Sunday Snippet: Kings of the Con (a Black Unicorn Comic Company short)

May is shaping up to be a weird month. I'm feeling kind of rushed but at the same time like I'm bogged down in mud. I think that's a sign that big change is coming and I'm not always as go with the flow as I'd like to be. We'll see what the summer brings.

Work projects are in a good place. I finished up a proofread and only have a few random changes to check. Also moved a copy edit off my plate. I'm continuing work on a design proofread and started a manuscript proofread over the weekend. I have a client call this week on a memoir and a developmental edit I'm returning to after a bit of a break. All in all, shaping up to be a busy week.

Hoping to put in some work on my sorely neglected website to get things moving on one of the side hustles I've been working on for a long time. I'm putting this in writing as a motivator!

Had a really good viewing week. I got through my full slate of shows and got one of my back-burner ones in also.

Started out with finishing up Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm not sure I actually got to see this one during my original run through.

Also caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Ended up really enjoying this one also. Very fun to see some previous characters return.

Watched an episode of Silent Witness and I love that Jack is considering teaching. That could end up being fun to watch. Also love his interactions with Kat.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Poor Hastings has had a run of bad luck with his investments. Very fun to see Poirot not enjoy his health retreat until the mystery starts.

Elementary had another great episode. Season five has been very enjoyable with the cast gelling in a great way. Loved the guy getting his comeuppance because he couldn't resist leaving the country for a hockey match.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I ended up really enjoying how the team worked together even while completely blowing their original mission.

Caught the season four premier of Star Trek: Lower Decks and enjoyed every moment. Fun to see the growth of the characters and also fun to see so many callbacks to other Trek shows.

Hit an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. Really felt for Alex and Carrie. And I also really loved Will changing his mind about the case with the sisters. Then again, if he'd listened to Alex in the first place he wouldn't have had to.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kings of the Con, a sexy short in the Black Unicorn Comics series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Black Unicorn Comic Company, Episode Two: Brian Wells and Lucy Sanderson are the creative duo behind the rising success of Black Unicorn Comics. Surrounded by a close-knit group of coworkers they have fun and crazy adventures, keeping their relationship burning hot in spite of it.

And a snippety peek…

"Good God, Els. The booth looks brilliant."

Brian Wells tried to take the full effect of the display in, but his eyes couldn't quite stay in one place long enough. Randy and Zapf's idea sounded incredible the night they'd all ended up at the office … but what Randy and Els actually came up with? Surpassed anything Brian could imagine in his head.

Linus shuffled his feet, embarrassed with the praise. "It turned out great, didn't it?" He lowered his voice. "Do you think Reg would mind if I added this to my portfolio?"

Brian clapped him on the shoulder. "Mate, I think he'd be offended if you didn't." Reg would go slack jawed when he got a load of Linus's creation.

Els snickered. "Nah. Nothing I do lands on his radar." He shook his head.

Brain's mouth dropped open. "Els, you couldn't be more wrong." He sighed. "Where'd you get an idea like that?"

Lucy's brother shrugged, uncomfortable with the question. "Ah, well, nowhere, I guess." His eyes darted toward Chelle.

Brian's lips thinned. He wondered if Lucy might not have a solid basis for abhorring the woman. Wouldn't take much to find out.

An idea hovering in the back of his mind, Brian tried to set Linus at ease. "Els, Reg has been my best mate since primary school. Trust me when I say he knows how fantastic you are."

Els shrugged. "If you say so, Brian. It's not a big deal. I only want Reg to be happy with my work."

Brian stopped himself from pushing for more information. Els would probably clam up anyway. He had a bizarre loyalty toward Chelle and wouldn't break his personal code of ethics if he thought she'd get a hard time from Brian.

"I'll bet he tells you himself as soon as he gets here." Brian winked. "Just as soon as Ana gets past the morning sickness." She'd been fine the first trimester. The unpleasant symptom of pregnancy didn't make an appearance until a week after they made their announcement.

Els shuddered. "The baby makes her throw up. I'm glad guys can't have them."

Brian chuckled. "You and me both, Els. You and me both." He caught sight of Lucy and excused himself. "Mate, your sister just arrived back from the panel she went to, I'm gonna see if she wants lunch. You okay here?"

Linus nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine." He pulled a camera out of his jacket pocket. "I need to take pictures. Have a nice lunch." The device started whirring before Brian walked away.

I enjoy writing this series so much. The cast of characters is fun and Brian and Lucy are an amazing couple.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Killing Time

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, mentors, fur baby mothers, aunties, found moms, and mother figures. I hope this day is joyful and everything you want it to be. For all those out there who have a hard time with this day, I hope peace and serenity find you.

Coming off a super-busy week with a lot going on between work and home. There are times I really wish I could split myself in two so I could get more accomplished.

Work projects ended up being chaotic. A bunch are finishing up, which is great. But they're also closing out with little things that need attention and happening all at once. Whew! I'm actually not sure how I made it through the week.

I have a couple of new projects starting this week and they're fairly normal, which is good for my executive function. I at least feel like I'll be able to breathe.

Even with all the chaos projects, I ended having a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows. I didn't get to watch any extras, but I'm okay with that.

Started out with Brokenwood Mysteries and really enjoyed the mystery. I rather like Reverend Green and Doctor Plummer and seeing them work through a rough patch kind of made the whole show.

Got started on an episode of Foyle's War and need to finish it up this week. I'd forgotten how twisty the last two seasons were with the spy thrilled angle.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Thoroughly enjoyed Mervin and Solomon interacting. Kind of curious where they'll go with things and I have a feeling it won't be to a good place.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved having Hastings return. The twisty, twisty tale also made for great viewing. Love it when Poirot almost stumbles then catches himself before he faceplants.

Elementary ended up being really good. I love Joan having Marcus's back. Getting the dirt for him made me so happy. Also loved the mystery they had to solve.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I'm pretty interested in where things go. I like the team figuring out how to interact and I look forward to seeing their new member.

Finished up the third season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Gotta say for someone who really disliked Mariner well into the second season, I'd probably die for her now. That's a great character arc. Just saying.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Killing Time, a sexy short that pulls a couple together on a stakeout.

Here's the miniblurb:

Landry comes up with a great idea to kill time while on a stakeout with her hot coworker. Her biggest challenge? Getting Thryn to participate in a lively game of truth or strip.

And a snippety peek…

Thryn figured they could cut the sexual tension with a knife at this point. Especially since they were both down to their underwear. He gave himself credit for not staring at her breasts since she'd removed her bra … but he couldn't keep his lust in check much longer.

And that meant … he needed to make what he wanted very clear.

Thryn injected a warning into his tone. "Once the last item is removed, this progresses to the next level." How could it not?

Landry lifted her brows. "I'm counting on it." Her gaze dropped to his groin.

Thryn didn't move to hide his erection. "Ground rules? What are the expectations here?" He'd play by whatever rules she put out, but he knew what he wanted.

Landry didn't mince words. "Hot sex and mutual satisfaction." Her eyes took on a smoky quality.

And, damn, if that didn't turn Thryn on.

Thryn nodded. "A given, I think." He added a little push. "What about after?" Because everything in him screamed once wouldn't be enough.

Landry rolled one shoulder then the other. "I have no expectations, which isn't to say I'm not open to seeing where things go." She met his gaze. "I'm not gonna hold a gun to your head for promises." Her lips twitched a little.

Thryn appreciated her honesty. "Fair enough. If I had to make the call, I'd want to make plans for something away from work to see if this is a one-time thing…" He paused a moment. "Which I'm kind of hoping it's not." There … cards on the table.

Landry gave him grin and stuck out her hand. "Deal." She waited a beat. "Can we talk about that after?"

Thryn could get behind that idea. "Yes. Yes, we can."

Landry leaned forward. "Good." Her mouth meshed with his.

Lots of tongue and no subtlety. He understood exactly what she wanted. Definitely his kind of woman.

I love this one. This duo is so much fun to write!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Ker and Moros

Yeesh. So far, May has been a very chilly month. Our high yesterday hit forty-five degrees. Brrr. I'm going to try really hard to remember this when I'm crying because it's eighty-five in October. Just saying.

I didn't quite get everything tracked down that I wanted to last week so I'm carrying it over to this week. I think I'm going to make May my month to get stuff done. And, I'll be honest, it'll probably spill over into June. Time moves faster than I like sometimes.

Pretty good work week all things considered. I closed out a project and came close to finishing the final steps two others. Finished up a copy edit on a long manuscript and started a proofread on another. I have a continuation of another project on the books for this week also. I love to be busy.

Not a bad viewing week. I got through my usual list of shows, which makes me happy. I didn't get to watch any of my back burner shows or a concert, but maybe this week.

Started out with the season-twelve premier of the Brokenwood Mysteries. Thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Love having the cast of recurring characters making appearances.

Watched the final behind the scenes bonus of Foyle's War and enjoyed seeing the effort that went into creating the battle scene. Should be starting the final season this week.

Caught the opening episode of the next Poirot season. Kind of fun to see how little Poirot enjoyed retirement. And a really good mystery also.

Finished up the two-part Silent Witness premier. A very twisty story with lots of layers. I think I'm going to like having the team work at the new Bowman Center.

Elementary ended up being really interesting. I'm enjoying the Shinwell training and the case ended up being way complicated than I thought it would be.

Watched the second episode of Young Justice and I enjoyed seeing the team come together. Looking forward to more.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, whoo boy. Gotta say Mariner got shafted. Should be fun and interesting to see how things play out over the rest of the season.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ker and Moros, a novella that brings a couple together when both are at low points in life.

Here's the miniblurb:

When they meet on the hiking trail, Leticia Sutton and Dustin Pierce carry guilt for past transgressions that weighs them down. The new acquaintances are at their lowest point and agree to meet each week for friendly therapy, which develops into an attraction between the two. By the end of their journey, they have to decide if they have a solid foundation to build a relationship or if they should remain friends.

And a snippety peek…

Dustin guided Leticia through the clearest way to the main hiking path. "Try to keep the weight off that ankle." He could see the swelling getting worse.

She glanced toward him. "Are you a doctor?" Her lips turned upward for a moment before she grimaced again.

Dustin huffed out a laugh. "Nope. Paramedic and firefighter." She didn't need to know he'd been forced to take leave.

No matter how gently the battalion chief suggested Dustin take the time off.

Because he had become a death magnet. The chief didn't come right out and say those words, but Dustin got the strong impression everyone wanted him gone. At least for a while.

Not that he blamed them. Three deaths in two years and each one related to him in some way. Yeah, even he wondered if the planets were in some weird alignment.

First, one of his coworkers fell through a floor of a burning house and died from their injuries. Next, at a scene on the highway, a fellow paramedic got struck by a car and didn't survive the impact. Finally, Dustin's mentor—the man who brought him into the fire service—died during a training exercise at the academy. The last one pushed Dustin into accepting the chief suggestion to take some time off and get his head on straight.

He'd been present at all three. Each one had been violent. And the losses hit hard in the tight-knit departments.

Leticia made an ouchy sound and Dustin paused, glancing down. She shook her hand and a splash of red caught his eye.

He frowned. "Some paramedic I am. You hurt more than your ankle, didn't you?" He maneuvered her toward a tree and propped her against it. "Let me take a look."

She held out her hand and, sure enough, she had a small gash where she'd probably made a grab for something to slow her fall. It oozed blood and had dirt and debris surrounding the wound. He pulled his water bottle from his pocket and twisted off the cap.

She met his gaze. "I didn't notice it either, so it's not your fault." Holding her hand out, she closed her eyes.

Dustin quickly rinsed the area clean and took a closer look. "Don't think it'll need stitches, but we need to put some pressure on it." His brow furrowed. "I don't have anything on me here, but I have a first aid kit in my truck."

Leticia reached up with her uninjured hand and pulled the wide headband from her head. "I know it's not clean, but will it work for now?"

Dustin nodded. "Yeah. We'll rinse the area again when we get to the parking lot." His original plan to get her to the main trail and let her call someone wouldn't work now.

She sighed. "I'm so sorry. I really appreciate your help." Her eyes got misty, but she blinked then pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

Dustin shook his head. "Hey, it's okay. Let's get going and we'll have you fixed up and feeling better soon." He finished dressing the gash then got his arm back around her.

Leticia gave him a smile. "I'll bet you didn't have this scenario on your bingo card for today, did you?"

Dustin laughed. "Can't say I did. But it's better than the dumpster fire burning in my head earlier."

Shit. Did he really say that out loud?

I'm not quite sure where this one is going yet, but I love the idea of characters healing each other while they fall hard.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin