Sunday Snippet: Lonely Heart Mountain

The end of June came a lot quicker than I expected. This month flew by, and I'm not sure I got as much accomplished as I hoped to.

The weather is still fairly mild for June but the heat index for the upcoming week makes me want to weep. It's going to be so, so hot.

Continued to have a busy work week. Several new potential projects are waiting in the wings and I'm excited about them. One is a fiction project with a really intriguing concept. Two others are memoir life-story projects. I've been working on quite a few of those and they're a nice change of pace. I continued working on the developmental edit, pulling a few more files into the master document. Also finished up a copy edit and started a new one.

Had a less than stellar viewing week. I felt a little bit off all week and couldn't focus on viewing new stuff. I did several binge marathons of early seasons of Death in Paradise for background noise. I also got a considerable amount of writing done because the sages were banging on the door in my brain.

I did watch another behind the scenes bonus episode of Foyle's War. This one showed a day in the life of an episode. Some great interviews with the cast and crew.

Also caught another episode of Tales from Irish Castles. This one explored tower houses and it seems like there are a bunch of them dotting the landscape. Really love getting an inside look at some of these castles.

Started an episode of Silent Witness and made it about halfway through. The subject matter is really tough to view and, honestly, hits a little hard. I don't know who is writing the show at the moment but, man, they're dead-on with the stuff that makes people flinch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Lonely Heart Mountain, a novella that pulls a couple together over family strife.

Here's the miniblurb:

Author Hettie Blackwell returns home to care for her ailing mother, because her two brothers aren't up to the task. But when Hettie bumps into Winslow Whittaker—the hot new sheriff—she's got more trouble, especially when her younger brother lands in county jail on Valentine's Day.

And a snippety peek…

Hettie Blackwell closed the door to her mother's room and settled back on the sofa. "Glad she's sleeping well tonight. Maybe I can finish this chapter." She pulled her laptop open and started reviewing her latest scene.

She couldn't quite get a handle on the hero, but the pieces would fall into place soon. Her love of shaping characters with rough edges into fully fleshed-out people never failed to get there in the end. His quirky traits would reveal themselves soon.

Sinking into the words on the page, she sighed when her phone pinged with an incoming text. Grabbing the device, she unlocked the screen and tapped on the messaging icon. The screen showed a new message from Manny T, aka Manny Treadwell, one of her best friends from high school. The ten-year gap since graduation only strengthened their bond.

She opened the app and read the message. "Heads up, sweetie. Your bro is mellow drunk. I'll make sure he gets home safe." Manny couldn't say no to a sale.

Not when half the county needed beer for the massive concert on the hillside at Tim Collins's farm.

Hettie sighed. "Dammit, Manny. You weren't supposed to serve him." Her younger brother, Hank, needed to be sober—and hopefully not hung over—tomorrow so Hettie could get the grocery shopping done.

She started to text back when a call came in. The screen lit up with Tim's name. Dread unfurled in her stomach. On the heels of Manny's text, Tim couldn't be calling with good news.

She answered. "Hey, Tim. How's the concert going?" Muffled music came through the speaker.

Tim chuckled. "Going great, Hets. But … Hank's ex is here and I have a feeling she's gonna cause trouble. Wanted to let you know because he's toasted right now. Very chill at the moment, but you know Shari."

Hettie sighed. Yeah, she knew Shari … her brother's on again-off again girlfriend. They'd split a few months ago, supposedly for good this time. Hank wanted something and someone less toxic and stressful, which he needed because their mom would not improve. It would take all three siblings, Hettie, Heath, and Hank to help her until they no longer could.

So far, Hettie had the responsibility for the lion's share of care their mom needed. Her brothers meant well, but neither had a large capacity for patience and calm. But they agreed to supplement Hettie's income when she left her full-time job and moved back home to help them. They were holding up their end of the bargain, and she had more time to write her novels.

When she didn't have to bail one or both out from whatever weird situation they got themselves into. Heath had a really bad habit of picking up women who were still in relationships, which got him into more than one tricky spot. And Hank? Never met a beer he wouldn't drink. Thankfully, he tended to keep his consumption to the weekends.

Hettie weighed her options. "Has Shari been drinking?" If so, she'd light a match to watch Hank explode.

Tim snorted. "Based on her volume level, yes."

Hettie sighed again. "Okay. Let me find someone to stay with Mom. I'll drive out and drag Hank home." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Thanks for calling, Tim." Another great friend from high school who'd kept in touch with Hettie.

His voice softened. "No problem, Hets. And no rush. Take care of Mom first. Mainly wanted to head trouble off at the pass if possible."

Hettie's lips quirked. "Appreciate it. Especially with all you have going on this weekend." She ended the call and tried Heath's number but got his voice mail.

She fired off a quick text. "Gotta go get Hank. Try to get home ASAP. Will have someone come sit with Mom." She called their neighbor, Wendi Sitler and she agreed to come over and stay with Hillary until Heath got home from work or Hettie returned with Hank.

Hettie put her laptop away, exchanged her shoes for boots, put a lightweight shirt on over her tank top and headed for the garage. After checking the SUV to make sure she had what she'd need to haul Hank home, she hit the opener for the door just as Wendi pulled up the drive.

Backing out, she paused by Wendi's car and rolled the window down. "Thank you so much for doing this. I'll try to get home as soon as possible."

Wendi waved her hand. "No problem, Hettie. Take your time and be safe."

Hettie gave the other woman a smile. "I will. And if Heath beats me home, he'll take over." With a quick wave, she backed out onto the apron and headed down the drive. "This is definitely not how I wanted to spend Saturday night."

I haven't quite figured out if this will still end up being a Valentine-themed book or not. I kind of love the idea but this might turn into a series with a total of four books.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Liar's Lament

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, father figures, mentors, and fur dads out there. And if this is a hard day, please find peace where you can.

It's so mild in Ohio right now and I'll take the comfortable temperatures. We're supposed to have a soggy week, but the rain is welcome. Hopefully without flooding.

Busy work week with multiple projects crossing my desk. I have a potential new project with a new author starting possibly soon. Finished up a proofread and got that one invoiced. Continued work on a memoir developmental edit, pulling several files together into a single document. Also finished a copy edit and returned it for review. Started a new one that's on the long side, close to one hundred thousand words. A jammed week ahead.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I made it through my regular stable of shows and started one of my back-burner ones. I didn't end up making it all the way through but I'll finish it up this week. I hope.

Started with a Foyle's War behind the scenes interview with one of the guest stars. Very interesting.

Watched another episode of Tales from Irish Castles. Truly a fun series to watch. So many castles in Ireland.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and kind of loved the bit of a cliffhanger. I also kind of like how Mervin is settling in with the other officers. Very cool to see the new sarge completely supported by the commissioner also.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very interesting case with an unexpected ending. So many colorful characters.

Elementary ended up being a little mind-blowing. I'm really interested in how the whole Shinwell situation will be resolved.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and I'm rather enjoying seeing how the team is coming together.

Also watched another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and I'm really amazed by how much I love this show. Started out being pretty iffy on whether I'd like it or not and I'm totally in if I haven't mentioned it before.

Started an episode of Peak Practice and made it about halfway through. There's a lot going on in this one and I didn't want to miss anything. I'll finish up this week. Maybe.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Liar's Lament, a novella that features a second chance at romance for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Harper Scrytch kicks Rhett Barrison to the curb and runs like hell to avoid a romantic entanglement. Four years later she arrives back in town to make amends only to discover Rhett has moved on … unless he hasn't.

And a snippety peek…

Rhett just stepped out of the shower after spending the morning checking the foundation of an elegant little cottage just off campus when his phone started blaring.

Still dripping, he made a mad dash for the device in the bedroom. "Barrison." He put the speaker on and started drying off.

"Rhett … Lily Blythe. Do you have a minute?"

Rhett grabbed a pair of jeans and started dressing. "Sure, everything okay with the Carlyle house?" He'd put new windows in for one of Lily's clients.

Lily chuckled. "Of course, you charmed the pants off Melissa and Frank. I'm calling for a different reason…" Her tone changed, lowered, and grew serious.

Rhett paused with his pants halfway up his thighs. "Um, okay." He yanked the jeans up and sat on the edge of the bed. "What's going on?" He gave Lily his full focus, grasping his phone and bringing it closer.

Lily didn't pull her punches. "Harper's back."

After he'd spoken of her the other day with his mom? What are the odds?

The room went cold and his vision blurred. "What? You mean she's visiting you or something?" He blinked to clear the gray from his eyes and willed the roar in his ears to dissipate.

Harper. Emotions crashed through him. Disbelief, longing, and yeah, okay … anger.

He'd built a life. A good one. His family's business of restoring and reclaiming homes and buildings blossomed after he'd graduated with an engineering degree. He didn't want anything to wreck his calm and peace.

Lily kept her tone neutral. "No, Rhett. We just closed on the old bank building downtown. Harper's back. To stay. For good." A note of apology entered her voice.

Rhett went numb. "You're sure?" Calm and peace were quickly roiling into a major storm.

Lily's laugh held no humor. "Very. She bought the space outright. No mortgage." She waited a beat. "I thought you'd want to know … if only because she asked where she could find you."

Oh, hell no.

Rhett sucked in a harsh breath. "And you told her where?" Damn. Not what he needed right now.

Lily rushed out an answer. "No, I gave her the office address then remembered it lists your personal number when you're not there."

Rhett's phone picked that exact moment to blip with another incoming call. Shit. An unrecognized number flashed on the screen. But he didn't doubt who tried to call.

He ended the conversation with Lily, letting the other call go to voice mail.

He scrubbed a hand over his face. "Holy shit." He finished dressing then listened to Harper's message.

The sound of her voice took him back. Memories flooded his mind. The one woman he'd never forget. Returned. For what?

"You probably don't want to see me, but I'd appreciate if you'd give me some time."

Right. He'd wanted to give her a lifetime—but she'd stomped all over that. Still … memory lane started winding along in his head again.

He cut the stroll short. "Nope. No way." He'd meet with Harper—if only to satisfy morbid curiosity.

What could she possibly want from him? Certainly not to pick up where they left off. That would be too weird … even for Harper.

His gut rolled. He shouldn't be reacting this way. They were over and done. For a long time.

Yet … one tiny thread dangled. Like a plot point that didn't reach its conclusion. Seeing her might be the only way to snip that tether and close the chapter for good.

But … he'd need some kind of backup plan to keep his feelings—good and bad—for Harper at bay.

Grabbing his phone, he clicked on a frequently called number. "Dani? I have a seriously large favor to ask."

I'm enjoying this one. Harper and Rhett have some things to work through and Rhett isn't going to make it easy.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Level Need (a VC Security Solutions novella)

Kind of a long week and I'm glad it's over. There's something nice about starting a new week with a clean slate. Even if projects linger from one week to the next or challenges still need to be met.

We've got wild weather in Ohio again. Muggy and hot until a storm rolls through then it's lovely for a day until it gets muggy and hot again. The humidity is not fun.

Had a solid work week. One of the projects I thought was finished ended up having more revisions. At this point, the author is wordsmithing and really should leave things alone. That said, it's her last book and giving some grace can't hurt. I'm hoping to finish up a proofread on a science book this week and start a new project about a family history. I also have a developmental edit to get back to and copy edit to finish up. The copy edit is a holiday book and I'm so happy to have one of those to edit.

Had a pretty decent viewing week. I made it through my regular slate of shows, which actually made me happy. It was a busy week, and I ended up being kind of drained.

Started the week by finishing up an episode of Foyle's War. I do believe I have only the bonus episodes left.

Started a new series about Irish castles and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. So much history I don't know, and I love learning new things.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. The move to Birmingham seems to be resetting the series with a lot of darker content. I'm actually interested to see how this plays out.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed one of the better known classics with "Death on the Nile."

Elementary kind of blew my mind. Not sure how I feel about the whole Shinwell thing. It's going to prove interesting to discover Joan's reaction.

Enjoyed an episode of Young Justice. So far, I like the unfolding of the first season. The pacing is pretty good and the reveals are well-earned.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and really loved the interactions. I honestly didn't know if I'd find my groove with this show, but I did!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Level Need, a novella in the VC Security Solutions universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Dita Burgess and Newton Malley work for a private security company and end up giving into a long-burning attraction and spending the night together. But when Dita gets a call to bring an asset in—one she made a promise to and cares deeply for—the happy beginning she has with Newton is in jeopardy.

And a snippety peek…

Newt—no one called him Newton but his mom—Malley shut the back of the van and trotted around to meet his partner at the front. "Dita, you rocked out there." He fell into step beside her. "I don't know how you do it. Always find the soft spot and make the connection." He shook his head. "That could have gone dumpster fire in a big way, but it didn't because you had Avala's confidence."

Dita's lips quirked. "It helped that you quietly removed the two guys attempting to lure her outside and she caught it on the security cameras." Her head angled toward him. "Local law enforcement or Havish's support team?" Her eyebrows arched.

Newt rolled a shoulder. "SOP is local LEO, so I called it in. Then I contacted Havish and let him know who and where." VC Security Solutions worked with law enforcement when they could, especially in the US.

Dita nodded. "I figured. Not always easy to make that decision. And you're right. When Avala discovered we actually worked for her dad, she was pissed. But the common ground we found together helped." Her mouth twisted in a wry grin. "Helps to have a fire extinguisher to put the dumpster fire out before it gets really hot."

Newt grunted. "That's all you." Seriously, Dita put people at ease within moments of meeting them.

Dita shrugged. "Not really. That would have played out differently if we hadn't done such a kick-ass job of being a couple. She liked that you had my back and it clicked that we were doing the same for her … as unobtrusively as possible." She made a sound between a laugh and a snort. "She really hates the big, beefy linebacker types her dad usually tries to use."

Newt huffed out a breath. "I get it. Gotta be distracting when you're trying to research and write a dissertation to have no less than three guys at a time hovering over you." Part of the reason he enjoyed working for Victor Cruz.

The man customized his teams to get the best results for his clients. Sometimes that meant quasi-military operations. Often it involved going undercover to get intelligence for someone. And occasionally, they had standard protection detail where they provided security for private flights, yacht sailing, or driving across the US or in foreign countries. Victor had a hand in just about everything.

Dita nudged his shoulder. "You know what you're doing next?" She paused outside the conference room where they'd be doing a quick debriefing.

He rolled a shoulder. "Honestly, the only thing I'm thinking about at the moment is grabbing something to eat after we're done here." He tilted his head. "Care to join me? If you don't have anything lined up already." Playing a couple would be hard to let go.

He really enjoyed her company.

Dita pressed her lips together. "I haven't checked yet, but if I don't … yeah, dinner sounds great." Her nose wrinkled. "As long as neither of us has to cook."

He laughed. "I'm down with that. Let's decide after the debrief." He followed her into the room, looking forward to spending off-book time with her.

I'm in the beginning stages of this one and have a pretty decent idea of where to go. Dita is going to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Late Summer Engagement (an Organic Nature short)

Wow. June is kicking my ass and it's only seven days old. I'm choosing to look at the beginning of the month as the bottom of the well and it can only get better, because I won't be able to handle another appliance going down. Thankfully, delivery services are available on Sunday and I have shiny new fridge to replace the one that died on Friday. And my coffeemaker decided to be wonky this morning so, yeah, I'm still trying to troubleshoot that one. Glad I can pour over in an emergency.

Other than the appliance fiasco, the weather is all over the map, which isn't unusual in Ohio. More chilly days and a few really humid ones. Rain, wind, and little bit of sun. We're supposed to have a drippy week, which is okay because I don't think it's supposed to be severe weather.

Pretty decent work week. I finished up a few projects and should be close to finishing up the one that won't seem to end. Started a new proofread and I'm making good progress on it, even with the appliance distractions.

Had an okay viewing week also. Made it through my usual list of shows but didn't get to the back-burner ones.

Started the week with half an episode of Foyle's War. Should finish it up this week and move on to the bonus episodes.

Also caught the season twelve finale of Brokenwood Mysteries. Really enjoyed this season and hope to have another one because this is definitely a comfort show.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise. Loved getting some good character building for Seb. I'm also looking forward to getting some for the new sergeant.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. This one took a bit of a twist and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next episode.

Elementary finished up a two-parter and the resolution ended up being fun. Also loved Sherlock's excitement about becoming a godparent.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and quite enjoyed it. Very fun to see Wally face his disbelief in magic.

Loved watching an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks. The callbacks to other series are such a delight in this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Late Summer Engagement, a sexy short in the Organic Nature universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vin's ready to spend his life with Eppie, but he's not sure she wants to be the marrying kind. Instead of proposing, he suggests something a little different. As usual, Eppie surprises him with her response.

And snippety peek…

Vin loved Eppie, especially when she rarely failed to know exactly what his thoughts were.

He followed her up the steps, his eyes glued to the rounded curves beneath her shorts. "No calls or pickups scheduled?" He grinned when she snorted.

She entered their room and turned to face him. "I'm one hundred percent, completely yours right now." Her fingers slid under the hem of her shirt, and she yanked it up and over her head.

Vin pulled his tee off and tossed it on the laundry pile. "Good to know." He popped the button on his cargo shorts.

Eppie's mouth curved. She undid the clasp of her bra and let the garment fall to the floor. She slowly slid her shorts past her hips letting them drop before stepping out of them.

Vin dropped his and stood in his boxer briefs. He reached out and hauled Eppie close before capturing her mouth with his again. His hand smoothed down her back and his fingers edged under her panties, slipping them over the curve of her ass.

Eppie worked her palms under his briefs and pushed them downward. She didn't wait for them to fall … before circling his hard length in her grip and gliding up and down.

Vin groaned. "Feels good." He untangled his feet from the underwear and nudged her toward the bed.

She sat on the edge of the mattress and grasped his hip, pulling him close to sink her lips over his cock. Her tongue swirled around the shaft before she took him deeper into her mouth. Cupping his balls, she fondled them while bobbing back and forth on his dick.

Vin's fingers threaded through her hair. He rolled his hips, relishing the hot action and suction. Eppie hummed … the vibration sending zings of lust through him.

He eased away and nodded for her to move up on the bed. One side of her mouth twisted in a grin, and she scooted back and up, placing her feet on the mattress. Vin put a knee beside her hips then ghosted his palm along her leg before sliding his fingers through her folds. Wet and slippery, he inserted two fingers into her core and brushed his thumb over her clit.

Eppie arched her back, rocking her hips. "Guh. So good." She gripped his forearm and used it to gain purchase and create more friction.

Vin flexed his fingers, hitting the spongy spot that would send Eppie over the edge. She shuddered and gasped then hooked her leg around his hips, urging him for more.

He grabbed her hips with both hands and lifted them to meet his groin.

Eppie gazed at him with passion-clouded eyes. "Now, Vin. I want you now."

He wouldn't deny her anything. Moving forward, he thrust deep in one stroke.

Eppie's eyes rolled back. "That's what I need." She wriggled her pelvis against his. "You're what I need."

He'd never get tired of hearing her say those words.

I have so much fun writing the Organic Nature shorts. Vin and Eppie are such a great couple.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin