Sunday Snippet: Healthy Appetite

Another busy week in the books and I'm gearing up for a chaotic ride for the upcoming one. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday and, frankly, I'm not excited. But at least it'll be done and over early in the week.

Ohio is still doing the back and forth weather stuff. At least it's not a wild fluctuation. More like fifties one day, high thirties the next. I'm not complaining because it's time for the cool down and I like chillier weather.

I have a slow start to my work week because of the colonoscopy, but I have a full of projects. A copy edit and a design proofread are underway and I should have another copy edit sliding in by midweek. I also have an author Zoom session either Tuesday or Wednesday. I very much enjoy the variety of projects I'm working on. I'm also looking forward to a possible collaboration on a fun idea with a few colleagues sometime soon.

Had an okay viewing week. I had time to hit the back burner shows but found I needed a break. My focus slipped by the weekend and I ended up keeping them on simmer for now.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Season three is kind of a wild ride and I waffle between enjoying having Phryne's dad causing problems and wishing we had more episodes without him.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's one I remember from my first run through of the series. The acting is top notch throughout from beginning to end.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. I love Martha and Humphrey with their foster daughter. Kind of bummed Esther decided to break things off with Archie. Hopefully, that's a red herring.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I don't have any memories of watching this one before and I always love how terrible Hastings is at Miss Lemon's filing system.

Elementary ended up being excellent. I like Joan trying to navigate having a half-sister. The case also proved interesting. And definitely a little scary.

Caught the season three opener of Batman Beyond. Always fun to see the Royal Flush gang. I'd forgotten how this one ended and I enjoyed it.

Also watched an episode of Lower Decks. I'm very much enjoying how many easter eggs are in this show. Lots of fun!

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Healthy Appetite, a novella that brings a couple together when each is at a crossroad.

Here's the miniblurb:

Thad Nightingale meets Kailey Dent during a weeklong getaway and finds her approach to life refreshing. Not only does she eat with gusto, she has a thirst for adventure that leaves Thad hungry for more.

And a snippety peek…

While Kailey hiked on the range, Thad tracked Talon down in his room.

Talon's eyes widened then narrowed when he opened the door. "My sister's not here, man."

Thad's lips quirked. "I know. She's trying out a new line of snowshoes." He lifted his chin. "You got a minute?"

Talon opened the space a little wider, letting Thad enter the room. Talon took a seat on the sofa lining the wall. He kicked his feet out and crossed his arms over his chest.

Thad resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He wanted the conversation to go well.

He sat on the side chair. "Has Kailey mentioned the business proposition I talked to her about?" She said she had, but he needed an opener.

Talon jerked his head back. "Yep." One word … nothing else.

Thad bit back a sigh. "Look, I know you don't like me, but I really want this to work out with your sister." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "You asked me what my intentions were? Well, I wouldn't mind having a future with her." He let the words sit for a moment, studying Talon's nonexpressive face. "I know, right? We've known each other less than a minute, and I'm talking about tomorrow and the day after that and a month after that. You get the picture." He straightened. "That said, I don't blame her for being cautious. Once burned, lesson learned." Which made him want to prove she could rely on him.

Talon snorted. "You know her better than you think. Took you less than a week to figure everything out. That dick, Frank, hasn't got a clue well over two years later. All he does is trash my sister to anyone who'll listen. And his lame-ass cousin is no better." He kicked back. "And I've got no problem with you. I gave you shit because Kailey asked me to not let her do anything stupid. Because of the Riches." He rolled a shoulder. "She succeeds in spite of them. And believe me, it pisses them off to no end that she's built a huge following and pretty much ignores both of them because she doesn't need or want their influence." His mouth twisted in a wry grin. "I actually think you're all right."

Thad huffed out a breath. "Good to know. I seriously didn't want to tangle with you over Kailey." At least one hurdle no longer existed.

Talon smirked. "But you would have, wouldn't you?"

Thad jerked his chin. "Damn straight." Because, for one in his life, he didn't need to know exactly what his next step would be.

Talon folded his arms over his chest again. "Then I think I have an answer to your challenge. Start small. Add layers as needed." He flung an arm out. "Go adventuring, see if the relationship works. Then launch the business."

Thad latched on to the line of thinking and liked the possible solution. "Right. It'll take time for development, market testing, and feedback on the experience. By the time the sites are ready to launch—"

Talon nodded. "You two should know if you'll work or not." He got up and spread his arms. "And the mountain will never be the same."

Thad stood. "For better or worse." He huffed out breath.

Talon flashed a smile. "My guess is better. You've got a solid idea." He thrust his hand forward.

Thad clasped Talon's palm. "Thank. I hope so." He went to pull away.

But Talon grasped Thad's hand tighter. "Keep this in mind. Because of my sister, I know every inch of this mountain. If you hurt her, I'll bury you on the range and they'll never find you. Just saying." His eyebrows arched to take some of the heat out of the warning.

Thad's lips twitched. "Duly noted." But he had zero plans to ever do anything but make Kailey happy.

I have a lot of love for this story. Kailey and Thad are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Weathering the Storm

December 15, 2019

There's nothing quite like hitting the third week of December and realizing less than half my holiday shopping is complete. I need about five more hours each day to get everything finished up. Something tells me I'm not going to see that extra time.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Caught an episode of Riverdale and, wow, I'm seriously impressed with how the relationship with Betty and Alice is being portrayed. I'm on the fence with the Hal stuff. Was completely thrilled I didn't have any Hiram to deal with and loved the father / son stuff between FP and Jughead and Archie and Fred. It's so bittersweet to watch Luke Perry's scenes.

Caught another arc of Sapphire and Steel. I should be getting ready to start the third season next week.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Really not sure what to make of the neighbor interaction. My gut says the wife is probably some type of murderer. We'll see if I'm proven right. I have a vague idea of who I think she'll end up taking out if she is.

Also watch an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Enjoyed seeing a family member added to the fold. Loved Nora's mama bear protection instincts.

Also caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Very happy this has another season coming up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I also dived deep into the holiday music on a couple of days. Tonight's post is from Weathering the Storm, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gabby Carns and Tim Appleby live in a remote, mountainous region. When the weather report warns of massive snow fall, the couple prepares for the coming blizzard. But instead of being fearful, they're looking forward to the alone time—nothing brings out the steamy romance like a plunge in the temperature.

And a snippety peek…

Gabby checked her list, adding a few items. "Might as well grab some popcorn while I'm out anyway." Tim had an old-fashioned fireplace popper in his workroom.

She made up a couple of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, wrinkling her nose. Tim loved them, but she'd rather have peanut butter and apple, preferably grilled on the stove.

Grabbing her list, she bundled up and went outside, standing on the porch to watch Tim for a few moments. She loved the controlled strength he used to swing the ax, splitting the wood into manageable logs. The same he used to make her body sing under his fingertips.

She stepped out into the yard. "I'm ready to head out. Need me to get anything?" Tightening her scarf, she shivered when the chilly wind hit her from the side.

Tim glanced up then put the ax into a piece of wood. "Let me grab the empty fuel cans." He ducked around the side of the cabin and returned with two ten-gallon canisters.

Skin brushed against skin when he handed them over, shooting a thrill through Gabby.

Tim dropped a kiss on her nose. "Drive safe." He went back to the woodpile and grabbed the ax again. "I want you home in one piece."

She gave him a waggle-fingered wave and stowed the containers in the back of the truck.

The first small flurries drifted down when she slid behind the wheel of the SUV.

She lifted her gaze to the sky as she drove down the drive to the road. "Something wicked this way comes." Angry gray clouds filled the wintry slate blue sky.

Pulling out onto the gravel-topped road, she tuned to the local weather station and cranked up the volume. The earlier report repeated, warning of heavy snowfall. The temperature outside hadn't dropped much, but the biting gusts of wind preceding the storm rocked the vehicle. She bumped the fan on the heater up a notch.

Gabby shook her head. "Gonna be crazy in town." Thankfully, she didn't need much and had an early start.

I love the idea of spending time during bad weather in a cozy cabin. Gabby and Tim are fun to explore the ideas with.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Underfoot

So far, October is a pretty good month. My daughter is on the homecoming court for the first time and is excited to participate in the annual parade coming up in a week or two. She'll be hosting her annual gathering next weekend and we've got a laundry list of stuff to get finished up before then.

Not a bad week for television. I started out with a Passionflix original, Brother's Honor and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I'm excited to see the other two movie's in this trilogy when they're available.

I also caught up on some Arrow, watching an episode from last season. I'll be a little behind when season eight premieres but I should be caught up soon.

Watched the first episode of Murdoch Mysteries's new season. This show is so much fun. I love the characters more each year.

For some reason, I missed the last two episodes of Frankie Drake Mysteries's second season. I got one episode watched and have the final one and the first three of this season to get caught up on.

I'm also catching up on Riverdale. I finished an episode and watched another full one. I haven't seen the premiere of season four yet, but I plan to have at least a full box of tissues handy when I do watch it.

I still haven't decided what I'll be picking up after Peter Gunn, but I'll be starting that this week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Underfoot, a novella that got a start from a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nona Rack, a footloose artist and Jane of all trades, breaks down beside reclusive author West Wentworth's house at two am during a blinding snowstorm. The cranky writer lets her stay, even though she's underfoot, and before he knows it, he's discovered a new muse.

And a snippety peek…

Nona stripped down to her long thermal leggings and henley-style shirt then made her way to one of the windows on either side of the bed. "Great. The snow's even worse now." Should be interesting trying to see the damage to her car in white-out conditions.

Especially if she couldn't get it running.

Or the weather raged on for more than a day.

Her lips twisted. "Won't that make Mr. Grumpypants less than happy?" Okay, maybe a little harsh. He seemed stressed-out more than cranky.

Pushing away from the window, she turned and let her artist's gaze survey the room. An abundance of leather furniture crowded the large space. Two walls were floor-to-ceiling bookcases, mostly reference and research tomes. She moved closer, running her fingers over the smooth wood of the shelves.

The tip of her index finger traced the carved design on the vertical dividers. "Nice work." Probably art deco and original to the house.

She turned on a lamp then flipped the overhead light off. A warm glow filled a corner of the room, giving a cozy vibe.

Making her way to the bed, she settled on the mattress. "Wonder what West does for a living?" Right. None of her business.

But he seemed familiar somehow. Eh… probably her imagination. Her curiosity always got her creative juices flowing.

Reaching for the blanket, she chuckled. "It figures. Meet a hot guy at two AM but end up in bed alone." Her eyes drifted shut but her mind whirled, focusing on the man somewhere down the hall. Tall but not towering, he had a long stride that made his ass flex under the jeans he wore. His T-shirt hugged his torso and stretched over broad shoulders. Whatever he did, he stayed fit. And, man, his face… Square jawline and high cheekbones her fingers itched to trace over—even with the day or two's worth of stubble.

She'd love to paint West. Preferably nude. After some really hot sex.

She growled. "Gah! Go to sleep, Nona."

There's something about inclement weather that makes a fun scenario for a setting. I love the little jolts Nona and West are feeling in this story.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin