Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

November 24, 2013

Greetings!

Another great TV week. The 50^th anniversary of Doctor Who truly made my entire week. Sooooo nice to watch a show I love on BBC America and not get stuck with ninety-seven episodes of some Gordon Ramsay show and/or Top Gear. Don't get me wrong, both shows are okay, I'm just really tired of how often they're on during the day. The BBC has a HUGE library and I used to love watching all the various offerings before the network got overrun with a chef and three car enthusiasts. *sigh*

Anyway, Arrow delivered and provided several off the charts levels of awesome. Seriously, I live for Wednesdays. Let's see, Sons of Anarchy brought some good stuff to the table. Sometimes I think if certain people would shut up and other certain folks would sit down and have an actual conversation, things might go a whole lot easier. I may have a nice, long post on my TV blog—which rarely gets used—once the season is over.

I could go on but since it seems like next week is hiatus for the Turkey Day holiday, I'll save some reactions for that post.

Tonight's snippet is from Events in Motion, a fantasy based erotic novella centered on fulfilling a destiny.

Here's the tagline:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Porter let go of her hand and wandered to the far side of the temple. The offerings were plenty and the opulence of the sanctum took Drury's breath away. She strolled around the sacred area, her gaze scanning treasures and tithes. A grotto encasing a likeness of the goddess drew her attention and she crossed the center of the space, almost by compulsion. She slowed her gait, gripped by hesitation. The marble statue had detailed carvings, with intricately twisted latticework.

Compelled, Drury inched closer and closer to the idol. She felt the sound more than heard it—a faint, vague whisper. She closed her eyes, fighting a wave of fear. Hadn't she rid herself of the steady static in her head?

Her fingers brushed over the scrolled filigree on the temple goddess and the marble pillar hummed with vibration. Porter approached but said nothing. Drury placed her palm directly on the totem and the walls shook, knocking Drury off kilter.

Porter steadied her. "If it's important, you better grab it now." His gaze flicked around the room. "The place isn't stable. We'll have to come back later, Dru."

Drury lifted her hand and the trembling stilled. "It's me, Port." She slowly glanced sideways, meeting his gaze. "The place is reacting to me."

Porter's grip tightened. "Are you sure, Dru?" He kept his tone cautious.

She pressed her hand against the cool surface again and it warmed, the rumbling resumed and the floor cracked beneath their feet.

Jerking away, Dru collapsed, but Porter broke her fall, wrapping her in his embrace before sweeping an arm under her legs. He lifted her with ease and ducked falling objects, making a steady retreat towards the exit.

Images, clear and vivid, filled her mind, brief flashes of clarity that took her breath away. She gripped Porter's shoulder after he exited the temple, her fingers digging into his flesh. She wanted to find out more… had to.

He set her on her feet and cocked an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and gulped in several deep breaths. "I'm fine. And I know what I need to do."

Porter shook his head. "I'm not going to like it, am I?"

Her lips quirked. "Probably not. I have to go back in." She turned towards the entrance.

Porter reached out, halting her progress. "Uh uh. No way, Dru. That place is gonna collapse if you step foot back inside."

Her shoulders squared. "Maybe, but I'm doing it anyway." She shot a glance his way. "I have to find answers, Port. The temple is my best bet." She prayed he understood.

His lips thinned to a stern line. "You can't get anything if you're dead." He grabbed her arm, turning her towards him. "Wait one damned minute and think, Dru. Think about why the whole flaming building started falling apart." His tone softened. "If you figure that part out, you might be able to find what you need without burying us in the process."

Drury snorted. "Maybe I pissed the goddess off. Or my supposed cosmic connection to the universe is on the crapper." His final words hit her. "Wait, us?" She backed up a little. "No way, Port. I'm not asking you to go back in there with me."

He stepped forward, invading her personal space. "You don't have to. I'm volunteering." His hand cupped her face. "Dru, you're still shaking with reaction. You're terror can't be helping. If you're so in tune with the place, it probably feeds off your fear."

Son of bitch. Why hadn't she considered the possibility? Because her natural instinct to fight always kicked in at the worst possible moment.

Her shoulders slumped. "Dammit, you're right, Port." Her gaze met his. "I need to know everything, but I'm reluctant to accept my role, whatever the hell it is."

Porter wrapped his arms around her, hauling her close. "I know, Dru, and I'm not a great believer in mapped destinies, but if nothing else, I'm along for the ride." He eased away, his hands moving forward to tilt her chin upward. "I've got your back. You won't face anything alone." His head lowered and his mouth met hers.

She found solace in the kiss, and strength. Porter provided calm in the swirling storm she called her life. His quiet skepticism kept her tethered when she feared spinning out of control would become the norm.

Easing away, she broke the embrace, resting her forehead on his chin. Inhaling deeply, she pushed everything but Porter and the need for answers out of her mind then stepped back, holding her hand out.

Porter laced their fingers together and squeezed her palm.

He nodded towards the temple. "Let's go."

Ahhh. I love a good man who offers backup without getting too bossy about it. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Capsized Buccaneer

Hello!

Gotta say, my television shows are eating my brain lately. I'm dying for Walking Dead tonight even though the Governor makes my skin crawl. I got caught up on Sleepy Hollow and totally love the dynamic of the entire show. Reminds me so much of the X-files. Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. is coming together pretty nicely. I'm enjoying the character dynamics. Sons of Anarchy keeps me on the edge of my seat and I so want to hate Gemma, but can't quite go across the line into loathing territory. But I would love to see her get some kind of comeuppance. We'll see what happens.

Again, Arrow and Tomorrow People had me glued to my screen on Wednesday. Arrow truly gets better each episode. Tomorrow People keeps me guessing and I hope it stays that way. I'm really excited to see where Haven ends up going and how they'll resolve the current storyline. I can't remember if this is the last season or not, but I'm almost hoping it isn't.

And hey, I'm currently enjoying a Firefly marathon on the Science Channel. I have much love for that show.

So… tonight's post. Capsized Buccaneer is part urban fantasy, part castaway island. Zeb and Kallen have to survive being stranded after Zeb's yacht sinks in the ocean. He's got a connected family, she's a sports champion and their initial spark turns into a conflicted truce once they get off the island and discover someone wants Kallen dead.

Here's the tagline:

Kallen Bond, a star athlete certain to lead her team to a championship win, takes a much needed two day excursion aboard a Bertelli luxury yacht before the big game. The Bertelli's sabotage their ship to eliminate Kallen from the competition, but she's saved by Zeb, the family black sheep, and they end up stranded on a remote island with no way home.

And a preview snippet…

Zeb jerked to consciousness, putting his hands out to keep paddling water. His fingers met with sand instead. He no longer bobbed in the water, praying for death. Slowly, he attempted to sit, wincing at the sharp throb in his head. When the ship exploded, something caught the back of his skull. Lifting a hand, he found dried blood and a huge bump. Inhaling deeply, he fought the wave of pain and struggled to up onto his knees. He'd landed in a sandy pit a good distance from the shore.

How the hell had that happened? Movement from behind him drew his attention. The blond he'd grabbed when she floated past—Kelly, Kali, no, Kallen—plopped down beside him and gazed out towards the horizon.

He craned his neck, cautiously, and scanned the surrounding. Trees and craggy rocks met his gaze. Land. Civilization. They'd made it.

Heaving a sigh, he settled down, drawing his knees up to his chest. "We're safe."

Kallen snorted. "Yeah, not so much, handsome. While you were out cold, I wandered around. We're on an island as far as I can tell. I didn't go far, but it appears deserted." She slid him a sideways glance. "So unless you've got food and water stashed in those beat up cargo shorts, we're not safe." She scrambled up to her feet. "In fact, we're as good as dead if we don't find some kind of shelter." She lifted her chin, gazing upward. "Another storm front is moving in. And it looks damned ugly."

He followed her line of sight and sure enough, roiling, nasty looking black clouds moved at a solid clip, heading in their direction. He huffed out a hard breath and carefully got his feet under him.

He held out his hand. "Then let's go." He flashed a grin. "I've had enough of being wet today."

Kallen's lips quirked and she grasped his palm. "Yeah. I feel your pain." She took lead and directed Zeb towards a rocky outcropping. "I think we can stay protected from the wind and most of the rain over this way." She carefully picked her way along a barely noticeable trail.

But a path meant someone else had been on the island, right? Maybe? Or it could've been used by a big ass wild animal.

Zeb's head spun, his hangover kicking in with major force. Dehydration. He'd need water soon.

Kallen stumbled. "Son of a bitch." She hopped on one foot. "Stupid. Stupid. Wearing flip flops instead of shoes." A cut oozed blood along the side of her sole.

Zeb glanced downward, realizing he only had one of his topsiders on. How did he not notice that before? Dumbass, you woke up on some crazy island after your yacht went down. A little busy, yeah?

He ducked down, using his shoulder to support Kallen. "Let me help. You should avoid getting sand and dirt in that."

Kallen wrapped an arm around his waist. "Go straight, then bear right. You're looking for a big ass tree." She tightened her grip. "It gets pretty rough, the terrain, I mean."

Zeb shot her a look. "Think I can't handle it?"

She lifted a shoulder. "Well, you were pretty wasted last night. You've gotta be feeling like shit right now."

He fought an urge to heave and soldiered on. "You're not wrong. But I seriously don't wanna get caught when those clouds hit this place." He found the tree and veered inland. "But I warn you, when we hit those rocks, I might fall over and not get back up."

Kallen grimaced. "Look, it's Zeb, isn't it?"

He nodded.

She continued. "It's not much further and we won't have any place else to go once that storm get here. You, no we, can collapse and stay down as long as necessary."

Zeb got a better hold on Kallen. "Gee, Kallen, your motivational skills aren't quite what I expected."

She slid her gaze sideways. "You know my name?"

He snorted. "Everyone knows your name. You led your team to the world finals and a chance at the championship, hence the huge bash on my family's yacht."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, great party that turned out to be."

Zeb huffed out a harsh breath and winced when a strong stitch throbbed in his side. "God, don't make me laugh right now."

The craggy terrain evened out and Zeb broke through some underbrush into a small clearing. Kallen let go and hopped over to a large rock, dropping down to take a look at her injury.

Zeb circled around, trying to get his bearings. The sky darkened and he edged closer to the outcropping, looking for a good place to take shelter. Running his hand on the jagged surface, he walked about fifteen yards and noticed a large gap. He leaned in to get a closer look and discovered the opening seemed to go on for a good ways.

He shouted over the gusty wind. "Hey, Kallen, I think I found a cave. Maybe we could take cover in it."

She finished tying a strip of her shirt around her wound and hobbled over. Bending down, she peered inside.

She let out a laugh. "Damn, I think you're right. It'll be dark, but it should keep us out of the worst of the storm." Stooping down again, she crawled inside. "Shit, Zeb. Get in here."

Zeb followed and gasped in surprise. Light filtered in from the entrance, casting a shadowy glow on a large, circular ring with wood stacked inside. Several crates lined one side of the cave and two oil lanterns sat atop the biggest one. Zeb wandered over and found a box of matches and dug one out before lifting the shade to light the wick. He held the light up to get a better look at the interior of their shelter.

Kallen let out a low whistle. "Looks like we may not be alone here, after all."

This one has been really fun to write so far. It's still in the early stages but the outline stuff keeps pouring out. May end up being more than one book if the sages keep spewing stuff out. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Great Review: A Magical Affair

I wanted to book my fantasy weekend shortly after the first scene!

 --jj, Rainbow Book Reviews

I'm thrilled by the wonderful review from Rainbow Book Reviews.

Please click the link to read the full review. Rainbow Book Reviews

Sunday Snippet: Calamity of Chaos

Howdy!

Well, my week in television ended up being pretty damned awesome. Seriously, the Walking Dead kind of caught me off guard, but gotta give it to Rick. When he steps up, he sorta goes full tilt and gets it done. Not sure how I feel about the parting of ways, but I'm leaning towards it being a good thing.

Thoroughly enjoyed Castle, which is a nice change since I've been kind of 'meh' about this season. I love getting to see Rick and Kate together—that kind of never happens and it pisses me off—but the storylines either underwhelmed or made me scratch my head. Sons of Anarchy continues to rip the scabs off old wounds. I love having my smart Jax back. He's always at his best when he's not reacting to and working through shit like watching his best friend die. Very interested to see what side Tara's actions have him landing on. My hope is he'll stay smart, get the Irish out of the way, deal with the DA, and then let the emotional fallout hit. And good Christ, stay away from Gemma so she can't throw gasoline on the fire. *shakes head*

Arrow and The Tomorrow People just make my Wednesday the best day of the week. I can't say enough about Arrow at the moment, and anything I would say would contain spoilers, so *zips lips*. Haven twisted everything sideways again, but hit on a theory I had from the first episode. I kind of can't wait to see how the new wrinkle plays into the mythology. I have more thinky thoughts, but again… spoilers. LOL

So, that's my week in TV. Maybe I should get to the actual post, right? Tonight's snippet is from Calamity of Chaos, a follow up to Consortium of Chaos. The story is set in the United States and has Esme and Ash on the trail of Baron Morbid's partner. So far, it's been loads of fun to write.

Here's the tagline:

Esme and Ashton embark on a trip to America, on the trail of their nemesis's partner. Calamity ensues when they stumble upon a dastardly plot to keep them from returning home.

And a preview snippet…

Esme turned the controls of the Lady Victorious over to Del. "Keep her steady and for pity's sake call me if you run into any sky traffic." She stepped away from the helm. "I do not want to get stranded in the states with no way home except by sea."

Del snorted. "Esme, you've taught me everything I know about captaining this big ship. Since when do you lack confidence in my ability?" He lifted a brow.

Smithers nosed into the conversation. "Since you are not her, sir." He sent a smirk in Esme's direction.

She sneered. "Stow it, Smithers. I'm perfectly confident Del can handle things." She started toward the aisle leading to the staterooms. "It's the crazy Americans I worry about." Her lips curved when Smithers went pale and pasty.

She enjoyed getting him all wound up. And Del would have to deal with the hovering valet, leaving her plenty of time to cajole Ash into bed for a nice, long romp.

Ash got too caught up in Mobride's business sometimes and Esme wanted to remind him to take a little time to wind down and rejuvenate. Too much time spent around Baron Morbid's affairs would eventually have a negative effect. Esme wanted to get the guy's partner as much, maybe more, than Ash, but she wouldn't lose the man she loved to the nefarious viciousness Mobride seemed able to generate even beyond the grave.

She paused outside the door of their cabin and loosened the buttons of her bodice then gave her camisole a yank for good measure. Twisting the knob of the door, she entered quarters and found Ash poring over several sets of ledgers. The man didn't even look up when she strode across the floor to stop in front of the desk. Esme frowned. Desperate times called for desperate actions. Tugging her shirttails free, she undid the rest of the buttons and shrugged the garment off to toss it on the surface in front on Ash. Startled, he glanced up, his eyes going wide then darkening with desire. Esme slowly made her way around the edge, stopping just shy of Ash's chair. The scrape of wood on the deck became a welcome sound when Ash angled the seat so she could drop down atop his lap. Esme wrapped an arm around his shoulders, putting her breasts on display when the camisole inched its way down. Ash's tongue flicked out, wetting his lower lip and her nipples puckered in response.

She met his gaze. "It's past time for a distraction, my love." She wriggled her butt around and grinned when she got the response she wanted.

The rapid hardening of Ash's cock.

He gave her a wolfish smile then grasped the hem of her camisole, lifting upward. "You know, Es, I think you're right." He tugged the garment over her head then leaned down to draw a pebbled tip between his lips.

Esme gasped, loving the way his teeth grazed over the sensitive peak.

And yes, I'm gonna leave the rest to your imagination. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Broken Down and Maxed Out

Hi!

YAY! Strike Back got a renewal even though it'll be the last season. I can live with one more ten episode run with Stonebridge and Scott. I'm torn between wanting to see them go out with a bang—Butch and Sundance style—and hoping like hell my two heroes find a way to be happy and live long lives. :D

And Arrow… holy crap. I can't even form coherent thoughts about last week's episode yet. Without getting too spoileriffic, I'm usually not keen on recasting a primary character, even if they've had almost zero screen time, but I'm definitely reserving judgment on this one. Mainly because I can't wait to see where they take the character and how they tie her into the DC 'verse. *rubs hands together gleefully*

Haven keeps impressing me and doesn't always do what I expect. If I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE shows that keep me guessing. J

Anyway, time for the actual post. Tonight's snippet is from Broken Down and Maxed Out. The manuscript is in the beginning stages, but the sages are throwing out some great stuff. J

Here's the tagline:

When Dallas Kirk and Rafe Quinoza, two top agents in the Ministry of Magic, are broken down and maxed out they turn to each other to regroup and recharge. But when they reach their saturation point at the same time, they struggle to keep their connection strong which is difficult when they blame themselves for a mission gone wrong.

And the preview snippet…

Dallas trudged up the steps to the apartment, weary, worn out, and dying for her bed. But not before she took the longest shower known to man or mage. Her hand drifted to her hair, fingers brushing lightly over the strands. Yep. Still had traces of sage ash and singed ends. She'd probably have to cut several inches off to undo the damage.

Sliding her key in the lock, she shoved the door open and dropped her bag on the floor. The loud clunk echoed in the empty space and the darkness swallowed her, dragging her mood down even further. She shrugged out of her trench coat, the tricks of her trade clanging together when she tossed the jacket over the back of the loveseat. Making a mental note to restock her metal cuffs—and make certain they had sufficient wards in place—she turned toward the bathroom and headed in that direction. She didn't bother flipping the lights on, she didn't need them to find her way.

Dallas turned on the shower, stripped, and finally turned some ambient illumination on by setting the dimmer switch to the lowest notch. She had no desire to see the welts and bruises on her body. And there'd be a shit ton after the beating she'd taken.

Stepping into the shower stall, she let the pounding spray work out the kinks and cramps. Pressing her face against the tiled wall, she blew out a harsh breath. Good cripes, she needed a respite—a nice long break from the batshit crazy ministry business and every damn thing going wrong.

Right. As if.

Lost in the miserable knowledge a vacation wouldn't be on the books any time soon, she jumped when the shower door flew open and braced for a fight. She relaxed when she caught sight of her would be assailant, Rafe.

His gaze swept over her, taking in every minute detail. "Fuck me, Dallas. What the flaming hell happened to you?" He yanked his shirt off and started on his jeans.

Dallas didn't answer, her throat still raw from the earlier fracas, and now choked with emotion. The sight of Rafe, her balm in the shit storm of life, soothed her soul more than any magically enhanced salve. Rafe kicked off his pants and glanced up, got a good look at her face, and ducked inside the steaming mist.

His hands cupped her head, carefully avoiding the abrasions along her jaw. "I'm here, Dal. You can let go now." He drew her forward, wrapping his arms around her. "Use me to get it out."

Her carefully constructed calm shattered and she threw her head back, the scream no less blood-curdling even with her damaged vocal chords. The dam burst and Rafe held her until she'd spent the last of her rage. She grabbed hold of his ass, her fingers digging into the flesh, dragging him closer, and angling her head to nip at his neck.

His breath hissed out when she made contact but his semi-hard erection swelled to its full length. He'd take the edge off her frayed psyche and recharge her to face another day.

She reached behind him and shut the water off. "Hard and fast, Rafe. Now." Her raspy voice made his eyes narrow.

But he heard the plea. His mouth crushed hers and she welcomed the sweep of his tongue against her lips. His hands skimmed her sides then he lifted her, pressing on her ass, urging her to wrap her legs around his torso. Nudging the door open, he exited the shower and carried her, dripping wet, across the floor and into their bedroom.

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he raised her a little and entered her with a smooth thrust. Dallas moaned, breaking the kiss and bucked against his hips, building some friction.

She tumbled sideways, hauling Rafe atop her. "More, Rafe. I need more." She wrapped her legs around him, drawing him back inside.

He palmed her breasts, his eyes raking over her, taking in each and every injury. "I'll give you everything, Dal. Hang on." He drove into her, pumping his hips back and forth.

His mouth worked magic along her jawline, healing her abrasions. His hard cock pounded her, their magical connection building energy, arcing between them to patch up everything else. She took as much as she dared then gave herself over to the emotional bond, letting the disappointment and disillusionment ebb away. Rafe changed the pace, easing into a sensual rhythm. Dallas got lost in his golden gaze and sank into euphoria. The slid of his skin, the rapid beat of his heart, and the warmth of being joined swallowed her senses and spun her world sideways. She loved Rafe to distraction—right or wrong—and no one could take the feeling away.

Given the botched mission, the ministry could try to separate her and Rafe, but she'd fight tooth and nail if they made the attempt.

Rafe leaned down, his breath hot against her ear. "Stop thinking, Dal." He flicked his tongue over her lobe. "Just feel. Me. You. What we have. Feel." His mouth met hers in a hot kiss.

He flexed his hips, bumping hard against her clit and she broke, coming hard, the release washing over her until her toes tingled. Rafe followed quickly behind, thrusting deep and emptying himself. He collapsed sideways and hauled her close, tucking her head against his shoulder.

He brushed her hair back with his fingers. "Sleep, Dal." He pressed his lips to her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere."

She snuggled into his embrace and let her eyes drift closed. Rafe would keep watch and she could shut her brain down and finally rest.

Whew. Dallas has a lot on her mind, but some quality time with Rafe never hurts. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye