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Divorce Episode 9 Recap: No More Mrs. Nice Guy

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The episode opens at the latest meeting between Robert, Frances, and their lawyers. At the start, Frances asks why the kids haven't been able to reach Robert; he tells her he was asleep for 47 hours straight because he was over-prescribed a medication. Ah, that would be the testosterone stocked in the fridge in the last episode.

The estranged couple has moved on to custody discussions, and in a surprising move for both us viewers and Frances, Robert's lawyer Tony Silvercreek begins to paint Frances as a negligent mother, pointing out that Robert is the one who drives the kids to doctors' appointments and sports practices — an unfair move, considering his work has been unstable while Frances has been the breadwinner, commuting to and from Manhattan. After the sneak attack, her lawyer Max advises her to get a little more physically involved in the kids' lives, for appearance's sake.

And so, Frances shows up for a spring carnival-planning meeting at the kids' school, but the mothers look bewildered to see her; they have no idea who she is until she finally says, "I'm Robert's wife." Their visibly happy reactions at the mention of Robert's name shows us just how much more Robert is involved in the kids' day-to-day activities. Frances being Frances, she tries to take over the planning meeting with her ideas, but clearly the other moms aren't as excited for her input.

After the meeting, she stops Janice — the same Janice with whom Robert had a fling a few episodes ago. She attempts to make things feel less awkward between them, but by telling her she doesn't mind her sleeping with Robert...well, it just makes things more awkward, of course.

Frances' second I'm-a-good-mother play is to bring her kids to Diane and Nick's house for a party. Frances is surprised to see one guest in particular, though: Robert's lawyer, Tony Silvercreek. She asks Robert why he came. Unsurprisingly, he gives a true Robert answer: "He's my lawyer, but he's also become my bro." Frances doesn't have much to worry about, though: Tony is too busy talking up her friend Dallas to pay her any attention. Dallas acts repulsed by his narcissism, but it isn't long before the two sneak off for a hookup session in his "brand-new Porsche" (which he makes a point to mention many, many times).

Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Nick shows some interest in Robert's fun space idea, which gives him the confidence to begin telling everyone about his business plan. But he's interrupted by an announcement from Nick and Diane: This is actually their re-commitment party. Their vows to one another — about how getting married is easy, but staying married is hard — nearly bring Robert to tears. But then, Nick is back to his old self, embarrassing Diane in front of everybody about her Champagne-toasting superstition, giving everyone a hint that things might not be exactly perfect again between these two.

On his way out, Robert offers to take the kids home so Frances can stay longer with her friends. But Frances wonders if this is just another ploy for him to make her look like a negligent mom. While Robert apologizes for his lawyer's tactic, Frances decides to talk to her lawyer about how they need to go on the offense against Robert.

But Max isn't up for a war with cutthroat Tony Silvercreek, so he sends her to yet another lawyer: Elaine Campbell, a spitfire who immediately forms a convincing plan of attack to make sure Frances gets what she wants. All seems well until she casually mentions she's more expensive than Max and that her assistant will take Frances' money on the way out — re-enforcing for us yet again just how much money it takes to get a divorce. Sheesh.

The episode ends with Frances and Tom watching Robert coach Lila's basketball game. But Robert's coaching moment is interrupted when a man walks up to him and tells him: He's been served. Yep, divorce papers. Frances looks shocked, and Robert is stunned, kicking the papers on the ground and yelling after the "son of a bitch." Yep, in front of all of the kids and their parents. Frances comes running down the bleachers to tell him she had no idea her lawyer was going to do that — just before the screen fades to black.

I wasn't sure how this show was going to make things get even uglier, but it did! Just one more week until the finale. How do y'all think season 1 is going to end? I'm predicting that things might get even more hurtful between Robert and Frances — which will lead us into season 2. Until then!

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Chip Gaines Defends The Writers Who Revealed His Church's Anti-LGBTQ Beliefs

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Chip Gaines hasn't made it clear exactly where he and his wife, Joanna Gaines, stand on same-sex marriage. The Fixer Upper stars have yet to release any statement on that subject, although their network HGTV quickly reassured the internet that they did not discriminate against the LGBTQ community. The Gaines couple is under scrutiny after a story last week revealed that their church, the Antioch Community Church, believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

But Gaines has asked for one thing: please be respectful of Buzzfeed writer Kate Arthur and Cosmopolitan writer Gina Mei. As Us Weekly reports, he tweeted: "Regardless of our decision to make a statement about all this craziness, or not, I ask that people please! respect @KateAurthur & @ginamei."

Arthur wrote the Buzzfeed story that catalyzed the maelstrom. As she reports, the Antioch Community Church states on its website, "Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime." The couple did not respond to Arthur's request for comment.

Mei, writing for Cosmopolitan a day later, noted that the Gaines' silence almost affirms that the two align with their church's beliefs.

"While fans shouldn't necessarily jump to conclusions about what this might mean, for many people who watch the show, their silence speaks volumes," she writes.

Both Mei and Arthur have received criticism for their respective pieces. A Twitter user referred to Aurthur as an "Anti-Christian bigot" while another said to Mei, "What I am trying to say in very kind words, @ginamei is you're nothing but a slanderous blogger at best."

Gaines's statement is a rare move in the world of journalism. Rarely does the subject have such empathy for the journalist, and for that, we should applaud Chip Gaines. However, this statement doesn't negate the fact that Chip and Joanna Gaines still have crucial questions to answer. Many of their fans count themselves among the LGBTQ community. At this point, it would seem the popularity of Fixer Upper hangs in the balance.

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Tom Hardy's Newest Tattoo Will Be An Ode To Leonardo DiCaprio...Seriously

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In a new interview with Esquire, Tom Hardy revealed that his next tattoo design will come courtesy of his pal Leonardo DiCaprio. If you're thinking that Hardy is either creepily obsessed with his Revenant co-star or simply a really, really big Titanic fan (so big that he wants to forever immortalize his love for Leo by inking his body), then you'd be wrong on both accounts.

According to Hardy, the two actors made a bet about Hardy's prospects for an Oscar nomination for his role in last year's Best Picture winner, and unfortunately for Hardy, he lost.

As Hardy tells it, DiCaprio believed Hardy would be nominated for the prestigious award, and Hardy humbly believed he wouldn't. Now, eating that slice of humble pie has led to what should be a pretty hideous tattoo of DiCaprio's design: the words "Leo knows everything" on the body part of Hardy's choosing.

Hardy was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as John Fitzgerald in the critically acclaimed epic, and DiCaprio came at the ready with his tattoo design for the already inked actor.

As Hardy explained, "He wrote, in this really shitty handwriting: 'Leo knows everything.' Ha! I was like, 'Okay, I'll get it done, but you have to write it properly.'"

The 39-year-old British actor hasn't quite made it to the parlor yet to get the ink, but, he says frankly, "It sucks."

On the bright side, at least he doesn't have to get a tattoo of the Titanic sinking like some people have done voluntarily. He just has to live with a permanent reminder that Leo's heart will go on...and on...and on.

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Kylie Jenner Proves We've Officially Reached Peak Fishnet

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We know that as soon as a Kardashian (or a Jenner) wears a certain trend, it's not long before it reaches peak saturation. Maybe it's due to their multi-million Instagram and Snapchat followers, or maybe it's because people really do admire (and enjoy emulating) their sense of style. Either way, fishnet tights have finally fallen prey to their madness, having worked their way from fashion-crowd favorite to full-on mass-appeal, first thanks to Kim, and now, Kylie.

Before Kim Kardashian-West began her two-month-long-and-counting hiatus from social media following the Paris robbery, she posted an Instagram photo of some scandalous, classic-black fishnets peaking out from the top of an unbuttoned pair of jeans. (We did it first, just sayin'). But, leave it to the younger Jenner to follow suit just a few weeks later — and take things up a notch in true KJ fashion. Over the weekend, the star uploaded some of her own scandalous shots in some fishnets — only this time, they were glittery.

A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on

Is this Kylie's attempt at taking a trend that's blown up over the last few weeks and trying to discover the next iteration of it? Is she teasing a product that might be sold at her much-anticipated official merch shop, launching December 10 (which, by the way, has also tried the same fishnet styling tip)? Or, is this just King Kylie's bedazzled way of getting pumped up for all the holiday parties likely on her agenda?

The answers are unclear, but we can only assume that hoards of Jenner's teen followers will be running to the nearest Forever 21 to scoop a sparkling pair of fishnets in no time. As for us? Well, this might just be the moment we decide to move on to the next big thing.

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Birthday Wishes Are Pouring In For Saint West

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It's hard to believe, but Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's son Saint is already a year old. North's brother celebrated his first birthday on December 5 (well, as much as a 1-year-old can celebrate anything) and received lots of love from his famous family and friends.

Saint's aunt Khloé Kardashian shared a sweet pic on her website of her nephew playing in the ocean with his mom, while fellow auntie Kendall Jenner shared two cute photos of Saint to her own page. Saint's grandma Kris Jenner, who obviously wouldn't let a day as special as the birth of her grandkid pass by without a social media shout-out, shared this photo to Instagram.

Happy birthday to our sweet angel, Saint! #family #love #happybirthdaysaint #saintwest

A photo posted by Kris Jenner (@krisjenner) on

Honorary Kardashian Jonathan Cheban posted a nice pic of his best friend with the birthday boy to Instagram.

It's been a difficult few months for Saint's parents, both of whom have experienced personal crises that have kept them out of the spotlight. Kim has remained off social media ever since she was held at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room this October. Kanye was recently hospitalized for extreme exhaustion after displaying erratic behavior at several concerts.

Though Kim has not shared her own sentiments about Saint's birthday on social media, her best friend Cheban shared exclusive photos of the growing baby in a guest post on her website. Given Kim's commitment to her family, I'm sure she's making Saint's first birthday special, even if she doesn't personally document it on social media.

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I Lost My Trader Joe's Virginity Between The Cookie Butter & Frozen Dumplings

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When I moved to New York City after college, I quickly fell into the habit of living off instant ramen, partly because it seemed like a glamorous, "twentysomething in the city" cliché, and partly because I was too overwhelmed by my never-ending job hunt to cook anything more substantial.

It was the first time in my life I was living away from a mom who cooked or unlimited dining hall options, and I found temporary solace in dried noodles and the occasional boring salad. By the time I started earning a steady paycheck and found an apartment with a decent-enough kitchen, I had fallen deep into the routine of eating Oscar Meyer turkey slices straight out of the pack as my daily source of protein.

I didn't expected to hear gasps when I casually mentioned to my coworkers that I had never been to Trader Joe's, but the admission was met with shocked — almost offended — faces and dropped jaws. I guess I should have known how seriously my R29 colleagues would take the news, considering that TJ's food is a popular subject for us. After my admission, I was simply told, "Olivia. You're going." So it was decided that one evening, a coworker who happens to be a Trader Joe's veteran would accompany me on my very first shopping trip.

The morning of my adventure, I made my usual grocery list. At that point, it looked exactly the same every week — bread, baby carrots, Top Ramen — so I really don't know why I even bothered writing it out. Still, I'm a creature of habit, so I did the same thing before heading to Trader Joe's. What a fool I was. Before leaving the office, I was given another list by the TJ's fanatics I work with. "You need to immediately head to the frozen aisle for dumplings and mac 'n' cheese. And Olivia, do not forget the Cookie Butter. Seriously." It was somehow decided that we would go to the Union Square location —possibly the busiest Trader Joe's in the city — on the Monday evening after Thanksgiving. Marshal, my shopping companion/handler, called it a "baptism by fire." I was nervous, and made even more so by the grimaces everyone gave me as I relayed our plans.

Can you see the fear in my tiny eyes?

The minute we stepped through the automatic doors, I realized I had every right to be terrified. Did you know that the line is sometimes so long at Trader Joe's, that it wraps around the edge of the store? I didn't. I also didn't know that you can only reach certain items by getting in line and shopping as you go. Well, I think someone actually did try to explain that to me before I went, but I either didn't understand or completely blocked it out for sanity's sake. Anyway, because of this New York City-specific checkout setup, if you get in line and then realize you've forgotten to pick something up from the aisles in the center of the store, you're pretty much screwed. You either need to get out of line or just leave behind whatever item you forgot. But we'll revisit this dilemma again later.

My anxious, introverted soul was freaked out by the massive line and urged my body to flee the store and forget about Trader Joe's. No matter what my friend said, this couldn't be worth it. Then I saw the frozen-food aisle. It was my jaw's turn to drop, and ramen packets quickly receded from my mind. This must be what heaven looks like: pork gyoza, salmon burgers, chicken tikka masala. Finally, I could eat like a queen without ever having to adult up and learn how to cook.

I was excited by the idea of switching up my dinners, but lunches were another story. As I learned from the self-help book Who Moved My Cheese? my mom, a therapist, made me listen to it on tape in the third grade — I'm not great at handling change. And for as long as I can remember, I've eaten the same thing for lunch almost every single day: a sandwich of turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise on whole wheat bread, baby carrots, and Cheez-Its. I planned on picking up all those ingredients at TJ's, but there was a problem. No Cheez-Its. Who moved my Cheez-Its!? Instead, Marshall grabbed a box of "Cheddar Rockets"off a shelf above the ice cream freezer. "These will have to do," she said as she placed them in my cart. I was resistant at first, but I'm happy to report that they taste as good as my usual cheesy-cracker snack, with the added bonus of an adorable rocket-ship shape (I swear I'm in my 20s).

Marshall and I eventually made it to the line and picked up produce, deli meats, and even free sticky-toffee pudding samples along the way. As we approached the cash registers, Marshall turned to me, eyes wide and said, "Olivia, we missed an aisle." Of course, that aisle had to be home to the Cookie Butter. Curses! Heroically, my companion offered to watch our carts as I went to retrieve a jar, but alas when I got the designated shelf, I couldn't find it. Was it possible they were out of stock? Trader Joe's, how could you do this to me? I scurried back to relieve Marshall of her spot-saving duties and sadly explained that I couldn't track down the Cookie Butter. I was ready to throw in the towel and just get the hell out of there, but this seasoned TJ's shopper wasn't about to let me leave without getting my Cookie Butter. She said, "stay here" and ran off. A few minutes later, I saw Marshall round the corner with a jar hoisted high. In an almost too-hard-to-believe twist, she had found the very last jar on the top shelf. Hooray!

We finally checked out, and I left the store happy about my purchases, the shockingly reasonable total on my receipt, and the fact that I was finally free from that overwhelming crowd of shoppers. The lessons I learned from my maiden voyage to Trader Joe's are ones I'll carry for the rest of my life. You don't have to know how to cook or have a personal chef to eat gourmet-tasting meals at home, ALWAYS bring a buddy with you to TJ's, and perhaps most importantly, Cookie Butter is definitely worth the hype.

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This Trick For A Healthier Vagina Is Shockingly Simple

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Jen Gunter, MD, is our go-to source for gynecological truth-bombs, from "don't put garlic in your vagina" to "only use coconut oil as lube under very specific circumstances." Today, she revealed a trick to maintaining vaginal health that we'd never considered, but that just about anyone can do: Simply eat more fiber.

Dr. Gunter praises the nutrient for both its "fecal-bulking" (yes, we're going there) and prebiotic properties.

"Constipation messes with the vagina, too," she writes, explaining that when people are constipated, they tend to "strain" on the toilet. That's bad for the pelvic floor and can cause muscle spasms, potentially leading to pelvic pain and pain during sex. Luckily, fiber famously helps prevents constipation, as it "bulks up" the stool, softens it, and ultimately makes it easier to pass. Eating fiber-rich foods is really a win-win for your regularity and your pelvic floor.

Beyond the impact it has on your vagina's muscular health, fiber might help prevent infections, too. Dr. Gunter writes that the same strains of lactobacilli, or good bacteria, that ward off vaginal infections have been found in the intestines, which suggests that what we eat can affect our vaginal health. And it's thanks to prebiotics like fiber that these bacteria grow in the first place. "So if fiber can help nurture the good bacteria in the bowel, that can be helpful for the vagina," she explains.

As far as sources of fiber go, Dr. Gunter gives Kellogg's Bran Buds, her favorite cereal, a shoutout, but you can find fiber in all sorts of foods, from beans to berries.

There are plenty of other reasons to make sure you're eating enough fiber. As mentioned earlier, it keeps you regular, but it also helps prevent against heart disease and might even improve your sleep. In other words, fiber's already kind of a wonder-nutrient, so it's no huge surprise that it might offer benefits for your vaginal health, too. It's just one more reason to enjoy carbs.

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What I Learned From Two VS Angels That You Won't See At The Show Tonight

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Apart from the obvious (you know, being tall and beautiful), to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show means you're more than just a catwalk star. Especially nowadays, as we've seen with rookie Angels who've broken the mold and helped shape a more realistic rubric, it takes a genuine love for the game to wake up before sunrise and do the damn thing. That's why our recent chat with VS models Josephine Skriver and Romee Strijd about this year's extravaganza opened our eyes to the force underneath those (giant) wings.

Ahead of tonight's broadcast, the girls let us in on a couple of #VSFashionShow moments you won't see on television. Like, for example, how Lady Gaga's presence backstage felt more like a Mother Angel than just one of the musical acts (she is Mother Monster to her fans, after all), and what exactly goes into the rehearsal of an event that's going to be watched by millions across the globe. Oh, and we learned a few fun facts about the girls, too: For example, Skriver is not a fan of oranges, and Strijd is your walking brunch almanac. Who knew?

Watch our interview below to get to know more about our favorite funny Angels, and don't forget to catch them strutting their stuff in Paris tonight on CBS at 10 p.m.

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The Perfect Presents For Every TV Fanatic You Know

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Getting a present for the TV fan in your life used to be easy. You'd just pick up the latest box set of DVDs from their favorite show and stick a bow on it. Now that everyone is streaming the programs they love, you need to get a little more creative with your television-inspired gifts.

We've collected wearables, collectibles, and some standout items that defy categorization, all sure to delight any devotees of Stranger Things, Game of Throne s, or Buffy. There are T-shirts and hoodies so your friends can literally wear their fandom on their sleeves. Or you could pick up a poster or cutout, to bring the world of the show into your loved one's home. And a classic figurine of their favorite character is always appreciated.

Scroll through to find the perfect gift for even the pickiest pop culture enthusiast. They might even forgive you for "just not being able to get into" their favorite show.

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To wear when the show finally, finally comes back for its third season.

Hot Topic Outlander The Wedding Muscle Tee, $22.41, available at Hot Topic.

A reminder that you're always ready for an Outlander marathon.

SellingOutforCrazy Je Suis Prest Bracelets, $10, available at SellingOutforCrazy.

Any true Outlander fan knows they don't just have a crush on Jamie; they would like to stare deeply into the eyes of Jamie Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser.

SincerelyEunice JAMMF Fan Mug, $14.99, available at SincerelyEunice.

The kind of gift your friend won't realize they were missing until it's chilling in their bedroom.

Advanced Graphics Lifesize Jamie Cut Out, $39.95, available at Advanced Graphics.

A nod to the French and Scottish influences on the lives of the Frasers.

Outlander Store Frasers Phone Case, $27.96, available Outlander Store.

Guaranteed to impress everyone at yoga.

Outlander Store Fraser Clan Motto Metal Drinking Flask, $17.95, available at Outlander Store.

Great for coffee and serving the occasional undead guest blood.

BuffyVinyl Kiss the Librarian Mug, $9.25, available at BuffyVinyl.

The perfect way to let your Buffy-loving significant other know you care.

DesignByAnyOtherName Copper Heart Keychain, $20, available at DesignByAnyOtherName.

Remember: When they open it, you need to do the sound effects.

ALotofHoopla Grr Argh Mutant Enemy Hoop Art, $25, available at ALotofHoopla.

For the Whedonite minimalist.

Re:design Buffy the Vampire Slayer Minimalist Print, $15.30, available at Society6.

Commemorate Giles' terrific artistic abilities.

Paton Buffy Will Patrol Sticker, $2.40, available at Red Bubble.

Give the gift of really cool gym clothes.

Ripple Junction Sunnydale High Adult T-Shirt, $17.95, available at Amazon.

To celebrate Eleven's love of frozen breakfast food and the '80s.

TeesAndTankYouShop Eggo Sweatshirt, $14.99, available at TeesAndTankYouShop.

Just remember to make it clear this is an iconic quote, not a pointed message.

Punkypins Friends Don't Lie Enamel Pin, $7.72, available at Punkypins.

A DIY project your friend can work on during a rewatch.

EtceteraAndStitches Demogorgon Cross stitch pattern, $6, available at EtceteraAndStitches.

Home decor that captures the absolute best moment of the show.

S2K Design Stanger Things Pillow, $18.67, available at Redbubble.

Sometimes your own death stare just isn't enough; this hoodie has your back.

ih nom uh nit Eleven Hoodie, $260, available at Nylon Shop.

A wall hanging guaranteed to freak out anyone not familiar with the Netflix series.

Karin Bijlsma Eleven Print, $13.60, available at Society6.

Really, is there any more appropriate Gilmore Girls gift than a book?

Lauren Graham Talking As Fast As I Can, $16.66, available at Amazon.

A print every bit as whimsical as Stars Hollow itself.

WindowShopGal Stars Hollow Print, $17.50, WindowShopGal.

Get the GG fan in your life one step closer to the show's charming Connecticut town.

DevcoDesigns Gilmore Girls Sign Set, $74, available at DevcoDesigns.

A little reminder to always be ready (people in gorilla masks could show up at any time).

Little Inklings In Omnia Paratus Laptop Sleeve, $36, Society6.

A tote highlighting everyone's favorite Gilmore quote.

HeartAndWillowPrints Oy With The Poodles Tote, $22.95, HeartAndWillowPrints.

Celebrate Stars Hollow's most important couple with these cute earrings.

The Foxy Hipster Gilmore Girls Earrings, $10, TheFoxyHipster.

Your friend's texts messages will seem much weightier when read from the Iron Throne.

PayTheIronPrice Iron Throne Phone Holder, $36, available at PayTheIronPrice.

Very punny (though still a little painful).

Gwenys Hodor Wooden Door Stop, $6.45, available at Gwenys.

A reminder of a happier time for the King in the North.

Manuel Kilger GOT Drawstring Bag, $30, RedBubble.

For the Game of Thrones fan who is about to have everything.

Grrmbox The George R.R. Martin Box, $200, available at grrmbox.

A tasty way to learn your GOT trivia.

Think Geek Game of Thrones House Sigil Cookie Cutters, $14.99, available at ThinkGeek.

Because there are just too many GOT characters to pick a favorite.

Pocket Pop! Game of Thrones 3 Pack Tin, $11.19, available at HBO Store.

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Why Women Are The True Winners Of Westworld

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Why Women Are The True Winners Of Westworld

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The Westworld finale concluded with three significant scenes: In the first, a newly conscious Dolores shoots Ford, in the final step needed for the hosts to take control of their world. In the second, Maeve, having just boarded the train to freedom, chooses to get off and search for her daughter. And finally, in a surprise post-credit addition, Armistice loses an arm, but lives to fight another day.

It's fitting that the show should end this way. After all, women have been at the center of this narrative since day one, when Dolores first brought herself back online.

In fact, nearly every macho male character — guest or host— has been foiled by an even more successful woman. William, who has pledged to help Dolores find what she's looking for, actually ends up realizing his true potential thanks to her. Teddy, whose core directive is to protect Dolores, is saved by his so-called damsel in distressed when she decides to free them all. Then we have Maeve, who — as a brothel owner is used to giving her body over to men — ends up controlling an army of them. Lee Sizemore, dickhead-in-chief of narrative, submits first to Theresa Cullen's will, and then to Charlotte Hale's. Arnold couldn't stop Ford without Dolores. Hector, our favorite sexy outlaw, is out-gangstered by Armistice. Even the almighty Ford, who has engineered the setting for the violent host uprising, can only find freedom from sin through Dolores, whom he's wronged.

What happens to those men once they realize the women don't need their help?

Westerns are a traditionally male medium. John Wayne, the ultimate guy's guy, certainly never asked a woman if she needed to be rescued before scooping her up onto his horse. These men see women as a way to give their lives meaning. If women are victims, then they can play the knight in shining armor. Just look at William. He comes to Westworld as a "nice guy," eager to help this lost blonde lamb find her way. Through her, he finds purpose.

What makes Westworld so interesting is that it flips that narrative, asking: What happens to those men once they realize the women don't need their help? For Teddy, it means becoming the sad sidekick with a tendency for multiple dramatic deaths. As Angelica Jade Bastién points out in her piece for Vulture, Teddy is a relic from the past: "On another show, from another time, like the long-running Gunsmoke from the 1950s, he’d be the lead. Instead, on Westworld he’s an android host with a tendency to die in nearly every episode in increasingly gruesome ways." Suddenly, Teddy is the damsel in distress, and Dolores is the gunslinger.

For the Man in Black, it means the hard reckoning that Dolores is finding her own way, without him, which causes his life to descend into violence, chaos and hair-loss. He's not the mastermind we thought he was, but rather a walking mid-life crisis; a man who needs the woman he once (still?) loved to show him the way.

Likewise, men come to the park to exploit women's bodies. They can shoot them, rape them, torture them, with no consequences whatsoever. It is, as co-creator Lisa Joy told us when the show first began, the ultimate conclusion of the "what happens in Vegas," idea. Sexual violence on HBO is nothing new, of course, but what's masterful about Westworld is that rather than make women the victims of this narrative, the show allowed, or rather encouraged, them to fight back. Evan Rachel Wood, who recently spoke out about her own psychological and sexual abuse, actually gave a hint of this early on, when she told the Hollywood Reporter: "I don't like gratuitous violence against women at all," she said, adding that "as the show progresses, the way [violence is] being used is very much a commentary and a look at our humanity and why we find these things entertaining and why this is an epidemic, and flipping it on its head."

By putting women into positions of power within the administration of the park, Westworld established a norm of women in charge.

And wow, is it ever refreshing. Throughout the season, women have taken control of their narratives. We saw Dolores slowly taking back control after a sexual assault — the pivotal moment in her quest for sentience is when she pulls a gun on the bandit about to rape her in the barn, something she's experienced countless times before — and coming to terms with her past by retracing the steps she took with Will all those years ago. We followed Maeve's journey to consciousness, and clapped as she subdued first the bumbling Felix and Sylvester, and later, her fellow hosts — many of them male. (Side note: I was truly worried, once I realized that Ford was behind both Dolores' search for the center of the Maze and Maeve's escape, that all this female badassery would be nullified by one power-hungry old man. But thankfully, the two were allowed some final agency, with Dolores making the choice to launch the host rebellion, and Maeve stepping off the train to find her daughter.)

And let's not forget Theresa Cullen and Charlotte Hale, who, while at odds with each other, were definitely both forces to be reckoned with within the Delos organization.

What's more, by putting women into positions of power within the administration of the park, Westworld established a norm of women in charge. We never see how Theresa and Charlotte rose up within the Delos ranks. Season 6 of Game of Thrones was celebrated for having its women finally take charge. But where powerful women like Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and Sansa Stark have had to plot, fight, and claw their way into positions of power, Charlotte and Theresa's authority is simply a fact, not to be questioned or second-guessed. In the age of Trump, the significance of this cannot be overstated.

Of course, Westworld falls into the sci-fi genre, a type of storytelling which has been known to promote women into positions of power precisely because it adds to the sense of displacement and dystopia. So while the show does a great job of empowering women, it also falls into a longtime trope which relegates strong female characters to imaginary worlds.

If Westeros and Westworld can embrace bold, fierce women, why can't we all?

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Last Tango In Paris Director Bernardo Bertolucci Is Shocked Everyone Is Mad At Him

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Over the weekend, disturbing reports resurfaced about a scene in the 1972 film Last Tango in Paris in which the film's director, Bernardo Bertolucci, admitted that sexual acts performed on then-19-year-old actress Maria Schneider were not entirely consensual. A video of Bertolucci making the admission from 2013 reappeared online on Friday, and Bertolucci has responded.

In a statement released in his native Italian, Bertolucci says:

“I would like, for the last time, to clear up a ridiculous misunderstanding that continues to generate press reports about Last Tango in Paris around the world. Several years ago at the Cinematèque Francais someone asked me for details on the famous butter scene. I specified, but perhaps I was not clear, that I decided with Marlon Brando not to inform Maria that we would have used butter. We wanted her spontaneous reaction to that improper use [of the butter]. That is where the misunderstanding lies. Somebody thought, and thinks, that Maria had not been informed about the violence on her. That is false! Maria knew everything because she had read the script, where it was all described. The only novelty was the idea of the butter."

According to Variety, Bertolucci adds, "And that, as I learned many years later, offended Maria. Not the violence that she is subjected to in the scene, which was written in the screenplay."

The resurfaced reports incited outrage for many reasons — the first of which being that Schneider spoke out about the anguish she felt back in 2006, which largely went unnoticed. At the time, Schneider said she felt "humiliated" and "cried real tears" about the scene. Then there's Bertolucci's admission from 2013, in which he admitted that he manipulated Schneider, saying he "didn’t want Maria to act her humiliation, her rage. I wanted Maria to feel, not to act, the rage and humiliation." So not only is it awful enough that Schneider's account of the incident went largely unreported, but the director himself admitted to it and it was ignored for three years.

Bertolucci's response, calling the outrage a "ridiculous misunderstanding" and the use of the butter in the scene as a "novelty" doesn't help his case in any way, and is incredibly disappointing.

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Dominque Ansel Just Blew Our Minds With Dessert Ramen

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Dominique Ansel has blown our minds with dessert, yet again. He invented the famed Cronut (OG doughnut-croissant hybrid) and most recently the blooming marshmallow (an impressive feat of hot cocoa innovation). But now, something new has arrived, fresh out of the proverbial oven. Much like his other creations, it was something that we never saw coming: dessert ramen.

Officially dubbed "Bakeout Noodles," this sweet creation is brought to us through a collaboration between DA Kitchen and Baileys. Made from kataifi noodles and Irish whiskey- and cream-soaked bread pudding, the ramen is packaged in an individually sized takeout container. We've decided that best part of this dessert has to be the tiny imitation toppings: A passionfruit "egg," coconut marshmallow "fishcake," waffle "nori," and last but not least a cherry jam "hot sauce" packet.

If you happen to live in NYC, you can register (until December 7) for the chance to receive your very own bakeout box delivered to you free of charge on December 8 through the 11. The only catch? You have to be above the legal drinking age for participation — so perhaps this "ramen" is actually closer to drunken noodles.

If you live outside of the Big Apple, no worries — Dominique Ansel will share his recipe so that everyone has the opportunity to get lit off dessert ramen.

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How To Get Away With Wearing Leggings All Winter Long

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Illustrated by Alex Marino.

When it comes to winter dressing, we've tried almost every trick in the book to get that curled-up-on-the-couch feeling without actually looking the part. Sure, we're die-hard fans of athleisure, but our upscale track pants and fashion hoodies won't exactly work for all of those cocktail parties in the months ahead. So, what's a comfort-lovin' girl gotta do to stay warm and stylish this season?

Answer: the DIY catsuit, our go-to wardrobe hack that's yet to let us down. Comprised of an all-black-turtleneck-and-leggings combo from Cuddl Duds, this cozy and sleek two-piece base allows for wearing our favorite, less weather-appropriate pieces — jumpsuits, billowy dresses, and shorts — no matter the occasion (or temp outside). Simply put, there isn't much in our closet that this pairing doesn't complement.

Ahead, find five ways this dynamic duo can instantly expand your winter wardrobe.

Make your summer go-to work for winter by layering your favorite onesie over the staple set, and pairing sparkly socks with strappy sandals.

ASOS socks.

Cuddl Duds, $32.00, available at Kohl'sCuddl Duds, $32.00, available at KohlsTopshop, $75.00, available at TopshopJust Cavalli, $45.00, available at yoox.comPrada, $560.00, available at The OutnetIllustrated by Alex Marino.

On those frigid days when a puffer coat is too much, but jeans and a sweater alone won't cut it, give the essentials a try underneath roomy denim and a boxy blazer.

Cuddl Duds, $32.00, available at Kohl'sCuddl Duds, $32.00, available at KohlsJeffrey Campbell, $106.99, available at Need SupplyWilfred, $225.00, available at AritziaPixie Market, $114.00, available at Pixie MarketBaubleBar, $34.00, available at BaubleBarIllustrated by Alex Marino.

When you're really feeling a dress but don't want to go numb in your legs, a high-neck maxi mixed with the full-coverage catsuit is a winning combo.

Zara dress.

Ellery boots.

Cuddl Duds, $32.00, available at Kohl'sCuddl Duds, $32.00, available at KohlsKara, $450.00, available at Lane CrawfordIllustrated by Alex Marino.

Create a barely there effect with your leggings by wearing knee-high boots and a pair of printed shorts over them. Add a cozy knit for optimal warmth.

Charles & Keith bag.

J.Crew Sweater.

Cuddl Duds, $32.00, available at Kohl'sCuddl Duds, $32.00, available at KohlsStuart Weitzman, $655.00, available at Stuart WeitzmanSandy Liang, $276.00, available at StylebopIllustrated by Alex Marino.

No need to retire your floral skirts until 2017 — just hide leggings underneath, try the on-trend turtleneck as a top, and finish it off with sneakers and statement sunglasses.

Cuddl Duds, $32.00, available at Kohl'sCuddl Duds, $32.00, available at KohlsCRAP Eyewear, $40.00, available at CrapVilshenko, $935.00, available at Net-A-PorterAcne Studios, $500.00, available at SSENSEIllustrated by Alex Marino.

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Happy Songs That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood

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Don’t lie. You’ve definitely spent a night in dancing to “Call Me Maybe” while cleaning your room. Or, at least, to Taylor Swift. Nothing has as much power as a feel-good song, which can transform any mundane task into an epic feat worthy of a montage.

Luckily, even if you tire of one song, there is always another that will inevitably lift your spirits. Here are the happiest songs we know that will always put you in a good mood. Blast these while driving down a highway in a convertible. Lip sync to them in your room (with a hair brush). Dance to these while doing the dishes or plug them in when you really need to get shit done. From classic oldies to modern pop songs, these happy tunes are ones you actually want to get stuck in your head. Click through to see the happiest songs, ever — and let us know your favorite feel-good tunes in the comments below.

"White Flag" by Joseph

The trio of sisters kill it with the harmonies, especially as we get to the rousing chorus.

"Helpless" from the Hamilton Soundtrack

We won't all be able to see Hamilton live on Broadway, but this love song with audible references to Beyoncé's "Countdown" is pretty much why the world is obsessed.

"I Decided" by Solange

If you haven't listened to Solange's truly excellent album this year, go do it. In the meantime, her '60s throwback jam "I Decided" is the modern love song we need.

"Wonderful Life (Mi Oh My)" from the Angry Birds Soundtrack

Surprise! The Angry Birds soundtrack actually has a happy song.

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

This timeless classic is pretty much an anthem for doing what you want — and having a ball.

"Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin

You cannot listen to this song without singing along in your head, and you're guaranteed to feel just a bit better by the end.

"How Far I'll Go" by Alessia Cara

As an original song for Disney's Moana, it makes sense that Cara's anthem goes from heartbreaking to inspiring to get-everything-done driven. Perfect for any training montage in your head.

"Everlasting Sigh" by Moses Sumney

It takes a while for this song to get there, but wait for the song to start building right around 2:20. You'll find yourself inspired to get moving and get things shakin', especially when the harmonies start coming int.

"Dreamlover" by Mariah Carey

Honestly, you can never go wrong with some old school Mariah.

"24K Magic" by Bruno Mars

Okay so the music video is not original by any means (Mars partying in Vegas), but the song is annoyingly catchy and will probably be played at every wedding for the next year. For an extra boost of happiness, check out this dance video set to Mars' latest hit.

"Fidelity" by Regina Spektor

The singer has proven her talent time and time again, but we will always revisit her classic 2006 single.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

Fun fact — a random sampling of 2,000 U.K. adults found that this was the most popular "feel-good song. "

“Countdown” by Beyonc é

Another stellar love song from 4, which proves that great songs aren't all about unrequited love.

“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles

If laid-back chill is more your speed, this Beatles classic is meant for you.

“Shout” by The Isley Brothers

Another dance floor classic that mixes doo wop, gospel, and blues.

"You Can't Hurry Love" By The Supremes

Hands down one of the best karaoke picks out there.

"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

This song, released 2008, is pretty much the best song to sing along to as summer slowly fades away.

"When They Fight, They Fight" by the Generationals

It makes sense that G-Eazy sampled this song for "Make-Up Sex" — the chorus is simple, memorable, and oh-so-catchy.

"Closer" ft. Halsey by The Chainsmokers

It's a slow burn, but by the end of the song you're wishing for a fling to dance with.

"Merry Happy" by Kate Nash

A few basic chords, a simple beat, and something you can sing along to while you do the dishes.

"Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede

Forgive the annoying intro and sing along with the chorus.

"Palmar" by Caloncho

If you're in need of the perfect escape song, this is it.

“You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates

The soundtrack to one of the best dance sequences in film history.

"Be Alright" by Ariana Grande

Need a little pick-me-up? Here's your song for the day.

"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves

How can you not smile while listening to this song? The lyrics literally say, "I'm walking on sunshine... And don't it feel good!"

"I'm A Believer" by The Monkees

A song to play at every beach-themed party — even in the middle of winter.

"Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes

Let's just ignore the fact that this song is about a man looking to stray and just focus on the chorus that everyone can sing along to.

"Valerie feat. Amy Winehouse" by Mark Ronson

Songstress Amy Winehouse is still in our hearts, which soar at the sound of this upbeat tune.

"The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book

This Disney song is up there when it comes to feel-good songs, right next to "Hakuna Matata."

"Roll Up" by Fitz and the Tantrums

Just in time for backyard barbecues, Fitz and the Tantrums comes out with yet another album full of jams. We plan on playing this song at every late-night dance session.

"Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

The British singer-songwriter is back with a third album, so here's a little throwback to one of her first hits. Sing along to this sunny medley and imagine yourself biking through a meadow.

"Can't Stop The Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

JT's first track since 2013 is the perfect mix of pop, dance, and funky beats. Even better, the video features puppies, Anna Kendrick dancing, and plenty of clapping.

"Stop Desire" by Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara are pros at writing incredibly catchy pop songs with sugary-sweet hooks and lyrics you can sing along to. Their latest summer song is no different.

"Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen

If you were a teen in the '80s, there was no doubt that you listened to this song almost all the time.

"Cheerleader" by OMI

This laid-back jam set the stage for summer 2015.

"I Wanna Be Your Lover" by Prince

"Kiss" may be one of the most-played Prince songs on the radio, but this gem of a recording from Capitol Theatre in 1982 is equally infectious.

"Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder

Thirty years after this infectious jingle came out, and we're still humming along to it as we dance walk down the street.

"Sha La La" by Al Green

This isn't exactly a danceable tune by any means, but it is a feel-good one.

“This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” by The Talking Heads

Just four chords repeated in 5 minutes. Somehow, this is the most happy-go-lucky tune in existence.

“Dance Apocalyptic” by Janelle Monáe

While we wait for new music from Janelle, we’ll have to make do with this upbeat, infectious jam from Electric Lady. Snap along.

"Hey Ya!" by OutKast

This classic OutKast jam made Spotify's happiest songs in the world playlist, which makes perfect sense. Just try not to dance along in your head. Andre 3000, can we have another reunion tour, please?

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

We swear this song was scientifically engineered to make you feel good.

"ABC" by the Jackson 5

One of the earliest signs of Michael Jackson's talent.

“Heat Wave” by Martha & the Vandellas

Sure, this has been covered many times (by The Supremes, The Jam, Phil Collins, etc) but this original Motown jam is just a little more rock 'n' roll.

“Do You Believe in Magic” by The Lovin’ Spoonful

Also see: Disney’s Aly & AJ cover.

“Dancing in the Street” by David Bowie & Mick Jagger

Two legendary musicians, one epic dance song that might just be the perfect soundtrack to your morning boogie jog.

“Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure

It may be about how dreary every other day of the week is, but this bright-hued song has become the soundtrack to many a rom-com.

“Sunday Candy” by Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment

Surf from Chance The Rapper and his crew is full of energetic, sonic explosions. "Sunday Candy" tones it down beautifully with the chorus.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift

Sure, "Shake It Off " is fun, but singing along to this breakup anthem is by far the best way to end the night.

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles

Go ahead — break out into this stellar dance routine in the middle of the street.

“Love on Top” by Beyonc é

4 is, by far, Queen Bey's happiest album, with anthems that sonically showcase just how in love she is. "Love On Top" is an instant boost of energy, with soaring vocals and a catchy background chorus. The key change half way through gets us every time.

“Roar” by Katy Perry

Okay, but seriously, pretty much EVERY Katy Perry single is happy.

“MMMBop” by Hanson

There is a reason Hanson is still so popular — and it's not because of their beer, MMMHop.

“Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations

Then again, some of them are.

“Twist and Shout” by The Beatles

No real person can listen to this song and not smile (or think of Ferris Bueller).

“I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown

This song should be played at every wedding.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye

Best played when dancing with your BFF and swearing off anything that gets between your friendship.

“Dancing Queen” by ABBA

This is by far the most popular karaoke song to sing the wrong lyrics to.

“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5

Please, also listen to "ABC."

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Trying to figure out how to "chase [your] blues away?" Play this song. Get up and dance.

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys

To be honest, growing up isn't that great. Still a happy song, though.

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All We Want For The Holidays Is A Mac-'N'-Cheese Doughnut

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Just when we thought we'd fully vetted and finalized our wish lists this holiday season, something very important happened. It can only be described as perhaps the most momentous coupling of two major food "groups": the mac-'n'-cheese doughnut. Forget even consuming one — simply watching one of these cheesy-crunchy baked halos of goodness being pulled apart is better than...well, just about anything.

This food baby was birthed by wacky doughnut shop Glam Doll Donuts of Minneapolis. And according to Foodbeast and the shop's Instagram account, the salaciously shocking mashup serves as a celebration of the brand's newly opened location. Could this be good news for those of us who don't live in Minneapolis? Perhaps next on Glam Doll's list is nationwide expansion, followed by mac-'n'-cheese-doughnut world domination.

A hungry foodie can always dream. And squeeze a last-minute request onto the top of her wish list.

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Rob Kardashian's New Photo Of Dream Is The Sweetest One Yet

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Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

The Kardashian family expanded on November 10, when Rob Kardashian's fiancée Blac Chyna gave birth to the pair's first child together, Dream Kardashian. Like any future social media mogul — who has already made appearances on mom Chyna's Snapchat with a customized Dream filter — the new baby is already proving that her Instagram game is strong. Proud dad Rob Kardashian just shared a new pic of his daughter, and it's unbelievably sweet.

Appropriately, the new photo of Dream showcases the 1-month-old baby catching some ZZZs. I'm loving the pink toys that make up her stuffed-animal squad.

Sleep baby,,,, best thing that has ever happened to me in my life

A photo posted by ROBERT KARDASHIAN (@robkardashian) on

It's hardly hyperbolic when Kardashian says Dream is the best thing that's happened in his life — just look at that little face!

It's great to see Rob acting so paternal, especially after all the drama we witnessed between him and the mother of his child on their reality show Rob & Chyna. Fortunately for their new family, these two have patched things up since Chyna accused him of "texting bitches." Dream clearly trumps any former petty drama between these two.

Rob seems to be turning over a new leaf, one that's all about family, Chyna, and, of course, Dream. More pics, please!

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Tina Knowles Pays Homage To Her Daughters While Dining At Buffalo Wild Wings

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We expect to run into famous people after somehow managing to get a table at Le Cirque or Nobu because that's their territory. However, imagine how shocked you'd be running into a celeb like Tina Knowles at a casual dining restaurant. That could have happened if you had been at Buffalo Wild Wings this weekend. Beyoncé's mama went to BWW with her husband actor Richard Lawson, and they two enjoyed "a walk on the wild side."

The couple took adorable videos of each other at the restaurant, which Ms. Tina then posted on Instagram. In one of the clips, Lawson asks her what she's going to order, and she responds matter of factly, "Wild wings!"

When your walk on the wild side is having some hot wings on a Saturday afternoon at a place called "Wild Wings"😀

A video posted by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on

In her next post, the proud mom gives homage to her two successful daughters Beyoncé

and Solange. The video is of Lawson sipping on a tasty looking strawberry lemonade, and the caption reads, "We have a 'Seat at the Table' (at Wild Wings) and he is drinking 'lemonade' How about that." Fans of the Knowles girls, of course, know she's referencing Solange's third studio album Seat At The Table and Beyoncé's sixth Lemonade, which were both released this year. If we had daughters that successful, we'd be looking for any and every opportunity to celebrate them, too.

We have a "Seat at the Table" ( at Wild Wings) and he is drinking "lemonade" How about that😀@mrrichardlawson

A video posted by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on

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10 Steamy Erotic Stories Written By Women — & Why They’re Important

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Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

When I first started writing erotica in 1999, I would often get the question, “What, exactly, is erotica?” Nowadays, in our post- Fifty Shades of Grey world, I rarely get that kind of confusion. Instead, there remains a bit of a misconception that all of modern erotica is somehow similar to Fifty Shades, with female submissives being the name of the game.

The truth: There’s a lot to discover about the genre beyond E.L. James’ massive bestseller. I should know; I’ve edited more than 60 erotica anthologies and have read hundreds of stories for the Best Women’s Erotica of the Year series I curate. Writing erotica has irrevocably changed my life, and has given me new perspectives on my own sexuality as well as those of my fellow human beings.

The past decade has seen a boom in women turning to the page to detail sexy stories that would very likely make even Christian Grey blush. And for anyone who knocks erotica as anything less than an art form, it’s interesting to note that of the 130 erotic authors recently surveyed by writer Emmanuelle de Maupassant, roughly 30% of respondents said they have formally studied literature.

Women writers come to the world of erotica for different reasons: some as a business opportunity, some to safely explore sexual fantasies they can’t share in their real lives, and some simply to create hot stories that will arouse readers. While I’m firmly of the mindset that fiction is just that, fiction, and can’t be used to divine real-life trends in sexuality, I do think it’s a positive for women that erotic fiction has become more mainstream. Not having erotica tucked away into some dark corner sends the message that it’s okay to think about sex, to think about what turns you on. Erotica gives us permission, in case we didn’t have it already, to acknowledge ourselves as sexual, and sexy, beings, whose desires may be far more complicated than we’re often led to believe.

The fact that erotica, along with erotic romance — from blockbuster print bestsellers to upstart indie ebook publishers to websites and magazines like Congress — is now so widely available means that we are becoming more comfortable talking about sex, including some deeply kinky sex. Take a stroll through any given bookstore romance section and you’re just as likely to see handcuffs as you are Fabio-esque images. Female authors are writing about straight women, lesbian women, bisexual women, male-male erotica, and beyond, and in the process, giving their fellow readers access to all sorts of models of sexual fulfillment that don’t fit any kind of mold.

When Refinery29 asked me to curate a selection of what’s hot in erotica written by women, I wanted to bring you a sampling of that kind of variety. Ahead, you’ll find excerpts from some of today’s top erotic writers, with stories ranging from sweet to filthy, with just about everything in between. These authors have brought forth the heart of what makes sex such a delight by capturing the lusty, down-and-dirty moments right alongside the emotional nuances that make these stories worth reading — and re-reading.

This time, we’re starting with a handful of steamy stories, but we’ll be featuring a new story every month. Even if you think erotica is not your cup of tea, I hope you’ll check the excerpts out in case something strikes your fancy. And if you have suggestions for authors our readers should know about, please leave a comment sharing your favorites!

From “Arielle” in Cathedral of Furs: Ardent Erotica Inspired by Anaïs Nin by Lana Fox

When I walked in, you were still in your work suit. I think that’s how you wanted it — you’d be the manager, the ringmaster, and we’d be the ponies, turning your tricks.

That’s why you had us kiss one another, yes?

I was shy at first, having never kissed a woman, but Jeanne was ravenous, her mouth ardent, as if she’d been waiting years for me, and she stained my mouth with her cherry-dark lipstick, with kisses like crushed velvet — selfless, selfish, all and nothing. As our mouths sank together, our breasts touched, mine adorned only with the finest satin, hers covered with gauzy material studded with teardrops of finery. Held by her so we breathed as one, I felt her hardened nipples. I swept my hand against her thigh and the curve of her buttock, feeling her body so warm, so smooth inside her dress.

Beneath my skin, my blood was beating, making every little part of me flush and gasp. I was alive, so alive, especially when I felt your arms encircling me from behind, and your sex — hard and insistent — pressing at my back. I threw back my head then, making ardent sounds, as Jeanne lay soft-damp kisses down my throat, and you explored my body through the thin satin, your hands caressing me with slippery smoothness, as if I were already bare. I felt you touch my hips, my sides, your lips insistent against my nape. I felt you gather me tighter than Jeanne, grinding against me.

Desperation. Need.

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From Bollywood and the Beast by Suleikha Snyder

She wasn’t a virgin. That much was true. But this was hardly in the same category as anything she’d experienced after the prom or a set-striking party. Impulsive, wild, frantic groping under the shelter of exotic trees and hanging vines. Seducing a man over 10 years older than her. Whispering “I love you” and meaning it. Taj made the impossible seem possible. He turned the unthinkable into the spoken and the done.

Rocky straddled his lap, her skirt hiked above her knees and the sun-warmed wooden bench marking patterns into her skin. Taj shucked his shirt and tossed it aside with defiance, as if even now he was daring her to cringe, to pull away, to run. Not a chance. She kissed the jagged scars down the side of his throat and every pale burn that ran down his chest. It was just like his face…the combination of pain and perfection. As if the hand of fate had chosen to strike only one side, leaving the other as a reminder of what he used to be. And it didn’t matter. Because she cherished both equally, touched both equally.

“You can’t scare me, Taj. Don’t even try.”

He rubbed his jaw against her cheek and then turned to catch her earlobe between his teeth and tug. “How can I, sweet Rakhee, when you are scaring me?”

He was shivering under her hands. But not from fear.

“We should not,” he said, even as his body told her differently.

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From “Tell Me a Secret” from A Bloom in Cursive by Leandra Vane

Jake kissed like he sang. Easing slowly into hard, guttural desire, and once he got started he didn’t stop. His touch was like melted sugar, his taste was smoky and bitter, like I had always imagined a good punk rocker would. His body was soft, poetic, and I scratched lines down his back, challenging him to give up all his secrets.

When we finally broke apart, we were both heaving. He pulled the CD player remote from his pocket, silenced the music, and tossed the remote aside. He frowned.

“I did this to make you happy. Not get into your pants.”

“Do you want in my pants?”

“Yes. But we can wait.”

“I’ve been waiting.”

Challenge accepted.

Jake picked me up and slammed my ass on the table. He had hid his muscle from me like I had hid my longing, but neither of us held back as we crashed into each other.

I pulled his sweater up his back and over his shoulder blades. The material was tight and clung to his smooth skin, tangling up in his arms. By the time he wrestled free of the pesky layer I had tossed my sweatshirt across the room and popped the button on my jeans open.

I felt so rock and roll there on the table in my yellow polka dot bra, drinking in the contours of his long, smooth frame.

He snaked his fingers down my back, sending a shiver up my spine. With a flick my bra sprang away from my body and a cool sweep of air tantalized my tits.

Jake gripped the metal of my left nipple ring between his teeth and gave a little pull. The shot of pain was soothed by a swish of his tongue and I began shaking. I reached down and fumbled for his fly, but it was out of my reach.

Jake reared back and hooked his thumbs in the back belt loops of my jeans and tugged. My bare ass slapped against the fake wood panel and I let out a shriek. The denim became bunched at my knees and I cursed myself for wearing laced up combat boots. I scrambled for my shoe laces but he pushed me back on the table.

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Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From The Siren and the Sword (Magic University Book 1) by Cecilia Tan

"Soothsaying Practices of the Western World" left Kyle dizzy and wondering how he could even hope to grasp all the practices they'd covered. Tea leaves, coffee grounds, molten lead hardened in water, crystal balls, runes, Tarot, flame scrying, palmistry, psychometry, weathercasting ― and to think they hadn't even gone into astrology because that was a whole separate class!

The magically-raised students seemed to have grown up taking these things for granted. Kyle wondered how many omens he was missing every single day. He'd known that if you found a penny it was good luck, but he'd thought it was only the ones that were heads-up. Apparently, it was all pennies, though? The bit about black cats and walking under ladders: False. But there were other ones his classmates insisted were true, and Kyle was finding it harder and harder to keep track of them.

He opened his textbook on omens and tried to read, but was too distracted by worrying to actually absorb what he was looking at.

Thankfully, Jess came in not long after that. "Hello, sweetness," she said, planting a kiss on his lips. "What are you doing hanging around?"

"Oh, I thought maybe I'd catch Alex to help me with some studying, but apparently he's at the library."

Jess pursed her lips. "I've never seen him actually study this hard before. He's been there a lot lately. Maybe his project is behind schedule. "

Kyle sighed.

Jess slipped onto the couch next to him. "Want me to help you with your studying instead?"

He put his arm around her and pulled her in for a kiss. "I can think of something I'd rather do. Your roommate said she'll be at the lab all night."

"Oh? On a Thursday? How funny." Jess's smile turned sly. "But convenient. Maybe you're leading a charmed life, Kyle Wadsworth?"

"Oh, um..."

"I have to write five pages tonight, but come on." She took him by the hand and pulled him into the bedroom. "Maybe we can kill two birds with one stone."

She closed the door behind him. "Take off your clothes and lie down on the bed."

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit

From The Boss by Abigail Barnette

I couldn’t believe I was doing this. I couldn’t believe it was actually happening, after six years. After I had given up hope of ever having a sexual experience as satisfying as my night with Leif. Every muscle in my body tensed with anticipation. My breath caught in my chest as my fingers ventured down, under the black lace of my panties. I thought back to my white cotton underpants that night at the Crowne Plaza, and I giggled to myself. If anyone had told me back then that I’d be sex-ambushing the man six years later, I wouldn’t have believed I would have the nerve.

I closed my eyes and stroked two fingers down my slit. My hips lifted. I’d been so eager for this moment, now it seemed like my skin was too sensitive to touch. I thought of what Neil would see when he walked in, and remembered the undisguised appreciation in his eyes while he’d watched our hands on my body.

My stomach fluttered with nervous butterflies. What if he was expecting the girl from six years ago, who’d only had sex with fumbling teenage boys? What if he got here and was turned off by my initiative? After all, he’d found my naiveté so endearing the last time we were together.

Oh shut up, I scolded myself. Would you really want to fuck a guy who only wanted you for your sexual inexperience? No, because that would be weird.

I’d made a salient point, I had to concede.

My fingertips circled my clit, and a shaky breath stuttered across my lips. My flesh felt hot and heavy under my hand, and I cupped myself, letting my fingers slip between the folds of my sex.

The door clicked open, and the weight of my desire became like an electric current. My lungs seized, my limbs quivered. I opened my eyes, a soft groan escaping me when I saw Neil there. He closed the door and dropped his messenger bag. His gaze met mine and held it as he walked toward me in his long black coat and leather gloves. I don’t know how I managed to maintain eye contact, but I did, and I had never felt so sexy in my entire life. Why had I ever doubted that this would please him?

His maddeningly neutral expression gave nothing away, but he couldn’t disguise the hunger in his eyes. Oh, he wanted me. He stood over me, looking down as I continued to move my hand beneath my panties.

“Take those off.”

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Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared by L. Marie Adeline

We made it down the short aisle. Standing in front of the cockpit door, she gave three quick knocks. A second later, a sandy-haired young man with thick glasses and a space between his front teeth poked his head out. Oh dear. I hated to admit that my shallow Southern heart sank, though I politely pulled my grin a little wider, reminding myself what the C in S.E.C.R.E.T. stood for. If my fantasy man wasn’t... compelling, I didn’t have to go through with the fantasy.

“Is this our lovely visitor?” he asked with a lisp. Oh dear.

“Yes,” the flight attendant said. “Miss Dauphine Mason, this is our multitalented First Officer Friar. Miss Mason is keen to see what goes on in here. It might help her with her fear of flying.”

“Ah, yes. Dispel the mystery and the fear disperses. That’s Captain Nathan’s specialty. He can show you around while I stretch my legs. Three’s a crowd in here! Good luck!”

After mangling all those S’s, First Officer Friar made a beeline to the back of the plane. Out the window in front was a dark sky; below, nothing but black water. The high whine of the engines masked the screams in my own head as my legs now turned to cement. Eileen nudged me through the narrow doorway.

“I’ll be back in a little while,” she said, looking at her watch. “Enjoy your flying lesson.” She shut the door behind her.

The pilot sat silhouetted in the window. The only thing I could see above the seat was the back of his head. He wasn’t wearing a jacket, only his white shirt, the muscles on his arms apparent beneath his sleeves as he flicked a number of switches from left to right on a panel in front of him. Thankfully, the white noise drowned out my pounding heart.

“Be with you in a moment, Dauphine. I just want to make sure autopilot’s running smoothly. A robot takes over for most of the flight from now on. A very smart one.” There it was. That accent again. The man from Security! The man with the sexy British accent! The air left my chest and the pressure squeezed my lungs. Feeling tantalized and terrified at that same time had a bad effect on my stomach. I slapped both hands on the curved walls of the cockpit to steady myself as the plane rose and straightened. The pilot faced a wall of lights and levers that seemed to blink and shift on their own. Then he finally turned his chair around, aviators off, brown eyes on me. I gasped. “Don’t worry, we’re on automatic, but we’re not going to be alone in here for long, so I apologize ahead of time for the furtive nature of our interlude,” he said, loosening the top button of his uniform. “But I need to know, before we continue with our tutorial on the safety of flight: Do you accept the Step, Miss Mason?”

I couldn’t believe this was happening. “Here? Now?”

“Yes. Here and now. Trust me when I say I can help you with your fear of flying. And a few other things too, I suspect,” he said, leaning back into the plush leather of his pilot seat, taking me in from bottom to top.

“I’ve never been in an airplane before,” I muttered, stalling.

“I understand that,” he said, steepling his fingers. “But you are doing a fine job of your first time.”

Standing four feet from a complicated instrument panel that the pilot was no longer facing, I watched dark clouds whip by the nose of the plane through the high, narrow windows.

“Are we...safe in here?”

“Very safe,” he said. “Safer than driving. Safer than almost any other activity you can do at hundreds of miles an hour, high in the air.”

“What if there’s turbulence?” I asked, just as we hit a little bump. I yelped. My arms flew up to grasp the ceiling.

He took it as a cue to gesture me over to him.

Here we go! I slowly, carefully, closed the gap between us, and over his shoulder got a better view of the world before me. It was dusk, but light poked through the clouds, illuminating little towns and villages nestled in the foot of a mountain range. They looked like a strand of jewels dropped from a great height. It was beautiful, but still I felt gut-punched and queasy. Levers and buttons continued to move in a ghostly way all around us.

“Turbulence is just air pockets. The plane will ride through it. And I’m right here if anything goes awry.”

I stood above him now, his head level with my breasts. “Do you accept the Step?” Handsome face, kind eyes, great smell, manly hands, but the clincher truly was his beautifully tailored shirt. Terribly shallow, I know.

“Yes, I accept.”

“Then may I help you off with your knickers?”

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From The Virgin by Tiffany Reisz

Now, here they were, alone in Kingsley’s bedroom. And she was going to hurt him. And she’d never done anything like this before in her life. Where did she start?

She took a step back and looked Kingsley up and down. He needed something. Not a collar, but something, something to make everything different between them.

“How do you feel about blindfolds?” she asked.

“I don’t mind them, but I’d rather see you.”

Stepping back in front of him, she started to unbutton his vest. She’d undressed him before, at his command, but never of her own volition. He stood there, still and submissive, letting her pull the vest down and off his arms. She thought about folding it, thought about hanging it up. This was part of one of Kingsley’s sexiest Regency-style suits, after all. And likely, one of his most expensive. Instead, she paused, looked at it, and then dropped it on the floor.

“You’re more like him than you can possibly know,” Kingsley said.

To which Eleanor replied, “Don’t speak until spoken to.”

Kingsley bowed his head in apology. She felt something new surging through her veins, something sweet and spiked and utterly intoxicating.

Power.

Kingsley remained still as she unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it out of his trousers. He had such a beautiful body — all lean muscle and old scars — that she couldn’t stop herself from kissing his naked shoulder as she pushed his shirt down his arms. First, a kiss on the naked shoulder; then, on the naked bicep. Then, the naked forearm and the naked wrist.

The naked wrist.

She left him standing there while she went down on her hands and knees by the bed. She pulled out a suitcase and opened it up. Inside was bondage equipment — ropes, adjustable spreader bars, cuffs, and collars.

And gauntlets.

She took out two black leather gauntlets and laid them on the bed. She’d seen male submissives at The Eighth Circle wearing various sorts of leather. Bicep cuffs, chest harnesses, but her favorite were the gauntlets. They looked so medieval, like something a knight would wear under his armor. And after a battle, he’d strip down to nothing but the dirt and sweat and the leather braces on his wrists.

Eleanor lifted Kingsley’s arm and held it against her chest. She wrapped the brace around his forearm and laced it.

“You like leather?” he asked. His voice was soft and the gentleness of his tone made her even more nervous.

“Yeah, I do. On men, especially.”

“Why did you never tell me?”

She glanced up at him. “You never asked.”

Kingsley narrowed his eyes at her. “I should have asked. What other secrets are you keeping in here?”

He touched her temple and let his fingers trail down until they rested on her chest, under her shirt and over her heart.

“Lots of secrets,” she whispered.

“Tell me all your secrets. Tell me everything you want.”

“You,” she said. “Like this.”

“Like what?”

“Submissive to me.”

“You’ve fantasized about this?” he asked. “About me submitting to you?”

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From To Italy with Love by Fiona Zedde

“Show me your room.”

It was Chrisanne’s voice that did it. Low and urgent with heat, it made Iris’ panties pull tight against her moistening flesh. But even though Chrisanne demanded to see her room, she pushed into Iris’ hips with her own. Iris whimpered at the press of her stiffening dick between them. She blindly reached for Chrisanne and slotted their mouths together. Twin groans filled the kitchen.

“I missed the way you taste,” she gasped into Chrisanne’s mouth.

It was more the way she kissed, an all-in sensuous dance of tongue and lips, her mouth latching on to Iris’ like there was no other sustenance she needed. A hot and sweet sucking on her tongue while her hands roamed over Iris’ back and low on her hips, pressing them urgently together.

Chrisanne pulled back. “If you don’t want me to get pussy juice all over your kitchen counter, you need to show me to your room, now.”

But Chrisanne was already moving them back, guiding Iris toward where she guessed the bedroom was. Her guess was good enough, so Iris closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of that hot mouth on hers, the firm pressure of Chrisanne’s thumbs tilting up her jaw so she could nibble and suck her neck. Iris shivered, then winced when her shoulder hit a doorway. Her eyes flew open.

Yes, the bedroom…this way.

She guided Chrisanne past the guest bathroom and to the bedroom. She scrabbled backward with her hand for the door handle, turned it, and pushed it open.

Chrisanne stopped dead. “Where is your bed?”

Fuck.

In the rush of all the blood in her body flooding south, she forgot about the lack of an actual bed in her bedroom. Since Jasmyn left and took her bed — she’d called to curse her out and demand it back — she’d been sleeping on a pile of comforters in the middle of room. But that didn’t matter now.

“My ex.” Iris squeezed Chrisanne’s breasts through her tank top. “She took it.”

“Fuck her then.”

“No.” She fumbled with the buttons of Chrisanne’s jeans. “You fuck me.”

“You’re so corny.” But she seemed very much on board with that plan, yanking down the zipper of Iris’ dress and pulling it off to toss it carelessly aside. “Shit.” Chrisanne stepped back. “I actually forgot how beautiful you were.” She stared at Iris’ body, on display in (thankfully) matching bra and panties.

Iris was soaking wet and desperate to get her mouth all over Chrisanne. She yanked down her own panties and got rid of her bra. “Stop telling me and show me.”

“Fuck, you’re bossy.”

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From The Unicorn by Delphine Dryden

There was a tempo to it, Daniel had realized. A way to pace things, to keep it all in hand. The pain, the rest, the repositioning. The natural end to one whip’s usefulness, and the logical time to pick up a different toy. He was better organized tonight and determined not to accidentally deviate from his planned scene.

Mara’s ass and upper thighs were rosy, glowing from the flogger and vivid red in a few spots from the tawse, but not so bad he needed to stop yet. She was drifting in subspace, and probably able to take more pain now. Give that freshly whipped skin a few moments to recover, he knew, and it would be sensitive beyond belief.

The cane was slender, some translucent fiber rather than bamboo, and slightly whippy. He tested it on his palm awhile, figuring out how it would fly in the air, realizing he would not need to use his wrist as much. A short, almost choppy, flat stroke.

First, more questions.

“What about tabletop games?”

“Uh...you mean like Monopoly, or RPGs? Or European-style? All of them are yes.”

“Nice. Who shot first?”

“Greedo! Just kidding, just kidding. Han, duh.”

The duh thing couldn’t be allowed to stand. Daniel brought the cane down across the crest of her rump. It sounded thuddier than he’d expected. Mara’s reaction, a shocked gasp, was very gratifying. He gave her a few seconds to let her decide whether to continue.

“Original series or Next Generation?”

She answered this one more promptly. “Both, but for different reasons.”

“Fair enough.”

Delia grumbled. “Picard forever. Also Seven of Nine forever.”

Mara lifted her face from the horse; tears streaked the cheek Daniel could see, but she didn’t sound upset when she spoke to Delia. “You are not one of those Voyager people?”

“No!” Delia stroked her dark hair, hastening to reassure her. “No, I just think Jeri Ryan is really hot. Just throwing it out there.”

“Everybody thinks she’s really hot.”

Daniel cleared his throat, getting the subs back on task. He didn’t really mind the conversation, though. He liked the apparent truth-serum effect of the whips. Mara had opened up some online, while they were playing, but he wanted to know more. Delia had wanted to know more, too. And asking her random things seemed to keep Mara from getting too trancy. Maybe it would let the scene draw out a while longer.

But after a few more questions and strokes of the cane, he was having trouble thinking up stuff to ask her. There was so much eye candy in the room he was really mostly proud of himself for not actively drooling. And Mara, he could tell all too plainly, was already so aroused. Her pert, rounded ass was moving in tiny circles between strokes, as she tried to rub against the nap of the time-softened leather bench. And her mouth kept making an O shape that drove him insane with lust.

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Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

From “Appetizer” by Sommer Marsden in The Sexy Librarian’s Big Book of Erotica edited by Rose Caraway

“Remember now, Ollie,” Jamie said. “Just tongue, lips, teeth. No fingers. No penetration. That’s for me. Not for you.”

“Got it,” Oliver said. He sounded as breathless as I felt.

He looked me over slowly at first. My cheeks burned with embarrassment tinted with need. What did he think of me? Of this? Of us? But then I saw the hump in his khakis and realized he had an erection. A quite sizable one if I wasn’t mistaken. I forgot all that when he bent forward, almost as if in prayer, and kissed my inner thighs. First one, then the other. He dragged his soft bee-stung lips up to the very top of my thigh where the skin was the most sensitive. He kissed a maddeningly soft line across my mound and then down the other side. When my hips lifted up to meet his mouth, to tempt him, he finally gave us both what we clearly wanted. His mouth clamped down on me, his lips soft and hot. His tongue parted me, slickening my already juicy pussy with his saliva. His tongue painted insistent swirls on my clitoris until I was gripping the arms of the chair and moving my body up to meet him.

Jamie sat and watched. His cock was hard, that much I could tell. His eyes were shiny, mouth set in a fine amused line. He was enjoying this almost as much as me, I realized with what bordered on shock.

It had never occurred to me that this fantasy of mine did anything for him. But clearly it did.

“Make her come,” he whispered.

Oliver sealed his mouth to me, using the rigid tip of his tongue to nudge my clit over and over and over until I was panting for breath. Then he stopped. His mouth hovered near my pussy, but he’d pulled back. He didn’t touch me. My head pounded with blood, and I shifted restlessly. I wanted to come. I needed to come. Desperately.

Oliver glanced up at me with his pretty, gem-colored eyes and gave me a crooked grin. Then he blew warm breath across my damp sex. Before I could register this new tactic, his mouth was back on me, his tongue back at me. Working me.

I came with a rough cry and an eager thrust of my hips. Thrusting up with such a force I felt the bite of his upper teeth against the smooth skin of my mound.

I sank back and sighed. Then I began to laugh.

“Good?” Jamie asked. I could tell he was asking both of us.

“Good,” I echoed, trying to catch my breath.

“One more?” Oliver said.

Before I could answer, Jamie nodded once and said, “Yeah, but after that first one she’s really sensitive. So you’ll have to hold her legs.”

Read more.

Illustrated by: Anna Sudit.

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The Celeb Weddings We Couldn't Stop Talking About In 2016

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For better or worse, 2016's been a weird, wild ride. But in terms of celebrity news, it was huge — and it brought us a lot of joy. And when it comes to weddings especially, the world's most famous people gave us plenty to talk about.

Watching our favorite stars tie the knot is always special. As fans, we'd even like to think of ourselves as honorary wedding guests. (I'm sure my invitation just got lost in the mail, right, Ciara?)

To close the year on a high note, ahead we've rounded up some our favorite celebrity weddings of 2016. From Teen Mom alums to Shia LaBeouf, plenty of celebrities said "I do" this year. Click through to revisit some of the most notable.

Ciara & Russell Wilson

The "I Bet" singer wed the Seahawks quarterback in July. That wasn't their only big news this year, either — in October, Ciara announced on Instagram that the couple is expecting a child.

Photo: Via @Ciara.

Shia LaBeouf & Mia Goth

Shia LaBeouf's Las Vegas wedding to Mia Goth in October caused plenty of conversation in the media. The ceremony was performed by an Elvis impersonator, and there was speculation as to whether the union was even legally binding. (LaBeouf later confirmed to Ellen DeGeneres that the wedding was, indeed, real.)

Photo: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock.

Michael Phelps & Nicole Johnson

Michael Phelps' son, Boomer, stole the show at the Olympics this summer. After rumors spread that Phelps and his fiancée, Nicole Johnson, had legally tied the knot in June, the pair held an official wedding celebration in October.

Photo: Via @TaylorChien.

Kevin Hart & Eniko Parrish

The comedian and his wife were married in August. The couple had been engaged since 2014.

Photo: Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock.

Chelsea Peretti & Jordan Peele

Don't expect to see photos from this wedding — the comedians eloped in April, with their dog as the only witness to the ceremony.

Photo: Via @Chelsanity.

Anna Camp & Skylar Astin

The Pitch Perfect stars got hitched in California in September. Naturally, Elizabeth Banks and Rebel Wilson attended the festivities — and Brittany Snow was a bridesmaid.

Photo: Via @TheRealAnnaCamp.

Ray J & Princess Love

The couple were married in August. Ray J told People that they're "looking forward to having children."

Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.

Zosia Mamet & Evan Jonigkeit

The Girls star married the X-Men: Days of Future Past actor in October. Mamet opted to wear a black dress for the occasion.

Photo: Via @Johnakite_.

Dianna Agron & Winston Marshall

The actress married the Mumford & Sons banjoist in October. She ditched the traditional wedding dress, choosing a beige Valentino look instead.

Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.

Misty Copeland & Olu Evans

The ballerina married Evans, an attorney, in July. The wedding was a long time coming — the couple met in 2004! Fun fact: Taye Diggs is Evans' cousin.

Photo: Kelly Taub/BFA/REX/Shutterstock.

Eva Longoria & José Antonio Bastón

This May wedding was seriously star-studded — Victoria Beckham and Ricky Martin both shared Instagram photos from the festivities.

Photo: Via @Ricky_Martin.

Angela Kinsey & Josh Snyder

The Office star chose a Grecian-style wedding dress for her big day. She and fellow actor Josh Snyder got hitched last month.

Photo: Via @AngelaKinsey.

Shawn Johnson & Andrew East

The Olympic gold medalist and NFL player tied the knot in April. The couple held the ceremony at a Tennessee farm, and East sang "You've Got a Friend In Me."

Photo: Via @ShawnJohnson.

Hayley Williams & Chad Gilbert

The Paramore singer-songwriter wed the New Found Glory musician in Nashville this past February. Naturally, Williams rocked Dr. Martens at the event.

Photo: Amy Harris/REX/Shutterstock.

Audrina Patridge & Corey Bohan

The Hills star married Corey Bohan, with whom she has a daughter, in November. No one from The Hills was invited to the wedding.

Photo: Via @AudrinaPatridge.

Trai Byers & Grace Gealey

The Empire stars got married in April. TMZ reported at the time that the ceremony was small, attended only by relatives and close friends.

Photo: Via @LadyGraceByers.

Devin Lucien & Kaitlin Doubleday

Byers and Gealey weren't the only Empire stars to get hitched in 2016. Kaitlin Doubleday, who plays Rhonda on the show, married DJ Devin Lucien in May.

Photo: Via @TheOriginalBigDaddy.

Italia Ricci & Robbie Amell

The actors got married in October. And according to a post on Ricci's Instagram, the ceremony couldn't have come soon enough. She captioned an image of herself and Amell, "About damn time. Thank you guys for all of the congrats and warm wishes! I dig being an Amell."

Photo: Via @ItaliaRicci.

Maci Bookout & Taylor McKinney

Former Teen Mom star Maci Bookout wed longtime beau Taylor McKinney in Greenville, FL, in October. The bride wore a blush-colored dress.

Photo: Via @MaciDeShaneBookout.

Chelsea Houska & Cole DeBoer

Maci Bookout wasn't the only Teen Mom to tie the knot this year. Chelsea Houska from Teen Mom 2 married Cole DeBoer in October.

Photo: Via @ChelseaHouska.

Nikki Ferrell & Tyler VanLoo

Former Bachelor contestant Nikki Ferrell married Tyler VanLoo in October. Plenty of Bachelor alums, including Kelly Travis, Christy Hansen, and Andi Dorfman, were in attendance.

Photo: Via @Nikki_Ferrell.

Jade Roper & Tanner Tolbert

The Bachelor in Paradise stars tied the knot in January. The couple now stars on Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars , because of course they do.

Photo: MediaPunch/REX/Shutterstock.

Liberty Ross & Jimmy Iovine

The model and music mogul got married on Valentine's Day. Female guests — including Oprah and Lady Gaga — were asked to wear red for the occasion.

Photo: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock.

Josh Brolin & Kathryn Boyd

The Hail, Caesar! actor married model Kathryn Boyd in September. The ceremony was held in Cashiers, NC.

Photo: Via @JoshBrolin.

Adrienne Bailon & Israel Houghton

The Real co-host Adrienne Bailon wed singer and producer Israel Houghton in November. Naturally, her co-hosts Tamera Mowry, Loni Love, and Jeannie Mai attended the ceremony.

Photo: Via @AdrienneBailon.

Casey Reinhardt & Sean Brown

Laguna Beach star Casey Reinhardt married Sean Brown in February. Sara Bareilles performed at the wedding.

Photo: Via @CaseyBeauBrown.

Derek Jeter & Hannah Davis

The baseball legend married model Hannah Davis in July in Napa Valley, CA.

Photo: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock.

Michael C. Hall & Morgan Macgregor

The Dexter star married his longtime girlfriend in February at New York's City Hall. They had been dating since 2012.

Photo: Evan Falk/WWD/REX/Shutterstock.

Adam Rodriguez & Grace Gail

The Magic Mike XXL actor got hitched in May. In July, the couple announced that they are expecting their second child together.

Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic.

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The Beauty Products Victoria’s Secret Models SWEAR By

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Everyone's still buzzing about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night. But us? We've been equally interested in the luxe 24K gold masks the models are treated to pre-show — and the kind of pampering each of them gets backstage. But there's one piece of information we'd still love to know: Which beauty products do they turn to on the other 364 days of the year to keep their skin luminous, glowing, and, well, angelic?

We've rounded up the Angels' best beauty tips and buys. And, in doing so, we found a common thread: It's all about hydrating the skin — whether through pricey facials or drugstore moisturizers — then adding that elusive glow. Ahead, see which products make Bella Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, and Martha Hunt’s lists of must-haves.

Most of us won’t get a shot at the kind of lavish, A-list treatment that goes down before the lights turn on at the Victoria’s Secret show. But with this kind of intel, there’s no stopping us from copping killer skin at home.

Bella Hadid

Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage.

When we talked to Bella Hadid backstage at the Victoria’s Secret show, the Dior spokesmodel divulged her must-have item from the luxe line: the remarkably low-key Dior Addict Lip Glow, which tints lips a soft pink.

Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow, $33, available at Sephora.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Photo: Michael Stewart/FilmMagic.

Now we know how Ambrosio gets her signature glow, thanks to Elle. She told the publication that both Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick and Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer help her shine — the former is for lips and cheeks; the latter for her complexion.

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick, $45, available at Nordstrom.

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, $45, available at Beautycounter.

Martha Hunt

Photo: Michael Stewart/WireImage.

Martha’s must-do beauty prep? Regular facials from Mzia Shiman, owner of Mzia Shiman Spa, according to New Beauty. Luckily, the treatments don’t require $300 masks. Instead, Shiman uses Decléor Aromessence Rose d'Orient Soothing Serum to “reduce any redness and irritation,” followed by Decléor Aurabsolu Hydrogel Mask, which Shiman says is made for “tired skin.”

Decléor Aromessence Rose D'Orient Soothing Serum, $73, available at Nordstrom.

Decléor Aurabsolu Hydrogel Mask, $20, available at Decléor Paris.

Stella Maxwell

Photo: Michael Stewart/FilmMagic.

The model is a global brand ambassador for Max Factor, so you know she’s tried every product in its lineup. Her favorite? Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush, she told Birdie. “You can use it as a lip balm, a lip tint, or even on your eyelids. They have amazing colors, so one of those for sure. I usually go for a pinky, rosy red. Or really deep, like an aubergine red.”

Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush, $16.99, available at CVS.

Also on her list? A classic: Bioderma Sensibio H2O. “That pure water is amazing for the skin,” she said.

Bioderma Sensible H2O, $16.90, available at Birchbox.

Rachel Hilbert

Photo: Stephane Cardinale/ Corbis/Getty Images.

When models with major frequent flyer miles talk skin hydrators, we listen. And according to Elle, Rachel Hilbert relies on a stellar drugstore moisturizer — Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel — to keep skin in check.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $19.99, available at Ulta Beauty.

Alanna Arrington

Photo: Marc Piasecki/WireImage.

How does Arrington maintain her bouncy curls? With a secret weapon that also happens to top this cool-girl list: No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser, according to Harper’s Bazaar. “It doesn't bubble, which separates the curls, so it keeps your curls together,” the model said.

DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser, $44, available at Ulta Beauty.

Jourdan Dunn

Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images.

Dunn has some of the most luminous skin in the game. Her secret? Mixing a few drops of Burberry Beauty Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base into foundation and twice-weekly mask sessions using Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask, according to Elle.

Burberry Beauty Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base, $38, available at Nordstrom.

Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask, $128, available at Sisley Paris.

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