Sunday Snippet: Veritas

A weird week of chilly weather and lots of cleaning projects. I'm at that place where the clutter is driving me bonkers, but I don't have enough hours in the day to really focus on a good cleanout. So … I'm tackling small areas to at least make a little progress.

Lots of work projects landing in my inbox. A few have been quick turnarounds, which I enjoy. I love having a project that I can finish up in a few hours. That type of work helps when I also have three difficult manuscripts that challenge my brain and one that requires a lot of focus.

Had a solid week of viewing. I'm still trying to finish up an episode of Peak Practice, but I made it through a full round of shows.

Started with Mr. and Mrs. Murder, an Australian mystery series. I've seen several episodes but not in order and I'm looking forward to watching this one from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode, which I had not seen.

Also started a new-to-me British crime drama called London Kills. Loved the first episode and look forward to watching this series.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise introducing the new DI. Enjoyed the interaction between the commissioner and his new lead detective. Interesting to have someone Patterson doesn't particularly like as part of the team.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm intrigued by the premise of this one. I thought the episode felt a little disjointed and I'm hoping the initial murder somehow ties into the other two. Kind of happy to be guessing on this one.

Watched a fun episode of Elementary with the return of Lestrade. I love the actor, so I love the character. Plus, he's much less annoying than Mycroft.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman. Finally got a return of Batgirl. I'd forgotten Firefly powered up in a big way and almost blew up Gotham. Great episode.

Caught another new-to-me episode of Classic Rugrats. I'm not a great fan of the three-vignette format but I do have a lot of love for this series.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Veritas, a novella that reunites a couple after a bad breakup.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tillie Cruz has a moment of veritas when she shoots Faxon Jarvis in a friendly fire incident. The realization she wants a life with him may be too late because Faxon has a new relationship, and Tillie doesn't want to mess it up. But she may not have to—her bullet may have done the trick.

And a snippety peek…

Maisie pulled into Faxon's drive and shut the engine off. "Stay there. Let me get the door for you." She hopped out and dashed around the front of the car.

Faxon shook his head. "I could've opened it myself." Maisie didn't hear the muttered words, and he mustered a smile when she insisted on getting the small bag the hospital gave him along with his after-discharge instructions.

He had a full week of follow-up appointments with his primary care physician and a physical therapist. Pain meds were being delivered by the pharmacy and a grocery delivery would be on its way as soon as he had five minutes to order from the app on his phone.

Maisie unlocked his door and opened it wide, so he didn't jostle his injured side. She placed his bag on the coffee table and darted from the kitchen to the bathroom then back with some water and over-the-counter tablets, which she placed on the end table beside him.

He settled on the sofa, wincing when he jarred his wound. Agitated, Maisie paced back and forth, a ball of pent-up energy. She'd pause to glance out the window then go back to walking the length of his living room.

Faxon straightened up on the couch. "I'm getting dizzy. Why don't you sit?" He looked for the television remote thinking she might calm down if they watched something.

She settled on the edge of the chair. "I can't do this." Her fingers twisted in her lap. "I know you think it's nothing, but you got shot." She huffed out a breath. "By one of your own, no less." Her knee bounced up and down.

Faxon got completely serious. "I did, yes. But it's rare. Even by someone who's not on the other side." He could give her the statistics, but decided she didn't need or want numbers.

She wanted reassurance, and he really couldn't give her any.

Maisie shrugged. "Maybe it is, but we've only been together for a few months." She met his gaze. "I can't imagine how I'd deal if we stayed together and it happened again."

Faxon lifted his chin. "So that's it? We end it now?" He didn't mince words or make things harder for her.

She nodded. "Before I fall deeper, yes." Her eyes watered a little, but she didn't cry.

Faxon reached out and clasped her hand. "I'm sorry." He really couldn't say anything else.

Maisie squeezed his fingers. "Don't be. There's no fault here." Her lips twisted in a sad smile. "Not like I didn't know you were a cop from the beginning. I just didn't realize how hard it would be."

Faxon's head bobbed up and down. "I understand." He did … especially since he couldn't offer any guarantees.

She leaned in and kissed him. "Goodbye, Faxon." She got to her feet and quietly left.

Faxon took stock. He should probably be more upset. Getting dumped on the heels of getting shot should sting a lot more than it did. Yet he didn't blame Maisie for bailing and he couldn't find the ache of loss he should have.

Because of Tillie. She'd taken up a lot of space in his mind since her impromptu visit at the hospital. He couldn't shake the idea she'd wanted to say more or that she'd chosen her words carefully when he called and asked to see her.

Leaning his head against the cushions, he stared at the ceiling. "We need to talk, Tillie. Soon." He had a lot he wanted to say.

And he'd find a way to make her listen.

I like writing reunions when a conflict has to be resolved. Faxon hopes he'll be back on track with Tillie in the near future … if she doesn't end up running scared.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Using Tongue

October is starting off on something of a down note. But it's spooky season and that makes me very happy.

 

Received some sad news this morning about one of my current authors. He had a rare form of brain cancer and passed peacefully yesterday. I'm so glad I got to know him and his story, which I hope we'll be able to share with others.

 

I ended up having a decent week with work projects and managed to get some other things done along with a good bit of writing. Have one manuscript almost finished up and I'm excited to get it out in the world.

 

Pretty good week of viewing also. I managed to make it all the way through my current roster of shows and got one that simmers on the back burner most of the time mostly watched.

Started the week with the season finale of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. So great to kind of have some closure for Alexa's cycle of grief. I loved how the two-part episode played out.

Caught DI Jack's last episode of Death in Paradise. Really enjoyed his sendoff and look forward to the new DI's introduction in the next episode. Really have to thank my sister-in-law for recommending this show.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. The episode took a turn I didn't expect and that always makes me happy. For a show that's been running for twenty-seven seasons being able to surprise the audience—or at least me—is excellent.

Watched an episode of Elementary and quite liked it. It's fun to watch Sherlock and Joan navigate their living together and it's really awesome to see Joan stepping out and solving some of Sherlock's cold cases.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman with Green Arrow featuring as the Justice League character. This ended up being a pretty decent episode even without an appearance by Batgirl again.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. Some more new-to-me vignettes. Enjoyed all three.

Also got most of the way through a Peak Practice episode, which is the one that simmers on the back burner when I don't have time to do a full cycle of shows. Looking forward to finishing this one up.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Using Tongue, a sexy short with a fun vibe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Joss Hellenburg hates licorice and Lisa Getz aims to show him why he should learn to love it—by using her tongue during a hot and steamy kiss—which sets up a series of sexy embraces while the two try to outdo each other.

And a snippety peek…

Joss finished loading the dishwasher then filled the sink to wash his cookware. Lisa brought the empty wine bottle in and stowed it in the trash bin. She'd been a little quiet during their meal.

What's up with that?

She usually chattered nonstop about new ideas for the donation-only restaurant they ran or new sponsors she'd lined up as giving partners in their venture. She could talk the tightest fist into shaking loose a few dollars or dropping off a pallet or two of goods. Her concept of having a homestyle diner for food-insecure patrons fit right in with his skillset of cooking large quantities using simple recipes but didn't lack nutrition.

They now had a regular crowd and word of mouth kept spreading. "Her plan to kickstart the giving hand paid off in spades." She'd put cutouts of handprints on the bulletin board and diners could pull one down if they didn't have anything to donate.

Lisa had prepaid ten meals and when customers asked about the array of colorful hands on the corkboard, she'd explained about letting those who had more offer a way pay things forward by purchasing a lunch or dinner and posting their own to the board. They had to add a second section to handle the overflow.

Joss snorted. "She's always working an angle."

Which did nothing to explain her obsession with black licorice. No angle to work there. Except the one where he didn't understand the appeal.

Usually, they had a lot of the same taste in culinary fare. But, man, something about the smell of licorice turned him off. The stuff really did remind him of cough syrup, which never tasted good.

Lisa wrapped her arms around him. "The new pasta dish is fab. Light and savory. We should think about adding it to the menu." Her hands drifted up his chest and she started planting nibbling little kisses on his neck.

Which never failed to turn him on. He stopped scrubbing and turned, kissing her on the mouth. She took the opportunity to slide her tongue past his lips, dueling with his for dominance.

Mmm. She tasted smoky and sweet. He didn't break the embrace, but he grabbed the towel and dried his hands, then hauled her closer taking the lip-lock into deeper territory. The spicy tang of her drew a low moan from his throat…

This is such a fun story. I love writing established couples that have an amusing conflict to resolve.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Up the Ante

What an end to the month. Our weather has been wet and drippy for most of the week. Not complaining because we needed the rain. Of course, the dreary stuff hits the week of our county fair, which is my husband's favorite time of year. Then again, a little water falling from the sky won't deter him from going or enjoying himself.

Work finally slowed down a little and I had some time to catch my breath. I have a new copy edit and proofread combo I'm working on and should have a new project starting this week. I'm also expecting more on the developmental edit I've been working on. And … a project I had a hand in is finally uploaded for proof … after almost four and half years of rewrites and revisions. I'm so excited!!

Had several really great conversations with my daughter this week. I love hearing her ideas of what she wants from the future. This young woman has a good head on her shoulders and I'm so proud of her. Graduate school is opening her mind and eyes and I'm excited to see what she does.

Not a bad week of viewing. The time to catch my breath also gave me a bit of freedom to catch up on my slate of shows. I made almost a full round this week!

Caught two behind-the-scenes vignettes for Signora Volpe. I always enjoy seeing and hearing how things work and what the actors think about their show.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. This is one I hadn't seen before, and I loved the way the mystery played out.

Started a new season of Silent Witness. Very interesting premise and I'm looking forward to the conclusion next week. I'll be starting Beyond Paradise after I finish the new season.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. It's interesting to watch Sherlock serve as an AA sponsor. And I really like Watson kind of stepping out on her own to solve a cold case.

Finished up the second part of the season four premier of The Batman. Kind of forgot Batgirl didn't really feature in these opening episodes. I think she makes a return later in the season.

Also caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. I only remembered one of the vignettes, so I enjoyed seeing the other two.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Up the Ante, a fun sexy short that explores a flirtation becoming something more.

Here's the miniblurb:

Mutual satisfaction starts at the poker table when Vianca Berry and Fritz Hattenfield begin a flirtatious game that ups the ante of their current relationship.

And a snippety peek…

Vianca set her phone aside with a sigh. "Rain Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. Bad for road-tripping on a motorcycle." She got up and paced her small living room.

Might as well hit the Wayfarer and lose at poker. She could go in a little early and grab dinner. Fritz kept the kitchen at the bar open until ten. The bar stayed active until two in the morning. The members-only clubhouse in the back section of the huge building had card-carrying dues payers rolling in and out twenty-four seven.

She didn't have a membership, but she did have a standing invitation to enter the restricted location. The card games were always in the small room adjacent to the meeting area where the club discussed their various business interests. She'd bet half a paycheck she'd end up staying the whole weekend.

Running a hand through her hair, she paused in the tiny hall that separated her kitchen and bathroom from the living area. "Am I ready for this? For more with Fritz?" The vibe when he asked if she'd come to play tonight suggested something of a make-or-break moment.

But … not in a now or not at all way. Fritz wouldn't play that angle. He didn't have to. Because she'd expressed interest while also making it clear how much the jobs meant to her. If sleeping with him fucked with the status quo, she'd be pissed.

She flung a hand out. "Screw it. We want the same thing. At least for a while." Heading into her postage-stamp sized bathroom, she turned the water on for a shower. "I'm going to blow his mind." Quickly stripping off her tank and shorts, she stepped into the tub and closed the curtain.

While scrubbing down, she mentally rifled her closet. She'd drive over so she could wear something sweet and sexy. Washing her hair, she settled on a choice between two outfits. After shaving everywhere, she twisted the knob and shut off the faucet. With a towel wrapped around her, she grabbed the clothes for both options and laid them on the bed. Making a quick decision, she gathered up the garments she didn't pick and put them away.

Heading back to the bathroom, she slathered lotion on and took some time to do her hair. Once finished, she went to her spare bedroom—it had the best natural light—and applied a little more makeup than her usual mascara and bronzer. Tonight, she added some smoky eyeliner and a small bit of eyeshadow. She dusted some powder over her nose and spritzed a scented moisturizing spray at her pulse points.

Rising from the vanity, she dropped the towel in the laundry basket then went to change into her make-Fritz-swallow-his-tongue ensemble. "Hmm. What shoes should I go with?" She had several options that could work.

A pair of frilly flats that were super comfortable. Some blinged-out flip-flops that looked super cute. And a seductive set of heels that would turn her outfit up to scorching hot.

Reaching into her closet, she grinned. "Heels it is." Especially since she planned to drive instead of ride to the clubhouse.

After slipping her feet into the shoes, she stood in front of the full-length mirror in the hall.

She gave a nod. "Definitely worth putting the effort into my appearance." Grabbing her keys and phone, she headed out the back door to her garage.

Fritz will not know what hit him…

I love writing the seductive dance this couple is doing until they culminate their mutual attraction for each other.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Unfettered in Love

September has been such a weird month. Our weather is all over the place—again—and we're baking in high temps. Also have a drought at the moment. I mean the grass crunches when I walk on it right now.

I think we have our car issues solved. Mine is back with a new computer and we did end up with a total loss on the CR-V. Found one to replace that and we're getting everything in order to finalize the purchase. Here's hoping that ends our car drama for a good, long time.

Another super busy work week. Finished up a project and started a new one. I'm in a holding pattern for two more and I may have a new client for some writing coaching. Very excited about my calendar right now!

Did not have a great week of viewing. Too many things distracting me and needing my attention. I might have to start doing playlists instead of television shows. If I do the playlist thing, be forewarned, I have very eclectic taste in music.

I did get an episode of The Batman watched by starting the fourth season. This introduced Superman to the roster, which also means Lex Luthor put in an appearance along with Lois and Jimmy.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. All three vignettes were new to me, which is fun. I feel like I must have skipped several seasons though because I don't remember watching or rewatching several episodes that really stand out in my memory. Might have to check to see if I did.

Also started an episode of My Life Is Murder. This is a two-parter and looks to end the fourth season. Looking forward to finishing this one up and waiting patiently for a fifth season. Fingers crossed!

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Unfettered in Love, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Shayla Ruger is perpetually single by choice. After all, she's dated every guy in her small hometown and hasn't found the right one. But when Innes Dalton blazes back into the area, Shayla may have found her dream man. The only problem? His ex—the woman who left him at the altar—enters the picture and Shayla has to decide if she's willing to dig deep and fight for the future she wants or let her competition take the prize.

And a snippety peek…

Shayla Ruger grabbed her coffee mug and headed down the back steps from her second-floor apartment to the bookstore below. "It's a great day to sell books." She paused by the circuit breaker panel and flipped the switches to turn the interior lights on.

Walking through the packing and storage area, she set her mug on the sales counter and headed for the front door. She flashed a smile when her gaze landed on the newly painted logo on the glass. The heart and crossed bones never failed to make her chuckle. She specialized in romance and cozy mysteries and the contest she ran to choose her logo for the Love and Bones Bookstore ended up giving her the best month of sales she'd had since opening three years ago.

Her curiosity piqued when she spotted a guy standing outside with his back to the store, looking at the courthouse directly across Main Street. He wore a dark hoodie and camo fatigues.

She made an appreciative hum. "And he has an incredibly nice ass." She turned the deadbolt.

His head angled around at the sound, and her eyes narrowed, trying to place the face. Then they widened with surprise. Innes Dalton. Wow. A high school hero with an arrogant attitude, she hadn't seen him since they'd ended up at the same graduation party for a mutual friend … ten years ago. They were in the same grade but had gone to different schools.

She definitely hadn't run in his circles. Music and theater were her havens. And he lettered in three different sports. But they knew each other. With only three high schools in the county, everyone did.

If memory served, he'd been left at the altar by his high school and college sweetheart, Marisol Wright. Then he'd joined the military? She didn't remember for sure, but the camo pants might be a clue.

She blinked when she looked up to find him with his hand on the door and an arched brow. Shit. She needed to get off memory lane and focus on here and now.

Stepping back, she turned the quirky little sign she'd made from closed to open. Then she smiled and lifted her chin, indicating he could come inside. A gust of chilly air preceded him into her main section.

He paused once he crossed the threshold and tilted his head to one side. "Shayla, right? Shayla Ruger. You graduated from River Bend, didn't you?" His gaze did a brief once-over from her head to her toes.

She gave a nod, surprised he remembered her name. "Yep. Same year you did from Caldwell." The city school, whereas hers had been rural farm country.

His lips curved in a sheepish smile. "You're Razor's cousin. Ran into him last night at the gym. Happy to see he's still with Brittney." The mutual friend whose graduation party both attended…

Razor, an odd nickname her cousin Raynor earned in elementary school, started going out with Brittney during junior year. And in a strange six degrees kind of twist, Brittney had family ties to Innes's former fiancé, Marisol, but Shayla wouldn't make things awkward by mentioning the connection.

Instead, she grinned. "Yeah. Married five years now with a kid and another on the way." She headed for the sales counter, trying hard not to read too much into Innes Dalton being in her bookstore. "Brittney's one of my regulars. She stops in a lot." And usually found a spot in one of the reading nooks for some quiet time to read.

Innes followed her and propped his arms on the smooth top of the rustic bar she'd salvaged from a former brewery. "Yeah, she's the one who recommended I drop by. I'm looking for some reading material and she said you stock all the latest cozy mysteries and romance novels." His gaze swept over the shelves lining the main section. "Looks like she sent me to the right place."

Shayla blinked, unable to completely hide her surprise. "You're looking for cozies and romance?" Her head tilted to one side. "There's gotta be a story there…"

Just started this one and I'm excited to see where things go with Shayla and Innes.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Underneath

Once again, Ohio weather is all over the place. But at least it hasn't been sweltering hot. Had setbacks with our cars. Mine is still not quite ready. The new engine computer the garage ordered didn't work so they got another one. Hopefully this week. My husband had a deer literally jump on top of his CR-V, shattering the windshield, knocking the rearview mirror off, and sending the driver's side mirror clear over to the passenger side floor. It even dented the top of the car up to the sunroof. I'm pretty sure it's a total loss. Luckily my husband is okay, aside from having a ton of glass all over him. He found glass all the way in the back of the vehicle.

Really busy work week. I finished up a copy edit and continued work on a developmental edit. Also started a new project that's not quite a developmental edit, but it is cleaning up a lot of formatting in a manuscript to get it ready for a copy edit, which a colleague is going to do. Had an exchange with a new author and hope to work with her in the future.

Semi-decent week of viewing. I didn't quite make a full round, mainly because I spent a lot of time on the phone trying to get the insurance sorted and line up a rental until we know for sure what's going on with the CR-V.

I did get an episode of My Life Is Murder in and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of twists and turns in this one. Once again, Madison stole the show. Also really cool to have indigenous representation for the storyline. And … more hints about Alexa's family. Here's hoping we'll see more of them.

I think I watched the finale of Signora Volpe, and it might have set up a future episode featuring Sylvia's ex. That would be a lot of fun. So awesome to see her niece again and getting to know her dad. Isabelle ended up stealing this episode. Going to watch the behind-the-scenes stuff next.

Finished up Best in Paradise with the first of the two-parter that set up Florance's exit. It was a great episode and very bittersweet as the actress mentioned when she introduced the episode.

Also caught another Death in Paradise and enjoyed the mystery. It's also fun to see Jack trying to move on from the loss of his wife. The awkward but awesome communication with Anna is lovely to watch.

Started an episode of Elementary but need to finish it this week. Too many distractions to get all the way through the show. It looks like a good one though.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Underneath, a novella that takes an established couple on a journey to face their truths.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Riley West and Hampton Bennett are trapped underneath a building, they have plenty of time to resolve the argument they had before work, which means they have to face the underlying issues of trying to combine their professional and personal life.

And a snippety peek…

Reeves West pushed back against Hampton Bennett's groin. "Ah, yeah. Right there." Her fingers curled into her palms against the tile of the shower.

Water sluiced over her shoulders and down her back before trailing off where her ass met Hampton's hips. He picked up the pace, going deep on each thrust. Reeves edged closer to the brink, the hard spray adding to the heady thrum of almost-there bliss.

Hampton gripped her waist with one hand and slid the other up to cup a breast. The roll of his thumb over her nipple sent her flying over the edge. She shuddered and gasped, the orgasm washing over her in pleasurable waves.

Hampton's hot breath fanned against her ear. "I'm right behind you…" His thighs flexed one more time before he came with his head resting on her shoulder.

She reached up to turn the water off and his lips ghosted over the column of her throat. Not much beat hot sex before work. But … if he kept nuzzling her, they'd be very late because she could go for another round.

Grabbing one of the towels hanging over the enclosed stall, she handed it to Hampton then snagged the other one for herself.

After wiping her face off, she turned and caught Hampton's lips in a quick, hard kiss. "Best way to start the day, yeah?" Draping the towel over her shoulders, she popped the door open and stepped out onto the fluffy mat.

Hampton's lips curved. "Not gonna hear me complain." He dried off quickly then eased around her to hang his towel on the rack.

Reeves did the same. "And we've got just enough time to get dressed, grab some coffee, and head out." She followed Hampton into his bedroom and rifled through her duffel bag for underclothes and socks.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she donned the undergarments then got up to get into her uniform. With her shirt halfway buttoned up, she slid her feet into her shoes then headed for the kitchen to pour two travel mugs of java. Two sugars for Hampton and one sugar and a splash of creamer for her.

Hampton came in behind her, pulling a pack of muffins from his fridge. "When do you want to move in?" He put one muffin on the counter and peeled the wrapper off the other.

Reeves stiffened. "Not sure. Right before work isn't the best time to talk about it…" She'd rather not discuss moving in at all. "But I promise we will. Soon." Needing a change of subject, she nodded toward the schedule. "We got any newbies on shift today?" She hoped like hell that would be the end of the living arrangement conversation.

Hampton wouldn't be dissuaded. "Seriously, Reeves. When do you want to move in. Or find a place together?" He took the mug she handed him and swallowed a large gulp.

Reeves bit her tongue and did a quick five count. "Look. I don't know. But we will have a discussion. Soon." Right after she figured out if she could risk her hard-won freedom again.

Hampton called bullshit. "You've said that the last three times. How are you defining soon?" He added more coffee to their mugs.

Reeves fought a flash of anger and tried for humor. "Um … sometime before we both die." Her stomach growled and she bit into her muffin, hoping she didn't end up choking on it.

Hampton arched his brows. "You're not serious, are you?" His head cocked and his jaw twitched.

She hated how they'd gone from blissed out to dug in. How did she explain her absolute fear she'd be left holding the bag if things went south between them? Why couldn't Hampton be cool with sharing a bed but not a living space? What did she have to do to make it clear she loved spending time with him but shied away from making a full commitment? Maybe she should tell Hampton about her ex and the shattered pieces he left her life in when he fucked off into the sunset without her. She would … eventually. But she couldn't do it today.

Instead, she shrugged. "The vibe isn't right to talk about moving in yet." Meeting his gaze, she made sure hers didn't waver.

Hampton huffed out a breath. "Guess that's that then." He grabbed his keys, wallet, and phone then scooped up his mug and headed for the door.

Reeves closed her eyes. "Gonna be a long drive to the station house today…"

I just started this one and I'm so excited to see how these two resolve their issues.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Underfoot

As usual, we're having bizarre weather. Got hot again then a stormfront moved through and now we're back down to the sixties. I'm not complaining about the cooler temperatures or anything, but I'd rather stick with one range for longer than a week.

 

Still loaded up with work projects and I'm making solid progress on all of them. Sometimes it's like spinning plates and trying to keep them all going at the same rate, but I love the variety of the stuff I'm working on right now.

 

Not a bad week for viewing television. I did the taking a break from wall-to-wall words thing again and got pretty much a full round of shows in this week.

 

Started off with Best in Paradise and enjoyed the rewatch of "Dark Memories." I have one more episode left for this series then I'll be switching over to Beyond Paradise. I'm looking forward to starting that one.

 

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise with the ninth season premiere. I think this is Jack's last season and the new guy takes over for the next one. Enjoyed the episode a lot.

 

Watched another episode of Elementary and enjoyed it. Not a huge Moriarity fan, but I like the layers and back and forth between Holmes and Watson with Moriarity.

 

Finished up the third season of The Batman and I'm getting ready to start the fourth. I honestly can't remember if I ended up liking the fourth season or not.

 

Also caught an episode of Classic Rugrats and the three vignettes were ones I don't remember seeing before so nice to have something new to me.

 

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Underfoot, a novella that brings a couple together during a raging snowstorm.

 

Here's the miniblurb:

 

Nona Rack, a footloose artist and Jane of all trades, breaks down beside reclusive author West Wentworth's house at two am during a blinding snowstorm. The cranky writer lets her stay, even though she's underfoot, and before he knows it, he's discovered a new muse.

 

And a snippety peek…

West's stomach growled. "Better eat something." He stretched the kinks out of his arms and neck.

He went in search of food, opened the fridge and found thawed ground sirloin. Damn. He'd forgotten he planned to make some burgers. Maybe he'd do a burger and bacon salad instead. Then he remembered he had a houseguest. He'd better see what she'd like.

He didn't find Nona anywhere in the house. "Surely she's not still in the garage…" He opened the door off the kitchen and stopped short. "What the hell?" Did he walk through a portal to another universe?

The haphazard, jumbled mess that normally greeted him had disappeared. Instead, neat rows and piles lined the floor and shelves. What a difference from the uncontrolled clutter.

Nona popped up from behind his dad's old vehicle. "Hi ... um..." Her cheeks bloomed with color. "Sorry?" She had an armful of items and placed them in the box on the trunk. "I kind of got started and couldn't stop." She dusted her hands off over the box.

He took in her appearance. An old pair of his jeans, one of his thermal shirts. She'd tied a knot at her hip to keep the shirt from catching on anything. A smudge of oil on her cheek made her look like a kid. Okay … not really. The black streak made her look hot, which unnerved him.

I'm old enough to know better. Of course I'm attracted to her. I haven't been out in months.

His gaze scanned the space—if not neatly organized then at least less chaotic. How long had he been writing? She'd made a huge dent in the otherwise unmanageable mountain of madness that always overwhelmed him.

She dusted off her hands and eased around the car, coming to a stop in front of him. "I found lots of parts, but no plugs yet. But I couldn't think with all the ... uh ... well..." Her voice trailed off and her gaze swept the area.

He cut in. "Sheer and utter chaos?" His dad loved to save everything.

She shook her head. "I think disorganization fits better. There's a lot of great vintage stuff in here." She paused a moment. "I needed to create a little order. A blank canvas, so to speak."

He nodded. "Or a blank page. I get it." Hard to concentrate or do anything with everything scattered about.

She shot him a smile. "Right. And like I said, once I got started, I couldn't stop."

He considered the amount of work she'd done. "Uh, thank you. I've been putting a good clean out off." He grimaced. "Deadlines." His gaze met hers. "You've saved me a headache." A huge one.

She shrugged. "It's the least I can do. You're letting me crash here, after all." She tilted her head. "Did you need something?"

He blinked, trying to remember why he'd come out, then his stomach growled. "Oh, uh, dinner. It's after six." He ducked back into the kitchen, making sure she followed. "Thought I'd fry up some ground sirloin and bacon and make a salad. Are you hungry?"

I'm having a lot of fun bringing West out of his crankypants mood. Nona is good for doing that.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Under the Influence (a South of the Border novella)

Hello, September. Here's hoping you're not as maniacal as August. I'd love for the weather to make up its mind and hold for a while. I don't imagine that will actually happen.

Had a lovely day off to travel to the Hocking Hills area to meet up with my cousins on my mom's side of the family. We're hoping to make it an annual event. I couldn't take the whole weekend, but it was so much fun to spend time with them. Bonus points for being close enough to my daughter's location for grad school that I could take some of the things she forgot.

Still insanely busy with work and I'm happy for the new projects coming my way. Also kind of thrilled they're all a bit different so it's not the same thing for each manuscript.

Had an okay week of viewing. I got to watch a few things when I needed a break from wall-to-wall words. Sometimes it's nice to have a minivacation to reset my brain.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. It's a two-parter so I'm hoping to watch the second half this week.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't really remember this one, but the later seasons of the show weren't watched quite as many times as the earlier ones.

Got an episode of My Life Is Murder watched and loved it. Again, Madison really stole the show. And the wink-wink-nod to Xena at the end was fun and awesome.

Started an episode of Signora Volpe and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when Sylvia's undercover assignment is discovered.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Under the Influence, a South of the Border novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

When her father dies, Lilith Jans inherits a piece of hotly sought after property in Mexico. She also unknowingly takes on an unpaid debt, which puts her life in danger. Hayden Knoxville makes her an offer she wants to refuse but can't—sell to him and he'll deal with the men coming to collect payment.

And a snippety peek…

Hayden Knoxville entered the cantina and spotted his friends right away.

Lars stood up and waved Hayden over. "Knoxville, how was the trip down?" He settled back down at the table and motioned for the server to bring another beer.

Hayden grunted. "Not bad. Been a while since I've crossed the border." At least into Mexico.

Vail lifted his chin. "How long has it been? Three years now?"

Hayden gave a nod. "There about. Heard you two have been busy." The scuttlebutt proved interesting, and he wondered how accurate the information could be.

He only picked up bits and pieces from a friend of a friend who had some kind of pull with covert operations. His former colleagues got out of the business and settled with—from the sound of things—two incredible women. When the trio video conferenced about Hayden making the trip down to Mexico, they didn't waste any time on small talk. But both men seemed … less haunted.

Hayden wanted what they had. And he might have the means to make it happen.

Lars kicked his chair back on two legs. "Decide anything on the problem we talked about?" Right to the issue at hand, a very Lars move.

Hayden took a long swallow of the beer the server placed in front of him before answering. "I'm willing to help but … instead of working short-term, why not consider long-term?" He'd given the situation a lot of thought and had what he hoped would be a perfect solution.

Lars arched a brow. "What do you have in mind?"

Hayden rolled a shoulder. "I'll buy her out. If she sells to me, half her headache is gone." And he had the means to make a sizeable offer.

Vail frowned. "What if she doesn't want to sell?"

Hayden snorted. "She'd be stupid not to. I absorb her old man's debts, meaning I deal with any potential fallout or blow back." And maybe take down one last asshole before closing the book on this chapter of his life.

Lars planted his forearms on the table. "Why? I mean, do you have some strange hankering to move your life down here?"

Hayden pondered how to answer. "Move anywhere, actually. I'm tired of chasing the next job." And pushing his luck.

Vail picked up the thread of conversation. "Does this have anything to do with getting shot last year?"

Hayden sighed. "Hell, I don't know. I always figured gunshot wounds and wicked-looking scars from a knife blade were part of the fun." Right up until the injuries started outweighing the positive aspects of the job.

Lars grimaced. "Sure … until they're not." He rubbed at his side, no doubt remembering his last close call.

Hayden grunted. "Exactly. I've been doing this long enough to know I've got a few good years left before age and wear and tear take too much of a toll. I wanna get out before I'm too tired or injured to do so." And starting over with a couple of friends nearby had merit.

Vail huffed out a breath. "Or too dead."

Hayden cocked his head. "That, too. Besides, when you two dropped out, it became a wake-up call." He fixed his gaze on his friends. "Got any regrets?"

Both answered in unison. "No."

Hayden gave a nod. "Didn't think so. I've got a tidy sum saved up and it's kind of nice to think about not living out of a jump bag and crawling in and out hot spots all the time." He spoke several languages, knew his way around boats and bars … why not put his acquired knowledge to work as more than a hired gun?

Lars spread his hands out. "Look, Vail and I have a good reason not to live the life anymore."

Hayden lifted his chin. "Yeah, two super-hot women to keep you in line."

Vail huffed out a breath and finished his beer. "You don't have anyone. You'll be tying yourself to business you may not even like. What are you going to do if you get bored?"

Hayden gazed out the window, soaking in the landscape. "Easy, I'll go surfing, or diving, or hiking somewhere." He drained his mug and set it on the table. "I've got this round." He got up to pay the tab … but overheard his friends' commentary.

Vail rocked back on the chair. "Guess he's got it all figured out."

Lars gave a nod. "Yep. Until something—or someone—throws him a curve."

Hayden didn't blame them for their doubts. But he had a skill set they didn't know about. "I'm damned good at shifting on the fly." He could totally do this.

This is a fun series and I'm enjoying bringing previous characters back to help the new ones.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin