Sunday Snippet: Neighbors

We had another week of record high temperatures, which means we'll be having brisk, chilly weather this week. Time for more soup! Trick or treat is actually on Halloween this year and we're supposed to have rain and wind. Should make handing candy out lots of fun.

Had another busy work week and also got a good bit of writing done. I'm very close to being ready to launch my new venture. I think everything is lined up.

Had a decent week watching television. I'm still in that weird place of needing silence to focus sometimes, which is truly odd for me. I usually need some kind of background noise going on.

Ended up catching two episodes of My Life Is Murder and enjoyed both. Alexa is growing on me a little more. I'm very interested in getting some additional backstory for her.

Watched a full episode of Agatha Raisin and started another one. I'm kind of crushed they're going to drag out the whole deal with James. I kind of love them together.

Caught the second half of the Silent Witness two-parter. Ended up liking the twists in this one.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I remembered this one from my sporadic watching on the Ovation channel. So weird that this episode timed so closely to Haydn's death. She guest-starred in this episode.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Seriously enjoyed this one. But I do miss having the trio solving the mystery together.

Caught an episode of The Batman. It was the first of a two-parter and introduced the origin of Clayface in this version.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I remembered one of them but not the other. Kind of nice to be surprised.

Watched another episode of VIP and enjoyed it. It's fun when the whole team goes out for job.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Neighbors, a novella that follows the breakup and reunion of a couple with some help from their siblings.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Vonnie Caldwell and Glenn Doyle break up, Vonnie's brother moves in with her to help with expenses. Glenn heads out to live with his sister and he doesn't have far to go … she's across the street, which gives the former couple's siblings ringside seats while Vonnie and Glenn try to navigate being neighbors.

And a snippety peek…

Vonnie Campbell placed the last box of her former boyfriend's stuff on the porch. "Glenn Doyle can march his happy ass over here to get it." Not that he'd have to go far.

He'd moved in with his sister … right across the street.

On her way back into the condo, her phone chirped. Checking the screen, her lips curved. Hopefully her brother would give her some good news.

She swiped to answer. "Hey, Deke. You got my text earlier?" Entering her home, she dropped down onto the sofa.

Deacon countered with a question. "Are you serious about me moving in?"

Vonnie kicked her feet up onto the ottoman. "I am. I need help with the mortgage." She frowned. "Didn't think I'd be swinging the payment on my own." But she probably should have.

She and Glenn blew hot and cold most of the time. And now happened to be very icy.

Deacon tsked. "What the hell happened, Von? You and Glenn were disgustingly happy the last time I saw you."

Vonnie huffed out a breath and rested her head against the cushions. "It's been two years, Deke. You missed some stuff." And why wouldn't he, considering he'd been stationed in Nevada for that time.

Deacon paused a moment. "You sure it's over? I know you love him."

Vonnie closed her eyes. Because she did love Glenn. But she couldn't wait on him to figure out if he wanted them as a couple to be the priority or … not.

Deke added another question. "Wanna tell me what happened? You two weren't afraid to hash things out, loudly sometimes." He waited a beat. "What's so different this time he'd move out?"

Vonnie sighed. "Me. I'm what's different. But I'd rather not get into this on the phone." She sat up. "Come for dinner tonight and bring some of your stuff. I cleaned out the last of Glenn's junk from the spare room. It's all ready for you."

Deacon laughed. "You were that certain I'd want to move in?"

She chuckled. "Well, no. But I hoped you would." At least she didn't have to worry about having major arguments with Deke.

He'd always been a decent big brother. And she could use the familial support. She'd missed him during his stint in the air force.

Deacon broke into her thoughts. "Well, then. Guess I'll come by around six. Does that work for you?"

She smiled. "It does. I'm off for a few days so I can help get the rest of your stuff. Wanna stay tonight? We can binge watch The X-Files." Their mom had a thing for David Duchovny when they were growing up.

Deke added a stipulation. "I'm in as long as we start with the first episode."

Vonnie agreed. "Absolutely. I'll see you at six." She ended the call and leaned back again very happy she'd have a roommate again.

Of course, Glenn had been more than a roommate. He'd been her everything. For a while.

Now, she didn't have an anything … except a neighbor she didn't want to see.

I have no idea where this story is going, but I'm happy with the vibe so far.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Muse It Up

I can't believe October is almost over. We have our fall weather in full swing though and that makes me happy. Made two batches of potato soup over the weekend because we had rain and chilly temperatures. Perfect for this time of year.

Had a busy work week with one difficult but fun project and another in the final stages. Also got a lot of writing completed. I finished up the two manuscripts from last week and I'm doing final read throughs before sending off to beta readers. I'm so excited!

Had another light week of watching television. I go through phases were I'm either need to focus on other things and can't have background noise or I'm not quite in the mood to watch anything.

I did get another episode of Only Murders in the Building watched and I'm enjoying season three. It's a little jarring to not have the trio as tight as they have been, but I like the different dynamics playing out.

Watched another episode of The Batman and loved it. I remember this one from my original watch and it's fun when Alfred has to save Bruce's butt to keep his secret safe.

Also caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both had good moments with Dil and I'd forgotten how cute some of the episodes were after he came along.

Enjoyed another episode of VIP and liked having some Nikki backstory. I can't remember if we get anything for Quick and Kay or not.

Caught a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with "Exodus" parts one and two. I can honestly say there's not a wasted moment in the almost two hours of viewing. These two episodes are premium … even the parts I hate that feature Sam and Leoben, my two least favorite characters.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Muse It Up, a novella that brings a couple together when both are looking for something new.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nate Shaunessey can't get in the groove to write his new supernatural series. When he meets the new bartender, Hunter Gallagher, at his local pub, a muse is born. The only problem? Nate's afraid to tell her she's his latest inspiration.

And a snippety peek…

"See, Uncle Paul, the place cleaned up really well." Hunter Gallagher turned her phone and did a slow sweep of the main room.

Paul Kilkenny snorted. "You and I define cleaned up a little differently, my girl."

His long-term girlfriend nudged him. "Shut up. It looks amazing, considering Hunter's had two days to whip it into shape."

Hunter's lips curved. "Thanks, Louanne. By the time you guys get back from Ireland, you won't recognize the apartment." Not if she pulled off all the plans she had for the place.

Paul draped an arm around Louanne. "Even though the reason sucks, the timing ended up being perfect for you to move in above the bar." He leaned closer to the screen. "You sure you don't want me to call Declan? Maybe see if he can get a couple of his biker friends to go teach your rat bastard of an ex-fiancé a lesson in manners?"

Louanne gave a nod. "Yeah, and how to keep his grubby paws of your hard-earned cash." Her face turned fierce.

Hunter shook her head. "Yes, I'm sure. I do not want either of my brothers trying to handle my ex. I own my shit. I trusted the idiot, which says more about me than anything." Like she should never get engaged again.

Or open joint financial accounts.

Danson Smythe took Hunter's money and his actual fiancée and headed for Mexico, leaving Hunter with whatever cash she had on hand and an angry landlord. Thankfully, her name hadn't been on the lease, and she got moved out within twenty-four hours.

Louanne waved her hand. "Oh, honey, no it doesn't. That young man hid his true colors behind a sparkly shield. Now that he's revealed himself to be a black-hearted ass, you're so much better off." She slid her gaze toward Paul. "And your uncle's right. The timing ended up working out for all of us. You were going to take over managing the Library for Paul anyway and now you don't have to drive across the city to do it. It's kind of win-win, right?" Her shoulder rolled in a shrug.

Hunter laughed. "When you put it like that, yeah, it's definitely a bonus. And if last night is any indication, I'm going to love working here."

Here being the bar her uncle owned. The space above had been living space way back in the day. Paul didn't use the second floor, but he did make sure everything met building codes.

Paul gave a nod. "You're gonna do great with our regulars. They're a good bunch. And I'll check in every Sunday before you open. If you need anything before our weekly meetings, let me know." His gaze glanced somewhere off the screen. "Uh, looks like they're getting ready to load the bus. We'll check in again soon."

Louanne did a waggle-fingered wave and ended the FaceTime.

Hunter shook her head. She loved her uncle and his girlfriend. Paul took Louanne to Ireland in the hopes she'd finally relent and marry him. They'd been together almost twenty years and she remained steadfast in both her commitment to Paul and her refusal to wed. Hunter respected the hell out of Louanne for going against the grain, especially in a family that got somewhat entrenched in traditional values even while embracing change when it happened.

Hunter crossed over to her new entryway and slid her feet into serviceable shoes. "Time to head down and open the Library."

And see what happened on the next page of her life…

I love writing Hunter's family dynamic. I can't wait to see if her brothers make an appearance.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Monumental Headache

Whew. Very busy week and we had crazy weather to top it off. I'm not a fan of the back and forth super warm one day then very chilly the next. Wreaks havoc on my sinuses, which is never fun.

Also had a busy work week with multiple projects in various stages of completion. The sages also picked this week to start chattering in my ear, which is excellent because I got a lot of writing done. I'm almost finished with two projects and so excited! Brings me one step closer to getting my new venture launched.

Had a very light week of watching television. With so many irons in the fire, TV took a back seat to everything else. I'm honestly in a bit of a weird place with content I want to watch. I've been in the mood to binge shows, but I hate to do that when I have subscriptions to a number of streaming services. Then again, I haven't watched anything on Netflix in forever and I pay for that monthly. Thankfully, other family members watch a lot of that streamer.

I finished up the VIP episode from last week and kind of enjoyed the Tasha backstory. I love television from the late nineties.

Caught another episode of My Life is Murder. Alexa is growing on me a little. She often grates, which I think is a character trait. Blunt honesty is fine, but there's a cruel edge to hers sometimes and I'm not a fan of that in a main character.

Enjoyed another episode of Agatha Raisin. The cast of characters is so much fun. I love when the sidekicks get in on the action. I kind of pegged the murderer early in this one, but I like being able to pick them out then see how they actually committed the crime.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm enjoying the slightly different format in this season, but I miss having the team function as a team together.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. One of my favorites that I got to watch all the way through the first time. I agree with Humph … the genius of the murder kind of blew me away.

Also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. The opening eps of season three are so, so good. Actually, the first twelve episodes are pretty terrific. After that, things kind of go slightly sideways, but this show is still one of the best I've ever watched.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Monumental Headache, a novella where two characters hookup then realize they're going to be working together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Cadee Walsh has a high stress job and needs to blow off steam. She spends the night with Worth Pettigrew, recharging from the incredible sex. Imagine her mortification when she finds out he's her new boss.

And a snippety peek…

After placing her order, Cadee propped her elbows on the bar and waited for the tequila shot to arrive. Bart, the bartender, settled the glass in front of her and she lifted it wearing a smile. Toasting her favorite employee, she downed the liquid in a single gulp. "Ah … that hits the spot." Turning the glass upside down, she tapped the counter for another one.

Her food arrived and the aroma made her mouth water.

"That looks pretty damn good. I'll have what she's having."

Cadee slid the speaker a sideways glance and straightened on the stool. Well, hello, handsome. A slow once-over revealed a prime specimen of manhood, wearing well-worn jeans, a tight t-shirt that showed off broad shoulders, a defined chest, and gorgeous biceps. Her night looked infinitely better than it did thirty seconds ago.

She patted the chair beside her. "This seat's definitely not taken, if you're looking for a place to park yourself." Waving a hand over her plate, she flashed a smile. "You won't find a better burger anywhere in the city."

He slid his sculpted ass onto the seat, and he snagged a fry from the basket. "Fries look good, too." Popping it into his mouth, he closed his eyes in bliss.

Cadee grinned. "You and I … are going to get along really well."

And if she had her way, they'd end up back at her place for dessert.

She scooted her basket closer to him. "Have some more." Nodding toward the fries, she introduced herself. "Cadee Walsh. And that's Bart." She jerked her thumb toward the bartender. "He's getting you a shot of tequila, since you're having what I'm having."

Sure enough, Bart placed two glasses in front of them.

Her hot dinner partner raised his glass. "Worth Pettigrew. I'm glad I stopped in here tonight." His lips curved in a wide smile.

Cadee lifted her glass and clinked it against his. "I'm glad you did, too."

This story is a lot of fun, but it also takes a bit of a dark turn. Can't wait to see how everything shakes out.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Mixed Signals

And our above normal temperatures are over for now. Most of the week ended up being kind of hot and humid. Friday brought some rain and cooler weather, like a twenty-degree drop. It definitely feels more like fall.

Busy with work projects and I'm getting closer to launching the new venture I've been working on. I'm not quite ready for prime time but I'm getting there. So excited!

Kind of a slow week for viewing television. I had some distractions and ended up being focused on other things.

I caught another episode of Agatha Raisin and thoroughly enjoyed it. Agatha might end up getting her man, but my big question is whether she'll want to hold on after she gets him. I kind of like the true to life vibe this show has.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and actually kind of enjoyed the twisty turns this one took. Also enjoyed seeing Nikki and Matt try to work through a bumpy bit.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm somewhere in the middle of whether I like how the commissioner tries to nose in these early seasons. I love the character and I like how he interacts with the others even if I'm not completely sure if he's 100 percent legit sometimes.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Lots of little shout outs to Broadway in this episode and I liked that. Also loved seeing Oliver's son so concerned about his dad. Kind of bummed there's a new detective, but holding out hope we'll see our favorite one later.

Started season three of my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. The opening episode ranks right up there with "33" for being so well done. The next episode is also stellar. Can't wait to watch it again.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman. The Joker returned and wreaked havoc per usual, which is always fun. And Alfred's snark was on point as always.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats. Kind of fun to see some bumps in adjusting to having Dil in the mix. I'll always have a soft spot for the first five seasons because those were the ones I watched the most with my oldest kiddo, but I also enjoy the newer seasons because they have a larger dynamic, especially when two more characters are added to the mix.

Started another episode of VIP and should finish it up later today. I forgot how many dream sequences this show had whether it be sleeping or waking ones. They're always kind of odd but fun.

That's pretty it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mixed Signals, a novella that reunites a couple under dangerous circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Avery and Trigg, both undercover cops, can't keep their relationship going. Their work makes it hard to stay connected. When mixed signals results in Avery shooting Trigg in a friendly fire incident, she wants to set the record straight and maybe test the waters to pick up where they left off.

And a snippety peek…

In the driveway to Avery's apartment, Trigg questioned the whole idea of spending several days together. "You sure you really want to do this?" He fumbled with the seatbelt, trying to get it with one hand.

Avery shot him a narrow-eyed look. "Do you really think I'm going to change my answer? I mean you've asked the same question at least three times since we left the hospital." She reached over and pressed the release then carefully helped him get out from under the shoulder harness. "Should the question really be whether you want my help?" Grabbing her keys, she popped her door open but didn't make a move to get out of the car.

Trigg shook his head. "No, you're right. I'm going to need some assistance. Hell, you had to get my stuff because I'm still wiped out from the meds." He used his free hand to open the door.

Avery quickly got out, trotted around the car, and crooked her elbow, giving him her forearm. "Use me to keep your balance. The first couple of times getting in and out are the trickiest until you get used to only having one side free." She bent her knees a little and braced her legs.

Trigg grasped her arm, slid off the seat, and got his feet under him. "Thanks. Gotta say this sucks." He closed the door and went to open the back so he could get his duffel bag.

Avery shook her head. "Uh-uh. I'll get it. You head to the porch." She snagged his gear and followed him up the path.

Trigg made a low whistle. "Wow, you've made some changes." His gaze drank in the comfortable seating area and shade screens.

Avery chuckled. "Not the bare bones space you remembered, is it?" She unlocked her door and pushed it open.

Trigg took a moment, admiring the low maintenance greenery, the brightly colored mailbox, and sturdy welcome mat at the threshold. She'd made the outside space hers. He kind of looked forward to seeing what she'd done to the inside.

Avery popped outside. "You okay?" Swinging the door open further, she welcomed him inside.

Trigg gave a nod. "Yeah, I'm good. Porch looks fantastic." He entered her home and, yeah, she'd definitely added her unique touch to everything. "So does the inside." He cocked his head. "When did you find time to do all this?" An overstuffed couch beckoned, and he made his way over, sinking down onto the plush cushion.

Avery dropped his duffel next to his feet. "It's not hard to point and click for accessories. And whenever I got more than one day off in a row, I scoured furniture stores until I found what I wanted." She took a seat on the chair perpendicular to the sofa.

Trigg huffed out a breath. "Man, my place is spartan compared to this." He craned his head, looking into the next room, which she'd made into a study.

Avery laughed. "Yeah, early American single guy all the way for you." Slipping her jacket off, she went to hang it on the peg rack beside the front door. "Are you due for any of your meds? I'm going to get some water and bring it in, so you'll have it." She nodded toward the kitchen.

Trigg lifted his chin. "Sounds great. Thanks." He fumbled in his coat pocket and withdrew his pain killers and the antibiotic.

Leaning back, he closed his eyes and tried to wrap his head around this different version of Avery. The one who'd taken time to make her apartment a refuge instead of a place to crash between undercover assignments. Very different from when they'd dated. That Avery didn't have the roots this one did.

Which isn't a bad thing.

Part of the reason they'd ended things had been her volatile nature. Up, down, sideways, and inside-out, she never had off switch, which made her great at undercover work. Not so much with having downtime. He didn't help. When he finished an assignment, he left the persona behind and picked back up with regular life. Putting the assumed identity in a tiny compartment came easy for him. Avery struggled to regain hers. And sometimes her inability to quickly transition back to regular cop created friction.

Not that you're blameless, Trigg.

He could've helped her get centered back in the real world. Instead, he got frustrated when she wore the mantel of whatever character she portrayed for days after coming back in. Both had crazy schedules and his impatience to be with the true Avery before he had a new assignment got in the way a lot.

Trigg huffed out a breath. "So much for not digging into the past." He should've known better.

And the armor-coated protection around his heart started to dissolve.

I'm very happy with how this story is moving along. Trigg and Avery have some issues to work out and being in close proximity will be just the kick start they need.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Welcome to Spooky Season month! I love October even if we're having unseasonably higher temperatures. Fall is such a fickle season in Ohio, but I'm hoping for an actual cooling down before winter snow comes calling.

Super busy work week with little projects, which actually gave me some time to write and organize. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in the next couple of weeks and having that extra time is helping.

Not a bad week for viewing television. The timing of my work projects overlapped a lot this week, so I didn't get to watch as much.

Watched the first of a two-parter Silent Witness. This one is very twisty and I'm afraid Nikki is headed for heartbreak. I love the premise of the case, though.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. The contrast between Richard and Humphrey is fun. Richard was very tight-lipped and refused to be vulnerable. Humphrey is super vulnerable almost from the word go. He's also much more in tune with people in general.

Started season three of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I'm not quite as riveted as I was for the first two seasons, but I love that we get to dive into Oliver's world. We kind of started in Mabel's even if we didn't know that fact at first, and season two brought Charles's past into the picture, literally. It's fun to see Oliver interact with the theater crowd.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Rather enjoyed the take on the puppet master Scarface in this 'verse. And Alfred setting up Bruce's dating profile always makes me chuckle.

Started season six of Classic Rugrats. Introducing Dil with two episodes of how life is different was a good choice. Loved Spike saving the day in his episode.

Caught another episode of VIP. Lots of fun and they nailed the trash TV talk-show vibe of the late nineties / early aughts.

Started another episode of My Life Is Murder and I'm enjoying it. Alexa is a tough nut to crack sometimes and I kind of like that. I do get a little annoyed when she's callous and treats others like they're a waste of her time. Hopefully that smooths out at some point.

And that's pretty much if for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a holiday novella featuring a trio.

Here's the miniblurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippety peek…

Westin Ames rolled out from under the vintage pickup when the buzzer sounded over his head. "Who's here at this hour?" He'd closed up shop for the day.

Wiping his hands on a grease rag, he went out to the small lobby of his garage and unlocked the door. He did a double take when he opened it. What the hell did Scotty Landon want?

Wes stepped back. "Gotta say, I didn't expect to find you on the doorstep of my garage." They weren't exactly friends, even if Wes used Scotty as his insurance agent.

Then again, Wes had heard the buzz about Joanie Nixon passing, which meant Delaney might be coming home. Scotty probably wanted to tell Westin to fuck off and leave her alone. Wouldn't happen, but he'd hear Scotty out.

Scotty rolled a shoulder. "Got an email from Delaney. She's coming in to settle her mom's estate." He stopped there, saying nothing else.

Westin motioned for Scotty to enter then closed the door. "And what? You're here to give me a news flash or something else?" Like warning Wes off.

He didn't have to be a dick, but he couldn't think of any other reason Landon would be here.

Scotty frowned. "Something else. Thought maybe we could go over and offer Delaney any assistance she might need." He propped a shoulder on the wall.

Wes blinked in surprise. Of course, he should've expected Scotty to go bigger man and act like they wouldn't be rivals. Then again, maybe that's the point. Going together would highlight the glaring differences between the men.

Wes snorted. "Let me guess, you wanna go together to show Delaney she'd be slumming if she hooked up with me again, right?" The chip on his shoulder rarely reared its ugly head, but thoughts of Delaney brought it out of hiding.

Scotty's brows furrowed. "Uh, no, actually. Why would you even go there?"

Westin snorted. "You're fucking with me, right? Mr. College Degree turned the only insurance game in town versus veteran bad-boy biker mechanic?" He shook his head. "What's she gonna see in me?" He often wondered if she wanted the polar opposite of what she had with Landon back then.

Scotty frowned again and pushed away from the wall. "I don't know, Ames. Maybe a guy who served his country then came home and started his own business, giving deep discounts to vets like himself." He shook his head. "She'll see what everyone else sees … someone she can respect." He waited a beat. "If you don't get that, you never really knew her." He folded his arms across his chest. "And you sure as hell don't deserve her."

Westin huffed out a breath. "Dammit. I really wanted to keep not liking you, Scotty." But the guy had never been anything but decent during their interactions.

Scotty's lips twitched. "Sorry I'm not a raging asshole." He sobered. "Look, it's the holiday season. Losing a parent sucks anytime, but it's gotta be worse right now." He shrugged. "I figured we can be there for her. Give her a shoulder if she needs one." He shoved his hands in his pockets.

Wes gave a nod. "Yeah, we can. And we should agree to have a truce or whatever the hell it is when two old boyfriends join forces to help their ex-girlfriend out." Could he sound more like an idiot.

Scotty lifted his chin and thrust his palm forward. "Deal."

Wes cracked a smile and clasped Scotty's palm. "Give me a minute to shut off the lights." He made his way to the garage and flipped the switches.

Scotty opened the door and paused just outside. "What if she's got someone with her? Like a current guy?" He withdrew his keys and popped his door open.

Wes grunted. "If she does, it's too bad for him." He headed for his bike.

Scotty's lips kicked up in grin and he started the car.

Westin shook his head. "Gonna be an interesting night."

I'm loving this story! Scotty and Westin are fun to write, and I can't wait to bring Delaney into the mix.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin