Sunday Snippet: Harvest Haven (An Organic Nature short)

How did we get to the halfway mark of November already? See, the month is flying by again. At least I didn't have any illness or medical drama this week. LOL

I caught some television but not much. Watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm happy to have the opportunity to see how Leo and Harry were introduced. I originally started watching the show sometime around season nine, I think.

I also spent a fair amount of time catching up on laundry and watched a few episodes of Blue Heelers. The new guy is finally starting to grow on me.

I also caught my usual mystery shows on Ovation and did a brief dive into classic Perry Mason. I've been in the mood for mysteries lately.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is Harvest Haven, an Organic Nature sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The harvest season is a busy time for Eppie, but with their future set, she and Vin celebrate their life surrounded by family and friends. The couple takes the long weekend to recharge and bask in their brand of love.

And a snippety peek…

Vin ran his palm over the rustic chest he'd made for Eppie. "I think she's gonna love this." Unvarnished walnut, but smooth as silk, the gift would be part of set with a mirror, armoire, and bench.

He planned to finish the other items over the downtime during the colder months. The week spent with his crew gave them lots of time to brainstorm a brilliant idea. They were branching out to make custom furniture and setting up a co-op to share in the profits.

Greg Rhodes pulled out the ticking material fashioned into a huge gift bag. "She'll more than love the chest. She'll go nuts over it." He waved the material back and forth. "And this. I've been around long enough now to know she'll find at least a dozen ways to use this for Organic Nature."

Vin grinned. "Yeah, no doubt."

The ticking had been Dani's idea and Vin found some with blue and orange stripes. Emily pieced the yardage together and with a few simple snips, the bag could be used as a quilt. She'd added cotton batting to make sure the edges of the trunk were protected.

Greg lifted one end of the heavy wooden chest. "Let's get this covered and I'll load it in the truck."

Vin frowned. "You're gonna need some help. It's a two-person job."

Greg hand-waved. "Got it covered. You don't get to see your vehicle until we're ready to head over to Eppie's." His lips curved in a smirk.

Vin shook his head. "I'm gonna hate what you guys did, aren't I?" He slid the bag over, making sure it didn't catch on the legs.

Greg shot him an innocent look. "I make no claim on helping. I'm just the hall monitor here." He lifted the other end then took over, pulling the rust-colored calico drawstring closed.

Vin laughed. "Honestly, I don't care. As long as it gets me where I need to go." He'd waited a long time to celebrate finding Eppie and sharing their love with everyone they cared about.

Greg crossed over to the door and rapped twice.

It opened and Deke Malone stuck his head in. "Is it ready?"

Greg nodded and Deke entered with Mark Barnett. They picked up the chest and carried it out. Both men made a show of almost dropping it when they crossed the threshold. The whole week had been filled with that kind of fun. Vin wouldn't trade it for anything, even though he originally hated the idea.

Greg quickly shut the door behind them then jerked his head toward the entrance to the house. "Time to get moving. You gotta go first so there's plenty of time for the anticipation to build and the nerves to kick in." He waggled his eyebrows.

Vin rolled his eyes. "I'm not gonna be nervous. As long as Eppie is in that grove when I get there, I'm more than ready." He slapped Greg on the shoulder.

Greg tsked. "Whatever you say, man. I'll check back and see if you feel the same way about five minutes before we leave."

His laughter followed Vin into the house.

This series of sexy shorts is such a joy to write. I'm excited to dive back into it and hopefully get rolling on monthly releases.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

 

Sunday Snippet: Harshing the Calm

Yikes. What a week. We have a new president, which I'm rather thankful for. I hope things slowly get back to at least an even keel. I spent two evenings in two different emergency departments and got to play Dr. Mom with my daughter after she took a spill while riding her rip-stick. Also got some health screening done. It's been a little crazy for the first week of a month.

Didn't get much television watched. I viewed my usual fare on Ovation and caught a few more episodes of Silent Witness. Also ended up catching a few episode of Death in Paradise, which I enjoyed.

Had a great conversation with my brother about shows we've both watched. We're fans of Australian dramas and recommend anything new we've come across to each other.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I might be back on a semi-regular schedule soon.

Tonight's post is from Harshing the Calm, a novella that touches on one of my favorite tropes … getting back together or reunion romance.

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…

Gentry nodded, even if his words stung a little. She wanted to lash out, but something shifted. Getting pissed off never helped. And … she wanted to prove Rayce wrong. They would be very good together.

She swirled her mug, blowing across the top. "I get it, Rayce. We can't pursue anything unless there's trust between us." They'd lost that somewhere along the way.

Rayce grunted. "Yeah, exactly." He set his cup aside and shoved his hands in his pockets.

Gentry took a sip of her coffee and closed her eyes in bliss. God, how did he always manage to brew a perfect pot? She didn't realize how much she'd missed him. But she definitely wanted a second chance.

Setting her mug aside, she went to grab her phone. "So, let's work on the trust thing. Starting with dinner?" She glanced at her calendar. "Say next week. Wednesday seven-ish?"

Rayce cocked his head. "What if you have to go undercover?"

Gentry's lips quirked. "If I do, I'll let you know by Monday. Our new sergeant is a lot more organized and usually gives us forty-eight hours' notice." A big part of their previous issues stemmed from her constantly evolving workload and their incompatible schedules.

Rayce's eyes went wide. "Wow. That's a big change."

Gentry snorted. "Yeah, tell me about it. But … I don't have as many shifts at the last minute." Oddly, she appreciated having more control over her schedule.

Rayce agreed to the tentative date. "Wednesday works for me." He paused a moment. "And the same goes, if I land a case, I'll let you know as soon as possible."

Gentry moved forward and wrapped her arms around him. "We'll have fun." She couldn't wait.

He tilted her chin up and dropped a kiss on her lips. "Sounds great." He checked the time and eased away from her. "I'd better go. Need to stop by my place for a change of clothes." He ducked into her room to grab his phone and shoes.

Gentry found a to-go cup and filled it. Least she could do since he'd made the terrific coffee. Rayce exited her room and grinned when she lifted the cup and walked to the door.

She pressed it into his hands. "For the ride home." Standing on her tiptoes, she brushed her lips over his.

Rayce caught her nape with his free hand and kissed her back, letting the embrace get a little hot. When he eased away, his eyes were dark and stormy, but not with anger. Nope, his gaze held the hot and sexy passion she loved to see.

He pushed the door open. "I'll see you on Wednesday. Wanna meet somewhere or should I pick you up?"

She made a quick decision. "Let's meet at Jaspers over on Market." Might be playing things a little safe by meeting, but she didn't want to fuck up this second chance.

Rayce lifted a hand in farewell. "See you then." He turned and headed down the sidewalk.

Gentry closed the door and leaned against it. Excited and nervous, but most of all, happy to have bumped into him last night.

This story is fun. I love writing the back and forth between the characters!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hang Ten

Well, November is here. Gotta say, I hope it doesn't pass as slowly as September but not as fast as October. I'll look forward to a month that actually feels like a month again. Who knows when that'll happen?

Busy week with work projects. I didn't get a lot of new television watched. I mainly caught a few of the holiday movies on Hallmark and Lifetime and watched a lot of Ovation.

I did catch an episode of Blue Heelers. Also started a new one. The new guy in season two is still kind of annoying me. Here's hoping he settles down soon.

I also watched several episodes of Silent Witness. Finished up season five and started on six.

I also got to do early voting. My daughter and I went on Thursday and, thankfully, didn't have a long wait. One of the benefits to living in a rural area. I'll be happy when the election is over. It's been an exhausting ride this year.

Tonight's post is from Hang Ten, a sexy short that has surfing and sexy times.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Farren and Penn—professional surfers—have very different styles when competing. Farren goes for broke, taking chances with moves that others won't try. Penn is all about the physics of his craft, sometimes holding back because he can't predict everything. Two different methods, opposite ends of the spectrum, but an interesting mix when they're off their boards and out of the water.

And a snippety peek…

Penn noticed when Farren finished her beer. Almost time. She got up and put her bottle in the recycling bin and started up the path to the cabins. He waited five minutes and downed the rest of his beer then got up to follow. Dropped his bottle in the recycling bin and turned, bumping into Avery.

He reached out to steady her. "Whoa. Sorry about that."

She smiled. "No problem." After glancing toward the fire, she met his gaze. "Do you have plans?"

Aw, hell. "I do, yes." He glanced toward the path.

Avery followed his gaze and clarity crossed her features.

Her face fell. "Oh, I think I just made a huge blunder."

Penn gave her a confused look.

Avery blushed. "I asked Farren if you were hooked up with anyone and she gave the impression you weren't." She sucked her lower lip between her teeth. "But you are, aren't you? With her."

Ah … he should've known.

Penn guided her to a quieter spot. "Yes, but we're not exactly going public." He leaned in a little. "We'd like to stay low-key if we can."

Avery nodded. "Why didn't she just say something?" She twisted the bottom of her T-shirt. "She probably hates me now."

Penn shook his head. "Trust me. If Farren didn't like you, she wouldn't have nudged you along. If she hated you, you would be bleeding out from a verbal lashing. The fact she didn't get bent means she trusted you'd keep our secret if you did approach me and found out about us."

Avery flashed a grin. "Okay, cool. I don't feel like a complete idiot now."

Penn chuckled. "You're not by a long shot. You've got a lot of talent and two very good new friends." He lifted his hand and hooked his thumb toward the path. "I'll tell her hello from you."

Avery gave him a wave and headed back toward the fire. Penn's lips quirked. No doubt Farren decided Avery could serve as her way of taking him down a peg or two after winning. That and a full night of hot sex.

This one hovers between being short and sweet and wanting to ramble on a little. The sages aren't quite sure where they're going yet.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Green-Eyed Monster

Well, we're almost to the end of another month and I'm trying to contemplate what the final two months of 2020 are going to be like. Frankly, I can't do it. LOL And we still have a full moon to get through in October.

Had a slower than normal week for television. I'm honestly not in the mood to watch much and have been catching marathons on regular cable for the most part. Hallmark started their holiday fare and one of the books I copy edited is featured as a new movie this year. Last year, another book I copy edited had a premiere. That's always so exciting!

I did catch an episode or two of Silent Witness, but other than that, I mainly watch Ovation. I'm crossing my fingers they don't have a major programming change anytime soon. That happens so frequently for me. I fall in love with the line-up and all of a sudden, some new honcho comes in and effs it all up. I'm looking at you HGTV, SyFy, and BBC America. Or, I lose access to a channel that usually has classic stuff I really enjoy. Sigh.

Tonight's post is from Green-Eyed Monster, a novella that explores the character dynamic after a breakup when both characters realize they what they lost.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dani works undercover sting operations and inadvertently shoots the girlfriend of Neal, one her coworkers. When the green-eyed monster of jealousy rears its head, Dani isn't sure how to help Neal through the trauma, but she'll move whatever stands in the way to make sure he's happy.

And a snippety peek…

Dani got home and questioned her sanity. She paced her living room, walking back and forth, letting her thoughts roam free. What made her think Neal would fall back in with her? He'd basically said the work sucked and he couldn't deal. And while she did completely understand why he felt the way he did, she couldn't imagine not doing the job.

Then again, she also couldn't imagine life without Neal either. A knock sounded on her door and she answered. Neal stood outside. She opened the door wide and invited him in.

Dutifully—and reluctantly—asked about Kyra. "How's she doing?"

Neal's lips curved. "She's on the mend. Her sister drove in from their hometown. She'll he taken care of."

Dani led Neal to the couch. "So..." She had no clue what to say.

Neal sat and tugged her down beside him. "Why am I here, right?"

Dani shrugged. Her nonexistent communication skills should stay in the background. And she'd promised to listen.

Neal grabbed her hand. "Basically, I came because we work. You and me."

Dani let a kernel of hope take root and laced their fingers together.

Neal gave her a shy grin. "Oddly, Kyra helped me see my personal truth. My problems with what we do are insignificant compared to why we do it." He hauled Dani close. "It's my turn for a wake-up call. My difference of opinion with you amounts to nothing. Not really."

She shook her head. "Don't say that. Because it does matter. When you're trying to get someone to listen and they refuse, there's a problem." Dani laid her heart out. "And I get that now. My inability to trust became my inability to be present when I needed to be."

Neal pressed a kiss to her temple. "We need each other. I need you to challenge me sometimes, especially when I get maudlin."

Dani nodded. "And I need you to remind me there's more at stake than the job." She cocked her head. "When did you realize? I mean, what was your moment of truth?"

Neal's lips twisted. "When we went after the counterfeiters right before we split. When I got stuck in the crossfire, pinned down, trying to avoid getting hit, the whole scenario seemed too stupid for words. The gangs, gun runners, drug cartels, none of them are going anywhere." He shifted and maneuvered her around to sit on his lap. "I really started wondering then." Dani stayed silent, hoping he'd continue because she planned to listen until he had no more words to say.

I like writing this one. I've got the story mapped out and hope to have it polished and ready in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going Native

October 18, 2020

Wow, how can half the month be over already? Time either seems to fly by at the rate of insanity yet it often feels like it an entire decade exists within a twenty-four hour period. It's trippy.

Had a bunch of projects land in my inbox this week so television ended up being on the short end. I finished up a Blue Heelers episode and have another one ready to go.

Also made it through two-thirds of Silent Witness's fifth season. Two interesting cases. Looking forward to finishing up the last two episodes.

I watched a lot of the morning mysteries on Ovation again. I enjoy having those shows on in the background, especially when I’m shredding a ton of old paper files.

Looking forward to hopefully finishing up Picard and catching up on Riverdale and Roswell, New Mexico. As I mentioned, this is probably my last season of Riverdale. I literally can't stomach Hiram and I’m pretty sure he won't be going anywhere when the new season premieres.

That's the short list for television this week. Tonight's post is from Going Native, a novella where the characters do some personal exploration and decide what they really want.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Workaholic Adam Beaubier is supposed to be vacationing with his girlfriend. But after a harsh breakup, he's traveling alone pondering his epic failure at relationships. When he meets Zerrin Kord, a helicopter tour pilot, he thinks going native might be just the thing he needs and Zerri will make an excellent guide.

And a snippety peek…

Adam Beaubier sat in the airport waiting on a connection before a chartered flight to Hawaii. "How did I get here?"

Right. Nasty breakup with Gina Norwich, former girlfriend. How could he forget?

"To think I planned this vacation to keep Gina happy."

A last-ditch effort to make their relationship work. She'd been on him for almost a year to take some time off—something more than a long weekend—and spend it with her. Except it wouldn't just be with Gina. It would Gina and however many social engagements she could cram into the week.

He sighed. "We were good for each other once." Before she got sucked into the social climbing, status-is-everything whirl-go-round.

Adam wanted to invest, stay closer to home, live modestly, and retire early—then enjoy the fruit on his labor. Gina wanted the newest things now, to be on the go, see and be seen by all the right people. And she spent money like it materialized at the snap of a finger. He tried to talk to her about saving and investing but she rolled her eyes and put off the conversation. She wanted this trip. Wanted him for a week with no work getting in the way of their fun.

Well, he'd booked the tickets as a surprise, but not soon enough. After a grueling month of clearing his caseload, he came home to find her in the shower with Mark Denby, a former colleague.

"How could I be so stupid?"

And what did Gina do when he made his discovery? She mocked him, saying she'd found someone who actually wanted to spend time and money, in the form of a trip to Spain, on her. They were leaving the following day.

He snorted. "So ... here I sit, ready to go on a vacation I didn't want. Alone." The announcement for his connecting flight came and he gathered up his carry-on and slipped his phone out of his pocket. The attendant scanned his device and he headed for the plane. "Next stop, west coast. Then Hawaii … here I come." 

I love how this scene came together. I've had more than a couple of openers and this one finally clicked.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going Downhill

Well, it's been a wild and bumpy week. My husband ended up with the flu in the middle of a pandemic. Not a lot of fun for him. The rest of us are trying to take any and all precautions so we don't end up with it also. Bleh.

Finished up a work project and had a little downtime before my next one begins. I'm actually kind of thrilled to have a bit of a break. I normally work every day of the week and having a couple of days off is lovely.

A so-so week of television. I finished up season four of Silent Witness and started on season five.

I also caught another arc of Classic Who. I'm on the second season of Four's tenure. Finishing out the "Terror of the Zygons."

Other than that, I mainly caught some Mystery Alley marathons on Ovation. I needed some background noise while I did a ton of shredding.

Other than that, I'm hoping to finish up Picard this week and maybe get back to Riverdale and Roswell, New Mexico.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Going Downhill, a novella that features characters making their way back to each other after a breakup.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Zetta and Mace have a messy breakup and dive into relationships with other people. Five years later they bump into each other and both are worse for being apart.

And a snippety peek…

Zetta stared at Mace's retreating back. She should've said something, but she'd been too shocked to speak. No way did she think she'd run into him moments after she'd come home. Memories washed through her mind and only the hand on her shoulder dragged her back to the present.

“Well, that just happened.” The owner, Vera, arched a brow. “Are you okay? You look a little frayed around the edges.”

Zetta blinked. “If that’s your nice way of saying I look like I just got mowed down by the awkward truck, then yeah, I’m fine.”

Vera led Zetta to the small sofa. “Do you know Mace, then?” She fussed about with the items on the coffee table.

Zetta shook her head. “But I used to. It’s been five years, so not so much anymore.” He could've been a stranger except for the gobsmacked look in his eyes.

Vera tilted her head to one side. “You didn't stay in touch?”

Zetta snorted. “No. I pretty much burned that bridge when I married someone else and hightailed it out of town.” Tears welled up and she shook her head again. “I’m sorry. I have no cause to be upset or sad." Dragging in a calming breath, she exhaled slowly. “And he had every right to run in the opposite direction.” And would probably keep running every time he saw her.

Vera patted Zetta’s hand. “Honey, I think you've got quite the story to tell. Let's get you checked in and settled, then I'll make some tea.” She got up and went over to the check-in area.

Zetta followed, amazed at the kind welcome. And tea sounded lovely, along with maybe a little bit of sympathy. Vera made the process smooth and simple and helped Zetta carry her bags up the winding staircase.

Vera paused outside a charmingly appointed room. "This is where I've got you. If you give me fifteen minutes, I'll have a pot of tea brewed and you can unload your heart, my dear." She pointed down the hallway. "The bath is straight ahead. You're welcome to grab a shower if you'd like. I'm not going anywhere."

Zetta gave Vera a smile. "Thank you. I appreciate everything you're doing." She pushed away from the wall. "I'll be right down after I take that shower you offered."

Vera waved and headed back downstairs. Zetta sighed. That little piece of kindness meant the world to her right now.

Zetta doesn't know what she's in for, but Vera will be a solid friend—one Zetta will need in her corner.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Going All Out

Welcome to October, the month with two full moons. Make of that what you will. I had a terrific week. Made a ton of progress on the cleanout and organization. Got a new set of rune stones. Met my two best friends for an evening of fun and laughter. And made headway on a work project.

Not a bad week for television. I watched a lot of Silent Witness. Finished up the third season and started on the fourth. It's shorter than the previous seasons, so I should be ready to start the fifth early this coming week.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. Apparently Nick's past has come calling. Not very far into yet but it's an interesting episode.

Watched part of the first episode of Bomb Girls. I'm excited about diving into this series. I've heard some great things about it.

I also watched a bunch of videos about rune casting again. They're very soothing, especially when I'm shredding paper.

Tonight's post is from Going All Out, a novella that features a friends-to-lovers theme and the anticipation and anxiety that comes with making the transition.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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 a snippety peek…

Lance made it through teaching his class before he let his conversation with Xola replay in his head.

Dude, what the hell were you thinking? I can't believe you went there.

Yeah, well, he had. Not like he lied about her being his type. She fit the bill … totally.

But she's a friend and that tends to not work out well. "At least it hasn't in the past." Experience taught him if things didn't work out, the friendship got trashed.

And friends, good ones, didn't always stick around. Then again, good relationships usually had a solid friendship at their base. Not that he'd had a lot of luck with the one-on-one thing lately. Maintaining something long-term didn't seem to be in his wheelhouse.

"Because you haven't met anyone worth the extra effort yet."

Could Xola be the one to tip the scale? "Wait, slow down. What sparked this sudden interest, dude."

He loved talking to her. She made conversation easy. But … she also chilled in silence without making the quiet awkward.

Like the infrequent times they had a slow night at the station and she'd sit outside on the apron and stargaze with one or two others and soak up the night sky.

He shook his head. "Yeah, stop that. You enjoyed having coffee with her. Don't make more of it than it is." Gathering his phone and keys, he headed out of the classroom.

After stopping to get his schedule for the next two weeks, he made his way to the gym. But a forty-minute workout didn't chase thoughts of Xola away. By the time he picked up some dinner and settled in to binge-watch one of his favorite shows, he'd given up on not thinking about her.

Taking a sip of his beer, he shrugged. "Imagination is going wild right now, might as well indulge." He chuckled. "I know who'll feature prominently in my dreams tonight."

Lance and Xola are fun to write. I also enjoy weaving in the slow revelation of wow, this person is extremely cool—why didn't I notice before type of stuff.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

 

Skylin