Sunday Snippet: Voices Carry

Whew. It's been a week, right? I finished up several projects and got a couple of new ones lined up. My workload is changing in a lot of ways and I'm happily adapting to the new lineup. Change is good, even when you (meaning me) don't like it. At least that's what I've discovered lately.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I have something of a pattern and I watch shows on a bit of a schedule. This week everything kind of seemed to speed along.

I ended up getting in three Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'm enjoying the second season of this show. The episodes are pretty short and fun to watch.

Finished up the Queens of Mystery second part and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm a little frustrated by the overarching mystery of Mattie's mom but I'm very willing to give this show a lot of leeway.

Watched three episodes of Silent Witness. The second two-parter ended up being pretty enjoyable. I like the vibe of having the forensic science mixed in with the pathology. After fifteen seasons, it's probably past time to introduce that into the mix.

Enjoyed two more Classic Who episodes. I actually kind of like the format for this season with Six being on trial. It's a nice change of pace and something a little different from the norm.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppets. Weirdly, the show really started to gel for me in the last couple of episodes. It's more inclusive and somewhat similar to the older format. And it's fun.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I'm very much into the unknown mysteries that haven't been discovered there yet. Dinosaurs, UFOs, weird paranormal encounters. This show has everything.

I'm loving Harrow. I got two more episodes watched and the walls are kind of closing in on the bigger arc of who killed Robert Quinn. I'm kind of excited to see where it ends up.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice and the characters said good-bye to David. It's about halfway through the seventh season and I'm interested in what will follow and what the fallout will be.

Enjoyed two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. She discussed mazes and patterns and the audience and both classes were very interesting. If nothing else, she's given me a new way of looking at projects and I'm here for that.

Got two episodes of Paranoid in and, wow, things are heating up. This is a very twisty and turny mystery and I like how things are playing out. I also love that the three leads are kind of a total mess but still get the job done.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. While none were my faves, they were great to watch as I'd kind of forgotten them. Nice to be reminded.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and I really, really don't like the COO person. As a foil for Sharon, I get the need to have her but, yikes, she's awful, terrible, and rage inducing.

Enjoyed two bonus episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries. A behind-the-scenes short and an interview with the two leads. I finished out everything that's currently available and I'll have to find a new show to start this week to go along with Queens of Mystery.

Got the first of a two-part Blue Heelers watched. I have a sneaky feeling this might be Wayne's swan song. The episode ended up being better than I expected. Can't wait to finish it next week.

Star Trek: Discovery once again kind of blew my mind. I love the interaction with Spock and Michael. The same goes for Michael and Ash. Actually, all the relationships on this show are amazing. Seriously, amazing.

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Voices Carry, a novella that puts the characters in peril after they realize their mutual attraction.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Summer Blaine is a struggling artist who always listens to Detective Fitch Falconer's tales of triumphs and woes when he drops by the diner she works in to make ends meet. When she gets a chance to display her art, she invites Fitch to the gallery to see her true passion. Unfortunately, a ghost from her past tries to get in the way and it's up to Fitch to find out who wants her dead.

And a snippety peek…

Summer set her bag on the counter. "Stan, don't forget to call if you need someone to fill in. I'm going to be around but painting my ass off to get ready for the show." She turned when the bell chimed over the door and hoped Fitch would there to greet her.

Instead of Fitch, a customer from earlier in the evening strolled in. Summer got a strange vibe but tried to shrug it off. Fitch would be here soon.

Stan came around the counter. "Hey, man. We're closed." He flipped the lights in the kitchen off.

The customer lifted his chin. "Know that. Came to see if Summer would like to go for a drink." He shoved his hands in his back pockets.

Summer glanced toward Stan. "Frank got the special for dinner earlier." She turned her attention to Frank. "I'm sorry, but I have a previous commitment."

Frank relaxed his stance. "How about tomorrow then?"

Summer tamped down the nervous twinge snaking along her spine. "Can't. I'm tied up for the next two weeks and I'm seeing someone."

Frank made a move toward her. "I don't believe you."

The bell chimed again and Summer breathed a little easier when Fitch entered the diner.

"Exactly what don't you believe?"

The guy turned, giving Fitch a nasty look. "None of your business, dude. I asked the lady out and she said she can't go."

Fitch inclined his chin. "Right. Meaning the lady said no." He tilted his head to one side. "Do you understand the definition of the word?" He straightened. "If not, I'll be happy to set you straight." He swept his jacket aside, flashing his badge.

Frank backed up, a little wary now that he had a full understanding of the situation. "But she was all nice and flirty with me earlier—"

Fitch cut him off. "Being nice to someone isn't a crime. It's also not an open invitation or permission for you to help yourself." He grasped Frank's shoulder and propelled him toward the exit. "You'd do well to remember that for future reference." He pushed the door open. "Now get moving before I have a uniformed officer come down and arrest you for being a pain in the ass." Once Frank cleared the threshold, Fitch pulled the glass panel shut and locked it up.

Stan gave a low whistle. "Damn, that was smooth."

Fitch glanced over his shoulder. "Sorry to butt in, but glad I got here when I did."

Summer let out a relieved sigh. "He was probably harmless, but didn't want to take no for an answer."

"Too right he didn't." Stan grunted. "If he'd gotten any closer to Summer, you'd be arresting me for assault. I didn't like the vibe he gave off."

Summer's eyes widened. "So, it wasn't just me then." She didn't say more, but she didn't have to.

Both men knew why she tended to be skittish.

Fitch gave a nod to Stan. "Not if Stan here got creeped out." He wrapped an arm around Summer. "You okay?"

Her head bobbed up and down. "Yeah. I'm good." She grabbed her bag off the counter. "Ready to head out?"

Fitch squeezed her shoulder. "Sure, let's go." He lifted a hand. "'Night, Stan."

Summer glanced over her shoulder. "Bye, Stan. Call me if you need anything."

Stan waved them out. "Will do. I'll see you on your big night."

This one has a little suspense and I like where the characters are headed.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Violating Space

Very intense and bizarre weather this past week. We had a significant warm up, which melted a lot of the snow. Then we had a ton of rain followed by high water and flooding. To top it off, the temperatures dropped again into the teens and twenties and we got more icy rain and snow. Seriously, it's crazy.

Had a very busy work week with projects landing in my inbox. I'm happy to have the work flowing and keeping me busy. Oddly, my writing time is shorter but I'm getting a lot done.

Had a solid week of television viewing. Introduced a couple of additional shows and I'll be adding a new one next week.

Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and finished up the first season. I'll start season two this week.

Started a new two-part Queens of Mystery and rather enjoyed the episode. I love the aunts and I'm starting to really enjoy the secondary characters. Matilda is such a great character even if she frustrates me sometimes.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness's opening for season sixteen. Started a new two-parter and enjoyed it.

Watched three episodes of Classic Who. I should finish the arc up this week and move on to the next one.

Caught two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I have so much fun watching this show. I really love the haunted places and mysterious forces vignettes.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppets. The show has really grown on me even if it'll never replace the original in my mind.

Watched two more episodes of Harrow. I'm quite enamored with this show and I hope things play out the way I'm expecting them to. There's a twist I didn't quite expect and I love it and it also makes me think things will fall where I think they're going to. I can't wait to find out.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice and even though I knew what to expect, the death did not play the way I thought it would. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet.

Enjoyed two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. She discussed scale and architecture along with storytelling with light. The light lesson fascinated me. I'm a sucker for well-lit—not to be confused with brightly lit—settings. I'm glad I dropped into this class.

Watched two episodes of Paranoid. I'm quite taken with this show. I love the intrigue and mystery and the dynamic of the forming relationships. I think this one might end up with something of a gotcha and I'm quietly waiting with anticipation to see if I'm right.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. One of my favorites, "Meet the Carmichaels," gave me some happy joy for the week. This show fills me with so much nostalgia.

Finished up season three of Chicago Med and started season four. A lot went down on the three finale. I'm still trying to wrap my head around where everyone currently is in the opening of four.

I watched the last available episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have two behind-the-scenes specials to watch and then I'll have to impatiently wait for anything new.

Finished up an older episode of Blue Heelers. I'll be adding more of these to my weekly lineup. Looking forward to getting back into this one.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Man, this series really brings a great cast of characters together. I'm never bored and I'm glad I'm watching the second season right now because I'm getting to know Pike at the best possible time with the new Trek arriving soon. I can't wait.

That's pretty much it for this week's viewing update. Tonight's post is from Violating Space, a sexy short about a workplace romance where the characters shouldn't be tempting fate.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reese Claymore has it bad for Eric Matthews but they work in the same department and can't really get together. Doesn't mean Reese can't express her interest—to the point of driving Eric a little insane over it. He decides to prove a point and invades her personal space, but his plan goes awry when he can't resist acting on his crazy impulse.

And a snippety peek…

Eric's opportunity for someday arrived forty-eight hours later. He needed a dozen copies of a new proposal and made his way to the copy room. The whirr of the machine in use met his ears before he popped the door open.

Collated pages slid out fresh from the feed and Reese stood at the machine—sorting reports as they spit out of the unit. When he stepped into the space, she glanced over her shoulder, a quick smile on her lips. Her eyes went wide then got a sultry gleam when she noticed him.

Turning back, she greeted him. "Hey there."

Eric pushed the door closed and moved to stand behind her, getting closer than he should. If he wanted to prove a point, he'd have to get a little up close and personal. The files stopped printing out and Reese gathered up the remaining few, stacking the pages on her pile. Eric held fast and didn't move.

Reese turned and smacked into Eric, dropping the reports to the floor. "Ack. Crap." She stopped down to start gathering them.

Eric helped her pick them up, staying in her space. The light scent of something sexy hit his nostrils. Mmm. He liked the aroma.

She paused and rocked back on her heels. "What are you doing?" Her head tilted to one side.

He held her gaze. "Violating your space to make a point." No reason to not be honest.

Her brows rose. "What would that be?" Her breath rasped out.

Heh. He liked turning the tables. "You know what the point is, Reese." He leaned in when her lips parted; his mouth hovering less than a breath away from hers. "Set a match to flame and someday you'll get burned."

She exhaled slowly. "Ahh. Care to demonstrate?"

Instinct pushed him forward and he caught her lips, slipping his tongue between them, sinking into the embrace. Reese moaned, deepening the kiss, and Eric lost the ability to think. Until voices in the hall had her scrambling away from him with a gasp.

Shit. Making out with a coworker in the copy room. Eric ran his hand through his hair. What the hell am I thinking?

Eric got more than he expected when Reece challenged him and I think he quite liked it.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Vin's Valentine (an Organic Nature short)

My youngest kiddo is twenty today. I'm officially no longer a parent of a teenager. Wow. Feels like a milestone.

Had a long week of work projects but got a decent amount of television viewing done also. Sometimes running in the background and other times when I needed to shut my brain off for a while.

I caught two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Skagway featured as a gold-rush ghost town and an island with a possible colony of bigfoot ended up being really interesting.

Watched two episodes of The Muppets. The show is growing on me, which is kind of moot since it's only a single season, I believe.

Enjoyed two episodes of Harrow. I'm very intrigued by the backstory mystery. I want to know who Harrow is protecting because I don't buy into the idea he's the culprit. I'm leaning toward Fern at the moment.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice. I'm liking season seven even if it's kind of messy at the moment. I also rather love the new doctor.

Dove into two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love the way she describes her process and how she encourages collaboration. I think I'm going to love this class.

Started The Witcher: Nightmares of the Wolf and didn't finish it. I'm not in the right head space for the animation right now. I'll pick it back up at some point.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. This is one of my background shows. I can put an episode on and enjoy while I'm digging into something else. I needed that this week.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I'm very interested in the episode titles and like how they're all part of a theme. This show is so good.

I'm almost finished with the first season of Snoopy in Space. This is another background show that I can put on and enjoy when I need a break. The episodes are a quick ten minutes and very fun to watch.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'll probably finish this show up and then have to wait impatiently for a new season. My one singular critique of this show is having Gina be so clueless about Mike's disinterest. It's been seven seasons and I kind of wish they'd address that dynamic at some point.

Started a new season of Silent Witness and while there's no Harry anymore, I like the changes. Should be fun to follow along now.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and will usher in a new season this week. I'll be interested to see where the show goes from here.

Started a new mystery show with Paranoid and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. I'll enjoy diving into this one.

That's pretty much it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from Vin's Valentine, an Organic Nature sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After Eppie revealed her kinkier side to Vin, their trust and bond is deeper and better than ever. But there's someone else who knows how Eppie likes to play and he's hell-bent on worming his way back into her life.

And a snippety peek…

Shit. Eppie hated Jordan for getting inside her head.

She sighed. "Okay, it is a fair question but I don't like it. I don't want to talk about him." The nasty taste would stay in her mouth all night if she did.

Vin took her hands and led her to the chair. "Okay, why not talk about why he's here?" He settled on the couch.

Eppie shook her head. "He's not. I told you, I sent him packing." Her hands twisted with frustration.

Vin gave her a pointed look. "All right, why was he here?" His brown arched.

Eppie hemmed and hawed, not wanting to even think about Jordan's lame attempt at begging forgiveness. "Well … um … he …" She finally snapped her mouth shut.

Vin huffed out a breath. "He wants another chance, right?"

Eppie shrugged. "Doesn't matter. He's not getting one. I love you, Vin. Jordan has an agenda but he won't reveal it until he's ready." And, no doubt, his true reason for showing up would be something vile and rage-inducing.

Vin brow furrowed. "So what? Is there a rule book that says we have to play things his way?"

Eppie blinked. "Well, no. What did you have in mind?" And why didn't think of turning the tables instead of falling into the black void that sucked everything up whenever Jordan blew up her life?

Vin gave her a wide smile. "Find out why he's here."

Eppie liked the idea. "How?"

Vin pulled out his phone. "I'll do some digging and you … maybe play along, see if he'll reveal anything." He typed a quick list on his screen.

Eppie's eyes went wide. "You'd be okay with that? You'd trust me?" She leaned forward in the chair.

Vin grabbed her hands. "Never about not trusting you, Ep. Or even Nash, although it's a given he shouldn't be." He sighed and let go to stand and pace back and forth. "I trust you and always will. If you wanted Jordon, you would've acted on the attraction. You didn't." He paused and faced her. "I stopped you earlier and asked if he was still with you because the guy hurt you. And seeing him again might have brought up some unresolved issues…" He trailed off and shrugged.

Eppie loved him even more for being concerned. She got up and grabbed his hand, leading him upstairs to the bedroom. "Okay, maybe there are some twinges. But they're not romantic ones." How could she explain? "I hate that I basically slinked away and didn't fight harder to get back what I invested with him." Even now it made her angry. "I pretty much gave him permission to keep the money because I said nothing at all."

And didn't that make her stupid?

I love how Eppie and Vin work through and resolve potential challenges. This couple is so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Vicarious Living

The first week of February is pretty much in the books and didn't start off too badly. I ended up with several new projects in my inbox and that never fails to make me happy.

Had a very good week of watching television. Considering we got hammered with a bunch of snow and ice, I'm glad I had power to keep the lights and television on.

I watched a little more of PassionFlix's Seduction and Snacks. Holy crap, the awkwardness is off-the-charts terrific. Kudos to the actors for nailing that down with skill and talent.

I finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. The daleks feature in the current one and Davros. Jury is out on whether I'll like it or not.

Caught two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Finished the first season and started the second. The Alaska Bigfoot episode ended up being more interesting than I thought it would be and the Dark Pyramid episode completely sucked me in. So many weird and unexplained or completely covered-up bits to unpack and explore.

Watched two episodes of The Muppets. The show is growing on me a little. I'm enjoying having the core group in different surroundings.

Started Harrow on the recommendation of my brother and enjoyed the first two episodes. I'm so curious about the overarching mystery and can't wait to find out more.

Enjoyed two episodes of Peak Practice. Season seven is moving right along and has a bit of a different feel to it. So far, I like it.

Finished up Bill Nye's MasterClass and started a new design class with Es Devlin. I think I'll enjoy her instruction and hopefully get some cool ideas.

Caught the two-part The Witcher: Bestiary shorts from season one. Kind of nice to get names and a bit of the lore behind the monsters.

Watched one of my very favorite episodes of Classic Rugrats with "The Santa Experience." My oldest and I used to watch this holiday episode a lot.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Chicago Med. I'm on the fence with whether or not I like Will and Natalie together. Sometimes I think they're perfect for each other and sometimes I think they're terrible together. I like that I can't decide which way to go on this one.

Caught two more episodes of Snoopy in Space. These are so much fun and I love having the human peanuts as the technical crew for Snoopy and Woodstock.

Enjoyed another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'm almost finished with the last available season and I really, really hope there will be more.

Watched another two-part Silent Witness and finished out season fifteen. Based on what I read of the episode teasers, sixteen looks like it's Harry-free. I'm a little bummed but also diving into new stuff I haven't seen.

Loved the latest Star Trek: Discovery episode. This show is so good right now. Makes me excited for season two of Picard and the new show that debuts later this year.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of Queens of Mystery. I'm a little bummed about the lack of communication with Daniel and Matilda but slow burns can also be fun. I love the background mystery of Matilda seeking information about her mom's disappearance. Can't wait to find out more about that.

That's it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Vicarious Living, a novella that has the main characters working through some issues together and finding romance while doing so.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sometimes adversity can be overcome and living vicariously through fantasy proves to be a good thing. Lola Humes and Wright Wesslop discover a mutual way to cope when they meet at their group counseling sessions. They're not supposed to interact outside the anonymous therapy gatherings, but neither is very good at following the rules.

And a snippety peek…

Wright questioned his agreement to meet Lola. "My sponsor warned me about hooking up with people in the program." Even knowing they weren't supposed to mingle, he couldn't resist her.

When he got to the shop and opened the door, he found her waiting inside, her foot tapping on the ground.

She surged forward. "This is probably a terrible idea. An unwritten rule says getting involved with someone in the group is off limits." She chewed her lower lip for a moment. "But I don't find someone with a kindred spirit very often. I kind of want to see where things go here." She met his gaze and held it.

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Glad that's out of the way." He nodded toward a booth. "I'm all for working a program, but I also want to find little shards of joy where I can." Motioning for her to precede him, he let her choose what side of the table to sit on. "You're not my sponsor, so the way I figure things, if we end up being a bad influence on each other we can go to our respective corners and chalk it up to a lesson learned." Did he sound like a raging asshole?

She flashed a wide grin. "Whew. So happy you get it. I don't want to corrupt anyone or anything." A laugh bubbled up and out. "I picked the right place for a meeting tonight."

He smiled, enjoying her open honesty. "Yeah, you did. What brought you? Do you work or live close?" Holding up two fingers, he mimicked pouring coffee to the server, who gave a nod.

Lola laughed lightly. "Actually, both. I work from home and I'm over on Maple." She arched a brow. "We're practically neighbors." She snagged a menu and opened it.

Wright huffed out a breath. "Wow. Who knew?" He pulled glanced at the open folder in front of her. "You said the danishes are good? What do you recommend?" The server headed their way with two mugs and a pot of coffee.

Lola pointed to the middle square. "I'm having the cream cheese, but the fruit ones are great, too." She slid the menu toward him and her fingers brushed his.

A zing traveled up his arm and his gaze met hers. Did she get the same jolt? How could she not?

She grinned and nodded. "Yep. Kindred spirit. Like I said."

His lips curved and he put the menu away, waiting until the server poured a full mug of coffee before giving his order. "I'll have what she's having."

Lola chuckled. "Two cream cheese danishes." She smirked. "For now."

The server gave them a smile. "I'll be right back." She made a quick turn and headed for the counter.

Wright settled back against the cushioned seat. "Okay, Lola Humes, since we're practically neighbors, fill me in on the important stuff. What do you do for a living?"

As far as openers went, it would do. By the time they finished their danish, he wanted to have a solid idea of what made her tick.

I'm kind of pleased with how this one is coming together. It's a little out of my comfort zone and I like the challenge.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin