Sunday Snippet: Not Enough Hope

April 27, 2014

Greetings,

Whew. Wild week in TV. Arrow, of course, amped up the tension and drama with a total shocker at the end of the episode. Okay, maybe not a total surprise, but wow, I'm dying to see what happens next. S.H.I.E.L.D went to great places and planted some new seeds for a future season (I hope!) and Orphan Black delivered another taut hour of viewing pleasure. I have several things I want to see happen with Rachel, but I'll save those for a fandom blog post. LOL I'm honestly not sure about the whole Helena/religious cult dealio, but I'll keep watching to see what happens.

Writing wise, the week ended up being way more productive than expected, in a truly odd way. I've been updating my Works in Progress page and the exercise is shaking off some cobwebs and getting the creative juices flowing again. I love it when that happens. J

Tonight's post is from Not Enough Hope, a novella where my main characters have to find their way back to each other… if they can.

Here's the tagline:

Early Gibbons walks away from her position in the fae court—and Salem Powell—to forge her own path in the human realm. When she discovers a vengeance hound on her trail, she returns to the land of fae to find out who unleashed the beast, which may be tricky since Salem is the leader and she can't discount him as the culprit.

And a preview snippet…

Early spoke quietly. "It's hard to let go of someone you loved."

Salem agreed. "It is, yes." But he hadn't loved Glenda enough. He'd used her. And she him. But they were good for each other… for a while. He'd thought maybe… no, he hadn't really. And she knew it. She wanted one last decent thing before giving it up. And maybe she'd hoped they could find their way back… but he wouldn't lie. Not this time. And Glenda realized it… he hadn't meant to take away her hope, but he had.

And she'd given up. Because of him. And Early.

Salem sighed. "Why are you here?"

Early shrugged. "It was time to come home."

Salem slid his gaze sideways. "This isn't your home anymore. Did you forget that?"

Only he could grant her access back into the fold… and right now… he didn't feel inclined. She could interact and visit family and friends—if she still had any. But unless he welcomed her, she wouldn't be embraced by the fae. Not quite a full on shunning where she'd be turned to ash if she crossed the threshold, but uncomfortable nonetheless. She'd have to resort to accepting whatever hospitality she could find and wouldn't be able to put down roots or stay past her welcome.

Early replied succinctly. "I haven't forgotten anything." She turned towards him. "You don't plan to make this easy, do you?"

Salem worked the ashes, scooping them toward the center of the pyre. "Apparently you have forgotten." He glanced up. "Nothing's ever easy with you."

Early lifted a brow. "Oh, it gets worse. I've got a vengeance hound on my ass." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Know anything about that, Salem?"

A sucker punch to the face would've shocked him less, but he wouldn't show his surprise. Not here, or now.

He held her gaze for several long moments. "There's a long list to go through to narrow down the possibilities, Early." His flicked a glance toward the fire. "And I'm a little busy at the moment."

~:~

Early's gut twisted. She deserved his scorn. Hell, she hadn't expected anything less. But Mage's blood, her timing couldn't suck worse. Arriving on the day he performed final rites on Glenda. The universe might be trying to tell her something. Too bad she didn't plan on listening.

She never did.

She'd walked away with no intention of ever coming back, but too many close calls forced her return. The only reason she could come up with for a hound chasing her had everything to do with home. Someone had cursed her and she had to find out who and why. Sadly, she couldn't rule out Salem. She wanted to, but he had some rage issues… not that she blamed him. She hated to think he might stoop to using a hound, but ten years had passed, so ruling it out… not yet.

She pushed for an answer. "Is your name at the top of the list, Salem?" Her eyes slid shut and she braced for his reply.

He didn't disappoint.

He made a low growling sound. "We're not doing this right now." He took the large ornamental spade and walked the perimeter of the pyre. "I'm laying Glenda to rest." He paused, pain marring his features. "You're intruding, which is what you do, but just once, you're going to respect the boundaries and leave." His head snapped up and he pinned her with his gaze. "Now."

Early dragged her lower lip between her teeth, biting back an urge to hurl a scathing comeback. She didn't want to encroach on his ceremony. She had no choice.

She blew out a long, cleansing breath. "I have nowhere to go, Salem."

He snorted. "Because you burned every bridge you could find on your way out." His shoulders slumped. "The Brackin house is empty. You can stay there tonight." He closed his eyes, effectively shutting her out.

Early took a moment, studying Salem, noting the changes a decade had wrought. Not many, but his face had filled out, softening the angular planes and valleys. Grief showed prominently through the tired lines around his eyes.

Early walked toward him, carefully staying clear of the burning flames.

Stopping next to him, she laid a palm on his forearm. "I'm sorry about Glenda." She squeezed lightly and moved forward, leaving him to mourn in solitude.

Salem is stuck between a rock and a hard place—my favorite spot for characters. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not Again

April 20, 2014

Hello!

Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Lovely week in TV. Arrow had a rockin' episode. I love it when Oliver doesn't get things right and makes huge mistakes. S.H.I.E.L.D also had another awesome episode. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they end this season. Also? Orphan Black returned!! I love this show SO MUCH!!

And seriously? What an opening episode. I have sooooo many theories and I can't wait to see if I'm on track or totally off the rails. LOL The writing never fails to keep me coming back for more and the acting just blows my mind. If you're not watching this, you should be. J

Tonight's post is from Not Again, a hurts so good novella.

Here's the tagline:

Drue Braddock and Xeno Howlett have a rocky relationship, but when Drue goes off on one of her many soul searching quests, Xeno decides he's had enough. When Drue returns, she finally knows what she wants—Xeno—but she may not get her chance because he's got someone new in his life.

And a preview snippet…

Xeno propped his shoulder against the jamb, blocking Drue's entrance.

She lifted a brow. "What the hell, Xeno? I had a long trip back. Let me in."

Xeno's head jerked back and forth. "Don't think so, Drue. Not again." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Say what you need to say and leave."

She jabbed a finger into the soft spot under his collarbone. "I've got a lot to say and I'm not doing it from the hallway." She leaned in closer. "Half the place belongs to me, Xeno."

He snorted, then straightened. "Not anymore, Drue." He stepped back and directed her in with a wave of his arm. "But sure, barge right on in."

She crossed the threshold and stopped dead in her tracks when her gaze automatically went to the bedroom she shared with Xeno.

A low growl emanated from deep within her chest, the only indication she'd ever give of the pain ripping its way through her. She gave Xeno a sideways glance, turned on her heel and stomped over to the door, slamming it shut.

Wheeling around, she snarled. "You have exactly ten seconds to get Lydia's ass out of my bed."

Xeno shot back. "It's not your bed anymore, Drue. And it won't be again." He crossed the floor in three strides and opened the heavy oak. "Your stuff is in storage." He reached over and snagged a key from the console table by the door. "You can pick it up whenever you want." A tag dangled with the name of the location and a number. "I think we're done here. Don't come back again."

With little choice—for the moment—Drue accepted the key. She swallowed a stream of expletives and exited Xeno's apartment. When the door slammed shut behind her, she squared her shoulders and walked toward the bank of elevators.

Once she hit the call button, she sucked in a determined breath. "We are nowhere close to being done, Xeno. I will be back… again."

Poor Lydia might want to duck and run while she can. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Nature Calls

Whew. It's been a long week filled with a few bumps and bruises. First up, my published title, A Magical Affair is temporarily off the shelf. I'm hoping I found a new home for it, but I'm waiting for confirmation. I'll keep everyone posted when I know anything for certain.

TV fare ended up being light this week, but S.H.I.E.L.D. totally delivered an awesome episode. I won't discuss because seeing Captain America: Winter Soldier is a true bonus before getting into any details. J

Tonight's post is from, Nature Calls, a short story with a couple of adventure-loving co-workers who get up close and personal in the wilds of nature.

Here's the tagline:

Kacee Biehl follows Russ Romanova through crazy adventures for their webcast series about urban legends. She's got it bad for the handsome host and on the last day of their shoot, she makes a move, thinking she has Russ right where she wants him. But Russ has other ideas and turns the tables on Kacee—giving her exactly what she needs.

And a preview snippet…

"Kace, where're my binocs? They're not in the case?"

The moment finally arrived. "Gee, Russ. I don't know. Maybe you dropped them?"

He shot her a narrow-eyed glance. "Um, no. I didn't… you know I wouldn't." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Where are they?"

She shrugged. "I would know, why?" She braced her shoulder blades against the nearest tree. "I'm not the binocular babysitter, you know."

Russ cocked his head to the side and studied her a moment, then he shrugged and turned away, scanning the area for a glimpse of his treasured possession. He walked several feet to his left and doubled back, bringing him behind the tree. Kacee gasped when he yanked her arms toward him, then yelped when he looped the strap of the case around her wrists, effectively immobilizing her.

She craned her neck, trying to get a read on where Russ stood. "Russ, what the hell?" He came around from her right. "Exactly, Kacee. What the hell did you do with my binoculars?" He glanced around. "There's nobody out here except you and me. And we're not leaving until you spill the whereabouts." He planted his hands on his hips. "I'm not above resorting to whatever is necessary."

Kacee fought a shudder. She'd waited a long time to maneuver herself into a position where Russ had the upper hand. She couldn't wait to see what he'd do.

But a push in the right direction wouldn't hurt. "Oh yeah? Feel free to strip search me if you think I'm hiding them."

Russ blinked… several times. His mouth opened, closed, and his lips flattened into a thin slash across his face. He gave her a long, considering look before reaching into his pocket to remove the knife he kept there.

Stepping forward, he flipped the blade open and lightly trailed the tip over her T-shirt. "If you insist, I'll be happy to do so." He grasped the hemline and made a small cut then grabbed the fabric and pulled, splitting her top up the middle.

Kacee sucked in a harsh breath and eagerly awaited his next move.

And, oh yes… she's going to love it. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mr and Mrs Black

Holy crap. What a week in TV—oh, and a kick awesome movie, too.

The Walking Dead's finale delivered the best ending line, maybe ever. Okay, maybe not ever, but damn close. I completely enjoyed Rick's journey over the entire season. And seriously, The Talking Dead and Chris Hardwick are so great. I love having that hour after TWD to decompress.

I have to take a moment to mention S.H.E.I.L.D. also. I'm one of the fans who completely enjoy the show, but the last several episodes have really amped up the drama and awesomeness. I'm excited to see what happens through the end of the season.

Arrow's Deathstroke blew my mind. Manu Bennett is truly remarkable in his performance. I love and hate him… at the same time. LOL I had a flurry of back and forth emails with a friend not long ago and one of the things we love the most about the show is how much Oliver totally screws up so much. His heart is usually in the right place, but he'll make the wrong call and everything blows up in his face. I, for one, love that about the show.

And finally… Bitten. Whoa. The season finale rocked!! I can't believe how much they crammed into forty-something minutes. I made the right call about who really pulled the strings, but I won't spoil anything here. LeBlanc and Santos got brilliantly awesome send offs. Basically, the perfect finale… even the very, very end. LOL I do have a bit of a quibble with Rachel, but I'm actually hoping there's more to her too stupid to live moments… and maybe my speculation will pay off regarding her. Come on, season two. *prays for news soon*

Last, but not least, gotta mention Captain America: Winter Soldier. I LOVED it. It's now at the top of my fave Marvel movies. I've always been a Cap girl anyway, but this movie just kicked major ass. And totally blew up the Marvel 'verse. LOL

My one and only gripe is having Natasha be former KGB. If her birthdate is 1984, the timeline doesn't fit since the KGB disbanded in something like 1991. Hmm… unless she joined at birth. *shrugs* It's a tiny blip. Besides, I can go with comic canon and assume she's doing the slow aging thing if I really need to. J

Whew… should get to the actual post, right? Tonight's snippet is from Mr and Mrs Black, an urban fae fantasy where my characters are on opposing sides, but don't know it.

Here's the tagline:

Ember and Winter Smoak, assassins for opposing fae factions, are ordered by their respective employers to kill each other, which would so much easier if they weren't happily married, but hiding some big secrets—like their occupations—from each other.

And a preview snippet…

"Black? Really?" Ember rolled her eyes.

Win scowled. "Yes, Black. What else would I choose? It's your favorite color."

Well, shit. He had her there. She did have a particular fondness for anything dark and mysterious. Hence her powerful attraction and deeply abiding love for Win. The man oozed shadowy, seductive charm. She'd been a sucker from the moment they met.

"Why did you pick Black?"

Ember shrugged. "Same reason." She waved a hand. "Not because it's my favorite color." She tilted her head to the side, studying him. "No, the name reminds me of you. You're like faceted ebony, all slick and smooth with unplumbed depths, but angled and sharp, too."

A wicked smirk curved his lips and she wanted to smack him.

"Shut up."  She spun around to gaze at the moon's reflection, rippling in the water.

He quirked a brow. "I didn't say anything."

She snorted. "Didn't have to. I know you better than anyone."

He moved forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Yes, you do. I thought the same, but you've shown me wrong." His lips traveled along the column of her throat. "I had no idea you could be so… poetic with description." His teeth nipped her earlobe.

A sensuous shiver raced down her spine. "Mmmm. Good to know I can still surprise you." She turned, facing him. "Keeps things interesting." She lifted her chin, leaning in for a kiss.

He took it step further, backing her up against the window, his hands slowly inching the fabric of her pants lower and lower until her bare ass pressed the cool glass surface.

Ember moaned, wishing they had time to get act on carnal impulses, especially when he inserted two fingers inside her slick core. But they needed to handle some nasty business first.

She reluctantly stopped his sensual onslaught. "Win…" Her eyes met his. "I'd love to have you buried balls deep inside me, but we're working against the clock here." She tried to squirm out of his grasp. "I'm supposed to make a report within the hour."

Win leaned in, his lips hovering over hers. "I know, me, too." He briefly meshed his mouth with hers. "But trust me. We've got plenty of time, Ember." He trailed a line of kisses along her jawline.

She shuddered and bucked against his hand. "You, I trust. Our employers, not so much."

His seductive voice fanned over her ear. "Good, because you and I are going to beat them at their own game and I've already figured out how." He brushed his thumb back and forth over her clit. "Want the plan now, or later?" His fingers stilled.

Stupid question.

Her hands moved to his belt, loosening the buckle. "Later. Definitely later."

There's something about having a big secret that makes me happy when writing. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Banner Thursday—Skye Ritchey

Welcome to my new blog feature—Banner Day!

The general idea behind the posts is to reveal some type of artwork pertaining to one of my books—a cover, a banner, or maybe a logo or web page header.

If I didn't create the work, due credit will be given along with what I love about the graphic design. I've been very lucky to have some spectacular art for covers. J

To get things started, I'm going to post banners, beginning with the various series I have underway. I maintain three blogs, so I'll be rotating from week to week. My other blog locations are: Skylin O'Thomas and MLSkye.

The first one I'd like to feature is my author brand.

Tagline: Creating Magic Between Characters.

Concept: Skye Ritchey is my magic/fantasy/paranormal pseudonym. I like to add a little magical fantasy to sexy romance and use it to create charged—sometimes in more than one way—encounters between my characters.

Skye writes anything from urban fantasy to fae-related stories. Throw in gods, goddesses, meta-humans with powers, mages and mystics and the story possibilities seem endless.

No wonder I have so much fun writing as Skye, right?

Thanks for reading!

Please visit my website