Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Well… we're almost to November and I'm really not ready for the month yet. Seriously, I'm wondering where 2018 went. Then again, it's been a bit of a bum year so maybe getting to 2019 sooner rather than later won't be a bad thing.

Had a busy week but got some good television watched. The Last Ship had a great episode. If they end up going where I think they will, the last few episodes could get interesting. Doctor Who's "Rosa" ended up being better than I thought it would be. I read an interesting article about the music of the new incarnation and while I appreciate the opinion of the author, I kind of miss Murray Gold's audible cues. Then again, I'm very much drawn in by musical cues in television shows.

I finished up Driven on Passionflix. I'll be honest, I'm not thrilled with where they left it. I totally get it had to end on a cliffhanger because there are two more books being made into this limited series. So… I'm ready for more. Looking forward to the holiday movie Mr. 365 when it launches in November.

Murdoch Mysteries had a fun episode centering on Henry's wedding. Also caught another episode of Peter Gunn's first season. Penny Dreadful revealed how Vanessa became embroiled with Sir Malcolm and, wow, dark waters run really deep in that relationship. I'm in the middle of a Midsomer Murders episode that usually keeps me company when I'm folding laundry. LOL

Arrow pulled off another amazing episode. I'm truly ready for Diaz to go down. That said, I'm totally onboard for the never-thought-it-could-happen team ups of Dinah and Laurel and Felicity and the FBI agent chick. I'm also really wondering what the hell is going on with William and Roy. Legends of Tomorrow had a great premiere. This show is just fun, fun, fun. Yet it's also balanced with serious issues. If you're not watching you should be. Just saying.

I'm almost finished with this season of Killjoys. Meeting Dutch's mom turned out to be an interesting stroll through history. I'm also totally there for the RAC shenanigans. Pree and his man mixing it up with them is terrific. I caught another episode of The Dresden Files and had forgotten how terrific Claudia Black's character ended up being. Also watched an episode of Babylon 5 and another episode of Classic Who.

Riverdale… brings the crazy like no other show I'm watching right now. My head almost hurts with how they take things to the edge of unbelievable but somehow stay just shy of actually crossing over into total no effing way. Kudos to the writers!

I watched the second episode of Underbelly Files. Infiltration featured Sullivan Stapleton in what I'd assume would be one of his first roles. Actually turned out to be a great episode. I have one more left before moving on to a new season.

That's it for television this week. Hallmark Channel is gearing up with their holiday movies and I'll probably end up getting sucked in the vortex soon. LOL

Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a holiday-themed novella featuring a trio who come together to find their brand of happiness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippety peek…

"Here goes nothing." Delaney Nixon hit send, effectively opening the door to her past.

The email to Scotty Landon popped the lid off decade-old memories, ones she didn't want to jump into just yet. But she needed to inform her mother's insurance agent of Joanie Nixon's passing and Scotty happened to be said agent. He ran the only agency in Delaney's small hometown, but Joanie trusted him because they shared a connection.

Delaney.

She got up and crossed over to the window, gazing out but not focused on the landscaping. Instead, Delaney mourned her mother and the loss of her unwavering support. Joanie raised Delaney to stand on her own, but offered a solid foundation for Delaney to build on.

No easy feat for a single mom. Frank Nixon lost his life in the line of duty when a ceiling collapsed on him, leaving Joanie with two-year-old Delaney. Twenty-six years later, Joanie joined her husband, hopefully in eternal peace.

Tears pricked Delaney's eyes. "Cancer sucks." Especially when it claimed someone the week before Thanksgiving.

She swiped away the moisture and moved away from the window. Her mom fought a brave battle, moving in with Delaney to be closer to the hospital for treatment. But, when the prognosis came back negative, Joanie made sure Delaney knew her final wishes. Cremation and burial with zero fanfare.

Delaney's crossed to rustic hutch she used for an entertainment center. "Why, Mom?" Her finger trailed over the delicate lines of the urn she'd be taking back to their hometown for interment next to Frank. "Why didn't you want everyone to celebrate your life?"

Joanie had so many friends, many who'd reached out during her illness. Who'd come to visit while she'd briefly been in hospice.

Delaney shook her head. "I don't get it." Except she did in a way.

When Joanie found out she probably wouldn't see another Christmas, she'd given Delaney explicit instructions. Then she apologized. As if her mom had a choice about dying or the date it happened.

Tears welled up again and Delaney let them fall this time. She gathered the urn from the hutch and carried it out to her car. She'd packed last night and loaded her vehicle this morning. Her mail would be forwarded while she settled her mother's estate and tried to decide what to do with the house.

Sliding behind the wheel, she had a fleeting thought for one other man from her past, Westin Ames. But she shied away from those memories, too. Time enough to face Scotty and Westin later. Right now, she had a lonely burial to attend to.

Pulling out of her parking lot, she merged into traffic. "Ready or not, you're going home." Ready or not, she'd be spending the holiday in the house she grew up in.

I actually had a crazy brainstorm for this story and got most of the details nailed down in one long writing session. The sages were in a good mood that day.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Meet Me by the Mistletoe

We're past the halfway mark of October already? Geez, this month is flying by fast. Then again, it's been a somewhat difficult month for me workwise. Brain-draining would be an apt description.

So… television has been an important escape this week. Sunday night shows Doctor Who and The Last Ship ended up being terrific. I'm so happy to be excited for New Who again. The Last Ship kept things interesting. I'm a little confused why the guy got executed at the end, but I have a suspicion it'll be a turning point of some sort.

Arrow's premiere actually blew my mind a little. The fight scene juxtaposition of Oliver in the prison and Felicity in her apartment with Diaz is probably the best choreographed scene I've witnessed to date. Seriously, it's amazing. And, honestly, the rest of the show followed suit, leading right up to the surprise end. I'm excited to see what happens next.

The Flash remained good. Nice to see Cisco, Kaitlyn, and Ralph bonding and helping each other out. Looking forward to more of that. Riverdale… well… went full-on batshit with a whole new twist that I actually can't wait to watch unfold. The thing with Archie in detention isn't bad. I love the whole Veronica getting around her dickhead dad with Cheryl's help. Speaking of Hiram the 'Hole. Does anyone else want to smack the smarm out of him? Every time he's on screen I want to punch him in the face. That's some good acting by otherwise nice guy Marc Consuelos.

In other show news, I caught the first episode of Underbelly Files and enjoyed it. Caught Babylon 5, The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Birds of Prey, and Lexx in sci-fi fare. Pensacola Wings of Gold had a great episode where I wanted to bitchslap the billionaire dude who wanted his daughter saved at all costs. I also caught Strike Back, which had a great episode featuring Grace and her badass skills. And finally, I caught another episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I have a lot of love for that show.

That's it for television this week. Here's hoping my work and sleep schedule get back on track and I can enjoy even more during the near future.

Tonight's post is from Meet Me by the Mistletoe, a novella that revisits Presley, Gunnar, and Frazier from Merry and Bright one year later.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Presley Griffith wants to create one more new holiday tradition with her men, Gunnar Stewart and Frazier Boyle, and celebrate their one-year anniversary with style. With hectic schedules revolving around the hospital, fire station and police department, she's not sure she can pull it off. A cryptic message to meet her by the mistletoe at a secluded bed and breakfast brings both men calling with bells on.

And a snippety peek…

Presley Griffith shook hands with the realtor. "Thank you so much, Gen." Part one of the holiday project completed.

Genevieve DesBarres placed the key in Presley's palm. "You're welcome, Presley. I'm thrilled for you." She wrapped a large pashmina over her shoulders.

Presley followed her to the front door. "You've been terrific throughout this whole process. Both with my parents' home and helping me find this place." Gen had a magic touch when it came to finding just the property or buyer.

Gen flashed a smile. "Your family's great. I'm glad the timing worked out with the sale of your parents' house so you could close on this one before the holiday." She twisted the knob and pulled the heavy oak door open. "And bonus for being able to keep the furnishings!" With a laugh, she exited the house and gave a small wave before crossing the expansive porch and heading down the steps.

Presley grinned, closed the door, and spun around in a wide circle, the keys jangling from her fingertips. "Merry Christmas to me!" She stopped, dizzy and giddy from her dance. "Now, to get the guys here." Fishing her phone from her pocket, she opened a group chat with Frazier Boyle and Gunnar Stewart, the two men she'd been lovers with for the past year.

She paused before typing a message to the guys. How should I word this? She'd taken a big step by buying the secluded bed and breakfast an hour outside of the city. Using the proceeds of her share of the sale of her mom and dad's house, she made the purchase after careful consideration for the future.

And she wanted to start a new tradition with Gunnar and Frazier.

Her lips kicked up when she remembered last year's Christmas tradition. And the beginning of her journey with Gunnar and Fraz. The two men pulled out all the stops for a twelve days of Christmas theme to make her first holiday after the death of her parents very merry and bright.

And they'd continued to make her happier than she'd ever been. A cop, a firefighter, and a nurse, practically living together and definitely sleeping together. If anyone would've told her she'd find the love of her life in two men, Presley would've laughed them out of the room.

But she had. "And they're terrific and it's my turn to pull out all the stops for Christmas." Especially after a barely there Thanksgiving. Gunnar got called out for a sexual assault, Frazier worked a twenty-four-hour shift, and she'd been on call for the hospital, getting pulled in for an evening shift after two nurses went home with gastric issues. She'd managed to meet Gunnar at his place after midnight and they welcomed Frazier into bed after seven thirty. All in all, their crazy schedules often meant they didn't get a lot of time together as a trio. But she hoped to change all that.

Presley quickly typed a message. "Hey, I've got something to show you guys. Can we meet at my place after you get off shift?" She'd already packed two overnight bags for them.

She'd brought hers when she came to meet Gen.

Frazier responded first. "I'll be there. Sounds intriguing." He'd probably be the last to arrive. The ladder class he taught at the fire academy wouldn't end until seven pm.

Presley chuckled and sent a quick reply. "Don't make plans for tomorrow." Gunnar would see the text but she didn't mind.

His reply came in seconds after her message. "I'll be there by six. You didn't get a tattoo did you?"

She laughed. She'd been hinting she might get inked but hadn't decided what she wanted yet. Or if she'd actually get one.

She keyed in a reply. "You'll have to wait and see."

Two messages blipped on her screen. Both men sent star-eyed emojis. With a snicker, she pocketed her phone, leaving that as the final contact. She had a few things to get ready before she headed back into the city.

She wanted everything to be perfect for when she dropped her second bombshell. Not only had she bought the bed and breakfast… she'd found a nice-sized brownstone close to the firehouse, the police precinct, and the hospital. The place needed some TLC, which the asking price reflected. And she crossed her fingers the guys would like it.

Because she wanted to buy the house with Gunnar and Frazier and live together as one happy unit.

I'm so excited to revisit this trio and spend another holiday with them.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Lucky Seven

Wow, what a difference a week makes. The crisp feeling of fall has definitely arrived and I'm actually a little chilly at the moment. We'll probably have at least one more warm up before we settle into the true briskness of autumn in Ohio. Or… we could have one more nice week and then have a blizzard by Halloween. It's always hard to say. LOL

Got quite a bit of television watched this week. Some shows premiered their new seasons and I'm excited to settle in for the ride.

The Last Ship is crazy good and crazy wild. I'm always stunned when the credits roll because it doesn't seem like an hour should have gone by.

For premieres, I caught the new episodes of The Flash and Riverdale. Gotta say I ended up really enjoying both. Having Nora around could prove pretty interesting. And the whole situation with Archie is way over the top but, honestly, a ton of fun. Can't wait for Arrow this Monday. Also watched Chicago Fire and have mixed feelings on the episode. Maybe more on this next week.

And, of course, the Doctor Who premiere with Thirteen! What a great launch of the new doctor. Can't wait for more. After the disappointment with the last two seasons of Twelve, I'm excited to see where the show goes now.

I continued my rewatch of Babylon 5. The first season is so hit and miss but it also plants a lot of seeds for the following seasons. I'm always finding something new that ties into a future episode.

In other science fiction fare, I watched The Sarah Conner Chronicles, Birds of Prey, Lexx, Wynonna Earp—a Christmas episode, and The Dresden Files. Also caught Luke Cage and Penny Dreadful.

In military fare, I caught another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Strike Back. I'm starting to gel with the new cast of Strike Back and I also need to go back to season two and do some sleuthing. I have a feeling there's a connection that's deeper than I realized. More later on this too.

Caught some mystery shows with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Murdoch Mysteries, and a couple of episodes of Peter Gunn. I started an episode of Midsomer Murders but didn't get to finish it yet.

I also watched episode five of Driven. I'm actually thrilled with this series and I'm so excited for more from Passionflix.

On a final note, I finished up Canal Road and what a satisfying ending. I'll be starting a new Australian series in the very near future. Looking forward to it!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Lucky Seven a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing ten lines of dialog between two characters that have drunken sex and aren't talking about it… ever. I loved this idea and the sages took off with the story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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

And a snippety peek…

Daisy placed her hands on the wall to steady herself. Having the subject of her erotic imaginings so close sent zings of lust through her veins. She had to get a grip.

Wetting her lower lip with her tongue, she took an honest approach. "You have no idea what you do to me. This is dangerous." She inhaled deeply to calm her thumping heart.

Shea leaned forward. "I thought we weren't talking about this… reaction we have to each other." His eyes narrowed, his gaze giving her a slow once-over.

Daisy blinked, trying to breathe, unable to manage more than a whisper of air. "We aren't. Can't. Shouldn't." But, oh god, she wanted to inhale him.

Right here. In the copy room.

No. No, no, no.

She pushed against his chest. "Get back." If she didn't get some space between them, she'd reach for his zipper and show him her weakness.

To his credit, he held up his hands and took two big steps away from her. Not that it helped. The hard ridge of his cock tented his pants. Her mouth watered and her eyes slid shut.

Shea groaned. "You see it too, don't you? In your mind. You. Me. Naked. Together." His voice held barely contained lust.

Her eyes popped open. "Shea, we can't do this here." Career suicide didn't top her list of things to accomplish.

He shoved a hand through his hair. "Then meet me after work. I don't care where. Hell, pick a church. Or a school. Someplace public where I have to keep my hands off you." His fingers curled into his palms.

She rolled her eyes. "Uh, no. No one else needs to hear our conversation. And I seriously doubt a public place is really going to help keep us from tempting fate." The damn copy room barely managed to keep them from acting on their powerful attraction.

Shea's eyes darkened to a deep brown. "Then where?" The low growl burst from him.

Daisy started for the door. "My place. Bring dinner." Did she really just order him to bring food?

Shea stopped her with a light hand on her shoulder. "You're sure? It's gonna be hard to resist—" His gaze dropped to his crotch and the large bulge under his trousers.

Daisy nodded. "I know. Just…" Her voice trailed off.

Don't stomp on my heart. Or be a dick. Or…

Fuck it.

She committed. "Yeah, I'm sure." She left before he could say anything else.

I'm having so much fun with this story! Two people fighting their attraction makes the conflict enjoyable to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Lonely Heart Mountain

October 7, 2018

Well, hello, October! This is one of my favorite months. The weather usually gets cooler.

The leaves start changing. And Halloween is just around the corner! It also means the holiday season is looming fast and furiously. Ugh. I'm not ready this year. LOL

Rough week with work and unexpected scheduling conflicts. I did get to watch some good television though. Caught the third episode of Strike Back's fifth season and had a surprise visit in the form of pictures from Stonebridge and Scott. I'm definitely intrigued! I also think I finally made the connection I needed to make. I'm slow sometimes.

The Last Ship seriously keeps me on the edge of my seat. I'm so sad and angry over a certain loss, but I totally called plot point even if it's a little disappointing. Caught the finale of Chicago Fire just in time for the new season to begin. I'll be behind per usual, but I'm glad I got to watch it.

Luke Cage is pulling some interesting things out of the woodwork. I'll admit I'm a little confused with where they're planning to take this season. That said, I love this show. And there's no Trish to really muck things up. Just saying.

Passionflix's Driven is so good. I watched the fourth episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait for the new holiday movie they have planned.

Murdoch Mysteries started their twelfth season with a fun episode. I always look forward to this series and the new twists and turns Murdoch and Julia and the rest of the cast face.

Caught a few more episodes of Peter Gunn's first season. The noir feel of this show never fails to make me happy. Penny Dreadful is seriously creepy sometimes and I'm kind of on the fence about whether I like it or not. LOL

Caught another episode of The Dresden Files and it was one I remembered liking a lot when it originally aired.

Rounding things out for the week, I caught an episode of Killjoys and love where things are going. I'll be so sad to see this show end next season.

I started the final episode of Canal Road and didn't have the chance to finish it yet. It's on the agenda for tomorrow.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Lonely Heart Mountain, a novella that got a start a long time ago but only recently started coming together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Author Hettie Blackwell returns home to care for her ailing mother, because her two brothers aren't up to the task. But when Hettie bumps into Winslow Whittaker—the hot new sheriff—she's got more trouble, especially when her younger brother lands in county jail on Valentine's Day.

And a snippety peek…

Hettie grabbed hold of her stumbling brother. "Look, guys. The moron's drunk. He didn't mean to wreck the cooler." If she made it out, Hank had a lot to answer for.

The big, mean-looking ringleader folded his beefy arms across his chest. "Whose gonna pay for the trashed beers?" His eyebrow rose in an angry query.

Hettie sighed, fished inside her pocket, and grabbed a twenty. "This should cover it. Tell Manny I sent you. He'll give you a case for regular retail." He'd better or she'd nail him to a wall.

What the hell had he been thinking? Serving Hank when she'd told Manny Hank had a jealous ex on his tail. Stupid males.

The big guy stepped in front of her again. "The moron needs to learn some respect for someone else's property." The other six bikers started to close ranks.

The day her brother learned to respect boundaries she'd look for the end of the world right after. Hettie almost snorted. From your lips to whatever rules the universe's ears.

Instead, she wrapped an arm around Hank's waist and shouldered through the group. "You boys should just go back to enjoying the music. Tim's got a great line-up and that's what you came for." Once she got clear, she angled her hear around. "My idiot brother is leaving now and won't be a bother for the rest of the night." So help her, he wouldn't, because she planned to drop some reality on his ass.

The ringleader, Bands, according to his name patch, grabbed her free arm. "How do we know that?" His grip tightened on her wrist.

Hettie squarely met his gaze. "Because I just said so." Jerking her hand free, she stood her ground. "But if you want to start something ugly, go ahead. When the sheriff's department gets here, you can tell all seven thousand people why they all have to pack up and go home. I'm sure that'll go over real well with everyone else who can play nice." She started to tug her brother forward when he promptly passed out and went down hard, dragging her down with him.

Oh, Hank. Your timing sucks ass, per usual. She got up and dusted off her jeans.

She glanced toward Bands and smirked. "See, told you he wouldn't be a problem."

The whole group gave her eye rolls and went back to watching the show. She reached down and grabbed Hank's belt loops and started dragging him toward her SUV. If he ended up with bumps, bruises, and scrapes on his handsome face, so be it. She sighed. With her luck, Hank would only be more appealing to the female population of the county if his face got wrecked.

She'd made it about twenty feet when a man emerged from the shadows of the tree line.

He nodded toward her brother. "Can I help you with that?" He gave her a full-of-sin smile.

Sex on a stick. She shoved the thought aside, but gave him a brief onceover. Primo physique, casual grace for a guy, and his wardrobe matched the setting—well-worn jeans, a waffle-knit Henley, and sturdy boots for the forest terrain. The man had everything she attributed the heroes she wrote.

Too bad real life never matched the words she put on a page.

But she'd never seen him before, so he must be one of the out-of-town musicians. Which meant he didn't have a clue how things worked in Coshocton County or know about the Blackwell boys' notorious antics. Lucky him.

She gave him a direct look. "Only if you know a good place to hide a body because I'm seriously considering killing my brother." Okay, not seriously, but she did entertain thoughts of torture.

Mr. Sex on a Stick blinked, opened his mouth, and shut it again.

She almost laughed at his reaction. "Any good places? No?" She grabbed Hank's belt loops again. "Then no, you can't help." She moved in the direction of her vehicle again.

The guy walked along beside her. "Look, I really think you should let me help." He reached down and made a grab for Hank.

Fed up, frustrated, and a little flustered over his offer—everyone else gave the Blackwell boys a wide berth when they hit alcohol—Hettie shut him down. "Look, you don't need to get involved. Around here, we take care of our own and I've been dragging my brother's drunk ass home since high school." Although, she'd thankfully had a nice, long break from doing so. "So thanks, but no thanks. I've got this." She grabbed Hank again and started forward.

The handsome guy held up his hands. "Right, whatever you think is best." He stopped and let her continue on. "Maybe I'll see you around on one of the other nights."

A little contrite, she remembered her manners. "I doubt it, but thanks for the offer to help." She turned away, her SUV in sight.

Soon. Soon, she could stick a fork in this messed up, terrible day and maybe focus on finishing her next chapter.

I'm pretty excited the sages finally got their act together and started feeding me some great ideas for this one. Hettie's brothers are a hoot to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin