Sunday Snippet: Photo Ops

Brrrr. It's cold outside. Thankfully, we only lost power once during the first gusty windstorm and didn't lose it all while the wind howled over the last three days. And I can live with a couple of inches of snow. Not a huge fan of temperatures in the teens but layers help when I have to take the dogs out.

Had a super-busy work week and I'm thrilled to have my calendar filling up with projects. I like to stay steady because it keeps me motivated and focused. When I have too much free time I get lost in a haze.

Not a bad week for viewing. I made a full circuit through my regular shows minus the rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. The power blip caused a delay there.

Started the week with My Life Is Murder and enjoyed the episode. The mystery ended up being pretty decent.

Caught the second half of Agatha Raisin and thoroughly enjoyed. The cast really hits on all cylinders and even though I miss James, I love the vibe of these characters.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm kind of happy to see Jack's familial issues. His brother is a piece of work and I'm interested to see where things go with him. Rather like the new colleague. Looking forward to seeing how she fits in.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. I didn't really remember this one so I enjoyed it. Fun to see the commissioner on the suspect board.

Caught another episode of Elementary and quite liked the way Sherlock ended up being on the outs with both Joan and the captain. Fun episode.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I'm nearing the end of the first season and all the players are established for the most part. And the episodes are holding up fairly well.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. I didn't remember either of the vignettes so really enjoyed watching both.

Finished out the first season of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm intrigued and interested in how things are going to play out in the next season, which I'll probably start this week.

Also managed to finish the episode of VIP that I started last week. Looking forward to a new one this week if time permits.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a novella that pits the main characters against each other in a fun oneupmanship plot.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photo shoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

Nina frowned at the caller ID and answered her phone on the third ring. "Misha, what's up?" He wouldn't be calling with good news.

He cut right to the chase. "McKenna's being his usual hard-assed self and refusing to participate in the fundraiser."

Nina blinked. "You got the go ahead already? I thought you were calling to say the council shot the idea down." Her day looked brighter.

Misha snorted. "I told you getting the shoot would be easy. The not easy part is getting your superior officer to get on board."

Nina sighed. "Yeah … that figures." Hard ass talked a big game about boosting morale yet wouldn't do his fair share.

And she needed to make this happen. Not only to serve Mace a little payback but also because she wanted to help raise money for the charity.

Being able to dedicate a full month to staring at Mace added a nice layer of icing on top.

Misha huffed out a breath. "Got any ideas? This kind of doesn't work without him. He's supposed to be the face of the campaign."

Nina shuffled through several possible solutions in her mind. "You know, I think I just might." She landed on one that should do the trick.

Misha grunted. "Care to share?"

Nina's lips curved. "Maybe only the barest of details." She loved to string her friend along.

Misha made a disgusted sound. "Nina, I need something here. If you can't get him on board, I've gotta start looking for someone else to be the face of this campaign."

Nina rolled her eyes. "Misha, have I ever let you down? And we're not counting the time I fixed you up with Brenna Shoults." She did not get the matchmaking gene.

Misha didn't relent. "Seriously … how do you plan to make the man cave and show up for this charity photo op?"

Nina grinned. "My plan is simple and, quite frankly, the only logical thing to do." She paused for effect and to drive Misha mad. "I'm going to use his own words against him."

Misha laughed. "Oh … he's going to love that."

Nina doubted Mace would appreciate her twisted appeal to his better nature but didn't care at the moment.

She had to get him to participate in the fundraising campaign.

Nina has the perfect strategy to bring Mace on board for the shoot, but he's not above turning the tables at all.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Photo Ops

You know, it's been a week. I don't which planet is in retrograde right now but it's effing everything up. LOL My washer died and the delivery of the new one has been moved three times. I might get it Tuesday but I'm not holding my breath. The husband had a deer smash into his vehicle and it's a probably a loss. My daughter's car is having issues. I'm kind of scared to even walk outside in case the sky falls or something else weird.

All that said … I'm not really complaining. It's just a lot of bizarre, inconvenient stuff hitting all at once and I'm kind of scratching my head and wondering how soon the universe will right itself. LOL

Had a great work week and got some solid television viewing in. I started out UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This episode focused on abductions and I always find those stories fascinating.

With the new season of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries premiering this week, I caught the behind the scenes special from season one. Lots of fun information and interviews.

Watched another episode of The Muppet Show. The guest was Steve Martin and he had fun with his appearance.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. The mystery is getting deeper and I'm thoroughly enjoying the way everything is coming together. I love the group of friends and how they're completely in on the whole deal now.

I enjoyed another segment of Master Class. David talked about developing logos and I got some good information from him. I have a few tweaks to make to a couple of logos I've put together for book series.

Caught another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm getting a little more invested in the characters and I'm interested in where everything goes. I love Hilda's new job!

Peak Practice had a good episode. It took me a while to get into the storyline but I liked how the show played out. It seemed like it was going to go in a tragic direction but ended up not going that route.

Started a new to me show with Street Legal, which is a spinoff of an eighties original. I loved the premiere episode and think I'll end up liking this one.

Caught another episode of the Ready Room, recapping episode four of Picard. Wil is a lot of fun when he's interviewing the actors and I loved the behind the scene special effects segment.

Started an episode of Chicago Med and, so far, I'm enjoying it. The surgeon character is such an ass he's fun to watch. Another aptly titled episode with choices as the theme.

Last but not least … Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries premiered!! I've been so excited for a second season and I'm so happy I had two episodes to watch. This show is so much fun and it took a direction I didn't expect but I'm totally there for. Peregrine isn't a carbon copy of Phryne and that thrills me. I have so much love for the sixties vibe, too. Not sure why that era fascinates me so much but I'm almost always down to watch things set during that decade. And I'm over the moon I'll have another episode to watch soon!

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a fun romp with the characters falling for each other during some charity shenanigans.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photoshoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

Nina shot him a sideways glance. "Gee, Mace. If you wanted to see me naked, you only had to ask." She dropped the towel.

Mace nearly swallowed his tongue. Damn. He didn't think she could get much sexier than the towel draped over her shoulder, but standing in front of him without a stitch on? Okay, yeah, full-on sexy.

But the sexiest thing about Nina? Her sassy mouth. Even fully clothed she could make him hard with a few simple words and they didn't have to be about sex. The tone, the husky vibrancy, the raspy promise of something indefinable turned him on like nothing else. And left him speechless in the process.

Because … in full nude glory? Well, he wouldn't, couldn't, deny his reaction. His dick hurt, ached to be free from its confines. He'd definitely have a great visual reference for stroking one out later. His fingers all but itched to start now.

Nina shook her head. "Don't even think about wasting that hard slab between your legs on your fist."

His eyes widened. Does she read minds now?

She smirked. "I take full responsibility for the condition you're in, which means I should be the one to do something about it." Advancing toward him, she quirked an eyebrow. "Hope you don't have anywhere to be." She reached out and popped the button of his dungarees then worked the zipper down far enough to wrap her hand around his stiff shaft. "Mmmm. Hot and ready." Her gaze met his. "Tell me you don't want this."

Fuck, no. He wanted it—her—however the hell he could have her.

He shoved his pants down and kicked out of the legs. "Right now, I'm wondering why the fuck we haven't done this before." And whether they'd be doing it again.

She chuckled, a low throaty sound. "Remember the whole stodgy stick up your ass thing? That's why." Her fist slid along his dick. "But I think you're ready now." She looked up at him through her lashes. "Aren't you?"

He hauled his shirt over his head. "Damn straight. Do your worst." He had no doubt her worst would be his best ever experience.

Nina lowered to her knees. "This is to take the edge off." She glanced upward. "Hope you're not a one and done kind of guy." She didn't wait for a response before she closed her lips around the tip of his cock and sucked hard.

Geez. Her sassy mouth? Did wicked, wonderful things to his erection.

Mace reached down and cupped her face. "Hold up. Let's get a little more comfortable." He crouched down then lay flat on the plush carpet. "Move around here, Nina. I'm a mutual satisfaction kind of guy."

She made a low, raspy sound. "Ahh, Mace. You're full of surprises." She straddled his torso, bracing her knees on either side then leaned forward to engulf him again.

Mace grasped her thighs and his tongue delved between her folds. Fuuucckkk. She tastes great. He could feast on her for days.

The sages went a little hot on this one. Mace and Nina are so much fun.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippets: Photo Ops

Ugh. Another week of crazy back and forth weather. We went from sixty-two degrees on Thursday to twenty-five on Friday. Every time I took the dog out starting on Thursday evening, I added a layer of clothes. And… I now have a raging upper respiratory ick thing. LOL Never fails.

Not a bad week for television. I caught the premiere of Strike Back and loved it. One of my favorite actors is starring this season and I'm very excited to see what he does on the show. I'm also kind of caught between the old style with Stonebridge and Scott and the new style with Wyatt, Mac, and Gracie. The former cast had more time to build the relationship between the leads and I liked how that spread over the four seasons they helmed the series. The new cast feels like they had to skip a lot of the nuance and I kind of miss that. And none of this is to say they don't gel together, because they do.

Also caught an episode of Chicago Fire and ended up being an ugly-crying mess by the end. Benny's sendoff didn't disappoint. I tend to get very emotional over signing off a fallen firefighter. With a retired fire chief dad who's still active with a volunteer department, those things hit home for me.

I'm almost finished with Luke Cage's second and final season. I'm pretty sure I'll be satisfied if Mariah goes down hard. I'd like Luke to have a resolution with his anger issues too and I think he's come a long way. Misty is just awesome no matter what so there's that.

Also caught Classic Roswell on a different app where I can watch single episodes. I'm looking forward to comparing the new reboot with the classic series.

Caught a few episodes of Classic Who this week and the Daleks are back, creating trouble as usual. I love how long this Whovian villain has been around.

Watched Murdoch Mysteries and Midsomer Murders. I love both of these series and how long they've been running.

Penny Dreadful had an interesting episode with Vanessa meeting the cut wife. The icky witch woman annoys me in ways I can't begin to describe. I do love Ethan and Vanessa's interactions so watching the creepy woman be evil is a small price to pay I guess.

Finally finishing up season four of Killjoys and, man, the "It Takes a Pillage" episode rocked on so many levels. Great character development and growth, a family reunion, betrayal, and Zeph being awesome. Can't ask for more than that.

Worked in another episode of Painkiller Jane, one I don't remember watching during the original run of the series. The show makes me nostalgic for La Femme Nikita and Mutant X. I miss the crazy creative style of that era of television.

Also started another episode of Underbelly: Razor. I'm about halfway through the series and continue to enjoy watching life in Australia during the twenties and thirties.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of writing a scene or a story around a main character reluctantly participating in a photo shoot. I added a small spin and set the story up for both characters being in front of the camera.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photo shoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

Mace swung his leg over the motorcycle and settled on the seat. "Long ass shift deserves a nice cold brew." Pop's Joint served for another hour.

A female voice called out, "Detective McKenna? Mace? Can I get a moment?" Her feet appeared first from a black SUV.

Long boots, black with white laces and chunky soles. Perfect for the shitty weather in March. Her fingers wrapped around the door frame, multiple rings on each digit. Finally, her head popped up and a smiling face greeted him.

She nudged the door shut and strode across the parking garage. "I hope you don't mind, but Micha Lowe said I'd probably be able to find you here after shift." She tucked a streaky silver swath of hair behind her ear and thrust out her palm. "I'm Seely Osgood, the photographer for the charity calendar. The one city hall is hoping will boost morale." Her raised eyebrows indicated he should know what she meant.

He didn't have a clue in hell.

But if Micha Lowe had his nose up in the deal, Mace already hated the idea.

Shaking her hand, he rested on the seat, keeping the bike ready to start. "I'm sorry, Ms. Osgood, you've made a wasted trip. I'm coming off a long shift and really don't have time to talk about calendars." A niggle of guilt edged against his spine. "Can we maybe meet another time? It's after midnight and I'm done for." The cold beer all but called his name.

She winced and gave him an apologetic flash of a smile. "Yeah, I'm sorry about the time. I get a little excited when I start a new project and this one is, well, something I've been dying to do for ages." Spreading her hands, she continued. "But, you're right. It's late and I can give you the rundown on where the photo shoot will be at a later time." She turned to get back in her vehicle.

Mace frowned. "Photoshoot? What are you talking about?" He started the bike, revving the engine and wheeled closer to her.

She grinned. "The Officers of the City shoot. We're getting a large group of you primo specimens gathered to get pictures for the big event."

Mace shook his head. "Oh, no. I'm not interested in being on some calendar. I'll buy tickets to the fundraiser or whatever else, but, yeah, I have zero desire to waste a day or even a minute on being photographed." Micha would get his ass kicked the next time Mace ran into him.

Seely's face fell. "But Micha said you'd be available—" She stopped short. "Ugh, never mind. I can see you're not open to having a conversation about it." Ducking into the SUV, she started the engine. "I'm sorry I wasted your time." While she pulled out, her mouth moved, no doubt making a call to the commissioner's rep.

Mace sighed. "Headache for tomorrow. Right now, Pop's is looking even better." He eased into traffic, pushing the stupid photo shoot idea to the very back of his mind.

No way would he be stripping down for the entire city's amusement.

Not even for morale.

Poor Mace. He won't be happy when the headache for tomorrow hits him right between the eyes.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Photo Ops

September 25, 2016

New television started for me this week. Gotham kicked off with a pretty solid premiere. I like Gordon playing bounty hunter. He's definitely got enough escapees to keep him busy. Really interested in where things go with Bruce and OtherBruce (aka Dude Who Looks Like Bruce).

Missed the premiere of Agents of SHIELD, but I'll catch up before the second episode. Looking forward to seeing how the team moves ahead.

Caught the second half of Van Helsing and I'm in for now. My fear is this show will be similar to Hunters where the first few episodes were good but things unraveled from there.

MacGyver ended up being better than I expected. As one of my favorite early adult shows, the original will be hard to beat. Then again, if the updated vibe continues and darker themes are explored, I could get behind the new reboot. Fingers crossed.

Needed some lighter fare, so started Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries again. I'll get back to Strike Back soon. Can't leave Stonebridge and Scott hanging for too long. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a fun little romp prompted by a charity photo shoot idea.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photo shoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

"One final thing in closing. We need to do our part to keep morale up in the city."

Nina Dean snuck into the shift briefing and grabbed the closest seat to the exit. Mace McKenna stood at the podium, giving no indication he'd spotted her sliding in at the end of the daily rundown. Maybe she'd managed to stay off his radar for once.

"We've had a rough quarter. Major crime and the murder rates are up. Tensions are running high." Mace came out from behind the stand and stepped down off the dais. "Everyone, whether you work the beat, vice, major crime, homicide, or special response, needs to do their part to diffuse situations and rebuild communication. Trust doesn't come cheap. We all have to do our jobs and go above and beyond with problem solving." He pinned Nina with a scathing look. "That means making it to the morning briefings on time, right, Dean." A dark brow arched, daring her to refute the statement.

She sank down in the seat she occupied. "Right. Even if a commissioner's rep waylays us in the hallway, we need to be on time." She met Mace's gaze. "Won't happen again, Mace." Until it did, because it would.

He rolled his eyes. "I don't think any of us will hold our breath for that one, Dean." A round of laughter followed his verbal barb.

Nina took the insult in stride. "That's good. Wouldn't want anyone to die of suffocation." She almost always had a ready comeback for him.

Mace smirked. "Touche." He moved back behind the podium. "You're all dismissed."

Nina bolted up and made a beeline for the exit. The others followed, most carrying on conversations about how rough the day would be. She didn't disagree, but the commissioner's representative asked her to stop by as soon as the morning briefing ended and Nina didn't plan to be late for that meeting.

No way. The rep had been light on detail, but definitely caught her attention with two words.

Photo op.

If her friend Micha laid the groundwork like he'd said he would, she'd have a primo opportunity to put a feather in her cap.

And serve a little comeuppance to Mace in the process.

The back and forth of this one is so much fun to write!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Photo Ops

I kind of love this time of year. New shows are being buzzed about and my returning favorites are beginning to film their new seasons. My Tumblr dash is full of fun news and tidbits of information about the upcoming storylines. For me, it whets my appetite and makes me hungry for more. J

I'm watching The Last Ship as I type my post for the week and I sincerely hope it gets a second season. Oddly, it's one show I haven't heard anything about. Of course, my schedule blew up and I haven't had time to do my usual search for info. Here's hoping I have a little time this week to do a seek and find mission. J

Tonight's post is from Photo Ops, a novella where a very hot police fundraising calendar gets a couple together.

Here's the tagline:

When Mace McKenna decides not to participate in the annual Officers of the City charity calendar photo shoot, Nina Dean won't let up until he caves. But when Nina loses a bet and has to pose for the women's version, she soon discovers Mace is the orchestrator of the whole thing.

And a snippety peek…

Nina plopped down on the bench in the locker area. "Come on, Mace. It's just a towel. You wouldn't want to disappoint your dedicated fan base, now would you?" She smirked.

Her smug tone had him quickly answering. "Um, yeah. I have no problem with that." He dragged his T-shirt over his head and tucked it into his waistband.

Nina shook her head. "Should've known you'd go all stodgy and stick up your ass." She rolled her eyes. "Guess you don't practice what you preach, huh?"

He narrowed his eyes. She wanted to push his buttons and he shouldn't rise to the bait. He really shouldn't.

But he did anyway. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nina stood and slowly paced back and forth. "Morale is important. Keeping spirits up can save lives. Everyone has to do their part." She shot him a scathing look. "Does any of that sound familiar?" Her hands went to her hips and she quirked an eyebrow.

Well, shit. She had him. Word for word.

He sighed. "I hate you, Nina. I really do."

She made a triumphant sound. "But you'll be at the shoot tomorrow, bright and early, won't you?" She all but danced her way to the exit. "I'll call the studio and deliver the good news."

Mace called out. "You're enjoying this a little too much."

Her laughter rang out before the door closed behind her.

Mace let the quiet settle around him, the beginnings of a kick ass idea teasing his mind. "Nina… you're about to find out how much of a bitch payback is."

This one is a ton of fun to write. Nina is a hoot and Mace is super sneaky when he wants to be.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin