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

Sunday Snippet: Quixotic Cake Capers

November 13, 2016

I'm always amazed by how fast the last three months of the year fly by. I look at today's date and think, wow, Thanksgiving is in less than two weeks. Which means Christmas is only a month away, then the New Year. It's crazy.

Television didn't disappoint this week, even with election coverage on Tuesday. I did skip The Walking Dead and watched Chris Hardwick for the after show. Sometimes I need some distance from my favorite shows. LOL

Gotham had a good episode. I'm not quite sure if I like not having as much Bruce and Alfred this season. I really like their chemistry and I love the way Alfred interacts with everyone else. Looks like we'll get more of them this week.

Arrow delivered, as usual. I quite love the interaction between Thea and Quentin. With his daughters gone and her parents out of the picture, the surrogate family connection is terrific. I'm very interested in what Miss Ratings-Grabber will do with the information she has on Oliver. Didn't really expect them to address the fact Oliver didn't spend all five years on the island. Glad they've decided to work that angle in.

Legends of Tomorrow had a fun episode. I'm still kind of iffy on the whole Ray thing, but I'm hoping he finds his true footing.

MacGyver's introduction of Murdoc turned out okay. Glad Bozer's in on the whole deal and hopeful they'll start using his skills at some point. Not sure about the Nicki thing, but I'll reserve judgment.

Need to catch up on Murdoch Mysteries and I have a Killjoys season one disc to watch, but that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Quixotic Cake Capers, a sexy short that started with the prompt of writing a romantic comedy that has cheesecake. Very fun!

Here's the mini-blub:

Tori Plum decides a making a cheesecake for Gray Calhoun isn't beyond her capabilities even though she's definitely not a domestic goddess. Seventeen tries later, she's ready to call in the troops or throw in the towel.

And a snippety peek…

Gray exited the plane and made his way outside to catch a taxi. He'd spent the two-hour flight trying to wrap his head around the awkward morning. When did Tori turn into a domesticated fifties housewife? Okay, not the best description, but the whole breakfast fiasco threw him. And caught him completely by surprise. Of course, the image of Tori in a shirtwaist dress and pearls gave him a thrill. She'd totally pull off the stereotype and make it look super sexy. Throw in the seamed stockings and he'd probably swallow his tongue.

A yellow cab pulled up to the curb and Gray blinked, clearing the imagery, then opening the door. "Parkview Industries." He slid into the backseat and settled his carryon onto the vacant space.

The cabbie nodded. "Front or back entrance?" He merged into traffic and started toward the freeway.

Gray flashed a smile. "Either. Whichever is easiest for you." He knew his way around the entire building.

The driver inclined his chin and picked up speed.

Gray pulled his phone out of his duffel and checked email. A reminder pinged when he'd finished scrolling through his inbox.

One Year Anniversary: Don't forget to pick up flowers and wine.

Gray winced. "Crap. Makes sense now." He'd truly wondered why she'd tried the whole breakfast thing.

I love you for thinking of me but stick to the microwave.

Aw, shit. He'd more or less stuffed her gesture in her face. Jesus.

Scrolling through his contacts, he hit send and waited for her to pick up.

Dammit. She'd be working right now and wouldn't answer. The call went to voice mail and he opened his mouth to leave a message, but the cabbie cleared his throat.

The guy smiled. "Sorry, man, we're here."

Gray hit end and gathered his gear. "What do I owe you?" He fished his wallet out of his pocket.

"Twenty-five, ten."

Gray pulled out two twenties and handed them up to the driver. "Keep the change. Appreciate the quick trip." Popping the door open, he slid out and got his bearings.

Back entrance, which suited Gray just fine. He made his way into the building and took the stairs to the second floor. After checking in with his boss's assistant, he stowed his carry-on in the small office he used when at the company headquarters. He still had an hour before his meeting with the new clients.

Time enough to send a quick text to Tori.

"Sorry for the missed call. Forgot you were on a tight deadline. Will try to call after meeting before we leave for the hockey game."

He fired off the message then quickly placed an order for a large bouquet of wildflowers. He'd pick them up on his way home tomorrow, along with a bottle of wine.

And maybe something else to make up for being a huge ass this morning.

This one is fun but the sages are a little stingy with the words. We'll see how it goes.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Quitters Never Cheat

Wow, October flew by and I have no doubt November will do the same. It's crazy how fast time speeds along toward the end of the year.

The Walking Dead had a great episode. I really wanted to see where Carol and Morgan ended up. Will probably watch The Talking Dead first tonight.

Gotham keeps me coming back. Very interested in the potential twist thrown in at the end of last week's episode.

The Flash and Agents of SHIELD had great episodes. Very cool to see movement on both fronts.

Arrow, as always, makes me happy. I really like where everyone is headed and I'm definitely interested in discovering who's behind the armor pulling strings. Gonna be really disappointed if it ends up being Malcolm Merlyn. LOL

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an excellent episode. I'm kind of excited about the changes in Ray's status and situation. I love the idea of pairing him with Mick.

MacGyver had a fun episode. I love Jack's weird brand of humor. Looking forward to seeing the rivalry with Murdoc begin next week.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and getting ready to start the fifth season of Longmire. Looking forward to watching Katee Sackhoff again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Quitters Never Cheat, a novella based on the prompt of writing fiction based on a lie. I had a great time coming up with ideas for this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Robbin Rhayne, a talented sculptor, believes she has to suffer for her art. Ewan Arthur makes her almost reconsider the concept—sex has never been better with anyone—until he wants more and she won't commit. Several years later she runs into Ewan again and the spark is still there… too bad they're both in relationships with other people.

And a snippety peek…

Ewan resisted the urge to punch the nearest hard surface. He also refused to acknowledge the way his dick craved Robbin's brand of full-on sex. Afraid Stephie will cut your balls off? Not bloody likely. Stephie hadn't been near his testicles for over two weeks. Of course, Robbin had no clue Stephie wouldn't maim his family jewels… because she had no claim on them anymore.

He'd come to the stupid picnic as a favor. He and Stephie had split up the week before and she didn't have time to find another date. If Stephie showed up sans plus one, she'd get hit on, probably by some of the married guys, and she hated drama like that.

She worked her ass off to land the position and loved the job. Being attractive, quite gorgeous actually, Stephie didn't want her looks to get in the way of moving up the ladder. Or be the reason she made the climb.

It wouldn't take her long to land on her feet and find someone else, but she needed to appear in a stable relationship for the picnic. At least she wanted to give the impression she had a significant other to keep the hounds at bay. Ewan didn't mind playing the role.

He startled when a hand grasped his bicep. "There you are. I wondered where you'd gone off to." Stephie leaned in close, giving the impression of intimacy, but she whispered, "You can leave if you want to. I can always come up with an excuse for why you had to go." Her fingers trailed down his arm, keeping up appearances.

Ewan shook his head. "No, I'm good." He laced their fingers together. "Seriously, Steph. Let's go hit the buffet and you can dazzle the bigwigs." Leading her in the direction of the spread of food, he nodded toward two executives she wanted to impress.

She flashed a smile. "Thanks, Ewan." Her hand squeezed his. "You're the best post-breakup date ever."

Actually having a lot of fun writing this one. It's a little twisty but not overly filled with angst.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin