Sunday Snippet: On a Snowy Mountain

Weird weather week with sun followed by a huge middle finger FU from Mother Nature with snow and rain. At least I got a lot of stuff done around the house and had time to get a good bit of writing in also.

Decent week for television. I caught another episode of Picard and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved getting some additional background on Chris. I'm honestly not completely sure how I feel about the Romulans but I love the intrigue of everything that's going on.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and also loved getting more background about Rhodes. I'm a fan of the actor and I'm a total sucker for characters who have dad issues.

Since it snowed this week, I watched a Passionflix holiday Quickie. A Holiday Lift ended up being pretty fun. I love the whole stuck in an elevator trope.

Ended up watching a complete episode of Blue Heelers and started another one. I love stumbling across actors who got their start on this show. A favorite from City Homicide guest starred in one of the episodes.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and it went in a direction I didn't expect. I love it when shows do that.

Caught another episode of No Offence. Again, the show went in a direction I completely didn't expect it to go in. Excellent stuff!

Watched a full arc of Classic Who. I ended up getting annoyed with Four again. Sometimes he's just a bit too full of himself.

Enjoyed another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on possible earth landings and linked several ancient cultures to the mythology. Very fun episode.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm almost finished with the first season and really enjoyed Ethel Merman's stint as a guest star.

Last, but not least, I watched another episode of Peak Practice. I'm not quite finished with it yet but it's going to have a sad ending so I'm putting it off. LOL

That's it for life and television updates this week. Tonight's post is from On a Snowy Mountain, a sexy short that will hopefully launch later this year.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jersey and Shaw make it through hell to be together. They get married and spend their honeymoon in a sunny paradise, where they discover their future plans to become parents is now a present situation. A couple of weeks before Jersey's due date, they're taking a well-earned break at a friend's cabin on a snowy mountain when the weather takes a turn and all hell breaks loose.

And a snippety peek…

They were adding a member to their family.

And the gods were pleased.

Jersey smoothed her hands over her rounded stomach. Almost midnight and the kid wouldn't settle down. Two more weeks and the kicks and jabs would be external instead of internal. Then Shaw could stay up and experience the fun she'd been having.

Not that he didn't already. He'd been great about getting or staying up with her. Called it practice.

Except he had to stay busy, probably so he wouldn't fall asleep. If she thought dragging logs into the cabin this late at night kind of strange, she'd keep it to herself.  

"Because I'm wide awake and it's nice to have the company."

Shaw had let her sleep in this morning while he chopped wood. The mountain cabin they'd borrowed had an excellent fireplace.

Jersey smiled. "One we've taken advantage of every night so far." Being pregnant hadn't cooled her down at all.

Truth told, her appetite seemed to increase along with her waistline. Thank the universe Shaw had no problem accommodating her whenever the mood struck.

She stretched. "Hmmm. Like right now."

He came in from the enclosed porch carrying an armload of wood, jeans slung low on his hips, flannel shirt unbuttoned. Jersey immediately wanted him. She crooked her finger and grinned.

Shaw's eyebrows shot up. "Again?"

She nodded. "Got a problem with that?"

He dumped the logs, crossing to her in a few long strides. "Uh, no." He held out his hand so she could grab it.

She reached out and pulled herself up. "In front of the fire." She waited until her center of gravity settled then put an arm around Shaw's waist. "Work for you?"

Shaw dropped a kiss on her nose. "Haven't had a problem for the past seven nights, have I?"

She smirked and shook her head back and forth. "No … you haven't." She'd never complain about his performance.

He led her to an oversized ottoman by the hearth. Perfect spot for easy access to the floor. Jersey sank down slowly then unzipped and peeled off her thermal hoodie.

Shaw knelt in front of her and took over, freeing her breasts from the confines of her bra—two sizes bigger than the norm. His hands cupped her gently, kneading the sensitive flesh. He leaned forward, lips grazing along the column of her throat. The day old scruff on his face made her shudder.

Her impatient hands shoved at his shirt and he eased back so she could push it off his shoulders. Her mouth met his and her fingers got busy with the buttons of his fly.

When Shaw nudged her hands away, she lifted her hips so he could smoothly remove her loose fitting pants and undies.

A bold smile curved her lips when his eyes darkened to a smoky blue.

His obvious appreciation only contributed to her perpetual state of constantly wanting him.

I love this story. It's part of a concept I'm hoping people will like … brief glimpses into the life of a couple. I'm a huge fan of short stories and I'm sure there are others out there who like them also.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Oceanfront Villa

Not a bad week overall. I had time to get some solid organizing completed and I'm happy to make progress on that project. Also got in a good bit of writing, which always makes me happy.

Pretty good week for television viewing. I caught another episode of Picard and, wow, I didn't see one of the deaths coming. Nice to catch up with old friends.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. It's good to fill in some blanks from previous seasons of the other Chicago shows.

Got another episode of No Offence viewed and, seriously, thoroughly enjoyed it. Viv, Dinah, and Joy are terrific characters.

Started another two-part Silent Witness. This ended being an interesting episode. I'm looking forward to watching the second part.

Caught another arc of Classic Who. I gotta be honest, this season Four is kind of annoying me. He's not quite as fun as the previous seasons.

Watched another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on past and present possible visitations. Interesting stuff.

Got two more episodes of The Muppet Show. I'd completely forgotten they let one of the old guys backstage for a while. He's not nearly as fun when he's not with his partner.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice and it had a lot going on but ended up being really good. I'm thinking there will be a sad good-bye in the near future.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I'm hoping to get a little more about Rose. I'm still trying to make a connection with that character.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Oceanfront Villa, a novella that has my main characters realizing they need some downtime.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Danielle Finch is a hardworking doctor who rarely takes time off and her relationship with Vince Darkholme, an in demand attorney, suffers for the lack of face time. When Vince's client offers the use of his oceanfront villa, Danielle readily agrees to take two weeks to rekindle the passion she sorely misses with Vince.

And a snippety peek…

David Canneli's driver dropped Vince at the rear entrance to the loft he shared with Danielle.

Vince got home later than planned. "Canneli has no idea how close I came to ditching him after the first course." He entered the lower level of the loft he shared with Danielle. "But I'm glad I didn't."

Canneli had been so happy Vince found a mistake in a major contract, which saved him upward of two million dollars. David had offered Vince the use of his oceanfront home and Vince jumped at the chance, accepted with gratitude, and stayed for the full meal, round of dessert, and drinks afterward.

But now, with the time nearing midnight, he wanted to turn back the clock so he could spend the evening with his wife. Taking the stairs, he went over the varied list of pros and cons to taking a much-needed vacation. First and foremost, he wanted to reconnect with his woman. They had sex, but not as often. Typical relationship gripe after a decade of marriage. And maybe sex didn't seem like a chore, but it lacked passion, too. He missed the spark and static they used to have.

Pausing outside the door, he heaved a sigh. "She's probably asleep by now." And why not?

She'd put in full day. Even if she'd left earlier than normal, he'd seen her patient schedule before. And this had been a grueling week for her.

He entered the loft, surprised to find the lights still on. "Maybe she's still awake." Taking that as a good sign, he made his way through the mudroom area, the kitchen, and finally ended up in the living room. He found Danielle curled up on the couch, an open book and an empty wine glass on the ottoman.

His lips curved. How many times had he come home from his study group to find her in this same position after a thirty-six hour shift during her residency? Back then, he used to kiss her awake then join her on the sofa or haul her to the bedroom for a hot round of passionate sex.

He wanted those kinds of moments back.

Kneeling down, he cupped her face. "Hey, beautiful, I'm home." His thumb stroked over her cheek.

Dani's eyes blinked open and focused on him. "Hi…" She started to sit up and winced. "Ugh. Fell asleep, didn't I?" She straightened and twisted her head from side to side. "What time is it? Did the dinner go well?" She scooted over, making room for him to sit beside her.

He settled on the couch and drew her legs over his lap. "It did, but it ran late. It's just after midnight." His fingers squeezed her feet, massaging and kneading.

Danielle made a low hum of satisfaction. "Kind of figured it would when ten p.m. rolled around." Her lips curved and her tone lacked heat.

Vince arched an eyebrow. "Were you waiting up? I'm sorry if you were." He moved on to her arches, working his thumbs along her skin the way she liked.

Danielle waved off the apology. "It's okay. I got sucked into a book and didn't feel like moving." She paused a moment. "I do have something I'd like to talk about, but it can wait if you're too tired tonight."

Vince's heart dropped and he looked for a sign he'd missed something. But she didn't appear angry or upset. Still … he'd better share his news while he could.

Giving her a nod, he moved up to her calves. "I'm not too tired. I've got something to share also. Do you mind if I go first?"

I like this story. It's fun to write a couple that is deeply in love but comes close to losing sight of just how much they care.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Next Year Same Time

A lovely week with warmer temperatures and some rain. Excited to see some spring weather rolling in. It's supposed to be in the high fifties and sixties this week and I'm totally down with that, even if it gets chilly at night.

Not a bad week for writing either. I played catch-up on a few more manuscripts and fleshed out some plot bunnies. The sages are on a roll right now and I'm not sure what prompted their creativity. I won't complain though.

Good week of television also. I watched a couple of movies starting with Enola Holmes, which I ended up really enjoying. Glad to hear there will be another one at some point. I also watched a total favorite of mine, Grease 2. This is one of those cases where I loved the sequel more than the original. Seriously.

I restarted my watch of Picard, picking up with episode six. Wow, a lot to unpack in that episode. I'm excited to see what happens next.

I finally started Chicago Med. I've been waiting to see the first season and ended up getting access. Enjoyed the first episode.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice. I ended the second season and started the third. Both were good episodes.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I like the overarching storyline for the new season and the wrap-up of the previous season's fallout. I'll be honest and admit I'm not keen on the new supervisor but I'll reserve judgment for now.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and it was as twisty as I thought it would be. Enjoyed the two-parter.

Started season fifteen of Classic Who. Pretty decent opening arc the lighthouse setting. Interestingly, it ties into one of those unsolved mysteries of the unexplained and I love it when the show does that kind of thing.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on Area 52 and what might or might not be going on there.

Two more episodes of The Muppet Show are complete. I'd forgotten about Harry the mad bomber. He made an appearance and blew some stuff up.

That's about it for television and this week's wrap-up. Tonight's post is from Next Year Same Time, a novella where crazy circumstances spark a romantic interest.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lita Vonn is a store owner who gets caught up in a bank robbery and makes a connection with the negotiator, Saber Reyes. Saber questions her desire to get together and offers an alternative suggestion—next year, same time, they'll meet at the coffee shop across the street.

And a snippety peek…

Saber Reyes dialed the bank number and hoped someone responded. He'd worked hostage situations but never as the lead. He'd find out today if he had the stones to run a team on his own.

"Hello … I'm supposed to ask who I'm talking to and let you know I'll be speaking for the man in charge in here."

Saber blinked. "Okay. I'm Detective Reyes. You can call me Saber. Are you allowed to tell me your name?" A muffled conversation followed.

"Lita Vonn and I'm putting you on speaker but you're only to address me."

Saber frowned. Definitely not what he usually dealt with. Made things more challenging.

He agreed to the terms. "Fine, Lita. Is everyone okay? What does the man in charge want?"

One of the sheriff's deputies waved to get his attention. "Boss, I'm not sure what's going on, but can you hear this?"

A rapid staccato beat in steady increments could be heard in the background. Saber's eyes widened. Holy shit. Someone knew Morse code and decided to send a message.

He muted the phone. "Can you isolate that on this screen? It's Morse code." He glanced up. "Anyone familiar with Morse code? I need someone to translate while I'm on the call."

"Saber, the man in charge wants to know how much authority you have." Lita's voice came through the phone.

The series of beats stopped.

Saber shifted focus back to the current situation. "I'm fully authorized to negotiate and resolve this situation. What are his demands?"

Lita responded, "The man in charge wants a signed release from Judge Sharnell, stating the defendant in case number CR-1557895 is free to go and does not have to report to the holding center tomorrow." She paused and started again. "He also wants a plane ticket and safe passage to the airport. He'll have all the funds he needs from the bank."

Saber frowned again. "I'll get to work on the release, but the judge is in court. I might not be able to reach him right away." He definitely could, but he needed to buy some time.

Lita had a whispered conversation then replied. "You've got three hours. The ticket can be for anywhere that doesn't have an extradition agreement with the US."

Saber blew out a breath. "All right. I'll find the next available flight and arrange for transportation." He waited a moment. "Is there anything else?"

Lita responded quickly. "Stay on the line. And keep your snipers off the roofs if you don't want dead hostages."

Saber bit back an expletive. "All right. Done." He motioned the commander of the tactical team to pull his men back.

Then he waved the man over and gave him the order to put his sniper teams in the upper floors of the neighboring buildings. Not ideal, but workable. He shifted his gaze to the computer screen and Morse code translations.

MiC is Chuck Barnaby. Armed with semi-auto rifle. Strapped with explosives. Very jumpy and erratic.

Damn. Solid information. Combined with the docket number, Saber should be able to put a good profile together for their man in charge.

He gave the order to contact Judge Sharnell to apprise him of the situation and keep the man informed. He pulled up the case and reviewed the charges and the judge's orders. This wouldn't end well for Barnaby. Unless he gave himself up, which Saber's gut said wouldn't happen.

He went back to the call. "Lita, you've been very helpful so far. Keep up the good work." He hoped she understood his loosely coded message. "Let's do our best to keep everyone calm and comfortable for now. I'll be in touch soon about the plane ticket."

I love the adventure angle of this story. Saber will be halfway in love with Lita before he meets her face-to-face.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: New Year's Nip

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. We're having a low-key day without a lot of fanfare. That's exactly the way I like to celebrate holidays and my middle kiddo had his gallbladder removed earlier this week so being kind of quiet is a good thing.

Had a decent week of television viewing. My work schedule is still sporadic and I've been able to catch up on a few more writing projects. I'm also taking some time to organize my works in progress and then I hope to plan out a tentative schedule to finish up the ones that are close to being done.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and, so far, it's pretty good. I'm a little confused about the new character being in uniform but hopefully that will resolve itself by the end of the episode.

Watched the first episode of No Offence's second season. Really nice setup for the overarching storyline. I really love Viv and Dinah's dynamic. This show is so excellent.

Caught the opening episodes of the tenth season of Silent Witness. Really liked the first two-parter. I've started the third episode and I think it's going to be a twisty one.

Watched the final arc of Doctor Who's fourteenth season. Pretty solid storyline and I'm starting to like the dynamic between Four and Leela. I like her.

I ended up with a free six-month trial of Discovery+ so I started a show called UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I love diving into theories of visitors from outer space.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Both were very funny. I've discovered I really enjoy the ballroom dance segments. Considering I'm not a huge comedy fan, this is high praise.

And that's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from New Year's Nip, an Organic Nature sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eppie Collins has a terrific guy, one who gave her a wonderful Christmas holiday. She's returning the favor on New Year's Eve, making surprise last-minute plans to watch the midnight fireworks in the city. Vin's not the only one who can pull out all the stops.

And a snippety peek…

Vin drove down the road leading to Eppie's place. His fuzzy brain needed a few more hours of sleep, but he wouldn't trade the last few days for anything. Since their return from Holly Hollow, Eppie whirled through her work day, humming happy tunes and smiling a lot more. When she ran her end of the year numbers, she danced around the kitchen. Her profits were even better than she expected. She'd fixed a terrific dinner then dragged him upstairs for celebratory sex that lasted just past midnight. Then started all over at five a.m.

He loved that woman something fierce.

Pulling to a stop in front of her house, he shut the engine off and rested his forehead on the steering wheel. His meeting went well, his work crews more than happy with the annual bonus. He straightened and grinned. When he announced scheduled inside work for the next two months, his three teams whooped for joy. The timing didn't always work out, but he strived to keep his guys—and three gals—busy through the winter months. Half days were better than zero days.

His hand reached to pop the door open but when he glanced up, Eppie stood outside with a steaming mug in her hands. He flashed a smile and she eased back, holding the cup in his direction.

Sliding from the vehicle, he nodded toward the offering. "For me?" He took the drink and the aroma of hot chocolate wafted to his nose. "Mmm. Cocoa." Moving forward, he wrapped an arm around her. "Perfect on a cold day."

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I thought so. Doesn't take long to get chilled to the bone out here." Putting her arms around him, she walked up onto the porch and out of the wind.

He took a bracing gulp, the smooth, creamy liquid flowing down his throat. "Ahhh. Just right. Not too hot, not too cold."

Eppie broke away to open the front door and Vin followed her inside after kicking his boots off. More yummy scents drifted out from the kitchen. Chicken and dumplings, one of his favorites. Shrugging his coat off, he let Eppie grab it to hang on the hook beside the door.

He made his way to the living room, settling down on the sofa. A fire roared in the hearth, a perfect complement to the cocoa. Eppie brought a mug in and curled up beside him.

Taking another sip, he shot her a sideways glance. "A tasty treat, my favorite for dinner. Is this a special occasion?"

She chuckled. "No, not really. Call it making amends for keeping you up and making you late this morning."

This series is so much fun to write. I love the challenge of sticking with one couple and showing the progression of their relationship with its ups and downs.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin