Sunday Snippet: A Simple Thing

Finally over the ick of the flu and a cold on top of it. Feeling so much better and happy about that. Got a good catch up on work projects and I'm relieved to be back on track.

Had a decent week of television again. I caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and kind of missed Jared's presence. The episode ended up being pretty good and I enjoyed a twist I didn't quite see coming.

Watched both episodes of Silent Witness and actually remembered most of the plot line. Finished up season twelve and should get started on thirteen this week.

Caught two arcs of Classic Who. The first one didn't really thrill me but the second one ended up being better than I hoped. I'm liking the trio of companions.

Enjoyed two episodes of UFO Conspiracies. The first one had a series of stories about swarms of UFOs. The second had a series about footage caught on camera. Both were pretty interesting and I love seeing how military units in other countries handle sightings.

Ended up watching four episodes of The Muppet Show. Roger Miller, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Lynn Redgrave, and Cheryl Ladd were the guest stars. I loved the Lynn Redgrave episode and the Robin Hood enactment.

Started a new season of Prime Suspect. I have vague memories of this one and look forward to the second half when everything pretty much blows up for Tennison.

Caught the first episode of season five Peak Practice. Andrew is back and Will's significant other had their baby. Pretty good beginning to the new season.

Enjoyed another lesson of Master Class with LeVar Burton. He talked about his storytelling heroes and I appreciated the insight he gave.

Watched another Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. This one took a look at episode six where everything goes to hell for Geralt. Very cool to get some insight into how and why things happened the way they did.

Caught another London Live. This one featured Kelly Clarkson and I enjoyed the songs chosen. Still like Berlin Live better.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Mudd returned and the repeating of the thirty minutes entertained me. Loved how many characters ended up being out of their comfort zone even if Burnham was the main focal point.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med. This one kind of gutted me and I loved it. So glad I'm finally getting to see all of this show. I've said that before, right?

Started the next season of Midsommer Murders. I've kind of been putting it off because it's only two episodes with a few more starting this month, I think. Loved the first episode. I've missed Winter's facial expressions so much.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Simple Thing, a novella where things get a little complicated for my main characters after an accidental naked viewing.

Here's the mini-blurb:

River Cyd loses a bet and has to have a lip lock with Gus Berkeley. No big deal—they've shared them before. But the simple kiss goes from zero to smokin' in less than a second flat and River isn't quite sure when complicated became the norm between her and Gus.

And a snippety peek…

River dreamed about Gus three nights in a row. Gah. She wished she hadn't seen him naked.

Getting ready to crawl into bed, she pulled the sheets back. "Not like I haven't fantasized about him before…" But now her imaginings were practically X-rated. "So not good when I work with him almost every day."

And Kat didn't help. She always had sex on her mind and didn't hold back when sharing details of her escapades. River got a terrific education and a whole list of stuff she wanted to try someday.

But River rarely participated in the kiss and tell sessions. She liked to keep her intimate details under wraps. If only because she didn't have any to speak of recently.

Unlike Gus, who often had women waiting after the bar closed to become his latest overnight guests. Gus flirted with everyone—something River loved and loathed in equal measure. She enjoyed Gus's suggestive banter even if she had to remember the reminder he didn't mix personal with professional. He had a strict no-employee hookup rule.

She got it. He'd had an employee, Gloria Allward, try to sue for harassment. The case went nowhere—Gus kept good records and video footage—and he gave Gloria the straight scoop before they even got started. He didn't want a long-term relationship at the time.

River shook her head. "But Gloria definitely thought she deserved a change in status." And she didn't appreciate learning she wouldn't get any favoritism.

River slid between the sheets. "No wonder Gus steers clear of romance at work now."

Probably a good idea and River respected the reasons. But, damn, her brain sure didn't get the message. Not when she had a vivid Technicolor image taking up residence in her brain.

Her hand snaked down her stomach and dipped under her panties. "Can't hurt to use my overactive imagination to self-pleasure, right?"

Maybe she'd quit dreaming about Gus if she enacted her fantasy for a little solo fun…

This story is fun to write. I love changing dynamics and light bulb moments with characters.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Severing Ties

Still battling the generalized blah left over from the flu. The good news is that I got lots of sleep with naps and getting to bed earlier. The bad news is I'm behind on work projects but I should be able to make up my lost time this week. Fingers crossed anyway.

Had a decent week with television. I caught two episodes of Chicago Med and the second one made me sad. It's kind of the first time I've been hit a little sideways by one of the plot lines.

Enjoyed a holiday episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I always find it cool to see how the holidays look in the middle of summer for shows set in New Zealand and Australia. Also started the fourth season of the show and, once again, I love seeing recurring characters pop up when I least expect them.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and actually enjoyed how it ended. It's another one I'd forgotten.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. I'll be honest, Teegan rather annoys me but I think the character will end up growing on me. I do like Five a lot.

UFO Conspiracies had an interesting episode focused on fireballs. I enjoy seeing how other countries handle sightings.

Caught two episodes of The Muppet Show. Elke Sommer and Sylvester Stallone were the guest stars. I enjoyed the Stallone episode more than I thought I would.

Skated through the season two finale of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten how awkward and messy that episode ended up being.

Watched the season four finale of Peak Practice. I'm getting into the new partners and I'm glad Andrew is sticking around. Looking forward to starting season five.

Caught another Master Class with LeVar Burton. He talked about podcasting during this lesson and I have an interest in starting one at some point. I got some great information about how to approach the idea.

Enjoyed another episode of Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. Episode ended up being one of my favorites and I loved the behind the scenes insight.

Watched London Live: Jennifer Hudson. I think I like Berlin Live better, but I enjoyed the music from Jennifer.

Caught some New Rugrats episode shorts and a special cast episode. Oddly, there was some footage from episodes I haven't seen yet so I'm hoping that means new ones are on the way at some point. I'll be starting a rewatch of the classic show in the next week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Severing Ties, a novella that has an established couple breaking up and finding their way back together with a little help from their small-town neighbors.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lucky Block and Booker Severn provide all the crazy antics their small town can take. But when they finally sever ties, the community pulls out all the stops to show the couple they belong together.

And a snippety peek…

Lucky's lips turned up in a sad smile. She turned and walked away, her gait slow and steady. She kept her head level and met every eye in the bar room on her way to the exit. She crossed the threshold and didn't look back. Booker didn't follow and she breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn't deal with his forced civility, and it wouldn't be freely given—not anymore.

Sliding behind the wheel of her car, she blinked rapidly. "I'm not going to cry. I won't." She jammed the key into the ignition and started the engine.

Her face flamed with delayed embarrassment. "Nothing like creating a spectacle with a public breakup." Her forehead hit the steering wheel. I'm so stupid.

Needing some distance between her and Booker, she exited the parking lot and drove back across town. She stopped at a tiny wine shop in a strip mall and picked out a bottle of vino. Halfway to the checkout, she turned a snagged another one.

Handing over her debit card, she thanked the cashier then stuffed her purchase under her arm. "Two bottles should get me totally drunk." She definitely wanted to drown her sorrows.

Because her heavy heart felt completely empty and, along with surprise, she discovered sadness. "Never thought about how I'd feel if I lost him lost him." And, dammit, she should have.

Her family had no staying power. They didn't put down roots or make long-lasting connections. Instead, they packed up and moved out, leaving broken snags behind.

Pulling into her drive, she cut the engine. "And I can add one snarled mess to the pile." Not a proud moment but not completely unexpected either.

She got out and slowly walked along the paver stones leading to her porch. By the time she got the door unlocked and stepped inside the foyer, tears threatened again. She didn't resist this time, carrying the wine into the kitchen and grabbing a glass. Hot trails scalded down her cheeks unchecked and Lucky made her way to the couch where she set the bottle on the coffee table then headed for the bathroom to retrieve a box of tissues.

Settling on the sofa, she tucked her feet under her thighs, poured a glass, and slowly sipped. "Here's to severing yet another tie."

Weirdly, I'm having fun with this one. Lucky and Booker need a little help to realize they're perfect for each other.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Selling Tickets

Ugh, so far September is kicking my butt. I've been down with the flu pretty much all week because of course I haven't had a chance to get a flu shot yet. Lots of chills, fever, aches, and long slogs of sleep. Here's hoping I'm over the hump and on my way to recovery.

Very slow week in television. I started the week with New Rugrats and thoroughly enjoyed both episodes.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med. I think this might be my favorite of all the Chicago shows.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Once again, this show makes me so happy. A great mystery that had a few twists.

Started another two-parter of Silent Witness and vaguely remembered the first episode.

Enjoyed the first arc of Five's run on Classic Who. So far, I have to admit I like the trio of companions and how they're interacting with each other and the doctor.

Caught the second episode of UFO Conspiracies. I'm enjoying how the stories are presented in this series. There's a theme and the conspiracy revolves around it, with usually at least two different scenarios.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Spike Milligan and Leslie Uggams were the guest stars, along with a special appearance by Big Bird.

Last but not least, I started the second season of Prime Suspect. I'd forgotten just how messy Jane could make things and I'm enjoying that angle.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Selling Tickets, a novella that puts my main characters at a crossroad and both have to decide which direction they're going to choose.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kurt Trevarthan trusts Winnie Clay, one of his oldest friends, with everything but his heart. He never dreams he won't be able to rely on her when she decides to take a large step away after the opening of his latest nightclub, especially when his old man shows up—after a decade away—and he needs her now more than ever.

And a snippety peek…

Winnie leaned back against the wide expanse of Kurt's chest. "Mmm. Dinner sounds good." She picked up her phone. "Mind if we order in?"

Kurt shot her a sly grin. "Does that mean we'll be dining naked?"

Winnie laughed. "Isn't that the best way?"

Kurt waggled his eyebrows. "You know it." He jerked his head toward the bathroom. "Gonna grab a quick shower."

Winnie waved him off and placed the order. Disconnecting the call, she chuckled over Kurt's earlier playfulness. They were T-minus about forty-eight hours from opening night and, instead of stressing, Kurt seemed so calm and relaxed.

Then again, they'd done this twice before and Solange's being a labor of love and dedicated to the memory of Kurt's mom meant the world to both of them. Her death still had the power to bring him low. Ten years since she'd died in the car crash. Ten years of being estranged from his dad, Ken. Ten years since Kurt grabbed Winnie's hand and walked away from everything he'd known.

Winnie shook her head. "Giving the ultimate middle finger to his dad must make for a zen experience." Not that she blamed him.

Finding his dad in another woman's bed and discovering he'd been there when Solange died became a defining moment in Kurt's life. He had his eyes opened to Ken's shortcomings in the worst possible way and the effect caused a lot of damage, namely Kurt's inability to make deep emotional commitments. Long-term, casual connections were the best he could do.

And … she didn't want to think about that elephant in the room right now or her current quandary about making a change to their status quo. They had a grand opening to launch and a night of debauchery to partake in.

Pushing aside anything not related to food or dining naked, Winnie quickly changed into yoga pants and a kimono then walked up the steps to wait on the delivery.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Kurt definitely has some issues and Winnie is rethinking her role in his life, but they'll definitely have a great night of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Rustic Affair

Wow. September snuck up on me even though I've been talking about how close August was to ending. 2021 is a weird year, just saying.

Had a solid week of working with a potential new project coming in and several more lurking in the wings. I finished up a great manuscript and can't wait for the book to release. It featured a tornado!

Not a bad week of television. I started with Master Class with LeVar Burton and lesson eight with focused on performative storytelling. I love watching LeVar break down how he approaches telling and sharing stories.

Watched two episodes of Inside the Episodes: The Witcher. The shows broke down episodes two and three. It's very interesting to go back and see where the production side of things is coming from after seeing the entire first season. I'm really looking forward to season two.

Caught two episodes of Berlin Live. The first featured Blondie and I thoroughly enjoyed the string of hits minus one of my very faves. Boy George and Culture Club also put on a great show and I'm love diving back into some music from my formative years.

Enjoyed another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. I'm slowly getting to know the characters and I'm starting to like how everything is coming together. Really interesting to see a character from Star Trek: TOS. Looking forward to seeing if anything comes from that.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and ended up really liking it. I'm once again really happy to finally be able to watch this show from the beginning and fill in so many blanks.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I love this quirky and fun show even though there's always a murder to solve. As I've mentioned before, having characters that pop up with frequency makes me happy.

Finished out the second episode of Silent Witness. I'm getting toward the end of season twelve. I think I've got four more episodes to go. I'm also remembering why I really liked this show when I watched it the first time.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one feature country music, which I always find interesting when it's in another country.

Finished out season eighteen of Classic Who and Four's tenure. Five is taking over the controls of the Tardis and I'm looking forward to seeing his take on the Doctor.

Started UFO Conspiracies and it's not bad. I'm always interested in digging into what other countries experience with UFO sightings and this series seems to include those takes.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Lesley Ann Warren and Danny Kaye were the guest stars. Very fun episodes.

Caught another episode of Prime Suspect and finished out the first season. I'll start season two this week.

Peak Practice had an interesting episode and I enjoyed it. Andrew definitely has some issues and I like how the show is exploring them.

That finishes up this week's television update. Tonight's post is from A Rustic Affair, a novella that has my main characters trying to settle down after a decade or more of living life on the edge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Necia Sands and Falcon Seaver, two mercenaries for hire who finally retire from the life, try to settle down. Being opposites draws them together, but it also makes them clash over simple things—like finding the right place to live.

And a snippety peek…

Coming up on the end of six weeks, most of the interior work had been completed. They had furniture and appliances and most of their personal belongings scattered about the house. An elevation rested on the kitchen table and they were looking over the plans for the porch repair with an added screened-in room off the kitchen.

She tapped enclosed area on the page. "I like this. We use the porch so frequently it makes sense to have it act almost an extension of the house." She pictured a day bed and maybe a hammock chair.

Falcon's fingers traced the open area. "And there's still plenty of room out on the deck for us to spread out a little if we want."

A rustling drew her attention. Too loud to be nature's creatures. The crunch of gravel made a telltale sign they had company.

Necia's adrenaline kicked up a notch and she went on full alert. "Falcon—"

He raised his hand, cutting her off. Obviously, he heard the sound, too. He made his way to the living room window and scanned the outside with his gaze. Necia followed, staying out of sight.

Falcon flattened against the wall. "We've got movement out there." He peered out through the sheer curtains.

Necia frowned. Who could have found them? It's too soon for this shit.

She nodded. "How many?"

Falcon crept along the wall, rounding into the kitchen. "I counted two, armed, coming in from the drive." He snuck a look out the door. "Looks like two more coming in along the cliff."

Four on two. On a good day, Necia would take those odds. Today? Not so sure.

Falcon kept his voice low. "Gun?" His brow quirked.

Necia shook her head. "Nope. Didn't think I'd need one. They're all locked up for the final move." Stupid. I won't let that happen again.

Falcon nodded. "Knife in your boot?"

Necia unsheathed the blade. "Of course."

Falcon ripped the hammer from his tool belt, hanging on the back of a chair, and grabbed a pipe wrench from the counter, which he handed to Necia. Then he reached for the stiletto in his boot.

He met her gaze. "Ready?"

Necia gave a terse nod. She wanted to deal with the foursome and get back to regular life.

Which she really wanted a lot right now.

This book is so much fun. Necia and Falcon get to see normal life isn't always normal and have fun while doing it.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin