Sunday Snippet: A Rustic Affair

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. For everyone else, I hope your weekend is rocking with good vibes!

We got some terrific news this week. My youngest, who will graduate from university in May, got accepted into grad school! She's so excited and will have a Master of Arts Administration when she finishes.

Had a fairly busy week with work projects. Discovered one ended up with a corrupted file and had to fix some weird, random code that inserted itself into the file. What a pain!

Decent week of viewing television. I'll admit some was mainly background noise while I worked on editing. But not bad overall.

Ended up getting two episodes of The Batman in this week. Enjoyed both and should be on track to catch another one this week.

Also caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Weirdly, I remember two but from different episodes. They always did two per show and I distinctly remember one from each of the episodes I watched. Weird.

Watched another episode of My Life Is Murder and, once again, enjoyed it. Dueling bakers isn't something I would normally think of as a premise for murder.

Enjoyed another episode of Midsomer Murders. I have one left for this season and then it's time to wait for more again. Good thing there are plenty of other mysteries to keep me occupied.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Another new face or two for this season and I'm okay with that. I have a feeling things are going to get very interesting this season.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. We're getting closer to Humphrey's exit and Jack's entrance. I'll be able to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

Watched another episode of Elementary. The new vibe between Holmes and Watson is fun. I'm enjoying a slightly softer version of Sherlock.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I skipped one because I really didn't care one bit about the whole saga of Andrew and Kate. But it's interesting that Will is back. Should be a wild ride.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Rustic Affair, a novella that explores what happens after a couple retires from their dangerous life.

Here's the miniblurb:

Necia Sands and Falcon Seaver, two mercenaries for hire who finally retire from the life, try to settle down. Being opposites draws them together, but it also makes them clash over simple things—like finding the right place to live.

And a snippety peek…

Falcon wouldn't believe it, but Necia loved the bones of the house. Yeah, a full reno would be needed to get it where she wanted it to be. But working with Falcon—especially for their future—made her giddy.

She gazed out the window of a second-floor bedroom. "What about security?" They might be retired but no one ever completely left the job behind.

Not in their line of work.

Falcon lifted his shoulder. "We can take some precautions—if you really feel they're necessary." His lips curved in a half smile.

Necia frowned. "You don't?" They'd be stupid to not consider some type of system.

He sighed. "Maybe, but we're done, Necia. I'm using an alias for the deed transfer. If someone wants to find us, they'll have to look hard." He rocked back on his heels a little.

She didn't want to argue but they had a long list of potential enemies. And some of them might actually go out of their way to track them down. Then again, she and Falcon had a habit of being lucky.

Glancing up at him, she gave a shrug. "We're pretty good at hiding when we need to." She grinned. "We probably don't have to worry … much. We won't have to run down bad guys out here, right?"

Falcon chuckled and grabbed her hand. "Doubtful. Besides, look what we'd probably end up chasing…"

She followed the direction of his gaze. A family of furry critters paraded along the edge of the cliff. Her mouth curved in a smile. An image of her and Falcon spilling out the house, guns drawn filled her mind.

She barked out a laugh. "Yeah, okay. We can revisit the security idea later." She'd chill on the idea for now.

Falcon stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Works for me." His chin rested on her shoulder.

Necia turned to face him. "Getting used to normal might take a while." But the concept gave her several ideas and she tilted her head to one side. "Is it bad luck to christen a house before we own it?" Her hands smoothed down his chest.

Heat flared in his eyes. "Don't know, but I'm willing to tempt fate."

She popped the button on his cargo pants. "Downstairs, looking out at the ocean?" Her fingers worked his zipper down.

Falcon grabbed her hands. "Absolutely." He stepped away. "Race you there." Taking off, he made a beeline for the steps.

Necia huffed out a harsh breath and stripped her shirt off. "To the victor go the spoils."

And she would be victorious.

This is such a fun story! Necia and Falcon won't be quite finished with their dangerous affairs, and I can't wait to dive into that!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Rise and Shine

Ohio weather is tripping on some kind of psychedelic drug right now. We're in our third winter at the moment, so hopefully actual spring will happen in about two weeks. Of course, we'll have to give or take a month because who knows how long the state will be under the influence.

Had a crazy week of work, a mom crisis mode occurrence, and of course the weird weather, which wreaks havoc on my sinuses.

I didn't get much television watched this week. Too many things going on to really pay attention to my shows.

I did get an episode of Death in Paradise watched and enjoyed it. I hadn't seen any of this one and ended up really liking the mystery.

I also started an episode of Elementary and should finish it up today. I love the fun dynamic of Holmes and Watson after last week's near miss with Watson's life.

Other than that, I might be back on track this week, but I won't hold my breath. My brain is doing weird things and having a very hard time staying focused on more than one thing at a time. It's driving me batshit.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise and Shine, a novella that brings a couple together when both are making big changes in their careers.

Here's the miniblurb:

Abram Purdy sees the same barista, Whitney Boone, every day of the week. She always knows exactly what he needs to get his day started. He runs into her on a Saturday jog and discovers she's accepting a teaching position at the local university and Abram decides to see if she'll still make his morning coffee—at his place.

And a snippety peek…

Whitney finished up another order and bit back a sigh. Almost a full week had gone by and no Abram. She might not have a chance to see him again before her final day.

One of her regulars, Madelyn Gamber, flashed a quick smile. "Busy this morning, aren't you?" She placed her order for a caramel mochaccino.

Whitney put the drink together and nodded. "We were. You picked a good time to come after the main rush." Only three people were left, and the other baristas were serving.

Madelyn took her order and headed for the exit.

Whitney called her back. "Hold on. You forgot your package." She picked the small box up but paused when she noticed the name. Abram Purdy.

Madelyn laughed. "Not mine. But I found it on the stoop next door, and we're supposed to get some rain later, so I grabbed it." She shook her head. "My neighbor has been gone all week and should be back in a day or two. But not before we get the nasty weather." She tucked the box under her arm.

That explained why Whitney hadn't seen Abram all week.

Whitney raised her eyebrows. "Oh, no. Did he get called out by the crazy-uncle client?" She never remembered the guy's name.

Madelyn gave Whitney a considering look. "Yes, that's the one." Understanding dawned. "Abram's one of your regulars, isn't he?"

Whitney laughed and nodded. "Yeah. And he's got some great stories about that guy." Bonkers didn't begin to describe the client.

Madelyn agreed. "Some horror ones, too." She leaned forward and lowered her voice. "Pretty sure this trip is one of the nightmare ones."

Whitney shook her head. "I couldn't do what Abram does. The whole drop everything and jet off to solve problems would stress me out."

Madelyn gave a waggle-fingered wave. "Same. So glad my biggest worries are all local and involve gardening." She pushed the door open and exited the coffee shop.

Whitney wiped down her workstation, hoping she didn't miss her chance to see Abram before her last day. Surprised at the disappointment she'd experienced when she thought she had, she didn't think too hard about the reason. She absolutely had an attraction to Abram. And she'd definitely miss the stories about his impossible client.

Stowing the cleaner under her counter, she untied her apron. "Hopefully, I'll get to hear one more."

I'm happy with how much fun this one is to write. Whitney and Abram are going to be angst free but still have some conflict.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Ring It In

Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's been a chaotic week with work projects and life stuff going on. And my distraction levels are making me frustrated. But … I'm still getting stuff done so I can't really complain.

I definitely didn't make a full round of shows this week. Just didn't have the bandwidth with my focus being all over the place.

I did catch an episode of The Batman and had vague memories of watching this the first time around. Joker episodes are hit and miss in the version of the dark knight.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm almost finished with this show, and I'll miss it when I'm done. Such a fun cast of characters.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and again enjoyed the mystery. I'd seen something of a similar nature of the plot based on a true story, so this episode ended up being a lot of fun.

Finished up the final episode of Silent Witness season twenty-five. I'll be starting season twenty-six this week. Ended up really enjoying the limited episode run.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ring It In, a New Year's Eve sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

Recovering from post-holiday family drama, Paris Lightful wants to spend New Year's Eve in her uncle's cabin with nothing but her laptop and a ton of action movies. When near blizzard conditions strand Deputy Kelton Pine at her location, Paris doesn't welcome the intrusion, especially since Kelton has a major chip on his shoulder. But once the ice breaks between the couple, things heat up rather quickly.

And a snippety peek…

December 30, early evening…

 

A knock sounded on Paris's door again.

She grabbed the poker and called out. "Who's there?"

A voice answered. "Deputy Pine."

She huffed out a relieved sigh and opened the door.

Kel stood outside, large, fluffy snowflakes drifting down around him. This time, instead of his cruiser, he had a big SUV. His gaze lingered on the poker and a slight note of respect crossed his features.

Would wonders never cease?

Paris lifted her chin. "Deputy. Lovely weather we're having." Pleasantries would require effort she didn't feel like giving, but she moved aside so he could get out of the cold.

Kelton entered the cabin, but his furrowed brow showed he didn't appreciate her sarcasm. "You're not going anywhere, are you?" His gaze scanned from side to side.

Her brow arched. "Not that it's any of your business, but no. I came up here for solitude and quiet." She gave him a pointed look. "Someone keeps crashing my calm." And living rent free in her mind at the same time.

He shuffled a little and had the grace to flush. "Right, well, I stopped by to let you know I caught our guy … hiding in the Handermans' shed. He's now enjoying a nice warm cell at county lockup." He glanced over his shoulder. "I also wanted to let you know the roads are impassable right now. If you don't need to leave, don't." His gaze met hers again.

She nodded. "No problem. Like I said, no plans to go anywhere." She shrugged and pulled her shirt closer around her.

He focused behind her. "Don't suppose you're set up if the power goes out?"

Pissed off, she wanted to jab him with the poker. "Why would you assume I'm not? You know Uncle Mick has a generator. Do you think I'm too delicate to get it started?" What the hell crawled up his ass?

Kelton held his hands up. "I didn't say that." He wisely took a step backward.

Paris snorted. "You didn't have to. Your snide tone more than implies your meaning." She planted her hands on her hips. "What the hell is your problem with me?" Because he definitely had one.

Kelton stared at her for a moment. "I don't have issue with you directly. But my experience with your type pretty much sucks." He rolled a shoulder.

Paris blinked. "My type?" Her head tilted back. "Ah, now I get it." She met his gaze. "Which of my former high school classmates pissed on your parade?" And why would he lump her into his

Kelton didn't hesitate with his answer. "Bindi Buchman."

Paris stopped short of making a garbled choking sound. "Seriously?" She marched forward and opened the door. "You can leave. Now." She wouldn't be held responsible if he didn't exit quickly.

Kelton smirked. "Touch a nerve, did I?"

Paris rolled her eyes. "By lumping me in with Bindi's bitches?" Did he have any kind of clue? "That's not hitting a nerve. It's an outright insult." One she didn't deserve.

Kelton cocked his head. "Did you have a falling out? You were pretty tight with her in high school. Bffs and all that."

Paris shot back. "Where did you get that idea?"

Kelton's lips curved. "My keen observational skills."

Paris snorted. "They failed you, Kel. If you had bothered to look under the surface, you'd have realized I didn't have Bffs." Much to her mother's dismay.

Kel gave her a confused look. "But you used to—"

Paris cut him off. "I talked to everyone, Kel. The jocks, the nerds, the stoners, the music geeks, the suffering artists, and yeah, Bindi and her bunch. I existed on the fringes, never a full part of any one group." She'd liked nonconforming, because it drove her mother nuts.

Kel tilted his head. "I only remember seeing you with Bindi and her gang of glamor girls."

Paris stared him dead in the face. "Because you were a jock. You didn't look anywhere else." She turned away from him. "And you only had eyes for the HBIC, meaning Bindi Buchman." Much to Paris's tender-hearted dismay.

So excited about this story. Paris and Kelton are fun to write and I love guiding couples back into each other's orbits.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Right Feels Wrong

Man. What a crazy-busy week. Our weather is still being contrary. Warm and spring-like a couple of days followed by another blast of winter. My sinuses are not thrilled.

I didn't get through a full round of television this week. I had way too many irons in the fire and needed to focus. My brain doesn't want to cooperate at all. Thankfully, I have three current projects, which lets me bounce around when I can't concentrate on one specific thing.

I did get a holiday episode of My Life Is Murder watched and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's interesting to see how the southern hemisphere celebrates the holiday in the middle of their summer.

I tried to watch the behind-the-scenes Agatha Raisin, but it wouldn't play. That's two seasons now that I can't access the specials. I'm kind of bummed about that.

I started the new season of Midsomer Murders and loved the episode. I'm excited to dive back into this series. It's fun to see an older Betty.

Silent Witness continues to be very intriguing. I really want to know who's behind the curtain pulling the strings.

Caught another Death in Paradise and remembered some of this one. Mainly the beginning and the end. Not sure what happened to the middle part and why I missed it the first time around but it's nice to finally see the whole episode.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I like the slow progression of trust being built with Sherlock and Watson. I have a sneaking suspicion that Sherlock now knows Joan isn't being paid by his father anymore. I'll be interested to see how that plays out.

That's as far as I made it for viewing this week and that's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Right Feels Wrong, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

A college RA, Clover Miller, busts an underage drinker who ends up on academic probation and in danger of losing his scholarship. When the student's brother, Lennox Bailey, comes to visit, he's caught between being a loyal sibling and an instant attraction to the RA that reported on his brother.

And a snippety peek…

Clover Miller carried her coffee in one hand and her laptop in the other. "I gotta crash or I'll be shit for my first class." Taking the shortcut through the lobby of Finney Hall, she bit back a yawn.

Halfway through the expansive space, a commotion by the main door drew Clover's attention. Instead of turning toward the elevator to the fourth floor, she weaved around the brick pillar and stopped short. A freshman kicked at the glass doors, cursing at them.

Clover narrowed her gaze, trying to remember his name. Something Bailey. Why the hell would he be rattling the doors? She moved closer and caught the ID badge between his teeth and the way he swayed back and forth on his feet.

Shit. Drunk lower classman. And, as a resident advisor, she couldn't ignore him.

Heaving a sigh, she set her coffee on a table and put the laptop beside it. Goodbye sleep. Hello responsibility.

Clover approached the beefy student with caution. "Hey, uh, what's going on? Pretty sure the doors didn't do anything to warrant the abuse you're dishing out." She did a quick assessment, hoping the Bailey kid—Wyatt, she finally remembered—would be a happy drunk instead of a mean one.

Wyatt angled his head around. "I can't get into the dorm. The stupid scan thing isn't on the wall where it should be." He talked with the card still between his teeth and his words slurred around the plastic.

Clover shook her head. "My dude, you're already in the dorm." She gently pried his hand from the door handle and slowly turned him away from the glass. "What floor are you on?" She didn't have the roster memorized yet.

Wyatt blinked and tugged away from her. "Not your dude and I…" He stopped, turned a little green, and swallowed hard. "I can find my way. Don't need no help." Putting one foot forward, he swayed again.

Clover needed to get him out of the lobby. Technically, she should report any underage drinking, but the unwritten rule of keeping alcohol consumption out of sight and under control usually worked for everyone. At least they had the empty lobby to their advantage. But if she couldn't get him to his room quickly, someone would no doubt see him, and she'd have to turn him in.

She put her hand on his bicep. "Wyatt, we gotta get you to your room. And you need to stop acting like you're drunk."

He gave a rude snort. "Not acting, Miss … whoever you are. Am totally drunk right now." He swayed close to her. "Shhhh. Don't tell the RAs. They're a buncha bitch-ass narcs." Pressing his forefinger to his lips he made an exaggerated shushing sound.

Clover huffed out a breath. "Yeah, bro, I know. I'm one of 'em." She started steering him toward the elevator. "Here's the thing, though. I'm actually trying to keep your ass out of trouble, so maybe less with the broadcasting and more with the shutting the fuck up." She scooped her laptop off the table and kept directing Wyatt toward the elevator.

He blinked and squinted. "You're one of the babysitters?" Jerking hard away from her, he tried to make an about face.

But he'd one or a dozen too many and instead of turning in the opposite direction, he spun a full three-sixty, wobbled back and forth, then went crashing to the ground…

And he took Clover with him, smacking his head into hers on the way down.

Her laptop dug into her ribs and a searing pain jolted from her wrist to her collarbone. "Shit. That hurt." Hoping like hell she could get him semi-upright, she tucked her sore arm against her side and hooked her good arm under his shoulder. She'd almost managed to get him to his feet when the elevator pinged, the doors slipped open, and three people stood gaping at the spectacle.

Clover swallowed a sigh. She'd have to file a report. There would be no keeping Wyatt Bailey's drunkfest quiet now … not with a trio of witnesses.

Well, fuck.

I'm having fun with this one. This scene alone was sheer joy to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Rhythm and Motion

Well, March definitely enters the year with a roar. We've had the crazy weather that hops back and forth between warm and cold along with snow showers, thunderstorms, and thirty-degree temperature changes in twenty-four hours. Weirdly, it's somehow fitting that March is my birth month. Volatile and a wee bit mercurial.

My focus is still all over the place, but I have multiple work projects, which helps when I need a change of scenery. It drives me batty when I read the same paragraph over and over because I keep getting distracted by everything. Being able to hop from one manuscript to another helps in a weird way.

Had a decent week of viewing. Still not quite getting a full slate in, but I'm happy with the shows I'm keeping up with. I'm having issues with one of the streamers on a device, but I got the show watched despite the tech glitches.

Started out with the finale of Agatha Raisin. I have a bonus behind-the-scenes episode to watch then it's on to a new show. I'll miss this one. I've had so much fun watching the characters interact and solve mysteries.

Caught another Silent Witness episode. So sorry about Jack's dad. And the whole deal with his mom is beyond sad. Very nice to see Nikki be there for him. I'm wondering about Simone at the moment and Sam is playing a very cagey game.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one and enjoyed it the first time. I love Martha to bits and can't wait to finish Humphrey's run to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Interesting episode and I'm almost sorry the FBI lady will live to show up again in the future.

Caught an episode of The Batman. I had vague memories of watching this the first time but not everything. I'm still not sure how I feel about Batgirl. I think I end up liking her better once Robin enters the show.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I didn't remember either of the vignettes, which I'm kind of happy about. The later seasons were kind of hit or miss for us when the kiddos were young.

Finished the second season of The Secret Life of Amy Benson and I'm really hoping we get a third. I'm invested in the characters and want to see what happens next.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rhythm and Motion, a novella that brings a highly competitive couple together from opposing teams.

Here's the miniblurb:

Rosie Austin and Carlos Baker are on opposing teams in the annual state-wide fire academy competition. In the week leading up to the big event, they fight an attraction that could get them into trouble with their team captains. By the end of the three-day contest, both are questioning if what they feel is real or whether they're caught up in the forbidden fruit angle.

And a snippety peek…

Carlos entered the training room and stopped short. The quick punch-jab-shuffle rhythm coming from across the room drew his attention. He loved a good bout. He finished stowing his gear and made his way over. A sparring session would be fun to watch. Whoever had the ring—they weren’t holding back.

Approaching the squared off area, his breath hitched … his pulse leapt … hell, his heart skipped a beat when he discovered who wore the gloves today.

Rosie.

With her old man, Chief Ramsey Austin—who held his own—not that Carlos expected less from the elder Austin. He’d spent hours listening to the battalion chief talk about impromptu matches between the three shifts at station fifty-one. Rosie's dad had chops.

But Rosie?

She fought by the numbers. Technically. Mechanically. No heart. No heat. Hence the reason her old man usually won.

Except now?

Form and function met passionate intensity.

The bunch and flex of muscle under her skin with each jab—

—the measured shuffle of her feet keeping time with a rhythmic cadence—

—accented by the rapid-fire thud of leather hitting skin when her gloves found their mark—

—all mixed up with the staccato breath sounds with each connection made or absorbed.

She's poetry in motion.

He watched Rosie move through the sparring match with her father. She's finally found a way to let go.

Nothing wasted. Rosie gave her all. Every movement fluid, she fought with controlled precision tempered by instinctive reaction. Slowly and methodically, she chipped away at Ramsey's defenses, making surprise moves that caught her father off guard. Intuitively, she blocked and made shots she’d never been able to pull off before.

Rosie finally sparred the way she should in the ring, the way she ran into burning buildings when it didn't matter, when she hopped on an engine for the sheer joy of the work. Here, only days before the competition, she held nothing back. Using pure instinct. Going full out in the squared off ring until her old man, winded and worn, stopped the bout.

Magnificent.

Not that he’d ever tell her that. Once had been enough.

But damn. She'd been a pleasure to watch.

Carlos melted back into the shadows and left the training room unnoticed.

Or so he thought…

This is a remix of another manuscript with the genders reversed and I'm having so much fun changing things up.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin