Sunday Snippet: Celebration at Midnight

Geez, halfway through the month already and I feel like I'm stuck in reverse. Not to say I'm not getting anything done. I am. Most of it is work related, which I'm not complaining about. But … I do need to do a better work-life balance. Even my daily oracle card draw is pointing me in that direction.

I'm still buried under multiple projects, and all are making solid progress. I've never had so many nonfiction manuscripts and I'm actually enjoying being able to switch back and forth between the variety of genres there and with my fiction manuscripts. I have a holiday horror story, a romance, and a mystery in fictional work.

Not a bad viewing week. I made it through my usual round of shows did get to add the new show. I enjoyed it and will add it to my current roster. There's one additional show I'd like to work in, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.

Caught another episode of London Kills and, yep, the beginning of the showdown with David and Vivienne started. Can't wait to see what happens next. Rob and Billie should probably brace for impact.

The new show I started is Dark Winds. So far, really enjoy the premise and the pacing. The acting is top-notch also. I had a sneaking suspicion the new deputy would end up being more than met the eye. Glad I was right about that.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'd seen most of this one at some point on Ovation and I liked having the full episode from beginning to end. I'm also enjoying Darlene a lot. Glad they added her to the team.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. It's so much fun watching Martha's mom going on dates. I'm also interested in how things shake out with the fostering situation. Very cool to have some Margo backstory also.

Caught an episode of Elementary and I'm kind of sad Kitty is headed for parts unknown for now. I do love that her story had a satisfying resolution. Also so happy we got to see how she kind of saved Sherlock from himself.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. Inque made another appearance and that was fun. Also kind of cool to see Bruce back in the field and how much Terry tried to protect him.

Finished up with an episode of Classic Rugrats. Enjoyed both vignettes and also discovered I have more episodes than I thought I had left. This isn't bad news.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Celebration at Midnight, a holiday novella featuring Presley, Gunnar, and Frazier from Merry and Bright.

Here's the miniblurb:

Presley, Frazier, and Gunnar finally have New Year's Eve off at the same time and plan to celebrate with a quiet evening at home. Two days after Christmas, Gunnar is shot trying to bring in a felon and Frazier's fire department gets the call. Presley is on duty in the emergency room when the men come in and the trio comes face-to-face with their personal lives mixing with their professional careers. Once Gunnar is in the clear, they have even more reason to celebrate at midnight.

And a snippety peek…

"Can't believe we've got a trafficking station in the heart of this old neighborhood." Gunnar moved into position between a wheelie bin and the garage of the unassuming colonial they were getting ready to raid.

He crouched and readied for the go order, taking in the formerly well-kept backyard. Shrubs and bushes were bare but also tangled together in need of a good pruning. A sitting area had wooden furniture with peeling paint and some of the bricks were covered with patchy spots of overgrown dead grass.

Gunnar frowned. "The decay is probably worse on the inside…"

A noise at the rear of the garage drew his attention. An unknown door opened, and a man walked out and caught sight of Gunnar. Everything crashed together at once. Why didn't they know about the door? Because it didn't look like a door existed. The timing sucked and the op would probably be blown.

Gunnar didn't have time to do much more than turn toward the guy before the man fired a round, catching Gunnar in the vest above his heart. A second bullet zinged toward him and ripped through his shirt tearing at the flesh in his shoulder and whizzing past his ear. Searing, white hot pain gripped him, but Gunnar returned fire, winging the assailant.

Shock and disbelief warred for dominance followed closely by the realization the shot knocked the wind out of him because he struggled to breathe. His hands tingled, no doubt a reaction to getting shot. He had the foresight to key his radio twice before he dropped like a stone and sank toward unconsciousness.

Through hazy vision, he noted the shooter grabbing his shoulder and the strike team moving in. Over the roar in his ears, he caught the sound of doors being smashed in and the shouts of the strike team announcing their presence. One of his fellow officers apprehended the fleeing man and they would end up getting the traffickers.

Gunnar finally succumbed to inky darkness … with one last thought.

Fraz and Presley are going to freak the fuck out.

I love this trio so much. They're the first throuple I wrote, and I'm happy they're still giving me ideas for their story.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Call of the Ripper

April is off to a weird start. We had a tornado warning in the wee hours of Thursday morning. That was fun. The temperature warmed up then dropped back down with a chance of snow tomorrow or Tuesday. But, sure, we aren't having any climate issues.

Still plugging along on multiple work projects. I did finish up two and added another new one to my pile. I'm very happy to be busy!

Had a decent viewing week. Ended up making it through my full slate of shows and I think I know which new program I'm adding to the lot. I'll give it a view and report back.

Actually realized I did finish up London Kills last week, so I ended up watching another full episode. Things are headed for a showdown with David and Vivienne and I'm here for that.

Watched Death in Paradise and enjoyed the episode. Discovered Izzy is still around and, well, still not a fan. If she returns, maybe she'll grow on me.

Caught Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. So nice to have a little backstory for Esther. And, if rumors prove true, a potential love interest in season three. That'll be fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I'm definitely interested in how things will play out with Kitty's attacker. I can't wait to see if it gets resolved in the next installment.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond. This is one I remembered from my original run through. Quite liked seeing it again.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and it's one I don't remember so a new-to-me episode. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Only a few more left before I move on to the reboot again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Call of the Ripper, a novella exploring an obsession with a legend.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

The stranger stayed tucked into the door well of a building across from the restaurant. "Knew she couldn't resist the bait." He shoved his hands into his pockets and let a sly smile cross his face. "Figures she brought the appendage with her."

Then again, having the man along provided better options. "I've planned for every contingency." And could add another trophy to his collection.

He had just to spot, too.

But really, everything depended on Faith. She held her partner's life in her hands. And I hope she makes the right choice.

His gaze narrowed when Faith toasted her glass against Sean's. Her lips curved in a sweet smile and her gaze turned playful. He didn't need to be close to picture the scenario. He'd seen it often enough. With every woman who'd ever wronged him.

Faith would be different. She had a spectacular mind. Once she realized how much he'd done to impress her, she'd forget about the auction facilitator.

The couple exited the restaurant and headed toward their hotel. He followed at a discreet distance, keeping the object of his desire in his eyesight. When they entered the building, he ducked inside also but didn't trail them to the lift. Instead, he made his way to the stairs and traveled up to their floor.

Waiting until they got inside their room, he took his keycard out and ducked into the neighboring one. He booted up his laptop and checked the video feed from the burner phone he'd placed outside their window. He'd planned this move as soon as they'd made the reservation so he could have eyes on them at all times.

Faith slid her jacket off and draped it over a chair, then stepped into the circle of Sean's arms.

The stranger grunted. "Enjoy him while you can, Faith dearest…"

Kind of happy with how this story is coming together. I like having a third point-of-view character in the mix.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: The Cabin

Even though March is my birth month and the birth month of my mom and one of my best friends, I'm kind of glad to kick it to the curb. It's been a wild ride this month. That said, it's also been intensely productive, so I'm really not complaining.

The weather is still drunk, wildly surging one direction then lurching back only to zing forward again. My sinuses hate me right now. And my throat has that I just swallowed glass with a gravel chaser sound at the moment.

Still buried with work but I'm making great progress on all fronts. I added another new hourly project to the pile and made a big dent in that one yesterday.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual slate and did a marathon watch to finish out the week.

Ended up watching two episodes of Elementary and both were actually terrific. I'm very interested in seeing how things with Kitty play out in the next few installments.

Caught two episodes of Batman Beyond. Always happy to see the Royal Flush show up and I liked the throwback to Bane.

Also enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm about halfway through the final season and I think I'll pick back up with the new reboot once I'm finished up.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and I'm enjoying having Darlene working with the team. She's a great addition. Also glad to see Neville's sister exit. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I didn't enjoy her at all.

Watched the first official episode of season two Beyond Paradise. Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded. Also loved the resolution.

I ended up not quite finishing the episode of London Kills but I should have that one completed this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from The Cabin, a novella featuring a breakup before things really get started.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

"Here goes nothing." Kari made the trek up the mountain and pulled to a quiet stop in the picturesque driveway.

She slid from the vehicle, drank in the view, and picked her way around to the back of the cabin, following the heavy thudding sound. She found Whip—stripped of his shirt—chopping wood and stopped to admire his raw masculinity. Instead of announcing her presence, she watched the corded muscles of his arms and back work to split log after log.

"Holy hell. He's amazing." Her heart wanted them to work, and she hoped he'd want the same.

When he paused to wipe the sweat from his face, he caught sight of her standing at the edge of the porch. He lifted a brow but said nothing. First move belonged to her. Instead of flushing with guilt, she boldly met his gaze and strode forward, stopping to stand toe-to-toe with Whip.

She reached up, cupping his face, and leaned in to capture his lips with hers. He tasted like hickory and sunshine. The kiss dragged out and Kari didn't care when Whip grabbed her hips, bringing her flush against his chest. She'd missed him, more than she wanted to admit.

Whip eased back and stroked his thumb over her cheek. "Sorry for getting you all sweaty." He reached for his shirt, hanging off a spare axe, and draped it over his shoulder.

Kari's lips curved. "My suggestion would be getting sweaty another way…" She met his gaze and held it. "After we talk."

His mouth twisted in a sexy smirk. "By all means…" He held his arm out with a flourish, indicating she should enter the house.

The back door led to the kitchen area, and Whip paused by the sink to fill a cup with water. While he drained the liquid, she peeked around. The cabin had four rooms and loads of charm. A combination living and dining area butted up to the kitchen. A bathroom sat off to the right side and the last room had a … desk and chairs. Glancing up, she discovered a loft area that no doubt had a bed.

Whip leaned against the fridge. "Warner, right?" His voice lacked heat, but his lips were a slash across his face.

She confirmed with a nod. "Your brother did stop by." Angling her head, she flashed a quick smile. "Kind of glad he did. I missed you like mad."

Whip's eyes went dark and smoky. "Missed you, too." He pushed away from the refrigerator and made his way to her side. "Mind if I grab a shower before we…" His gaze gave her a slow once-over. "Talk?"

Kari sucked in her lower lip. "No." She ran a finger down his chest. "Happy to wait."

Whip's lips kicked up in a smile. "Be right back." He popped the button on his jeans and headed to the bathroom.

Kari wandered into the living area, flushed and hot. She glanced up again and didn't hesitate, scrambling up the steps. Her shirt came off before she cleared the last riser. The loft had a built-in dresser that lined one wall and window seat that stretched along the other. A closet tucked up under the pitch of the roof. Shedding her shorts, she quickly removed her bra and panties then turned down the bed cover.

"Kari?" Whip called for her.

She peeked over the edge of the railing that looked down into the living room. "Up here."

Whip grinned, dropped his towel, and started up the stairs.

This is a lot of fun to write. Exploring the sometimes faltering steps to a happily ever after is such an experience.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Bedroom Chronicles

Geez, I can't believe we're almost through March. This has been such a busy month and it's flying by. A few outside distractions added to the mix this week and were something of a big time suck.

My work projects are still chugging along and I'm making progress on my side gig I hope to launch soon. Technically it's already out in the world but I'm adding a big layer to the whole thing. Of course, I pick a moment in time when I'm crazy busy. But I love a good challenge.

As usual, the weather is all over the map. We've had a lot of wind rolling through, stirring up dust and who knows what else. And the temps are doing the back-and-forth dance. I'm looking forward to having some even, leveled-out days … whenever that might be.

Slow viewing week again. Partly due to work stuff and I'm also in a bit of a slump. I might be edging toward a binge-watching phase, which I haven't really done for a long while.

I got most of the way through the episode of London Kills I started last week. It's the opening ep of the fourth season so I kind of want to pay attention and I keep missing key things, so I'll finish it when I have more brain power.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd seen bits and pieces of this one so kind of knew what to expect. I very much remember absolutely disliking Neville's sister with an intense passion and that didn't change. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I doubt it.

Also caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and totally loved it! Christmas shows make me happy and this episode seemed to pull the periphery cast into each other's orbits and I loved that. Looking forward to diving into the rest of season two. And, oddly, the timing ended up being perfect for the crossover last week when Humph returned to the beach. Not sure how I did that.

I did another binge marathon of Peter Gunn also. I'm loving some of the live channels on Plex.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Bedroom Chronicles, a sexy novella about a couple becoming the throuple.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Birk musters out of the military, he drops in on his best friend, Klint and his wife Elsie. They welcome Birk into their home and eventually their bed because Elsie can't think of anyone better than her husband's oldest friend to fulfill their deepest fantasy. But sometimes the best laid plans go awry and dealing with the fallout is a challenge.

And snippety peek…

Klint paused outside Elsie's office, debating whether to disturb her when she had a deadline. "I at least need to give her a heads-up about Birk." Klint knocked on door and poked his head in. "Else?"

She looked up from her laptop. "Did you get a call out?" Her messy bun tilted precariously, a usual occurrence when she went into full-on work mode.

Man, he loved her.

Klint's lips twitched, and he shook his head. "No, that was Birk. He mustered out two weeks ago and just arrived at the airport. I invited him to dinner tonight." Probably should've thought to clear the invite with Elsie first.

Elsie's eyes widened. "I'm finally going to meet your best bud? That's awesome." She grinned and did a happy chair dance.

One of the many things he loved about Elsie—her capacity to welcome new experiences.

Klint propped a shoulder on the jamb. "I'm glad you feel that way. I'd like to have him stay for a while. Maybe talk to Rand at HRS." Couldn't hurt and Klint would love to have Birk stick around for a while.

Elsie tilted her head to one side. "You think he'll be a good fit at High Risk Security."

Klint nodded. "When he's ready, yeah." Adjusting to civilian life could be challenging and Birk had some stuff to work through.

Elsie gave a wide grin. "Then we'll absolutely have him stay." She glanced at her monitor. "Let me finish this chapter. I'm almost done." She held his gaze. "Why don't you defrost some chicken breasts, and we'll do fajitas."

Klint's lips kicked up in a grin. "You remembered." He and Birk used to live for the Mexican-style dish their moms made.

Elsie pulled a face. "I remember everything you've told me about growing up with Birk." She looked up at Klint through her eyelashes. "The good, the bad, and the ugly."

Klint laughed. "Get ready to hear more. It'll be a long trip down memory lane." Especially since Birk had missed his mom's funeral.

Elsie nodded. "It'll be good for him, right? Reminiscing?" She didn't need to add more because she'd been with Klint and helped him through the loss.

Klint shrugged. "I hope so. Made it easier for me."

Elsie held his gaze. "Then we'll try to do the same for Birk."

Klint lifted his chin. "I'll let you get back to your chapter. I'll be in the kitchen when you're done."

This story is coming together in so many good ways. I'm excited to see where things go.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Auld Lang Syne

The work project abundance continues. I'm plugging along and chiseling away at the four current projects I have on my plate—two copy edits, a proofread, and a developmental edit are the main events. I also have a set of revisions to review and a read through to start. It's chaotic but also … fun? I love that everything I'm working on right now is so different. Not one of the manuscripts is similar to the other ones.

As usual, totally unhinged weather in Ohio. It's cold. It's hot. It's both in one day. Rain, sun, gloomy clouds, and hey, a chance for more snow. I did get lucky and had a mostly clear night for the recent blood moon eclipse, which was amazing to watch. Being a night owl comes in very hand sometimes.

Had a limited viewing schedule this week, mainly because I needed to focus on the words in the manuscripts. I did get a few things watched. I might have to give binge watching something for background noise a go for the next few weeks.

Finished up Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the first season finale. They packed so much into this episode. The case, Humph and Archie fight, more shenanigans from the Chief Super, Esther and Hump bonding, Margo being Margo, Kelby being Kelby, and of course, the crew from Death in Paradise at the end. I can't wait to watch the first holiday episode this week!

Caught an episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. Interesting interactions between the consulting trio and the police duo and twisty bits thrown in to keep things rolling.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I definitely remembered and liked during my first watch of this series.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and actually remember this one, which is odd because most of the ninth season has been new-to-me stuff.

Started an episode of London Kills, the opener to the fourth season. I had to stop partway through because I need to pay attention and this isn't the week for me to do that.

Also binged a marathon of Peter Gunn on one of the live PlexTV channels. I've been hitting Plex up for a lot of viewing fare lately and I might end up using it over the next several weeks for background noise. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Auld Lang Syne, a novella featuring the trio from Mistletoe Madness.

Here's the miniblurb:

When a New Year's Eve party turns into a surprise memorial for Delaney Nixon's mom, Scotty London and Westin Ames help Delaney face the auld lang syne with grace and gratitude while it stirs up old memories. The trio then returns home for some much-needed TLC.

And a snippety peek…

Westin glanced up then narrowed his eyes when the bell jangled over the front entrance and Landon walked in. "Things go okay with Laney this morning?" He set the wrench on his workstation and wiped his hands.

Scotty gave a nod. "Yeah, all good." He held up a takeout bag from the Roadside, a diner between his office and Westin's garage. "Thought we could have a conversation about New Year's Eve." Dropping the food on the counter, he unbuttoned his coat and pulled the scarf from around his neck.

Westin cocked his head. "What's going on, Landon?" He pulled a stool out and settled on it.

Scotty grimaced. "A lot. And I might need some backup from you." He got seated and started taking food out of the bag. "Remember the meeting I went to about the ball?"

Westin grunted. "Yeah, what about it?" Landon's previous commitment gave Wes time to be alone with Delaney.

Scotty sighed. "The committee is planning a memorial for Joanie." He unwrapped a smash burger. "And they want it to be a surprise for Del."

Westin nearly choked on the waffle fry he'd stuffed into his mouth. "They what?" He chewed and swallowed then reached for the tea Scotty pushed his way. "You agreed to this?" Why else would Landon be here if he hadn't.

Scotty huffed out a breath. "Not much choice. The women already had the whole thing organized and gave me the task of making sure Del gets there." He took a huge bite of his burger.

Westin mulled the idea over. "Joanie didn't want a big deal. Laney honored her wishes." He picked up his sandwich. "This kinda flies in the face of that, doesn't it?" He met Landon's gaze.

Scotty's head bobbed up and down. "Yeah. But they're convinced making the ball a celebration of Joanie's life is a great idea. Something to bring the whole community together and welcome Del back into the fold so to speak." He shrugged. "I mean, I get where they're coming from, and it is a sweet gesture from Joanie's friends, but…" His voice trailed off.

Wes grunted. "It could be super emotional for Laney." Damn.

Scotty nodded. "Yeah. That's why I'm here. To make sure we're prepared for all possible outcomes." He shoveled some fries into his mouth.

Westin's lips quirked. "All right. Consider this our first strategy session for operation auld lang syne." He sobered. "By the way, the only formal thing I own is my uniform. Where can I get suit on short notice?"

Scotty laughed. "I know just the place. Plan on a long lunch tomorrow."

I love writing this trio. The guys are a lot of fun and exploring their new friendship outside of the relationship they share with Delaney is joyful for me.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Approaching Midnight

What a week! My brain is all spinny at the moment because I have an abundance of work projects in my inbox. I love having a full calendar. That said, I need about five more hours in each day, please and thank you.

Honestly, the overflowing inbox comes at an excellent time for me. I have several things that need attention, one of them being the brakes on my car. Now to buckle under and get the work done.

Weather in Ohio is typical for March. Maybe a little on the extreme side, but March always seems to be whiplashing back and forth between winter and spring. Today is springlike with temps in the fifties. Yesterday we barely broke freezing for our high.

Another very limited week for viewing. I'm not kidding when I say five more hours each day would be helpful. Just saying.

I did finish up the Death in Paradise episode I started last week. So sad to see Florance leave again. But what a way to go out. And pretty sure we'll see her again.

Also started a Beyond Paradise episode, which will finish out the first season. I'm really enjoying this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Approaching Midnight, a novella that brings a couple together over the holidays.

Here's the miniblurb:

It's approaching midnight on New Year's Eve and Greta Davis has to decide whether to meet Mick Caplin at the NYE ball or if it's too crazy to even think they have a shot at love. After all, they've only known each other since Halloween.

And a snippety peek…

Greta approached Planks on the Square with a frisson of nervous energy. "I hope he shows." She breathed easier when he stepped out from under the awning-covered patio.

And, damn, the hot factor hadn't lessened at all. In fact, he'd added a zippered fleece jacket in a forest green shade to his T-shirt and jeans. He wore casual really well. And she liked the change of pace from douchebag Justin's penchant for tailored everything in clothes.

Mick gave her a wide smile. "How did the drop-off go?" He pulled the door open, and they ducked inside the pub.

Greta smirked. "My sister realized her mistake less than five seconds after getting Finn and Kenley back." She spied an empty high-top table and nodded toward it.

Mick lifted his chin. "Perfect." He shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over the back of a stool.

The server came over and took their orders. A beer for Mick and a glass of wine for Greta.

She got settled on the stool and rested her forearms on the table. "Was the remote where you thought it would be?"

Mick chuckled. "Yep. Right on the side of the chair. Just not on the side it's normally on." He sobered. "Gramps does pretty well. He's not that old, just pushing seventy, but he's a bit neuro-spicy and struggles when his routine is altered."

Greta grimaced. "I'll bet the trick-or-treating didn't help tonight."

Mick shrugged. "Honestly, he's still trying to adjust to moving in with me. My parents moved to Arizona for their jobs, and they plan to retire there. Gramps is dead set on not moving but needs to have a little support." He pointed to himself with both thumbs. "That would be me."

The server brought their drinks and dashed away to another table.

Mick took a quick sip of his beer. "So, how about you? Do you get to have your party of five very often?"

Greta flashed a smile. "In one bunch? Not that often. Usually, I have Kenley and Finn together or Sasha, Oliver, and Gates. I also have a fur nephew. A highland maltie named Sawyer that I keep on occasion for my brother and his partner." Sven and Mark didn't trust leaving the dog with anyone else.

Mick's eyes widened. "Sounds like your family keeps you busy. That's kind of awesome. How many siblings do you have?"

Greta took a sip of her wine. "Three. Two brothers and a sister. We're basically stairstep kids. Brigit is the oldest at thirty-five and I'm the youngest at thirty-two. The guys, Hans and Sven, are in between." She had no idea how her mom handled having four kids so closely together.

Mick blinked. "Ah. I get your comment about who led who astray now. Being that close in age probably meant you guys were all for one and one for all." He picked at the label on his bottle. "I'm jealous. I spent a lot of time trying to get my friends with large families to adopt me as a kid."

Greta laughed. "Yeah, we never had a dull moment growing up." She sobered a little. "And we're still pretty close now. The other three are waiting on me to get settled, and they're not subtle about dropping hints." The one thing she really disliked about her siblings.

Especially since they still asked about Justin all the time.

Mick tilted his head to one side. "I sense a story there…" He took another long pull from his beer.

Greta appreciated the way his throat worked when he swallowed. How much should she reveal?

She might as well be up front. "Not really much of a story, but I recently ended a relationship after almost ten years together." Taking another sip of wine, she added more. "Everyone thought we'd eventually marry but I kept putting off making any kind of plans. I finally realized I stayed with Justin out of habit more than anything else." She met Mick's gaze. "And that's not a great foundation to build a life on, especially when he didn't always treat me like I mattered."

Mick gave a slow nod. "I'll bet that cost you some peace of mind to admit." His fingers swirled the half empty bottle around in front of him and his gaze drifted far away. "If it helps any, I had the same experience…" His focus shifted back to her. "Twice."

With the wine glass halfway to her lips, she paused. "Twice?" She set the goblet down. "I think it's your turn for story time." His admission did help, and her curiosity kicked into high gear.

I'm excited about this one. I love these two and can't wait to finish telling their story.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Along the Shore (a South of the Border novella)

Wow, March is being its typical mercurial self. Warm up and then plunge back into the teens and single digits. The back-and-forth weather is normal but not fun.

Crazy-busy week with work projects. I'm thrilled to have my calendar filling up and excited to start some new manuscripts. Also getting more details sorted out for Tip Jar Shorts. I need to find a full day I can dedicate to getting everything where it needs to be.

Very limited viewing this week. My brain decided it needed quiet to focus on the reading I needed to finish up for one of my work projects. I probably needed the break.

I did get more of the One Lane Bridge episode watched. I might take a brief vacation from this one. There's a lot going on in this show and focus is going to be important so I don't miss anything.

Finished up season three of London Kills with the behind-the-scenes bonus episode. I always enjoy getting a deeper look at how everything comes together in a series.

Started another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm about halfway through and I like the tension in this one. Also enjoyed Neville and Commissioner Patterson being on the same page for once.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Along the Shore, a South of the Border novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vail Ericsson, a freelance security expert and skilled tracker, can find anyone for a price. But when he trails Ellery Quantrell to Mexico, he discovers she's not an escapee but a target, and his role changes from pursuer to protector, whether Ellery wants him as a shield or not.

And a snippety peek…

Ellery could take the heat. She could handle bugs and plants with stinging leaves. But she could not, would not, should not have to deal with the man currently hauling her through the sand with little care to the fact it stuck to her skin, burned the bottoms of her feet, and made her scalp itch. She didn't know which she hated more. The big oaf or the tiny, granulated pebbles that made her almost wish for the frigid tundra she'd finally escaped from two months ago.

I was so damned close to getting out—all the way out—from under Puchenko's thumb. Until big, bad, and bothersome showed up to become a huge pain in my ass. She didn't voice her running commentary because, frankly, Mr. Mercenary wouldn't give a damn how hard she'd worked to flee from her brother's fucked-up bargain that landed her in Ivan's clutches.

She could ask Vail to slow down but decided not to give him the satisfaction of a nice query. Instead, she opted to blast him for making the soles of her feet become a shredded mess. Oh, and a bleeding one, as well.

She planted herself in the sand, flinching against the sharp, stabbing pain. "Hey, call me stupid, but blood leaves a trail, right?" She pulled back hard on the hand trying to drag her forward. "Something traceable your friendly goon squad could use to follow us?" She lifted her leg and turned her ankle to show the oozing, red streaks and broken skin.

Vail dropped his gaze to her feet and winced. "Looks painful." He shrugged. "But too bad, we're not stopping. Maybe you should've kept your shoes on."

She smirked. "If I had, I wouldn't have been able to wing them at your head."

Vail snorted. "Not my fault they got dragged out to sea by a wave." His hand went to his nape. "I am surprised you didn't give me a concussion when you tried to knock me out with that fallen limb."

Ellery flushed hotly but stood her ground. "You have a really hard head." And the driftwood didn't make a good weapon.

Vail sneered. "So I've been told." He grabbed her hand again. "Quit bitching. We're almost there."

He started forward and Ellery followed, each step a burning reminder of why she wouldn't get tangled up with anyone ever again.

Especially if they were hot to look at but had the personality of a big ape.

This couple is so much fun to write. They're very unhappy with their circumstances, which is a joy to explore.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin