Sunday Snippet: A Kiss Is Just a Kiss

Okay, I've been on a cleaning spree again, which means I had a somewhat slow week with television. I haven't been in the mood and my attention span is limited right now.

I did get a new episode of Blue Heelers started. It's an interesting one and I'm enjoying it.

I also finished up the final chapter of the second episode of Queens of Mystery. I really like this show.

Caught the second part of a Silent Witness episode and quite liked the mystery this time. I also enjoyed getting to see the transition from Sam to Leo as professor. I've never seen how they handled that.

Other than my usual slate of Classic Perry Mason and The Saint along with the Ovation shows, I haven't caught much else. Ovation has a new-to-me show called King and I've seen a few of the episodes. Not bad. I'll see if my opinion holds.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Kiss Is Just a Kiss, a novella that has a bit of a reunion that turns into romance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A kiss is just a kiss … except when it’s not. Betsy Roarke shares a brief lip-lock with Wash Mulligan and can't stop thinking about it. He's got her all twisted up and turned sideways and she aims to make him feel the same.

And a snippety peek…

The approach to the airport brought back a lot of memories. Some good. Some bad. But … ten years away from his dad taught Wash a thing or twenty. He didn't have to live up to anyone's expectations or do things the way his dad did. But Sam drilled in the importance of home and Wash needed a healthy dose of belonging somewhere even if he feared shit going sideways.

He exited the plane not really paying attention. He did a cursory scan of people waiting on the other side of the security gates and promptly spied a hot blonde. Surrounded by business types, vacationers, and others waiting on family members, he briefly wondered what brought her to the arrivals location. He entered the queue for security, a little disappointed at not seeing the old man.

Continuing through the line, he set his bag on the conveyor and passed through the metal detector. Grabbing his rucksack, he started to fish his phone out to call a cab. Man, he'd hoped—

"Hey, sailor. Need a ride?" The female voice sounded familiar.

Wash turned to find the hot blonde smiling. Distracted, he assumed she wanted a military man for the weekend. He had no desire at the moment to get tangled up with anyone—gorgeous or not.

He paused and gave her a long look. "Do I know you?" She really did seem familiar.

The smile dimmed, the welcoming light going out of her gaze and uncertainty crossed her features. "Wash?" Again, the voice reminded him of someone.

But the side tilt of her head had memories slamming into him. "Damn. Betsy?" Holy hell. She'd grown up and looked nothing like the sweet sixteen-year-old he'd left behind with his dad.

Her grin returned and she nodded, stepping forward to greet him, her arms open for a hug. A little dazed by the scorchingly beautiful woman in front of him, Wash hauled her in close. Her chin tilted upward. Instinct kicked in and Wash lowered his head, his mouth colliding with hers. Mmm ... she tasted sweet, her soft lips responding to his embrace.

His body reacted—blood heating, heart pumping, and, of course, his dick swelling. Cool it, genius, this is Betsy. Betsy! Reality kicked in and he broke the kiss, thrusting her away from him.

She blinked, her mouth opening then closing when her fingers brushed over her lips. "Wow." Her tongue darted and she let out a little hum.

His face flamed. "Jesus, I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened." What the hell?

A brief flash of hurt followed by anger lit her gaze before she schooled her features into a mask of calm. "No apology necessary." She gave him a slow once-over—one that almost looked like she found him lacking in some way—before she nodded. "Welcome home. It's good to see you, Wash." She jerked her head toward the exit for arriving flights. "I'm in short-term parking if you'd like a ride?" She made it a question.

The awkward moment averted for now, he hefted his rucksack further up onto his shoulder. "Lead the way." He followed her outside. "I'm glad you came." Oddly ... he found sentiment to be true.

And she'd obviously not landed back with her mom, which didn't really surprise him.

I love writing Wash and Betsy. Wash has a few issues he needs to work out and Betsy is going to help him whether he wants her to or not.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Killing Time

Well, it's definitely been an interesting beginning to the new year. At this point, I'm coasting through and taking happy moments when I can. Blogging is a happy moment for me.

Had a couple of work projects I needed to finish up and started a new one. I didn't have a lot of time for television but I did get a few things watched.

I watched a little more of Gabriel's Inferno and hope to finish it up sometime this week.

Also watched the next two installments of Queens of Mystery. I finished the second part of the first episode and started the first part of the second installment. I rather like this show.

Other than that, I watched most of an episode of Blue Heelers and caught my usual mysteries on Ovation. I'm a little bummed they've changed their line-up, but that always happens. I get used to and love having my shows on at a certain time and the network has to change things up. Ah, well.

Tonight's post is from Killing Time, a sexy short where the characters have a fun time on a stakeout.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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 a snippety peek…

As soon as Thryn entered the van, Landry grabbed the stack of always available food menus. "Okay, first things first." She fanned the takeout pamphlets. "Ice-breaker."

Thryn quirked a brow. "Do we need one?" He set his go-bag on the deck.

Landry chuckled. "Probably not but I think you can tell a lot about a person by their choice of restaurant." She waved a hand over the display.

Thryn considered her words for a moment. "Okay, I'll play." He perused the brochures. "Do you have any favorites?" He glanced up to catch her response.

She nodded. "I do, yes. Better question would be do I not have any." She generally loved food.

He laughed. "Good point. What don't you like?" He held out the pamphlets.

She pulled the Taco Hut and La Bamba Grill from the stack. "Love the food, but not when I'm closed inside a confined space for twelve hours." Thanks, Brad.

He grimaced. "Understood. Anything else?"

She shook her head. "Nope. I'm easy to please." At least with food ... everything else, well, her taste tended to be more discerning.

And, so far, Thryn ranked in the upper echelon of decent partners to be paired with.

Thumbing through the others, he snagged a flyer for a noodle shop. "The Emporium?" His eyebrow arched with the question.

She flashed a smile. "Best in town." He set it aside and withdrew another. "Magoo's Diner." He didn't make this one a question.

He didn't need to. Pretty much everyone loved the retro vibe and excellent food.

She moaned. "Oh, yeah. Absolutely." Nudging things along, she asked. "Coffee?" She had two she liked.

Thryn didn't even look through the menus. "Jumping Joe. Best java anywhere. And they have terrific soup if you need lunch on the go."

She completely agreed. "And their scones are to die for." Especially the seasonal ones.

Thryn nodded. "Can't disagree." He slapped one last menu on the counter. "The best for a sit-down dinner." His finger tapped the name of the restaurant.

Landry took a glance and grinned. "Oh, yeah. Salvo's is incredible." She gave a nod. "You and I ... are gonna get along just fine." Hell, he had Brad and Dane beat on food alone.

Thryn's lips curved. "Glad I passed the test." He gathered up the scattered menus and stuffed them back in the drawer.

She chuckled. "Not really a test thing, more a wish I'd thought of it before being paired with Mason and Hamilton." She sobered. "I'm not picky—for the most part—but experience, well, I tend to learn from previous ones." She stopped there, unwilling to throw fellow operatives under the bus.

Thryn kept his features schooled. "I've had the dubious distinction of working surveillance with both. Enough said." He turned to adjust the monitor and check the recording devices.

Had they just bonded over shared less than stellar work assignments? Maybe. Maybe not. But she'd claim kinship with anyone who could convey without words the craptastically not fun time of what working with Mason and Hamilton could be.

A flash went off on the monitor and the recording device kicked on. Landry snagged a keyboard and started typing while Thryn worked the camera to follow any action.

Time to get to work.

This is a fun little dive into the romance with a coworker trope. I love the vibe this couple has.

 

That's if for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Justice is Served

Welcome 2021! It's been raining like crazy the last few days, which is kind of soothing even if it's also a little dark and dreary.

I finished up a work project and had time to get somewhat organized for the new year. I have a few small things to get lined up but I'm ready to dive deep into 2021.

Had a very slow week in television. I caught a couple episodes of Blue Heelers and a couple episodes of Silent Witness. I also did a few year-end marathons and watched my usual classic TV and mystery shows.

And that's how I'm starting this year. Tonight's post is from Justice is Served, a novella that has my main character letting someone in to her world after she's been manipulated into committing crimes.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Derby Stack is a cold-blooded killer, but not by choice. She's convicted for her crime, but Nate Mobius's specialized legal firm takes an interest in her case. Nate gradually wins Derby over and together they uncover a sinister trail leading back to her childhood therapist.

And a snippety peek…

In the prison library, Derby's gaze scanned around the room several times. Multiple trips to the infirmary—the latest one for three full days—taught her to trust no one. She read another page not quite able to immerse herself into the story, but she'd become absorbed enough to jump when a loud voice called her name.

"Stack, you've got a visitor."

Derby blinked then sighed. "Not that overzealous advocate again." She marked her place in the book and rose, moving slowly toward the guard—her least favorite—Wilma Gruder.

Wilma smirked. "You got private accommodations today." She spoke loudly to draw the attention of the other inmates.

The beefy woman opened the door and led Derby through the cell block and out into the administrative hall. Derby ignored the eyes boring into her and willed her stomach to stop churning. Less than thrilled to be on display, Derby followed Wilma and managed not to bump into anything while keeping her head down. She never fared well with unwanted attention and resisted the urge to rub her side where her ribs still ached from a run-in with two fellow inmates. At least I didn't end up in the clinic again.

She waited by an interview room while Wilma unlocked the door. When it swung open, Derby expected to see the advocate, Laura Behr. Instead, a dressed-up suit sat at the table. Broad shoulders filled out the navy blue jacket and a dark-haired head bent over a legal pad and a thin case file. Who's this guy?

Wilma grabbed Derby's arm and roughly pushed her into the room. "Looks like you got a hot one, Stack." She eyed the man up and down. "You sure he's not here for a conjugal?" Her cackle of laughter filled the small space.

Derby's face flamed hot. Wilma's crudeness never failed to embarrass Derby. The hot one in question raised his head and quirked a winged eyebrow, his gaze hard and unyielding. Wilma coughed and backed out of the room, obeying the unvoiced order to vacate.

Derby stayed rooted to her spot, unwilling to venture closer. She didn't know this man, but didn't trust the polished exterior—not even when his gaze shifted in her direction and softened. He stood up and smiled, the transformation almost breathtaking. Derby didn't fall for the affable act. She held his gaze a moment then looked away, scanning the room from corner to corner, top to bottom, unwilling to yield an inch or let down her guard.

Bad things happen when I do.

I'm so happy with how this story is coming together. Derby doesn't trust anyone and Wilma is part of the reason why she doesn't.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin 

Sunday Snippet: Imagination

The final weekend of 2020 is very chilly and snowy in Ohio. We got about eight inches over the holiday and I can't complain. I wouldn't mind temperature above the teens but as long as we bundle up, it's not bad. I got the doggos some fleece vests to keep them a little warmer when we go out for potty breaks in the wee hours of the morning.

Watched some holiday fare for a good part of the week. Mainly some classic television special episodes, which are always fun.

I did start Gabriel's Inferno part three and have it ready to go again sometime tomorrow. So far, I'm enjoying it. The sleazy ex finally made an appearance and is getting ready to wreak havoc on Gabriel and Julia. Should be fun.

I caught an episode of Silent Witness, the second to last with Amanda Burton. It ended on a cliffhanger so I need to watch the next one ASAP.

Also started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I'm really enjoying this one. One of the heelers is suspected of murder but he didn't do it. So far, it's a great episode.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Imagination, a sexy short that has the characters using their senses to experience a special evening.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Holland Dukes and Rand Allerdyce love to play games. When Holland decides Rand needs to stimulate his imagination, she uses a blindfold and makes him rely on his other senses. Rand loves her creativity and promises he'll return the favor when she least expects it.

And a snippety peek…

Rand used his fingers, trailing over the garment. "Ahhh. The purple corset. The one that makes your boobs look luscious and lickable." He traced the ruffled demi-cup covering her breasts.

He didn't need his vision to picture her. The lacing in the back crisscrossed down her spine and the black lace accents stood out boldly against her pale coloring. He loved the images dancing through his brain and the craving they created.

Holland moved to straddle his thighs, her wetness soaking his groin. "Very good. Your reward is removing the corset so I can do a full body to body massage." She loosened the silky binding then brought his hands around so he could take it off.

He removed the garment and cupped her breasts. Rolling the nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.

She hissed out a breath and swatted his hands away. "Stop cheating." She flipped the top of a bottle open.

A trail of warmed oil trickled onto his chest. Holland smoothed her palms over his skin, working his shoulders and arms. Then she lowered down and sensuously rubbed her body over his. He loved the feel of her breasts brushing over him. His blood heated and need rose.

Holland met his mouth, slipping her tongue past his lips. The kiss got him revved up and very ready. Rand couldn't wait but continued to play along. He loved her touch and teasing torment.

But he also wanted her hot core to sheath his aching hard-on. His hands cupped her ass and he pushed his groin into the apex of her thighs. Holland moaned and his anticipation notched up another level.

She eased away and slipped his cock between her folds. "Are you ready, Rand?"

He gave a nod. "So ready." His hands gripped her hips. "Can we get rid of the blindfold now? I need to see you when you come all over my dick." Not much he liked more than watching her shudder in bliss.

Holland chuckled. "I think you've earned for being so patient." She removed the barrier.

Rand blinked then focused on her. "The new hair looks great."

Holland lifted her hips and sank over his hard length. "Oh, you get bonus points for noticing." She rocked forward then leaned down and met his mouth.

Rand groaned. Pays to pay attention.

I'm having so much fun with this sexy short. There's a follow-up and Rand will turn the tables on Holland.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Hunt

Happy holiday season to everyone! I'm ready for a busy week and a quiet Christmas. We're always pretty low-key and this year my oldest is in the middle of moving out for the first time. I'm thrilled for him but don't envy the chaos. Moving is challenging when it isn't the holiday. LOL

Didn't get much television watched this week. Have an ongoing project that's due by the beginning of January and I'm focused on getting it finished up.

I did listen to a lot of holiday tunes while working and I got sucked into a Scorpion binge marathon. Other than that, I watched the usual classic Perry Mason and The Saint.

Looking forward possibly getting to the movies I'd like to watch this week.

Tonight's post is from The Hunt, a fun romp with a twist on a scavenger hunt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Megan and Guy, corporate retreat directors, stage a scavenger hunt for their client's team-building exercise. After a major disagreement, the couple spends most of their time making up—and trying not to get caught in compromising positions.

And a snippety peek…

"We're fifteen minutes out. I can't tell you how excited I am about this new idea." Joe gushed on the phone.

Guy's eyes widened. "Glad to hear it. We'll be ready when you get here." He hung up with Joe and glance toward Megan. "He loves the new team-building exercise idea." A relief after the tension-filled meeting two weeks ago.

Megan smirked. "Did you really doubt he wouldn't?" She got up and came around the desk to straddle his lap. "We do our best work when faced with a challenge and a goal." Her lips brushed over his.

Of course, his blood heated. Always did when she got up close and personal. Joe said they were fifteen minutes out…

Guy cupped her ass, pulling her flush with his groin. "We do, don't we?" The challenge and goal here; get hot and bothered before the Aztec group arrived.

Megan's lips curved in a sexy grin. "I know exactly what you're thinking." Her hands worked his belt loose. "And I say we push the boundary right now." Her head dipped and her mouth closed over his.

Hell, he wouldn't argue. His fingers worked the buttons of her blouse loose and he spread the garment wide. She wore a frilly bra in the palest pink today and the scalloped edges tickled his nose when he leaned in to nuzzle her cleavage.

Megan made a hum of satisfaction. "My turn." Her palms skimmed over his chest then tugged his shirt up and over his head. "Love it when you make it easy to get you undressed."

He'd gone with a pullover and twill pants today. The group decided on casual attire for their scavenger hunt-themed retreat. Megan had flared skirt and cotton blouse along with a pair of espadrilles.

He pushed her skirt up and raised his butt off the chair so she could drag his pants down. Her mouth ghosted over his skin and along his jaw. Her hand found his cock and circled it.

His lips found hers and he pushed the matching pale pink panties to one side. Megan lifted her hips ready to take him deep.

The buzz of the phone halted their progress.

Megan groaned. "Argh." She reached back and grabbed the handset. "Megan Dewes." She listened then nodded. "Yes, Anna. We'll be right there." Hanging up, she sighed. "Aztec just pulled in. Anna's not sure how the check-in is going to work with the new concept." She reluctantly slid back and stood up.

Guy straightened his clothes, gingerly tucking his still hard dick back into his pants. "We kind of expected a few snags." He got up making sure he got his shirt on straight and not inside out.

Megan buttoned her blouse, a small frown marring her features.

Guy grasped her hips and hauled her close. "Hold this thought … I want more of this later." He caught her lips in a quick, hard kiss.

Her mouth curved upward. "I'll hold you to it." Turning, she crossed the office and exited to assist Anna.

Guy relished watching her ass sway under the skirt then followed her out to greet Joe's group.

Megan and Guy have been fun to write. I love taking an established couple and throwing a challenge at them.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: How to Tell Off the Boss

Well, another week kind of flew by. My work schedule is filling in again and that makes me very happy.

Had a semi-decent week for television. I ended up watching a lot of behind the scenes and bloopers from Passionflix. Gabriel's Inferno, Dirty Sexy Saint, The Will, and Matchmaker's Playbook. Thoroughly enjoyed all of them!

Caught up on some classic television. Watched a lot of Perry Mason and The Saint. I'd forgotten how much intrigue the classic Perry Mason shows had in them. Lots more than the modernized version from the eighties.

Also started a new mystery on Ovation. Caught the first two episodes of Crossing Lines. Enjoyed both so I'll be trying to catch those as they air.

I'd hoped to catch Gabriel's Inferno part three this past week but couldn't find time to really sink into the movie. I'll give it a go this week coming up. Also want to watch the holiday quickies releasing on Passionflix.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from How to Tell Off the Boss, a novella where two coworkers end up falling for each other while dealing with some corporate shenanigans.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Orin Murdoch's boss, the newly installed VP of sales, is driving him insane with new promotions that just don't work. Edda Case, an upstart marketing whiz, takes Orin in hand and teaches him how to tell off the boss with style and how to win Edda's heart in the process.

And a snippety peek…

Orin found Edda in the parking garage later than expected—just after five thirty. Relief filled him that she'd waited. Standing by her car, scrolling on her phone.

He apologized when she glanced up. "I lost track of time and I'm sorry." Nodding toward his car, he made a suggestion. "Look, I'm beat. Would you object to picking up Korean and going to my place?"

Edda's gaze widened. "As in somewhere super private where no one can see us?" Her tone came across as flirty, especially when she added waggly eyebrows.

Caught off guard, Orin rushed to explain. "Uh, didn't think of it like that. We can dine in if you'd rather." Damn, now he sounded lame.

Edda laughed and held up her hands. "I'll back off. It's been a rough week for you." She followed him to his car and got in on the passenger side. "For future reference, I go after what I want, but I can be patient, too." Her implied meaning broke the ice a little.

Orin managed to settle down and enjoy their conversation, which started out being about the food. Once they got to Orin's, he bounced between being charmed by and attracted to her and being distracted, while they talked about how to dig into Linna's background.

By the time ten thirty rolled around, he wondered aloud. "What would you think if I asked you to stay?" A tad forward, but he didn't want the evening to end.

Edda cocked her head to one side. "Why don't you ask me and find out?" A small smile curved her lips.

He did. "How about a suggestion of you're going to stay?" He folded his arms over his chest. "Now tell me what you think."

Edda's mouth curved more. "A man who's a little assertive? Hmm…" She gave a little shudder. "I think I'm going to like … spending the night with you."

He caught the hesitation—and the suggestive tone—but didn't comment. Not yet. They still had work to do—on their laptops giving search engines a workout.

I love the vibe between Orin and Edda. They're on the trail of a mystery and falling for each other at the same time. Good multitaskers!

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Hot Water

Crap. It's December. I'm not even close to being holiday-ready. Then again, it's been a really weird year. Update from last week. The youngest is negative for Covid. She's home and having fun with the dogs. The middle kiddo? Well, he ended up back in the emergency department again. The acid reducer seems to be working, but we've discovered he's got kidney stones. There might be more going on but we won't know until he follows up with a urologist. All I know is he's tired of feeling like crap. Fingers crossed we get whatever is up with him figured out.

Kind of a slow week in television. I watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm almost finished with season seven. I'll start eight this upcoming week and then I'll be at the place I originally started watching the series.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and got about halfway through. I'll finish it up this week.

Also plan to watch Gabriel's Inferno part three and some holiday quickies from Passionflix this week. Looking forward to diving into those!

Tonight's post is from Hot Water, a novella where my main characters bond over the lack of hot water.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Demi Strange and Nathan Jordan work together at a summer camp, things get heated. The campers use up the water ration, leaving Demi to borrow Nathan's shower and it lands her in more than hot water.

And a snippety peek…

Demi hated the shower situation. She finished rinsing off under an icy deluge.

"Damned tweens and their brilliant minds."

She never got to the shower stalls in time to grab a hot one because the girls figured out they could each get one extra minute of rationed time if they kept her busy and took their turns one after the other. After toweling off, hoping to create some heated friction, she dressed quickly and grabbed her kit. Her third cold shower of the week left her teeth chattering and she counted herself ready to do something she'd never done before—maim her campers. All ten of them.

"Little demons."

Okay, not so little. Most were in the ten to twelve age group. And every one of the girls got along, something almost unheard of in her three years' experience. She wouldn't ruin their fun at her expense … yet. She needed to play their game and beat them. No more distractions.

She exited the building and bumped into Nathan.

With a grunt, he steadied her then narrowed his eyes. "You're shivering and you have goose bumps." His gaze showed concern. "You didn't get a hot shower, did you?"

She shrugged. "It's the chilly weather. Very unseasonable this summer." She backed away, trying not to choke of the falsehood even though the temperatures had been in the high sixties the past week.

Nathan trotted to catch up with her. "Look, you can use my shower anytime. No strings attached. I mean it." He paused at the juncture leading to the boys' side of the camp.

She gave him a brief smile but kept walking. "Thanks."

She'd started to thaw out, both from the icy water and around Nathan. She really did appreciate the offer. A small shiver went through her. She might have to take him up on the use of his cabin.

Entering the girls' dorm, she shook her head. "But I'm not ready to cave just yet."

Way too much temptation she might not be able to resist.

Demi definitely won't be able to keep resisting Nathan's offer … or him.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin