Sunday Snippet: Forever Young

December 27, 2015

Well, it's my last snippet post of the year and I'm happy to note I didn't miss a week. That's a goal achievement I'm proud of.

Going into 2016, I have quite a few projects on tap for release and I'm very excited about those, too. I may roll a new weekly blog feature or try a newsletter this year. If anyone is interested, please don't hesitate to contact me to be added to the list.

Not much on the television front this week. I watched the finales for The Librarians and Agent X. According to my google fu, Agent X isn't renewed for another season, which is kind of disappointing. Since there are only ten episodes, I may try my hand at recapping the one and only season. We'll see what time allows.

On a side note, I did enjoy the Doctor Who Christmas special. It's my fondest hope I can get into the new season when it premieres, but I don't hold out much hope. The heart of the show is missing for me and unless the Doctor gets a truly marvelous companion, I doubt I'll be interested or able to keep with the all the cleverness Moffat tries to weave.

Oh, well. Looking forward to my favorite shows returning and having more to chat about each week.

Tonight's post is from Forever Young, a novella where my couple meets under crazy circumstances.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabe McTavish meets the woman of his dreams. Too bad she's his brother's date.

And a snippety peek…

The throbbing beat of the bass line almost blew Gabe back out into the parking lot. Zak would pick the place that played the loudest music in the city. Gabe stepped inside and let his eyes adjust to the neon-lit glow of the interior and scanned the bar for Zak. Spotted him by the dart boards, no sign of his latest and greatest anywhere.

Maybe she got wise and stood Zak up.

Gabe meandered through the crowd and reached Zak's table. His brother waved to the waitress and ordered two cold beers and a shot of whiskey.

Gabe dropped onto the stool opposite his brother, frowning. "Who's the whiskey for?" Whiskey, beer and Zak did not make a good mix.

"That would be for me." The owner of the voice slid onto the remaining seat. She stuck out her hand. "Tara Lowes."

Gabe prayed his shock didn't show. Tara Lowes didn't fit his brother's criteria at all. Dark hair, pulled back in a sleek ponytail, barely a trace of make-up on an extremely pretty face… not that she needed any for her classic features. High cheek bones, a straight nose and pointed chin. She also appeared about two cup sizes too small for Zak's usual pick of the month. Didn't stop Gabe from admiring the way she filled out the fitted t-shirt she wore. He shot his brother a look, but Zak only shrugged.

A new leaf, maybe?

Gabe took Tara's proffered hand and… oh, shit. Zing! Flash! A jolt of electric current shot straight through him. Fuck. Uh, uh. No way. Not the reaction he should have when meeting his sibling's newest love interest.

His gaze narrowed and sure as shit, Tara felt it, too. Her eyes went wide and a breath hitched in her throat. She muttered a quiet expletive. "Ah, damn."

Zak angled in close. "Tara? You okay?"

She blinked, but kept her gaze focused on Gabe. "Um, yeah." Her hand slid free and she shook her head. "Yeah. I'm fine." Her head turned toward Zak. "But I gotta be honest, Zak. We won't be going out after tonight." She looked back toward Gabe.

Zak cracked a resigned smile and leaned back against the wall. "I sorta had a feeling." He slid his gaze to Gabe then back to Tara. "You're way more his type than mine." He waved a waitress over and ordered a round of drinks.

Gabe's mouth dropped open. "You set me up?" He didn't quite like the idea.

Zak lifted his hands. "No way, bro. Tara's hot and I took a shot." He drained the dregs of beer in his mug. "The lady prefers you." Lifting a brow, he asked. "Tell me you don't feel the same?"

Gabe opened his mouth to deny it, but couldn't. He wanted to pursue the spark. Way too long since he'd felt anything instant like that. He wisely shut his yap.

Zak smirked. "I thought so." He tilted his head toward Tara. "Seriously, my brother's not a mute. You've rendered him speechless, is all."

Gabe shot Zak a glare then focused on Tara. "Rule number one. Never listen to Zak." He clapped his brother on the back. "The guy has no clue."

Zak rolled his eyes and paid for the fresh drinks.

Tara chuckled. "I'll try to remember that." She eased up onto the barstool. "So… anything else I should know?"

Honestly, I love this one because it flashes back and forth between past and present.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Holly Hollow, An Organic Nature Short

*meep* Pardon me while I have a small panic attack. It's somehow five days before Xmas and I have nothing wrapped. This doesn't happen, at least not for a long time. All I can say is the sages have been prolific and when they're feeding me words, I pretty much lose all track of time. So… a whirlwind wrapping session is on tap starting first thing tomorrow. Ugh.

I missed the Haven finale. See previous comment about the sages feeding me words. I'll catch it on demand in the near future. I hope. LOL

The Librarians and Agent X had pretty great episodes this week. I'm also in a good mood after watching the magic and mayhem the librarians get involved in. And Agent X makes the conspiracy theorist part of my brain work to figure things out. Two hour finale next week and I'm definitely interested in where the season ends.

That's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Holly Hollow, an Organic Nature Short featuring Eppie and Vin in a Christmas story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eppie's business turned its best holiday profit yet and Vin wants to whisk her off for a celebration at Holly Hollow, a secluded B&B. The insane pace from Thanksgiving to December twenty-third has Eppie in a bah humbug mood and Vin wants to put a smile back on her face.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie put the last of the chocolate peppermint rolls in the delivery box and heaved a sigh. She stacked the smaller container in the large bin she'd use for delivery and carried the items to the enclosed porch where she'd been storing the orders to keep them cool. Entering the house, she found Vin cleaning up the kitchen. The man amazed her, especially after she'd been in full on Grinch mode most of the week.

Her shoulders slumped and fatigue seeped in. Since Thanksgiving, Organic Nature kept her going nonstop. She loved the explosion of popularity, but holy Christmas trees, she hadn't planned for almost doubling her orders and sales from last year. She certainly couldn't and shouldn't complain, her wildest dreams were coming true, after all.

The business turned a profit and she could expand into new lines earlier than she expected. Vin's suggestion she hire some help would be under serious consideration. No, it would happen, because she loved what she did for a living and wanted to succeed. Just not at the cost of losing herself in the process. And not if she turned into a raving lunatic.

Her lack of preparation showed in her snappish behavior. Thankfully, Vin had been a trooper, giving her some space when she got too Scrooge-like—which had been a lot. Gads.

She tilted her head to one side, admiring the way his ass filled out his jeans. She hadn't seen enough of his naked butt lately—totally her fault, of course.

Clearing her throat, she wondered aloud. "Why on earth do you put up with me?"

Vin didn't turn from his task. "Because I love you." His head angled around. "Okay with you if I finish up here?" He rinsed off a glass baking dish. "You look wiped." He thrust his hands back into the sink.

Eppie moved behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I'll grab a shower then." She gave him a tight squeeze, grateful to have him around. "Thanks."

He craned his neck but kept his hands in the water. "You're welcome, Ep." He held her gaze a long moment then dropped a kiss on her nose. "I'll meet you in bed with some hot chamomile tea."

Who wouldn't want a guy who washes dishes and delivers tea? LOL Eppie is one lucky girl.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Mistletoe and Holly—Holly Hollow: An Organic Nature Short #MistletoeHop

Sponsored by Romance Beckons

Enter for a chance to win an awesome prize!

Grab your mistletoe and pucker up!

Welcome to the Mistletoe 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. Enter by leaving a comment for a chance to receive a free copy.

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

~*~

My favorite family tradition started about ten years ago. I got the wild hair idea to have a themed holiday tree. I had my oldest kiddo pick the theme and we came up with ideas for how to make ornaments and use things around the house to decorate. To date we've had Under the Sea, Buried Treasure, Nature's Bounty, Candy Land, Snowflakes and Cupcakes, Techno Tree, Imaginext, Noah's Ark, Seahawks Rule—much to the chagrin of my Browns loving husband, and Bells are Ringing.

This year my daughter got to choose and she wanted to do something a little vintage. We've decorated a white tree with old fashioned looking ornaments in jewel tones. She hasn't really named it yet, but I've been calling it our Vintage Jewel tree. It's really quite lovely.

After getting the tree decorated, my favorite 'me' tradition is to turn on some seasonal music, get a glass of wine or cup of tea, and decompress by reading a holiday romance. It's a nice little respite from the crazy schedules, piles of presents, and butt-loads of wrapping paper waiting in the wings.

~*~

Traditions are wonderful things. But what happens when you can't follow an established one? Or you don't have any in the first place? When writing as Skylin O'Thomas, I tend to focus on contemporary romance, with couples who have challenges to face, but find love nonetheless. They also celebrate the season and keep their holiday spirit, or find it by the end of the story.

My holiday release, Holly Hollow, an Organic Nature Short, features Eppie and Vin, an established couple who work through their challenges. Holly Hollow picks up a month after Turkey Trot ends and sees Eppie stressed out and crazy from very satisfying

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 share your favorite part of the holiday season. (Maybe it involves books!)

~*~

Series Tagline: Eppie and Vin are brought together by Organic Nature

Book Tagline: For Presley, waking up between Gunnar and Frazier is one way to be merry and bright.

~*~

Vin Derbish hit send and didn't wait long for an answer. "Dani? Hey, it's Vin." He paced back and forth, a little nervous about going to Eppie's sister behind her back. "Would you mind if I steal Eppie over Christmas?" He didn't want to cut into family time, but Eppie needed a break.

Dani snorted. "You mean the Ebenezer crone that used to be my bubbly sister?"

Vin's eye widened. "You've noticed the wild mood swings, too?" Although, of course, Dani would see the change in Eppie.

Dani sighed. "Oh, definitely. She's trying to do too much on her own."

Vin agreed wholeheartedly. "Right. I suggested she hire some extra help, just for a week or two, and I swear I thought her head was going to spin around and pop off." He grimaced. "First night I've spent alone, wondering if we were okay." Only his ex-girlfriend's Thanksgiving Day stunt gave him the free fall feeling of uncertainty, which Eppie cleared up right away.

Thank the universe.

Dani commiserated. "When I've gone over to wrap presents for the kids, she's been snapping and snarling after closing up for the day, which isn't like her at all." She laughed. "Maybe being a dancing sugar plum fairy during working hours is draining her holiday cheer." Her voice lowered. "But you've nailed it, Vin. She needs some help when it's really busy."

Vin finally sat down at his kitchen table. "Didn't help she sold out of so much—the hand milled soaps, essential oils, and body lotions. I mean she stayed up until after two a.m. making more." His offer to help fell on deaf ears and earned him a nasty look.

Dani agreed. "Yeah, I helped her out with the edible items. The pumpkin butter and cranberry sauce sold like hot cakes."

Vin pinched the bridge of his noses. "It's a good problem to have, but she's stressing out. The pumpkin rolls she made for Thanksgiving delivery got a lot of Christmas Eve repeat business for the chocolate peppermint rolls. And that's where stealing her comes in." Once Eppie filled the last of her orders, he wanted her to have a stress-free holiday.

Dani's voice took on a conspiratorially tone. "What's your plan?"

~*~

Series Blurb: Eppie Collins runs an organic gardening business from a farm she inherited from her grandmother. She's spent four years getting the product mix just right, the financials into the black, and avoiding romantic entanglements. Vinson  Derbish is a local contractor who just got out of a merry-go-round relationship. He promised to give the female population a wide berth, but can't resist Eppie's sassy charm. He's ready to take another plunge, but has to convince Eppie he's the man for her.

Book Blurb: Eppie's business turned its best holiday profit yet and Vin wants to whisk her off for a celebration at Holly Hollow, a secluded B&B. The insane pace from Thanksgiving to December twenty-third has Eppie in a bah humbug mood and Vin wants to put a smile back on her face.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website http://www.skyewrites.com

Get into the holiday spirit and relax! Visit the other participating authors.

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Sunday Snippet: Follow Instructions

Argh!!! The Flash, Arrow, and Agents of SHIELD left off at cliffhangery moments. But what awesome episodes!!! I have lots and lots of thoughts, but won't share here for the sake of saving some space. LOL

Haven has one more week and will end on a double episode. I truly hope it ends well, mainly because I've been with the show since the very beginning.

The Librarians and Agent X are still entertaining me. I really enjoyed last week's Agent X and can't wait to see what happens this week. Gotta say the actor playing the foil in last week's episode is making the rounds. He's been on a lot of shows I've been watching.

Looking forward to Agent Carter coming soon. I love the format and the entire cast of characters. Can't wait.

That's it for the TV roundup this week.

Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a sexy short where my heroine helps my hero through a tough spot.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly… and not so properly.

And a snippety peek...

The wail of the wind sounded worse than the siren used earlier. And the rain continued almost blowing sideways. A crappy day all around.

"God, this weather sucks." Risa Pym glanced out the back window of the ambulance.

Ford Thrummond snorted. "You always say that unless the sun is shining and it's seventy-five degrees." He couldn't resist a grin when she rolled her eyes.

Risa should move to a moderate climate state instead of living in Ohio where the weather often changed every fifteen minutes. Then again, if she left… well, he wouldn't want her to move far away. The rig pulled into the station house and Risa had the back doors open before the overheads finished closing.

Ford shook his head. "What's your hurry?" He'd worked with her long enough to know why she rushed out of the rig.

She turned, a brow arched. "Are you kidding? With that wind and rain? You know we're gonna get another call." Jumping down, she started toward the cleaning equipment. "Sooner rather than later. And you know I can't deal with a messy medic."

Ford chuckled. Her brain didn't function when the back of the ambulance got chaotic with supplies, equipment, and gear out of place. Worse yet, when rain, snow, mud, or dust littered the floors or any other surface. Currently, there were leaves all over the place from the gusty winds.

He moved forward to exit the back when Risa wheeled a bucket and mop over.

She made a noise. "Be careful—"

His hand grasped the rail and he made a motion to step out but his foot flew out from under him, missing the step and landing hard on the concrete floor. He jarred and rolled his ankle then went down to his knee, pain radiating outward from the twisted limb.

Risa hissed out a breath. "Shit. Are you okay?" She dropped down beside him, already assessing the injury.

Her hands pushed lightly and he winced. Not okay. No doubt, he'd sprained the ankle, possibly even fractured the bone.

He glanced up. "I have no idea what the hell happened." Other than making an idiot out of himself.

Risa grimaced. "A wet railing and your foot on a pile of leaves doesn't make a good combo." She met his gaze. "Looks like we're going out again sooner instead of later." Standing, she went to the second ambulance, popped the back door, and grabbed a gear bag. "Let's get you splinted up and over to the ED for an x-ray." Her lips twitched. "I would ask if you wanted the full treatment, but I'm sure we can take the SUV instead."

He sent her a scathing look. "Damned right we will. I am not going to the emergency department in the back of a medic." He'd walk first.

Risa shook her head and started to get the splint around his ankle. "What is it with the male members of the fire service? We haul patients in the back of the medic all the time."

Ford grunted. "Yeah, well, I'm not a patient and I don't need a full crew for a stupid sprained ankle."

Risa finished with the splint and laughed. "You're right about not being patient. Think you can manage to wait two minutes while I fill in the lieutenant?"

Ford gave her a smirk. "I can try. But you get two minutes before I hot wire the vehicle and drive myself."

She snorted. "Yeah, I'd like to see you make it the SUV in two minutes, but whatever." Bending down, she met his gaze. "Seriously, Ford. Chill until I get back, okay?"

He nodded. The concerned look in her eyes had him wondering if he had more than a sprain.

Her lips curved in a half smile. "Sit tight. Be right back."

Like he had anywhere he could go.

I love writing when a couple discovers and acts on their attraction. So much fun!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Five Minutes

December 6, 2015

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Even if you don't celebrate anything holiday related, I hope the festive nature rubs off and make December terrific.

So… Gotham. Interesting stuff building in this season. I'm truly loving all the potential and the twists and turns. I'm very curious about how they'll deal with Gordon's actions. I love how he's not afraid to get messy, but there has to be some kind of line he won't cross.

The Flash and Arrow crossover event ended up being pretty decent, especially since it bridges the setup of a new show. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But I think it accomplished a ton of stuff and stayed true to the characters.

The Walking Dead finale seemed a little flat, but I'll give the showrunners this one. The rest of the season has been so top notch; I'm willing to wait for a bigger payoff. In all honesty, I'm not super excited about adding the uber-villain into the mix just yet, even if the actor they cast is incredible. I'll reserve judgment until I see the new episodes.

Haven inches ever closer to the end and I'm on the fence about the stunt casting of Shatner. I love the man as an actor, but I hope the payoff is worth using him. I do have a ton of joy over the fact they're addressing Duke and Audrey's somewhat tumultuous relationship. It's my fondest hope the combined effort of Duke, Audrey, and Nathan will be what it takes to rid Haven of Croatoan and keep the town safe. We'll see if I'm on track very soon.

The Librarians and Agent X are still enjoyable. I like the slow reveal of John's background in Agent X and love the dropped hint in the most recent episode. Won't say more to keep the post spoiler free for now.

Last but not least, Agents of SHIELD and Doctor Who. I'm kind of excited to see where AoS ends up. I like seeing a darker Coulson, but I'm not sure I buy him getting all bent over the death of a woman he pretty much just met. Eh… we'll see what happens. And Doctor Who… well, I honestly don't have a lot to say. Or maybe I've got so much to say I can't possibly put it all in one post. Still hugely disappointed and, quite frankly, too stupid to really understand what the big freaking deal is with the hybrid crap. At least the Xmas episode looks pretty fun.

And that's it for television this week. I hope to start Daredevil and Jessica Jones over the holiday hiatus. YAY!

Tonight's post is from Five Minutes, a sexy short where my heroine struggles with her feelings for the hero.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Remy Deeds never welshes on a bet, until she loses to Eli Rogers, who can't understand why she backs out. But a five minute kiss, with tongue, isn't something she wants to risk, because giving up her last pack of coffee is so much easier than possibly losing her heart.

And snippety peek…

Remy Deeds finished packing her foot locker for a thirty day training session in the mountains. She loved the site of the remote camp, but an attack of nerves fluttered in her belly. She considered her first time out as a trainer instead of only a participant a big step up, but she had firsthand knowledge of how wild things could get between the male and female groups in the wilderness. Alone for the entire month, cut off from tech—except a satellite phone for dire emergencies—most of the two teams would be paired off and hooking up by day ten. She understood the desire for fun and relaxation and with everyone being single, nature inevitably would run its course. With four cabins, two for men and two for women, at least half became mixed couple before the end of the session.

She'd been there, done that, and had no regrets. Okay… not many anyway. She'd learned a valuable lesson—her heart always got involved.

But… she wouldn't change her first experience as a trainee. She'd gone for a physically built, down to earth guy and spent twenty-one glorious nights exploring her sexual side. Her days were filled with learning everything she could about leading campers on nature hikes, first response for emergency situations, and more essential skills. But her real education came after the evening meal when she holed up with Keith in his room and discovered everything two bodies could do together.

Then, of course, true wisdom arrived when she struggled to leave the relationship behind once they returned to the main camping facility. Keith had zero interest in pursuing anything else. He enjoyed the nature fling, but didn't plan to be shackled to anyone for at least five years. Remy understood—she didn't want to marry the guy. Yet… at the time, being lonely sucked.

Her co-trainer, Sheila, entered the room. "Wheels out in fifteen minutes." She closed the door and fanned herself. "Holy hot bods galore. Have you seen the gorgeous group of men we'll be spending the next thirty days with?" Flopping down on the bed, Sheila flung an arm over her eyes. "I've already got mine all picked out." She propped her elbows behind her, sitting up. "How about you, Remy?"

Remy shook her head. "Not this time. Too much to do and a lot of responsibilities." Zipping up her bag, she placed it beside the locker.

Sheila snorted. "What a crock of bull."

Remy dropped down beside her friend. "Yeah, okay. But I worked hard to move up to training. I don't want to screw it up my first time out." Not exactly a lie.

But a small fabrication. Remy had a serious thing Eli Rogers. But… one, he would lead the black team, her white team counterpart; two, he had a reputation for getting hot and heavy with someone—occasionally multiple someones—each training session, and he'd been leading teams for three years now; three, mixing a romp with the opposing team leader combined with her already huge fixation on him would lead to one thing.

A bruised heart.

Have to admit this one is more fun than even I thought it would be.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—Fantasy Exchange #MFRWAuthors #MFRWHooks

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 hope everyone is geared up for the holiday season!

For my selection, I'll be featuring another excerpt from Fantasy Exchange, a fun romp where work and play create a little friction.

This week, we see a little more of Vas and Kelsey.

Book Tagline: A fantasy exchange leads to hot action for Kelsey and Vas.

~*~

Kelsey kicked back, downing her shot of bourbon. She couldn't wait to hear who Mal Birdman fantasized about. Wait. Unless she topped the list. She held back a shudder. She might have to punch him in the face if he named her.

Howie nodded toward Mal. "Yeah, Bird Dog, who's your ultimate fantasy?"

Mal lifted a shoulder. "I've got a bunch, but the master of arms is who I dreamed about last night."

Howie's eyes widened. "Dude, she's a lesbian. You don’t stand a chance."

Mal snorted. "Tell that to my dick. She's been popping in and out of my nighttime escapades for weeks now."

Kelsey rolled her eyes. "Too much information, Bird Dog." She nudged Sherri. "Change the subject, Sher. Who's your top fantasy man?"

Sherri grinned and pointed to Howie. "Come on. I live with mine."

Howie gave a smug smile. "Back at you, babe."

Nolan made a gagging sound. "Geez, you two suck."

Maggie chimed in. "You're disgustingly predictable. Always the same answer."

Sherri cackled. "Well, come on, he's perfection." She waited a beat. "And super kinky, so no need to look elsewhere."

Kelsey sputtered. "Dammit. Too much information." She jabbed a finger in Maggie's direction. "Mags, save us."

Maggie chuckled. "Well… there's a certain barista at the coffee shop on Market Road." She leaned in. "I'm not naming a name because there's a chance I might actually hook up with her."

Whistles sounded and a lot of gazes widened around the table.

Vas lifted a brow. "You're into women? Seriously?"

Maggie blushed and shrugged. "I don't know. It's a fantasy, right? I'd like to try and make it happen."

Kelsey nodded. "You go for it, Mags." She downed another shot, looking for the next victim. "Nolan. Ultimate fantasy."

Nolan didn't hesitate. "Mine's from the academy. A red hot instructor by the name of Martina Escaba. I always drooled in her class."

Available on Amazon

~*~

Book Blurb: Vas Batista leads an elite team in and out of hot spots around the world for a private security company. A particularly grueling operation lowers morale and he decides the team needs a pick up. But he's not quite prepared for the ice breaker topic his second in command draws out of the box—name his ultimate fantasy woman. Considering Kelsey fits the bill, Vas can't very well name her.

Kelsey Drum loves working her dream job and can't ask for a better group of people to spend the bulk of her time with. When her CO wants a distraction she's always happy to provide one. But sharing her biggest fantasy? No way. Not when he's her number one pick.

Kelsey and Vas manage to avoid naming each other, but their interest is piqued. Kelsey quite literally catches Vas with his pants down and she comes clean about who she'd choose as her fantasy man. Vas admits she's his top choice and a meeting of minds and bodies follows. They embark on a fantasy exchange, but agree the work has to come first, no matter what. When Vas struggles to keep rule number one, Kelsey calls off the affair until Vas can deal.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

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