Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Ugh… we're going to hit the fifties this week, meaning my sinuses are going to go on a full scale revolt. LOL

So, I enjoyed the first two episodes of The X-Files and look forward to the remaining four. :D I could totally get behind short-term revivals of my favorite shows.

My general rundown of my weekly must-sees starts now. Skip ahead if you're not interested. The Flash turned in a great episode. Looking forward to seeing if I'm right on a few things. I do wish Harrison wouldn't turn out to be a bad guy this time around, but I have a feeling I'll be disappointed.

Arrow had a terrific show with Felicity battling her old self. I love the subtle nuances in this show sometimes and having her let go of the angry, young woman she once was and accept her current incarnation juxtaposed so well with the underlying theme of accepting her current circumstances and it did it without getting completely maudlin. I love this show!

Legends of Tomorrow amped up the repercussions of traveling through time, but still delivered on the witty banter between the characters. I do have concerns about the show devolving into gimmicky shtick when they're in a different era, but so far, I'm loving what they do.

Agent Carter… Love this show! I have so many theories and ideas of how things will play out. I really, really want Jack to get his head out of his ass and see how easily he's being manipulated. I think it's going to happen, but who knows. I love how much Peggy doesn't hesitate to call Jack on his shit. Seriously, good stuff there.

Even though Teen Wolf feels so discombobulated, I like where everything seems to be headed. I don't know, the flow is choppy and maybe that's being done on purpose, but I'm a little cranky about it. I do love having some familiar faces popping up again though.

I have a new show I've started to binge watch, X Company, a Canadian offering which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I might not rank it up there with Murdoch Mysteries, but I'm only three episodes in. LOL

And that's it for my viewing pleasure rundown this week. The Walking Dead returns soon and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Tonight's post is from Going All Out, a novella that came apart from a prompt of "Try me", show your characters trying something for the first time. I opted to go with dating!

Here's the mini-blurb:

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

And a snippety peek…

Xola slid behind the wheel of her vehicle and rested her head on the sun-warmed surface. A date. Holy crap. With Lance.

A smile flashed but quickly died. Dammit. A date… with Lance.

She started the engine and turned the air on full blast. The hot temperature outside didn't account for the burst of heat hitting her core. Lance Silvermane. Her. Going out together.

Alone.

Her vivid imagination skipped over dinner and whatever—definitely not dancing—and took a beeline directly to what could happen afterward. His place? Or maybe hers…

She blinked and put the car in gear. "Geez, Xol. Slow down. The man didn't say anything about jumping your bones." But he thought her ass looked good in yoga pants.

With a wide smile on her face, she eased out of the parking lot and headed for home. A shower, lots of smell good stuff, and a little something special, which would probably include one of the new bra and panty sets she'd had languishing in her lingerie drawer. A sense of giddy excitement had her zipping through traffic, humming a jaunty tune. Her usual road rage with stupid drivers stayed well below the boiling point.

If nothing else, having a date to look forward to put her in too good of a mood to let a little bumper to bumper travel get her down. Merging over to take her exit, she laughed. Lance would get a kick out of her serene state of mind, especially considering she did anything and everything to get out of driving while on duty. No sense letting her behind the wheel when a patient's life hung in the balance.

Turning her blinker on, she moved over two lanes and eased onto the side street leading to her neighborhood. She drove slowly, taking in the bright array of color from the houses lining the road. The gorgeous weather had gardens and flowerbeds blooming to capacity. Still humming to herself, she reached her block and pulled into her drive, shutting the engine off.

Popping the door open, she dashed inside the house and started stripping off her clothes. Leaving the usual trail behind her, she stopped, turned around, and gathered up her discarded uniform to toss into the laundry bin.

Just in case they ended up back at her place.

I'm excited to see how this turns out. I like the theme of doing something for the first time.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Glutton for Punishment

January 24, 2016

Well… Winter Storm Jonah, or whatever its name is, missed my part of Ohio. I'm not complaining in the least. For everyone else dealing with the massive snow dump, I hope you're all safe, warm, and enjoying the blizzard as much as possible. J

One thing though… why are we naming winter storms now? I mean I was alive for the Blizzard of '78 and referring to it the Blizzard of '78 works just fine for me. Is there a reason we have to give names to snowstorms? I get naming hurricanes and tropical storms, typhoons, etc., but eh, giving monikers to snowstorms seems like something a bored Weather Channel employee decided to cook up to brighten their day. Just saying. LOL

Let's see… big X-Files revival premieres tonight. I'm super-excited! One of my all-time favorite shows is coming back and I don't even care if it sucks huge ones. LOL I'm watching a marathon on Chiller right now, so my day is going really great. J

The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow had kick ass episodes. I kind of love Legends, the snarky banter makes me happy. I could watch an hour of nothing but the characters trying to out snark each other. That said, the jury's out on how well this group with mesh together, but I'm all in to see what happens.

Agent Carter's two episode premiere didn't disappoint. I've got some hopes for what happens with the New York contingent. I also loved meeting Jarvis's Mrs. Very cool and awesome character. J

Last, but not least, Teen Wolf's episode entertained, as usual. It might just be me, but the last few episodes have something of a choppy feeling, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a little confusing.

That's it for television this week…

Tonight's post is from Glutton for Punishment, a novella that started with a scene prompt of boxing.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Willa and Karl have issues. She acts out to keep him at bay and he finally calls her on the destructive behavior, stepping into the ring so she can work out her aggression. A glutton for punishment, Karl pushes Willa into making a choice between risking her heart or losing him for good.

And a snippety peek…

Willa Troy closed her eyes to the chaos playing out in front of her. The simple extraction went sideways the moment her team arrived on site. Almost like someone leaked the date and time of their planned op.

Snapping her head around, she shouted over the din of gunfire. "Sorrel! What the hell happened?" She trusted her asset, but Sorrel Akbar's people lived on the razor's edge of torture, destruction, and death every day.

The tall, striking man dodged across the space separating them. "Willa, I don't know what's going on or who gave up the intel, but you've got to get as many of these folks out that you can." He motioned for another group to come forward. "At least the kids and as many parents as you can load up." A dozen refugees zigzagged back and forth, making their way to the large transport trucks that would take them to freedom.

Willa shook her head. "We were supposed to get all of you out." No way would a full extraction happen now.

If lucky, her team might leave with a third of the refugees. Which meant Sorrel would stay behind. Unless she could get permission to stick around with half a team and try to get the rest out in a few days.

She waved her comm officer, Brynn Schuler, over. "Get me base." Glancing at Sorrel, she voiced her thoughts. "How long would it take to get everyone else rounded up again? Best guess." Brynn tucked the sat-phone between Willa's chin and shoulder.

Sorrel frowned. "Willa, you can't stick around here. I might be able to get another group together within forty-eight hours, but the rebels are heavily armed and on the prowl now. This attempt only stirred their bloodlust even more."

She rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the tactical assessment, Sorrel. Not like I'm unaware." Hell, she'd taught him how to make those gut-level calls. "Base, this is Granite One."

What followed, the back and forth between the extraction zone and operations, filled Willa with a gut-clenching anger over botched opportunities. She tossed the phone back to Schuler.

Willa met Sorrel's gaze. "New orders. We're scrubbing the op and sanitizing this location." In short, leaving and never coming back.

Sorrel cocked his head to one side. "By sanitizing, you mean—"

She cut him off. "Yeah. Exactly what you think. If you don't come with us now. You're on your own." She wouldn't put voice to the final directive she'd been given.

Blow the place to hell so the incursion forces couldn't gain an advantage.

Damn Karl for making that call.

Sorrel turned, facing her. "So, this is it, then." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a leather pouch.

Willa took a step back. "Uh-uh. No way. You keep those." She referred to the hefty stash of diamonds he'd taken from one of the labor camps he'd liberated.

He shook his head. "No, Willa. You need to take these back to your base so they have the evidence of what's happening out here." Reaching out, he grasped her hand, placing the sack in her palm. "And don't you look back. You didn't fail here. We got people out, not everyone, but enough to make a difference." His free hand cupped her face.

Willa leaned into his touch. "If I can find a way to come again, I will. I made a promise and I want to keep it." He'd asked her to get all the labor refugees to a safe zone.

She didn't mention all the assurances she'd made and broken in the past. She'd tried to put those manipulations to rest and leave them behind. All part of the job and she'd become very good at her work.

I have a feeling this one may end up being longer than novella length, which isn't a bag thing. Willa's got a lot to say. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ghost of a Chance

Ugh. Got hit hard with a nasty cold / flu something. It's been a miserable week trying to hit editing deadlines and maintain my sanity at the same time. LOL

This week's Teen Wolf brought back an old, well… I can't really call the character a favorite, so let's say a familiar face instead. I like having some old school peeps back on my screen. Nothing wrong with the new crew, but eh, I think a lot can be said for taking care of the roots, too. Hopefully, I'm not being too spoilery.

My shows are back this week. The Flash, Arrow, the premiere of Legends of Tomorrow, and maybe even Agent Carter. Not sure about the premiere date for X-Files, but I'll be checking to make sure I don't miss it.

And that's it for this week on the TV front.

Tonight's post is from Ghost of a Chance, a novella where loss is hard to overcome but love might win out in the end.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Valerie Queen and Jay Pennyworth meet through Chad Adsworth, Jay's best friend. When Chad is killed in a plane crash, Valerie reunites with Jay after five years. When the chance meeting leads to a long discussion, they end up spending the night together… but the specter of Chad hovering between them may be more than they can overcome.

And a snippety peek…

Valerie Queen stood beside Chad Adsworth's grave, eyes dry but stinging in the wind. She couldn't cry, not right now. She'd shed plenty of tears when she got the news.

Muffled footfalls came from her left, the sound stopping when a man stood beside her. Jay Pennyworth, in full dress uniform, removed his hat, tucking it under his arm.

He stood, his head bowed for a moment. "I tried to make it in time, but my transport flight got in late."

She nodded, understanding and remembering what military flights were like. Chad had been out before she'd met him, but her dad had gone career like Jay appeared to be doing.

A light rain started and Jay put his hat back on then took the umbrella from her hand, opening and holding the muted grey shield over her head. "How are you doing?" He moved in closer when the wind picked up again, blocking out some of the cutting cold.

Valerie slid her gaze toward him. "How do you think I’m doing?" Anyone else would have received the standard "fine" answer.

But with Jay, Valerie didn't have to hold up any pretense.

He huffed out a breath. "I'd say you're doing shit awful."

Valerie cracked a wobbly smile. "That's about right." She finally remembered her manners. "How long do you have?"

Jay frowned. "Forty-eight hours. The CO gave me as long as he could. We've got a mission going hot in seventy-two." His words were terse, but directed at fate, not her.

Valerie nodded, glanced sideways and met his gaze. "Have you eaten yet?" The thought of food turned her stomach, but again, manners.

Jay shook his head. "No. Came straight from the base."

She'd figured as much. "Place to stay?"

Jay head jerked back and forth again. "Haven't made any arrangements, yet."

Again, typical, for a military man on a last minute furlough. "Don't bother." She slid her gaze toward the casket, finally being lowered into the ground. "I've got an entire kitchen full of food I'll never be able to eat…" She met his gaze again. "And I wouldn't mind the company." She hated the idea of being alone in the home she'd shared with Chad.

Jay quirked an eyebrow. "Are you certain?"

She studied him for a moment, trying to stay numb, but having him here meant the world to her. And it would've meant everything to Chad. And Valerie couldn't quite face going home alone and dealing with the onslaught of memories waiting for her.

Looking past Jay's shoulder to focus on the heavy drizzle coming down, she nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure." She met his gaze. "Maybe I'll finally sleep. It's too quiet without Chad." She gazed at the shiny buttons on his jacket. "Haven't slept more than a couple of hours since I got the call." She probably looked like a member of the walking dead.

Jay reached out, grasping her arm. "In that case, I'd be happy to have a place to stay." He turned, making sure to keep the umbrella over her head.

She started forward, but paused to fish her keys out of her purse then held them out to him.

Jay frowned. "You drove yourself?"

She shrugged. "I needed to feel in control and, I don't know, riding in a limousine would give me too much time to think." Her eyes welled up. "But now… I'm too close to losing it." Blinking away the tears, she met his gaze again. "Would you mind driving?"

He took the keys and hauled her close, holding the umbrella at an awkward angle. "Not at all, Val. I'm so sorry."

Instead of making her cry, his words eased the ache in her heart.

She hugged him. "Thank you." Pulling herself together, she stepped back. "Let's go put a dent in the abundance of food stashed in my kitchen."

This scene came together almost exactly the way I pictured it in my head. When that happens, I do a mini chair dance of joy. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Getting Schooled

A quick break from discussing television to talk about the crazy weather in Ohio. Okay, make that the weird weather everywhere. If you're experiencing it, let me know. LOL

Finally watched The Abominable Bride and thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the back and forth and I'll leave it there so I don't spoil anything. But I'm looking forward to seeing a new season, whenever that might be.

Excited to have my shows return but also so busy I'm struggling to keep the dates straight. LOL Nothing like having a ton work to plow through. J I did catch the winter premiere of Teen Wolf and I'm glad to have that bit of crazy to look forward to each week, especially with a familiar face returning.

Tonight's post is from Getting Schooled, a novella where my main characters end up having to work together after they've already squared off against each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tamsin and Ike are resident leaders at neighboring summer camps. Tamsin works with upper crust girls and Ike has underprivileged boys. When a grant program director suggests bridging the gap, neither is very excited by the prospect, but once they meet, both get schooled by how well the kids get along.

And a snippety peek…

Tamsin Kane zipped up her suitcase and added it to the other one sitting beside her front door. She closed the blinds and checked to make sure she'd unplugged everything in the studio apartment she'd be away from for two months. Gathering up her keys and her purse, she took one last glance around before she opened the heavy oak and dragged her cases outside.

Locking up behind her, she huffed out a laugh. "I can't believe I'm excited to head for camp." At twenty-three, she shouldn't be so thrilled to spend most of her summer with a bunch of tween girls who had being posh down to an art form but still lacked maturity.

Tamsin hoped she earned enough this summer to replenish her bank account, especially after the expense check she'd just written. Last year, the generous tips her girls' parents provided covered the rent for Tamsin's little home and allowed her to pursue a graduate degree. And she'd had so much fun last summer while getting a different kind of education, one where a smart ass girl from the wrong side of town garnered the respect of a group of tweens and used her new connections to open doors for her future.

After loading her stuff into her car, she slid behind the wheel and started the engine. With a quick grin, she backed out of the parking space and headed for the expressway. A two hour drive would put her close to her destination. Of course, she'd pass the neighboring camp for boys and when she did, she'd try not to grit her teeth. The only black cloud over her experience last year, the lead counselor made life miserable for Tamsin when they had joint sessions, especially during prank week. Ike Kennedy might have looks any guy would kill for, but his underprivileged boys behaved better than their leader. Then again, Tamsin had been so focused on the networking opportunities she could build, she hadn't prepared for something like Ike to invade her headspace.

A slow smile twisted her lips. She wouldn't make the same mistake this summer. No way.

Ike didn't know a thing about Tamsin, but she'd happily give him the cliff notes version of how not to screw with her. She hadn't grown up, fighting to get into a position where she didn't have to struggle to get ahead for nothing.

Ike Kennedy better get ready to bring it.

Tamsin laughed and exited onto the freeway. "Hope you're ready, Ike. Because I know I am."

Ike won't be ready at all for what happens next. LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Get a Room

Happy 2016 to everyone!

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with reading, writing, and blogging. And, of course, sharing fun commentary about my favorite televisions shows.

Speaking of… I have the Sherlock special on tap to watch in the near future, hopefully tonight. Can't wait to tumble back into the wild world of deduction and keen intelligence. Also caught A Very Murdoch Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the extra-long episode. Nicely done!

Agent Carter is starting in a few weeks and I'm crazy excited. Also waiting patiently for Arrow and The Flash to return. It's finally getting cold in Ohio and I want some hot shows to kick back and relax with.

Tonight's post is from Get a Room, a sexy short where my main characters are brought back together after a lengthy period of time.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Talon and Haim have a complicated past. When she returns and asks Haim for a favor, they're ready to act on their attraction again… except they keep getting interrupted.

And a snippety peek…

Haim Roosevelt pulled the last box out of the storage space under the stairs. He planned to turn the tiny area into a powder room, the final remodeling project to update the house he'd inherited from his mom. Her passing made the renovation possible—she refused to update the residence for decades.

And the woman never threw anything away.

He'd gone through boxes and crates filled with mementos, photos, books, linens, and trinkets. The attic and garage had so much stuff he'd dragged everything to the rec center at Roosevelt Roost, the family's summer camp, to sort through. Haim's dad started the Roost after Haim turned two and he'd grown up working there on school breaks during the warm months. His mom had run the facility until her death from a brain aneurysm two years ago.

He dragged the box to the sofa in the small sitting area and rifled through it. "Let's see what treasure you left for me this time, Mom." Pulling out four large envelopes, he opened one and discovered a bunch of photos.

He spread them out over the table. "Holy crap, Mom. Why on earth did you save these?" Aside from the fact she saved everything.

Every single image had been taken his senior year and more than half had Talon Lance in them. He had no doubt the other three would be from previous years of high school and Talon would be in the majority of those pictures, too.

He huffed out a breath. "Talon. Talk about a blast from the past." One he'd tried to forget.

Haim had asked Talon to freshman homecoming and they were "the" couple throughout all four years of high school. Everyone, including Haim, thought they'd get married and settle down after college. But plans changed when Haim's dad died during the summer after graduation. Talon went off to the state university and Haim stuck close to home, attending a local trade school where he learned the fine art of demolition, remodeling, and building. He ended up loving everything about all three.

He picked up a snapshot from their senior prom, tracing a finger over Talon's smiling face. "I thought we had something, Talon." And they had… just not a forever something.

Talon loved the city; the energy, the vibe, the freedom it gave her to pursue her dreams. Haim gave her some credit. She'd stuck with him through the first semester, but being four hours away and having a demanding course load took a toll and Talon asked for some breathing room.

Haim had his hands full with his schedule and helping out his mom, so he agreed. He figured they could talk about what to do over the summer when she came back for break.

Except she didn't come back.

She got married instead.

Yeah. Not exactly easy to come back from that, right? LOL

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin