Sunday Snippet: Mixed Signals

Ahhh, The Last Ship makes me so very happy. And none of my favorites ended up dead in the last episode so there's that, too. I won't hold out too much hope for a death free episode tonight. Best to be prepared, right?

Killjoys came back with a bang. Gotta say I'm super happy to see it back on my screen. Here's hoping the whole season is as terrific as the premiere.

Dark Matter… eh, I was a little disappointed in the opener. That said, there are some interesting developments, especially given the ending. I'll reserve judgment before deciding if season two is a bust.

The finale for Wynonna Earp rocked. Fingers are still crossed for a second season. Some great seed were planted for future threads and I hope Syfy gives this show a chance.

Babylon 5 rewatch continues. I'm almost through the first season and so many little things I missed on the other viewings are popping up. I love when that happens.

Strike Back is also entertaining me with the same things happening. I catch small things I missed when I watched the first time.

That's it for TV this week. Hope everyone enjoys the fireworks shows if they like that kind of thing. Me? I'm happy watching them on what else… television. J

Tonight's post is from Mixed Signals, a novella where a friendly fire shooting has my couple revisiting their relationship.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Avery and Trigg, both undercover cops, can't keep their relationship going. Their work makes it hard to stay connected. When mixed signals results in Avery shooting Trigg in a friendly fire incident, she wants to set the record straight and maybe test the waters to pick up where they left off.

And a snippety peek…

Trigg closed his eyes and growled. "Probably not." His lids popped open and he met her gaze. "That's another reason you and me… a very bad idea." One his brain fought tooth and nail.

But his heart had armor-coated protection—especially against Avery. The one woman that had the power to raise him to the heights of ecstasy and send him to the depths of depravity, usually at the same time. Trigg didn't have the energy or the mental capacity to go a round with her right now.

He reached out, grasping her hand. "Look, I'm loaded down with pain meds and can't think straight at the moment." He squeezed her fingers. "Can we revisit this topic after I get sprung?" His thumb brushed over her palm.

Avery dragged her lower lip between her teeth, but nodded. "Sure. But I'd like to keep you company, if you don't mind. It's gotta be boring as hell in here." She slid her gaze to the side, almost shyly.

Trigg blinked, not quite certain the morphine drip hadn't caused a hallucination. Avery didn't do timid. Bold. Brash. Utterly daring. Yes. All of those. The change in temperament threw him and he kind of wanted to explore the new side she revealed.

Later. When he didn't feel like complete shit. But he could use the company.

He shifted his position and gave her a smile. "Having you stick around will definitely bust the boredom." A yawn escaped before he could prevent it. "But I gotta warn you. I drop off in the middle of conversations." He'd be happy when that didn't happen anymore.

Avery laughed. "Duly noted. I won't hold it against you." She dragged the chair close to his bed and settled onto the cushion.

Trigg leaned back and pressed the button to turn up the volume on the television. "I'm not fond of most of the crap that's on, but there's a terrific sci-fi show that starts in ten minutes." He glanced sideways. "You game?"

Avery gave him a slow grin. "As if you have to ask. And if it's the one I'm thinking of, I love it." She kicked her feet up on the lower edge of his mattress.

Trigg turned his attention back to the television. They'd always had a love for the same type of entertainment—action movies, science fiction fare, or creepy thrillers. The fact she continued to enjoy the same things comforted him.

And he could use the small measure of rightness the idea brought.

I love the whole idea of a couple who breaks up but can't let go because they're meant to be together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Harshing the Calm

Okay, not exactly a super strong week of viewing pleasure, but pretty good for the shows that were on.

The Walking Dead is amping up the tension and the group is going to take on Neegan. I hope the hype is worth it. He's apparently a BFD in the comics so I'm reserving judgment. I'd rather he not gobble up screen time from my fave characters.

Gotham returned with a terrific episode. I'm quite curious to see where they're going to end up taking Gordon. But I like that his squeaky clean armor is getting tarnished. The Magicians continues to intrigue me but I'm also wondering where things are going. There seems to be something of an overlying arc yet I can't quite figure out what it is. As always, Lost Girl and Bitten make me happy. I can't stress enough how much I'll miss both when they're gone.

Agent Carter ended with a terrific bang. I'll sadly miss the show if it doesn't return. That said, what a great two season arc.

Legends of Tomorrow surprised me again. I missed the first fifteen minutes but got caught up quickly. Looking forward to this week's episode.

Teen Wolf is coming together for the big battle. Looking forward to seeing how it ends. I also caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and have to say, I love this show so much. And that's it for this week's update.

Tonight's post is from Harshing the Calm, which started as a novella, but might end up being a novel instead. LOL

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gentry and Rayce have a volatile past, one they walk away from to start over. But old habits are hard to break and when their paths cross again, they discover they can repeat their mistakes, or change and grow into something so much better.

And a snippety peek…

Movement from the corner booth caught her attention and she narrowed her eyes, squinting to get a better look at the couple making goo-goo eyes at each other. Well, shit. Rayce Natchios. Just what she needed on an otherwise lovely evening. His female companion angled her head toward the front of the bar and Gentry rolled her eyes. Catie Walsh. Fresh-faced beat cop with stars in her eyes over big, bad Rayce, the top detective in major cases.

Could he have picked anyone younger to move on with?

An ugly jealousy burned in Gentry's gut. She didn't need or want Rayce. She'd moved on with Cal—her handsome and age-appropriate stud of a boyfriend—and Rayce obviously had his hooks into someone else. Or maybe she had hers into him?

Didn't matter. Gentry and Rayce were all wrong for each other.

Rayce said it best. "Vice detectives walked a slippery slope and you thrive on the ambiguity."

He preferred the more cut and dried pace of a major crime. No undercover work and procedures so much easier to follow. Gentry loved undercover assignments. Her exhibitionist side got off on role-playing.

Cal leaned in and whispered. "You've got that hot and hungry look in your eyes. You ready to head out so we can steam up the sheets?" He wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Gentry fought a kick of guilt. She'd had Rayce on the brain when Cal noticed her smoldering gaze. Gentry turned in to his side and tilted her chin, angling for a kiss. Cal obliged and smacked his lips over hers. She downed her beer, her mind spinning between being green with envy over Rayce and Catie and sputtering down the well of commitment, which Cal wanted her to make. Emboldened by the alcohol and hating the green-eyed monster nipping at her heels, she set her mug on the bar, climbed up on a stool, and gave a loud whistle.

All eyes were on her and she relished the attention. "Yo! Listen up. I have an announcement to make." She pointed to Cal, who braced a hand on her thigh, keeping her steady. "This man is my personal property, meaning hands-off or suffer the consequences." She gave Cal a wide smile.

His brows rose and his mouth dropped open, but he didn't speak. Instead, he helped her from the stool by reaching up and lifting her down, letting her slide along his body before planting a tongue-tangling kiss on her. Hoots and hollers sounded all around them. Gentry might live to regret the display, but Cal wanted a declaration of her feelings and a public claiming would be as close as she'd probably ever get to deep and abiding.

She glanced past Cal's shoulder and found Rayce's gaze directed her way. He raised his tumbler in a mocking toast then turned his attention back to Catie. Gentry squashed the small and petty flash of irritation seeping into her bones at being ignored. She and Rayce were through.

Her action tonight proved it.

Gentry might have to learn the definition of trying too hard. LOL Really enjoying this one a lot.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Breaking Ice

So… Mad Max: Fury Road? Kick ass movie. Seriously, an excellent two hours of viewing pleasure. And I'm from the generation that started the whole Mad Max franchise and this movie blows the original ones out of the water. Enough said.

Let's see… Teen Wolf. Can't really say much. I'm sort of waiting to see what happens. This season isn't holding my interest as much as I'd hoped, but I'll reserve judgment until I've seen more.

But my Friday night lineup is kicking everything into high gear. Defiance rocks. I'm always kind of stunned by how quickly the dynamic changes. Same goes with Killjoys. Only two episodes left before a break and I want more. I have a feeling this show will eat my brain in the off season. Not a bad thing. Dark Matter turned in a pretty decent episode, but I can honestly say I'd like tighter writing. First season world building aside, it would be nice to get a little more information on Two, since we've seen a fair amount on the others.

The Last Ship is a little over halfway through its second season and I can't wait to see how things start getting resolved. This is one of those shows I'm stuck between wanting more and being happy a season is short and sweet, leaving me time to savor the goodness before a new one starts. LOL

Tonight's post is from Breaking Ice, a sexy short where my characters work out some aggression on each other so they can start over.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bailee and Oakes have a long history of breaking each other's heart and leaving a long trail of personal drama everywhere they go. But they finally have a shot at being on the same page after going one on one in a charity sparring match, if they can trust themselves to get it right this time.

And a snippety preview…

"You don't get it Oakes. And we're through." Bailee Young made a wild gesture, knocking her beer off the table.

The bottle hit the floor and liquid shot out everywhere. Oakes got soaked, his shirt taking the brunt of the spray.

He rose. "Yeah, Bailee, we are. I'm taking the job in DC." He grabbed a handful of napkins, mopping up as much of the mess as he could. "You stay right here in Chicago and wallow in your misery." Turning on his heel, he stalked to the exit and left the bar.

Bailee fought back humiliating tears. She wouldn't cry, hated getting emotional in general and truly abhorred doing so over yet another breakup with Oakes. Their personal drama always heated up after she lost a match and she couldn't take any more turmoil right now. Good riddance to Oakes.

Slapping a twenty on the table, she flagged a server and nodded to the spilled beer. "I'm sorry for the mess…" Glancing up to see a dozen or so set of eyes on her, she continued. "And for creating a big scene." Shaking her head, she started for the door. "Show's over, people. Go back to having fun." Escaping into the cool night air, she leaned against the brick façade, heaving a sigh.

Dammit. Battling with Oakes over stupid shit and breaking up hadn't been her plan for the night. She needed to get a grip. What had they even fought over this time? She couldn't remember. Okay, she could. She'd lost a preliminary bout and would have to work her way back to being in contention for a spot on the pro circuit. Holding an amateur title didn't mean jack if she couldn't make the transition to the big time. Sponsorship would definitely ease her burden.

Between caring for her mother, building a clientele for her personal training business, and trying to pay off her student loans, she barely had time to get ready for the weekly cage matches she needed to win to stay afloat. Something had to give and her relationship with Oakes usually took the hit. No wonder she and Oakes kept doing the on again, off again dance.

Off again. For good this time.

I'm taking the job in DC.

Christ. A stab of guilt hit her hard. Had he mentioned an offer? She didn't remember talking about a possible move, but she'd been treading water lately, barely keeping her head above the surface. He could've said something and she totally blew it off.

No wonder he got frustrated with her.

She pushed away from the building and headed toward the parking lot. She could call him, maybe apologize and...

No. A clean break would be best for both. A long distance relationship wouldn't work. Not for her. And with Oakes gone, she'd have one less plate to keep spinning in the air.

Unlocking her car, she opened the door and slid behind the wheel. She rested her head on the steering wheel, a dull throb creeping along her temples. The urge to throw up nearly overwhelmed her, but she swallowed down the bile and started the vehicle.

A hot shower, some painkillers, and a solid eight would do wonders to improve her outlook. Pulling out into traffic, she headed for home.

And a lonely bed.

Break up scenes are always interesting and I rather enjoyed writing this one.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Harshing the Calm

June 30, 2013

Hello!

Holy crap. It's the last day of June and half the year is gone. How on earth did that happen? LOL I shouldn't complain. I've got green stuff growing in my tiny garden and the mild weather. Can't really ask for more. J

Tonight's post is from Harshing the Calm, a novella/novel featuring a couple who break up because they think they're toxic for each other, but find out maybe they just needed some room to grow. J

Here's the tagline:

Gentry and Rayce have a volatile past, one they walk away from to start over. But old habits are hard to break and when their paths cross again, they discover they can repeat their mistakes, or change and grow into something so much better.

And the snippety peek…

Gentry walked into the bar and immediately spotted Rayce. Dammit. Back two months and she couldn't stop from bumping into him. She really wished he'd stayed on the other side of the city. Their paths rarely crossed then.

Whatever. She wanted a drink and her favorite bartender, Bart, would be more than happy to keep them coming.

Heaving a sigh, she glared at the dispatcher sitting on 'her' barstool. He wisely got up and moved three places down.

Gentry eased up onto the stool and tapped the counter. Twice.

Bart's eyes widened. "Starting with a double, Detective? Must've been a shit day." He flipped over a glass and poured her brand of whiskey—neat, no ice.

Gentry rolled her eyes. "Wasn't until I walked in." She jerked her head toward Rayce's table. "My past is back to haunt me."

Bart lifted a brow. "And the hot, sweet thing locking lips with him? What's her role?"

Gentry whipped her head around. Son of a bitch. Sure enough, Catie the Cutie, had her mouth smacking all over Rayce. Gentry snorted. The perky beat cop looked like a teenager with her hair caught up in a ponytail full of bouncy curls. Swiftly facing forward, she drained the contents of her drink and nodded for another round.

Bart shook his head. "Better slow down, Detective. Might be a short walk to your place, but you have to be upright to get there."

Gentry shrugged. "Someone will make sure I get home."

Bart refilled her tumbler and his gaze followed the exit of someone through the main entrance. "Lips just left. Mr Used to Be is all alone." His head jerked toward Rayce. "Go. Park yourself in the empty chair at his table and I'll bring you the bottle."

Gentry frowned. "Why the hell would I want to do that?" No way would she get within three feet of Rayce.

Bart leaned in and spoke quietly. "Because I didn't put my bullet proof snark vest on tonight and you clearly need to vent your spleen." He glanced over her head. "He's a better target."

The man had a point. "Fine. But give me one to go."

Bart huffed out a breath, but poured more alcohol into her glass.

Gentry smirked and slid off the barstool. She made her way through the crowded bar and dropped down onto the empty chair at Rayce's table.

Lost in thought, he sent a startled glance in her direction then quickly schooled his features into an unreadable mask. "Gentry." He gave her a cool nod and clammed up.

Figured. They'd parted on bad terms and she'd had the last word. He would leave it up to her to open any conversation they'd have now.

She set her glass on the table and leaned back in the chair. "Rayce. Why are you here?" Bars weren't private property, but the place belonged to her, at least in her mind it did.

Rayce shrugged. "It's conveniently located close to work."

Gentry snorted. "And apparently a good place for public displays of affection."

Rayce frowned. "What are you talking about?" He paused. "Oh."

Gentry nodded. "Yeah. Probably better be more cautious, Rayce. I mean people know about you and Catie, but geez, between the age difference and your status as a detective, it could harm her career."

Rayce settled against the back rest and crossed his arms over his chest. "Gentry, you don't get to comment on my social life anymore. You made that perfectly clear when you announced Cal Brynley was your personal property and everyone needed to keep their hands off." He jabbed a finger in her direction. "You don't have a right to say anything about my relationships or who I sleep with. Not anymore."

Gentry quirked a brow. "Wow. How quaint. Defending your woman's honor." She leaned forward, propping her elbows on the table. "She's a beat cop, Rayce. She can protect herself."

Rayce snarled. "It's not about protection. It's about you stirring the shit pot." He moved forward, invading her personal space. "I mean what the hell was that personal property thing, Gentry? Your way of making the minor league ball player feel worthy to be in your presence?"

Ouch. That stung. Mainly because truth laced his words.

Her shoulders slumped. "Yeah, not my best moment." She met Rayce's gaze. "Look, I heard about you and Catie, and I wanted something, I don't know, to call mine." Okay, coming clean didn't make the world implode.

Rayce studied her a moment, probably trying to gauge the honesty of her words. "Gentry, sometimes you're your own worst enemy." He leaned back again. "And for your information, my status with Catie is of the former variety. Pretty much for the reasons you listed."

Her eyes widened. "Wait, what? Why the lip-lock when she left?"

Rayce chuckled. "You know, she might be seven years younger, but she has a maturity you have yet to achieve." He lifted a shoulder. "She noticed you walk in and gave me a kiss for luck." His brows knit. "Not sure why. She knows you're with Brynley."

Gentry made a quick decision to go with the whole truth. "Yeah, well, not so sure about that." She shrugged. "Cal got traded to another team and has to move. We're not sure about trying to do the long distance deal."

Rayce, to his credit, nodded. "That's a tough call. You can't just hop a plane to visit, not with your schedule. And it's a long time until the off season."

She didn't have a witty comeback, or even a snarky one. Rayce's unexpected empathy tilted her perspective sideways. An awkward, on her end, silence stretched out between them. Until Bart brought the promised bottle of whiskey.

He nudged her shoulder. "I put it on your tab. Don't be stingy. Make sure you share." With a quick salute to Rayce, Bart turned and headed back to the bar.

Gentry refilled her glass and lifted a questioning brow. "Any objections to helping me drink this?"

Rayce narrowed his gaze, pondering a moment. "None that I can think of at the moment." He took the alcohol and topped off his tumbler.

Raising his glass, he gave a silent toast and drained the contents. Gentry relaxed and decided to go with the flow. He'd made an effort and she could do the same.

Who knew where it might lead.

And it definitely leads somewhere, just not to a place Gentry expected. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin