Sunday Snippet: Imagination

Whew. What a week. Between everything going on in the US, most of which is terrible, and the yucky weather, I'm exhausted. One of my goals for this year is to take better care of myself, so I'm making some plans to do that. Getting better sleep is topping the list right now.

Work projects are stacking up and I'm happy to be busy. February is shaping up to be another good month for editing! I also have two birthdays to prepare for and one of them is a big one!

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through my usual shows even though I tried to get to bed earlier than usual.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries regular season shows. I'll be hitting the movie this week.

Started the fifth series of Foyle's War and forgot how much of a banger the opener was. And a holiday episode to boot. But very glad to have the whole wife thing out of the way.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and look forward to finishing it up this week. The two new characters are growing on me. I love the newest tech, and the new head of the Lyell is finally settling in.

Caught another episode of Poirot and thoroughly enjoyed the many twists and turns. Gotta say I miss it when Hastings and Miss Lemon aren't in the show, but it's fun to see Japp and Poirot on their own also.

Elementary didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to seeing how the season ends and what the resolution will be between Sherlock and Joan, Moreland, and the offshoot of Moriarity's group.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't remember or only have a vague recollection. Ended up enjoying.

Also enjoyed another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm kind of feeling like the show finally found its groove. Or at least I found my groove with the show.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Imagination, a sexy short featuring a feast for the senses.

Here's the miniblurb:

Holland Dukes and Rand Allerdyce love to play games. When Holland decides Rand needs to stimulate his imagination, she uses a blindfold and makes him rely on his other senses. Rand loves her creativity and promises he'll return the favor when she least expects it.

And a snippety peek…

Basking in the success of pulling off her surprise, Holland let the kiss spin wildly. Rand never disappointed in or out of bed and tonight proved no different. His patience allowed her anticipation build to the point of being so ready she almost feared she'd go off before she wanted to.

Rand's hands grasped her hips, and his mouth eased away from hers. "Mmm. You feel really good on me." His pelvis dipped and rose, and he slid a little deeper inside her.

Holland's fingers curled into her palms. "And you feel really good in me." She gasped when his mouth closed over her breast. "Ah, yes. More of that." When his teeth grazed over her nipple she threw her head back.

He lavished attention on the other side, and Holland struggled to keep her pace slow and steady. She didn't want the blissful pleasure to end yet. Rand's fingers dug into her thighs … a sure sign he didn't want to speed things up either.

She focused her senses. The rough texture of his thighs moving beneath hers, the sound coming from his throat each time he moved his mouth from one side to the other, the scent of the massage oil lingering on their skin, and the sight of ecstasy on his face when he finally dropped his head back and groaned.

She needed to taste him to round everything out.

Her mouth met his and her tongue slipped in to tangle with his. Rand moved his hands up to her waist grinding up against her core. She rode harder, slipping closer to the edge. And toppled over when Rand bucked under her, breaking the kiss to moan against her skin.

He followed right behind, collapsing back onto the pillows, his breathing coming in short, raspy bursts.

Holland crumpled atop his chest, dragging in air and waiting for the fireworks coursing through her to subside. She let out a low, satisfied groan then shifted to the side to snuggle close to Rand's torso.

He wrapped an arm around her, tracing patterns on her shoulder. "You never fail to amaze me." His lips brushed over her temple.

Holland smiled. "It's your birthday. Had to make it fun and exciting." She lifted her head. "And the night isn't over. After we shower, there's champagne to continue the celebration…" Her lips blazed a path along his jawline.

Rand flashed a smile. "A perfect end to an incredible night." His gaze shifted to the bathroom. "Shall we?"

Holland nodded. "Yes. Let's go." She sat up and held out a hand.

Rand clasped her fingers and pulled her close to mesh his lips with hers before leading her into the adjoining room.

I'm so happy with this one. Holland and Rand are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Hunt

Today is my middle kid's birthday. Something fun to celebrate in the middle of January when the weather is often full of yuck, which it is today.

It's been a weird, wet week in Ohio. Mostly rain, but we got some snow last night and early this morning. We'll have more snow and rain throughout the week with maybe one day of no moisture falling from the sky. We also had some back-and-forth temperatures again, which makes my sinuses cranky.

Work projects continued with good progress. I have a new project starting this week and a catch-up call with an author on when to get their new book started through the editing process. Also making great progress on the memoir and series developmental edits.

Had a solid week of viewing. I made it through the full slate of shows I normally watch and hope to do the same this week. I'm close to being able to start the new season of at least one of my fave shows and I can't wait.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one of my favorite ones. I'll be watching the finale this week and then move on to the movie.

Ended up watching the whole episode of Foyle's War, which I actually remembered. It's also the last one in season four, because it only had two episodes. I'll be starting the new season this week.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and, whew, it definitely had some twisty turns. Such a good episode! Starting a new two-parter this week.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Interesting to have a plane involved in the mystery and fun to know Poirot isn't any fonder of flying than he is of sailing.

Watched an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed watching Moreland and Gregson go head-to-head about Sherlock and Joan. Kind of glad Moreland didn't actually have his employee killed. Also quite love that he didn't clock Joan as being as sneaky as she is.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and loved seeing Inque again. I remembered this one and enjoyed how it ended.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm finally warming up to Mariner. The dual storyline with the chief engineer ended up being a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Hunt, a fun sexy short about a couple reconnecting after almost burning out from too much work.

Here's the miniblurb:

Megan and Guy, corporate retreat directors, stage a scavenger hunt for their client's team-building exercise. After a major disagreement, the couple spends most of their time making up—and trying not to get caught in compromising positions.

And a snippety peek…

Guy's libido kicked into high gear, and he needed more. Now.

Easing back, he glanced toward the door. "Locked?" Probably not … because he'd acted like an ass.

Megan smirked. "Yes." She loosened his tie. "Kinda hoped I could finesse you into a better mood." Her fingers went to the buttons of his shirt.

Guy grasped her hand and pulled her around the desk. "Love how you always think ahead." He yanked his shirttails out of his pants.

Megan shrugged and undid the rest of her blouse. "Yeah, well…" She unhooked her bra, baring her glorious bust to his gaze.

His mouth watered and he leaned down to capture a taut peak between his lips.

Megan moaned and made short work of getting his pants unzipped and down past his hips. Her fingers curled around his erection, and she gave it a firm tug. He slipped his shirt off then switched to the other nipple and ruched Megan's skirt up. She took over and lowered her thong.

Guy wrapped his arms around her and settled onto the office chair, hauling her up onto his lap. He flicked his tongue over a pebbled tip then worried it with his teeth. Megan writhed over his thighs, her hot center nudging against his dick.

Guy moaned, cupping her ass and urging her to rise up and sink over his length.

She complied, lifting her hips and taking him deep. "Mmm … don't think either of us is going to last long." Rocking back and forth, her internal muscles gripped him like a glove.

Guy nuzzled his face between her breasts. "Don't care. We can always go slow later." He leaned back, bringing one hand up to palm a globe of flesh.

Megan gave a husky laugh. "Definitely got you in a better mood, didn't I?"

Hell, yes.

I love Megan and Guy. Writing this one is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Win a Fair Fight

Well, 2026 is off to a wonky start. It's like it looked at 2025 and decided to say, "Hold my beer." Not sure that's a good thing.

Weather stayed very cold, which I'm totally okay with. We got a bunch of snow on New Year's Eve and I'm happy to have stayed in and enjoyed ringing in the new year at home. It ended up being a super-busy week with a lot going on but at least I didn't have the crazy back and forth temperatures to deal with. My sinuses really hate that.

Another slower work week, but progress on the three projects I'm working on at the moment. The unexpected stuff kind of messed up my groove, but I got back on track. I'm hoping this week is a little smoother.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my round of shows, but I did get the remaining holiday special in. I also have some new seasons of shows I'm excited about.

I started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and I'm almost finished with my rewatch. I think I have two more episodes left. Then I'll probably watch the fan-funded movie, which is quite excellent.

Finished up the episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I'd forgotten Andrew and Sam split up in this one and I kind of mourn their breakup.

Caught the holiday special of Death in Paradise. Such a good one! Having Selwyn in England added a really nice layer to the whole mystery and tied the episode of Beyond Paradise in nicely.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's a very twisty and turny case. Looking forward to the second part to wrap things up. I also really enjoy the newest addition to the Lyell.

I began season four of Poirot and enjoyed the first episode. Interesting mystery and a lot of fun with Hastings really wanting to talk about his shooting of the alligator-like creature and no one being interested until the very end.

That's all I got in this week on my television shows.

Tonight's post is from How to Win a Fair Fight, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Karla and Unger are polar opposites but share a tense attraction. When a weekend discussion with their group of friends focuses on what's considered a fair fight, Karla and Unger have differing opinions, which leads to a wager about the rules and the difference between love and war.

And a snippety peek…

Unger waited until Karla and the other girls went up to the house to refill the cooler and hit the bathroom before nudging Tom. "What's the deal with your sister?" Did she always start in attack mode?

Tom's lips quirked. "The answer depends on why you're asking." He kicked back and arched an eyebrow.

Unger sighed. "Does she seriously believe the whole fair fight thing or is she just pushing my buttons?" Maybe it didn't matter, but he kinda wanted to stay on her good side.

Tom shot Mark a knowing look. "And another one falls." He shook his head.

Mark smirked. "You might wanna clue him in before you accuse him of being hot for your sister." He grabbed a long branch and poked at the fire.

Unger sputtered. "Wait. What?" His gaze slid toward the trail leading to the house. "How does asking if she's serious about the whole fight thing equate to being hot for Karla?" He snorted. "Never mind. You guys are the ones hulk smashing right now." He laughed.

Mark chuckled. "Busted. But to answer your question since Tom won't … she's definitely testing your boundaries. Etiquette demands he stay neutral." He sobered. "I don't have that problem because I'm only related to Janie." He tsked. "You should've been here for the bizarre dance Tom and Janie did before they got together." His eyes rolled.

A terrible thought hit Unger. "You interested in Karla?" His attraction for Tom's sister didn't have to go anywhere … he didn't know if he even wanted it to.

Tom barked out a laugh. "Mark's homed in on Mellie. He just hasn't made that known yet."

Mark shrugged. "She just dumped the freeloader she'd been going out with for a year. I'm not trying to be rebound guy."

Unger winced. "Yeah, been there. Talk about an unfair fight. That's definitely one." He fist-bumped Mark.

Tom spread his hands out. "Look, here's the deal with Karla. She wouldn't waste time pulling you into a ridiculous debate if she didn't accept you as one of us." He looked toward Mark who nodded. "She'd shrug and roll her eyes if she thought we were wrong to try and break up the fight at Hatter's."

Mark chimed in. "I'll bet she's already figuring out what to post to social media about the bar kicking out paying customers who were trying to keep the peace when the management had better things to do."

Tom laughed and dragged his phone out. "My guess is that's part of the reason she went up to the house." He scrolled on the device. "Yep. Right here. She already blasted them." He turned the screen toward Unger.

Unger read her captioned post. "Regardless of what you consider a fair fight, anyone who tries to keep the peace should be celebrated instead of kicked out. Do better Hatter's." His lips curved in a smile. "Guess it really didn't matter if it was a girl fight or a guy fight."

Tom and Mark groaned and shook their heads. Unger didn't care. He had a better understanding of Karla and what mattered to her.

He'd file the information away to examine later.

Not quite sure where this one is going yet but I love the dynamic with this group of friends.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Tell Off the Boss

Can't believe we're in the final few days of the year. I can't say 2025 has been stellar, but it has been interesting. I'm looking forward to a new year.

Our weather is still wild. Our low for today is going to be about four degrees higher than the high for tomorrow. We're currently at fifty-eight degrees for our high and we'll plummet to twenty-nine. The high for tomorrow? Twenty-five. Seriously.

Slower work week with the holiday out of offices. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread that won't be due until the first week of January. Also got started on a developmental edit of a five or six book series. Continued work on the memoir and making good progress with the author. This is such a great story.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I got a couple of holiday special episodes in and that made me happy. I have one more I'm looking forward to this week.

Started again with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm getting closer to the end with a handful of episodes left. I'm thoroughly enjoying the rewatch.

Caught the holiday special episodes of Madam Blanc Mysteries. At first, I didn't realize it was a two-parter and had to impatiently wait for the second half. Excellent episodes! I love the holiday specials.

Watched part two of Silent Witness and honestly didn't expect the twists and turns. I'm enjoying the newest team member. She's going to be a great addition to the Lylle.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I kind of like it when Poirot is under the weather. He's such a cranky dude but also hilariously funny.

Caught another episode of Elementary and, wow, Joan could be headed for some serious trouble with Moreland. I have a sneaky suspicion Sherlock knows exactly what's going on and I'm interested to see if I'm right.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and remembered it on my original run through. Good episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. So fun when lore from all the other Trek incarnations pops up and play a big role in the episode.

Caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and loved seeing Commissioner Patterson! Also very happy to see Humphrey and Martha tie the knot. The rest of the background story ended up being super emotional and I love this episode a lot.

I did skip Foyle's War but should finish up the episode this week. Looking forward to watching the rest of the show.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from How to Tell Off the Boss, a novella featuring a fun couple that get together while playing a game of cat and mouse with their boss.

Here's the miniblurb:

Orin Murdoch's boss, the newly installed VP of sales, is driving him insane with new promotions that just don't work. Edda Case, an upstart marketing whiz, takes Orin in hand and teaches him how to tell off the boss with style and how to win Edda's heart in the process.

And a snippety peek…

Orin took a moment to commit the vision of Edda, naked in his bed, to memory.

Leaning in, he caught her mouth with his. She slipped her tongue past his lips and amped up the heat of the kiss. She tasted a little sweet with some tart mixed in … just like her personality. He loved having her here.

And he wanted to blow her mind.

Ghosting his palm along her side and down over her hip, he sought the apex of her thighs. Sliding his fingers along her folds, he discovered her wet and ready. He definitely didn't need any extra stimulation. His dick ached with the need to be buried inside her.

Easing away, he moved his mouth up to her ear. "Top or bottom?" He inserted two fingers into her slick passage.

Edda moaned. "Don't care. Just want you. Deep." Her hips bucked against his hand.

Orin decided to change things up. "In that case…" He turned her away from him, keeping his fingers close to her clit. "I say we spoon." Pulling her thigh over his hip, he lined up and thrust forward.

Edda made a low hum of satisfaction. "Ahh. Good choice." Her butt bumped against his groin, drawing him deeper inside.

He used his free hand to cup a breast, which drew a hiss of response from Edda. Brushing his thumb over the taut nipple, he also rubbed the bundle of nerves at her core. Edda angled her head back and pressed kissed along his jawline.

He flexed his hips, thrusting forward and drawing back. Edda's hand fisted in his sheet and her breath came in short gasps. She rolled her pelvis, seeking more friction. He complied and pressed his fingers against her clit and amped up the speed.

Edda shuddered, her internal muscles gripping him. The hot, slick heat surrounding him pulled him over the edge and he came right behind her. Stars exploded in his brain and a groan escaped from deep in his chest.

Being with her topped anything he imagined.

Slowly coming down from the high of great sex, he nuzzled her throat. She reached around and grasped his hip, her hand sliding back to hold on to his ass. Another shudder rippled through her and goosebumps covered her skin.

He gently withdrew and rolled to his side to get rid of the condom in his bedside trash can. Edda turned and spooned up against his back, her lips ghosting along his shoulder. When her angled around, she burrowed into his side and rested her chin on his chest.

She traced circles on his skin. "Gotta admit … that kind of blew my mind." Her gaze met his.

Orin flashed a smile. "That's sorta what I was going for." He grabbed the light throw at the end of the bed and draped it over them.

Edda snuggled closer. "Now I'm definitely sleepy."

Orin brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. "I'll wake you early so you can get home to change." He set an alarm on his phone.

Edda gave him a tired smile. "Thanks." Her head popped up. "I really don't like the fact you're going to take a hit over the campaign."

Orin nodded. "I don't either. But we have some threads to pull. I think I can put Linna off a little longer."

Edda grunted and settled in beside him again.

Orin held her close, enjoying her in bed next to him.

I'm having so much fun writing this couple. Orin has a side he rarely lets anyone see and Edda brings it out without even trying.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hot Water

Happy Solstice season! I did start to get in the spirit last week and I'm kind of feeling better about things in general. We're very low-key for holiday celebrations anyway. The good news is because I finally got some shopping done, I had to do a cleanout of my space, which is a very good thing. Got those urges started again and I also did more clearing and decluttering in other areas. Yay!

Ohio is still trying to figure out what it wants to do with the weather. We got a little more snow and a bunch of rain then plummeting temps. Thankfully, we also had a ton of wind before the drop, so we didn't have icy conditions. Whew!

Had a decent work week. I finished up some last-minute changes on a proofread, completed a copy edit, and had a client meeting over Zoom. I'm getting into some deep edits on the memoir and getting ready to start a new proofread and developmental edit over the holiday break.

I had an okay viewing week. I didn't make it through the bulk of my shows, but I'm kind of needing a brief break. I'm changing things up a little for the holiday season.

I did start over with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. There aren't many episodes left before I'll be moving on to a new show.

I also got a partial episode of Foyle's War in. Since this season's episodes run a little longer, I might break them up into two parts. The Americans have finally arrived in England and it's going about as good as can be expected … which isn't great.

I started a new season of Silent Witness and part one ended up being very interesting. I really wish we got a little more info on where the other characters ended up going. Jack's niece in particular. The new head of the Lylle is kind of different and I like that. And it's always good to see Sean Pertwee show up in any show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed the intrigue. Also fun to see super young actors that have gone on to starring roles in their own series. In a weird twist of fate, the actor playing Japp had a guest starring role in the episode of Foyle's War.

Also did a minimarathon of the holiday episodes of Death in Paradise. Both featured Neville. I might dive back into the new inspector's episode this week.

I also plan to watch Madame Blanc's holiday special this week. Stay tuned for more on that one.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella that brings a couple together over the lack of hot water.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

Demi spent the night reliving the lip-lock with Nate. "For a short kiss … it packed a punch." Which didn't really surprise her.

He hadn't earned his reputation based off nothing.

By morning, she waffled between jumping in with both feet and holding back a little to test the waters. She smirked because he'd offered the use of his shower and didn't that fit the theme running in her head and heart right now? What did she want?

Heading for the craft shack, she let her imagination run wild. "I want a chance at something great." But if they only had a fling, would it hurt to have a spectacular memory if they didn't pursue a full relationship?

She weighed the idea in her heart because her brain kept dancing a jig in favor of whatever happened.

Entering the craft shack, she found Nate sitting at a table with popsicle sticks and chenille stems. He held two of the sticks down while one of the boys glued green fuzzy stems to them. Nate glanced up and sent her a wide smile.

Demi grinned and strolled over to the table. "What're you making, Jones?"

The kid didn't look up from his creation. "A monster. It's going to be green and yellow with big red eyes and a black tail." He spread another line of glue on two more sticks.

Nate scrunched his face up. "Are you going for scary or cute?"

Jones shrugged. "I'm going for whatever it wants to be." He lifted his gaze to Nate. "You gotta trust the process, you know?" He added another stick placed vertically and squeezed more glue out.

Nate laughed. "Sage words. Trust the process." He wiped his hands on a wet rag. "You good here? I wanna go check out the others."

Jones bobbed his head. "Yeah. Thanks for getting me started." Grabbing several more stems and sticks, he kept on creating.

Nate got up and met Demi on the other side of the table. "It's fun to see what they come up with when they don't have a kit or instructions to follow." He nodded toward the tables in the back. "Let's see what everyone else is doing."

Demi fell into step beside him and they did a quick tour around the room. By the time they finished, two other counselors came back from their break and took over supervision. Nate grabbed two bottles of water and headed out the back exit.

He settled on a bench behind the building and twisted off the cap of his water. Demi sat beside him and followed suit. Once they'd drained the liquid, they stashed the bottles in the recycling bin.

Nate kicked back, leaning against the siding. "Would I be an ass to assume you came to find me?" His brows arched.

Demi shook her head. "I could say yes, but I did come to find you. So, no." Her lips quirked.

Nate's face lit up. "Okay. Good. That's good." He chuckled. "I'm making this weird, and I don't want to." He lifted one shoulder. "I'm not usually this awkward."

Oddly touched, Demi grabbed his hand. "Awkward isn't bad if it's an honest thing." She laced their fingers together. "It's actually kind of nice." Did that make her sound stupid?

Nate shifted his position and draped an arm around her shoulders. "Nice. I like that." He tilted her chin up. "I want to kiss you again. Is that okay?"

Instead of answering, she meshed her lips with his. A groan escaped him when she slid her tongue past his teeth and took the embrace deeper. Her fingers inched under his camp polo shirt and brushed along his abdomen.

Nate hauled her close, urging her to straddle his thighs. She complied and … holy wow … his arousal became very evident. She moaned against his mouth, and he brought his hands up to cup her breasts through her T-shirt.

Her nipples responded, perking up when his thumbs brushed over them. She rocked against his hard-on, tingling awareness coursing through her veins. She wanted to get closer, but an insistent vibration in her back pocket pulled her back to reality.

Easing away from Nate, she dragged her phone out and silenced the alarm notification.

Resting her forehead against his, she apologized. "Terrible timing. I have to head back to get the girls from their swimming session." She brushed her lips over his again.

Nate huffed out a breath. "Right. Yeah. You shouldn't make them wait." He let go of her hips and let her slide off his lap.

She met his gaze. "This…" Waving between them, she smiled. "Was kind of amazing." Turning, she glanced back. "See you later."

She fanned herself on the way to meet with her girls. Hopefully, she'd cool down before she gathered them for their afternoon hike. If not, a cold shower might not be a bad thing later.

I'm having a lot of fun with this one. I love Nate and Demi and the vibe they have.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Hot Not Date

Yeesh. We're already halfway through the month and I have barely scratched the surface on holiday stuff. In all fairness, I'm not really feeling it this year. There's just too much terrible going on from mass shootings to the kidnapping of people off the streets. Good will toward man doesn't seem to be a thing anymore … unless it's a specific type of man.

Ohio is super cold and snowy right now. We got about six inches last night and the temperature plummeted down to single digits. It's in the teens at the moment. Won't last long. We're supposed to be in the mid-fifties by Thursday. Seriously.

Work projects are moving along. I'm finishing up a proofread and working on a copy edit. I have another new project getting ready to start soon and another copy edit coming next week. I also have the memoir that I'm reviewing as the author makes changes.

I got a few of my regular shows watched this week. I'm still in a blah place and haven't been able to dedicate the time to viewing. I did get a good bit of my mountain of laundry completed, which is a huge accomplishment. I have a new hanging rack I want to get set up but can't until I get the backlog of clothes cleared.

I did finish up Foyle's War and will be starting a new season this week. The next one only has two episodes, which means they might be a little longer. If that's the case, I might be breaking the episodes into two chunks.

I also got the season finale of Beyond Paradise in. I wanted to get it watched before the holiday special and I got it done. Really hope there's some good stuff around the corner for Esther and Archie. My fingers are crossed. Also … Martha and Humphrey are really great foster parents. It hurts my heart every time they send one of their fosters back.

In an odd twist, I caught a holiday episode of Poirot. Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery even without Hastings and Miss Lemon or Inspector Japp. Gotta say the Egyptian prince being a complete prat ended up being fun to watch. I would not have blamed Poirot if he lost his calm and thwacked that guy on the head.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Hot Not Date, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Keefer meets Bryce, she's on a date with Mark and Keefer is bummed she's already taken. But things aren't exactly as they seem and by the end of the night, Keefer discovers his insta-crush may not be one-sided.

And a snippety peek…

Bryce Cannon checked her reflection in the full-length mirror. "Not bad. At least Mark will have something pretty to look at during dinner." Not that Mark cared how she looked.

Her best friend might not even notice she'd put in some extra effort for their dinner date. But she had to try … he'd been moping for close to a month post breakup. Not that she blamed him. His super-steady since high school girlfriend accepted a job in another state then gently suggested she and Mark should call it quits.

Bryce pursed her lips after swiping some tinted lip balm on. "Eight years down the drain. Damn." Her heart went out to Mark.

She didn't know how to feel about Alisha cutting ties with Mark. Bryce had been friendly with Alisha … how could she not be when her oldest friend on the planet had fallen hard for the other woman. But Bryce hadn't been able to really process the about face yet.

A quiet knock sounded on the bedroom door. "Bryce? You decent?"

She stashed the lipstick in her purse and opened the door. "No, but you love that about me." Her lips curved in a smile.

Mark rolled his eyes then stepped back and blinked. "Wow. What's the occasion?" He gave her a slow once-over. "You look amazing."

She did a spin. "Yeah? Thanks." She could always count on him to give an honest opinion.

One of the many things she loved about him. He never tried to feed her bullshit. She could not say the same for some of their other friends.

Mark tilted his head to one side. "Seriously. What's the occasion?" He straightened. "Wait. You did this for me, right? What's your plan?" He started heading for the front door.

Bryce followed, turning off the light in her living room. "No plan. Just a fun not date to remind you you still have game." But he maybe needed a refresh on the rules.

Mark's eyebrows arched. "In other words, you're gonna play wingman." He pushed the door open and held it for her.

Bryce laughed. "More like sports trainer. You know, the person to help you get back on the field." She slid into his trusty Honda.

Mark got in and started the car. "Bry?" He turned to face her. "Thanks."

Her mouth curved. "You're welcome. Now … where are we going?" She put her seatbelt on.

Mark gave her a wide smile. "Duncan's on the Square. Jack said they've got the best burgers in town right now." He backed out of his parking space.

She hadn't been there yet. "Excellent choice. Let's go."

I think this one is going to be a lot of fun. Banter is one of my favorite things to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hot Action

Well, the first week of December is in the books, and it ended up being super busy for me. I had a follow-up appointment with my primary care doctor, and we went over the results from the colonoscopy. While everything looks okay, I have to go back for another scan in six months. Um … yay? Bleh. I also have several moles we're going to remove in January and my blood pressure is still a little high so I'm starting meds for that. All in all, a productive appointment.

I'm not juggling as many work projects, but I have a tricky copyedit that I need to do some research on and a proofread that's due next week. I also have reading to do for the developmental edit of the memoir. I also have two more projects waiting in the wings. I like the idea of having a strong end to the year.

I did not get much viewed this week. I've been in a bit of a slump and just needed a break. I did do some binge watching of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, My Life Is Murder, and I got a bit more the of Foyle's War episode watched.

Other than that, I had adulting to do like check insurance coverage for the procedures I need to have and paying bills. I hate how much time that stuff eats up.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Action, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hans and Sylvia are working together during a summer program and sparks fly. They don't act on the attraction—neither can commit to anything serious because both still have another year of college at different universities. But when Sylvia hears her name coming from the shower area, she can't resist finding out why, and her discovery makes for some hot action with Hans.

And a snippety peek…

Hans stepped out of the main hall and caught sight of Sylvia Ramone filling a gallon jug with water at the pump beside the community mess area.

He let out a low whistle. "Damn. I'll be dreaming of her for the next ten weeks." He'd been mildly obsessed with her since their preliminary training sessions over Zoom.

The summer program, entering its third year, had twenty counselors for approximately one hundred kids per week. Hans finally got lucky and ended up getting a spot on the employee roster. He'd tried last year but couldn't make the initial training … the timing didn't work.

His lips quirked. "Kinda okay with that now." His gaze tracked Sylvia when she headed back toward one of the trailers.

She'd impressed the hell out of him with her questions and comments during their Zoom session and then during the orientation. Shame on him for doubting. He should know looks didn't equal intelligence or lack thereof.

Dragging his phone out, he opened the note app and looked up his trailer number. "Figures I'm at the opposite end from Sylvia." Probably just as well … he didn't have any business thinking about hooking up with anyone.

Especially someone who went to college in the northern part of the state when he had class almost four hours south. He'd tried the long-distance relationship thing before. Didn't exactly work out well. For him.

He grabbed his gear and started toward the far end of the line of housing. Sylvia ducked out of her trailer again, carrying a towel and a backpack. She sent a wide smile his way.

He nodded. "Getting settled in?"

She lifted her chin. "Trying to. They just posted the shower schedule, and I need to get in there before I miss my window." Laughing lightly, she nudged him with her shoulder. "Don't worry. You have two hours before it's time for the guys."

He grunted. "Schedule thing won't last long. Not once the kids arrive." They'd grab them when they had time.

Sylvia chuckled. "I know, right?" She paused outside the building. "I give it maybe three days." With a quick wave, she entered.

Hans tried not to stare after her … and failed. She hit every one of the boxes on his wish list.

Biting back a groan, he headed for the place he'd call home for the next ten weeks.

It's gonna be a major challenge to not think of her getting naked right now.

This one is just getting started, but I love Hans and Sylvia. They're going to do things a little backward and I'm excited to see where they end up.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin