Think summer’s ending too soon? Wrong! The heat wave is just arriving with the sexy Kelly Rowland covering our epic Aug/Sept JUICE issue. In her most revealing interview to date, Kelly opens up about everything from the Knowles in her life to sextoy shopping with the girls. Get glimpse of the story and read the full interview when the issue hits August 16.

And stay tuned for the reveal of our second cover—Amy Winehouse.

ON BEING MORE APPRECIATED IN EUROPE VS. HOME 

The last album didn’t do well in the States. It did better overseas, particularly in Europe. Do you feel more appreciated in Europe? 
Kelly Rowland: No, not really. People still compare me to B over there. I said in an interview recently, ‘You know, if you guys would be a little bit more intelligent and ask me about myself we’ll have a much better interview.’ You can’t want a story from me and keep asking me about the past.

ON HER COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP WITH MATTHEW KNOWLES 

When you walked away from that last meeting with Mathew, did you feel an “exhale” moment?
I did, but I also felt like, ‘Oh my God, what have I done?!’ I stayed in the house for two days. I was sad. It was like a funeral. I had to deaden that situation in order to start fresh. That’s a very long time to have the same manager and the same label.

What about your personal relationship with Mathew Knowles. Do you still talk to him?
Mathew sent me flowers for my birthday!

But do you talk to him?
It’s… I respect him above anything.

ON HER SEDUCTIVE SIDE & VISITING SEX SHOPS 

Speaking of this road we’re going on… Let’s talk about the song “Motivation.” I have to admit, the song went completely over my head. I thought you were talking about working out.
[Laughs] No, honey.

When you heard the song, did you think, This may be too racy for my image?
Not at all. Every woman knows what that feels like—hopefully. But everyone doesn’t expect Kelly to sing about it. This is true. But I just loved the song so much. And yes, I can relate to it. I came into my sexuality while I was recording this album. I can walk into a sex shop now and not worry about what people would say if they saw me in there.

You really do that? Go to sex shops?
Yeah! With friends on the low. I go at the right time. Nighttime. 1 a.m. The really good ones are open that late.