Sunday Snippet: Fuel for the Fire

Another month end is almost in sight. August is gearing up to be a busy month for me and I'm excited and exhausted at the same time. I love being busy and having projects on my calendar but also have to remember to take time to decompress.

Cleanout project stalled again. I had deadlines to meet and also got a new office chair that needed assembly. Have to admit it's comfy.

Had a solid work week with several projects ongoing and two that needed to be finished. I got those out of the way and started a new one that's a long procedural.

Pretty good week of viewing. Made it through a full round of shows and started both of my back-burner ones.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the backstory of Janie and Phryne. Almost through the first season.

Started the new season of Madame Blanc Mysteries and a holiday episode. Looking forward to more of this show.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see Marlon go. He ended up growing on me. Thrilled to see JP back for a brief appearance. The mystery also gave Marlon time to shine, which is nice for his final ep.

Watched another episode of Poirot, which is the first of two parts. Looking forward to seeing how this one ends. A super-young Polly Walker is a guest star!

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I haven't quite decided how I feel about Moreland sticking around for a while, but I did like his interaction with Sherlock. The case also proved to be interesting.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and have vague memories of this one the first time around. Always fun to have Shriek back.

Watched another episode of Lower Decks. This show annoys and charms me in equal measure. I did quite like the interaction between mom and daughter even when I rolled my eyes several times.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I didn't quite manage to finish it but will get it done this week. I hope!

Also started and got most of the way through another episode of Reacher. I only stopped because I couldn't keep my eyes open. That's what watching a show at four a.m. will do.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fuel for the Fire, a novella that brings an arson victim together with the investigator.

Here's the miniblurb:

A fire bug wants arson investigator Sadie Kyle's attention and burns the home and business Greg DeSoto to get it. When Sadie shows up to investigate, she hits it off with Greg, which only adds fuel to the fire for her pyromaniac. When Greg gets hit a second time, Sadie digs in and calls the burner out.

And a snippety peek…

Greg shook Kyle's hand. "You sure you don't mind giving me a lift?" He'd be able to get his truck up once the fire marshal gave the okay.

Kyle shook his head. "Don't mind at all. I've got a room reserved for you at the Stratford and a townhouse lined up for you to move into in a day or so." He led the way to his roomy sedan.

Greg blinked. "Wow. I'm impressed. You've accomplished a lot in a very short amount of time." Sadie called it. Kyle proved to be the best.

The investigator surprised Greg. Professional but friendly enough to put him at ease during a horrible time. Sliding into the car, he exhaled on a long breath. Maybe he'd been affected more than he thought by the blaze? How weird to be stuck on Sadie Kyle.

Kyle pulled out and carefully navigated around the remaining fire apparatus. "Got any questions?" He started down the block that would take them to the hotel.

Greg asked the first thing that popped into him mind. "What do you know about the fire marshal investigator, Sadie Kyle?" Shit … he should be asking about how to get reimbursed for expenses like clothes and personal items he'd have to replace.

Kyle stopped at a red light and slid his gaze toward Greg. "I think the world of her. A great person with a good head on her shoulders." He focused on the road again and pulled forward. "Her dad and brothers are all firefighters. She left and went to a different city to get established and made her mark there." He kept talking while he pulled into the parking lot of the hotel. "Came back about three years ago to accept a position with fire marshal." Cutting the engine, he angled around to face Greg. "As a matter of fact, you won't be far from her once we get you settled into some temporary digs…" He paused a moment. "At least until the rebuilding can begin on the bar." With a wry grin, he turned forward and popped the door open.

Greg didn't mind one bit if he lived close to Sadie for a while.

Then he blinked. "Wait. So, it's not a total loss then?" Sure looked that way when he stood, watching it burn.

Kyle gave a shrug. "We won't know until the investigation is complete. But if you can't rebuild at the sewing factory, I know several other locations—in the same neighborhood—that could work. People like and care about you, Greg, more than enough to want you to stick around." He reached into the back of the vehicle and withdrew a duffel bag. "They'll all pitch in and help out. You'll see."

Greg huffed out a breath and exited the car. "That's good to know and kind of you to say." He tilted his head when Kyle handed over the bag. "What's this?"

Kyle flashed a quick grin. "Something to sleep in tonight and fresh clothes for later. The hotel has a laundry service, but you'll want to get moving first thing after you get some rest."

Greg didn't know how to respond. "Thanks. That's not really adequate, but I'm kind of numb right now. I appreciate everything. More than I can say." The thoughtful gesture from the insurance agent meant a lot.

Kyle grasped his shoulder. "Let's get you checked in so you can get a little sleep. We're going to be busy this afternoon."

Kyle closed his eyes for a moment. Sleep sounded good if not impossible.

But he'd need a clear head to wrap his brain around everything that had happened in the last three hours.

I'm excited to see where this one goes. I have all the story beats notes and filling in the details is so much fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Follow Intructions

Getting a late start to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected my great cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and at least do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a different note, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Also got three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout project took a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busy with new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have right now. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been striving for better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewing week and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'll be starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a new season of something.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and getting some Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished up the first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hope to see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not a standard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered most of the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elder Holmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on him rocked the entire episode.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that make sense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episode of Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enough tongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the opening of Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and I think his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm not really interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner's name is.

Also caught another episode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want to do a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Follow Instructions, a novella that brings work partners together as something more.

Here's the miniblurb:

Risa Pym and Ford Thrummond, fellow paramedics, enjoy playing one-upmanship with each other, using sexy banter to bank the fires of their attraction. A slight mishap occurs when Ford exits their squad, and Risa decides it's time he learns the ins and outs of how to use the grips properly … and not so properly.

And a snippety peek…

Risa didn't know if she could answer that question. At least not with the full truth.

She swallowed. "Uh, well … it sucks to be out of commission." She licked the end of her spoon. "And you haven't smiled in days. So, I guess I wanted to make that happen." There … honesty but not oversharing.

Ford might not be ready to hear the real reason she wanted him happy. She missed him being her partner. And the realization made her think about more.

Ford's lips twisted with a grimace. "I'm not used to the inactivity. And I hate the damn crutches." He shoveled more ice cream into his mouth.

She chuckled. "Yeah, it kinda shows. They make you very cranky." She picked around the bowl to find the peanut butter chunks.

Ford sighed. "Yeah, I've been a big grouch." He shrugged. "First week's the hardest, right? It'll get better?" He arched his brows.

Risa shifted in her chair. "Well, yeah?" She didn't sound very convincing, but she didn't want to lie. "Depends on your point of view, I think." The broken elbow situation didn't improve until she no longer had a cast.

Ford's brows furrowed. "You're saying it's gonna suck no matter what." He slurped another spoonful of ice cream.

Risa lifted a shoulder. "No, I'm not. For me, it didn't get better until I had the cast off. But for you? You'll eventually go to a boot then a brace, right? So, how long it sucks is kinda up to you." She sent him a big grin.

Ford grunted. "Yeah, yeah. Positive attitudes are hard to muster when you take five times longer to get anywhere." He grumbled under his breath then met her gaze. "The ice cream helps though."

Risa bit back a laugh. "You said that already." Her heart rate kicked up because she'd succeeded in brightening his day.

Ford finished off the treat. "Hate to ask … but could you rinse the bowl? I'm past due to elevate the foot." He scooted out and grabbed his crutches.

Risa nodded. "Already planned to. I'm a full-service treater." She finished off her helping.

Ford leaned down and brushed his lips over her cheek. "Thank you. Seriously. This kind of made my whole day." Tucking his crutches under his arms, he hobbled out to the rec room.

Risa blinked then shook her head. "How do I get a zing from a sweet kiss on the cheek?" But she definitely got one.

Might be time to see where things could go between them. She had a perfect idea for another note…

I'm having fun with this one. Risa and Ford are great characters and a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Five Minutes

It's very sauna-like outside with muggy weather and lots of humidity. Makes me want a pool in a big way. Went down a big rabbit hole researching what's available that won't break the bank and discovered some genius ideas. It won't happen this summer, but I have a new goal for next summer!

Hit a wall on my great cleanout project. But I'm determined to get back on it this week. Even if I only get a little done each day it's something. I'm thinking I might make a chart and log increments of time spent. If I see the forward progress it helps.

Ended up having a super busy work week. Several projects came back at the same time and a new one started. It's been a plate-spinning couple of months with so many different things stacking up against each other. I love the variety and I think that helps keep me from losing my mind.

I did end up having a great viewing week. I did a full round of shows and got to include the two I tend to keep on the back burner when things are jammed.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm almost through the first season and this is total comfort viewing.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm really enjoying this show. Shazia is a lot of fun and the mystery with Mick's dad is intriguing. Looking forward to more.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise. Love to see Selwyn with his daughter. The mystery ended up being excellent and the resolution had a nice twist.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I'm kind of fond of the episodes that don't have murders. This one was kind of madcap and that's always fun.

Watched the season four premiere of Elementary. Watson being ready to kick the shit out of the Holmes patriarch is awesome. I loved her interaction with one of the stooges. And the first glimpse of Holmes the Great? So incredible. Excellent choice of actor to play him. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered, and I enjoyed it. Terry and Max are a great team.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks and definitely plan to stick with this one. Even when I'm annoyed by some of the character bits, it's a fun watch.

Got to get the season ten finale of Peak Practice viewed. Interesting to have Kate back, especially since Will is kind of ready to move on. The vehicle accident played out with lots of tension and the two little girls with Tom ended up being better than I thought it would be.

Last but not least, I got to watch another episode of Reacher. This show, man. It's so good. And that ending. Wow. Reacher's big feet keep stepping in steaming piles. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Five Minutes, a novella where temptation might be too hard to resist.

Here's the miniblurb:

Remy Deeds never welshes on a bet, until she loses to Eli Rogers, who can't understand why she backs out. But a five-minute kiss, with tongue, isn't something she wants to risk, because giving up her last pack of coffee is so much easier than possibly losing her heart.

And a sneaky peek…

Remy shrugged. "I don't know. Intuition maybe." She put her shirt back on. "If you want total honesty? I'm already halfway gone for you, and I just had a feeling our chemistry would be fiery hot." Aw … why did she say that?

He picked up on her admission, but didn't jump on it.

Instead, he added a question. "So … what now?" His eyebrows arched.

Remy snorted. "I have no idea." How the hell should she answer?

Eli grunted. "Okay then. My truth time." He met her gaze. "I don't react the way I just did with you … ever." He ran a hand through his hair.

Remy had no idea what to say. "Um, sorry?" Lame.

Eli shook his head. "No, don't apologize. It's a great thing. The timing's just weird."

She quirked a brow. "Care to explain?"

He winced and sat down. "No, but I will." He turned toward her. "Remember how I was late for the briefing?"

She nodded.

Eli gave her a sheepish grin. "I overslept and scrambled out of bed, leaving my … well, not exactly girlfriend but a woman behind."

A sharp stab of disappointment hit her. "So, you're with someone." Her shoulders slumped. 

Eli shook his head. "No, that's the thing. She got pissed and we ended it, but I didn't feel regret or remorse. More like relief, because we didn't have—what did you call it? Chemistry?"

Remy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I guess." Sounded lamer than she imagined.

Eli sighed. "I'm tired of going from one woman to the next and just … disconnecting. There's nothing that makes me want to stay. No … structure." He tsked. "No, that's not the word…"

Remy blurted, "No foundation."

Eli snapped his fingers. "Yeah. That's it. There's no solid ground under the sex. It's just sex." His chin bobbed up and down.

Remy tilted her head. "And you want what? More than a warm body on a cold night?" How surprising.

Eli nodded. "Yeah. But doing what we do makes it damned hard."

Her lips curved. "Too true."

Eli leaned forward. "So … how about we skip the coffee and the five minutes and try something else?"

Remy arched her brows. "Like what?" She almost feared his response.

Eli grasped her hand. "You and me. Someplace private like the caves to explore this chemistry thing." He squeezed her fingers. "Can you get Sheila to cover for you? Say from after lunch tomorrow through breakfast the next day?"

Remy tugged her hand away. "Look, Eli, I don't want to let my team down by setting a crappy example." And ruin her future opportunities.

Eli nodded. "I get that. And I respect it, but if we get the nasty weather we're supposed to, you won't have any projects to direct anyway."

He had a point. When poor conditions made being outside miserable or dangerous, they would usually do equipment repairs and inventory supplies. Not exactly anything the team members couldn't handle on their own.

Remy did a gut check. She wanted to see where things might go. And after talking to Eli about his change in perspective … taking a chance didn't seem as risky as it normally would. She would regret not taking a shot if she refused.

Decision made, she gave a slow nod. "Okay. If we get the rain, I'll ask Sheila to cover." Harry would no doubt take Eli's place.

Eli leaned in again. "Great." He caught her lips with his.

She responded, meeting his tongue. His fingers threaded through her hair, drawing her closer. Remy melted into the kiss, losing all thought except for the way his body fit against hers.

Eli broke the embrace on a groan. "Damn, I gotta get out of here or all bets are off." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I want you, Remy. So much." One more quick, hard kiss and he quickly left the room.

Remy sank down on the couch, her body on fire for Eli. Only one thing for her to do.

Pray for rain.

This scene ended up being fun to write. I love a little bit of tension and yearning.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Fits and Starts

It's the weekend of trying to keep my doggos from losing their minds. I love fireworks, don't get me wrong, but I feel for all the pets out there that freak out over them.

I continued with the great cleanout stuff this week. Honestly, I did more organizing than cleaning but being organized helps make cleaning and clearing a little easier.

I'm finally at a manageable level of projects. I have a few odds and ends to finish on a couple of them but they're with the authors or the designer and I'm waiting in the wings to review revisions.

Had another decent viewing week. Having a lighter workload does help. And I'm not as scattered on the attention span side of things.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm finding new things in the episodes, which is one of the reasons I love to rewatch a series I've seen before.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm enjoying this show. I'm very interested in the backstory of Mack's dad. I'm also hoping for more backstory with his partner.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Good to see the commissioner's daughter again. The mystery also ended up being intriguing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to not have a big murder to solve and see how Poirot uses his skill to ferret out what's going on.

Watched another episode of Elementary and, wow, season three ended on a big downer. I'm still trying to decide if Sherlock ended up relapsing or if he's just horribly distraught from Oscar's machinations. Oscar needs to die in a fire. Just saying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Loved the spin on an urban legend that had a grain of truth in it.

Started a new to me series with The Lower Decks. Enjoyed the first episode and ended up being happy I clocked the relationship between the captain and the know-it-all crew member. I'll enjoy watching more of this one.

Ended the week on an episode of Peak Practice. A lot going on in this one. And the tragic leap Will's patient made kind of surprised me. Kerry finding out the truth about her parentage kind of bummed me out, but I'm also seriously irritated by her parents being such ninnies about the whole thing. Definitely feel bad for Sam.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fits and Starts, a novella that brings a couple back together after one has been through the wringer.

Here's the miniblurb:

After escaping from a madman's clutches, Pru Stark can't quite find her footing again. She pushes her man, Dane Callaway, away and refuses to see the little girl she saved. Dane can give her space, but he won't stay on the sidelines, not when Pru needs him the most, even if she can't quite admit it.

And a snippety peek…

Pru woke up in the operation's base hospital with Dane by her side. "How long?" Her fingers twitched on the sheet.

Dane held her gaze. "You've been sedated for forty-eight hours. You had some nasty drugs in your system." His hand covered hers.

Pru shook her head. "No. How long was I gone?" She needed to know.

Dane hesitated but answered. "Six months." He squeezed her palm.

Tears leaked from her eyes and her gut roiled. Son of a bitch. She'd lived a total mind fuck for half a damned year. For half a year she'd believed…

She swallowed against a groan. "Minnie?"

Dane arched a brow. "The little girl you had with you? She's just fine. Back home with her mom and grandma."

Pru nodded, ignoring the sharp twist in her heart. "When can I get out of here?" She had to move, escape, be anywhere else but here.

Dane frowned. "Probably soon. You're through the worst of the withdrawal."

She started on the IV, trying to remove the taped tubing. No more needles. At least not for a long damn time.

Dane snagged her hands. "Hey, wait. Let the staff do that." He hit the call button.

A nurse bustled in. Different scrubs. Nothing remotely similar to her previous caregivers. But bile still rose in her throat.

Pru inhaled deeply, fighting back a wave of panic. "Get this needle out of my arm. I gotta get out of here." And go where … she didn't know.

The nurse took a firm grip of her wrist. "Okay, Agent Stark. Calm down." Efficient movement disconnected the tubing.

Dane grasped her free hand, and Pru settled, impatiently waiting for the nurse to finish. The needle removed, a band-aid on the insertion point, and the medical staff member dubbed Pru good to go.

Once the scrub-clad woman exited, Pru got up. "Clothes?" Her skin itched and her head spun.

Dane nodded toward a rucksack by the door.

"Thanks." She got dressed, her movements clumsy.

When she finished, she glanced in Dane's direction. He offered his arm. She shook her head.

His eyes filled with steely determination. "You got pretty banged up. It's let me help or we get a wheelchair.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine." She took his elbow and followed him out the door.

He guided her to the elevators. "We should debrief you first."

When she stepped inside the elevator, the feeling of being trapped hit hard and became too much to bear.

She turned and fisted her hand in Dane's shirt. "Debrief later." Her mouth sought his, urgent and hungry.

The door pinged and Dane eased back when it slid open. "Okay. Debrief later. Quarters it is." They exited the lift and turned toward the living space.

Pru watched Dane's ass flex under his fatigues. She wanted hot, hard, dirty sex. She needed to feel alive and free. They got inside and she tore at his clothes. Rushed, urgent.

Dane tried to slow down. "Hey. It's not a race here." He grasped her biceps.

She refused to go slow. "Need you. Right now." Her mouth traveled along his throat. "Slow can be later … after … sometime. Just not now."

Dane would give her what she needed. Hot, hungry, awesome sex. She'd figure everything else out later.

Pru's avoidance is going to be harder than she imagines to overcome. And Dane can't make it easier for her.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin