. There’s a lot I learned about myself during that relationship. It marked a major turning point in my social life.

Before that first date, I was still the same socially awkward mess I was in high school. I used to even joke about how pathetic I was because I’d never been on a date. Now, I couldn’t make that joke anymore. I also couldn’t say I was as socially awkward anymore. I’d gone on a successful date. You can’t make that claim without having some social skills.

That should give hope to anyone out there who feels like they don’t have good social skills, either. I’ve been there. I know how hard it can be to develop those skills, especially when it comes to dating. It is possible, though. I’m living proof of that. You just can’t stop yourself from trying. You can’t make excuses, either.

Those moments that I mentioned earlier are powerful and precious. After a year like 2020, you tend to appreciate them even more. Moreover, you can’t just wait for them to happen. You have to pursue them. It took me way too long to do so, but I did it. I encourage everyone else out there to do so as well. Hopefully, your first date goes even better than mine.

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Filed under Jack Fisher's Insights, Marriage and Relationships, romance