I love books. I love to write. But sometimes (a lot of times) I need a break, and with all the innovative programming out there right now, need turns into want. I want to break from the Kindle and escape to a Chicago 5-star hotel with a client, or a competitive New York City ballet school, or a charming diner in Montauk. Here are 5 sexy shows I've recently binged—some of which inspired the novel I'm working on now. (Psst...let me know in the comments what I should be watching next!)
3. Flesh and Bone - STARZ
Flesh and Bone only made it one season, and it might not be considered sexy in a traditional sense, but if you have an appreciation for ballet and its dancers' lithe, flexible bodies, you'll understand why it's #3 on my list. The cinematography, setting, and main character, Claire Robbins (played by dancer Sarah Hay) add a level of sensuality you don't often see on the small screen. And for fans of stepbrother romance (I know you're out there), there's a creepy-intriguing incest storyline with Josh Helman (X-Men, Mad Max). Catch Flesh and Bone on the Starz network, or it was recently added to Amazon Video.
2. The Affair - Showtime
I found this show so well-written, so intriguing, that it was one of the inspirations behind Slip of the Tongue, my release earlier this year. If you've read my books, you understand my fascination with adultery. When I first saw a spot for The Affair, I stayed away. I was afraid they'd botch the subgenre I love, and the premise hit a little too close to my debut series. But this show is different and captivating in a different way. It has it all: Sex. Murder. Mystery. Betrayal. I found myself rooting for the wrong couple...and then, suddenly, I wasn't. The premise plays with unreliable narrators Alison and Noah (the brilliant Ruth Wilson and Dominic West, The Wire) and will leave you questioning what you thought you knew. Rounding out the exceptional cast is Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek) and Maura Tierney (ER). Of course, this grabs the #2 spot on my list because forbidden sex is the best kind, and there's plenty of it packed into both seasons. Luckily, the show returns this Sunday (11/20) for a third season. The Affair is available via Showtime, and on Hulu and Amazon Video.
1. The Girlfriend Experience - STARZ
With a title like The Girlfriend Experience and the premise of a law student-turned-high-end escort, it's no surprise this show oozes sex. FFS, episode titles include "Crossing the Line," "Access" and "Provocation." This show, a series based on Steven Soderbergh's same-titled movie, is binge-worthy, but I recommend doing it slowly, just to let the after-effects of each episode settle. Its cold, clinical feel is cultivated by Riley Keough's detached performance, a gray-ish pall to the cinematography, and the Chicago setting—all sharp-edged, reflective surfaces. Despite all that, the sex scenes are mesmerizing, from an office affair to the clients Christine Reade won't allow herself to connect with. The sex is uncomfortable. Sometimes cold—and often times hot. If you don't believe me, just watch the trailer and tell me you don't get chills. Weeks later, and I'm still not sure how to feel about The Girlfriend Experience, but I do know if you're a fan of erotic-romance, this is right up your alley. Watch it on Starz (subscription required).
Agree? Disagree? Have a show I should be watching? Let me know in the comments!
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