Sunday Snippet: Pumpkin Patch Honeymoon (an Organic Nature short)

Long week with a zillion phone calls to settle everything on getting a new vehicle to replace our totaled one. Happy to say as of Friday it's all taken care of. Yay!

Not a bad week with work projects and a solid week of good television. Started out with Street Legal and I'm ending with another episode of the same. Starting to really enjoy this show.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room and thoroughly enjoyed Evan Evagoria's interview. Such a great character he played. And he's a huge fan of the franchise and that came through so much.

Also watched another episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed the three threads playing out during the episode.

Enjoyed another episode of No Offence. This show … man, it's so good. Not sure if there will be more episodes, but I'm so glad I found this one.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness's two part episode. Yeah, they're all two part episodes, I know. This was a really great one and I liked how everything came together by the end.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. They're still on the trail of the time key components and this episode ended up being more fun than I originally thought it would be.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it's got some drama, which seems to be woven in more than usual. Great episode so far.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused around UFOs and US presidents. Actually pretty interesting viewing.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Dom Deluise and Bernadette Peters were the guest stars. I'm still nostalgic for the first season, which is probably my favorite.

The Hardy Boys had a great episode. The tall dude is finally—maybe—done for. Liked getting a little more information on Laura's past and I'm trying to decide if I want the grandmother to be super bad or a red herring of goodness.

I viewed another Master Class with David Carson on graphic design. This one had another lesson about color and I found it fascinating.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is going to some interesting places. I can't decide if I want Sabrina to really twist everything on its ass or if she needs something to blow up in her face. I'll find out by the next episode if that happens.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Pumpkin Patch Honeymoon, an Organic Nature short that circles back to where everything began with Eppie and Vin.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eppie and Vin's unconventional journey comes full circle when they make a lasting commitment in the pumpkin patch where their story began. They decide a staycation will be the perfect endcap and discover during their idyllic week that passion only grows the more in love they fall.

And a snippety peek…

Vin Derbish closed the file cabinet and handed Greg Rhodes the schedule for the next week. "Sure you don't mind acting as the boss for the next five days?" He met the former soldier's gaze.

Greg shook his head. "Hell, no. I'm thankful for the opportunity. A slow ease back to civilian management is exactly what I need right now." He tucked the folder under his arm and thrust out his hand. "Thank you, Vin. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Vin shook and pulled Greg in for a bro hug. "I think I do, man. And you know the crew'll help any way they can. They'll look to you when anything weird happens—and it will—then they'll follow your lead." Vin waited a beat. "And you can call if shit really goes sideways."

Greg backed away holding his hands up. "Uh-uh. This is your honeymoon. Just because you guys have been together for a while doesn't mean you shouldn't have uninterrupted time together." His lips curved upward. "Seems like getting hitched really agrees with you."

Vin nodded. "It totally does." He started for the door and Greg followed. "I thought it would be pretty much the same. I mean, we've lived together for a while, but it's not. It's better." Making the final move from his house and handing the keys over to Greg kind of closed a door.

And it didn't bother Vin one bit.

Greg lifted his chin. "Yeah, well, if you're ever in the dog house, your house is always open." He chuckled. "Not that you'll ever need it. You two are what couples should be, crazy in love and happy to be there. Gives me hope I'll find that someday."

Vin stopped by his truck. "From what I hear, you might not have to look far." He referred to one of Eppie's employees that had been spending a lot of her free time with Greg since the Memorial Day parade.

Greg got a silly grin on his face but sobered quickly. "It's early days yet and I have a lot of baggage to check, but she's patient and not in a big hurry to put labels on what we are."

Vin's gut said the new couple would be end-game material but he kept that idea tucked in the back of his mind. "There's nothing wrong with being gun shy or taking things at a slow pace. I speak from experience there." Eppie's ex had done a number on her and she didn't her trust lightly.

Greg nudged Vin's shoulder. "You'd better get going. Your week away officially starts in"—he looked at his bare wrist—"zero point two seconds from now."

Vin laughed and hopped into the truck. Greg waved and Vin backed out of the drive and made the turn to head home. To the woman of his dreams and a bliss-filled week in the little cabin he'd built for her.

I love Eppie and Vin so much and taking them on their year-long journey has been a joy to write. I might have to pop in again at some point to see how they're doing.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Pregnant Pause

Apparently, the week before last ended up being bizarre not only because Mercury is in retrograde but two other planets are squaring up. I'm kind of glad I made it through the insanity. The past week had some challenges but things finally started coming together and smoothed out. Whew.

My youngest kiddo returned from Alaska where she had a great time. She graduated high school last year and she and my dad finally got to take a trip this summer. They had great weather and got to do a ton of fun sightseeing events.

Had a slightly slower than usual television viewing experience. I started out with a new episode of No Offence. Viv had quite the revelation at the end of the episode and I'm interested to see where things go from here.

Enjoyed another episode of Silent Witness. This one has some quirky undertones and I'm interested in the second part to see how everything plays out.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and started a new one. Since my new washing machine arrived, I've been catching up on laundry and getting some quality time in on my Australian show.

Watched a full arc of Classic Who. For some reason, I thought they only needed to find four pieces of the key, but it's actually six. Should be interesting to see how the final three play out.

Enjoyed another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on UFO tech, which I find fascinating. The theories that come out of the woodwork regarding why and how the technology is used always makes me smile.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Guest stars were Madeline Kahn and George Burns. Both were shows I didn't remember.

Watched a great episode of The Hardy Boys. Things are starting to come together and I'm really interested in where things will end up. I'm ready for the tall guy to get served. Just saying.

Enjoyed a new episode of Peak Practice. I have a feeling the next one will have a tragedy but I rather liked the new doctor they introduced. Looking forward to more from him.

Caught another Master Class on graphic design. This one focused on life as a working designer. I didn't think I'd get much out of that lesson, but I actually did. Even if I don't want to pursue graphic design as a career, the concept of what's important in the career you choose provided some good information.

Finally, I'm watching another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. This is set around Thanksgiving and there are some great character reveals. I like this show but I'm not champing at the bit to get to the next one … yet. This episode does have an awesome guest star in Michael Hogan and I'm happy to see him in the mix. Reminds me to send positive vibes out and hope his recovery is going well.

That's pretty much it for television and life updates. Tonight's post is from Pregnant Pause, a novella that puts my main characters in a tricky situation after they can't keep their hands off each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nora Dunne and Logan Rider are wildly attracted to each other and doing a stint in a remote location for a research project. When sexual tension gets in the way of the work, their decision to act on the magnetic pull leads to unexpected consequences.

And a snippety peek…

Nora Dunne waited by the big snow cat ready to take her to a remote outpost. "Come on … it's cold out here." Would be even colder at the two-man base.

The crunch of snow under boots drew her attention and she peeked around the side of the big rig. Oh, shit. The person approaching shouldn't be coming this way. Logan Rider isn't scheduled for this stint.

Shouldn't matter, but Nora expected Brad Harsdale—a nice, safe middle-aged professor taking a sabbatical from teaching for a year. He wanted to write and publish about his experience. And he'd leave Nora alone to conduct her studies in peace.

Logan stopped in front of her, a backpack hoisted over one shoulder. "Hi, Nora. Professor Harsdale had a family emergency and I got shuffled into his spot." He let the pack slide down and gently dropped it to the snowy ground. "Hope you don't mind."

Mind? Oh, she totally did. Too bad she couldn't really voice her opinion. They'd be leaving in less than ten minutes.

She lifted a shoulder. "Not like we have an option." She sounded bitchy, but his arrival threw her off kilter.

He frowned but didn't reply. Just as well. Making small talk would only make her sound even crankier.

Because Logan checked all her boxes. Seriously hot, seriously smart, and seriously her type. She didn't need the complication of being wildly attracted to the person she'd be spending the next several months with.

Pasting a smile on her face, she stuck out her gloved hand. "Let's plan to make the best of our new circumstances." She'd at least try.

Logan grinned and clasped her palm. "Deal." He reached for his backpack. "We'll muddle along famously."

Nora had more than a little doubt. His charming smile kicked her heart against her ribs. He had distraction written all over him.

That's my problem, not his.

She gave a nod. "I'm sure we'll manage."

She really hoped so.

I love how much Nora hates the idea of being alone with Logan because she knows herself so well.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Photo Ops

You know, it's been a week. I don't which planet is in retrograde right now but it's effing everything up. LOL My washer died and the delivery of the new one has been moved three times. I might get it Tuesday but I'm not holding my breath. The husband had a deer smash into his vehicle and it's a probably a loss. My daughter's car is having issues. I'm kind of scared to even walk outside in case the sky falls or something else weird.

All that said … I'm not really complaining. It's just a lot of bizarre, inconvenient stuff hitting all at once and I'm kind of scratching my head and wondering how soon the universe will right itself. LOL

Had a great work week and got some solid television viewing in. I started out UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This episode focused on abductions and I always find those stories fascinating.

With the new season of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries premiering this week, I caught the behind the scenes special from season one. Lots of fun information and interviews.

Watched another episode of The Muppet Show. The guest was Steve Martin and he had fun with his appearance.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. The mystery is getting deeper and I'm thoroughly enjoying the way everything is coming together. I love the group of friends and how they're completely in on the whole deal now.

I enjoyed another segment of Master Class. David talked about developing logos and I got some good information from him. I have a few tweaks to make to a couple of logos I've put together for book series.

Caught another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm getting a little more invested in the characters and I'm interested in where everything goes. I love Hilda's new job!

Peak Practice had a good episode. It took me a while to get into the storyline but I liked how the show played out. It seemed like it was going to go in a tragic direction but ended up not going that route.

Started a new to me show with Street Legal, which is a spinoff of an eighties original. I loved the premiere episode and think I'll end up liking this one.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room, recapping episode four of Picard. Wil is a lot of fun when he's interviewing the actors and I loved the behind the scene special effects segment.

Started an episode of Chicago Med and, so far, I'm enjoying it. The surgeon character is such an ass he's fun to watch. Another aptly titled episode with choices as the theme.

Last but not least … Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries premiered!! I've been so excited for a second season and I'm so happy I had two episodes to watch. This show is so much fun and it took a direction I didn't expect but I'm totally there for. Peregrine isn't a carbon copy of Phryne and that thrills me. I have so much love for the sixties vibe, too. Not sure why that era fascinates me so much but I'm almost always down to watch things set during that decade. And I'm over the moon I'll have another episode to watch soon!

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a fun romp with the characters falling for each other during some charity shenanigans.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photoshoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

Nina shot him a sideways glance. "Gee, Mace. If you wanted to see me naked, you only had to ask." She dropped the towel.

Mace nearly swallowed his tongue. Damn. He didn't think she could get much sexier than the towel draped over her shoulder, but standing in front of him without a stitch on? Okay, yeah, full-on sexy.

But the sexiest thing about Nina? Her sassy mouth. Even fully clothed she could make him hard with a few simple words and they didn't have to be about sex. The tone, the husky vibrancy, the raspy promise of something indefinable turned him on like nothing else. And left him speechless in the process.

Because … in full nude glory? Well, he wouldn't, couldn't, deny his reaction. His dick hurt, ached to be free from its confines. He'd definitely have a great visual reference for stroking one out later. His fingers all but itched to start now.

Nina shook her head. "Don't even think about wasting that hard slab between your legs on your fist."

His eyes widened. Does she read minds now?

She smirked. "I take full responsibility for the condition you're in, which means I should be the one to do something about it." Advancing toward him, she quirked an eyebrow. "Hope you don't have anywhere to be." She reached out and popped the button of his dungarees then worked the zipper down far enough to wrap her hand around his stiff shaft. "Mmmm. Hot and ready." Her gaze met his. "Tell me you don't want this."

Fuck, no. He wanted it—her—however the hell he could have her.

He shoved his pants down and kicked out of the legs. "Right now, I'm wondering why the fuck we haven't done this before." And whether they'd be doing it again.

She chuckled, a low throaty sound. "Remember the whole stodgy stick up your ass thing? That's why." Her fist slid along his dick. "But I think you're ready now." She looked up at him through her lashes. "Aren't you?"

He hauled his shirt over his head. "Damn straight. Do your worst." He had no doubt her worst would be his best ever experience.

Nina lowered to her knees. "This is to take the edge off." She glanced upward. "Hope you're not a one and done kind of guy." She didn't wait for a response before she closed her lips around the tip of his cock and sucked hard.

Geez. Her sassy mouth? Did wicked, wonderful things to his erection.

Mace reached down and cupped her face. "Hold up. Let's get a little more comfortable." He crouched down then lay flat on the plush carpet. "Move around here, Nina. I'm a mutual satisfaction kind of guy."

She made a low, raspy sound. "Ahh, Mace. You're full of surprises." She straddled his torso, bracing her knees on either side then leaned forward to engulf him again.

Mace grasped her thighs and his tongue delved between her folds. Fuuucckkk. She tastes great. He could feast on her for days.

The sages went a little hot on this one. Mace and Nina are so much fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Past All Limits

Well, hello, June. It's mind-boggling to think half the year is pretty much gone. I'm rather glad summer is just around the corner even though I'm not a huge fan of super-hot temperatures.

I've been in a weird place lately and pondering whether there's something else on my horizon. Lots of ideas are jostling in my brain. Stay tuned … I might have more to come on this topic.

Decent week of television this week. I started out with three episodes of The Muppet Show. Judy Collins, Nancy Walker, and Edger Bergen were the guest stars. Each episode ended up being pretty fun.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. I'm enjoying the mystery and I really like the sibling interaction. It'll be interesting to see how deeply the grandmother is involved.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. The show took turn I didn't expect, which I always enjoy.

Enjoyed another Master Class with David Carson. The fifth lesson focused on putting yourself into your work. I came away with some great ideas.

Caught another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Once again, I ended up surprised by Zelda. Still not a huge fan, but I think I'll end up liking her character arc.

Watched the third installment of The Ready Room. Michelle Hurd is such a cool actor. I've enjoyed her in almost everything she's participated in.

Caught another Passionflix Quickie. Hooked ended up being a lot of fun. I loved having an older couple as the main characters.

Ended up watching a full two-parter of Silent Witness. Really liked the storylines and their outcomes even though both weren't optimal.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one features a biker club and, so far, it's pretty decent.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and liked the storylines. The reunion theme fit most of the scenes. The one confusing bit with the super-great surgeon maybe planted some seeds for future episodes. Not sure about that one.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I'm thoroughly enjoying the third series. Dinah and Viv are formidable and I love how Spike kind of slides in wherever he's needed. Good stuff.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. The second part of the key search isn't quite as interesting as the first, but I love K-9's interactions with everyone.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Past All Limits, a novella where my main characters have some issues to work out.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Scarlett Jayne and Dare Humphries have issues. Scarlett can't commit and Dare won't wait around. After a nasty breakup, the former couple is thrown together for a ribbon-cutting at a new training facility. Six months isn't quite enough time for them to be sharing space.

And a snippety peek…

Lance entered Dare's office in the gym. "Dare, look, about last night…"

Dare held up a hand. "Don't. I know Scarlett. It's a typical stunt she'd pull, but from now on, the locker room is off limits for hooking up." He didn't want the jealousy rolling in his gut, but it bubbled and churned anyway.

Lance shook his head. "Not a problem. We're not a thing and we won't be. For the record, I had no idea she's your ex and she had no clue you were backing the venue." He paced back and forth. "But, in the interest of full disclosure, there's another potential snag because she signed a contract and paid in full up front."

Dare closed his eyes. "Dammit, Bart." He exhaled a long, slow breath then met Lance's gaze. "Thanks for letting me know."

Lance nodded. "I'm sorry, Dare. I don't want to pry or get in the middle of any bad blood between you and Scarlett. We literally met when she left Bart's office. We had coffee. Met for dinner last night and, well, you know the rest." He paused and stopped before the desk. "I didn't go in thinking we'd be starting a relationship because she basically told me she's not looking for long-term right now—"

Dare cut him off with a snort. "Yeah, Scarlett doesn't do commitment."

Lance frowned. "She doesn't do anyone. I mean, she said I'm the first guy since … aw, fuck. Since you two broke up. Geez. I didn't put that together until right now." He raked a hand through his hair. "Shit, man. I'm sorry."

Dare's brain spun, trying to process everything. "Yeah, let's move on. Not trying to be a dick when I say that either. Scarlett and I are over. It's awkward and that can be the end of the discussion." He shrugged. "Not my business who she sleeps with—unless it happens here and I'd rather not have to deal with that scenario again." Except with Scarlett … that could happen.

Shit.

His gut churned again.

Lance held up both hands. "Understood." He motioned between them. "You and I okay? Because this is my dream job and if I've fucked it up, tell me now so I can go weep over my lost opportunity."

Dare's lips twitched. "We're good, man." He rose and waved Lance off. "Go on. I've got a meeting with Bart in five minutes. I'll catch you later for a sparring session if you're available."

Lance's head bobbed up and down. "I will be. Come find me." He turned and exited the office.

Dare heaved a sigh. "Signing a contract with fucking Scarlett. What the hell is Bart thinking?"

And why the hell does it bother me so much?

I love writing couples that clearly belong together but have to get out of their own way to make that happen.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin