Sunday Snippet: X Marks the Spot

Another busy week with multiple projects on all the burners. I've been doing oracle card readings every morning and, based on what I'm seeing, things won't be slowing down anytime soon. I'm totally okay with that.

We had a few lovely days of spring before winter came roaring back. Two days in the mid-thirties with rain and flurries. Bleh. Then again, when I'm still wearing shorts and flip-flops in October, I'll try to remember being cold in March.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I'm kind of off-schedule, but that happens sometimes. I have a couple of movies and musical specials I want to watch and that might swing things back to my usual show cycle.

I started the week with Star Trek: Discovery and, ugh, I got very emotional. I've got one final episode, I think, of season two and then I might dive into the Ready Room to get some insider details.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and I kind of like the tension building between everyone. Sad to see Will and Nat's wedding not happen and I really disliked the FBI agent overseeing him. Not sure how I feel about the whole Rhodes dynamic. But, knowing what I know about what happens later, it'll prove interesting to see how it all unfolds.

Watched two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'm still enjoying the science stuff mixed in with the antics of Snoopy and Woodstock. I'm always kind of in my happy place after I watch the short features.

I liked the Cuffs episode this week. There's a good mix of humor and drama in this show and I enjoy the partner dynamics. The detective stories are a blend of weird and gritty and I like those angles also.

Enjoyed two episodes of Silent Witness. Finished up the second episode of a two-parter and it didn't go in the direction I thought it would. I love when that happens. Started a new two-parter and it's kind of intense, which I like. The detective is a bit of a hard ass and that kind of annoys me, but it's good drama.

I'm almost finished with Classic Who season twenty-three. As expected, the Master made an appearance. I'm a little wobbly on the whole Doctor's darker side thing, but it's an interesting concept and gets a little work-in during the New Who series episodes.

Caught two more episodes of Aliens in Alaska and I like getting a bit of an education about the remote central interior of the state and the smaller towns. The UFO and alien stuff is just gravy.

Watched two more episodes of Muppets Now. This version of the show is growing on me and I like the repeat appearances by a couple of the guest stars along with one or two new ones that pop in. Of course, I love the Muppet Labs field testing, probably my favorite skit of the new version.

Harrow is really amping up the tension. I'm still so angry they killed off one of my favorite characters but I like how it makes Harrow do some soul-searching. I have no clue what the hell Maxine is doing but I hope there's a good reason for it. The one character that annoys me still annoys me so no change there.

Enjoyed another episode of Peak Practice. We're moving into the trauma of the week style and I'm kind of okay with that. There's enough carry through from previous episodes it still feels like the same show. I'm almost finished with season seven and I'm still liking the show.

Finished up MasterClass with Es Devlin. I thoroughly enjoyed her lessons and actually have some good information to apply to my work. Should be starting a new class this week and I'm planning on going with another science series.

Caught two episodes of Young Wallander and, wow, this show hits hard sometimes. I kind of guessed about who really had a hand in the killings and I'm glad that played out the way I thought it would. I won't rule out another twist though. I'm kind of expecting one.

I started season three of Classic Rugrats and watched several episodes. A couple are probably in my top five for this season—at least until I watch more.

Finished up Queens of Mystery with the final Behind the Scenes bonus. I'm actually glad I did watch because I wondered if they'd recast the lead character and they had. I might need to revisit so I have the details straight but the recast is fairly seamless.

Also watched another episode of Blue Heelers and really enjoyed it. Nice to get some additional backstory about Nick. I'm also such a fan of Chrissy and Adam's relationship. I hope that lasts for a while.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from X Marks the Spot, a novella that takes a couple to a tropical destination to explore their wildest fantasies.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nydia Vreeland takes her boyfriend, Declan Morris, on an adult adventure vacation where sexy fun and games ensue. X Marks the Spot Private Island Resort caters to couples who want to push the boundaries of their sexual experience. The way Nydia figures things, there's no way she can lose.

And a snippety peek…

After getting settled by grabbing a shower and changing for dinner with Grant and Heidi, Declan walked arm in arm with Nydia along the brick walkway to the house.

He nudged Nydia with his shoulder. "You knew I'd be attracted to Heidi, didn't you?" Nydia always nailed his taste to a tee.

She gave him a quick grin. "Yep. Added bonus that she's with Grant." Her eyebrows shot up then back down.

He chuffed out a laugh. "I can always trust you to get it right." One of their fantasies involved swapping partners with another couple.

Heidi met them at the door and directed them through a butler's pantry that doubled as a beverage station. Grant manned the bar, mixing frothy drinks with pineapple and spiced rum. Their meal consisted of an array of pork, fish, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruits. The conversation and chemistry between everyone couldn't be beat, considering they'd all met that very day.

Declan leaned back on the couch when they moved to the living room and soaked up the atmosphere. Nydia perched by his side on the arm of the sofa and draped an arm over his shoulders. Grant and Heidi reclined on the loveseat facing them.

Declan nodded. "Thank you for the incredible meal. This has been a wonderful evening." Truly relaxed for the first time in ages, he appreciated the no-pressure approach their hosts had taken.

Heidi cracked a smile. "It has been lovely." She leaned forward a little. "It's also a little rare for us to hit it off with a couple so completely. You two are amazing."

Grant lifted his chin. "It's refreshing to entertain without a need to put on the brakes, so to speak. You're not in a rush to get into physical interactions and aren't spending every moment asking about how soon we can hit the bedroom." His lips curved. "We enjoy getting to know our guests and like taking the time to do so in a casual setting."

Nydia tilted her head to one side. "Do most people not want to savor the anticipation? Are they really in a big rush?" Her fingers brushed along Declan's collar with absent motions.

Heidi laughed. "Usually, yes. That's why it's been such a great night with you. You're not diving into the deep end without a care. You'll enjoy your stay so much more if you take the time to really shed inhibitions and welcome a new mindset." She glanced toward Grant. "We don't have the opportunity to work together often and we're looking forward to this … probably as much as you are."

Grant wrapped an arm around Heidi. "She's right. That's why we wanted to get to know you better. Have either of you had experience with more than one partner?"

Declan shook his head. "No, but we've talked about it and I'm eager to experience one of our fantasies." He laced his fingers with Nydia's. "I'll let Nydia answer for herself.

This story started out as a challenge to take a couple out of their comfort zone and it's been a lot of fun to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Winning Hand

Super-heavy workload this week. I'm actually thrilled to be scheduling on my planner again, color-codes and everything. It's been a while since I've had to use a hard copy for keeping track of my projects. I like being busy.

Had a bit of limited viewing time this week. More so from having a bout of insomnia and taking naps at weird times during the day.

I watched an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and I love how things are coming together. There's been so much packed into this season and I'm amazed by the storytelling. This is such a good show.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. Gotta say Will gets himself into some tricky situations. I'm kind of annoyed with the FBI agent being such a drama queen over everything. Also feel terrible for Rhodes. Between having his dad on the board and the new ED doctor, he's got a lot on his plate.

Caught another episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. This is such a great show for young science nerds who love anything to do with space.

Enjoyed another episode of Cuffs. I'm kind of intrigued by the various relationships and I quite like how they intercut the scenes. I'm liking this one.

Watched two episodes of Classic Who. We're getting close to the end of the season and I have sneaky suspicion the Master is going to rear his ugly mug at some point. Should be interesting to see if I'm right.

Finished up season sixteen of Silent Witness and, yep, we lost Leo. So sad to see his end. Kind of wish Harry had come back for that but I loved Nikki's eulogy. Started seventeen and, eh, not sure I like the new guy. Jury is out on that one.

Caught two episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I love getting into what people see and how the experience shapes them afterward. This is a good show.

Started Muppets Now and I kind of like it after watching two episodes. They've brought back some older characters and it's a very updated and modernized variety style. Fun stuff.

Watched two more episodes of Harrow and, dammit, they killed off one of my favorites. I'd actually like to see one of the other characters go but won't hold my breath on that one. I really enjoy the dynamic between Harrow and Fairley's niece. The blending of the case of the week and overarching mystery works well with this show.

Got an episode of Peak Practice in and it was a sad one but with other happy moments woven in. Loved the ending with the new doctor grieving with Joanna.

Caught two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love how she covers scope when she talks about design. She's done some very interesting work and I'm learning a lot from watching her classes.

Watched two episodes of Young Wallander. It's a little uncanny how closely the plot line mirrors stuff going on right now and this show is set in Sweden. I love the lead in this one. He's understated and quiet but actually kind of funny and deep also.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I should be close to the end of season two and getting ready to start on three. I love revisiting this show. I'm pretty sure they leave out a few of the best episodes when they run encores of this.

Caught a bonus short for Queens of Mystery. The recap of season one had some pings that I'll look forward to playing out in season three, especially the ones that weren't solved in season two.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Blue Heelers. An interesting dive into coming home after being gone for a long time and how some people don't wear or show their feelings for everyone to see.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Winning Hand, a sexy short that puts my characters on the path to love with a hot wager.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A night of poker takes a sexy turn when Hahn Canedy ups the ante and wagers a night of hot sex as his tithe. Tawni Capps can't resist calling the bet—either way she'll have the winning hand.

And a snippety peek…

Ground rules. Shit, he had no idea what they should be.

Hahn shrugged. "Look, I'm okay if a single night is all you're willing to have, but…" Fuck it, I might as put it all on the table. "I'm also open to more if you're interested." He had been for years.

Tawni gave him a shy smile. "I'm interested." She took a deep breath. "I'm tired of random hookups—I know, shocking, right?" Sitting on the edge of the bed, she met his gaze. "Think I'm ready to try an actual relationship." Her voice went husky and soft.

His eyes widened. "On the turn of a card?" They had different ideas of how to progress forward.

She frowned. "Well, no. Not really. If Dav had made that bet, I would have folded—definitely not interested in sex with him." She grimaced. "Love the guy, but no." She got up and paced a little. "But this, the one night thing, gives you an out. Me too. We might have one incredible night and decide that's all." She shrugged. "If that's the case, we stay really good friends and go our separate ways on Monday. And no one has to pick sides." She snorted. "Because that rarely works out well." She stopped and met his gaze again. "The staying friends thing is a deal breaker. Number one ground rule."

He nodded. "You're thinking about when Robin and Brad landed in Splitsville and we never see him anymore." Not a big loss if anyone asked Hahn.

Brad never really fit the group anyway.

Tawni huffed out a breath. "Yeah, not that I miss him. I mean, instead of manning up and telling Robin he wanted to bail, he let her catch him banging the server from Meathead's bar." She made a disgusted face. "What a dick."

Hahn remembered that trip vividly. The whole situation got really ugly, really fast. Robin almost got arrested for punching Brad, the server got fired, and Dav, Brett, and Hahn loaded up Brad's SUV and escorted him off the property.

Tawni ducked her head for a moment. "It's one of the reasons I've been reluctant to ever attempt anything, especially with you." She lifted her chin and met his gaze. "And, honestly, I'm not afraid to admit I love everyone in our group, but you mean the most to me because we grew up together. And, well, if this goes south, it might cause problems, because we all know just a little too much about each other sometimes."

Hahn didn't disagree or argue her point. They'd been a group for a long time and, yes, they'd go to the mat for each other, but they also knew who had skeletons hiding in closets and monsters under the bed. He could only make an assurance he intended to keep.

He reached out and pulled Tawni close. "I've waited a long time for this, and I can promise you, I don't ever see me shagging anyone but you for the foreseeable future." A bold statement, but one he needed to get out there.

I love writing friends that become more and this is a fun way to get them past a hurdle neither felt comfortable leaping over.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Wind It Up

Another heavy workload this week followed by some snow and really cold temperatures. Of course, we're supposed to be in the seventies by Thursday, which means my sinuses are going to hate me. Fun times.

Had a slower viewing schedule this week with television. Needed to focus on one of my projects to get it finished up in quick fashion.

I did get quite a few of my regular shows watched. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. One featured information on Europa and the other on Venus. I'm quite enjoying the mix of sciency goodness with the antics of the Peanuts gang.

Started a new-to-me show with Cuffs and liked the first episode. This one should be interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Got two episodes of Silent Witness in, finishing up a two-parter and starting another. I'm very curious about how this will end as the next show will be the season sixteen finale. I'm a little worried about Leo.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. I'm kind of dizzy with the loss of Peri and a new companion rolled into the overarching main story. I'm still a fan of how this season is playing out though.

Completed the last episode of The Alaska Triangle and rather enjoyed the focus on a haunted fairground. I wouldn't mind seeing more from this region of Alaska.

Finished up The Muppets and have to admit I really ended up enjoying the season. I'm not sure if I'll start a new muppet series or move on to some of the Marvel universe shows.

I started season two of Harrow and, wow, it got off with a big bang. I'm very intrigued about how the main mystery is going to play out. I like having a case of the week mixed with the background intrigue of who wants Daniel dead.

Enjoyed an episode of Peak Practice and like the sort of slow burn going on with Andrew and the receptionist. I have a feeling that could go to some interesting places.

I watched two MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love her ideas and insight into putting huge projects together by starting with small-scaled ideas. This shouldn't be confused with the ideas being small, more like imagining them in miniature scale and then creating a huge piece from that.

I watched the last episode of Paranoid and ended up loving this series. The ending wrapped up everything and the evildoers got theirs. Can't ask for more.

Snuck in two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I'm close to finishing up season two and need to decide if I'm going to move up to three or switch over to new Rugrats. Stay tuned.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and I really, really dislike the new chief of the ED. The guy is a complete ass. Here's hoping he'll get a big helping of something not nice in the near future.

I finished up Queens of Mystery and loved the final episode. Lots of new threads to explore in the next season, which I hope is soon. I even ended up not hating the fiancé by the end. I hope if she'd in the next series, she's a lot less obnoxious.

Started a new series with Aliens in Alaska. I'm not quite ready to let the big state go. So far, I'm enjoying the show and look forward to more.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and got a kick out of Hugh Jackman guest-starring as an attorney. Honestly, he hasn't changed much in the thirty years since this show aired. Amazing.

Also started Young Wallander based on a recommendation from my brother. I'm almost through the first episode and, so far, enjoy it. Season two came out recently so I have some good stuff to look forward to.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wind It Up, a novella where a past relationship collides with a present relationship and combines to make a future one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Garner Mason enlists in the military and leaves Rae Manilow behind—breaking her heart. Rae meets Sheriff Felix Reynolds and falls hard, settling down with him in his mountain cabin. When Garner rolls into town intent on making amends with Rae, she's trapped between two men she deeply loves and can't see a way out of her predicament.

And a snippety peek…

Felix took a breath, letting her wrath wrap around him a moment. "Is that it? All you have to say?" He pushed a little, because he needed to have his turn. "Are you done now?"

She gave an angry little nod. "Yes. Yes, I am." Her arms stayed wound tightly around her middle.

Felix pushed away from the wall. "Good. Now you can shut up and listen. This is how things are going to go from here." He moved steadily forward and eased her arms loose, getting her to relax a little. "You hold the power here, Rae. And you can choose to cut Garner out of your life, but you still have very strong feelings for him and he loves you, whether he can stay or not." Cupping her face, he waited until she met his gaze. "Do you really want the what-if to haunt you?"

Hell, Felix's gut clenched with the idea of the ghost of Garner haunting them for the rest of their lives if she didn't face how she felt.

Rae stepped back and flung an arm out. "What about you? Am I supposed to just date—spend time, whatever—with Garner while I'm living with you? How do you see that working?" She shook her head.

Felix shrugged. "I don't know, yet. But I won't hold you back. I have no need. He's gotta report back to base in a month. So, yeah, I'm willing to step aside, or hell, share if it comes down to it." At the moment, he didn't care what it took and Penelope's words echoed in his mind.

Rae blinked. "I'm sorry. What?" She walked away and paced back and forth. "I can't wrap my head around anything you're saying right now."

Felix followed, wrapping his arms around her. "Rae, can you honestly say who you love more right now?" When her head whipped around, his breath caught at the anguish and emotion in her gaze.

She glanced away. "No. I'm sorry but no, I can't." Her voice broke.

Felix turned her to face him. "Then go with me on this. Take the rest of the night and think about my suggestion." He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

She nodded, too overcome to speak. But her eyes held the promise she would give his idea consideration. Crazy as it might be.

Felix grabbed a throw and settled on the couch. He didn't plan to crowd her and wanted to give her space and time. The decision had to be all hers.

Rae crossed the floor and leaned down to catch his mouth in a gentle embrace. "I love you, Felix. That won't change." Easing back, she brushed her lips over his temple then headed up the stairs to the bedroom.

Felix rose and loosened his belt then shed his pants and shirt. He settled back down on the sofa, kicking his feet up on the cushions. He draped the blanket over his thighs and hunkered down for a long, strange night.

The idea for this story came pretty fast and both Garner and Felix demanded to have a spot in Rae's life, which makes writing this a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

Man, when it rains, it pours. My workload got intense this week, which I'm not complaining about, more shaking my head in wonderment. I either need to schedule things better or find more hours in the day. LOL

Had a decent week of television viewing even with the added projects. I caught two episodes of Classic Who. I think I'm about halfway through the trial season and it's actually pretty good.

Watched two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Creatures featured again. I'm fascinated by the legend and lore around the big beasts that strike fear in everyone.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Muppets. Honestly, I'm close to the end of the season and I'm charmed with the show. Probably good it only had one series, but it's a fun one.

Finished up the first season of Harrow. Gotta admit, I'm a little stunned by how things played out. But what a truly terrific opening season. Can't wait to jump into season two.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. The new doctor arrived and he's rather interesting. I'll look forward to seeing more of him.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Es Devlin. I quite enjoy listening to her take on how to collaborate with her team and the people they work with. It's very similar to how I approach editing with my authors.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Paranoid. This show is dark and twisty but there's a lot of humor to counter and balance the deep stuff. I'm looking forward to the final episode to see how everything resolves.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I love picking up new little things when rewatching the show. And remembering things we picked up from watching the original run and encore episodes.

Watched two more episodes of Chicago Med. Things are getting a bit tense for everyone, which I kind of enjoy. I'm constantly shaking my head at Will, but I love his relationship with Jay. Ethan and April make my brain spin sometimes. Maggie is the most awesome of everyone.

Got in an episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I have fun watching these short jaunts into the Peanuts realm.

Enjoyed another episode of Queens of Mystery. The larger mystery of what happened still looms and it's intriguing to see how the sisters react when Mattie gets close to making discoveries.

I also started another two-part Silent Witness. I have a weird feeling this might be Leo's last appearance. I really dislike the spook dude who's going around pulling strings but being a total ass about it. I hope he goes down in the end.

Finished up the two-part Blue Heelers episode and I'm happy to say it's not Wayne's swan song. At least not yet. Great ending to this storyline.

Star Trek: Discovery keeps ramping up the emotional toll on the characters. It's so, so good. I'll be finishing up the second season soon and diving into Picard's second season. I hope I'm not disappointed. I've never been a big fan of Q.

That's pretty much it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that takes an upcoming blizzard to sexy places.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snow fall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Gabby woke to the smell of frying bacon and rich, dark coffee. "God, I love that man." Throwing the comforter off, she grinned.

Tim had the fireplace going and the wood burner stoked. She could walk around nude and not get chilled—which she decided to do. Slipping down the stairs, she entered the kitchen to find Tim's naked ass greeting her. He had his I love bacon apron on and her mouth split into a wide smile. The man had a super sexy behind

She moved behind him, cupping his butt checks in her hands. "Food smells good and your ass feels great." She squeezed the globes, satisfied when the apron tented forward.

Tim transferred the last slices to the draining plate then turned toward her. She untied the apron, dropped to her knees, and ducked under the cotton fabric. Licking her lips, she engulfed the head of his cock, sucking hard. Her hand wrapped around the girth and tugged lightly.

Tim dragged the apron off, his fingers sinking into her hair, holding her in place. He flexed his hips and she hollowed her cheeks, swirling her tongue around the thick shaft. He groaned, giving her an indication he wouldn't last long. She grabbed his ass, fingertips digging into the sculpted flesh and he erupted, emptying his seed into her waiting mouth.

He grasped her shoulders, tilting her chin upward to slant his mouth over hers. His tongue swept inside, sharing the lingering essence of himself. Gabby got lost in the kiss until her stomach growled.

She eased away, rocking back on her heels. "Now that the appetizer is out of the way. Let's dig in to breakfast." She rose and reached past him to grab the plate of bacon.

His head dipped and his lips latched on to her nipple. He flicked his tongue around the tip until it hardened then pulled away to grab the eggs and hash browns.

Tingly all over, she huffed out a breath. "What was that for?" She placed the bacon on the table so she didn't drop the plate.

Tim sent her a smoldering look. "Just a sampling of my dessert." He dropped down into the chair and set the food down.

A heated flush made her temperature rise. "Can't wait." She sat across from him and poured coffee from the carafe.

She wouldn't rush eating breakfast, but the dessert comment made her not want to linger either. And Tim's partially hidden smirk promised the dishes would definitely wait until after he'd had his treat.

I love Tim and Gabby and their playful banter with sexy undertones. This is such a fun story to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin