Sunday Snippet: Calling Bull

Whew. What a week in television! First, Teen Wolf pulled off a pretty interesting ending for the summer finale. That being said, I'll happily watch Theo die in a fire created by Parrish if that ever happens. Just saying.

The Last Ship threw in a few more little twisty bits. I tweeted last weekend about wishing they'd stop killing my faves and boot off the Ramseys. Here's hoping someone heard my plea. LOL

Defiance turned in a kick ass finale. I'm so hoping it's not the end of the series, but if it is, I could live with the way it ended. That said, I think there's a buttload of potential left and hope to see more from this show. Dark Matter ended up being way better than I thought. Finally have more info about Two. It's a little sketchy but enough to keep me interested. And wow… I have to say I didn't see the end coming with Six. I'll leave it there for anyone who hasn't seen how things are left, but yeah, I'm in for more.

Not sure what Syfy has slated for their Friday nights now, but whatever it is, the shows have a tough act to follow. Fingers crossed for good stuff.

Haven't mentioned Dominion lately, but again, good show that's holding my interest. We'll see how they leave things for their finale. Haven is starting soon and I'll probably be a blubbering mess when it's over because I love that show so much. Stay tuned. LOL

Tonight's post is from Calling Bull, a sexy short where my hero knows my heroine a little too well and isn't afraid to remind her.

Here's the mini-blurb:

No one knows Ivy better than Ward. A fact she truly hates sometimes. But when he pushes her into a corner, she either comes out swinging or learns to forgive and forget.

And a snippety peek…

Ward Farthington barreled through the corridors with one thing on his mind. Find Ivy Tweed and make her see reason.

He rounded a corner and almost collided with a desk sergeant. "Sorry, Frank." Ward took a step back. "Did Ivy come this way?" His gaze swept the crowded hall.

Frank gave a quick nod. "You bet she did." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "And she looked pissed as hell. You didn't have anything to do with that, did you?"

Ward sighed. "Don't I always?" He could push Ivy's buttons without even trying.

One of the many drawbacks to growing up with her, first next door and then later, after her dad died, in his family's attic bedroom. He'd moved to the basement less than a year after she moved in, the added distance not always helping to tame the wild hormones pinging at age sixteen.

Frank jerked his thumb toward the equipment room. "Think she ducked in there. Quieter than the locker room and Barney's punching bag is still hanging up." His hand clamped on Ward's shoulder when he started to walk away. "Don't be too rough on her, boyo." He slapped Ward on the back and strolled away.

Ward rolled his eyes. A precious flower Ivy would never be. Her name sometimes suited her, clinging to bad habits a good pruning might circumvent. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly and strode to her latest hiding place.

With his hand on the knob, he hesitated. Maybe Frank had a point and Ward should just leave her alone.

This one is coming together so nicely. I can't wait to finish and share with everyone!

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Call of the Ripper

August 23, 2015

Still battling the cold / allergy / viral evilness thing. But… I think I'm finally in the last stages. <fingers crossed>

Teen Wolf has me confuzzled. I seriously don't know where or how everything is going to end up. I will say I kind of can't wait for the end of the Dread Doctors. I'm pretty much done with giving any kind of crap about them. Not my favorite storyline to date. Just saying.

Defiance keeps getting better. The twisty-turny stuff makes me happy. I love how even with internal betrayals, judgment and forgiveness tends to be fast and certain. I really do hope this show continues.

Killjoys season finale proved to be excellent. I'm so in love with this show, enough that I'm considering doing recaps for my fandom blog. Need to make a note to get the DVDs ASAP.

Dark Matter also gave me something I wanted, more information about Two. I'm liking how the crew is starting to gel and work together. The scene in the vault with all the guys was a treat to watch.

And once again, The Last Ship brought a ton of drama to the table. I'll be honest, I really want Chandler to take a step off the high horse and remember what things were like before he picked up the POTUS. Rachel made a gut call and kept everyone else out of it, taking full responsibility. And in this case, the greater good should outweigh any righteous indignation.

Also… I have a bad vibe about who cut the video to make it look like the ship bombed New Orleans. I hope we'll find out if I'm right this week.

Tonight's post is from Call of the Ripper, a novella blending a Jack the Ripper research team with suspense and sexiness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Two 'Ripperologists' take a working vacation to experience the essence of Jack's madness. But when a modern day stalker takes an interest in their excursion, the call of the ripper hits a little too close for comfort.

And a snippety peek…

Faith Dowd thrashed on the bed, terrifying imagery rolling through her head. A dark alley on a damp evening. Fog rolling in, the murky darkness almost smothering. The flash of a blade slicing downward, tearing into flesh. Searing pain ripping through her, a pool of red seeping from her skin.

Faith screamed and the sound echoed through the silent room. The wail pierced the night again and again. But she couldn't stop.

Sean McDermott shook her. "Faith! Wake up. It's a nightmare." His arms wrapped around her and she fought him.

Still trapped in her dreamscape, she flailed and scratched and tried to jerk free.

Sean let her go, but smoothed one hand down her hair. "Faith. It's time to wake up." He used a soothing tone, his voice a caress. "Come on, babe. Come back to me."

She calmed, her breath shuddering in and out in stuttered gasps. "Sean?" Her eyes blinked open and his gorgeous face hovered over hers.

He traced a finger along her cheek. "Yeah, babe. You're okay. I've got you." He sat up, settled back against the pillows, and opened his arms wide.

Faith shook her head, trying to clear the grisly dream from her mind. She crawled up and let Sean wrap her in his warm embrace. Still shaking, she tucked her head under his chin and dragged the comforter up over them.

Sean pressed a kiss to her head. "Did you have the same nightmare?" His hand smoothed over her arm, his touch light but reassuring.

Faith nodded. "Yeah. Worse this time." She burrowed closer to his side. "The deeper and closer we get to finding more information on Jack, the gorier my nightmare becomes." She braced for Sean's response.

He didn't disappoint. "Maybe you should take a break for a while. It's not the Ripper is going anywhere." He waited a beat. "I can work on the research for a few weeks, just until you're sleeping better."

His offer surprised her. Sean preferred discussion and dissection of information and he provided an excellent counterpoint to some of her more out there theories. Their back and forth garnered butt loads of comments on their blog The Call of the Ripper.

Faith lifted her chin, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. "Really? You'd do that for me?" Her hand smoothed down his chest, stopping at the waistband of his boxer briefs.

Sean's lips twisted in a sexy smile. "Faith, my love, you know I'll do just about anything for you." His eyes went dark and sensual.

Faith slid her palm lower, cupping his growing erection. "In that case, let's try some sexual healing. See if getting physical shuts off the Jack filter in my brain." She rose up to her knees and straddled his thighs, leaning in to mesh her lips with his.

If this one comes together like I hope it will, it's going to be a fun ride.

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Cabin

Greetings!

Ugh. I'm fighting a nasty summer cold / allergy / yuck something, which I'm hoping runs its course before next week. School starts on August 25, but my kidlets already have golf and football stuff going on. We've already had a football scrimmage and our first golf match is Monday. Sadly, I won't be going because I can't breathe when I go outside. LOL Ugh. Seriously, my nasal passages can clear up any time now.

Let's see. Teen Wolf? Yeah. A shit ton of stuff happened in the last episode. Glad to see things moving forward. I'm now excited to see Monday's episode. If I'm not in a cold / allergy medication induced coma. <see above>

Friday night on Syfy is still kicking major ass. Defiance turned in a pretty awesome episode. But… I was sad to see one of the characters go. I'm also dying to see where this whole thing ends and there better be another season to wrap stuff up. I'm going to be very angry if there isn't. LOL

Killjoys seriously keeps me glued to the screen. This is another one where a new season is a must. The pacing and everything else related to backstory and world building is just about perfect. The only thing I'd like to see a little more of is John's history. I'd even throw Pawter in there, too, but I'm actually okay with what's been revealed of her history so far. Here's hoping next week's episode is mind-blowing.

Dark Matter… cliffhanger ahoy! I'll be riveted to see how Two gets out of the predicament she landed in. I'm also interested in seeing where they end this season. While this show spends a little more time on backstory / exposition, I'm definitely excited by the possibilities of more.

The Last Ship. What can I say? I've praised everything from the pacing, characters, actors, and writing. I'll add all the twists and turns to the mix. I totally didn't see Rachel's ballsy action last week and I can't wait to see if shit flies or not. I'm kind of hoping for the latter because seriously? Her move needed to happen. Just saying.

And enough about TV. Tonight's post is from The Cabin, a novella where my main characters almost let family drama get in the way of something really great.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Whip meets the woman of his dreams when he tries to convince Kari to give his brother another shot at her art class. But when she can't accommodate the request, Whip still wants to pursue a relationship… until his brother tries to get in the way and Kari decides she won't come between them.

And a snippety peek…

Kari Kells shook her head after reviewing Warner Harrington's portfolio. "This guy didn't even try to follow the guidelines to get into my class." Closing the heavy zip-up folder, she set it aside and started on her notes.

She began with a rejection letter, explaining in plain terms Warner needed to double check the qualifications if he wanted to apply for her class again in the spring. Then she made opened the portfolio again and made detailed comments on his lack of vision, his half-assed attempt create something modern with paint slashes and splatters, which actually looked like a four-year-old's work. The sloppy techniques showed haste and little thought behind the projects.

If he wanted an art credit, it wouldn't be in her class. She wouldn't waste her time on someone who'd attempt to bluff his way through the semester course.

In fact, she resented the hour she spent reviewing and rejecting Warner's application. Her class had room for twenty students and over one hundred vied for one of those spots. And most of those put forth a huge amount of effort to get in.

Not so with Harrington. She shook her head again, then attached the notes and closed the portfolio. After printing off the rejection letter, she stuffed it in an envelope and gathered up the materials to drop off at the office.

Locking her office door, she started down the hallway. "Better luck next time, kid. You're not going to be happy, but a good lesson to learn." Her heels clicked on the tiled floor, sounding the death knell for Warner Harrington to earn an elective credit in art.

I'm excited about this one. I love having a family dynamic even if it's not a full-on sibling rivalry.

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: Bonus Score

So… I have the final two episodes of Strike Back waiting to be watched and I'm putting it off. Because I want to savor the last two hours before it's over for good. LOL

Teen Wolf… eh, this past week felt like a bunch of set-up, which is okay, but I'm kind of wanting the new guy to be found out and I really want to know what the hell is going on with Stiles. Here's hoping Monday's episode sheds some light.

The Last Ship continues to keep me glued to the screen. I love everything about this show, the actors, the pacing, the storyline, and most definitely the characters. So much awesome rolled into forty-five minutes. Just saying.

Friday night lineup is still kicking major good vibes. Defiance and Killjoys each turned in superb viewing. Repercussions abounded and I pretty much loved both episodes. Dark Matter also dropped some interesting info bombs, which did indeed tie back to the clues in previous episodes. Really liking the dynamic and the way it changes when new stuff is revealed about the characters.

Tonight's post is from Bonus Score, a sexy short where my characters get their game on.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Zeva and Bo meet through a gaming community and hit it off. They start spending time together and a series of wagers over who the better gamer is takes an interesting turn when sexy distractions become part of the strategy. When they decide to settle up once and for all, a bonus score leads to an unexpected win and the crown is claimed.

And a snippety peek…

Zeva Bloom's finger hovered over the send button. "Jen, am I crazy to meet up with this guy?" She glanced up from the monitor, digit still poised to make the connection.

Jenny Blake shook her head. "As long as you tell me where and when then stay in touch, no, you're not crazy." She waited a beat. "Okay, you're totally bat shit, but for completely different reasons." Her laughter spilled out, long and loud.

Zeva eyed her best friend but sent the private message. "You're not amusing. And I just replied, so cross your fingers for me." She closed the tabbed window and logged back on to her gaming comm.

Jenny's eyebrows rose. "You're not going to wait for a reply?" She joined into the game, coming to Zeva aid, wiping out a ton of rebel soldiers.

Zeva shrugged. "Nah. I might really want to meet this guy, but I can't seem to eager, right?" Her fingers flew over the keys, moving her avatar steadily along to get to the egress point for the next level.

Jenny nodded. "Yeah, I suppose you don't want be all in like you were with douche canoe Dane." She blasted a long line of cannons, clearing a spot for Zeva to slip through.

Zeva bit back a smile. Jenny nicknamed Dane Studtgardt douche canoe when he'd led Zeva to what amounted to a flash mob in his honor. And the ass hat hadn't had the courtesy to show up in person to see the fifty females gathered to meet him, all thinking they had a date. Instead, he'd had a buddy of his show a recorded message on the big screen televisions in the bar, claiming a total win for pulling off the amazing stunt. At the time, Zeva wanted to crawl to the nearest dark corner and lick her wounds, but now she could almost laugh about the experience. Okay, maybe not laugh, but the smile part she had totally down.

Thanks to Jenny.

Her friend snapped her fingers. "Yo, Zeev. Get with the program. Hit the next level already."

Zeva blinked and got back into the game. "Yeah, right. Getting with the program." She wouldn't score much this round, but she really just wanted to relax and blow stuff up.

The foray back into possibly meeting another gamer, someone who had the same interests and lived to play, proved highly distracting. But BoSS89, also known as Bo Schneider, could wait an hour—if he'd even responded to her reply yet. On screen, he seemed perfect, but Zeva had the same experience with douche canoe Dane. No… actually, she hadn't. Bo used a biting wit and snappy snarkasm Zeva loved. Dane had pretty words and practiced prose, something Zeva wouldn't fall for again anytime soon.

Her phone pinged. She'd forgotten to turn off notifications. A response, maybe? Her gaze slid sideways, trying to read the screen.

Jenny sighed. "Dammit, Zeva, just check it already. We're pretty much playing for fun tonight anyway."

Zeva grabbed the device and swiped her finger over the message app. Bo's avatar popped up on the screen.

Jenny glanced up. "You'd better read it out loud. I wanna know what's going on." She stopped playing and waited.

Zeva's lips quirked. "I quote, 'Coffee sounds great. Are you close to the Java Jump? I have Tuesday and Wednesday off this week. Either day works for me, but sometime after noon.'."

Jenny laughed. "A man after your own heart. I'll bet he doesn't get up before eleven. Just like you."

Zeva grinned. "I'm going to reply. Wednesday okay with you?" She started tapping out the message. "You don't go in until after six, right? In case anything goes sideways."

Jenny nodded. "Yep, I'm working the late shift that day. I'll be around."

Zeva hit send and tried to fight the wave of excitement surging through her veins. Douche canoe Dane taught her to be a little more cautious. Screw it. She had a date and a good feeling.

She'd roll with it for now.

So far, this one chugging along. The sages are a little stingy with the flow, but when they get on track, it's fun to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Blatant Affair

July 26, 2015

Okay, I forgot to mention Strike Back last week. I seriously want the female antagonist to die a slow, painful death. It can happen anytime now. LOL

The Dread Doctors on Teen Wolf are creeping me out. Something tells me Peter is going to be involved, which is actually quite okay with me. He makes a good villain.

Defiance had a great episode. I really love the smaller personal beats paired with the big, somewhat sweeping arcs this season. Great stuff. Killjoys is heating up, too. Can't wait to see next week's episode. And Dark Matter did the impossible by adding a layer of emotional nuance to Three. I'm surprised and thrilled. LOL

The Last Ship took a turn I totally didn't expect and I love it. I enjoy how the new characters are being worked in without taking a lot away from the established ones. And, seriously, Tex rules. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from Blatant Affair, a novella where my main characters throw caution to the wind and do what they want.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Valley Cruz and Flynn Boatman fall for each other and don't hide their feelings. But when company policy dictates they can't be together, they'll start a blatant affair no matter the consequences.

And a snippety peek…

Valley Cruz stood behind the counter of the low-rent, no-tell motel, filing her nails. She cracked her gum and met the gaze of the man leaning on the gouged wood surface. Impatient, obnoxious, and oh, so hot with his military haircut, day old scruff, and raspy voice.

His gloved fist pounded hit the slab, sending dust and who knew what else wafting out around it. "Is Manny Bright registered here or not?" He edged closer, getting an eyeful of her bountiful cleavage.

Amazing what push-up bras could create. Paired with tank two sized too small and a crocheted over shirt, she couldn't believe her boobs hadn't popped out of the lingerie yet. Valley made a show of setting the nail file aside and crossing the tiny cubicle to get the cash book. She hiked up her already super short skirt and slid up onto the wobbly stool.

Flipping the book open, she blew a bubble and cracked her gum again. "Bright, you said?" She ran a black painted nail, a skull and crossbones affixed on the tip, down the ledger. "Sorry, dude. Nobody by the name of Bright paid for a room." She peered up through her heavily mascared lashes. "Can you describe the guy?"

Mr. Hot-bod heaved a sigh. "He's five-ten, stringy brown hair, and covered with freckles." His brow rose. "Anyone with that description check in?"

Valley's lips curved in a wide smile. "Yeah, yeah. That guy's in room 2F." She leaned forward, ignoring how the action put her breasts on display again. "And he not alone, if you get my meaning." Her voice dropped to a quiet whisper. "He took a tenner up there with him."

Hot-bod frowned. "A tenner?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, one of the sex walkers who'll suck his dick for ten bucks." She snorted. "You're not from around here, are you?"

He lifted a shoulder. "Not really, no. Thanks for the information." He dropped a twenty on the counter and started up the stairs.

Valley bit back a laugh, tucking the bill inside her bra. She should've just given the guy the intel and then taken her post at the bottom of the steps to act as back-up. Sliding off the stool, she kicked the chunky Mary Jane wedges off and lost almost four inches. The damned things weighed a freaking ton.

Exiting the tiny alcove, she crossed the floor on stockinged feet and flattened against the wall, ready for anything or… nothing. She never knew which. But she wouldn't be sorry to leave the Ramshackle Arms behind. Her old man better be ready to shell out a nice bonus for making her work this gig.

Straining to hear the action upstairs, she caught the sound of Hot-bod knocking on the door. He used a soft rap, no doubt muted by his gloves. Speaking with a timid tone, he asked if Manny's room had any extra towels. The door opened and a scuffle ensued.

Valley braced for action. An ear-piercing shriek preceded a muffled curse and running footsteps grew louder as they neared Valley's location. She slipped back a little further, hoping to remain unseen.

"You'll have to do better than that, asshole. I won't go down without a fight." Bright started down the steps, a long blade clutched in his hand.

Blood poured from his nose and dripped off the end of the gleaming steel. Valley did a quick assessment. Hot-bod got a solid punch in, but Manny retaliated with his knife. The tenner spouted curses and threats about wanting more cash for the blood-sport.

Valley rolled her eyes and waited for her moment. When Bright got to the second to last step, she flung a leg out, catching him on the shins. He went sprawling to the floor, face-planting on the scuffed surface.

Valley moved fast, jamming her knee into his kidney. "Stay down, Bright." She withdrew her weapon and nudged him between the shoulder blades.

The handsome operative followed, a nasty gash on his bicep.

He stepped up, ready to secure Manny. "Flynn Boatman. Who the hell are you?" Tightening the tether strips, he hauled Bright up off the floor.

Valley picked the blade up. "Valley Fitzhugh. I've been UC for a month, gathering intel on our lower life form here." She bagged the knife. "Also here for back-up, which is probably a good thing." Her lips curved in a smile.

Flynn lifted a shoulder. "Yeah, much appreciated." His gaze swept over her in a slow perusal, his eyes narrowing.

Valley lifted a brow. "Something bothering you?" The study had her senses on high alert.

Flynn shook his head. "No, not really. Just wondering where you had the side arm stashed." He jerked Manny toward the door where the pick-up team waited to take him back to base for interrogation.

Valley couldn't resist a cheeky answer. "You'll have to wait for the answer to that question." She liked the flash of interest he shot her way.

Going behind the counter, she grabbed a gauze pad she had tucked in her purse then handed it to Flynn.

He tilted his head to one side. "Oh yeah? How long is this waiting period?" He pressed the dressing to his bicep, staunching the flow of blood.

Valley grinned and hitched the strap of her bag over her shoulder. "Until the new guy smell wears off you." Coming back out to the main floor, she nodded toward his injury. "You'd better get that looked at. I see some stitches in your near future." Grabbing the evidence bag, she gave him a jaunty wave and left the building.

She hadn't enjoyed working at the Ramshackle, but meeting her dad's new operative made the less than stellar experience worth it. She couldn't wait to discover more about the new man on Victor Cruz's payroll.

I can't wait to see more sparks fly when Flynn and Valley meet again.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Blame It on the Rain

Great television viewing week. I finished up watching all available episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and *sigh* what a great show. From what I gather, the third season might be the last, but I'll live in hope for more. Either way, the finale satisfied me, so bonus points for that.

Teen Wolf. What can I say? I'm intrigued by the possibilities, but I kind of hope making Parrish look like a bad guy is a ploy. I kind of like him. I'm also hoping the desert wolf thread is laying groundwork for next season. More interesting possibilities there.

The Last Ship is so good at keeping me on the edge of my seat. I love how twisty and turny the plot gets. Such a great summer viewing experience.

My Friday night lineup continues to bring good stuff to my screen. Defiance seriously upped its game this season. Killjoys keeps me glued, especially for the sibling bonding but also for the very secretive dance the trio does. John seems like the most open of the group, but I have a sneaky suspicion he may have a few big skeletons in his closet, too. Dark Matter is revealing little pieces of information and I'm liking the glimpses we're getting into the crew's histories. I would like to see a little more movement on who or what put them into the stasis chambers.

Have I mentioned how much I love having new material to watch in the middle of the summer?

Tonight's post is from Blame it on the Rain, a sexy short where my main characters are stuck in a massive downpour and have to work out some issues.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vala and Gates work together leading tours through the wilderness and love their job. But when close friends go through a breakup, Val and Gates take opposite sides and it strains their relationship, especially when they get trapped in the elements and have to find shelter for the night.

And a snippety peek…

Vala Guthrie shuddered with orgasm. "Gates… harder. Wanna make it last."

Her better half, Gates Bantry, complied with her request, thrusting upward to bump his groin against her clit. Her fingers curled up into her palms and she pressed down on his chest.

He hissed out a harsh breath. "God, Vala, I love it when you lose control." His thighs flexed under hers and he made a low growling sound. "I'm there, Val. Tell me I can let go." His head thrashed on the pillow.

She dragged air into her lungs and leaned forward, getting close to his ear. "Let go, Gates. Give me everything you have." Mini-aftershocks made her skin tingle.

Gates pumped his hips two more times then let out a strangled gasp, digging his fingers into her flesh when he found his release. His breath came out in raspy pants and his hands skimmed along her sides before he wrapped his arms around her, hauling her close.

She gladly collapsed atop his torso, still shivering with afterglow. Her mouth moved along his shoulder then found his lips for a lingering kiss.

Gates traced circles over her skin. "Never gets old, Val. We're lucky aren't—"

The buzzing of his phone cut off the rest of the sentence. Val flung her arm out and snagged the cell from the nightstand, hitting answer before holding the device to Gates's ear.

He frowned. "Yeah, Bantry. This better be good." He tensed and took the phone from Vala, pressing it closer to his ear. "Yeah, yeah. Okay."

Vala didn't know who called, she hadn't checked the ID, but Gates's terse tone didn't bode well. She made a move to slide off him, but his arm tightened around her waist.

He heaved a sigh. "Hold on, I'm going to put you on speaker." His finger slid over the screen. "Okay, finish up. Vala's listening now." He rolled his eyes.

"Like I said. I need you two to head out and pick up Karl and Jane, wherever they might be." Jones Moore bit off the words. "And you can tell them to find new jobs because I'm sick of their bullshit. I've got a stranded group cooling their heels until a new team can get out there."

Vala jumped in. "What the hell happened?" She could guess, but the more information she and Gates had the better.

Jones made a garbled sound. "They had a blowout fight—in front of the entire group—and stalked off to work things out. That means they left eight people in the lurch, folks who paid a nice chunk of change for the wilderness package." He paused, probably trying to get his blood pressure down. "I want you to find them and do me the favor of firing their asses. I don't care if they're your best friends." His voice rose to an almost shout. "Do you think you can manage or do I have to find four new guides?"

Vala and Gates just landed in the hot seat and neither is happy about it. Too bad they take opposite sides on where the fault lies.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin