Sunday Snippet: Imagination

Whew. What a week. Between everything going on in the US, most of which is terrible, and the yucky weather, I'm exhausted. One of my goals for this year is to take better care of myself, so I'm making some plans to do that. Getting better sleep is topping the list right now.

Work projects are stacking up and I'm happy to be busy. February is shaping up to be another good month for editing! I also have two birthdays to prepare for and one of them is a big one!

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through my usual shows even though I tried to get to bed earlier than usual.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries regular season shows. I'll be hitting the movie this week.

Started the fifth series of Foyle's War and forgot how much of a banger the opener was. And a holiday episode to boot. But very glad to have the whole wife thing out of the way.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and look forward to finishing it up this week. The two new characters are growing on me. I love the newest tech, and the new head of the Lyell is finally settling in.

Caught another episode of Poirot and thoroughly enjoyed the many twists and turns. Gotta say I miss it when Hastings and Miss Lemon aren't in the show, but it's fun to see Japp and Poirot on their own also.

Elementary didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to seeing how the season ends and what the resolution will be between Sherlock and Joan, Moreland, and the offshoot of Moriarity's group.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't remember or only have a vague recollection. Ended up enjoying.

Also enjoyed another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm kind of feeling like the show finally found its groove. Or at least I found my groove with the show.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Imagination, a sexy short featuring a feast for the senses.

Here's the miniblurb:

Holland Dukes and Rand Allerdyce love to play games. When Holland decides Rand needs to stimulate his imagination, she uses a blindfold and makes him rely on his other senses. Rand loves her creativity and promises he'll return the favor when she least expects it.

And a snippety peek…

Basking in the success of pulling off her surprise, Holland let the kiss spin wildly. Rand never disappointed in or out of bed and tonight proved no different. His patience allowed her anticipation build to the point of being so ready she almost feared she'd go off before she wanted to.

Rand's hands grasped her hips, and his mouth eased away from hers. "Mmm. You feel really good on me." His pelvis dipped and rose, and he slid a little deeper inside her.

Holland's fingers curled into her palms. "And you feel really good in me." She gasped when his mouth closed over her breast. "Ah, yes. More of that." When his teeth grazed over her nipple she threw her head back.

He lavished attention on the other side, and Holland struggled to keep her pace slow and steady. She didn't want the blissful pleasure to end yet. Rand's fingers dug into her thighs … a sure sign he didn't want to speed things up either.

She focused her senses. The rough texture of his thighs moving beneath hers, the sound coming from his throat each time he moved his mouth from one side to the other, the scent of the massage oil lingering on their skin, and the sight of ecstasy on his face when he finally dropped his head back and groaned.

She needed to taste him to round everything out.

Her mouth met his and her tongue slipped in to tangle with his. Rand moved his hands up to her waist grinding up against her core. She rode harder, slipping closer to the edge. And toppled over when Rand bucked under her, breaking the kiss to moan against her skin.

He followed right behind, collapsing back onto the pillows, his breathing coming in short, raspy bursts.

Holland crumpled atop his chest, dragging in air and waiting for the fireworks coursing through her to subside. She let out a low, satisfied groan then shifted to the side to snuggle close to Rand's torso.

He wrapped an arm around her, tracing patterns on her shoulder. "You never fail to amaze me." His lips brushed over her temple.

Holland smiled. "It's your birthday. Had to make it fun and exciting." She lifted her head. "And the night isn't over. After we shower, there's champagne to continue the celebration…" Her lips blazed a path along his jawline.

Rand flashed a smile. "A perfect end to an incredible night." His gaze shifted to the bathroom. "Shall we?"

Holland nodded. "Yes. Let's go." She sat up and held out a hand.

Rand clasped her fingers and pulled her close to mesh his lips with hers before leading her into the adjoining room.

I'm so happy with this one. Holland and Rand are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Hunt

Today is my middle kid's birthday. Something fun to celebrate in the middle of January when the weather is often full of yuck, which it is today.

It's been a weird, wet week in Ohio. Mostly rain, but we got some snow last night and early this morning. We'll have more snow and rain throughout the week with maybe one day of no moisture falling from the sky. We also had some back-and-forth temperatures again, which makes my sinuses cranky.

Work projects continued with good progress. I have a new project starting this week and a catch-up call with an author on when to get their new book started through the editing process. Also making great progress on the memoir and series developmental edits.

Had a solid week of viewing. I made it through the full slate of shows I normally watch and hope to do the same this week. I'm close to being able to start the new season of at least one of my fave shows and I can't wait.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one of my favorite ones. I'll be watching the finale this week and then move on to the movie.

Ended up watching the whole episode of Foyle's War, which I actually remembered. It's also the last one in season four, because it only had two episodes. I'll be starting the new season this week.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and, whew, it definitely had some twisty turns. Such a good episode! Starting a new two-parter this week.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Interesting to have a plane involved in the mystery and fun to know Poirot isn't any fonder of flying than he is of sailing.

Watched an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed watching Moreland and Gregson go head-to-head about Sherlock and Joan. Kind of glad Moreland didn't actually have his employee killed. Also quite love that he didn't clock Joan as being as sneaky as she is.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and loved seeing Inque again. I remembered this one and enjoyed how it ended.

Enjoyed an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. I'm finally warming up to Mariner. The dual storyline with the chief engineer ended up being a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Hunt, a fun sexy short about a couple reconnecting after almost burning out from too much work.

Here's the miniblurb:

Megan and Guy, corporate retreat directors, stage a scavenger hunt for their client's team-building exercise. After a major disagreement, the couple spends most of their time making up—and trying not to get caught in compromising positions.

And a snippety peek…

Guy's libido kicked into high gear, and he needed more. Now.

Easing back, he glanced toward the door. "Locked?" Probably not … because he'd acted like an ass.

Megan smirked. "Yes." She loosened his tie. "Kinda hoped I could finesse you into a better mood." Her fingers went to the buttons of his shirt.

Guy grasped her hand and pulled her around the desk. "Love how you always think ahead." He yanked his shirttails out of his pants.

Megan shrugged and undid the rest of her blouse. "Yeah, well…" She unhooked her bra, baring her glorious bust to his gaze.

His mouth watered and he leaned down to capture a taut peak between his lips.

Megan moaned and made short work of getting his pants unzipped and down past his hips. Her fingers curled around his erection, and she gave it a firm tug. He slipped his shirt off then switched to the other nipple and ruched Megan's skirt up. She took over and lowered her thong.

Guy wrapped his arms around her and settled onto the office chair, hauling her up onto his lap. He flicked his tongue over a pebbled tip then worried it with his teeth. Megan writhed over his thighs, her hot center nudging against his dick.

Guy moaned, cupping her ass and urging her to rise up and sink over his length.

She complied, lifting her hips and taking him deep. "Mmm … don't think either of us is going to last long." Rocking back and forth, her internal muscles gripped him like a glove.

Guy nuzzled his face between her breasts. "Don't care. We can always go slow later." He leaned back, bringing one hand up to palm a globe of flesh.

Megan gave a husky laugh. "Definitely got you in a better mood, didn't I?"

Hell, yes.

I love Megan and Guy. Writing this one is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Win a Fair Fight

Well, 2026 is off to a wonky start. It's like it looked at 2025 and decided to say, "Hold my beer." Not sure that's a good thing.

Weather stayed very cold, which I'm totally okay with. We got a bunch of snow on New Year's Eve and I'm happy to have stayed in and enjoyed ringing in the new year at home. It ended up being a super-busy week with a lot going on but at least I didn't have the crazy back and forth temperatures to deal with. My sinuses really hate that.

Another slower work week, but progress on the three projects I'm working on at the moment. The unexpected stuff kind of messed up my groove, but I got back on track. I'm hoping this week is a little smoother.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my round of shows, but I did get the remaining holiday special in. I also have some new seasons of shows I'm excited about.

I started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and I'm almost finished with my rewatch. I think I have two more episodes left. Then I'll probably watch the fan-funded movie, which is quite excellent.

Finished up the episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I'd forgotten Andrew and Sam split up in this one and I kind of mourn their breakup.

Caught the holiday special of Death in Paradise. Such a good one! Having Selwyn in England added a really nice layer to the whole mystery and tied the episode of Beyond Paradise in nicely.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's a very twisty and turny case. Looking forward to the second part to wrap things up. I also really enjoy the newest addition to the Lyell.

I began season four of Poirot and enjoyed the first episode. Interesting mystery and a lot of fun with Hastings really wanting to talk about his shooting of the alligator-like creature and no one being interested until the very end.

That's all I got in this week on my television shows.

Tonight's post is from How to Win a Fair Fight, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Karla and Unger are polar opposites but share a tense attraction. When a weekend discussion with their group of friends focuses on what's considered a fair fight, Karla and Unger have differing opinions, which leads to a wager about the rules and the difference between love and war.

And a snippety peek…

Unger waited until Karla and the other girls went up to the house to refill the cooler and hit the bathroom before nudging Tom. "What's the deal with your sister?" Did she always start in attack mode?

Tom's lips quirked. "The answer depends on why you're asking." He kicked back and arched an eyebrow.

Unger sighed. "Does she seriously believe the whole fair fight thing or is she just pushing my buttons?" Maybe it didn't matter, but he kinda wanted to stay on her good side.

Tom shot Mark a knowing look. "And another one falls." He shook his head.

Mark smirked. "You might wanna clue him in before you accuse him of being hot for your sister." He grabbed a long branch and poked at the fire.

Unger sputtered. "Wait. What?" His gaze slid toward the trail leading to the house. "How does asking if she's serious about the whole fight thing equate to being hot for Karla?" He snorted. "Never mind. You guys are the ones hulk smashing right now." He laughed.

Mark chuckled. "Busted. But to answer your question since Tom won't … she's definitely testing your boundaries. Etiquette demands he stay neutral." He sobered. "I don't have that problem because I'm only related to Janie." He tsked. "You should've been here for the bizarre dance Tom and Janie did before they got together." His eyes rolled.

A terrible thought hit Unger. "You interested in Karla?" His attraction for Tom's sister didn't have to go anywhere … he didn't know if he even wanted it to.

Tom barked out a laugh. "Mark's homed in on Mellie. He just hasn't made that known yet."

Mark shrugged. "She just dumped the freeloader she'd been going out with for a year. I'm not trying to be rebound guy."

Unger winced. "Yeah, been there. Talk about an unfair fight. That's definitely one." He fist-bumped Mark.

Tom spread his hands out. "Look, here's the deal with Karla. She wouldn't waste time pulling you into a ridiculous debate if she didn't accept you as one of us." He looked toward Mark who nodded. "She'd shrug and roll her eyes if she thought we were wrong to try and break up the fight at Hatter's."

Mark chimed in. "I'll bet she's already figuring out what to post to social media about the bar kicking out paying customers who were trying to keep the peace when the management had better things to do."

Tom laughed and dragged his phone out. "My guess is that's part of the reason she went up to the house." He scrolled on the device. "Yep. Right here. She already blasted them." He turned the screen toward Unger.

Unger read her captioned post. "Regardless of what you consider a fair fight, anyone who tries to keep the peace should be celebrated instead of kicked out. Do better Hatter's." His lips curved in a smile. "Guess it really didn't matter if it was a girl fight or a guy fight."

Tom and Mark groaned and shook their heads. Unger didn't care. He had a better understanding of Karla and what mattered to her.

He'd file the information away to examine later.

Not quite sure where this one is going yet but I love the dynamic with this group of friends.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin