Sunday Snippet: Harshing the Calm

June 30, 2013

Hello!

Holy crap. It's the last day of June and half the year is gone. How on earth did that happen? LOL I shouldn't complain. I've got green stuff growing in my tiny garden and the mild weather. Can't really ask for more. J

Tonight's post is from Harshing the Calm, a novella/novel featuring a couple who break up because they think they're toxic for each other, but find out maybe they just needed some room to grow. J

Here's the tagline:

Gentry and Rayce have a volatile past, one they walk away from to start over. But old habits are hard to break and when their paths cross again, they discover they can repeat their mistakes, or change and grow into something so much better.

And the snippety peek…

Gentry walked into the bar and immediately spotted Rayce. Dammit. Back two months and she couldn't stop from bumping into him. She really wished he'd stayed on the other side of the city. Their paths rarely crossed then.

Whatever. She wanted a drink and her favorite bartender, Bart, would be more than happy to keep them coming.

Heaving a sigh, she glared at the dispatcher sitting on 'her' barstool. He wisely got up and moved three places down.

Gentry eased up onto the stool and tapped the counter. Twice.

Bart's eyes widened. "Starting with a double, Detective? Must've been a shit day." He flipped over a glass and poured her brand of whiskey—neat, no ice.

Gentry rolled her eyes. "Wasn't until I walked in." She jerked her head toward Rayce's table. "My past is back to haunt me."

Bart lifted a brow. "And the hot, sweet thing locking lips with him? What's her role?"

Gentry whipped her head around. Son of a bitch. Sure enough, Catie the Cutie, had her mouth smacking all over Rayce. Gentry snorted. The perky beat cop looked like a teenager with her hair caught up in a ponytail full of bouncy curls. Swiftly facing forward, she drained the contents of her drink and nodded for another round.

Bart shook his head. "Better slow down, Detective. Might be a short walk to your place, but you have to be upright to get there."

Gentry shrugged. "Someone will make sure I get home."

Bart refilled her tumbler and his gaze followed the exit of someone through the main entrance. "Lips just left. Mr Used to Be is all alone." His head jerked toward Rayce. "Go. Park yourself in the empty chair at his table and I'll bring you the bottle."

Gentry frowned. "Why the hell would I want to do that?" No way would she get within three feet of Rayce.

Bart leaned in and spoke quietly. "Because I didn't put my bullet proof snark vest on tonight and you clearly need to vent your spleen." He glanced over her head. "He's a better target."

The man had a point. "Fine. But give me one to go."

Bart huffed out a breath, but poured more alcohol into her glass.

Gentry smirked and slid off the barstool. She made her way through the crowded bar and dropped down onto the empty chair at Rayce's table.

Lost in thought, he sent a startled glance in her direction then quickly schooled his features into an unreadable mask. "Gentry." He gave her a cool nod and clammed up.

Figured. They'd parted on bad terms and she'd had the last word. He would leave it up to her to open any conversation they'd have now.

She set her glass on the table and leaned back in the chair. "Rayce. Why are you here?" Bars weren't private property, but the place belonged to her, at least in her mind it did.

Rayce shrugged. "It's conveniently located close to work."

Gentry snorted. "And apparently a good place for public displays of affection."

Rayce frowned. "What are you talking about?" He paused. "Oh."

Gentry nodded. "Yeah. Probably better be more cautious, Rayce. I mean people know about you and Catie, but geez, between the age difference and your status as a detective, it could harm her career."

Rayce settled against the back rest and crossed his arms over his chest. "Gentry, you don't get to comment on my social life anymore. You made that perfectly clear when you announced Cal Brynley was your personal property and everyone needed to keep their hands off." He jabbed a finger in her direction. "You don't have a right to say anything about my relationships or who I sleep with. Not anymore."

Gentry quirked a brow. "Wow. How quaint. Defending your woman's honor." She leaned forward, propping her elbows on the table. "She's a beat cop, Rayce. She can protect herself."

Rayce snarled. "It's not about protection. It's about you stirring the shit pot." He moved forward, invading her personal space. "I mean what the hell was that personal property thing, Gentry? Your way of making the minor league ball player feel worthy to be in your presence?"

Ouch. That stung. Mainly because truth laced his words.

Her shoulders slumped. "Yeah, not my best moment." She met Rayce's gaze. "Look, I heard about you and Catie, and I wanted something, I don't know, to call mine." Okay, coming clean didn't make the world implode.

Rayce studied her a moment, probably trying to gauge the honesty of her words. "Gentry, sometimes you're your own worst enemy." He leaned back again. "And for your information, my status with Catie is of the former variety. Pretty much for the reasons you listed."

Her eyes widened. "Wait, what? Why the lip-lock when she left?"

Rayce chuckled. "You know, she might be seven years younger, but she has a maturity you have yet to achieve." He lifted a shoulder. "She noticed you walk in and gave me a kiss for luck." His brows knit. "Not sure why. She knows you're with Brynley."

Gentry made a quick decision to go with the whole truth. "Yeah, well, not so sure about that." She shrugged. "Cal got traded to another team and has to move. We're not sure about trying to do the long distance deal."

Rayce, to his credit, nodded. "That's a tough call. You can't just hop a plane to visit, not with your schedule. And it's a long time until the off season."

She didn't have a witty comeback, or even a snarky one. Rayce's unexpected empathy tilted her perspective sideways. An awkward, on her end, silence stretched out between them. Until Bart brought the promised bottle of whiskey.

He nudged her shoulder. "I put it on your tab. Don't be stingy. Make sure you share." With a quick salute to Rayce, Bart turned and headed back to the bar.

Gentry refilled her glass and lifted a questioning brow. "Any objections to helping me drink this?"

Rayce narrowed his gaze, pondering a moment. "None that I can think of at the moment." He took the alcohol and topped off his tumbler.

Raising his glass, he gave a silent toast and drained the contents. Gentry relaxed and decided to go with the flow. He'd made an effort and she could do the same.

Who knew where it might lead.

And it definitely leads somewhere, just not to a place Gentry expected. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Hi!

It's been a rather trying week on the personal front. It's funny how that happens. Little annoyances pop up when least expected and sometimes snowball into raging nightmares. LOL

Seriously, not quite that bad, and thankfully nothing with immediate family. J

Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella where jealousy rears its ugly head…maybe too late for Dani to get the man she's always wanted. J

Here's the tagline:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her co-workers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Dani dropped by the hospital to check on Kyra's status. Neal sat, slumped in a chair beside the bed, his head thrown back against the cushion. Dani didn't like the ugly jealousy swirling in her heart. Of course he'd be concerned enough to stay with Kyra.

Dani stepped into the room, letting the door close softly behind her. "I'm sorry I ruined your date." She spoke quietly, in case he slept.

Neal angled his head toward her, his lips quirking briefly. "You didn't. Sasha Chan pretty much had that covered." He turned his face away, his eyes gazing upward. "I think the universe is trying to tell me something." A heavy sigh escaped and his eyes closed.

Dani weighed her guilt against trying to find out what Neal meant. Her curiosity won out.

Moving further into the room, she laid a hand on his shoulder. He glanced up then over to the prone figure of Kyra. Blowing out a long exhale, he rose and worked the kinks from his shoulders.

His head jerked toward the door. "Come on. You can buy me a coffee and I'll explain."

The fact she didn't have to voice the question cemented itself to her brain. He always had an uncanny ability of knowing her thoughts…sometimes before she even did. She'd never had the kinship with anyone she had with him.

Too bad she realized how deeply they'd connected after he'd finally given up on her.

Following Neal out into the corridor, she turned and nodded toward the elevator. "Cafeteria is still open. Have you eaten since—" She stopped, unwilling to put a voice to her role in Kyra's shooting.

Neal shrugged. "Been a little preoccupied."

Dani laid a hand on his arm. "Then chow's on me. You need more than a caffeine high. You gotta eat, Neal."

He hesitated, shifting his gaze toward the door. Dani's heart sank. He'd go back in, and she wouldn't have a chance to find out what had him tied up in knots.

Aside from her part in almost killing his girlfriend.

Heaving a sigh, he headed in the direction of the elevator.

Dani let out the breath she held and followed him. She'd have her chance to be there for Neal, to dig down and drag out whatever put the weariness in his eyes. The bone-tired expression started way before their botched sting, and she aimed to set his world right again.

Lord knew she'd done enough to make it wrong.

Dani and Neal have an interesting conversation…and she tries really hard to set the jealousy aside and truly be there for him. But Neal won't make it easy. Where's the fun in that, right?

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Busted in Bubbles

Greetings!

Happy Father's Day to all the great and wonderful dads out there, my own included. :D

It's fun to reflect on my relationship with my dad. We didn't always see eye to eye and had a few rocky years to get through—I even moved in with my Gram (his mom) at one point. I think it's why I love to write about troubled waters between dads and sons and/or daughters. In my case, I got lucky and my dad and I grew as individuals and found our common ground. My husband and his father never quite got to a place where they could embrace their differences and discuss them without rancor.

Tonight's post is from Busted in Bubbles, which I've recently showcased here, but the relationship between Emsley and her dad is touched on and I thought it fitting to feature it again. While my dad isn't a criminal, I do have personal experience working with him—my dad and I (and my two brothers) worked for the same company for almost ten years and often had to check the personal relationship at the door—so much easier said than done. J

Here's the tagline again:

Emsley and Rayne turn up at the same conventions several times a year and Emsley always short sheets Rayne's bed. Imagine her surprise when she lets herself into his cabin to follow tradition and discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can flee the scene or…join a very hot man for some bath time fun.

And another snippety peek…

Emsley Bourne smiled, whistling a happy tune when she pulled the drapes over the array of product displayed on the booth tables. The day's sales were the best her company had so far this season. And she'd copped the biggest score to date. She'd like to see her two co-workers top it.

Right. Wouldn't happen. One sale had put her way over quota…maybe for the year. Not bad for someone who grew up surrounded by criminal elements.

Emsley's client wondered how she'd gotten so good at knowing every product inside out and upside down. She explained she field tested every one. In the safety of their production center, of course. But her experience ran far and wide. And she kept her skills up to date.

Usually with harmless pranks. And most of the time with no one being the wiser.

"Emsley?" Tisha Gordo called from the side exit. "They're ready to lock the place down until it's time to load up in the morning. You coming?"

Emsley nodded, letting the last bit of fabric fall to cover product. "Yeah. All set." She met Tish at the door. "Are you hitting up the fancy pants dinner?"

Tish rubbed her hand over her tummy. "Mmm. You better know it. I can't wait to feast on the fabulous grub."

Emsley laughed. Tish could put away food like no one else. And her tiny frame never showed a trace of it.

Tish cocked her head to the side. "You're skipping it, aren't you?"

Emsley chuckled. "You might know me a little too well. Yeah, I'm bowing out. I'll hold off until the final night per usual."

Tish jerked her head back and forth. "You and your weird traditions. Then again, after today, you could pack up and head home. Skip the rest of the conventions scheduled this year, so the rest of us can earn some commissions."

Emsley wrinkled her nose. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, if I'm not around, you'd never get a pee break during the day."

Tisha growled. "Don't remind me. Stupid Bobby thinks women should have bigger bladders."

Emsley snorted. "No, the moron just heads for the back area and takes a piss in a bottle when nobody's around." She should know…she'd caught him.

Twice.

Tish grimaced. "Did you really have to tell me that?" She paused outside her room. "Now I need to shower to get rid of the creepy feeling."

Emsley shrugged. "Yeah, sorry about that. Enjoy your feasting."

Tish used her keycard and entered the room, waving a farewell over her shoulder. Emsley turned and made a beeline across the hall and let herself into her own. She had maybe three minutes to change and get her traditional conference fun underway.

She loved to race against a ticking clock.

Needless to say, Emsley's dad made some very interesting career choices. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Cover Reveal: Busted in Bubbles

Hi!!

Okay, as mentioned in yesterday's post, I received the cover art for Busted in Bubbles, out July 6 from Silver Publishing.

*drumroll*

And here it is!!

Busted in Bubbles | Silver Publishing

Silver uses a series of four standardized covers for the Sparkle releases and I chose the one I liked the best. Considering the title is about bubbles, I think the water theme works well. J

Buy link is under the image. Available for pre-sale. (Or will be soon. J)

I'm so excited!!!

All for now,

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going Native

June 9, 2013

Hello!

Had a very busy weekend editing and writing, and also working the day job. I also got the cover art for my July 6 release…expect a post this week with the reveal. :D YAY!!

Tonight's post is from Going Native, a short story about guy who finds what he wants in a most unexpected location. :D

Here's the tagline:

Workaholic Adam Beaubier is vacationing with his girlfriend. It's a last ditch effort to make their relationship work and it turns into an epic failure. Adam decides going native might be just the thing he needs and Zerrin Kord, a helicopter tour pilot, will make an excellent guide.

And here's the snippety peek…

"He's not gonna show."

The inky dawn didn't dispel the balmy wind, blowing in off the ocean. Zerri sat in her chopper, drinking the strongest coffee on the island, brewed especially for her. A second cup rested in the seat next to her. The sun peeked up from the horizon and Zerri sighed. She should've known the hot lawyer wouldn't break from his stodgy mold.

"I told you, Dad."

She drained her cup and grabbed the second one, lifting the lid and tossing it in the trash bin. Bringing the cup to her mouth, she blew across the top, pushing the steam away. Her eyes widened. Okay, maybe she'd been wrong. She leaned out the door, making sure she hadn't imagined him. Nope. Adam stood on the edge of the beach, still in last night's suit, the jacket slung over his shoulder and his shirt sleeves rolled up.

She swung out of the pilot's seat and made her way to his side, handing the hot coffee over. Adam took a long gulp and smiled.

Zerri's lips turned up. "Looked like you could use it."

Adam nodded. "Yeah, been up all night." His tone sounded weary.

Zerri slid her gaze sideways. "Doesn't look like for fun."

Adam sighed. "No, not fun. But necessary." He turned and started toward the chopper.

Zerri scrambled and fell into step beside him, staying silent.

Adam reached the nose of the copter and turned. "I abhor break up scenes and Gina thrives on them. Spent the last eight hours listing all the reasons we'd never work and she countered each one."

Zerri nodded, but said nothing.

"Except the last one. She couldn't find an argument for that one." Adam's lips quirked.

Zerri lifted a brow. "Sounds like she should have been the legal eagle."

Adam chuckled. "You make a good point."

Zerri had to know. "What finally shut her down?"

Adam huffed out a breath and met her gaze. "A hot blonde who flies helicopters for a living."

Zerri laughed long and loud. "Oh, my God. You didn't really say that, did you?"

Adam shrugged.

Zerri sobered. "Holy shit. You did." She cocked her head. "What did she do?"

Adam leaned against the bird. "Stomped around the suite, threw her clothes in a suitcase, and asked me to drive her to the airport." He took another gulp of the coffee. "I just got back."

Zerri grabbed the cup from his hands. "Wow. What's your next move?"

Adam met her gaze. "First, I have a date with this really incredible woman, if she doesn't mind getting started a little late."

Zerri raised the tumbler to her lips and drank before answering. "I think she might be okay with that."

Adam grasped her hips and tugged her forward. "You just made my day." His voice dropped low. "And if you give me time to grab a shower, change, and call in to my firm, you might just make my entire week."

A whole week? The thought didn't make her stomach turn. In fact, it made her go hot with desire.

"You really wanna spend more time with me?" When did her voice go raspy? "What about your work?"

Adam nodded. "I've earned a break. And a day isn't gonna be enough to do the thorough exploration I have in mind."

Zerri shuddered. "God, yes." She leaned forward and snagged his mouth with hers.

The kiss turned heated and before she realized it, she had Adam's shirt unbuttoned and her hands made contact with the smooth, solid surface of his chest. She loved the feel of his skin, the play of muscle under her fingertips. The urge to go lower and work his belt loose hit her hard.

Adam cupped her face, breaking the kiss, and easing back. "Uh, not that I want to stop, but unless you want to put on a public show, we kind of have to."

Zerri chuckled. "Um, yeah. You're right." She turned and laced her fingers with his. "My place is two blocks over… closer than your hotel. We can have your stuff sent over."

Adam swept his arm outward. "Lead the way. Maybe we can take that predawn tour tomorrow?"

Zerri's lips curved. "Depends on how much sleep we get after your thorough exploration."

Adam laughed. "Have I mentioned I love the way you think?" He tilted his head and gazed in her direction.

Exactly the way she wanted a man to look at her.

A warm sense of rightness settled over Zerri. "Not yet. But keep talking, counselor, I'll let you know if you start repeating yourself."

Adam let go of her hand and slid an arm around her waist. "Let's begin the adventure, then."

Zerri started toward her small bungalow, looking forward to whatever happened next.

I always find 'change in the wind' stories fun to read and write. This is a little challenging, but so far Zerri is keeping me on the right track. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Hi!

Last night I watched the best season finale of a show that I've seen in a long, long, time. Orphan Black is a total mind-bending freaky fun fest. And it hit every right note with every episode. Spring of 2014 is sooooo far away. LOL

Tonight's post is from the short story, Going All Out and is centered on Lance and Xola and their first official date. They've been friends for a long time, but have buttloads of sexual tension and finally decide to find out how they'd mesh together.

Here's the tagline:

Lance and Xola work together and have a solid friendship, but there's always a little something more between them. Lance proposes a date, something other than a movie or grabbing a bite to eat at the same time. Xola accepts and the fun—and nervous tension—begins.

And the snippety peek…

Lance propped a shoulder against the jamb. "Why not, Xola? Have a date night. The real deal kind of thing."

Xola tilted her head to the side. "Why?" She straightened and stalked across the room. "I mean, I get it. We always seem to teeter on the edge of something but never quite cross the line."

Lance folded his arms across his chest. "Exactly. We can keep going with the status quo, or…take a shot at that something."

Xola hesitated, but only for a moment. "Okay. But we better not let a date ruin a perfectly good thing."

Lance grinned. "We won't. Tonight at seven. Be ready."

Xola frowned. "Shit. For what? What're we going to do on this date night thing?"

Lance pondered. He hadn't planned anything—mainly because he didn't know if she'd accept.

But he wanted to go all out and have a night they wouldn't forget. "Wear something special. Nothing formal or anything, but think dinner and dancing maybe."

Xola grumbled. "I can't dance for crap, Lance. But okay." She cracked a grin. "It'll be cool to see you in something other than your uniform or workout clothes."

Lance agreed. "Feeling's mutual. Not that your ass doesn’t look great in yoga pants."

Her laughter pealed through the room. "You definitely got bonus points for that. I'll be ready at seven." She gave him quick wave and exited the common area.

Lance didn't have to look in the mirror to see the stupid grin on his face. It slowly faded when he realized she'd agreed to an out and out date. Holy shit. He had no clue where to even begin with the planning.

A quick glance at the clock and his stomach dropped. Three p.m. He'd better head home and get busy.

This one is so much fun to write. Once they agree to a date, Lance and Xola pretty much freak themselves out over it. I can't wait for everyone to see how they end up spending the evening. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin