Sunday Snippet: Standing Room Only (a Black Unicorn Comics novella)

Happy US Mother's Day to those who celebrate. For those with parental issues, I hope you find joy and peace.

Had the rare experience of seeing the northern lights in Ohio. I can honestly say I haven't been so excited about something in a long time. The mysteries of space are awesome!

Fairly busy week with work projects and other odds and ends. Finished up a couple of manuscripts and started a new one. I have another ongoing developmental edit that I need to dive back into this week.

Not a bad week of viewing even with a few distractions. I'm at a weird place with watching right now. I'm kind of leaning toward doing binge marathons again and I'm not sure I want to fall down that rabbit hole again.

Caught two episodes of Suspects and enjoyed both. This show is kind of choppy and that adds something to the experience. I love the cases and how things are rarely what they seem from the initial starting point.

Finished up the third season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'd love to see another series of this show. The cast is a lot of fun.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I've realized that after the next one, I'm completely caught up with the show. I really like the current cast and I'm excited to see what the next season brings.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. This is one I hadn't seen before and I liked the case. I'm also enjoying Jack's tenure as DI.

I think I finished out the first season of Elementary. I'm actually thrilled with how the Moriarity plot played out. I love seeing Joan kind of step in to the role of consulting detective with ease and grace. The things she sees that Sherlock doesn't is always interesting.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Nice to see Ethan back again. I'm a little bummed we haven't seen Chen for a while and I can't remember if she comes back or not.

Enjoyed the Valentine episode of Classic Rugrats. I do remember this one but not everything about it. Nice to see some longer length episodes also.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Standing Room Only, a Black Unicorn Comics novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

The crew from the Black Unicorn Comic Company is celebrating their award-winning event from a convention at a local pub. The entire group is in fine form and, with their significant others in attendance, it's standing room only at the bar with Lucy and Brian holding court.

And a snippety peek…

Lucy Sanderson stumbled out of the crowded venue and threw her arms open wide. "I can't believe we won in every category!" She whirled around, sashaying her hips.

Her better half, Brian Wells, laughed. "You're the one who said we would." He gave her a cheeky grin.

Lucy paused her antics. "Well, yeah. But that was me being overconfident. I didn't really think we'd do a sweep." She put her arms down then wrapped them around Brian. "Congratulations, by the way." Her lips brushed over his.

Brian hugged her close. "I can say the same." His mouth met hers for a lingering kiss.

The rest of their Black Unicorn coworkers spilled out of the auditorium and onto the sidewalk. Zapf and Els had their heads together. Reg and Ana quickly ducked to the side, Ana's baby bump showing proudly through her form-fitting twin set. Ana's sister Josephine wore a wide smile, loving the vibe of their group. Harry followed with Louanne—his date for the evening. He had her hand tucked into the crook of his elbow. Randy and Sosh walked out arm in arm with eyes only for each other.

Probably a good thing because last but not least, Chelle exited the building with her date, Hans Heinmiller, the owner of Black Unicorn's biggest rival, Dark Mirror Comics. Sosh had history with Hans but Chelle either didn't care or thrived on the potential for drama.

Lucy rolled her eyes but kept a biting comment to herself.

Brian leaned in close. "It's killing you, isn't it?" His hand drifted down her back to cup her butt cheek.

Lucy tilted her head back. "What's killing me?" She absolutely knew what he meant, but loved putting him on the spot.

Brian arched his brows. "Not saying whatever is sitting on the tip of your tongue. My guess is you're dying to take Chelle to task for showing up with Hot Hans." His nose wrinkled.

Lucy barked out a laugh. "I swear if she calls him that one more time, I'm going to douse her desk with the strongest tobasco sauce I can find." Or make a bouquet of ghost peppers.

Brian sputtered with a chuckle. "Okay, I'm giving you too many ideas. Let's get this group down to the Jolly and we'll buy a round to celebrate." He waggled his eyebrows.

The Jolly Jester catered to ex-pats like Reg and Brian. A traditional English pub with stout ales and lots of football and cricket on the telly. And, lucky them, located half a block from the awards venue meant they could all walk.

Lucy gave a nod and Brian turned around, issuing a sharp whistle.

Everyone but Chelle quieted down.

Brian jerked his head toward the direction. "Drinks on us at the Jolly. Let's keep this celebration going a little longer, yeah?" He tugged Lucy closer to his side.

A chorus of agreement went around, and everyone started down the sidewalk.

Lucy bit back a grin then leaned up to whisper in Brian's ear. "We're buying one round then we're heading home to have our own little party."

Brian's lips curved upward. "Let me guess … naked and in bed, yeah?"

Lucy lifted her chin. "Absolutely. It's the best way to celebrate."

I have so much love for this series. Brian and Lucy are an amazing couple to write and following their antics is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: St. Patrick's Day Seduction (Organic Nature short)

Had a super emotional day yesterday with my daughter graduating from college with a bachelor's in media production and theater. She starts grad school in the fall for arts administration. I'm so proud of her! And … considering she had a drive-through high school graduation, getting to see her walk for her bachelor's made me very happy.

Had another good week of work and writing. I finished up two manuscript edits and a proofread on the work front and wrote several scenes in three or four of my WIPs. I'm not quite where I want to be on my writing, but I'm getting back to form.

Actually had a solid week of viewing also. Maybe the planets are aligned where I need them to be right now. Who knows?

Watched two episodes of Elementary and, wow, I rather like what they did with the Moriarity thing. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up. I think I have one more episode of the first season.

Started season three of The Batman and watched two episodes. I remembered both and enjoyed each one.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I think I'm at the end of season seven where the two vignettes are actually one episode. Kind of liked that format. I think the new theme starts with season eight. I'll find out this week I think.

Started a new season of Suspects. Loved the opening episode. It did not go where I thought it would and I love that.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Broken-hearted for Gloria. I kind of hope there's more to the story about Cooper. I kind of want to find out what his whole deal was with Gloria.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember this one at all and actually loved it. Definitely a twisty one.

Caught the first part of Silent Witness. I'm excited to see where this one goes. There's definitely more than meets the eye for this case. I'm not thrilled with the new addition to Jack's life. I love his niece, but the mom is a piece of work and I don't like her at all.

Started a new episode of Peak Practice. I'll try to finish it up this week. Not sure what's up with Sam but I assume the seeds are being planted for his departure and that's why he's being such a prat right now.

Last but not least, I started a documentary called Broken Horses, mainly because it features the author of one of the books I've been working on and his stance that the drugging of horses needs to stop. I can honestly say it's a hard watch and my personal thought there might be a trainer who should never, ever be allowed to participate in the sport ever again. But that's just me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from St. Patrick's Day Seduction, an organic nature sexy short.

Here's the miniblurb:

Eppie Collins and Vin Derbish survive a visit from Eppie's nefarious ex and she's ready to try something new with Vin—something she's never done before. Eppie takes some time to prepare then sets the stage for the romantic encounter—where else but in the chic shed Vin made for her.

And a snippety peek…

Eppie sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed. "This stuff smells amazing." She released a healthy amount of oil into her palms.

Vin perched on the edge of the mattress, his back on display. "Almost, but not quite, as good as the alfredo earlier." He shifted to the side and worked his shoulder up and down.

Eppie cocked her head. "Let me start right here." Her fingers glided over his skin before she pressed harder with her thumbs.

Vin groaned. "Ahh. That's nice, Ep." He slumped forward, his head dipping low.

She smiled and kept massaging Vin's muscles, enjoying the way they played under her fingertips. "You need to be horizontal. I wanna get my hands on your thighs." She loved the corded sinew he displayed from the physical labor he did.

Vin titled sideways, turning to lay flat on his stomach, swinging his legs up. Eppie added more oil and started in on his calves. Her hands pressed and lightly squeezed the hard flesh. She inhaled, the aroma of spicy citrus tantalizing her senses.

Moving upward, she gripped the hair-roughened skin of Vin's thighs and kneaded deeply.

He let out a long sigh. "You're working magic. Feels amazing."

Eppie grinned again. "I love doing this. There's something powerful about making the person you love experience something that feels wonderful."

Vin angled his head around. "Not to cut this short because I love it, but I also love watching you get off. Let's work the vibe in soon." He waggled his eyebrows and sat up.

Eppie couldn't deny looking forward to some stimulating play, especially with the new items. But first things first. She handed Vin the bottle of massage oil.

Vin took it without comment and squeezed a generous amount into his hand. "On your stomach, Ep. Time for me to work out all your kinks." His lips twitched.

Eppie laughed and rolled over onto her tummy. "More like indulge all my kinks, which is always fun." She exhaled on a long breath when his palms smoothed over her shoulders and down her back.

Vin stroked to her ass then returned to her upper torso. "Indulgence and fun go hand in hand with us." His fingers glided along her ribs.

Eppie closed her eyes and gave herself over to Vin's soothing touch. The warmth of his skin against hers never failed to relax stress away. Several minutes later, the telltale buzz of the vibrator had her lips twisting in a smirk. Relaxation time is over…

She eased over onto her back and gazed up at Vin. "Grab the sleeve while I get a little jumpstart with this." She took the slim device and ran the tip along her leg before settling it against her clit. "I have a feeling neither of us will last long…"

I love writing this couple so much. It's a joy to explore the ins and outs of this relationship.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin