“You know the slow jams, deluxe get-the-drawers tape.”

“ ‘The’ slow jams, deluxe get-the-drawers tape?”

“Yeah, the one with Luther, Sade, and the extended remix of Prince’s Adore.”

Dre & Sidney, Brown Sugar – 2002

Come on, we all had one, don’t even try to deny it. Me, I had several, slow jams tapes, and/or CDs. No, they weren’t designed to “get the drawers” or even “drop the drawers” for that matter, but they were definitely mood setters. ?

Through the years my list of favorite songs have certainly shifted, still there are a few that are timeless and can arouse those same tingly feelings no matter what. Luther Vandross’ A House Is Not A Home, Lionel Ritchie & Diana Ross’ Endless Love (although Luther & Mariah Carey did a pretty good remake), Force MD’s Tender Love, I could go on and on.

But what is it about these songs that the minute they come on thoughts of candlelight dinners, clinking wineglasses and slow love making come to mind? [At least now they do, years and years ago you listened to those tapes that you made off the radio where the DJ would still be talking when the song began but you didn’t care as long as you had it on tape. Then, it was just about being on the phone with that special someone listening to the music and wishing you could do more than sit on the phone.]

Anyway, sometimes I think it’s the lyrics:

Here I lay all alone

Tossin turning

Longing for some of your, Tender Love

I’m waitin for the right moment to come

So I can thank you for,

All the tender love you’ve given to me

Oh baby

Tender love (Tender love)

Love so tender

Holdin me close

baby I surrender (oh baby I surrender)

Now that just made me remember house parties, dark rooms, and about a hundred sweaty young people groovin’ to this slow jam. But I digress…

Other times, it’s the melody – slow, hypnotic, the way a fine man is when he takes you in his arms for that first time.

There are also times when it’s the artist singing the song. Barry White’s voice is an instant mood changer—a “let’s-get-the-drawers” original for some.

Whatever the reason, a love song CD is a necessity whether I’m writing a love scene for my characters or setting a love scene of my own. Because yes, even after sixteen years of marriage (especially after sixteen years of marriage, lol) keeping the romance alive is a definite!

So what’s on your love song CD?  Leave your answer and be entered to win an autographed book from A. C. Arthur!

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About the author

Artist C. Arthur was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where she currently resides with her husband and three children. An active imagination and a love for reading encouraged her to begin writing in high school and she hasn’t stopped since.

Working in the legal field for almost thirteen years now she’s seen lots of horrific things and longs for the safe haven reading a romance novel brings. Her debut novel Object of His Desire was written when a picture of an Italian villa sparked the idea of an African-American/Italian hero. Determined to bring a new edge to romance, she continues to develop intriguing plots, sensual love scenes, racy characters and fresh dialogue—thus keeping the readers on their toes!

Visit A. C. online

Website:   http://www.acarthur.net/home.shtml

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AcArthur

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ACArthur

About the book – click cover to purchase

Full House Seduction, Kimani Romance – August 2009

Noelle Vincent may have led a wild and scandalous life, but really, isn’t every woman entitled to a few secrets? Now the former party girl is gambling on her future when she’s tapped to get a new casino off the ground. Suddenly she’s upping the ante when she gets her first eye-opening glimpse of gorgeous developer Brock Remington.

Ever since he was adopted, Brock has followed a simple law of the Donovan clan: always play your cards close to your chest. But all bets are off when he falls for the sexy, free-spirited new site manager. They’re both consenting adults, but Brock wants more. Is Noelle willing to roll the dice on their future, even if it means defying the odds and playing for the highest stakes of all?