HEA...Why Do We Love It So

The Disney Movie Club shipped me the wrong movie. I’d ordered “Monsters, Inc”, but I received “Enchanted.” My upper lip curled in disdain at the sight of the cover, but my four year-old son was unfazed by the error.

“Let’s watch this movie, Mommy,” he said, finding (as children often do) the simplest solution to the problem.

Now, I’m a huge fan of Pixar, the quality of their storylines and the detail in the animation makes their movies easy to sit through over and over again. And over and over and over…well, you know how kids can wear out a DVD. “Enchanted,” on the other hand, seemed to me a saccharine piece of shlock I didn’t want to watch even once, much less dozens of times in a row should the little one develop a liking for it. But, thanks to McDreamy’s starring role in the movie, I decided to give it a go. If nothing else, I could stand watching Patrick Dempsey as the charming leading man for a couple hours.

By the second musical number in which rats, pigeons, and cockroaches helped our heroine scrub down the hero’s filthy New York apartment, I was laughing aloud at the funny and astute satire of archetypical Disney princess movies. And though I don’t want to spoil the ending for those of you who want to see the movie, but haven’t gotten around to it, I will say this—by the end of the movie I cheered right along with my son when Princess Giselle wound up with her true love. Okay, I’ll admit it, I even got a little misty. My heart rejoiced though my brain huffed, “What a load of crap.”

Given the predilection in romance and sensual erotica genres for a neat, fulfilling happily-ever-after ending, the movie made me wonder—Why do we love HEA so? In reality almost as many marriages fail as succeed and that doesn’t take into account the myriad of people we burned through just trying to find the person we’d be willing to take a chance on. With a real world full of broken hearts, dysfunctional couples, and blasé pairings, how can we willingly suspend our disbelief and seek out fiction that propagates what some would call the myth of true love?

I finished my long list of reasons why we shouldn’t buy into HEA and then the realization struck me—It is for all these reasons and more that we do crave the fantasy in our fiction. HEA endings allow us to experience vicariously the satisfaction that so often eludes us in our day-to-day lives.What woman doesn’t want a break from work, motherhood, chores, and the tedious (and often messy) reality of an adult relationship? Somewhere inside of us is a little girl who wants to flounce around the house in a tiara and a tutu. We love to conjure up mental images of a prince who knows how to anticipate our every need, who will catch us each time we fall, and who doesn’t fart, burp, pee on the toilet seat, get cranky or forget to take out the trash.

That we have different tastes as to the form of our princes has given rise to the different icons of masculinity we romance writers use to delight our readers—the dark and brooding vamp who longs for a mate to bring meaning to his soulless existence, the uber-macho warrior who needs the softness of a feminine touch, the rebel without a pause who runs into the one woman that can ease his restlessness, and of course the regal and gentlemanly prince who finds his true, but forbidden love through a chance meeting. Just to name a few.

With our appetite for love and romance sated for a little while by the many incarnations of our princes, we are all the more ready to take on the challenges each day brings. But when the real world gets to be a little more than we can take, we’ll be back at the cinema, the video store, and of course Once Upon a Bookstore hungry for more flights of fancy.

Check out Ana's happily-ever-after in Point of Distraction the Final Collection today! http://www.lyricalpress.com/cindy_jacks

12 Things I love about Ana

With the release of the final installment to the Point of Distraction Series only days away, Ms. Ana Welsh has been on my mind. Mostly, I've remembered the fun of creating and 'watching' the character blossom. She has some signature moments that always make me smile. Thought I miss writing about Ana, I love to visit her world and reread the collection often. I hope you enjoy her journey as much as I have.


And without further ado, here are 12 things I love about Ana -- my favorite moments from each story:





Story 1: On the dance floor with Miguel


Story 2: Granny panties!


Story 3: Mmm...pineapple


Story 4: A Scunci?!


Story 5: Ana runs into Nikhil...literally


Story 6: Chocolate sauce on the dining room sconces


Story 7: Cinnamon apple pancakes


Story 8: Ana the photogenic


Story 9: Honey drizzles


Story 10: Malasadas


Story 11: That damn Peter Frampton song


Story 12: Todd's post office faux pas





Chock full of fun, laughter, tears, friends, adventures, good wine, great food and sexy, sexy men, you can't go wrong with Point of Distraction. Check out all four books July 20th!

The Point of Distraction Method--From Heartache to True Love in 12 Steps

Point of Distraction the First Collection

1 Get your groove back

2 Break the rules

3 Visit an old friend

Point of Distraction the Second Collection

4 Start dating again

5 Do something out of character

6 Surround yourself with friends

Point of Distraction the Third Collection

7 Reconnect with your past

8 Experiment a little

9 Realize your true potential

Point of Distraction the Final Collection

10 Say goodbye to who you once were

11 Give yourself choices

12 Embrace your bright future and true love

Get all 12 steps in four easy installments: click here!

The Wait Is Over for Point of Distraction the Second Collection

One good distraction deserves another...and another and another.

Delving further into the life and times of Ana Welsh, the second book in the Point of Distraction series brings a new set of challenges.

In Dirty Pool, Ana Welsh meets an unusually attractive man. Despite seeming to reciprocate Ana's interest, Jordan Christiansen remains aloof and passive. After a few misread signals, it's up to Ana to find out just what game this sexy mystery man is playing.

The Road Less Taken finds Ana taking advice from a massage therapist, who tells her she needs to step outside her comfort zone. Charming and enigmatic, Nikhil might just fit the prescription, but Ana vows to maintain a friendship only. As the sexual tension builds, will she decide to give in to her desires?

Alone in a Crowd exposes the pitfalls of a bottle of tequila, a little black book and drunk-dialing. With four dates in three days, not to mention a surprise visit from her ex, Miguel, Ana discovers she's overbooked her weekend. Even with all this attention, Ana can't help but feel something-or someone-is missing.

Warning: This book contains lots of detailed, hot lovin', a sassy, sexy heroine, an alternate use for a pool table, and a veritable boy buffet. Love can take a lot of practice to get it right.

Buy it now

Haven't read the First Collection yet? No problem! Buy it now

Coming in April, Point of Distraction the Third Collection...

Point of Distraction Day Spa

In this trying and stressful world, who couldn't use a day of luxury, extravagance and distraction? Here at Point of Distraction Day Spa, our aim is to help you forget your cares and stimulate your senses.

Your hostess Ana will start you off by guiding you through her fun filled world, rich with gorgeous men and sumptuous experiences.

Next, Miguel will help you kick up those spirits and get your blood pumping with a spin on the dance floor.

Then we have Jonathan lined up. He will tickle your funny bone and find delicious ways for you to unwind after work

Last, but never least, Darcy will pamper you with a homecooked meal and some spirited, sensual play.

And as if that weren't enough, you can take this luxurious experience with you everywhere you go. Just download it to your favorite portable e-reader and you have your own personal distraction, right at your fingertips.

We offer you this complete package: luxury, music, comedy, games, and hot, sexy hunks (all of our favorite distractions) including the option of portability all for one affordable price of $3.50. Want to start your trip to relaxation now? Stop by Lyrical Press to pick up your copy of Point of Distraction the First Collection.


Get distracted today!