Sunday Snippet: A Quiet Hell

August 31, 2014

Season finale for Defiance… sooooo good. Seriously, I hope it gets renewed. Without giving away too many spoilers, I kind of loved where some of the characters ended up. I'm kind of on the fence about Amanda, but won't say more to avoid spilling anything.

The Walking Dead is almost ready to premiere and Sons of Anarchy rides next week. Makes waiting for Arrow's return in October worth it. Also looking forward to Sleepy Hollow and Gotham. Crossing my fingers FOX won't muck either of those shows up too much.

Enough TV for now. Tonight's post is from A Quiet Hell, a novella with a little paranormal romance for the characters.

Here's the tagline:

Mattox Lang lives in a quiet hell, seeing and sensing paranormal activity. Bruce Wendelson has haunting dreams that linger, but he can never recall the details. Mattox understands Bruce's torment and hopes to ease her own by helping him deal with the nightmares.

And a preview snippet…

Mattox enjoyed the group sessions. Unlike the one-on-one appointments, where the focus rested solely on her, the inclusion of others helped her sort through her visions and sharpened her intuition. She still didn't say much, but she would contribute when someone needed a nudge, especially if she got a strong connection.

The director of therapy, Marie Semmel, smiled when Mattox entered the room and waved her over to the table where coffee and other beverages were available.

She poured a large cup and handed it over. "Mattox, I'm so glad you got here early. I have a big favor to ask of you."

Mattox cringed a little on the inside, but kept her outward calm. Marie always had the best intentions, but sometimes forgot Mattox liked to keep a low profile.

She took a bracing gulp of the java, steeling herself to listen. "Okay, what's the favor?"

Marie lowered her voice. "I have a new participant coming today and I'd really like to get your take on him after the session."

Mattox relaxed. She could definitely offer an opinion.

Marie continued, leaning in closer. "He's special, like you."

Mattox held back a rude snort. Cursed would be a better descriptive term. Marie considered Mattox's affliction a gift and she'd long ago given up trying to persuade the director otherwise. Until Marie had to deal with being on paranormal alert twenty-four hours a day, Mattox didn't see the point in a circular argument.

Her senses on full alert, Mattox set the cup aside and met Marie's gaze. "You know how I feel about raising the topic of otherworldly things in group. I'll observe and inform you of what I see and sense, but don't ask me to participate in discussion."

Marie gave Mattox a wide-eyed nod. "Of course, whatever you're comfortable with." She glanced toward the entrance. "Ah, he's arrived." Her hand went up and she motioned the new member over. "Mattox, this is Bruce Wendelson."

Mattox turned, her palm extended to welcome Bruce. Her gaze clashed with his and her world went black…

Right before she doubled over and hit the floor.

Strong reaction, no? LOL Mattox gets to help Bruce whether she wants to or not. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quicksilver Flash

So… I found out last week The Last Ship did indeed get renewed! WooHoo!! I'm also almost caught up on Defiance, which continues to keep me interested. The new season of Doctor Who premiered and eh… I'll watch and hope I get more into it. So far, I'm not a huge fan of the new Doctor, but I went into viewing with that thought so it's only fair to hold off making a final decision about watching and give the guy a fair chance.

In something of more fun news, the Bitten and Arrow casts are so much fun to follow on social media. They're always posting fun tidbits and behind the scenes stuff, which just makes me more excited to see the new seasons. Gotta give credit to Kurt Sutter for keeping the Sons of Anarchy stuff rolling out, too.

Tonight's post is from Quicksilver Flash, a novella with a bit of a steampunk flair.

Here's the tagline:

Winsome Crown, a scientist's daughter, searches for her lost father in the wilds of the mountains. Lynx Hadrington lives alone and away from society—by choice. When Winsome stumbles onto his little piece of sanctuary, he can't deny her plea for help, but he fears the worst for her dad. Only one person has ever survived a brush with the Quicksilver Flash—him.

And a preview snippet…

The howling wind whipped around the cabin and kicked up bursts of snow, sending swirls spinning around in different directions. Lynx gazed out the window, the unsettled feeling seeping deeper into his bones. He tamped the urge to crawl into the warmth of his bed and not come out until spring.

But he couldn't. His gut churned with the knowledge something big headed his way.

Or someone.

His interaction with what Professor Crown had dubbed the Quicksilver Flash gave Lynx insight he truly didn't want—and made his skin glow, hence his nice, quiet life hidden away in the back woods. Until he could control when his body decided to shimmer, glow, and gleam, he'd stay buried in his sanctuary, alone and safely away from anyone he might harm.

A heavy gust blew against the solid oak door, rattling the hinges. Lynx leaned closer to the window. His eyes narrowed, catching sight of a blurred image making its way toward his home. A fur-covered blob, female—if his unerring instinct didn't pick now to fail him, made slow but steady progress. With each step she made, the burden he lived with grew heavier. Whatever the woman wanted, she'd extract a high price.

Heaving a sigh, Lynx turned away from the window and strode toward the fire burning heartily in the hearth. He added several logs and poked at the embers.

"Better get ready. If she's not frozen through by the time she arrives, it'll be a miracle."

Sooner than he expected, a hardy knock sounded on the door. He opened the heavy slab, letting a blast of frigid air into the cabin. The woman pushed her way inside and Lynx secured the entrance, closing out the icy weather. Without a word, the lady yanked the fur-trimmed hood away from her head and shrugged out of the oversized coat, draping it close to the fire.

Rubbing her hands together she met his gaze head on, her bold blue eyes frankly assessing him. "Are you Lynx Hadrington?" She waved an arm. "Never mind. Of course you are." She moved closer. "Winsome Crown." Her finger jabbed into his shoulder. "Where the hell is my father?"

Winsome will get her answer, but she absolutely won't like it. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Question Everything

I kind of love this time of year. New shows are being buzzed about and my returning favorites are beginning to film their new seasons. My Tumblr dash is full of fun news and tidbits of information about the upcoming storylines. For me, it whets my appetite and makes me hungry for more. J

I'm watching The Last Ship as I type my post for the week and I sincerely hope it gets a second season. Oddly, it's one show I haven't heard anything about. Of course, my schedule blew up and I haven't had time to do my usual search for info. Here's hoping I have a little time this week to do a seek and find mission. J

Tonight's post is from, Question Everything, a novella where I get to use one of my favorite tropes, two people thrown together when they don't want to be.

Here's the tagline:

When Temple Sparrow discovers her family is part of an underground society of beings and creatures who secretly control the city, she eschews their traditions and finds her true vocation, seeking answers. Hunt Gambit doesn't trust anyone least of all Temple, but playing by the rules isn't an option and he'll use her knowledge to get what he needs and teach her to question everything.

And a preview snippet…

Temple whirled around and lifted a brow. "Is that enough or do I need to hang this guy by his feet?" She waited patiently and barely broke a sweat keeping the two hundred fifty pound man from plummeting to the ground.

Hunt hated how effective her actions proved to gain the intel they needed, but by damn, if she didn't impress the hell out of him.

Again.

He lifted his chin. "It's enough. Let him go."

Her mouth dropped open. "No way. Do I have to?" She directed her attention back to their reluctant informant. "This whole asking questions and seeking truth thing is more fun than I thought it would be."

Hunt barely kept a smile off his face. "Temple, let the man go. We know where to find him if we need more." He turned and headed for the exit, confident she'd free the Dinali underling.

Temple is having a really tough month and working with Hunt is her one respite from a crazy, mixed-up truth she has to find.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

EEK! I just realized we've only got around ten days before out school year starts. I'm both thrilled and freaked out. Thrilled because the structure is great for the kids. They know where they have to be and at what time. Freaked out because we still have supplies to buy and I'm booked solid and jammed up until after the first day. Poor planning on my part. LOL

As usual, some great TV this past week. The finale for Dominion left so many new questions and I hope we get a second season. I'd love to see more of this show. Really loving the twists and turns in Defiance, too. And The Last Ship is steadily becoming one of my favorite shows.

Filming has started on Sons of Anarchy, Bitten, Arrow and Flash. Fall can't quite get here soon enough.

Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella with a dusty, old scroll sends my characters on a treasure hunt.

Here's the tagline:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backwards and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive Kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Griff propped his head on his hand. "So this scroll is the answer to everything? Filled with cryptic clues and mumbo jumbo to find the mysterious Kingfish?" He quirked a brow. "Maybe I should take the dusty roll into protective custody."

Stevie snorted. "Forget you. I'm going to find the single most hunted and well-hidden artifact in our history." And put everyone else to shame.

Griff prodded her. "You sure about that?"

She gave an emphatic nod.

He flashed a grin. "Good. Want some help?" His free hand curved over her hip.

Stevie smirked. "Thought you'd never ask." She tucked the parchment under the bed and snuggled into Griff. "But it'll keep until the morning." Her lips trailed along his jawline. "Right now, I want something a little more tangible."

Griff's hand drifted around to cup her ass. "I think I can help provide what you're looking for." He leaned in, his mouth hovering close to hers.

She caught his lips in a hungry kiss and his erection bobbed against her stomach.

She eased away, reaching down to palm his length. "I'd say there's no doubt about that."

What's a little sex before going on a major quest, right?

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quelling Hunger

August 3, 2014

Another long week, but at least some great TV to ease the stress. Currently watching The Last Ship, which continues to keep me entertained. The new season of Doctor Who starts in a few weeks and my fingers are crossed. Really not sure I'm going to like Twelve.

Getting ready to start season two of La Femme Nikita, probably when I completely fell in love with the show. I'm also still loving Defiance and can't wait to see where the season ends.

New and pics from Comic Con made my week. The casts from Orphan Black, Sons of Anarchy, and Arrow were super awesome and shared tons of stuff. I so enjoy it when the actors love what they do and give lots to their fans.

Tonight's post is from Quelling Hunger, a novella where my main characters are in a big pinch.

Here's the tagline:

When a storm destroys the food warehouses in the city, Rita Steed and Fletch Lancaster are tasked with keeping the peace while half-rations are necessary until the rooftop gardens can produce more crops. Heading up the sector patrol, neither is certain they can maintain the status quo when quelling hunger seems to be impossible.

And a preview snippet…

Rita pushed a combatant into the holding cell and slammed the door closed. "Forty-eight hours and you'll be released." She sighed. "If you would just follow the damned ration plan for a few more weeks, you'll have more than enough when the new crops are harvested." She shook her head. "Raining lightning down on the line won't get you any more than you're due."

The prisoner sneered. "Maybe not, but I would've received it sooner."

Rita spun and exited the holding area before she zapped him with a firestorm. Weary of the constant skirmishes over half-rations, Rita stomped down the corridor, up the stairs and mentally dared anyone to get in her way. Her co-workers got the message and steered clear. When she finally made it to the temporary staff quarters, she paused outside the door and took a deep, cleansing breath. She twisted the knob and entered the old infirmary, then pushed the heavy curtain aside to the tiny alcove she called home for the moment. The scent of soap and sage hit her nose and she smiled for the first time in hours.

Fletch angled his head around, his hair still damp from a shower, and lifted a brow. "Wow. Rough day?" He helped her remove her jacket and undid the buttons of her shirt.

She rolled her eyes. "You have no idea." Shrugging out of the shirt, she turned so he could unfasten her bra. "I'm at the point where I'm ready to tell people to just shoot me and chow down. I can't stand this bullshit anymore." She let the lingerie fall to the floor and turned to face Fletch.

He blinked then snorted. "Cripes, Rita. That's not funny." His fingers popped the button on her jeans and he helped her wriggle the denim past her hips. "And you can't say it out loud. Someone will be stupid enough to take you up on it."

She kicked the pants aside and reached for a towel. "You're right, and all over half-rations. Can you imagine if we had to drop down to quarter shares?" She shook her head and made her way to the shower area, switching the water on and letting it warm.

Fletch shuddered. "No. The ugly stuff we're dealing with now would escalate to epic horror." He pushed her gently under the water, taking her towel and draping it over the metal rack. "But enough shop talk. Finish your shower and we'll relax over our single entrée." He pulled the plastic barrier, more to keep the water from spraying everywhere than to provide privacy.

She leaned her head against the wall and let the water wash away the tension of the day. A little food and a lot of wine would definitely chase the stress away. And if no one else did anything insanely idiotic, she and Fletch might just ease more pressure with some fantastic sex.

If she didn't fall asleep under the steaming spray.

Rita is character who appreciates the simpler things in life. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye