The Marriage Diaries

The Marriage Diaries #1-4

by Erika Wilde

New York Times Bestselling Author Erika Wilde turns up the heat in THE MARRIAGE DIARIES, a sensual series about a married couple who take intimacy and passion to the extreme. SEXY BEDROOM GAMES . . .Even after nearly twenty years of marriage, Jillian Noble is still madly in love with her sexy-as-sin husband, Dean. But now that their two sons are grown and it's just the two of them alone again, there's something that Jillian wants from her husband. Something he's been holding back since the day they met—the dominant man he rarely lets show. Now she wants it all, and when Dean agrees to unleash his more assertive side, all bets are off as he introduces her to dark, forbidden desires that will change the course of their marriage.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, BDSM, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Erotic Romance

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2013

About the author

Erika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.

Reviews

[s · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make all your erotic fantasies come true 101

If you want some sexy erotic fantasies give this a try. It is definitely something.

[Coco.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come...

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (9/7/2023)! 🎁

[Malene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Diaries definitely delivered the steam when Jillian proposes to her husband Dean of seventeen years to spice up their sex life. He’s always been holding back and now that their kids have moved out they’ve got the house to themselves.
This couple has always been close but they grow even closer especially emotionally. They’re vocal about their fantasies and it was such thrilling and sexy story. Dean was so vocal about much Jillian turned him on and how much he loved and wanted her. It was so good. Also Jillian embracing her needs, wanting to experiment and showing Dean a different side of her.
My only minor complaint was I needed more dialogue. Still a fabulous story.

4 Kinky Stars

[Talltree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erotic and sweet 4 - novella read about a married couple exploring more intimacy, bondage/domination games while having an empty nest. The H was an alpha male throughout and h loved him very much, there was great communication and no angst and it was a sexy read. Each novella is about a particular fantasy of h or H and can't wait to read bk5/6.

4.75 stars!

[Agnieszka na grzbietowisku · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ta książka to nie romans, to czysty erotyk. Głównymi bohaterami są tutaj Jill i Dean, małżeństwo z prawie dwudziestoletnim stażem, które po wyprowadzce synów z domu na studia ma wolną rękę na eksperymenty i czerpanie przyjemności z ... przyjemności. Eksperymentują, odkrywają na nowo, ale ich związek jest mocny, nie ma tu żadnych romantycznych podejść, jedynie kuszenie i uwodzenie. Ogólnie spoko, ale dlaczego realizują wszystkie swoje dotychczas skrywane fantazje w ciągu mniej niż 2 mieisęcy, nawet bliżej miesiąca? IDK. No i oczywiście on jest bogatym ex marine z własną firmą ochroniarską, nie czytałam chyba żadnych książek z takimi tropami, a i tak czuję, że się ograły...
Od strony językowej spoko, narracja jest przeplatana raz z jednej, raz z drugiej strony, co było fajnym zabiegiem. Nie było mocno krindżowo, Jill nie rozpadała się za każdym razem na kawałki, ale minusik za brak konsekwencji i gubienie "faktów" po drodze -pobrali się jak mieli po 18 lat, za dosłownie kilka tygodni 20 rocznica ślubu, a ona nagle jest wyjątkowo kuszącą 36 latką...
Na skali pikantności dałabym tak 2,5/5🌶️
Kontynuować nie będę

['Q' aka CoCo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's all sex, but it's hot sex ;)
A couple, married for almost 20 years, is finally at a point where both kids are out of the house, and they are financially secure. The wife decides it's time to spice things up and takes it upon herself to coax the dominant force she's always sensed lurking beneath the surface in her husband.
We do learn a bit about Dean and Julie--their pasts, their current employment status--and the author does a great job of describing how important trust and their emotional connection are in their relationship. I enjoyed reading about this housewife reclaiming her sexuality and this husband finding his inner Dom. The only chapter (I'm calling them chapters even though they're listed as volumes because they're so short) I didn't enjoy was when she dominated him, but that's a personal preference.
It's a quick read, despite it being a compilation of four volumes, and I'd recommend it to anybody that's looking for hot, sexy times packed in the pages. Thanks, Jessica, for the rec!

[JESSICA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series. It was pure hotness and kinky fun! *Fanning Myself* I'm a sucker for a book dealing with a happily married couple, exploring the D/s lifestyle. I'm so tired of seeing books all about a billionaire and their immature 20 yr old girlfriends, they're trying to force into submission..

This story is about Dean and Jillian Noble both (In their mid-thirties) high school sweethearts, married for 20 yrs, who still love and desire each other. And wanting to explore each others sexual fantasies together. I really adore their relationship. Amazing read. Very well written and I look forward to reading more by Erika Wilde. I highly recommend.

[Michelle Bowman / We Love Kink .com · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Diaries is a set of four novellas about a couple that has been married for going on twenty years and has decided to spice up their sex life now that their children are grown and out of the house. I enjoyed the fact that the characters are easy to relate to. Comfortability in a long marriage is something many couples experience.

It all started with Jillian making the courageous choice to seduce her husband Dean in his office. What follows is a set of awesome short stories full of hot sexual experiences which also brings this couple closer together emotionally. I loved reading about Dean who has finally decided to let his alpha personality out in the bedroom and both of them fulfilling fantasies they have kept hidden for years.

This was a very entertaining set of novellas that was full of smokin hot scenes.

*Free copy provided for an honest review
for more reviews visit welovekink(dot)com

[Katrina Oram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won the contest by Erica Wilde and I can not wait to receive these books to read! With cold weather coming I will love getting idea on how to stay cozy warm with my hubby:)

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

I got this book series by a recommendation on Facebook. I wish I could remember who, but it turned out to be a pretty sexy collection of short stories about the same couple. Normally I don't like book after book on the same people, but since these are smaller stories of a larger story, it worked, but I really wished it had just been one bigger book.

Anyho, it was a sexy look at a couple married for a long time, the kids have gone off to college and they need a little pick me up on their desires. I have been married for 19 years and with him for 23 years, I can appreciate what it takes to keep a relationship going when day to day life pulls you in all directions. While my kids won't be gone anytime soon, it doesn't mean we lead a sexless life, so to see a couple rediscovering what they love about each other and growing was a delight to watch.

If you are looking to save money, buy the complete set with the link above (currently 99 cents). Buying each of these individual can add up to $6 and they are too short to be worth that much. As much as I enjoyed this series, I still have to be cost conscious.

Let's jump in!



Dean and Jillian Noble have been together since their teens. Married and pregnant early, they have started with nothing and grown into a couple that raised two sons when they were themselves still growing. Dean has a haunted past of what his father was like and never touches Jillian with anything but ultimate care and love. While that is wonderful, it is also kind of passionate less. So Jillian isn't going to take it any more. With one son in college and the other in the military, it's time to take back their sexuality and pursue what they desire.

When Jillian visits Dean at work and they have an "afternoon delight" things start to change for the couple. Communication flows in ways they never expected and now they feel free to explore what they haven't dared explore before. Dean is still confused by what happens and that night after work, it becomes more clear that they can explore anything their hearts desire.

This is very short, but throughly satisfying beginning of a new era for this couple.



Now that Dean knows he is free to explore, he shows he has a very dominate side sexually.

Through this short story, Dean leads Jillian in a dance of submission in the form of orgasm denial, stringing them both out to heighten their desires. Pearls lead a big role in their play and I will never look at my small set in the same way again. While the two are exploring BDSM, it is in a very mild form with spanking being the biggest and darkest part of what they have explored so far in kink. While there isn't much time spent in conversation or outside pursuits, you feel complete with the time you have with this couple. The lines of communication are wide open and there are a lot of firsts coming in the future for both of them.



Dean's been away on business and the longing has grown. Jillian has kept busy creating a playroom in their basement where keep things secret, like when the boys come home to visit.

Dean is heading home and it's time to fulfill one of the fantasies they have discussed: home invasion. Dean gives Jillian a heads up to darken the house and to hide because he is going to find her and fuck her hard. Jillian has a fantasy of being pursued and no matter how hard she fights she is taken. This leads to one of the sexiest scenes I have ever read. To be safe there is a safe word for this, so don't get upset too fast.

What I love is that there is a vase where they can put their fantasy written out into. No judgement is given. They discuss it and see if both of them are into it and then start to make it happen. Dean didn't even know this would be his fantasy until Jillian brought it up.

The two are striking out and learning what they like. I enjoyed the back and forth play, how they communicate afterwards how they felt and what turned them on. These two are headed into some sexy times.

There is one more scene in here that I'll let you explore on your own.



By this point the couple have explored a few fantasies and it has drawn them closer than ever. The trust bond they have is a beautiful thing.

With each story we delve more into what turns them on and what they want to try. Two scenes unfold through the story, one at home and one that Dean talked about in a previous section that Jillian is now going to make come alive.

What I learned from these two on this one is that sometimes fantasies are just that. One that they forge to fulfill leaves one of them feeling jealous and angry. It tests the progress they have made and puts a spin on not everything is going to be wonderful. You get to see how they handle when something isn't exactly what their fantasies have made them believe.

This is where I ended my journey with Dean and Jillian. They are at a good part in their explorations and things are better than ever. While I haven't read book #5, it is a longer story at 183 pages and book #6 is around 70 pages. I haven't decided if this is the end of my journey with these two or not. They left me feeling quite satisfied with how things were going. I just don't think that going further with them will tell me more about this couple.

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of erotica I have been looking for: consensual sex within a healthy monogamous relationship with no emotional baggage. Just fun and playful and intimate. More like what I imagine a lot of people experience every day. I am so tired of the dark and stormy D/s, BDSM stuff that, to me, perpetuates rape culture if it isn't well-written. And how relatable is that anyway? To me, something that is more real, like it could actually happen, is way hotter than any far off fantasy. I want to be able to imagine myself and my husband in these scenarios and the decidedly un-feminist slant in the BDSM erotica that is popular now does not work for me. In these books, there is some D/s and light bondage but I never got the sense that Jillian wasn't in complete control of her sexuality. The submission was just a role to play and did not define the rest of her and Dean's relationship. Thank you Ms. Wilde for showing the world that erotica can be feminist and married life can be sexy.

[Diksha]

Volume 1 : 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Volume 2 : 2.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Volume 3 : 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

volume 4 : 2-2.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This was quick, extremely steamy, and pretty gripping right from the start. I liked that it was about a married couple, though I'm a bit unsure about them having been married for twenty years and not trying any of this stuff. Still, I liked that though they were becoming more physically intimate, their emotional relationship was also growing stronger. I had no idea that there were books after this, though, so I was a bit disappointed when it ended. That's on me, though. Overall, it was nice to read an erotic romance that featured a married couple who were already solid in their relationship, but whose bond also grew the more they explored what they wanted.

[Marija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo... this is... well porn but more interesting. Like it's just straight smut... but I'm giving it 3 stars just because I like the couple and how after 19 years of marriage and two kids they can still enjoy their 'wild' side😅 don't think I'll be reading the other books tho

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently I started this last year and never finished. No particular reason. It was an enjoyable read. Not much of a story, but definitely hot.

[Traci Fontenot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fast read. Very steamy - nothing closed door here at all. 🔥 I really liked that it was a long established married couple acting out these fantasies. So much more relatable and loving than strangers or a couple that just met, which made it super sexy. The author was able to establish a comfortable rapport with the couple from the first page. Definitely recommend for an erotic read.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marriage Diaries by Erika Wilde is a collection of four books. Jillian wants to bring more spice into her marriage with Dean. They start to explore new territories in their sex life and fall in newly in love again.

This book is a sex book. It's about sex. Nothing else to read. There is no other plot than Jillian's and Dean's sex life in their marriage. There is not much else to say. The four short novellas read very quickly. I personally am not such a fan of dom and sub stories. Just not really my cup of tea. But here there was real consent! They talked through what they wanted and agreed. I applaud to that!

There is not much else to say. I wanted to give this book collection only 2 stars, because it was really not that awesome. But the scenes were well written and steamy, so why not.

[Tee Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the first volume in this series I just knew that Jillian and Dean were going to have many steamy scenarios for me to enjoy in future installments, and Erika Wilde proved me correct. I loved the concept here from the start, with an empty nester couple trying to rekindle and spice up their love life. Sure, if we’re going by the cover models they are most definitely not your typical married couple sending their child off to college…I mean, honestly, those cover models are HOT. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that they suffer through the same dry spell that many married couples do, and WOW do they ever find a way to breathe life back into those stolen moments!!

Throughout the course of these four volumes, readers are treated to a varied assortment of erotic “honey do’s,” everything from fantasy role play to light BDSM. It was fun and all kinds of seeeexy as both Jillian and Dean got to choose their poison for the day in order to kick things in the right direction. Jillian has quite the hidden vixen inside her that was itching to come out, and HOLY HELL did Dean play the role of strong and masculine alpha to perfection. He will leave readers panting, and his adventurous woman will have wives calling upon their inner Jillian when they want to feel like the ultimate seductress! Overall, I really enjoyed reading their adventures, and though I wish we could have gotten to know them a bit more than we did beyond the thrilling sex, it’s still a crowd-pleaser that doubles wonderfully as a how-to for spicing things up a bit!


Quotes:

“Yes, sir.”
He skimmed his thumb along her bottom lip, dipping just inside to dampen his finger. “I like the way that sounds coming from you, so soft and breathless.” ~Loc 821

His jaw clenched and his nostrils flared, the intensity of his expression so erotically beautiful as he rode her into a relentless, forceful rhythm that left her breathless and absolutely helpless to do anything but be a vessel to his lust. ~Loc 1255

The visual and physical stimulation overwhelmed him. He was her slave, all right. A slave to her passion, her hunger, her heart and soul. This woman, his wife, owned every single piece of him. ~Loc 1502

Find this and more of my reviews at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marriage Diaries is one of the BEST and Hottest books I have read this year. The Marriage Diaries is four stories that look at the relationship of Jillian and Dean Noble. A couple that has been married for almost 20 years.

Jillian Noble is read to spice up her relationship with Dean. There sex life has been great but she wants more…a lot more. And she knows that Dean is able of giving it to her she just has to open him up to the idea. Each story of the Marriage Diaries shows Jillian and Dean exploring more and more of the kinkier side of life.

Jillian is awesome, such a great character. I love that she went after what she wanted. She knew that Dean has been suppressing his darker side (kinky/dominant). She has always felt that there sex life could be so much more. So one day she surprises Dean at his office...and leaves a satisfied woman.

Dean...I love Dean. As a former Navy Seal...he is hot, sexy and just plain yummy. He is also your typical alpha male. Dean is surprised when Jillian shows up at his office, he is even more surprised by her request. After their encounter at Dean's office how can he say no to what Jillian is offering...she has allowed him to explore things that he has never voiced allowed.

Together Jillian and Dean explore the fantasies that have been simmering for years. Each story gets hotter and the sex gets kinkier. But what I really love about them is that their love and devotion to each other does not change. Jillian and Dean's relationship gets stronger.

I can not wait for the next story of Jillian and Dean. I hope the next installment in the marriage diaries releases soon!

[RedEnigma94 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care what anyone else has to say, I just can't get enough of this volume of sexy diaries! I love that this couple is older (almost 40), married, and still have what it takes to set the sheets on fire! I think it's amazing that Jillian recognizes her husband Dean has been suppressing his darker desires, and she's willing to bring them to the surface to spice up their sex life! This volume is not just dirty and sexy, and filled with lots of heat and chemistry, but you can feel how much Dean and Jillian truly love and respect one another! I look forward to reading more about the Nobles! 💕

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Diaries are a really terrific series. It deals with the issue of a long-term marriage and what to do after the kids are gone. While it deals with more routine issues, the focus is on ramping up a couple’s sex life. In this case, the ramp-up is on jet fuel.

One of the key aspects of this relationship is the wife initiates the growth through action. How many marriages at this state would be renewed by this type of initiative.

The story is a really good one. I found the characters a little wooden; perhaps stereotyped is a better explanation. Otherwise a fun read.

[Quanita Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was so damn HOT!!! I loved that this was done with a married couple trying to rekindle their spark after almost 20 years of marriage. It was nice to see them come into their own and enjoy one another anew. The sex can become a bit tiring after a while (like most stories that have multiple sex encounters), but I never felt it was overdone or empty.

Did I say that this series was hot?! Because, yeah... I can't wait for the final book!

[hugsandcookies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the pace of this story there was no drama or whatsoever going on. The characters Dean and Jillian are married and in their late 30s and lets just say that they're at their peak (well Dean definitely is :D) where they fulfil their fantasies. So I'm happy that I enjoyed breezing through the book without angst or any eye rolling.

[Harris Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series it was really good! I loved the sexy scenes!

[Pixie Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this book today, and read it right away! Do I regret it? YES!!! why did I just found it now?

Let me tell you,

It is really interesting.

This book opens up with Jillian's diary with her plan to spice up her sex life with her husband, Dean. They've been married for 19 years, and she felt he seemed to be careful around her especially the sex, she wants more. Especially when her sons are grown up and away, she thought this could be something interesting. Actually this book kinda reminded me of Marriage Games by C.D. Reiss, but somehow this one is actually shorter and less complicated so you can enjoy it easily!

"𝐒𝐡𝐞'𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬."

Jillian and Dean got the wildest fantasy every! ⚠️ for those who can't take on rough sex, BDSM, CNC play, you might want to reconsider reading this. (Don't tell me I didn't warn you!)

Also, Dean's dirty talk really got me????? Omg this man really that beast Jillian said he was! I will definitely re-read this book again it's that good??? Plus, it's a short read, yet it's dark and erotic! I found myself wanting to read it more and more!

So, if you're into smoking hot, and erotic book, this one could get you 🔥🔥🔥

[Zara Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

PSA Warning - Extremely HOT HOT Listen ^_^ I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. This was my second series experience with Erika Wilde and I'm just loving her work more and more. I was excited to realize this series is the prelude to my first series experience with Erika Wilde, The Players Club. This audiobook and series didn't have to be read/listened to prior to the other series, but I have actually gone back and started a re-listen to The Players Club upon finishing this series. I purchased books 5 & 6 of The Marriage Diaries. Lia Langola once again does a great job bringing Erika's characters and world to life. Lia grabs on to you and holds on tight through the whole experience. You can easily get swept away by her performance that you feel you are apart of the story and experiencing everything right along with her performance. Lia Langola is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators and one I look for her work when searching for a new listen. Even if I don't know the author, I'll be willing to give an audiobook a try if Lia is one of the narrators since her performances have never disappointed me yet. I highly recommend this audiobook, Erika Wilde as an Erotica Romance author and Lia Langola as a must listen audiobook performer.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean and Jillian Noble...20 years & still 🔥🔥🔥

Solid as a rock is their relationship. Dean has just found out not only is his wife still hot for him. But is into "kink" sex and he is loving the more confident and sexually creative side he has discovered about her. This is bringing them even closer together. I love Dean and Jillian's story. Jillian and Dean were married when she was 18 to Dean having gotten pregnant with their first son. Her father and mother wanted her to give the baby up for adoption but as soon as she was old enough, he married Jillian, and he joined the service. He became a Navy Seal, and all his money came to his wife. He made sure that he was not like his father and mother. His father was an alcoholic, and his mother killed herself because his mother worked two jobs to take care of him and his father and then came home to a beating and she got tired of being beat and she decided she couldn't take it anymore. Dean decided then and there he was always going to take care of his wife and children, their two sons and he would try to always be in control. Somehow Jillian figured out that her husband was an alpha and he wanted his wife to be a submissive and that he would love the D/s in his love life. I really enjoyed this story, and I am not surprised because I love Erika Wilde books.

[Reed Daylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

married couple spicing things up

POV: dual
HUMOR: some
F BOMBS: yes
CLIFFHANGER: yes
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: yes
TRIGGERS: themes of bdsm, D/s, bondage, mild spankings, fifth base

Now that kids are out of the house, Jillian (37) wants to spice things up with hubby, Dean (38). Love how she surprises him and he's in shock the whole day! Lol. They eventually try out different things and different role plays. It's sweet and sexy how Dean would text Jillian to prepare for what theme or role play would be happening later that evening.

Easy to read, steamy sex scenes, and best of all, they are a married couple that are still hot for each other. If you're into an ex-military, alpha man, and a wife who is ready to experiment and try new things, then this is for you.

The book ends in a Happily for Now scenario. No epilogue because the story continues - this is book 1 of 3. I was ok with where it ended for now, but because this book was well-written, I'd probably look into getting book 2.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what it is--a series of interludes in which a long-married couple explore their sexuality now that their children are out of the house--it is entertaining. It's lovely to see two people stay together and still have this much heat even after almost twenty years and two kids. However, it's really not a story. There's zero tension here (other than sexual, of course) and absolutely no conflict. Perhaps if this had been a couple that I'd seen struggle through an actual plot in previous book(s) this would have had more of an impact, but as it is it's just two people in a loving relationship having sex.

Which can be fairly fun to read, but is not an actual story. (Plus, aren't their boys going to come home on leave and breaks and such? How the heck are they going to explain mom and dad's new basement playroom to them???)

Rating: 3 stars / C+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of a larger compilation that included this book.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to read an erotic novel that had MCs that were “older” than the norm (late 30s), since let’s be honest, sex isn’t just for the younger crowd. This follows a married couple that are looking to liven up their sex life now that their kids are grown and flown. And while they explore some of their previously untapped sexual fantasies, it draws them closer together.

I’ll admit that some scenes in this would not be things I’d be open to in my real life, but nothing in this bothered me to any extreme. To each their own on what they find pleasurable.

4 stars overall for this one - but be warned this isn’t for anyone who prefers a more traditional sex life or anyone who might be triggered by a dominant male and a woman willing to act submissive in the bedroom.

BDSM scenes & some role play (this would be a trigger for most victims of sexual assault although everything was consensual and between a loving married couple).