Sunday Snippet: Lonely Heart Mountain

Whew! Busy week, which I love. My youngest kidlet got engaged last weekend and we've been riding that wave of excitement this week.

Finished up one work project and got another new one. It's a mystery and I love those! Also plugging along with an ongoing LitRPG manuscript that's also a sci-fi/fantasy mash-up. I love the series!

Had an okay week of television viewing. I didn't get through as much as I thought I would but I'm cool with that.

I finished up the episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I've got two episodes left and I'm bracing for impact because I know what's coming.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and I'm happy to say I figured out the real culprit. It took some really twisty turns and I'm pretty sure there might have been a dangling plot thread but, honestly, a great episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm almost finished with the first season, and it's been terrific seeing the series in chronological order. Can't wait to start the next season.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Epiphanies." I'd forgotten how much this episode set up for the following seasons. And I'm always blown away by how incredibly good James Callis is in the role of Baltar.

I also caught another episode of Fantasy Island. Really enjoyed this one. I'm very, very cautiously optimistic with the Javier and Elena storyline. I'm going to be so disappointed if it ends up being trashed for the sake of angst.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Lonely Heart Mountain, a novella that brings a couple together with a little help from delinquent siblings.

Here's the miniblurb:

Author Hettie Blackwell returns home to care for her ailing mother, because her two brothers aren't up to the task. But when Hettie bumps into Winslow Whittaker—the hot new sheriff—she's got more trouble, especially when her younger brother lands in county jail.

And a snippety peek…

Winslow Whittaker gave a low whistle. "Damn. There's a train wreck ready to happen." His instinct urged him to step in and deescalate the situation.

A weekend music festival with a turnout of about seven thousand people made an interesting melting pot in the middle of nowhere. And it definitely gave Win a fly-on-the-wall view of the residents he'd be mixing with in his new hometown.

He'd already clocked the battle of wills between a willowy blonde female and a hard-bodied guy with dark hair—both in their early twenties—as being close to disturbing the peace. Win worried it might slide into a domestic violence altercation.

The woman—and chief instigator—slammed her hand on the cooler acting as a makeshift table. "Dammit, Hank. I wanna be where the action is, and I need you to keep the lowlifes away so I can dance." She swiveled her hips back and forth in a sexy sway.

The guy—Hank—lifted his chin. "Shari, we broke up three months ago. You're not my problem anymore. Find someone else who needs a pain in the ass." He popped the cap off a bottle of beer.

Based on the pile of bottles scattered by Hank's chair, he wouldn't feel pain anywhere. Which meant he could stay mellow and ignore the ex-girlfriend or his switch could flip, and he could get aggressive if she didn't leave him alone.

Shari lashed out. "Asshole." She swung her leg back and landed a kick to the leg of Hank's fold-up lawn chair.

Of course, it collapsed and sent the guy sprawling. His beer sloshed everywhere, and the bottle went flying and crashed into a chrome fender on a huge Harley. A beefy guy rose up and started moving toward the duo.

Win stepped forward, ready to break his cover as an out-of-town spectator.

Hank shook his head. "Dammit, Shari. I'm trying to have a low-key experience here." He yanked his beer-sodden shirt over his head and flung it over the cooler then got to his feet.

The burly motorcyclist clapped a hand over Hank's shoulder. "Buddy, you just bought yourself a fuck-ton of trouble…"

"Yo, Bands. Give it a rest." The host of the concert, Tim Mullins, approached the group. "Blackwell didn't throw that bottle on purpose. Back off and enjoy the music." He jerked his head toward the group of six other bikers.

Bands muttered under his breath but walked away.

Hank grunted. "Thanks, man. Gonna fix my chair and keep my head down."

Tim sent a quick glance toward Shari. "And you're gonna let him. Walk away and leave him alone."

Shari huffed out a breath then turned and flounced away.

Win motioned for Tim to join him several yards away. "I almost stepped in there. Didn't look good for that, what's his name—Blackwell—kid." He regretted his promise to stay incognito for the duration of the weekend's festivities.

That way, according to Tim, a large swath of the county could get to know Win out of uniform. The idea made sense at the time. Win and Tim went back a few years. They met when Win, a state trooper at the time, rolled up on an accident scene involving Tim's tour van and a very drunk groupie who'd tried to flag them down with her vehicle.

Tim gave him a grim smile. "Glad you didn't. I've got Hank's situation handled." He met Win's gaze. "Sorry I told you about the sheriff's retirement?"

Win shook his head. "No, but I am rethinking your idea of having me here on the downlow." Tim would owe Win a huge favor after this.

Win didn't officially take over as the newly appointed county sheriff until Monday. If the weekend turned into a total shitshow, Win's first day could suck balls.

Tim gave Win the lowdown. "Look, Hank won't be here much longer. I called in reinforcements. One who's familiar with Hank's ex-girlfriend." He rolled his eyes.

Win nodded. "The blonde? Shari something."

Tim's head bobbed. "Yeah, Bennet. She's high maintenance and full drama and doesn't mix well with Hank's low-key approach to life. Or his lack of giving a shit when she creates a scene. She starts something and Hank sits and drinks to avoid getting sucked into her crazy circus." He leaned in a little. "They've been on and off since their freshman year of high school, but this last breakup seems final."

Win huffed out a breath. "Someone ought to let her know."

Tim's lips curved with a wry twist. "If she didn't figure it out tonight, there's a good chance she'll be set straight no later than Monday." His phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen. "Damn. Gotta go. Next set starts in ten and I'm playing."

Win lifted a hand. "Break a leg."

Once Tim got halfway down the hillside, Win moved back about fifty yards and propped his shoulders against a sturdy oak. He might as well keep an eye on Blackwell, who struggled to get his beer-soaked shirt back on.

This story is so much fun. Win's got a challenge in front of him with his new position and it's been a joy to write his introduction.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

Still chugging along on various work projects, but I'm at the in-between stages on a few. I like having some free time to focus on writing.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I had to create a workaround for one of the shows I watch, but I'm happy I managed to remember how to set things up.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, wow, I love the unexpected surprise. I'm cautiously optimistic the reveal won't trash things between Elena and Rafael. I'm not holding my breath though. One of the writers is known to mess things up to ramp up the angst factor.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. I'm always interested in the ancient things they review, but I'm also fascinated by the crazy contraptions featured.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The puns and play on words are always fun. One of the greatest things about this show is the appeal to all age groups.

I finally finished the Passionflix original, Resisting Roots. I ended up really liking this one. It's not quite as steamy as some of the other movies, but I'm okay with that.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Enjoyed this one. Very glad Dom is back in good form.

Watched another episode of Cannes Confidential. I love this show! Camille and Harry are fun, and the underlying, sinister vibe is present but also subtle. Such a great show.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This week we did a double header of "Resurrection Ship Part One and Two". The next few episodes are solid, but the show stumbles a little leading up to the season two finale. Too many threads that needed some loving care got dropped.

I also started another episode of Peak Practice and need to finish that one up later tonight.

That's it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a contemporary novella that reunites a couple after a nasty breakup.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on … unless he hasn't.

And a snippety peek…

Harper entered the city limits and braced for nostalgia to hit. Nothing like coming back to where life really began.

She traveled down the road toward her hotel. "With my tail between my legs no less." Pulling into the drive of the hotel chain, she sat for a minute, thrilled to be done with long-distance driving for the foreseeable future. "Okay, I'm not exactly crawling back. I have a plan and I'm not running scared anymore." She got out and handled getting checked in, paying for a week's stay.

Depending on how things went, she might extend the reservation.

After she parked close to her end of the wing, she grabbed her camera case and her overnight bag then key-carded the exterior door. She had a top-floor room and took the stairs to the fifth story. She needed the exercise after driving all day. Once inside her room, she deposited the bags on the bed and crossed over to the window.

Retrieving her phone, she hit send to call her mom, then gazed out across the river to the twinkling lights of downtown.

Abigail answered on the third ring. "Harper? Did you make it there? Everything go okay?"

Harper smiled. "Yes, Mom. Just got in and everything isn't okay, but it will be." Her confidence wobbled on the will be part, but she chalked it up to the long drive.

Abigail tsked. "Of course it will. You can't go anywhere but up, Harper." Her voice held no censure. "You've had a rough year."

Man, what an understatement. But Harper wouldn't change anything. Well, not much. Watching her dad lose his life to cancer didn't inspire joy. Having time to mend their fractured relationship, though … meant everything.

Abigail got it. "What you did for your dad, Harper…" She paused a moment. "I'm so proud of you."

Harper basked a little with the praise. And she'd said the same to her mom—four years ago when Harper finally stopped for the night. As promised, Abigail's news hadn't been about another stepparent. She'd found her true calling and opened Mystic Crystal, a shop catering to all who craved everything from crystals to homeopathic supplies. And Abigail had never been happier.

Harper turned from the window. "How did the new store opening go?" Harper couldn't wait to see the new shop.

Something she couldn't imagine happening when she'd split with Rhett. Getting to know her dad and taking care of him healed a hole in Harper's heart. The one left behind when Carlin chased after building his empire by dumping his family and not looking back. But mending the situation with her parents, by learning to accept them for what they were—flawed humans who needed time to figure themselves out—gave Harper a completely new perspective.

Hence the reason she returned. Getting her shit together by dealing with her biggest fears gave her the opportunity to move forward. Hopefully by rekindling a relationship with Rhett. If nothing else, she owed him the truth about the reason she'd left and an apology for the lie she'd told.

Abigail chattered on. "Have you decided what you'll do with the money from Ben's trust?"

Harper settled into a club chair. "My plan hasn't changed. I'm meeting with an agent tomorrow"—her old roommate Lily—"to find a space where I can live and work."

Her dad left everything to Harper. His previous three wives received prenup settlements at the time of their divorces—Abigail included. The myriad of live-in girlfriends had walked away with smiles on their faces—except the last one. She'd driven away with a fingery wave in Ben's sporty coupe.

Abigail broke into Harper's train of thought. "I'm glad you got the time to resolve your issues with him—especially after you and I got things settled. It's good he took care of you."

As the mother of his only child, Abigail expected Ben to leave his estate and trust to Harper. But … she hadn't counted on anything. Ben went through women quickly and spent lavishly. Harper didn't know if he'd have anything to leave. But he hadn't only run multiple venues and two stadiums, he'd invested in all of them, giving him part ownership.

His will stipulated she could do whatever she wanted with the trust, which she hadn't known until after he died. Their finance-focused conversations made so much more sense now. She wouldn't trade any of the time they had, even if she didn't get why he talked about money so much then.

Abigail voiced a quiet question. "Are you sure about returning to Pointe Grand?"

Harper's lips curved. "I am." She loved her mom for asking, especially because Harper hadn't been certain when they spoke last time.

Abigail clucked assurances. "And you also know you always have a place to call home if it doesn't work out for you."

Harper grinned again. "Thanks, Mom."

Who would've guessed five years ago, she'd be happy to hear Abigail offer a welcome place to stay?

They ended the call a few moments later.

Getting up and stretching, she gave in to the urge to crash into bed. "Eight a.m. meeting with Lily is going to come really damn early." Crawling between the sheets, Harper figured she might end up with nostalgic dreams of Rhett. "Which would be better than erotic ones."

Because those made her toss and turn all night.

Harper is fun to write. I love exploring a character that has regrets and she has a few where Rhett is concerned.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Level Need (a VC Security Solutions novella)

Had a busy week with a new work project landing in my inbox. It's a holiday novel and I'm so excited because I love editing holiday stories! I'm also working on a proofread, which is a nice complement to a copy edit.

Had a slow week of viewing due to another loss of a relative. 2023 has been a rough year for the older generation in my family. I hope the final months are loss free.

I did watch the premiere episode of Cannes Confidential and thoroughly enjoyed it! It's got intrigue and charm and the cast is stellar. Looking forward to the next episode.

Also caught another episode of the Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'm slightly disappointed in the angst factor between the main characters but I'll roll through and see what happens. Very excited Gloria has a new guy even if he's competition for Dom.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and found it kind of interesting. I liked getting some additional screen time for the deaf characters introduced earlier. Also kind of liked Andrew figuring out what he doesn't want.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and, wow, this one had some twists and a heartbreaking scene that I almost couldn't watch. Kind of looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Caught another Death in Paradise. Enjoyed the guys trying to avoid bringing Richard in on the case while he was down with a tropical fever but loved that they ended up doing it anyway.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Level Need, a novella in the VC Security Solutions series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dita Burgess and Newton Malley work for a private security company and end up giving into a long-burning attraction and spending the night together. But when Dita gets a call to bring an asset in—one she made a promise to and cares deeply for—the happy beginning she has with Newton is in jeopardy.

And a snippety peek…

Dita Burgess rolled to her side and cupped her lover's face. "I've been called back. Are you sure you won't leave with me?" She had less than an hour to get out of the vicinity before law enforcement arrived.

Sean Rigby shook his head. "Can't. If I bail now, I'm a dead man." His hand brushed over the curve of her hip. "'Sides, more important for me to stick around and do some clean up. Maybe get this club into legitimate operations." He palmed her ass.

Dita waffled on taking the time to get one last steamy sex session in or extract herself now. She'd been living in Sean's pocket almost from the moment she crossed the threshold of the Blow Torch's bar almost a year ago. From that moment, they'd been inseparable, and he'd given her the access she needed to get the goods on the trafficking the motorcycle club did on the side.

She nuzzled his throat. "I wish you didn't have to stick around. The blowback on this is going to stick to all of you." The bar doubled as the motorcycle club's base of operations.

Sean shrugged. "Better I do. I'm not involved in the illegal shit like my uncle. Me and Pop stay on the up and up, running the welding business." He frowned. "The only reason we're members of the MC is because Uncle Jack insisted." His hands caught her face and tilted her chin up. "You're the only person who's ever looked past the surface to see what lies underneath." His lips meshed with hers. "I love you for that."

Her eyes welled, but she didn't let the tears fall. "You made it easy. And I promise if you're ever ready to bail on this life, I'll help you start a new one." She met his skeptical gaze. "I mean it, Rig. One call and I'll arrange a meet with a new identity and enough cash to start over wherever you want." She could do no less for him.

Sean grunted. "And you'll what? Leave everything behind and go with me?" His lips twisted in a wry smirk.

Dita laced her fingers with his. "Not much holding me here. I'd be happy to walk off into the sunset with you." And she would … because he'd given her something she hadn't had since the age of ten.

A place to call home.

She'd lucked into her job with VC Security Solutions after meeting the owner's daughter while doing community service. Dita didn't have any solid connections with the firm yet. She only had weekly check-ins by phone and monthly in-person meetings when possible. And, okay, she'd broken the number one rule of her training. Do not get personally involved with the informants.

Her timing might suck, but when did it not? Her entire life had been a series of misfortunes, almost theres, and too close to call situations. Sean liked how she'd seen past the surface to the real man underneath. Well … she loved him for giving her his trust and protection—the first time anyone had freely offered both.

Sean brought her hand up to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckles. "You better go or you'll get snatched up with the rest of us." He reached down and grabbed her clothes.

Dita slid from the bed and quickly dressed. "Promise me you'll call when you're ready to ghost on this place." She shoved her feet into her boots and picked up her bag.

Sean's lips curved into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Not gonna make a promise I might not keep. But I'll try to call if I'm ever free to do so." He didn't say it might be years … but the reality hung there between them.

Dita leaned down and caught his mouth in a hard kiss. "If you call, I'll come to you … no matter where." She straightened and backed toward the door, unwilling to look away until she had to.

He lifted his chin in farewell then grabbed his shirt and yanked it over his head then picked up his pants. No doubt he didn't want to be cuffed and dragged out without a stitch on. When he reached for his boots, Dita finally twisted the knob and made her way out through the bar. Her training kicked in and she clocked the members that were present on her way to the back door. When she cleared the alley and headed across the street, she dug out her phone, hitting the speed dial. The call got picked up before the first ring went all the way through.

Dita kept her gaze straight ahead when she spoke into the device. "I'm clear. Target's on sight." She ended the call … and her first assignment for VC Security Solutions.

I'm not quite sure where this story is going to go, but I love the extra wrinkle of having the main character fall for someone who isn't her endgame.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

  

Sunday Snippet: Late Summer Engagement (an Organic Nature short)

Well, it's been a week. I hit a slump even though I got a lot accomplished. Not sure why I ended up being so distracted, but I struggled to stay focused on anything.

Had a very slow viewing week, probably due to being randomly distracted by everything.

I watched another episode of Strangest Things and enjoyed the artifacts featured. This show makes interesting connections when they're trying to figure out what something is.

Caught a Death in Paradise marathon, which ended up being fun to watch. I'm still doing a full watch in chronological order, but fun to have a whole day of great episodes.

Enjoyed another episode of Battlestar Galactica. We finished up the first half of season two and during our discussion we remembered how long we had to wait for the next half, especially because the episode kind of ends on something of a cliffhanger. And there were so many great moments in this episode!

I planned to start Cannes Confidential this week but ended up being too distracted. I'll be watching it in the very near future and will post my reaction next week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Late Summer Engagement, an Organic Nature short for the month of August.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vin's ready to spend his life with Eppie, but he's not sure she wants to be the marrying kind. Instead of proposing, he suggests something a little different. As usual, Eppie surprises him with her response.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie traced her fingers over the new latticework Vin installed. "What are you trying to teach me, Gram?" She settled on one of the rebuilt benches.

A soft breeze fluttered through the arbor. The wind chimes tinkled in the corner.

Eppie glanced up. "You like it, don't you?" Her palms brushed over the smooth, sanded surface. "My man does excellent work."

Vin did the sanding by hand with loving care. He wanted to save as much of the original as possible.

The ribbons hanging from the pergola danced and bounced. Eppie's lips quirked at the sight—almost as if her grandmother granted her approval.

Eppie closed her eyes and let her mind drift. An image of fall flowers and fairy lights surrounding the finished arbor took shape and rows of seating filled the space between the house and the quiet sanctuary. Eppie smiled. The setting would be lovely for a wedding.

Her eyes snapped open. "A wedding?" Surely that's not what Gram means.

Then again, why wouldn't she?

Eppie didn't have to shut her eyes to envision Vin in a dark suit standing in the center of the arched area. She pictured it clearly in her mind. He'd have a huge smile and love in his eyes when she walked up to meet him.

A wedding. Geez.

A small shudder went through Eppie at the thought. She loved Vin with her whole heart. And he loved her. She didn't doubt his commitment or his motivation for being with her.

But why couldn't they just share their lives?

The breeze swirled around her sending ripples through the hanging ivy, creating dappled shadows on the ground.

Eppie chuckled. "I know, Gram. Because neither of us has actually said that's what we want to do." Living together and sharing space didn't mean actually living together with the intention of forever.

Maybe it's time to make that official.

Eppie's brain finished out the scene. There would be family and friends, food and fellowship, and the future fanning out before them.

She took a moment to commit the picture to memory. "Now to convince Vin…" A nervous frisson snaked down her spine.

What if he hates the idea?

This part of Eppie and Vin's story is still taking shape. There's still a question of will they or won't they get married … or possibly choose an alternative unique to them.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: A Kiss Is Just a Kiss

Welcome July! The month that my doggos hate with the intensity of a thousand suns. And we actually got an early start on the fireworks this year … about mid-June or at least the last two weekends. Personally, I love a good fireworks show. The dogs really don't. They get antsy and want to go outside but hate it outside because of the loud crackle and booms. It's exhausting.

Had a good week with work. Finished up two projects and made way to get started on a new one. I'm hoping to slide in some extra freelance work this month because I'm in between two developmental edits at the moment and could use something to keep my busy.

Also had a bit of a scare with my dad. He ended up in the hospital for a few days but he's doing well.

Not a bad week for television. I'm really angry I didn't get to watch Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies before Paramount yanked it. It angers me that studios can pull whatever they want to write off for tax purposes. I'd love to be able to do that on a personal level.

I finished up the ninth season of Brokenwood Mysteries. Actually loved the episode. This is such a comfort watch for me. Looking forward to starting Cannes Confidential this week, especially since one of my favorite actors is involved.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed the mystery. Not sure I'm excited about having the creepy woman back but I'll reserve judgment on that one. I love the cast of characters in this show.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and the episode definitely took a turn I didn't expect. I like it when that happens!

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one before and I'm glad I got to watch the whole episode. I'm loving this show.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Flight of the Phoenix." This one had so much going on and it was all spectacular. The pilot interaction ended up being my favorite thing, as usual. But lots of good stuff overall.

Started the second season of Fantasy Island. I'm about halfway through the episode and enjoying it so far. I'm definitely here for Raphael and Elena interactions!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Kiss Is Just a Kiss, a novella that brings two characters together after being separated for a decade.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A kiss is just a kiss … except when it’s not. Betsy Roarke shares a brief lip-lock with Wash Mulligan and can't stop thinking about it. He's got her all twisted up and turned sideways and she aims to make him feel the same.

And a snippety peek…

Jesus, I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened.

Betsy stayed a step or two ahead of Wash to avoid any additional potential for humiliation. He planted his lips on hers. And, of course, she reacted because, hot damn, a fantasy of hers just came to life. She'd crushed hard on Wash before he left for the navy a decade ago. And the ten years filled him out and put an underscore on his hotness factor. But … his kiss rocked her world and hers made him … apologetic?

Geez, Betsy. Crash and burn much? Her luck with men sucked so much. She really needed to remember that fact. If she could find a rock, she'd crawl under it. Maybe she would once she got home.

Blindly looking straight ahead, she stopped at her car and hit the unlock then the trunk button.

Wash let out a long, low whistle. "Damn. I think I'm in love." Of course he'd say something affectionate about her car.

Irritated, she went kinda bitchy. "A gift from Marlene." Okay, Marlene's money. "And I'm sorry, but Esme is totally off the market."

Wash glanced up from his perusal of her sweet ride. "She's yours?" His hand glided over the premium paint job.

He didn't make fun of the name—something she picked up from the Mulligan men—but he walked around the body, checking out the sporty rims and low profile.

Betsy basked. "Every shiny square inch." She popped her door open and slid behind the wheel, letting Wash stow his bag in the trunk then get in beside her. After starting the engine, she hesitated. "Where to?" She hadn't thought that far ahead.

Wash slid a sideways glance her way. "Might as well head for home. I don't have a place to call mine yet." His gaze focused on the view straight ahead.

She relaxed a little. "All right. Buckle up, sailor. Esme likes to go fast." Revving the engine, she took off, merging into outgoing traffic.

I love this story so much. Betsy is a fun character because she doesn't want to rock the boat, but Wash makes her react in ways that will do exactly that.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin