Sunday Snippet: Rise and Shine

Happy holidays to all who celebrate. My post is a little later than usual but the lead-up to Christmas morning exhausted me and I took a nice, long winter's nap today. LOL

I overloaded on holiday-themed shows this week and loved every moment. I'll be continuing through probably New Year's Eve. So much great television.

This week included all the Arrow and The Flash holiday episodes. Eureka, Haven, and Warehouse 13. I worked Roswell and The District in along with animated episodes from Rugrats, Batman, and Justice League. Dropped into single episode fare with Buffy, Supernatural, The Librarians, Leverage and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm sure I'll have a few more before I finally go to bed. I can't wait!

Tonight's post is from Rise and Shine, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of "the businessman and the barista". Still working out some kinks, but loving how much fun this one is.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Abram Purdy sees the same barista, Whitney Boone, every day of the week. She always knows exactly what he needs to get his day started. He runs into her on a Saturday jog and discovers she's accepting a teaching position at the local university and Abram decides to see if she'll still make his morning coffee—at his place.

And a snippety peek…

Whitney's gaze followed Abram when he exited the shop. She finished up a caramel latte and cheerfully handed it to the next customer in line. Abram finally walked out of sight and Whitney started the next person's mocha frappuccino.

She'd miss him the most.

"Whitney, how am I going to survive without your mocha frappuccinos?" Lynia Grant made an exaggerated pouty face.

Whitney laughed. "See Sarah. She makes them even better than I do." She handed Lynia her order. "But thank you. You just made my day." Glancing back, she smiled at the next person in line, another regular.

Lynia grinned. "Good to know Sarah will have things under control. But you're still my fave for the next two weeks." She walked over to the cashier.

Whitney got a kick out of Lynia's compliment. Whitney always enjoyed her regular morning crowd. But only until she worked out her notice.

The next five orders were all hipster combinations and Whitney's mind drifted back to Abram's simple preference for nothing but a strong cup of java. No sugar, creamer, flavor shots, or complicated additives. She appreciated his straightforwardness as much as she admired his charm, quirky sense of humor, and, well, his handsome face.

So why haven't you told him you're leaving yet?

Whitney squashed the inner voice. She'd talk to Abram soon. Her reason for not doing so required further examination.

But she only had two more weeks to ponder before she had to break the news.

A lull in order traffic gave her some time to clean up her station and to reflect about her hesitation in sharing the news with Abram. She rarely saw him outside of the coffee shop, but she'd gotten to know him pretty well when he came in several times a week for a change of scenery when he worked. Her mild fixation on the man didn't really have a basis in reality.

Except he knew her better than some of her former boyfriends. He always asked about her life outside of Rise and Shine. And showed a personal interest in her.

Yet he'd never asked her out or anything along those lines.

Satisfied with her sparkling counter, Whitney resolved to tell him when he came in the next time.

I think it's going to be loads of fun to watch Abram try to win Whitney's heart. Here's hoping.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Only one week until the merriest day! We still have to decorate our tree, but we always wait until about a week before the holiday. Should be done by this evening.

The Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza continued this past week. I finished up NCIS, moved on to NCIS: LA and NCIS: New Orleans. Then followed with MASH. Last night I started the X-Files.

Teen Wolf had a great episode. The season feels a little choppy but I'm enjoying. The Librarians and MacGyver had good episodes. Enjoyed the holiday-themed flavor on MacGyver.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a sexy short set on New Year's Eve.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

Kelton Pine entered the sheriff's office via the back door. He waved to the dispatcher, Bette Zinda, and nodded toward the small changing area. He'd finished a five mile run and needed a shower before starting his shift.

Kicking off his slushy shoes, he followed by stripping out of his clothes, three layers of thermal garments, damp from the increasing snowfall outside.

He started the water and stepped into the shower, mindful of the temperature. When the spray warmed up, he ducked under.

"Hey, Kel? You decent?" Bette's voice carried in from the outer hallway.

Kel chuckled. Only Bette would ask him that question. In her sixties, she'd seen everything, knew everyone, and nothing fazed the woman.

Not even a naked, six-foot-one man taking a shower. When Bette had something to say, she didn't wait.

He called out his answer. "Since when does it matter?" He finished lathering up and started rinsing off. "The curtain's closed, so yeah, I'm decent." Steam rose all around him, obscuring him further.

Her voice sounded again, closer this time. "Better finish up. Just got a BOLO on Juss Rampkin." She waited for the water to shut off before continuing. "Seems he knocked Karena around again and put her in the hospital this time."

Kel grimaced then grabbed the towel, hanging over the edge of the shower stall. "How bad?" Dammit, Juss couldn't seem to keep out of trouble.

He dried off quickly and wrapped the towel around him. Stepping out of the stall, he quirked a brow.

Bette lifted a shoulder and wouldn't meet Kel's gaze. "She had some internal bleeding." She held a hand out when he started for the door. "Now, hold on, Kel. Juss is already in the wind. Sheriff Donnelly just got back from the house and Juss isn't there." She handed him his uniform shirt. "You can't go anywhere until you're dressed and the sheriff wants to talk to you before you go off half-cocked." She turned around after handing him his pants.

Kel rolled his eyes. Bette used to change his diapers when his mom worked third shift at the hospital, but he'd much prefer her to at least be in the next room while he got his uniform on.

She filled in more of the blanks. "It'll be a felony charge this time and Juss knows it."

Kel growled. "Only if Karena presses charges. She's let him off too many times." And the department had their hands tied.

Juss had been escalating over the past few months. What started out as verbal tirades directed at his common law wife had now jumped to physical altercations and abuse. Nothing Donnelly or Kel did to curtail the man's wild outbursts worked. And Karena kept taking Juss back.

Kel finished dressing, tucking his shirt into his pants. "How long will she be out of commission?" If long enough, they might be able to talk some sense into her.

Bette shrugged. "At least forty-eight hours." She fell into step beside Kel when he exited into the changing area. "And she won't have a choice this time. The attending physician documented her injuries. The law director can and will file charges without her filling out a complaint." She laid a hand on Kel's arm. "We'll find him and make sure he faces the music."

Kel stopped outside Donnelly's office. "I have a good idea where he took off to." Juss never went far. "I'll check in then head out. Keep me updated on Karena's progress, yeah?"

Bette nodded. "You know I will." She headed for the dispatch room but paused. "A storm's coming in. Be careful out there."

Kel gave her a thumbs-up then entered the sheriff's office. If Kel wanted to beat the weather rolling in, he'd have to leave ASAP.

This may end up being novella length by the time I'm finished. Hopefully, I can ring in 2018 with this release.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Baby, It's Cold Outside… #HappyHolidaysHop

Maybe it's time to curl up with a great book

Sponsored by Nicki J. Markus | Asta Idonea

You should totally stay… it's the perfect time to curl up and read a great book when it's cold outside!

Please enjoy the holiday cheer and consider picking up some fabulous reading material.

~*~

~*~

What makes your holiday happy? A ton of gifts under the tree? Spending time with family? The holiday tunes? Lots of fluffy, white stuff falling from the sky?

For me, spending the season with family and friends makes my holiday happy. I also love wrapping presents and making fun treats to share with others. I started a new tradition this year that I've dubbed the Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza. I have a bunch of holiday themed television shows ready to stream to fill my days with lots of cheer.

I also love to write and read holiday themed romance. 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 releases Holly Hollow and Merry and Bright feature a duo and trio, all of whom have crazy schedules and need to find their holiday cheer.

The first has 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 running her business. Vin wants to turn the Scrooge-like woman back into his sexy Eppie who knows how to have fun.

The second features Gunnar and Frazier pulling out all the stops to make Presley's holiday season a happy one. The recent loss of her parents has Presley wondering how to start new traditions. The men come up with an excellent plan to show her how much they care.

I had so much fun writing the books and Holly Hollow is on sale through the end of the year. If either of the excerpts strikes your fancy, please consider picking up the full copy.

~*~

Holly Hollow: An Organic Nature Short

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?"

Available on Amazon

~*~

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.

~*~

~*~

Merry and Bright

Book Tagline: Presley wants to start some new holiday traditions, but waking up in bed with Gunnar and Frazier isn't what she had in mind. Yet… she can't think of a better way to be merry and bright.

Tilting her head to the side, she gazed at the reflection. She had a hazy, dreamy look on her face. "Geez, Pres. Get a grip." She screwed the lid back on the container. "And get dressed, you idiot, or you'll miss the movie."

She entered her bedroom and grabbed her favorite downtime clothes—a pair of comfy yoga pants, a soft T-shirt, and a fleece zip-up. She dropped the towel and pulled the garments on, stuffing her feet into a pair of fluffy socks. Feeling loose and relaxed, she opened her bedroom door and exited, stopping mid-step, stunned by the sight greeting her eyes.

A zillion presents under her tree. Her gaze flew to Frazier and Gunnar, standing in her kitchen with big, fat grins on their faces.

Her head shook back and forth. "Oh, you guys, what did you do?" She walked forward, disbelief working its way through her brain.

Frazier moved into the living room. "What's it look like? We played Santa."

Gunnar followed Fraz into the space.

Presley backed up, moving away from the tree. "It's too much. I can't accept all this stuff." She paced the floor, back and forth, overwhelmed, before she stopped. "Did you two do this so I'd pick one of you over the other?" She leveled her gaze on both men. "I already said I'm not coming between you."

Gunnar shot Frazier a sideways glance. "Shit, Fraz. We're morons."

Frazier nodded. "Yep. We are." He shook his head. "We forgot to tell her about the no pressure thing."

Available from Resplendence | Amazon | ARe | BN

~*~

Book Blurb: After losing her parents, Presley Griffith will be spending the holidays alone, and wishes new traditions were easier to establish. But instead of being by herself, she ends up in bed with Frazier Boyle and Gunnar Stewart. The cop and the firefighter heat things up and cool them down and Presley can't think of a better way to be merry and bright.

Please stop by my website

Spread some holiday cheer! Visit the other participating authors.

Ho, Ho, Ho, Naughty or Nice? #MistletoeHop

Sponsored by Romance Beckons

Grab your mistletoe and pucker up!

Welcome to the Mistletoe Hop, a fabulous sampling of authors sharing short excerpts from their work and answering the question of whether they've been…

NAUGHTY OR NICE

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.

~*~

Have I been naughty or nice?

Honestly? I'm all about the balance.

So, the answer to the question is… Both!

Being naughty—not mean, of course—can be so much fun. Sharing an innuendo-filled joke to make someone smile—or snort soda out their nose—is a hoot. Picking the perfect gag gift for siblings before they get yours… totally cool. Letting loose and straying from the tried and true gives life a little oomph and boosts my horizons.

Which pays off in huge ways.

Then again, it costs nothing to be nice and, hey, showing kindness feels good. Whether giving one of my daughter's fellow golfers a lift to practice so their parents don't have to leave work early or providing supplies to a local animal shelter or food pantry, being generous with my time or giving to a cause near to my heart refills my emotional piggy bank.

Even small gestures have big impact.

~*~

Being naughty and nice might confuse the jolly, fat man, but it makes for some great romance. 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.

Combining some naughty sexual tension with a nice dose of holiday cheer is what I love to do. I have two holiday releases with this terrific combination.

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 until Vin steals her away for some rest, relaxation, and wicked good holiday fun.

Merry and Bright has Presley facing her Christmas after the loss of her parents and best friends Gunner and Frasier, pulling out all the stops to make her holiday one she'll never forget. They even call a truce on their good-natured rivalry to see who can win her heart.

Excerpts for both books are below. Please enjoy!

~*~

Holly Hollow: An Organic Nature Short

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?"

Available on Amazon

~*~

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.

~*~

~*~

Merry and Bright

Book Tagline: Presley wants to start some new holiday traditions, but waking up in bed with Gunnar and Frazier isn't what she had in mind. Yet… she can't think of a better way to be merry and bright.

Tilting her head to the side, she gazed at the reflection. She had a hazy, dreamy look on her face. "Geez, Pres. Get a grip." She screwed the lid back on the container. "And get dressed, you idiot, or you'll miss the movie."

She entered her bedroom and grabbed her favorite downtime clothes—a pair of comfy yoga pants, a soft T-shirt, and a fleece zip-up. She dropped the towel and pulled the garments on, stuffing her feet into a pair of fluffy socks. Feeling loose and relaxed, she opened her bedroom door and exited, stopping mid-step, stunned by the sight greeting her eyes.

A zillion presents under her tree. Her gaze flew to Frazier and Gunnar, standing in her kitchen with big, fat grins on their faces.

Her head shook back and forth. "Oh, you guys, what did you do?" She walked forward, disbelief working its way through her brain.

Frazier moved into the living room. "What's it look like? We played Santa."

Gunnar followed Fraz into the space.

Presley backed up, moving away from the tree. "It's too much. I can't accept all this stuff." She paced the floor, back and forth, overwhelmed, before she stopped. "Did you two do this so I'd pick one of you over the other?" She leveled her gaze on both men. "I already said I'm not coming between you."

Gunnar shot Frazier a sideways glance. "Shit, Fraz. We're morons."

Frazier nodded. "Yep. We are." He shook his head. "We forgot to tell her about the no pressure thing."

Available from Resplendence | Amazon | ARe | BN

~*~

Book Blurb: After losing her parents, Presley Griffith will be spending the holidays alone, and wishes new traditions were easier to establish. But instead of being by herself, she ends up in bed with Frazier Boyle and Gunnar Stewart. The cop and the firefighter heat things up and cool them down and Presley can't think of a better way to be merry and bright.

I had so much fun writing the books and I'm giving a digital copy of your choice away for this blog hop.

Please leave a comment for your entry and share whether you top the naughty or nice list and which holiday themed book strikes your fancy.

Please stop by my website

Find out who else has been naughty or nice! Visit the other participating authors.

Sunday Snippet: Rescue Me

December 11, 2016

Is the holiday season in full swing at your house? It's definitely rockin' at mine. LOL

Holiday shows were something of a theme this week. The Flash and Arrow had their Christmas shows and I thoroughly enjoyed.

Teen Wolf is creeping me out with the riders. I kind of love the blend of old and new but really need to see some Stiles on my screen. Agents of SHIELD threw a total twisty twist in at the end of their episode. Can't wait for the hiatus to be over to see what's going to happen next.

The Librarians continues to make me happy. Also love The Talking Dead, especially when I skip the episode of The Walking Dead. I'm just not at all interested in Neegan and his machinations.

Legends of Tomorrow introduced the Legion of Doom and that makes me happy. Having Merlyn and company pop up now and again should keep things very interesting.

MacGyver also makes me happy. I love the reboot of Jack's character more than I can say.

The Great Holiday Binge Watch continues. I've made it through the complete Whoverse and look forward to the new special on Christmas Day. Started on NCIS and have the first two holiday episodes watched.

Also caught up on Murdoch Mysteries. I'm loving this season so much!

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rescue Me, a novella that started with the two-word prompt, "let's roll".

Here's the mini-blurb:

After twenty-four hours of non-stop runs in two busy station houses, Skylar Darns and Hayes Parrison, two extremely good paramedics, are ready to throw in the towel and have someone rescue them. The one saving grace? They spend the day planning their anniversary celebration—one they may be too exhausted to attend.

And a snippety peek…

She lifted her butt and positioned her cleft over the tip of his cock. "One of the many things I love about you." He thrust upward and she gasped before settling down and taking him deep.

Hayes groaned. "Mmm. You're hot and wet this morning, Sky." His arm banded around her waist, his palm splayed over her tummy.

Skylar rocked her hips. "Busy fingers do the devil's work." The play on words had a harsh breath from Hayes fanning her ear.

Hayes inched his hand lower. "In that case, I'd better get busy." His fingers swirled over her clit before rubbing back and forth.

Skylar moaned. The combination of his slow, easy thrusts and the external stimulation nudged her close to the brink. She tightened her core, a move designed to bring Hayes with her. He growled his appreciation then pressed harder on the bundle of nerves.

Stars exploded behind her eyelids. "Oh, yeah, right there." The pressure burst and spilled outward, raising goose bumps on her skin.

Her nipples puckered, tingling with awareness. Warmth spread from the base of her spine, blossoming along her nerve endings. Hayes flexed his hips again, thrusting deep, and her orgasm shuddered through her.

Hayes hummed with satisfaction. "Yeah, Sky. Ride it out. Squeeze my cock with your pussy."

His lewd words bumped her pleasure up a notch. She got off on his descriptive requests.

Reaching around, she grabbed his ass, urging him to go faster. "Give me more, Hayes. I want everything."

He complied, speeding up his thrusts, bucking his groin against her butt. "Almost there. You're so hot, I can't last much longer."

She didn't want him to. Craving his release, she pushed back, rolling her pelvis to pull him deeper. "Now, Hayes, come with me now."

He gasped out a harsh breath and let go, his raspy exhalations cooling her nape. His strokes slowed, but he didn't stop until his cock softened and gently slid out of her. Trailing his lips along her temple, he basked in the afterglow with her until their breathing returned to normal.

The alarm on her phone went off and she reached for the device, quickly dismissing the alert. Shifting her position, twisting around and sitting up, she braced her arms on either side of Hayes's torso.

Leaning down, she brushed her lips over Hayes's. "Best wakeup call ever." If they didn't have to work, she'd drag him into the shower for round two.

He flashed a smile. "I aim to please." Holding her gaze, he caught her face between his hands. "I love you, Sky. It's been a great year." His chin lifted and his mouth moved over hers.

After a toe-curling kiss, she eased away. "It's been better than great. More like the best and only getting better." Sitting up, she trailed her fingers down his chest. "Looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend."

He caught her palm with his. "Me, too. Just have to make it through the next twenty-four-hour shift then we're off and ready for action."

Skylar rolled her eyes. "You realize you just guaranteed we'll have the worst calls ever today, right?" She got up and started for the bathroom.

Hayes smacked her lightly on the ass. "You're too superstitious for your own good."

Skylar's lips curved. Just you wait, Hayes. Just you wait.

This is a fun romp and Skylar and Hayes are a blast to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Reflex Reaction

Tis the season! The final month of the year filled with joy, happiness, and insanely crazy schedules. LOL

I'm working on a little something I hope to share throughout the month, with the idea dependent upon how many hours I have left over during the day.

Television this week had the best almost full week crossover in the DC universe. Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow went up against the dominators and came out on top. Pretty great stuff!

The Librarians had a fun episode. I like it when Jenkins and Eve have adventures. The Walking Dead's Tara-centric episode ended up being pretty terrific, too.

Gotham got interesting with the introduction of Selena's mother and Gordon landing in another hot mess. Of course, Barbara and company teaming up with Nygma can only be a good thing.

Agents of SHIELD took a twisty turn having Mac inhabited by the fiery vengeance seeker for a brief period. I'm liking where everything is headed.

For fun, I started what I’m calling my Great Holiday Show Binge Watch. I started out with all the holiday episodes of JAG then dove into the Doctor Who Christmas specials. I'm up to "The End of Time" when David Tennant hands over the TARDIS to Matt Smith. Hoping to finish out the Whoverse episodes and maybe start on NCIS next.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Reflex Reaction, a novella that started with the scene prompt of "write one of your characters interrupting another when they're on a date."

Here's the mini-blurb:

Rory Crame longs for more than her small hometown can provide. She escapes, leaving her childhood sweetheart, Gib Larrison, behind. Seven years later she returns, older and wiser, with a better appreciation for what she walked away from—especially Gib, who doesn't seem at all interested in rekindling their romance.

And a snippety peek…

Gib held her gaze a moment then leaned in, nuzzling against her ear. "Why don't I take Ava home then stop by your place?" He swiped the pad of his thumb over her clit one last time then eased his finger from her.

Rory straightened her clothing then fisted a hand in his shirt. "When? What time can you be there?" The needy thread in her voice annoyed, but the lust in her brain crowded everything else out.

Gib adjusted his still hard erection before zipping up. "I don't know, Rory, you interrupted a date. Just because my dick is hard for you doesn't mean I'm going to act like one." He glanced away, his mouth pressed into a flat line. "Gimme thirty minutes."

Rory bit back her frustration. "That better be a promise, Gib. Any longer and I'll come find you." She let go of his shirt, smoothing the wrinkles.

Gib cupped the side of her face. "Thirty minutes. I'll be there." He leaned in, kissing her quick and hard.

Rory's gaze followed him when he made his exit. The man had an ass to die for. Swinging back around, she faced the mirror and debated about splashing cold water on her face to cool down a little.

A stall door popped open and Amber Caranova sauntered out, wearing a sly smirk. "Damn, you've got some brass ones, Rory."

Rory rolled her eyes. Didn't it just figure she and Gib had an unwitting audience. A loud-mouthed, big-titted blonde who lived to define the sexpot stereotype. Rory had zero use for the catty woman.

Amber strolled to the sink, turning the tap on. "I gotta give you credit, hon. Not many women can literally lead a guy around by his big dick." She pinned Rory with her gaze in the mirror. "I mean, metaphorically, yeah, but you had your hand wrapped around that big piece of heaven and took him right where you wanted him to go." Another smirk twisted Amber's lips. "Kudos, my dear, kudos."

Great. Just what Rory needed, Amber's big yap spreading every little detail about length and girth. And she'd embellish. Amber couldn't stick to the facts to save her life.

Rory braced her palms on the basin. "Shut. Up. Amber." Her fingers, itching to make a fist, curled over the edges of the porcelain.

Amber shut the water off and reached for a paper towel. "Mm-mm-mm. He's a prime specimen. Wouldn't mind having some of that action." She waited a beat. "Even if it's after you're done." She tossed the trash into the canister.

Rory turned to face Amber, crossing her arms over her chest, and pinned the other woman with her gaze.

Amber quirked a brow. "What? You barged in on his date." A wily smile crossed the woman's face. "Then dragged him into the ladies' and practically drooled over his dick. That takes some hutzpah, sweetie, but you're not a one man woman and I can be very patient." She turned to the mirror and smoothed her eyebrows before finger-combing her hair.

Rory narrowed her gaze. If Amber thought she stood a chance, she needed a solid dose of reality.

Relaxing her stance, Rory laid things out. "Look, you can be as patient as you want. You don't know jack about me, Gib, or anything else." She shrugged. "There's no need to say a damned thing to anybody. Got it?"

Amber laughed, making her way to the exit. "Oh, honey, you couldn't be more wrong. I know all I need to and I'm going to enjoy every moment of sharing every detail about this juicy scene." Pushing the door open, she glanced back over her shoulder. "You'd better hurry or you'll be late. I'd tell you not to do anything I wouldn't do, but with a man like that nothing's off limits, right?" She left with a wicked chuckle trailing behind her.

As much as Rory wanted to growl with frustration, Amber made a good point. Rory needed to get moving if she wanted to arrive at her place before Gib. And she definitely wanted be there first. She wouldn't give him a chance to have second thoughts.

Not when the whole world would know about their hookup come morning.

I'm seriously having a great time with this one. Here's hoping the sages keep delivering the goods.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Reality Bytes

I hope everyone survived the crazy sales if you ventured out. Me? I stay home and avoid the insane traffic, surly moods, and disappointment. LOL

Thoroughly enjoyed the premiere of The Librarians. I love this show. The Walking Dead had a solid episode. Love the interactions with the Hilltop people and Maggie and Sasha are terrific.

Gotham is truly coming into its own this season. I'm thrilled the show finally found it footing.

I'm so excited for the crossover episodes with Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow. It's going to be a fun week!

I started my Great Holiday Show Binge Watch. JAG started the marathon and Doctor Who is up next.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Reality Bytes, a sexy short built on the prompt of write about a reality show where your main characters are cohosts. I decided mine needed off the charts chemistry the producer doesn't want to mess with.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Libby Cowl and Bourne Levison, on-air hosts for the web series, Reality Bytes, snark and snap at each other on screen. But when the cameras aren't rolling, they're all about the hot and sexy, something their producer is not happy about.

And a snippety peek…

Bourne surfed until the sun started setting into the horizon. He loved the waves, the water, and the chill vibe he always achieved when he spent the day in the ocean. But he also had a previous engagement he needed to get to.

Stowing his board in the back of his truck, he showered off the salt and sand then slid behind the wheel. Windows down, he dried off before he arrived at his destination. He found a secluded parking spot, munched on some trail mix, and waited for twilight to turn to dusk.

The subterfuge never bothered him. He rather enjoyed getting his secret agent game on. Especially when it proved his pretty face had nothing on his higher thinking skills.

Yanking on a shirt, he exited the truck and made his way to the back patio of a quaint bungalow. He entered through the sliding door, dropping his overnight bag on the floor. The aroma of takeout Asian wafted toward him from the kitchen.

He smiled. "Libby! I'm home." His best imitation of Desi usually hit the mark.

Libby poked her head around the jamb of the bedroom. "Bourne…" Her gaze did a slow once-over. "You're a little overdressed." She exited, crossing the small hall into the kitchen, giving him a breathtaking view of her nude body.

He tugged his shirt over his head and dropped his shorts.

She gave him a sly grin before retrieving the cartons of food and going back the way she came. "Come and get it while it's hot." A trill of laughter echoed from the bedroom.

His dick already half hard, he muttered, "Can't beat hot food and a hotter woman." Making a beeline for the boho chic of her private sanctuary, he thanked whatever ruled the universe for putting Libby Cowl in the anchor chair next to his.

This one is so much fun! Hope you enjoyed the preview.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Read Between the Lines

Ugh. It's been a long week with terrific and terrible happenings. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I'm choosing to focus on the terrific. I'm the proud owner of a new to me car! Very excited to have an extra vehicle. Yay!

Television didn't disappoint again this week. I only half-watched The Walking Dead, mainly because I had several deadlines I needed to meet. I'll be front and center tonight for The Librarians, one of my favorite escapist shows.

Gotham upped the stakes again and I'm truly interested in where things go from here. I love the interaction between Cobblepot and Nygma. Seriously, I would probably watch a spin-off show of just them. LOL

The Flash laid some groundwork for the showdown with the Alchemist. Looking forward to the crossover episodes starting on Monday.

Arrow had a great episode. Loved the gestures of friendship and the twisty betrayal at the end. Kind of leaning toward knowing who the vigilante is, but excited for the reveal… eventually.

Legends of Tomorrow is doing an awesome job of making the hiccups and ripples count. I like not really knowing for sure how much they're affecting their futures by messing about in the past. Fun times.

I got a late start to MacGyver's episode and need to catch up on the beginning, but another enjoyable way to spend the thirty minutes I did get to see.

Still need to watch this week's episode of Murdoch Mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the previous week's offering. It's nice to know more about Miss James.

Putting together my holiday show binge watch list. Starting Friday, the holiday tunes and television screen will be filled with merry-making fare. LOL

Tonight's post is from Read Between the Lines, a novella that got its start with the two-word prompt of "Dear sir".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lexa Bode finds a letter Kers Jarvis wrote to his father at the tender age of seven. Her heart breaks for the handsome firefighter. The missive covers so much, but the young Kers leaves a lot unsaid, things his old man wouldn't see, but Lexa does—she can't miss it, she considers subtext her second language.

And a snippety peek…

Kers paced the residential area of the station house. He'd invited his father's assistant to dinner. What the hell?

But why not? He liked Lexa. The day she handed him his ass—in her sweet Lexa way—about taking a step back and looking at his dad through a regular person's eyes struck home. And stayed with Kers. He appreciated the insight.

She cleared her throat. "I'm ready." Her purse draped casually over her shoulder. "Are you sure about dinner?" She tilted her head to the side.

Kers flashed a smile. "Absolutely. There's a great burger place in the brewery district. Kind of a hole in the wall joint, but really terrific food." He quirked a brow, not sure what kind of fare she liked.

A wide smile crossed her face. "I could really go for a double with fries." She pushed the door open and stepped out into the humid air.

Kers followed and nodded toward his car. "I'm over here. Unless you want to drive and follow me?" His gaze scanned the parking lot, but he didn't see her car. "Wait, where're you parked?"

Lexa lifted a shoulder. "I carpooled today. Gotta pick my vehicle up from the garage in the morning." She paused. "You don't mind giving me a lift home, do you?" Her hand hovered over the door latch.

Kers chuckled. "Not at all." He opened the door for her. "What's up with your car?" He ducked around to the driver's side and slid behind the wheel.

Lexa frowned. "Recall on something to do with the drive train. The cost is covered but, man, it's a pain in the butt to not have a vehicle." She fastened her seat belt and turned toward him. "All the loaner cars were already claimed and I didn't want to wait to have the work done."

Kers started the engine. "How long have they had it?" He pulled out of the parking lot and turned the air conditioning on.

Lexa snorted. "Almost a week. They called around lunchtime today and said I can pick it up in the morning."

Kers slid a quick glance her way. "Do you need a ride to the dealership?" He stopped at a red light and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.

Lexa smiled. "Thanks, but your dad has pickup duty tomorrow. He's been kind of great, making sure I have a way to and from work." She settled back into the seat. "Apparently, I'm not the only one with administrative skills."

Kers let his lips curve but bit back his tongue to keep from saying the first thing that popped into his head. Since when does my dad go out of his way to make life easier for anyone?

Lexa made small talk the rest of the drive, leaving his dad out of the conversation. Kers appreciated the effort. Having a little insight from her about his dad's surly moods helped with the here and now, but the past took a little longer to get through.

Pulling up beside the diner, he turned off the engine, putting his parental issues aside. "Ready for the best burger in town?" He popped the door and met her outside the car.

Lexa inhaled deeply. "Mmm. Smells like heaven." She waved toward the entrance with a flourish. "Lead the way, please."

He laughed and made a show of ushering her into the restaurant. Her eyes went wide when she took in the retro vibe of the interior and she made a beeline for a corner booth for two. Kers ambled along behind her, a sense of rightness settling over him.

Deciding to invite her to dinner might rate as one of his best moves in a long time.

Such a promising start to a possible relationship. But the elder Jarvis might stick his unwanted nose into the middle of things.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin