Sunday Snippet: Muse it Up

Hello,

I feel kind of off balance since there's no new Orphan Black to rave about this week. LOL

But... Defiance held up against its premiere, no complaints. In fact, I'm really enjoying the shift in dynamics. The mayor totally creeps me out, and that's a good thing. The actor who plays him is one of my faves and it's fun to see him in something of a villainous role. And not that I have any expectations, but I'm thrilled Nolan and Amanda aren't dancing around each other and drawing crap out. Doesn't bode well, I'm sure, but half the fun of watching is to see where the writers take things.

Oddly, Dominion is keeping my attention, too. Didn't have loads of confidence, but I still want to find out what happens next. I also finished a rewatch of Bitten and I'm on the second season of a Canadian show—Arctic Air. I have a list of shows from Canada I'm looking forward to watching. Stay tuned. J

Tonight's post is from Muse it Up, a novella where the main male character needs to find a new muse.

Here's the tagline:

Nate Shaunessey can't get in the groove to write his new supernatural series. When he meets the new bartender, Hunter Gant, at his local pub, a muse is born. The only problem? Nate's afraid to tell her she's his latest inspiration.

And a snippety peek…

Nate entered The Library, climbed up onto a stool and slumped over the counter. Defeated by his lack of a muse, he wanted a shot of something strong to wash away the bitter aftertaste of no progress for the third day. He'd never had a novel give him flaming fits the way his current one wanted to.

A shot of tequila landed in front of him and he glanced up to find a new bartender behind the counter. A smokin' hot looker.

She smiled. "You look like a tequila kind of man." She wiped the surface beside him with a towel. "I'm two for three on guessing tonight. Did I peg you right?"

Nate grinned. "Consider yourself three for four. Tequila is never a bad choice." He downed the shot.

The woman lifted a brow. "No salt or lemon? Gotta say I'm impressed." She poured him another.  "The name's Hunter Gant. Nice to meet you."

Nate stuck out his hand. "Nate Shaunessey." She had a firm grip and gorgeous eyes. "You're new here, aren't you?"

She nodded. "Yep. Started last night." She propped her arms on the counter. "You look like you needed the double."

Nate's lips quirked. "Been a long and unproductive day." He lifted the glass. "A double is exactly what I needed."

Hunter cocked her head. "Author, agent, or editor?"

He blinked and she laughed.

"They don’t call this place The Library for nothing. I hadn't worked more than hour before I realized a very bookish group called this place their home away from home."

He chuckled. "You're good." And fascinating. "And it's author, although not much of one today."

Hunter sent him a quick grin. "Blocked or distracted?"

Nate sighed. "A little of both, to be honest. I've hit a wall and can't seem to scale it."

Another patron took a stool at the other end of the bar, drawing Hunter's attention. "Be right back." She leaned in. "I think this guy's a vodka man."

Nate's lips curved upward. What an interesting woman, and he didn't really know much about her. He loved her look, though. Shoulder length hair pulled back in a serviceable ponytail, leaving her flawless face on display. Moss green eyes that filled with humor or understanding and drew people in.

Ideas started rolling through his head and Nate fought an urge to leap off his seat and dash back to his house.

Not yet. Too many details warred for space in his mind and he'd have to let them settle before he could focus on building a story. But at least he had concrete picture and images floating around.

Because of Hunter Gant.

Nate had found his new muse and he barely knew anything about her.

Hunter won't be overly thrilled to be Nate's inspiration, but she may just grow to like the idea.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Banner Thursday—Busted in Bubbles Banner

Today, I'm featuring the banner for my recently released humorous, sexy romp, Busted in Bubbles, published by my personal imprint, Starry Sky Press.

For this banner, which I use as a rotating ad on my blog and website, I hoped to convey something a little playful and fun since the book is focused on what happens when Emsley discovers Rayne in a tub full of bubbles. The red background with a few bubbles seemed to fit the bill.

Take a look…

The book is available on Amazon with other e-retailers coming soon.

Next week: The Busted in Bubbles cover

Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

Thanks for reading!

Please visit my website

Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

Whoa. Awesome week of television. Defiance is back on Syfy and what a great opening episode for season two. I won't get into spoilers, but I'm excited about where things are going. Dominion also premiered and I enjoyed watching. I'm hoping we get less exposition as the season progresses, but I'm always down for a good set-up in the first episode. J

Orphan Black. Finale didn't disappoint and once again, twists and turns I totally didn't expect. One of the biggest reasons I love this show so much is it never quite goes where I think it will. I was thrilled to have some additional information and background for Paul—even if it makes him even more mysterious. Putting my Cosima hat on for a moment, this show is like a fractal pattern, every layer that's revealed turns around on itself and spawns into something else. I'm sure I butchered the science angle, but… just watch the show to see what I mean. :D

Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a contemporary novella with lots of sexy humor.

Here's the tagline:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippety peek…

"Oh, screw you." Cadee tossed her pen across the table. "I'm sick to death of you being in my face and on my ass. If you're not okay with how I'm doing things, fire me. I could use the break from your shit."

The entire conference room went silent. Worth tilted his head to the side and studied her a moment. Then he straightened and lifted a brow. "Are you through?"

Cadee shrugged. "I don't know. I think so." She sank down onto the nearest chair.

Worth nodded, barely keeping his lips from twitching. "Feel better?" He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

Cadee's shoulders slumped. "Not really. Thought it would feel good to vent, but it just gave me a monumental headache." She rubbed her temples, trying to ease the tension.

Worth snorted. "Welcome to my world, Cadee. You'll get used to the constant pain." He jerked his head, dismissing the group for the afternoon.

Cadee laughed. She shouldn't, didn't want to, but God, she'd totally walked into that one. And for once, it felt damned good.

Leaning back in the seat, she glanced up to meet Worth's gaze. "Look, I'm sorry. You pushed every right button today." She shrugged. "Not a great reason to go off on you though."

Worth dropped down onto the chair across from her. "No, it wasn't." He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to argue. "But I get it. It's been a shit week and I have been riding you hard." He picked her discarded pen and tilted it back and forth in his fingers. "Matt knows who I spent my first night in town with and accused me of playing favorites."

Cadee sat up and leaned forward. "Wait, what? How did he find out?" Dammit. She hadn't breathed a word to anyone.

So far, this has been really fun to write. I'm hoping the humor keeps coming. *side eyes the sages*

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sun, Sand, & Intrigue—Summer Lovin' Blog Hop

Sponsored by Romance Blog Hops

Enter for a chance to win an awesome prize!

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Here’s the Grand Prize list: 

1 $75 Amazon Gift Card

1 $25 Starbucks Gift Card (Donated by Sue)

1 $25 Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card (Donated by Denisea)

~*~ 

Take a little trip south of the border!

Welcome to the Summer Lovin' Blog Hop, an excellent sampling of authors sharing short excerpts from their work.

Readers: Please enjoy the steamy snippets and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

Bloggers: Please check out the excellent previews and spread the word.

~*~

There's something wonderful about the lazy days of summer. Sunny days and longer nights can inspire the urge to kick back, relax, and enjoy every moment. Why not unwind with a great book and sneak in a bit of bliss?

When writing as Skylin O'Thomas, I tend to focus on contemporary romance, sometimes filled with little relationship moments, but also some adventure. Weaving in tension with suspense or adding humor to a steamy situation is so much fun. Giving a couple their happily ever after can't be beat.

One of my first releases, Down in Mexico, features a couple who finally reconnect after five years apart. As the first couple in the series, South of the Border, Lars and Kiernan have a steamy reunion, but there's a lot going on under the surface. An element of danger sneaks its way into Kiernan's hard won new life.

Lars isn't completely honest and Kiernan is less than thrilled when she finds out. But she's a trooper and deals with her situation.

My Blog Giveaway

I had so much fun writing the book and I'm giving a digital copy away for this blog hop. Please leave a comment for your entry and tell me favorite way to laze away a summer day. (Hopefully it involves books!)

~*~

Book Tagline: Boy meets and falls for girl. Girl 'dies' in a fiery explosion. Five years later, they meet again.

Series Tagline: Mix a little danger with hot romance.

~*~

Kier picked up her glass, sipped the wine, contemplating.

"I learned to shoot. Small arms for the most part, but I know how to sight and fire a rifle." Her hand twirled the glass and her gaze turned hard. "It may be overkill, but I keep a handgun in the house, my shop, the car. I have two on my boat along with a rifle." She raised her eyes to his. "I didn't plan to make it easy for them to kill me."

She wouldn't. Even without the small arsenal, she'd have put up a hell of a fight before going down. It was in her nature to battle back.

Lars reached across the table and laced his fingers with her free hand. "You were smart, Kier. You had no way of knowing what would happen after you left."

She shrugged a shoulder. "There have been several times over the last five years that I've felt like something was off. Not quite right." She squeezed his hand. "It'll take some getting used to… this being safe thing."

Shit. He had to come clean. Now.

He had a feeling it wouldn't be pretty.

"Uh, Kier, about that." He took a deep breath and just spit it out. "You may not be that far off base thinking something's not quite kosher."

Her brow knit with confusion. "But I thought you said—"

"I did. I lied."

Her mouth opened, then snapped shut. So many emotions crossed her face he couldn't keep up with them.

She got up and paced the kitchen. "What exactly did you lie about?"

Available on Amazon

~*~

Series Blurb: Sun, sand, and danger. International intrigue mixes with steamy romance to create hot situations—South of the Border.

Book Blurb: Kiernan Darby spends five long years playing dead. It's a life in limbo, but it lets Lars Rademacher do his job and eliminate the members of a lethal crime syndicate.

Lars tracks Kiernan down in Mexico. Their reunion is sweet… until he reveals a pesky detail he conveniently forgot to mention.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

Turn up the heat! Visit the other participating authors.

Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father figures out there!

So… Orphan Black is almost over for this season and *eep* I still have way more questions than answers. That said, I don't care. I love everything about this season. Although, I guess I should ask if it's really wrong I pretty much cheered on Helena throughout last night's entire episode? No? Good. And Donnie and Alison. Twisted and creepy, but holy shit, I laughed, even though I shouldn't have. :D

Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven, a short story about what happens when two co-workers overindulge at a corporate retreat's casino night.

Here's the tagline:

Daisy and Shae work for the same company and they end up overindulging at a corporate casino night, waking up next to each other the next morning. What starts as an awkward one night stand turns into something neither expects, or is really looking for.

And a snippety peek…

Daisy blinked. "Yeah, so." She scrambled backwards off the bed, dragging the sheet with her.

Bad idea. The heavy coverlet only covered Shae's feet.

He dragged the bedspread up and over his groin. "Right." He sat up, propping his shoulders against the cushioned headboard.

He glanced toward the empty side of the bed. "You know—"

Daisy wrapped the sheet tighter around her. "Uh, nope. Not gonna happen." Tempted, she backed up several feet.

Shae quirked a brow. "Just did last night." His lips curved in a sly grin.

Daisy's face flamed. "Yeah, I know. But…" Get out, you damned man before I give in to temptation.

Shae nodded. "Gotcha. One time deal." He lingered in the bed, not in a hurry to leave.

Daisy agreed. "Exactly." She waited a beat, then prodded. "Yeah, so…"

Shae sighed. "Right. Getting up now." He threw the coverlet aside, giving her a splendid view of his hard body.

She whirled around, committing the picture he presented to memory.

Shae rustled around behind her, hopefully getting dressed.

He cleared his throat and she risked a backward glance. He stood, dressed in last night's clothes, his jacket flung over his shoulder. She finally relaxed.

He made his way to the door. "So, um, thanks. You know for…" His hand twisted the knob.

Daisy groaned. "Don't mention it. Ever." She softened her tone. "Please."

Shae nodded. "Yeah, okay. See you at work on Monday." He pulled the door open and exited her room.

Daisy crossed the space and sank down onto the side chair. Best sex of her life and she couldn't have a repeat performance.

Life sucked balls sometimes.

Honestly? This one is fun to write. Started with a prompt from one of my writing communities and the story has taken off from there. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Little Black Book

Orphan Black. If you're not watching this show, why aren't you? LOL I rave about Arrow and Bitten, but in all honesty, Orphan Black hits every single one of my hot spot kinks for television. The writers always throw something into the mix that catches me completely by surprise and seriously, with the amount of television I watch, that's hard to do. LOL

Truly, if you're looking for something awesome to sink your teeth into, find the first season and don't look back. The acting is top notch—any show that has a lead actress who can pull off no less than nine different roles, usually at least four to five simultaneously, is worth its weight in gold. And the supporting cast is stellar. Go. Find. Watch. You won't regret it.

Tonight's post is from Little Black Book, a short story with a bit of a gender twist on the adding names to the list thing.

Here's the tagline:

Kalyn Miles is footloose and fancy free and likes it that way. She does what and who she wishes. Her current object of desire is Sid Mortimer, but he'll have nothing to do with her—especially since she wants to add him to her little black book.

And a snippety peek…

Kalyn kept her face buried in her arms, but her Sid sense kicked in the moment he walked into the pool area. She battled the urge to either punch him or groan out loud. If only he'd stuck around last night… she wouldn't be the subject of the retreat grapevine.

Shit.

Her head shot up. Had Sid heard… yep. One look at his carefully schooled features said more than anything he'd utter. Okay, not more. The man would either cut her to shreds with snark and biting sarcasm, or totally rip on her about the faux pas she'd managed to get tangled up in with Brad Bradley.

God… Brad Bradley. What had she been thinking?

A local celebrity on the fast track to being mayor of the city, the double named Brad landed on the most eligible bachelor lists throughout the state.

Kalyn groaned. Not much of a prize by her standards, and she did have them.

Sid plopped down on the chair placed at the arm of hers and kicked back. His board shorts fit well, hugging his thighs while riding low on his waist. Kalyn licked her lower lip, fighting the urge to stare.

He slid his gaze sideways. "Sounds like you have a new name for your little black book." His lips twitched. "Did you move him to the top of the list?"

Kalyn shuddered. "Shut up, Sid. Right now." She put a hand to her throbbing head. "If you don't, I'm going to hurt you."

Sid laughed. "Hey, I'm just saying. Bradley's quite the coup." He nudged her shoulder. "You can add a celebrity to your checked column."

Kalyn snorted then sobered. "You know who I want in that top spot, Sid." She laid a hand on his forearm.

His face went serious. "And you know what it'll take to make it happen."

A commitment. More than she could do.

Stalemate. Again.

She sighed. "One of these days, you're going to cave and I'll get what I want." She nodded with confidence.

Sid's mouth thinned. "Be very careful, Kalyn." He leaned in close. "You might get what you want, but no one can promise it'll be the way you want it." Leaning back, he scooted his chair away from the table and rose. "Don't bite off more than you can handle."

He strolled over to the bar and Kalyn frowned, hating to give him the last word.

Ahhh. I love writing conversations. Sid and Kalyn are particularly fun to create dialog for. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—Down in Mexico #MFRWHook

Welcome to Book Hooks, the weekly smorgasbord sampler hosted by the MFRW Authors Blog.

Readers: get hooked and reel in some great books. Authors are sharing short excerpts from their work. Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

I'm starting something a little new. I'm going back to some of my earlier releases and sharing a few pivotal scenes—a new one each week for three to four weeks. Up first is Down in Mexico, book one of the South of the Border series, available from Ellipses Press, Ltd.

Today's post includes a tense moment between Lars and Kiernan when a moment of truth arrives.

Book Tagline: Boy meets and falls for girl. Girl 'dies' in a fiery explosion. Five years later, they meet again.

Series Tagline: Mix a little danger with hot romance.

~*~

Kier picked up her glass, sipped the wine, contemplating.

"I learned to shoot. Small arms for the most part, but I know how to sight and fire a rifle." Her hand twirled the glass and her gaze turned hard. "It may be overkill, but I keep a handgun in the house, my shop, the car. I have two on my boat along with a rifle." She raised her eyes to his. "I didn't plan to make it easy for them to kill me."

She wouldn't. Even without the small arsenal, she'd have put up a hell of a fight before going down. It was in her nature to battle back.

Lars reached across the table and laced his fingers with her free hand. "You were smart, Kier. You had no way of knowing what would happen after you left."

She shrugged a shoulder. "There have been several times over the last five years that I've felt like something was off. Not quite right." She squeezed his hand. "It'll take some getting used to… this being safe thing."

Shit. He had to come clean. Now.

He had a feeling it wouldn't be pretty.

"Uh, Kier, about that." He took a deep breath and just spit it out. "You may not be that far off base thinking something's not quite kosher."

Her brow knit with confusion. "But I thought you said—"

"I did. I lied."

Her mouth opened, then snapped shut. So many emotions crossed her face he couldn't keep up with them.

She got up and paced the kitchen. "What exactly did you lie about?"

Available on Amazon 

~*~

Blurb: Kiernan Darby spends five long years playing dead. It's a life in limbo, but it lets Lars Rademacher do his job and eliminate the members of a lethal crime syndicate, Kiernan's former employers.

After discovering she's alive and well, Lars tracks Kiernan down in Mexico. Their reunion is sweet… until he reveals a pesky detail he conveniently forgot to mention.

Kiernan isn't completely safe. In fact, Lars is using her as bait to catch the last member of the espionage organization.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website 

Reel in more great books! Visit the other participating authors.

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

June 1, 2014

Wow, survived something of a long week. Just now catching up on Orphan Black and again, this show eats my brain. I'm about halfway through this week's episode and I'm sitting on the edge of my seat as I type this. LOL

Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella where my heroine comes home to find things aren't quite as easy as she'd hoped.

Here's the tagline:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on… or has he?

And a snippety peek…

Harper wanted to put her fist through the mirror behind the bar. She didn't because she'd brought the situation on herself. Rhett had moved beyond her now and she got what she deserved—watching him have a roaring good time with his new love, Dani. And just her luck, he broke away from the game, heading for the bar.

She swiveled around on the stool. "Gee, Rhett, you've got an interesting way of working up a thirst." She added a smirk.

Rhett shot her a sideways glance. "You got a problem with how I spend my downtime with my girlfriend?" He stopped short of spitting the words out, barely.

Harper lifted a shoulder. "No, just making an observation." A rude one, maybe, but at least she didn't hit anything.

Rhett snorted. "Whatever, Harper." He held up two fingers for Joe, the bartender.

She had a momentary blip of guilt. Getting up in Rhett's face did no one any good. Except maybe Joe. The guy might as well sell tickets to the patrons of the bar. Everyone tried hard to look like they weren't hanging on every tiny nuance between her and Rhett, but most failed miserably.

Harper forced her rigid posture into a relaxed state and pasted on a quirky smile. "God, tell me to shut up and go back to having fun." She waved at Joe, indicating she'd pick up the tab for Rhett. "I'm such a downer tonight."

The tension in Rhett's shoulders eased and he huffed out a breath. He also managed to keep his mouth shut and not say anything before he grabbed the bottles with one hand and turned to leave.

Harper grabbed his bicep. "Seriously, Rhett. It's good to see you loosen up and have a good time. I'm happy for you." She let go of his arm. "Don't think otherwise." She jerked her head towards the skeet ball machines. "Go… and have a game on me." She pressed a five dollar bill into his free hand. "I'm gonna call it a night." She slid off the barstool and started for the exit.

Before she left, Harper glanced over her shoulder to find Rhett gazing after her, a thoughtful look on his face. Dani moved to stand by his side, snagging one of the beers from his hand, breaking the moment.

Harper walked out into the cool night air, a buzz disappointment hovering in her head. She could pay all the lip service in the world and never be happy for Rhett, even though Dani seemed like a perfectly nice woman. Harper couldn't fault Rhett for moving the hell on, not when she'd pretty much pushed him to do it. Sometimes the 'what if' idea ate at her. Especially when he'd been so ready to settle down and make a stab at something. Goddamn her fight or flight reaction.

Now, she had no desire to run and every wish to have a second chance. Too bad she got her shit together a little too late.

One of my favorite tropes is having couples work their way back to each other. Harper has some groundwork to lay out, and Rhett has to let her back in.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin