Cover Reveal: Busted in Bubbles

Hi!!

Okay, as mentioned in yesterday's post, I received the cover art for Busted in Bubbles, out July 6 from Silver Publishing.

*drumroll*

And here it is!!

Busted in Bubbles | Silver Publishing

Silver uses a series of four standardized covers for the Sparkle releases and I chose the one I liked the best. Considering the title is about bubbles, I think the water theme works well. J

Buy link is under the image. Available for pre-sale. (Or will be soon. J)

I'm so excited!!!

All for now,

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going Native

June 9, 2013

Hello!

Had a very busy weekend editing and writing, and also working the day job. I also got the cover art for my July 6 release…expect a post this week with the reveal. :D YAY!!

Tonight's post is from Going Native, a short story about guy who finds what he wants in a most unexpected location. :D

Here's the tagline:

Workaholic Adam Beaubier is vacationing with his girlfriend. It's a last ditch effort to make their relationship work and it turns into an epic failure. Adam decides going native might be just the thing he needs and Zerrin Kord, a helicopter tour pilot, will make an excellent guide.

And here's the snippety peek…

"He's not gonna show."

The inky dawn didn't dispel the balmy wind, blowing in off the ocean. Zerri sat in her chopper, drinking the strongest coffee on the island, brewed especially for her. A second cup rested in the seat next to her. The sun peeked up from the horizon and Zerri sighed. She should've known the hot lawyer wouldn't break from his stodgy mold.

"I told you, Dad."

She drained her cup and grabbed the second one, lifting the lid and tossing it in the trash bin. Bringing the cup to her mouth, she blew across the top, pushing the steam away. Her eyes widened. Okay, maybe she'd been wrong. She leaned out the door, making sure she hadn't imagined him. Nope. Adam stood on the edge of the beach, still in last night's suit, the jacket slung over his shoulder and his shirt sleeves rolled up.

She swung out of the pilot's seat and made her way to his side, handing the hot coffee over. Adam took a long gulp and smiled.

Zerri's lips turned up. "Looked like you could use it."

Adam nodded. "Yeah, been up all night." His tone sounded weary.

Zerri slid her gaze sideways. "Doesn't look like for fun."

Adam sighed. "No, not fun. But necessary." He turned and started toward the chopper.

Zerri scrambled and fell into step beside him, staying silent.

Adam reached the nose of the copter and turned. "I abhor break up scenes and Gina thrives on them. Spent the last eight hours listing all the reasons we'd never work and she countered each one."

Zerri nodded, but said nothing.

"Except the last one. She couldn't find an argument for that one." Adam's lips quirked.

Zerri lifted a brow. "Sounds like she should have been the legal eagle."

Adam chuckled. "You make a good point."

Zerri had to know. "What finally shut her down?"

Adam huffed out a breath and met her gaze. "A hot blonde who flies helicopters for a living."

Zerri laughed long and loud. "Oh, my God. You didn't really say that, did you?"

Adam shrugged.

Zerri sobered. "Holy shit. You did." She cocked her head. "What did she do?"

Adam leaned against the bird. "Stomped around the suite, threw her clothes in a suitcase, and asked me to drive her to the airport." He took another gulp of the coffee. "I just got back."

Zerri grabbed the cup from his hands. "Wow. What's your next move?"

Adam met her gaze. "First, I have a date with this really incredible woman, if she doesn't mind getting started a little late."

Zerri raised the tumbler to her lips and drank before answering. "I think she might be okay with that."

Adam grasped her hips and tugged her forward. "You just made my day." His voice dropped low. "And if you give me time to grab a shower, change, and call in to my firm, you might just make my entire week."

A whole week? The thought didn't make her stomach turn. In fact, it made her go hot with desire.

"You really wanna spend more time with me?" When did her voice go raspy? "What about your work?"

Adam nodded. "I've earned a break. And a day isn't gonna be enough to do the thorough exploration I have in mind."

Zerri shuddered. "God, yes." She leaned forward and snagged his mouth with hers.

The kiss turned heated and before she realized it, she had Adam's shirt unbuttoned and her hands made contact with the smooth, solid surface of his chest. She loved the feel of his skin, the play of muscle under her fingertips. The urge to go lower and work his belt loose hit her hard.

Adam cupped her face, breaking the kiss, and easing back. "Uh, not that I want to stop, but unless you want to put on a public show, we kind of have to."

Zerri chuckled. "Um, yeah. You're right." She turned and laced her fingers with his. "My place is two blocks over… closer than your hotel. We can have your stuff sent over."

Adam swept his arm outward. "Lead the way. Maybe we can take that predawn tour tomorrow?"

Zerri's lips curved. "Depends on how much sleep we get after your thorough exploration."

Adam laughed. "Have I mentioned I love the way you think?" He tilted his head and gazed in her direction.

Exactly the way she wanted a man to look at her.

A warm sense of rightness settled over Zerri. "Not yet. But keep talking, counselor, I'll let you know if you start repeating yourself."

Adam let go of her hand and slid an arm around her waist. "Let's begin the adventure, then."

Zerri started toward her small bungalow, looking forward to whatever happened next.

I always find 'change in the wind' stories fun to read and write. This is a little challenging, but so far Zerri is keeping me on the right track. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Hi!

Last night I watched the best season finale of a show that I've seen in a long, long, time. Orphan Black is a total mind-bending freaky fun fest. And it hit every right note with every episode. Spring of 2014 is sooooo far away. LOL

Tonight's post is from the short story, Going All Out and is centered on Lance and Xola and their first official date. They've been friends for a long time, but have buttloads of sexual tension and finally decide to find out how they'd mesh together.

Here's the tagline:

Lance and Xola work together and have a solid friendship, but there's always a little something more between them. Lance proposes a date, something other than a movie or grabbing a bite to eat at the same time. Xola accepts and the fun—and nervous tension—begins.

And the snippety peek…

Lance propped a shoulder against the jamb. "Why not, Xola? Have a date night. The real deal kind of thing."

Xola tilted her head to the side. "Why?" She straightened and stalked across the room. "I mean, I get it. We always seem to teeter on the edge of something but never quite cross the line."

Lance folded his arms across his chest. "Exactly. We can keep going with the status quo, or…take a shot at that something."

Xola hesitated, but only for a moment. "Okay. But we better not let a date ruin a perfectly good thing."

Lance grinned. "We won't. Tonight at seven. Be ready."

Xola frowned. "Shit. For what? What're we going to do on this date night thing?"

Lance pondered. He hadn't planned anything—mainly because he didn't know if she'd accept.

But he wanted to go all out and have a night they wouldn't forget. "Wear something special. Nothing formal or anything, but think dinner and dancing maybe."

Xola grumbled. "I can't dance for crap, Lance. But okay." She cracked a grin. "It'll be cool to see you in something other than your uniform or workout clothes."

Lance agreed. "Feeling's mutual. Not that your ass doesn’t look great in yoga pants."

Her laughter pealed through the room. "You definitely got bonus points for that. I'll be ready at seven." She gave him quick wave and exited the common area.

Lance didn't have to look in the mirror to see the stupid grin on his face. It slowly faded when he realized she'd agreed to an out and out date. Holy shit. He had no clue where to even begin with the planning.

A quick glance at the clock and his stomach dropped. Three p.m. He'd better head home and get busy.

This one is so much fun to write. Once they agree to a date, Lance and Xola pretty much freak themselves out over it. I can't wait for everyone to see how they end up spending the evening. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Glutton for Punishment

May 26, 2013

Hi!

Post is going up a little late tonight, mainly because the show Orphan Black has been eating my brain. Only one more episode left before a hiatus and I'm already gearing up to have at least one full rewatch to catch any and all nuances I might have missed. :D

Tonight's post is from Glutton for Punishment and the main hero reminds me a little of Paul from Orphan Black. He's got a very Mr. Nice Guy demeanor until he's pushed a little too far and when he lays it on the line, he's not afraid to cross the boundaries of propriety. J

Here's the tagline:

Willa and Karl have issues. She acts out to keep him at bay and he finally calls her on the destructive behavior, stepping into the ring so she can work out her aggression. A glutton for punishment, Karl pushes Willa into making a choice between risking her heart or losing him for good.

And here's the snippety peek…

The door to the gym swung open and Willa turned, expecting to see Harvey. Her eyes narrowed when Karl walked in instead.

He threw his duffel bag in front of a weight bench, sat down, and unzipped it. Reaching in, he pulled out a roll of tape.

Oh, hell no. Willa cocked her head. "What the hell, Karl. Where's Harv?"

Karl didn't look up from his task of unrolling a long strip of tape and tearing it off with his teeth before tossing the roll back into the bag. "Harvey couldn't make it. I volunteered to come in his place."

Willa snorted. "God, you're a glutton for punishment, aren't you?" He did not wanna go a round with her right now. Hell, part of the reason she needed to get rid of some tension had to do with him.

Karl shrugged. "Not really. I just think you need to do something constructive instead of destructive." He glanced up. "For a change."

MmHmm. Willa shot back. "Wailing on you is constructive?"

Karl's jaw tensed, but he hopped up and down, rolling his shoulders. "I don't know, Wills. Let's find out."

I know, not a lot to go on, but hopefully a tantalizing morsel to whet the appetite. This is short story and will hopefully be in the to-be-finished stack ASAP. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Killing Time

Hello!

I have to take a moment to rave about one of my favorite shows currently on television: Orphan Black. Seriously, I can't say enough about the great writing, acting, and pacing of this wonderful series. It's just so damned awesome and never goes where I think it will, which I LOVE. :D

Anyway, tonight's post is from, Killing Time, a short sexy story about how to keep a stakeout interesting, especially when sexual tension comes into play.

Here's the tagline:

Landry comes up with a great idea to kill time while on a stakeout with her hot co-worker. Her biggest challenge? Getting Thryn to participate in a lively game of truth or strip.

And here's a snippety peek…

Landry yawned for the zillionth time since the beginning of shift. Five hours to go. She decided the time had come to bring out her deck of cards. The boredom gnawed her insides to the point of madness, and Thryn had to be ready for something to pull him away from the book he'd brought.

She reached around and dug her deck out of her back pocket. "Wanna play truth or strip?" She waved the cards back and forth.

Thryn glanced up, a brow lifting in question. "Don't you mean truth or dare?" He marked the place in his book and laid it aside.

Landry snorted. "No, Thryn. What the hell can we dare each other to do in the back of this stupid box…on a stakeout…" She tilted her head sideways. "Unless you want to paint my toenails. I could use a pedicure."

Thryn frowned. "Um yeah, I don't think so." He snagged the deck and shuffled. "How do you see this going?"

A slow smile spread across her face. She maneuvered around him and double locked the doors. They absolutely didn't need an unexpected audience.

Grabbing the cards, she started a deal. "The rules are simple. We play a hand and the loser has to tell a truth or remove an item of clothing."

Thryn picked up his hand. "What if I don't want to answer after you ask a question?"

A slow smile spread across her face. "Then you drop trou…or whatever you have left."

Thryn made a quick rearrangement. "And if I answer everything?"

Landry shook her head back and forth. "Oh, no. You only get to do two truths in a row. Gotta keep things interesting.

Thryn met her gaze and pondered a moment. "Deal."

Landyr's face lit up. "This is gonna be so much fun."

Thryn's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, why is that?"

Landry scooped up her hand and chuckled. "Because I don't plan on losing."

So far, this has been loads of fun to set up, plot, and write. I can't wait to see how it all comes together.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Curiosity Kills It

Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome moms out there!

If I'd been thinking, I would have planned something featuring a mother/child dynamic, but sadly, I didn’t plan ahead. It's been a busy couple of weeks, what can I say? LOL

Tonight's post is from Curiosity Kills It, a novella length manuscript centered on one of my favorite tropes: opposites attract. Pagan and Chuck don't get why they're hot for each other, but they are. LOL And they'll attempt to set some ground rules when they explore their options, which slides right into another one of my favorite tropes…rules are made to be broken. :D

Tagline:

Pagan and Chuck push each other's buttons…and not in a good way. But Pagan has a moment of clarity when she spies Chuck in the shower—they argue so much because they fight a powerful attraction. Getting together may not be the answer, especially since they work for the same company, but Pagan's curiosity gets the better of her and she has to find out.

And the snippety peek…

Pagan moved in close to Chuck. "Kiss me."

He blinked. "What?" His head shook back and forth, wondering if he'd heard correctly.

She would have laughed over catching him so completely off guard if finding out didn't rank so high on her list. She needed to discover whether the insane attraction she'd developed would be a flash and burn thing or possibly a slow simmer waiting to boil over into something kick ass awesome.

She glanced sideways, making sure they still had privacy. "Just go with me here, okay?" Her gaze met his. "Kiss me."

Chuck narrowed his eyes a moment, frowned then shrugged. He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. The first contact and warm press of skin against skin slid into another embrace and went from zero to hot in a millisecond. Scorching, even. Pagan melted against him, fisting her hands in his T-shirt, glad to have something to hang onto. Her mouth opened and his tongue delved inside, teasing and tempting her to go for more. Good Lord, the man kissed like he did everything else, with a methodical thoroughness that usually drove her mad. Only she liked the quick burst of tingly awareness coursing through her. A little too much. If she didn't stop, she'd have him stripped, naked, and buried inside her, public display be damned.

She eased back slowly, wanting to drag the kiss out as long as possible then gasped for air when Chuck abruptly pulled away.

A myriad of emotions played across his face. Wonder, confusion, wariness, and thank the universe, he couldn't quite hide the spark of arousal in his eyes.

His tongue shot out, swiping over his lips. "Geez, Pagan. What the hell was that all about?" His hands grasped her shoulders, moving her back a little more.

Shit. He would have to ask. And she had no clue how to answer. Laugh it off? Go snarky and flippant? Or…tell the truth?

Still heady from the kiss, she opted for honesty. "Nothing. And everything." She lifted a shoulder. "I had to know, you know?"

His eyes widened. "Uh, no. I really don't, Pagan." His hands slid down her arms then dropped to his sides. "Look, I'm not averse to locking lips, but you hate me. And honestly? You're not my favorite person on the planet, either." He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "So yeah, explain. Now." His stance widened and he set his jaw.

Okay, they weren't best friends. Who cared when the chemistry soared into the stratosphere? And why the hell put a label on it?

She didn't want to delve too deeply. "Would if I could." Her gut tightened and desire coiled again. "We've got our issues, but you can't deny that kiss didn't rock your world." If he tried she'd punch him in the stomach.

He inclined his head slightly. "Didn't plan to. But so what? Soft lips and curves will rock just about any guy's world."

Damned man. "Bullshit. Think about it, Chuck. If a kiss between us is that hot…" Her hand trailed down his chest until her fingers played at the waist band of his jeans. "Imagine how incredible the sex would be." She'd wisely leave it there.

He liked to mull things over. Why not give him time to ponder a steamy romp? Backing up, she tugged the top button of his jeans loose. With a saucy grin, she turned around and headed back to the crowed picnic area.

Poor Chuck. He'll have to take a moment or two to catch up before he can track Pagan down and return the favor. :D

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Five Minutes

May 5, 2013

Hello!

I spent the entire day out in the gorgeous weather! Seriously, it's so great to have an actual spring season. Usually it seems like we go from really crisp and cold to horribly hot and humid within a twenty-four hour period. Mild temps and lovely breezes are made of awesome. :D

I'm spending my night with Stonebridge and Scott from Strike Back. Two more episodes of the third season and I get to play the waiting game for the fourth. Maybe I'll have to rewatch the episodes a couple of times to make the wait more bearable. :D And hey, there're two more eps of Arrow, so there's that. J

Tonight's post is from Five Minutes, a short story centered around how much can be gained or lost in a very brief span of time. Is it worth the risk? Remy and Eli will find out. J

Here's the tagline:

Remy Deeds never welches on a bet, until she lost to Eli Rogers, who can't understand why she backs out. But a five minute kiss, with tongue, isn't something she wants to risk, because giving up her last pack of coffee is so much easier than possibly losing her heart.

Here's a snippety peek…

"I already told you, I'm not going to do it." Remy flopped down on the cot and did her best to ignore Eli.

Eli stalked over to her locker and yanked it open. "I want the coffee then." He stood back and swept his arm toward the messy confines. "Now."

Remy sat up, swinging her feet over the edge of the thin mattress. "Seriously. You're going to make me give up the coffee?" The damned man knew she'd go off the deep end if she didn't have her daily fix of caffeine.

Eli shrugged. "You could always do what Harry suggested the first time. It is what you agreed to." He crossed his arms in front of him and lifted a brow.

Damn, damn, damn. How could she explain why kissing the team leader, with tongue, for five minutes…in front of everyone, would prove to be the worst of the worst ideas? Straight up fact? She couldn't. Not if she didn't want the entire group to know how much she had the hots for him.

She jerked her head back and forth. "Um no. That's not gonna happen." She refused to say more.

Eli didn't push to find out why. "Then hand it over. You reneged, you forfeit what I want." His head angled toward the open locker.

"Fine." Remy got up and rifled through the contents, slapping the bag of coffee into his palm when she found it. "Take it."

Eli turned and started out, but stopped before he reached the door. "No, I want a reason. Would kissing me really bug you that much?"

Remy frowned. "Didn't say that, did I?" She busied her hands, pulling items out of the messy locker and putting them back in.

Eli pushed. "Then what the hell is it, Remy? You obviously don't want to give this up." He waved the bag back and forth.

She shrugged. "Whatever, it's no big deal. Just take it." She turned around and grimaced.

What an idiot. Her utter need for caffeine made it a big deal. And Eli would absolutely clue in on her verbal misstep.

Eli scoffed. "It's not a big deal? I'm not stupid, Rem. You're giving up your morning fix for what? A kiss, Remy. A kiss." He emphasized the last word.

She felt small and petty. He would consider her behavior juvenile.

Time to come clean.

Remy spoke quietly. "No, Eli. It's not. It's five minutes, with tongue. That's not just a kiss."

The light went on. "Ah." He inclined his head, getting it.

She snorted. "Yeah, ah. You get it now." She hated making the admission.

He cocked his head. "You're worried it'll get too heated, yeah?" He set the bag of coffee on the nightstand.

She gave a jerky nod. "Among other things." Shit. She needed to shut up. Now.

Remy sank down onto the cot and zipped her lips.

Eli dropped down next to her. "Now I'm curious. What other things, Remy." His voice rasped and he cleared his throat.

Remy pulled her legs up and swiveled around, leaning back. "Shut up, Eli. And take your coffee with you."

His lips quirked. "I don't think so. You have to do better than that, Remy."

If all goes well, the entire short story will take place in the one area and be tightly focused on the emotional back and forth between the characters. J

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin