Sunday Snippet: In Sunny Paradise (Last Best Chance to Get Things Right)

February has been the oddest month. Between weird weather and random catastrophes, it's been a doozy. I'm kind of happy to be welcoming March in this week.

Finished up a work project and made really great progress on one of the others. I'm blessed with authors who turn revisions around in record time. It's very helpful and keeps their work fresh in my mind.

I also made some progress on my new venture. Only a tiny amount, but it makes me happy to chip away at my to-do list. Brings me a wee bit closer to be able to launch.

Didn't get a lot of television watched, but I did finish up Strangest Things. I have so much fun listening to the experts discuss the weird and wonderful artifacts.

I also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. This week's episode was one of my favorites, "Bastille Day." Some truly excellent parallels about picking a side and being true to a set of core beliefs.

I also started season two of The Mandalorian. I hoped to finish up Ms. Marvel before starting another Star Wars show, but I want to be up to date for season three.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from In Sunny Paradise, the follow-up to In a Moonlit Meadow.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jersey and Shaw survived hell to be together and celebrated their love with a quiet ceremony, a rowdy reception, and a moonlit wedding night. Now they're on their honeymoon at a secluded beach in sunny paradise.

And a snippety peek…

With thoughts of the future stretched out before them, they drifted into a contented sleep.

And the universe is pleased.

Jersey Saint's lips turned up in a smile when she thought about the magical wedding night she'd spent under the stars with her brand-new husband, Shaw Barnaby.

Married a month and she still caught herself grinning at the memory. New ones they created on their honeymoon were slowly being added.

She bit back a giggle. "And if my hunch proves correct in a few minutes … we'll never forget this trip."

Something about this place and being alone—away from everyone and everything—had a magical quality. After more than a decade of being on-call, dropping into hot zones, and jumping into harm's way, not taking orders from anyone seemed strange, but also pretty damned awesome. They'd taken advantage of the opportunity to rest and heal from their ordeal by doing what they wanted … no schedule, no plan, no interruptions. Jersey savored the occasion … the lush surroundings invited them to be even more adventurous than usual.

She leaned back in her chair. "Last night for example."

She and Shaw spent it on a secluded stretch of beach, a short trek from the bungalow loaned to them from a friend of a friend. A soft blanket, an ocean breeze, the two of them talking and laughing and loving the night away.

She sighed with happiness. "There's something about the sound of waves during sex that adds an element of specialness." And, of course, Shaw always made things interesting.

Jersey had crawled into bed when they strolled back to the house in the wee hours of the morning. Shaw decided to walk along the beach and watch the sunrise … one of his favorite things to do now that they no longer lived in constant danger. Or had to worry about finding an egress point to make an escape.

Waking up alone at midday, she went to the bathroom and grabbed a quick shower. Padded out to the kitchen to see what Shaw had gotten up to. Found him conked out, under the shade of several trees and surrounded by lush foliage, on the chaise in the garden, his sleeveless shirt open and fluttering in the breeze.

The sight made her happy. "He can sleep a while longer." She had a little time to kill.

She gathered up her art supplies—something she could enjoy now—then sat at the table and worked up a colorful sketch. The green trees and bold hues of the flowers contrasted with the yellow of Shaw's shirt and his denim cargoes.

Using her finger to blur the edges of the finished picture, Jersey glanced at the clock then dropped her gaze to the table. A slow grin spread across her face. Her hunch had been correct. She dropped the pastels in their container and rose to head outside … shedding her clothes along the way.

One of the perks of this place was being able to do exactly that.

Jersey sat on the edge of the oversized lounge chair and watched Shaw sleep a moment longer. Then she trailed her fingers lightly down his chest. He stirred but didn't wake up. Her hand drifted further and stopped when it reached the waistband of his shorts. Using her fingers to work the button fly loose, satisfaction surged through her when Shaw's body responded to her touch. She opened the shorts and tugged them down a little to give him some breathing room.

Finally, she pushed his shirt open further and ghosted kisses from his torso up to his chest and over his shoulder until her lips landed on his smiling ones.

Good … he's awake.

This is a fun couple to write. Jersey and Shaw won't take their happiness for granted, which is a trope I love to experiment with.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: In a Moonlit Meadow (Last Best Chance to Get Things Right)

Had a weird week. The weather is still doing the yucky back and forth stuff, which makes me unhappy. My sinuses go insane when the temperature rises and falls and won't make up its mind.

Still super busy with work projects. I think I'm slowing down productivity-wise and that's disappointing, but I also tend to not work on three projects at the same time.

Not a bad week for television but I didn't get a lot watched. I did finish up the Silent Witness episode I started last week. Nikki ends up in trouble on a frequent basis and I like that she's always willing to put herself out there to solve a mystery.

I started a new season of Strangest Things and should have it finished up later this week. I kind of love digging into weird things from history and watching the group of commenters explain what they think things are.

I also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. "Water" is a terrific episode that lays the groundwork for a lot of what follows in the rest of the season. Frankly, the first season of Battlestar is as close to perfect as anything I've seen. There's not a wasted episode in the batch of thirteen. There are stronger episodes, obviously, but every installment has important information and terrific character moments. I'm so excited to watch another episode this week!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from In a Moonlit Meadow, book one of the Last Best Chance to Get Things Right trilogy.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jersey Saint and Shaw Barnaby, private security agents undercover as journalists, survive a terrible ordeal—being held captive by a hostile regime—and realize they're meant to be together. It only took a full decade of getting everything wrong to finally get things right. They don't waste time after they're rescued—they commit to spending their future together in a moonlit meadow.

And a snippety peek…

They both promised forever.

And the universe is pleased.

Not to mention the throng of people waiting for them after their quiet handfasting. Everyone who’d made their rescue happen and those who'd been along for the decade-long ride to this moment. Shaw Barnaby liked to think those that hadn’t survived and had given their lives were still present anyway.

He’d learned a lot about faith from the woman he married.

Surrounded by a group of well-wishers Jersey looked radiant … relaxed … happy.

Beautiful.

Her attire for their ceremony had been casual. They each wanted something comfortable, especially after being held captive for three months in formal wear under the worst circumstances.

She had one of his button-down shirts knotted around her waist, a hint of tanned skin peeked out every time she gestured while speaking. The only thing different from earlier? The leather sandals she’d slid her feet into when they arrived for the festivities at his dad's house.

Watching her from across the room, he decided he missed the bare feet she sported while saying their vows. Shaw wondered how much longer before they could escape so he could see those feet again.

A hand clasped his shoulder and Shaw turned to see his father step up beside him. “She’s something else, isn’t she?” Jersey’s laughter rang out, loud and long, making Shep chuckle at the timing of his words.

Shaw spared his dad a quick glance. “She is, Dad. She’s everything.” It felt good to say it … to be able to voice the feeling he’d held in his heart for so long.

The elder Barnaby smiled. “You’re happy. It’s about time, son.”

Shaw's eyes settled back on his wife. “Thanks, Dad. We are … and it really is.” Ten years of screwing everything up finally resolved.

Also about time he and Jersey took their leave. Especially when she jammed her hands in her pockets, dragging the low-slung jeans down a little further, exposing more skin.

Shaw had to swallow before he could remember to breathe. The hot look she leveled at him didn’t help.

It appeared Jersey might be more than ready to ditch the crowd, too. If it didn’t happen soon … Shaw wouldn't be able to walk comfortably.

His once clueless dad unexpectedly offered the save.

Clearing his throat, he leaned toward Shaw, his gruff voice going soft so only his son could hear. “Go. Grab Jersey and take off. I’ll run interference … you cut out early.” He didn’t wait for Shaw’s response, moving off to mingle with the crowd so Shaw could make his escape.

Looking at Jersey from across the room, Shaw gave an almost imperceptible jerk of his head. Jersey stopped mid-sentence and ducked out of the conversation. She met up with him at a side door, a broad grin on her face.

Stepping up close, her hand snaked out to draw him into a kiss. Her tongue slipped past his lips packing it with some heat. Shaw lost his ability to think. He backed Jersey up against the door, dragging his lips down her throat, his teeth scraping along the sensitive skin. Her hands were on his ass, tucked into the back pockets of his jeans, pulling him forward until he could feel his hardened length pressed up against her.

Geez, he loved her.

His mouth moved back to hers, snagging her lips for a quick kiss before drifting along her jaw.

He wanted her.

Catching her earlobe between his teeth, he bit down gently to feel the shudder rip through her as his hands skimmed up her sides.

He needed her.

Deeply. Desperately. Immediately.

He lifted his head, squinting in the dim light while he worked to undo the buttons of the shirt she wore. So focused on the task, he barely registered the question Jersey asked him even while she untucked his shirt.

"We gonna do this here?"

Here? What's wrong with here?

Here. At the celebration for their marriage.

Shit.

He rested his forehead against hers, gratified her breathing sounded as heavy as his. He snagged her lips for another kiss while he let go of her shirt giving her room to button it up. He stepped back to grab her hand lacing their fingers together.

He matched her sheepish grin with one of his own. “Uh … no. Not here.” Then laughed at how close they’d come to putting on a show for everyone.

Could he help it if being married to Jersey only made him want her more?

Pushing the door open, he led her out into the balmy night air and headed for their truck.

The idea for this series is a collaborative effort with my brain twin. Here's hoping we can get the trilogy in great shape to release together.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Win a Fair Fight

Whew. What a long week. I've got three work projects going and some movement on my possible new venture. And crazy weather that keeps hopping back and forth from super cold to very mild. I'm not a fan.

Had a somewhat decent week of television. I'm not back to my normal schedule because my work projects need solid focus. But … I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

I finished up the Midsomer Murders I started last week and really enjoyed the episode. I have a lot of love for Barnaby and Winters.

I caught an episode of Peak Practice. I'm in season nine and what I consider the home stretch since there are three seasons left after this one. Not a bad episode but I do miss some of the recurring characters from earlier seasons.

Continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch with my friend. Season one starts with what I consider to be one of the absolute best hours of scripted television ever. "33" is in my top ten episodes of Battlestar and probably in my top ten episodes of television. Edge of your seat viewing for the entire episode. Terrific stuff.

Watched an episode of Classic Who and finished out the arc. I have ten episodes left to finish out the full run of classic episodes. I think I'll be starting a Death in Paradise run after I conclude with Classic Who.

Started the first of the final two episodes in season twenty of Silent Witness. I'm looking forward to finishing it up and seeing where things go.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from How to Win a Fair Fight, a novella that brings polar opposites into the same orbit and lets them have some fun.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Karla and Unger are polar opposites but share a tense attraction. When a weekend discussion with their group of friends focuses on what's considered a fair fight, Karla and Unger have differing opinions, which leads to a wager about the rules and the difference between love and war.

And a snippety peek…

Karla Martin tilted her head sideways. "Hold up. Was this a girl fight or a guy fight?" How did they get on this subject again?

Right. Her brother Tom and the new guy Unger Tango got kicked out of Hatter's bar for trying to break up a physical altercation.

Unger blinked at her question. "What difference does it make?"

The group of six—siblings Karla and Tom, Tom's significant other Janie, her cousin Mark, Karla and Tom's cousin Mellie and the new guy, Unger, Mark's coworker—sat around the fire pit on the Martin family property.

Karla arched her brows. "Well, the rules are different depending on the participants."

Unger frowned. "That's stupid. A fight is a fight."

Tom let out a low whistle. "My friend, you're about to get schooled."

Karla stuck her tongue out in Tom's direction then turned to Unger. "You see, that's little sister for fuck you and perfectly acceptable during a sibling squabble, which shouldn't be confused with the greater familial fracas that usually includes cousins like Janie and Mark and, of course, our Mellie." She narrowed her eyes a little. "You're kind of the odd man out here, since you're not related to anyone." Although the way Unger hit it off with Tom and Mark, he'd have the sibling vibe very soon.

Unger grunted. "Fine, but a fight is still a fight." He folded his arms over his chest.

Mellie shook her head. "Maybe for you men, like no hitting below the belt and all that." She kicked her feet out. "But women have a whole different vibe..."

Janie gave a nod. "Yeah, like is pulling hair acceptable? How about using fingernails?" She propped her feet up on one of the coolers. "Mani-pedis can get expensive so it's something to think about."

Unger blinked and huffed out a breath. "You're not serious."

Karla leaned forward. "Why wouldn't we be? Women tend to travel in groups. Is the fight all inclusive or one on one?" She added that to push his buttons.

Unger tsked. "You're telling me, you have a list of rules that are decided on prior to making physical contact?"

Karla rolled a shoulder while Mellie and Janie bit back grins.

Unger cocked his head. "Okay then, where does biting fall on your list of rules? Is that allowed?"

Karla pursed her lips, giving her answer some thought. "What kind of fight?"

Unger clicked his teeth with his tongue. "What do you mean?"

Karla arched her brows. "Is it a fair fight or a kick a bitch to the curb fight?" Janie and Mellie nearly fell off their chairs laughing.

Unger rolled his eyes. "Consider it's a fair fight."

Karla waved a hand. "Then no teeth."

Unger grunted again. "Glad I'm not a woman."

Karla zeroed in to get the last word. "So are we…"

Mark closed his eyes and groaned.

Tom lightly punched Unger on the shoulder. "Told you."

Karla settled back in her chair and basked in the glow of victory, which would be short-lived, no doubt…

I have zero clue exactly where this story is going but it's a fun ride so far. Karla and Unger are going to push each other's buttons and I love writing them.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Tell Off the Boss

Well, February has so far been a crazy mix of freezing, in the teens temperatures and mild almost spring-like weather. Mother Nature is in a mercurial mood right now and it's wild trying to figure out how to dress for the day. I miss being able to get my winter stuff out and not having to bother with warm-weather clothes for a couple of months.

Had a busy week with work projects and have a couple more lined up in the near future. I'm kind of happy they're all different types of manuscripts and none are in the same stage of editing.

Had a slow week of television. I'm still working to get everything from the old PC to the new one and ran into another snag with trying to set up my email accounts. Spent a large portion of the week trying to figure that out and get it working. Bleh.

I did catch the pilot episode of Pennyworth and really enjoyed it. I've heard great things and now that I know season three is the end, I'm going to attempt to watch before it disappears too.

I also watched the second part of the Battlestar Galactica miniseries with one of my friends. I'm so excited to have this rewatch party to look forward to each week. We'll be trying two episodes a week starting with season one.

Got a start on the latest season of Midsommer Murders. Barely got through the opening credits so I'll have to finish up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from How to Tell Off the Boss, a novella that teams up coworkers to solve a problem and they discover they're very well-matched.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Orin Murdoch's boss, the newly installed VP of sales, is driving him insane with new promotions that just don't work. Edda Case, an upstart marketing whiz, takes Orin in hand and teaches him how to tell off the boss with style and how to win Edda's heart in the process.

And a snippety peek…

Edda stayed focused on trying to track Linna's movements for another hour then suggested calling it a night. "My eyes are crossing. That usually means it's time to change gears." She closed the laptop and set it aside.

Orin leaned back and folded his arms behind his head. "I think the lack of a presence on social media means we're on the right track, would you agree?" His eyes slid shut and he exhaled on a long breath.

Edda gave a nod. "That along with the lack of public records. Yeah, we're getting closer." She bit back a yawn.

Orin straightened and closed his laptop. "Thanks. This is above and beyond." He put the computer on the table beside hers.

Edda stretched. "So … you got anything I can sleep in?" A T-shirt would work, or an oversized sweatshirt.

Orin turned to face her, leaning in close and cupping her nape. "I could probably find something … but I don't think we're gonna be sleeping." His lips hovered over her mouth.

She groaned. "That's good news because I'm really hot for you right now."

His mouth crushed hers and he grasped her hands then stood up. She followed, keeping her lips firmly against his. His hands cupped her face, and he backed her toward the bedroom. She loosened her buttons and started on his.

He nudged her inside his room and finally broke the embrace. Dragging his shirt off, he unbuckled his belt and undid his pants. Edda unzipped her skirt and let it slide to the floor. Standing in her lacy camisole and thong, she boldly met his gaze before letting herself take in the sight of him. He stayed fit and had defined abdominal muscles and nicely sculpted biceps. Her eyes drifted lower, and she swallowed at the large bulge hidden by his briefs.

Licking her lips, she unclasped her bra and shrugged it off.

Orin gave her a sexy, sly grin and shucked his knit boxers.

She slid her fingers under the waistband of her thong, but Orin shook his head.

He stepped forward. "Let me…" Hooking his thumbs under the fabric, he slipped the lacy garment down her legs.

Anticipation filled her and Orin didn't disappoint. He scooped her up and deposited her on the mattress then eased down beside her.

I love how this one is unfolding. Edda is a fun character and she's working to bring Orin out of his constant work mode. I think it's working.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin