Sunday Snippet: Inked (a Black Unicorn Comics bonus scene)

We had a crazy week of weather. Rain, rain, rain, followed by wind, wind, wind. Lost power for a couple of hours and returned some of the neighbor's stuff that ended up in our backyard. Something tells me we're going to pay for a fairly mild winter with a chaotic and wild spring. Can't wait.

Good week on work projects and I finally made headway with clearing out my inbox on my old PC and I'm starting the transfer of files to my new computer. I can't wait to get this project done so I can go back to having one desktop instead of two in my workspace. Up next, tackling my laptop to see if I can get the graphics card to function again. Or, the issue could be related to a Windows update. Either way, I'm hoping I won't have to invest in a new laptop. Fingers crossed.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I didn't get quite as much watched as I did last week, but I got a few shows in.

I finished up the Classic Who episode I started last weekend and I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out. Hoping to get to the next part this week.

Watched the season twenty-one opener of Silent Witness. Nice to see some fallout from Nikki's Mexico trip. Jack is a little off and I'm curious to find out why. Love to see Clarissa out in the field because she's become a favorite character and shouldn't always be relegated to the lab.

Enjoyed another episode of Strangest Things. The items they discuss are always interesting and I love the speculative aspect when they really don't know exactly what they have.

Caught another episode of The Mandalorian. Bo Katan's introduction piqued my interest. I like how a different sect of Mandalorians are out there giving a different perspective.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Thoroughly enjoyed discovering the building has secret passageways and tunnels. Loved the introduction of Lucy. I haven't changed my theory quite yet on who the killer might be, but we'll see what happens. Also nice to see Oliver show up for his son. Much needed character growth there.

Got to return to my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week. While the episode doesn't rank as one of my favorites from season one, it's still a solid watch. Frankly, season one doesn't have a bad episode. It's probably the best first season of television I've watched.

Enjoyed another episode of Pennyworth. A few unexpected twists turned up and I'm here for those. I'm quite enjoying the slow discovery of how Alfred became Batman's butler. There's not a wasted moment on the screen.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Inked, a sexy short bonus read set in the Black Unicorn Comics series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brian and Lucy are celebrating their anniversary and both have the same idea of getting a tattoo as a fun gift—but neither tells the other. The good news is both enjoy discovering where the other got inked.

And a snippety peek…

Lucy Sanderson had a mission to complete. "Gotta get this done before Brian comes to work." She entered the Black Unicorn office, poked her head into the bull pen and spotted the two people she needed to see.

Perfect.

She strolled in and stopped at Sosh's desk. "Got a minute?" Sosh would know exactly where to send Lucy.

Sosh tilted her head to one side. "You're up to no good, aren't you?" Her lips curved into a smirk.

Lucy arched her brows. "Sosh, I'm offended. Of course, I'm not." She jerked her head toward her desk then headed that way.

Sosh immediately followed because her curiosity would be piqued.

Zapf glanced up and narrowed his gaze. "What dragged you here at ugly o'clock? You're never in this early." He set his pens aside and folded his arms across his chest.

Lucy put a hand over her heart. "I'm wounded. Sosh just said I'm up to no good." She dumped her messenger bag on the floor next to her chair and waved her coworkers closer.

Zapf shot Sosh a quick side-eye before leaning in. "You're scaring me, Luce. What did that wild brain of yours think up this time?"

In all fairness, Zapf totally had her number. She routinely ran both crazy and brilliant ideas by him. But those drops always had to do with the comic book they produced. This idea … had nothing to do with work.

Sosh grabbed a chair and scooted in close. "And why do you need me?"

Lucy propped her butt on the edge of her desk. "I need to do something on the down low and can't do it alone."

Sosh widened her eyes. "Is it legal?"

Zapf laughed. "Of course, it is." He sobered, shooting Lucy a quick glance. "It is, right?"

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Yes, it's legal. Geez, you two are giving me a complex right now." She did a quick check to make sure they were still alone. "I have an anniversary coming up with Brian and I want to do something to blow his mind."

Zapf leaned back. "No way. Sosh and I aren't having a foursome with you." He amped up the drama by shaking his head back and forth. "Uh-uh. Not gonna happen, babes."

Sosh smacked his arm. "Shut up. I wanna hear what she's got planned." She turned her attention back to Lucy. "Come on, spill."

Lucy lowered her voice. "I'm going to get a tattoo, but I want to surprise Brian. Meaning Z-Man needs to keep his big yap shut." She sent a pointed look in Zapf's direction.

He made a motion of zipping his lips and throwing away the key. "Mum's the word, Luce."

She got serious. "Will you design something? Nothing too elaborate because I have to be able to get it done in one session."

He gave a nod. "You got it. End of day, I'll have something for you."

She smiled her thanks and met Sosh's gaze. "And I'm hoping you'll share your artist's name because they do excellent work."

Sosh flashed a smile. "I'll do one better. I'll set the appointment up for you." She crossed her heart. "And promise Brian won't find out from me either." She rubbed her hands together. "This is a great idea."

Lucy nodded. "Glad you think so. Thought it would be a fun way to celebrate." She got up and hugged both of her coworkers. "Knew I could count on you two."

I have so much love for Lucy and Brian and their group of coworkers. This is going to be so much fun to write!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: All Day Sucker (Bonus Scene from Black Unicorn Comics series)

Welcome June! Seriously, I feel like I'm still floating around back in March. The months are flying by right now.

Had a weird week of struggling to focus and I couldn't tell you why I ended up being so distracted. That drives me insane.

Decent viewing week. I only went through one round of my usual streaming services again and I'm actually kind of okay with that. Sometimes I need a bit of a break and can use the quiet time.

I did get another episode of The Snoopy Show watched and enjoyed it. I like to think the whole Peanuts gang has a special place in the hearts of GenX. At least it does for me.

I finished up Loch Ness and actually quite enjoyed the series. The twists and turns ended up panning out better than I'd hoped. Definitely glad I watched this one.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and loved the twistiness of this two-parter. I also love that there wasn't a shiny bow on the end. Good stuff.

Started a new arc of Classic Who and I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out. Again, I notice how much Mel ends up screaming. It's a thing.

Watched another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. At some point, I'd love to see a series where the ghosts and ghouls are actually friendly and helpful. That said, I love seeing the interviews with people who experienced the creepy creatures. Pure gold.

Enjoyed another episode of The Mandalorian. I love the pacing and the little bits of information that turn up and reveal themselves. Good stuff.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. Gotta say Joe is beginning to annoy me but I'm hoping there's a reason he's being such a prat. Fenton's storyline is getting interesting and I love that the grown-ups get some random fleshing out.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed the storylines. It feels like some groundwork is being laid for future seasons and I'm liking that.

Finished up a MasterClass series with Neil deGrasse Tyson. While it wasn't as in depth as I thought it would be, I did get a lot of his lessons. Not sure what I'll start next, but I'm leaning toward Roxane Gay's series.

Caught another The Babysitter's Club and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm glad they're adding another sitter to the club and I really like how they're featuring the members.

Watched another episode of the Ready Room and liked the interview with James Frain. I like his character and it's nice to get some insight into the complicated relationships he has with his family.

Started season five of Chicago Med and I'm sad to say good-bye to Connor. I do love how they sent him off, especially the farewells he had with Goodwin and his mentor. The Will and Nat storyline is one I'm a little on the fence with. I'm really not down with the interloper making conflict, but I'll reserve judgment. Maggie is breaking my heart.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from All Day Sucker, a bonus scene featuring Brian and Lucy from the Black Unicorn Comics series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Brian and Lucy have competing comic book series, a friendly rivalry, and a terrific, sexy relationship. When Brian is blocked on his next installment, Lucy provides some steamy inspiration to help him get through it.

And a snippety peek…

The all-day sucker comment got him. Lucy certainly redefined steamy inspiration in the office. She did love to give head. And he loved getting it. So much.

A series of images rushed through his brain, popping like bubbles in ale. His hand stilled because the pictures kept flashing forward. His mind wouldn't settle on one.

Lucy removed her mouth from his shaft. "Stop. What's in your head right now?" Her tongue traced a circle around the tip of his dick.

Brian's lips kicked up and he scribbled a brief outline of the scene. Lucy went back to flicking her tongue around his cock then sucking hard while going deep. When his pen ceased movement, she repeated the process.

She eased back. "Stop. Freeze it there and write it down." Her cheeks hollowed out and she sank back over him again.

Within ten minutes, he had a full page of scenes outlined.

He set his pen aside. "Full page, Luce." His fingers threaded through her hair. "Thank you."

She paused and looked up. "You're welcome." A slow smile curved her lips. "Time for your reward." She started sucking in earnest and fondled his balls.

Didn't take him long to hit his peak. His hips flexed and he came hard. Relief and euphoria filled him in equal measure.

Lucy swallowed and leaned back, licking her lips. "Wanna up the ante?" Her eyebrows arched.

Brian's eyes went wide. "What do you have in mind?" He couldn't wait to hear how she'd top that incredible blow job.

I love this couple so much. I'm almost finished with the second story and have the third one plotted out and the fourth one is slowly but surely getting some attention.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs (a South of the Border bonus free read)

What a crazy week of weather. We had rain, rain, rain, which is probably great for the gardens—as long as the plants are hardy. We also had some close to freezing temps in the wee hours of the morning.

Another super-busy work week. Started a few new projects and I'm humming along on some others. I like having a variety of work and I definitely have that right now.

Another slower week for television. I got started again on doing some clearing out and sorting of stuff I've put off way too long. The good news is I've discovered a ton of missing socks, which makes me very happy.

I watched the second episode of Harrow's third season. So far, I really, really dislike the new boss. But … I kind of love the dynamic between Harrow and Fairley. Discovering Grace is married is something I'm on the fence with, but we'll see what happens there.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm a little disappointed to find out I won't be able to watch the bulk of the series now. It seems to have been removed from the streaming service I've been watching it on. Maybe it'll pop back up again. I still have the season to finish then I'll see what happens.

Enjoyed another lesson of MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson. This one talked about systems of beliefs.

Finished up Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow and it did not disappoint. I hope there's another season of this show.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I enjoy having this show on in the background when I'm reading emails.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and, wow, I'm starting to wonder a little if this is Conor's last season. Things seem to be ramping up quickly.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. This one had a bunch of spring-like vignettes.

Watched another episode of Loch Ness and there didn't seem to be a lot of forward momentum on the case, but little revelations popped up and into the storyline. I'm excited for the next episode.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness. I'm kind of happy Thomas didn't do something sketchy with the information he had on the ex's new boyfriend. Even though she pretty much deserves anything he hands out. She's a piece of work.

Managed to finish an arc of Classic Who. I'll be starting a new one this week. I'm still on the fence with Mel as a companion. She does a lot of screaming.

Also watched the last episode of The Laundry Guy. I actually hope he does another round of episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed the six available.

Watched the Marvel Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye. Honestly, I really loved the first season and I'm kind of hoping there will be another, even if it's primarily Clint-free. Some great groundwork is out there if they continue this.

Started a new episode of The Hardy Boys. I love the mystery of this season and I can't wait to finish this episode.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a bonus free read set in the South of the Border universe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Relic finder Vaughn Dyson sticks much closer to home since Faulkner Roush saved her life, but when an artifact all but lands in her lap, she insists on taking it to the university for safe-keeping, which Faulkner can't argue about even if they'll be late for a party in their honor.

And a snippety peek…

Faulkner Roush smashed the accelerator and shot past a large van then jammed on the brakes when another car cut him off. "Dammit!" He slid his gaze to his passenger. "Why the hell are we doing this again?" A spot opened up and he zoomed through.

Vaughn Dyson barely held on to the artifact, wrapped protectively in padding and paper foam. "Because my luck is shit—even though this beauty practically fell from the sky into my lap—and the black market dealers would probably kill to get their hands on it." She angled her head toward him. "You don't want to put our friends in danger, right?"

As if. And definitely hell no. Like he and Vaughn, their friends had to fight to be together. Lars and Kiernan, Vail and Ellery, and Hayden and Lilith finally had peace and calm in their lives. He and Vaughn didn't need to wreck their friend's hard-won happiness.

Of course, their status as a couple might be short-lived … if they couldn't make it to a gathering in their honor.

Taking a sharp left, he squeezed through the alley behind the university. "You know we're gonna be late. Again." They'd been late to the formal ceremony at the university bestowing an award for the return of the jade relic that had brought them back together.

Vaughn rolled her eyes. "Remind me again who made us late for that award?" Her lips curved in a sexy grin.

Faulk grunted. "Technically?" He flicked his gaze sideways. "You did. That dress all but begged me to strip it off…" He veered to the right and drove into the parking garage, pulling up to the freight entrance. "And I didn't hear any complaints or protests." He did, however, hear her vocal moans during their steamy sex on the sofa.

She smirked. "What can I say. You in a tuxedo is a big turn-on." Popping the handle, she ducked out of the vehicle. "Be back in five. I'm only taking this one floor up. It'll be safe in the vault until Tuesday." Pushing the door closed with her ass, she quickly entered the elevator and headed out of sight.

After five minutes passed, Faulk drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "Come on, Vaughn. Don't get sucked into any debates with long-winded professors." He'd give her a little longer then all bets were off.

They had someplace to be.

I have a lot of love for Vaughn and Faulkner. Their story is coming along nicely and we'll get to visit with more characters from the South of the Border series.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Just One Moment

The start of the school year looms closer for my last kidlet. She'll be starting her junior year but she's already been involved in fall activities. Band camp for two weeks and three-day-a-week practices in the evenings. The golf season officially started and she had her best eighteen-hole round this past week with an eighty-eight on a par seventy-two course. In between all that, she worked a part-time summer job at our local pool, got hired and trained for a new part-time job at a local restaurant that opens in a few weeks, and got her first car. GAH! Okay, the husband and I are actually paying for the car, but she's involved in so much we decided she needed a vehicle. She'll be contributing toward the payment and her insurance with the part-time job and banking the rest of her paycheck in her shiny new checking account.

The struggle is real… my wee one is fast approaching adulthood.

So… the busy week of car loans and new editing projects kept me from my usual viewing schedule. I did a lot of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night marathons. I did catch a few other shows.

Wynonna Earp. Watching everyone grieve for Dolls broke me a little. It's Wynonna Earp so of course there was nothing standard for the process. And we got quite a bit of plot momentum and new secrets. This show… never a dull moment. Ever. And one of the best fight scenes ever in the history of fight scenes on Wynonna Earp. Just saying.

I'm behind on Killjoys, which makes me very sad. I'll hopefully catch up this week. Fingers crossed.

I caught another episode of Garage Sale Mysteries, which I'm rather fond of. I like the dynamic and mix of characters. And in the mystery category, I caught the first episode of Midsomer Murders season thirteen. Moving right along on the episodes I haven't seen yet.

Also caught some more The Dresden Files and remembered by I enjoyed this show so much when it originally aired.

Caught another episode of Canal Road and I gotta say I have a theory on who either killed Spence's wife or ordered it done. I'm totally going to freak out if I'm correct. Australia has some kick ass television… just saying.

I watched two Batman DVDs this week. Gotham by Gaslight ended up being a terrific experience, topped only by a rather grown-up for animated DC fare of Batman and Harley Quinn. Seriously, I'm down with the kid version, but I'm completely there for a more adult-oriented movie.

Caught another episode of Babylon 5, basically the opening of the first season after the initial pilot. I'm looking forward to rewatching the entire series. Also caught most of another episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

And that's about it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Just One Moment, a sexy short bonus scene featuring Kiernan Darby and Lars Rademacher from the South of the Border series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A life-threatening situation and a couple in love. Just one moment to say everything that needs to be said for Kiernan and Lars.

And a snippety peek…

Kiernan Darby loved sex. Especially with Lars Rademacher. The man had turned her world upside down. He might as well rock it, too.

And he definitely had the skill set to shake her foundation on a fundamental level.

"Did they teach you how to wow a woman during covert forces training?"

"Learned that on my own." His mouth paused over hers. "You know this isn't typical, right? You broke all my rules." His chin raised and he met her gaze.

Kiernan could get so lost in the depths of his eyes. "I broke all mine, too." She didn't make connections.

Her parents taught her not to at an early age. Hence the reason I'm stuck between a rock and the proverbial hard place. With no one to have my back except Lars.

His lips brushed over hers. "Stay with me, Kier. Don't go back to the past." He moved between her legs, settling his forearms on either side of her shoulders.

She sent him a wide smile. "Definitely like the present way better." Her thighs splayed wide, ready to accommodate him.

Lars didn't disappoint, shifting forward the head of his shaft nudging between her labia. His head lowered and he caught her mouth in a steamy kiss right before he thrust deeply, seating in to the hilt. Kiernan groaned. The length and girth of his cock filling her to capacity. She'd never get tired of taking him over and over, again and again.

She'd never get tired of loving him.

The thought terrified and soothed in equal parts.

Terrified because she didn't really know how to live with a man like Lars. One who protected her and actually gave a damn about her life. He'd scared the hell out of her when he showed up started asking questions about her small operation outfitting pleasure boats with high-end upgrades. Didn't take long for him to turn her into his informant and take her under his wing.

He demanded total honesty and she delivered the whole ugly story of her childhood in record time. A complete first for her. No one in her life had the total beginning, middle, and end of the Kiernan Darby tale of woe.

Except Lars.

He soothed the raw hurt she'd carried around with a rock-solid understanding of where she came from and a refusal to judge how she ended up working for a criminal enterprise. The falling for each other thing took both by surprise, but Kiernan wouldn't shy away from how she felt about him. Even if the idea of sharing her life with someone scared the hell out of her.

Lars stopped moving within her. "Kier… present tense." He flexed his hips, driving deep inside her. "Unless I'm losing my touch and you're getting bored." His eyes narrowed and he quirked an eyebrow.

She lifted her chin to ghost kisses along his jawline. "Not bored. Just amazed you haven't given up on me yet." Everyone else usually did.

Lars shook his head. "Never will, Kier. You've gotta remember that." He pulled back and thrust forward again, creating a delicious friction against her clit.

She focused on the sensation, shoving everything else but him aside. "I love you, Lars." Forever and a day.

He increased his speed. "Love you, too. Always."

I can't wait to finish this up and post it for readers to enjoy!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin