Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Bleh. It's been a week of frustration, and I can't really explain why. I hate it when I feel like everything is either standing in my way or that I'm stuck in reverse with zero forward momentum. Maybe August has just been a bit of a rough month even when there were fun things happening. Who knows?

Not a terrible weather week. The temperatures were fairly mild for August. I'll enjoy that while I can because it's supposed to heat up again this week.

I was supposed to head out for an annual get together with my cousins but ended up not being able to go because I didn't feel well at all. And next year I do believe I have a wedding on the weekend we usually get together so I'll be sending pictures from the ceremony to my fam!

Work projects kept me busy again. I finished up a copy edit and started a proofread. I also finally got all the images stripped from the developmental manuscript. Whew! There were a lot of them. I also scheduled a call with a potential new author and I'm excited to see where that goes.

Had an okay viewing week. I made it through all of my regular shows and binged Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise again. They're my comfort go-to shows at the moment. I also spend some time watching a documentary about Dolly Parton to help ease the sting of losing the wonderful light she spread around the world.

Started with Marple again and I really do enjoy this version of the show. It was interesting to have something of a different narrator for the episode. The mystery ended up being twisty as usual.

Began a new series with Britain's Most Scenic Counties and visited Kent. I think there are several more episodes in that county, and I'm looking forward to seeing them.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. I love Martha and Esther's friendship. They're so much fun. I'm very interested in where things go with Anne and her cryptic mention of the delicate situation with Mr. Smith. I have a great fear she might be dating him and that will suck majorly. I do love that Humphrey basically unloaded about the situation. Looking forward to a resolution about that. Also … Kelby blasted Margo kind of broke my heart but kudos to him for standing up for himself.

Enjoyed another Poirot episode. The mystery ended up being super twisty and I love how Poirot got very emotional during the reveal. Betrayal never sits well but it really stabs hard when it happens to Hercule.

Elementary had another great episode. I'm really wondering what's going to happen when Sherlock realizes his support person is a murderer. Or maybe it'll be a big twist, and he won't end up being a murderer. Either way, I'm very interested in what happens next.

Watched another episode of Young Justice, and I don't remember any of this one. A truly gut-wrenching watch. Loved the little bits of random characters popping up!

Caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and I'm going to miss this show when I'm done. I seriously didn't know if I liked the show in the first season and now I'd pretty much die for these characters if needed. Ther really should be more seasons for me to enjoy.

As mentioned, I watched the beginning of a documentary about Dolly, and I hope to finish it this week … unless it's been taken down. I also watched quite a few music videos. What an amazing woman.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a novella that brings a trio together for a very happy holiday.

Here's the miniblurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippet preview…

Westin slid an arm around Delaney's shoulder. He didn't flinch when Scotty laced his fingers with hers. Westin hadn't known until that moment if he'd really be okay with playing nice.

But the anguish in Delaney's voice convinced him she truly had deep feelings for him and Scotty. He loved and wanted her enough to share. He wouldn't ask her to choose.

Westin exchanged a look with Scotty and nodded.

Scotty brought her fingers to his lips. "Del, we're not going to make you choose."

Westin nuzzled her throat. "Yeah, there's no pressure here." She smelled like the past, present, and future all the same time.

She snorted. "Right, you'll each be happy to what? Take turns? Set up a schedule? How do you see this working?" She didn't give either a chance to respond. "It won't work, unless you're willing to share—"

Scotty cut in. "Actually…"

Westin jumped in too. "Is that what you want, Laney? For us to share?" The more he dug down deep, the less he cared about having Scotty be with her too.

She shot him a heated look. "I just admitted I want both of you, which makes me sound like a greedy bitch. But I can't pick one of you. Combined, you're exactly what I want in a man."

Scotty rolled a shoulder. "Then, yeah, we're willing to share." He flicked his gaze to Westin.

Delaney's eyes went wide. "Are you serious?" She all but gasped the words.

Westin nodded. "As a heart attack."

Delaney slowly shook her head. "No way. This can't be happening."

Scotty stood up and Westin followed suit. Each held out a hand. Westin couldn't believe how okay he started feeling about this setup.

Scotty wiggled his fingers. "It can happen. If you want it to."

She reached out with trembling hands. "I do." Her voice went low and husky. "I really do."

Westin glanced upward. "Then let's take this upstairs. Are you okay with that?"

I love writing holiday romances and I also love having a why choose scenario.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Welcome to Spooky Season month! I love October even if we're having unseasonably higher temperatures. Fall is such a fickle season in Ohio, but I'm hoping for an actual cooling down before winter snow comes calling.

Super busy work week with little projects, which actually gave me some time to write and organize. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in the next couple of weeks and having that extra time is helping.

Not a bad week for viewing television. The timing of my work projects overlapped a lot this week, so I didn't get to watch as much.

Watched the first of a two-parter Silent Witness. This one is very twisty and I'm afraid Nikki is headed for heartbreak. I love the premise of the case, though.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. The contrast between Richard and Humphrey is fun. Richard was very tight-lipped and refused to be vulnerable. Humphrey is super vulnerable almost from the word go. He's also much more in tune with people in general.

Started season three of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I'm not quite as riveted as I was for the first two seasons, but I love that we get to dive into Oliver's world. We kind of started in Mabel's even if we didn't know that fact at first, and season two brought Charles's past into the picture, literally. It's fun to see Oliver interact with the theater crowd.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Rather enjoyed the take on the puppet master Scarface in this 'verse. And Alfred setting up Bruce's dating profile always makes me chuckle.

Started season six of Classic Rugrats. Introducing Dil with two episodes of how life is different was a good choice. Loved Spike saving the day in his episode.

Caught another episode of VIP. Lots of fun and they nailed the trash TV talk-show vibe of the late nineties / early aughts.

Started another episode of My Life Is Murder and I'm enjoying it. Alexa is a tough nut to crack sometimes and I kind of like that. I do get a little annoyed when she's callous and treats others like they're a waste of her time. Hopefully that smooths out at some point.

And that's pretty much if for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a holiday novella featuring a trio.

Here's the miniblurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippety peek…

Westin Ames rolled out from under the vintage pickup when the buzzer sounded over his head. "Who's here at this hour?" He'd closed up shop for the day.

Wiping his hands on a grease rag, he went out to the small lobby of his garage and unlocked the door. He did a double take when he opened it. What the hell did Scotty Landon want?

Wes stepped back. "Gotta say, I didn't expect to find you on the doorstep of my garage." They weren't exactly friends, even if Wes used Scotty as his insurance agent.

Then again, Wes had heard the buzz about Joanie Nixon passing, which meant Delaney might be coming home. Scotty probably wanted to tell Westin to fuck off and leave her alone. Wouldn't happen, but he'd hear Scotty out.

Scotty rolled a shoulder. "Got an email from Delaney. She's coming in to settle her mom's estate." He stopped there, saying nothing else.

Westin motioned for Scotty to enter then closed the door. "And what? You're here to give me a news flash or something else?" Like warning Wes off.

He didn't have to be a dick, but he couldn't think of any other reason Landon would be here.

Scotty frowned. "Something else. Thought maybe we could go over and offer Delaney any assistance she might need." He propped a shoulder on the wall.

Wes blinked in surprise. Of course, he should've expected Scotty to go bigger man and act like they wouldn't be rivals. Then again, maybe that's the point. Going together would highlight the glaring differences between the men.

Wes snorted. "Let me guess, you wanna go together to show Delaney she'd be slumming if she hooked up with me again, right?" The chip on his shoulder rarely reared its ugly head, but thoughts of Delaney brought it out of hiding.

Scotty's brows furrowed. "Uh, no, actually. Why would you even go there?"

Westin snorted. "You're fucking with me, right? Mr. College Degree turned the only insurance game in town versus veteran bad-boy biker mechanic?" He shook his head. "What's she gonna see in me?" He often wondered if she wanted the polar opposite of what she had with Landon back then.

Scotty frowned again and pushed away from the wall. "I don't know, Ames. Maybe a guy who served his country then came home and started his own business, giving deep discounts to vets like himself." He shook his head. "She'll see what everyone else sees … someone she can respect." He waited a beat. "If you don't get that, you never really knew her." He folded his arms across his chest. "And you sure as hell don't deserve her."

Westin huffed out a breath. "Dammit. I really wanted to keep not liking you, Scotty." But the guy had never been anything but decent during their interactions.

Scotty's lips twitched. "Sorry I'm not a raging asshole." He sobered. "Look, it's the holiday season. Losing a parent sucks anytime, but it's gotta be worse right now." He shrugged. "I figured we can be there for her. Give her a shoulder if she needs one." He shoved his hands in his pockets.

Wes gave a nod. "Yeah, we can. And we should agree to have a truce or whatever the hell it is when two old boyfriends join forces to help their ex-girlfriend out." Could he sound more like an idiot.

Scotty lifted his chin and thrust his palm forward. "Deal."

Wes cracked a smile and clasped Scotty's palm. "Give me a minute to shut off the lights." He made his way to the garage and flipped the switches.

Scotty opened the door and paused just outside. "What if she's got someone with her? Like a current guy?" He withdrew his keys and popped his door open.

Wes grunted. "If she does, it's too bad for him." He headed for his bike.

Scotty's lips kicked up in grin and he started the car.

Westin shook his head. "Gonna be an interesting night."

I'm loving this story! Scotty and Westin are fun to write, and I can't wait to bring Delaney into the mix.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Hello, March! It seems weird that a year ago next week, I went out with friends to celebrate birthdays and a week later we started the state shutdown. It's been both the longest and shortest time span between the two. I'm not sure that makes sense, but it's definitely how the last twelve months have been for me. LOL

My middle kiddo, who is actually a grown adult, ended up being admitted to the hospital on Monday. He's got some health issues going on and he's really tired of trips to urgent care, the ED, and various doctors. I'm hoping he eventually gets a solid diagnosis and starts to find some relief soon.

Had another fairly busy week with work. My projects have slowed down a little since last June, which is a blessing and a curse. I like having more time to hit some side projects but I also like to stay busy so I don't lose my groove.

Not a bad week for television. I caught a couple episodes of Silent Witness. Season nine started on such a downer but one of the things I love about British dramas is how they explore the journeys characters take. US television doesn't do that as often.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I'm still enjoying this show. I like the overreaching arc of a serial killer and the case of the week stuff also. Good show.

I caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm almost finished with the second season and I'm looking forward to easing back into this show on a regular basis.

For fun, I started watching The Muppet Show series. I remember experiencing the original run with my two brothers. It was one show we all agreed on and watched together without fighting. Brings back good memories.

Caught a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0 and I'm almost at the point where I stopped watching regularly. Not sure if seasons eight through the end will be on, but I'll try to finish out the series.

Finally, caught another arc of Classic Who and started season fourteen. I can't remember how many seasons the fourth doctor had, but I think I'm at the halfway point.

And that's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a holiday ménage story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippety peek…

With her arm around Westin, Delaney gave Scotty a wide grin. "We do!" She turned the porch light on and led the men out.

They trailed down the steps and stood in the yard to take the scene in. The eaves and retaining columns on the porch were decked out in red and green lights. On either side of the stairs, white lights twined down the railing and two candy canes stood sentinel at the base.

Delaney sighed. "It's beautiful." She grabbed Scotty's hand and headed back up on the porch.

She stopped so Scotty stood under the mistletoe. Tipping her chin up, she kissed him. Scotty moaned against her lips and caught her face in his hand, taking the embrace deep and lingering. When he lifted his head, she eased away, a little breathless. Happy memories filled her mind and she let them in, owning how easy it would be to fall for him again.

Westin stood on the steps with his eyebrow arched. She sent a wink in his direction, a promise she hadn't forgotten about him either. And she hadn't. Giddy joy threatened to replace the lingering grief of losing her mom and she wanted to bask in it for a while.

She bounced on her toes. "Let's turn the inside ones on too." She headed back into the house with the men following her.

Westin did the honors, flipping the switch by entryway. Three downstairs rooms lit up. The sitting room in blue and white, the living room in a golden hue, and the kitchen in multicolor, her mom's favorite. Delaney would add some fun décor to the parlor, dining room, and half bath later.

Scotty jerked his head toward the living room. "Tree needs decorations." He slid his gaze sideways and arched a brow.

Delaney grinned. "The boxes are in the sitting room." She started forward, but Scotty shook his head.

He lifted a hand. "I'll get them. You two go on in." He crossed the hall and ducked into the room.

Westin followed her into the living room and she paused under some mistletoe.

He chuckled and hauled her close, bending his head. Delaney met his lips. The lip-lock got a little heated the same way it had with Scotty. She eased away when Scotty entered, clearing his throat. Her blood pumping, the only thing she could honestly claim would be having an intense attraction for both men. Not a good thing.

Easing away, Delaney grabbed the first box from Scotty's pile and the guys grabbed the others then followed her to the tree. They started the decorating, sharing memories from other holidays. Even though she'd dated both at different times, each had experience with how much her mom loved decorating using any and all excuses. Delaney enjoyed reminiscing and slid a little deeper into confusion. The two guys represented the happiest time in her life.

About halfway finished with the tree, Westin dropped a truth bomb. "You're trying to figure out which one of us you want, aren't you?" He placed a bulb on a limb, but sent her a pointed glance.

Delaney tried to sidestep the question. "What do you mean?" Right, she couldn't have been more obvious.

Westin waved a hand. "The mistletoe madness thing you've got going on. You're testing the waters, right?" He flicked his gaze toward Scotty.

She opened her mouth, then clamped it shut. What the hell could she say? Her face flamed hot.

Scotty laughed. "Busted." He nudged Westin. "Good call, buddy." He shared a high-five with Westin.

Delaney's mouth dropped open. "Wait, you're not pissed?" Did she step into an alternate universe?

Scotty shrugged. "I'm not. Westin?"

He shook his head. "Nope."

Delaney tried to wrap her brain around their responses. "You two never fail to amaze me." She sat on the sofa. "As to why … well … every relationship I've ever had falls short." She looked up and held their gazes. "Because no one compares to my first two loves." And no one probably ever would.

I have so much fun writing trios. This group dynamic is interesting to dive into for me. I love the revisiting the past to find the future kind of trope.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Mistletoe Madness

Well… we're almost to November and I'm really not ready for the month yet. Seriously, I'm wondering where 2018 went. Then again, it's been a bit of a bum year so maybe getting to 2019 sooner rather than later won't be a bad thing.

Had a busy week but got some good television watched. The Last Ship had a great episode. If they end up going where I think they will, the last few episodes could get interesting. Doctor Who's "Rosa" ended up being better than I thought it would be. I read an interesting article about the music of the new incarnation and while I appreciate the opinion of the author, I kind of miss Murray Gold's audible cues. Then again, I'm very much drawn in by musical cues in television shows.

I finished up Driven on Passionflix. I'll be honest, I'm not thrilled with where they left it. I totally get it had to end on a cliffhanger because there are two more books being made into this limited series. So… I'm ready for more. Looking forward to the holiday movie Mr. 365 when it launches in November.

Murdoch Mysteries had a fun episode centering on Henry's wedding. Also caught another episode of Peter Gunn's first season. Penny Dreadful revealed how Vanessa became embroiled with Sir Malcolm and, wow, dark waters run really deep in that relationship. I'm in the middle of a Midsomer Murders episode that usually keeps me company when I'm folding laundry. LOL

Arrow pulled off another amazing episode. I'm truly ready for Diaz to go down. That said, I'm totally onboard for the never-thought-it-could-happen team ups of Dinah and Laurel and Felicity and the FBI agent chick. I'm also really wondering what the hell is going on with William and Roy. Legends of Tomorrow had a great premiere. This show is just fun, fun, fun. Yet it's also balanced with serious issues. If you're not watching you should be. Just saying.

I'm almost finished with this season of Killjoys. Meeting Dutch's mom turned out to be an interesting stroll through history. I'm also totally there for the RAC shenanigans. Pree and his man mixing it up with them is terrific. I caught another episode of The Dresden Files and had forgotten how terrific Claudia Black's character ended up being. Also watched an episode of Babylon 5 and another episode of Classic Who.

Riverdale… brings the crazy like no other show I'm watching right now. My head almost hurts with how they take things to the edge of unbelievable but somehow stay just shy of actually crossing over into total no effing way. Kudos to the writers!

I watched the second episode of Underbelly Files. Infiltration featured Sullivan Stapleton in what I'd assume would be one of his first roles. Actually turned out to be a great episode. I have one more left before moving on to a new season.

That's it for television this week. Hallmark Channel is gearing up with their holiday movies and I'll probably end up getting sucked in the vortex soon. LOL

Tonight's post is from Mistletoe Madness, a holiday-themed novella featuring a trio who come together to find their brand of happiness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After burying her mother right before the holidays, Delaney Nixon comes back home to deal with the estate and decide what to do with her future. Two former beaus offer condolences and help, each hoping the spark might reignite even if they've agreed to leave old feelings alone while getting Delaney through the merry season.

And a snippety peek…

"Here goes nothing." Delaney Nixon hit send, effectively opening the door to her past.

The email to Scotty Landon popped the lid off decade-old memories, ones she didn't want to jump into just yet. But she needed to inform her mother's insurance agent of Joanie Nixon's passing and Scotty happened to be said agent. He ran the only agency in Delaney's small hometown, but Joanie trusted him because they shared a connection.

Delaney.

She got up and crossed over to the window, gazing out but not focused on the landscaping. Instead, Delaney mourned her mother and the loss of her unwavering support. Joanie raised Delaney to stand on her own, but offered a solid foundation for Delaney to build on.

No easy feat for a single mom. Frank Nixon lost his life in the line of duty when a ceiling collapsed on him, leaving Joanie with two-year-old Delaney. Twenty-six years later, Joanie joined her husband, hopefully in eternal peace.

Tears pricked Delaney's eyes. "Cancer sucks." Especially when it claimed someone the week before Thanksgiving.

She swiped away the moisture and moved away from the window. Her mom fought a brave battle, moving in with Delaney to be closer to the hospital for treatment. But, when the prognosis came back negative, Joanie made sure Delaney knew her final wishes. Cremation and burial with zero fanfare.

Delaney's crossed to rustic hutch she used for an entertainment center. "Why, Mom?" Her finger trailed over the delicate lines of the urn she'd be taking back to their hometown for interment next to Frank. "Why didn't you want everyone to celebrate your life?"

Joanie had so many friends, many who'd reached out during her illness. Who'd come to visit while she'd briefly been in hospice.

Delaney shook her head. "I don't get it." Except she did in a way.

When Joanie found out she probably wouldn't see another Christmas, she'd given Delaney explicit instructions. Then she apologized. As if her mom had a choice about dying or the date it happened.

Tears welled up again and Delaney let them fall this time. She gathered the urn from the hutch and carried it out to her car. She'd packed last night and loaded her vehicle this morning. Her mail would be forwarded while she settled her mother's estate and tried to decide what to do with the house.

Sliding behind the wheel, she had a fleeting thought for one other man from her past, Westin Ames. But she shied away from those memories, too. Time enough to face Scotty and Westin later. Right now, she had a lonely burial to attend to.

Pulling out of her parking lot, she merged into traffic. "Ready or not, you're going home." Ready or not, she'd be spending the holiday in the house she grew up in.

I actually had a crazy brainstorm for this story and got most of the details nailed down in one long writing session. The sages were in a good mood that day.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin