Sunday Snippet: Physical Therapy

Wow. Orphan Black makes me so happy. The complete insanity of the plots never fails to entertain. I can actually say same the same about Arrow. I have no clue where they're going to end up going, but I'm definitely sticking along for the ride. The Flash is also upping its game. I'm looking forward to seeing how this season ends.

My catch-up viewing of Teen Wolf continues. I'm about finished with season two and apparently the truly crazy cakes stuff hasn't even happened yet. Can't wait to see what season three has in store.

Tonight's post is from Physical Therapy, a novella where my main characters fall for each other under odd circumstances.

Here's the tagline:

Flint Hollywell, a talented physical therapist, loves nothing more than watching arena ball player Tappen Bligh work her magic on the playing field. But when a career ending injury sidelines Tappen, Flint is determined to get her back on the grass where she thrives on the action.

And a preview snippet…

Flint crossed his arms over his chest. "In that case, I've got a few new techniques I'd like to try." At her quick nod, he maneuvered her onto her side and worked the rotating angle back and forth.

Tappen hissed out a harsh breath. "Shit, that hurts." She inhaled, deep and slow, but didn't fight against the reps.

He altered sides and repeated the process two more time before giving her a break. She sat up, a little shaky, and he handed her a bottle of water.

Taking several long swallows, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "The new techniques are killer difficult." She met his gaze. "And you expect me to torture myself with these how many times a day?" She finished off the water and tossed the bottle into the trash can.

He lifted a shoulder. "At least three, four if you can stand it." Two would actually suffice, but she pushed hard and could hand the extra reps.

Her eyes narrowed. "I kind of hate you right now." Her leg straightened and her knee moved a little more freely than before. "God, you're such a bastard. You know that, right? You know I'll go four even if it kills me."

Flint's lips quirked. "Come on, Tappen. You can do better than that." He grabbed two ice packs, activated them, and placed them on her knees. "Bastard? Rather tame for your repertoire, isn't it?"

She snorted. "Yeah, but I saving the really wild stuff for our next session, when I'll really want to hurt you as much as you hurt me." A small shudder went down her spine.

Concerned, Flint grasped her shoulders. "Look. I'm pushing hard because you said you want to go back." He squeezed her lightly. "You can back off anytime. No one's going to think less of you." Letting go, he stepped back.

She angled her head around. "I'll think less of myself, which you also know." Adjusting the ice packs, she swung her legs up onto the table. "You're doing exactly what I want, not babying me and forcing me to past the fear…" Her nose crinkled. "By making it too bad to be scared."

Flint chuckled. "I do my best. But seriously, if four times a day is too much, cut it back to three and work up." He placed a hand over the ice, intensifying the cold. "And use the ice as often as needed."

She tilted her head to one side. "Wanna come over and work your magic four times day? Because it feels really good right now."

Flint blinked and removed his palm. He'd love to see her so often. But he'd lose what little professional detachment he had left.

He laughed. "You really would want to maim and kill me if we spent that much time together."

Tappen slid him a sideways glance. "I doubt that. But you're right. I need to manage the bulk of my recuperation on my own." She removed the bags, setting them off to one side before carefully hopping off the table. "Same time next week?"

Flint nodded, not liking the coolness of her tone, but unwilling to cross the line into personal territory. "Absolutely. And feel free to call if you have to change the time. I'm pretty flexible with my schedule."

Tappen gave him a quick smile. "Will do." She flexed each knee several times. "Can I skip the wraps now?"

Flint sighed. "For one hour after you do your reps, you can stay wrap free, but no longer. You still need the support or you'll be on crutches."

She frowned. "No way. I hate those things. One hour and no longer. Got it." With a jaunty wave, she exited the treatment room.

Flint watched her careful stride, amazed she'd come as far as she had. And he fell just a little bit more for the incredible woman.

I'm kind of liking how this one is coming together. Not exactly sure where we'll end up, but the character interaction is loads of fun.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Old Wounds

Hello!

So… Orphan Black? Who doesn't love this show? Seriously, it's so mind-bendy and twisty. Watching Tatiana play one clone as another never fails to blow my mind. This week having Sarah act as Rachel and Alison play Sarah… well… just so damned amazing. And Delphine? The woman kicks ass. That's all I'll say. LOL

I'm dying to get to know the Castor clones and then see if the boys can play as crazy as the girls. Saturday won't get here fast enough.

Arrow and The Flash continue to make me happy. Agents of SHIELD, too. Melinda May backstory? Yes, please. Maybe we'll get some Grant Ward flashback action in the future. Wouldn't mind seeing more of what made him so batshit crazy.

If you're not catching Bitten and Lost Girl on Syfy, you need to. Excellent shows!

Made it through the first season of Teen Wolf and gotta say, I cheered out loud when one of the characters bit the dust. Actually, two, but I have a feeling dead doesn't mean forever on this show. LOL. All in all, totally enjoying season two.

Will be starting Daredevil on Netflix in the near future. I hope.

That's it for TV related news. Tonight's post is from Old Wounds, a sexy short where my main characters find their way to each other.

Here's the tagline:

When Abbot Isley's father lies near death, Nixie Grimm is willing to open old wounds to help him cope. Taking a trip down memory lane is not her favorite thing, but Abbot's steadfast support triggers a healing process she didn't know she needed and lets her move forward—with Abbot.

And a preview snippet…

A phone rang, waking Nixie from a dreamless slumber. Wrapped, warm and sexy, around Abbot, she stirred and grabbed the offending device—Abbot's.

She nudged him awake. "It's yours." Dropping the phone in his hand, she buried her face in the pillows.

Abbot yawned and answered. "Yeah." He sat up, dislodging Nixie, and swung his feet over the edge of the mattress. "Where?"

The terse tone had Nixie rolling over and the rigid set of his shoulders made concern coil deep in her gut.

Abbot spoke again. "When?" He paused, listening. "How? What's the damage?"

Nixie slid from the bed, noting he didn't ask who or why. The answer obvious, even if the details weren't known. She grabbed her bag from the other bed and started packing.

Abbot ended the call, angling his head around. "My dad. It's not good." He grabbed his jeans from the floor and tucked the phone in a pocket before shoving his feet through the legs.

Nixie dressed quickly, pulling on a tank top and yanking a fresh pair of leggings on. She zipped her bag and grabbed Abbot's, stowing his clothes and toiletries, leaving a clean T-shirt and socks out. She glanced in his direction but he hadn't moved. She'd leave him alone and let him process. Jamming her feet inside her boots, she shrugged her jacket on, snagged the keycard, and picked up both bags before exiting their room.

Outside, she let the chilly air fill her lungs. Questions burned, but they'd wait. She popped the trunk and tossed the bags in, then she did a quick check of her phone, making sure she hadn't missed any messages. Nothing. Why call or text her when Abbot would fill her in?

Maybe because he'd just received shocking news and couldn't get his head around it.

She paused outside the door, her heart aching. She loved the old man, too. The lack of details screamed more loudly than a string of expletives would. Ducking her head inside the room, she found Abbot putting on his coat.

She met his gaze. "Ready?"

He nodded. "Yeah." He scanned the room, looking for his stuff. "You got everything?"

She lifted a shoulder. "Thought it would save time. I'll run down and turn the keycard in. Car keys are on the front seat." She backed out, heading for the registration office.

Abbot exited and called out. "Nix? I'll pick you up out front."

She lifted a hand, acknowledging him. The brisk air helped clear her head but did nothing to dispel all the horrible things running through her mind. She'd give Abbot the first ten miles then she'd start asking questions.

Nixie's not the patient sort, Abbot's lucky she's giving him the first ten miles. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Order of Aggression

What a rainy, miserable week. But hey, at least we didn't have any snow.

Not a lot of new television to watch, but the Bitten finale did not disappoint. Especially the ending. Whoa! If there's not a season three, there better at least be a movie to explain that whole dealio.

Finished up a rewatch of the X-Files. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the last two seasons, even without Mulder. Getting ready to begin Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and get back into Teen Wolf. Plus keep up with the last episodes of The Flash and Arrow.

Orphan Black is back next Saturday and I can't wait to get a double dose of clones. Looking forward to how the Castor guys fit into the story.

A final random note, I read Eliza Dushku is joining the cast of Banshee for season four and I have very mixed feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed her as Faith on Buffy, but her last few roles have underwhelmed me. Here's hoping she does a great job and fits in well with the cast.

Tonight's post is from Order of Aggression, a novella where my main characters are tasked with an impossible quandary, but are trapped by honor to carry out their orders.

Here's the tagline:

When Ames Braddock is ordered to take out an enemy outpost with possible civilian casualties, he calls on Parker Hart to be his second, but Parker balks at the idea. Ames isn't thrilled with the mission, but he needs Parker and he's not above using aggression to bring her in line, which gets the job done, but also backfires when she demands satisfaction.

And a preview snippet…

Parker Hart blinked. "Um, no. Uh uh. Absolutely not." Her head jerked back and forth. "Find someone else."

Ames Braddock squared his shoulders before crossing his arms over his chest. "Excuse me? Did you just refuse to follow an order?"

Parker held her ground, planting her hands on her hips. Ames could go into battle mode all he wanted. She wouldn't be his second for this particular mission.

She nodded. "Didn't know you considered asking me to help you take out an enemy outpost an order, but yeah, I guess I did." She didn't move or flinch when he narrowed his eyes.

He studied her for several extra-long moments. "You can't refuse, Parker. I need you on this." Something close to pleading crept into his gaze. "I don't trust anyone else. Just tell me why you won't help."

Her mouth dropped open. "Do you want the list numerically or alphabetically?" She finally broke her stance and started pacing back and forth.

He started to speak, but a quick flick of her wrist stopped him. He frowned but stayed silent.

"Geez, Ames." Her feet traveled the length of the room twice before she continued. "First, and seriously the deal breaker, is the civilians. I can live with collateral damage when it's not the human kind." She slid him a sideways glance. "You know this." She resumed pacing. "Second, we can't pull off taking out an outpost without using enhanced magic, right?" She stopped and met his gaze.

He didn't contradict her.

She grimaced. "You also know I hate being all jacked up, jumpy, and unable to control and direct the power as well as I normally can… which brings me back to potential civilian losses." She paused again. "I can't believe you're okay with innocents getting hurt." Whipping around, she didn't give him a chance to reply before she added. "And last, no wait, third, why the hell do you always come to me when you also know I can rarely say no?" She spun around, unwilling to let him see how much she didn't want to let him down.

He moved silently, but she counted his footsteps until he stood behind her. His hands grasped her shoulders, but he didn't make her face him. She sent up a silent thank you to the universe.

Giving her a gentle squeeze, he leaned a little closer. "Parker, I'm not thrilled we might see civilian casualties. You get that, right?" He waited for her nod before he continued. "And we'll exhaust every last option before seeking enhancement because I want to limit any possible chance of harming innocents." He dropped his hands, moving around to stand toe-to-toe with her. "And I already told you why I always choose you. I don't trust anyone else to care as much as you do." Using two fingers, he lifted her chin. "Your inability to say no never factors."

She snorted and rolled her eyes. "Bullshit. But okay. When you're ready, I'll have your back."

He gave her a wide smile. "Thank you. Plan on a forty-eight hour window. We'll leave at first light the day after tomorrow." He stepped aside and strode toward the exit.

Parker turned, but didn't follow. She needed a few minutes to swallow down the reservations fighting their way up from her gut. Ames would try, and fail, to avoid needing enhanced magic, which meant she had less than two days to get her head around being responsible for harming those who didn't deserve it.

And prepare to give up one more piece of her already running on empty soul.

This one started out as something of a speculative romance, but the sages kept saying it needed magic. They won. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Embrace the Magic—An Idyllic Affair

Welcome to the weekly blog hop hosted by the Paranormal Love Wednesdays blog.

Readers: Embrace the magic, the mystical, the totally out there. Witches, werewolves, shapeshifters, magicians, wizards—the dearly twisted beings we all know and love. Or sink into a world with gods and goddesses, unearthly forces, or cupids, imps, and leprechauns. If it's otherworldly, bring on the fun. Authors are sharing short excerpts or blurbs from their books or works in progress.

Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

~*~

Today I'm sharing some background details for An Idyllic Affair, an Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island novella, co-written with my alter ego ML Skye for Ellipses Press, Ltd.

The Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island branded anthology features a mystical island that grants refuge to those who need it. The stories can take place in any time period as long as the characters can reach the island by some means of transportation—boats, airplanes, space ships, whatever—and are in need of sanctuary. Whether it's from running naval blockades, trying to stay out of enemy hands while flying under the radar during a war, or running from a super power that has a chokehold on an entire galaxy, Insula Ara will grant those it deems worthy a safe place to regroup and often find the answers they seek, but the solace always comes with a price.

My story takes place in the very distant future with the crew of the Charming Lady in desperate need of a place to lay low for a while. Trusting the instincts of their captain, Geoff MacLeod, they find exactly what they need—an entire galaxy away. Against the better judgment of the ship's XO, Linnea Jensen, the captain and the two man crew allow the island's caretaker, Ceet, to provide them with rooms and to offer them a part for their damaged ship. Geoff is charmed by the grizzled, old man, but Linnea doesn't trust the guy one tiny bit. Then again, she relies on cold, hard facts whereas Geoff tends to go with his gut. And since he got them to the island, she'll back off and see what happens.

And she's not happy when she finds out. Ceet sends Geoff and Linnea off to the other side of the island with a crude map and a vague assurance they'll find the part they need in the smuggler's caves. They're usually on the run from the Axis Prime and being surrounded by a tropical paradise has the captain and XO off kilter. Linnea and Geoff butt heads, which isn't anything new, but they find their stride and work out some issues while on their trek.

 The downtime also gives them more time than either wants to dance around their attraction. Linnea doesn't want the complication of starting something during a war, but Geoff thinks they should build what they can while they have a shot. The tension stretches between them but their mutual respect for each other holds firm and they shelve the conversation.

At least until they make it to the caves and a hurricane sets in. Trapped inside, they're stuck until the heavy rains pass and that's when the dance of attraction really kicks in. And it's when the fun truly begins…

I hope you'll check out An Idyllic Affair and read about Geoff and Linnea's adventure on Insula Ara.

Next week, I'll be featuring the first of three excerpts from the book.

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Book Tagline: On the run from their enemies, an island sanctuary gives Geoff and Linnea time for An Idyllic Affair.

Anthology Tagline: Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

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Available on Amazon

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Anthology Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

                                              

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

~*~

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Please stop by my website

Embrace more great reads! Visit the other participating authors.

Sunday Snippet: Nowhere Good

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy chocolate overload day to those who don't.

So… finale for The Walking Dead last week? AWESOME! My middle kid and I stayed up spinning random theories for a good, long time after the episode ended.

The Flash and Arrow have my brain working overtime, too. I've missed television that makes me stay engaged after the show ends. Keep finding myself getting snared with 'Oh! How cool would it be if [insert random plot bomb here] happens. I can sort of say the same about Agents of SHIELD, but not to the same extent. I did kind of love how the last episode ended though.

Bitten only has one episode left and I can't wait to watch!! Really loving the second season and looking forward to watching on Syfy in a few weeks. So surprised and kind of thrilled to see a character pop back up. The guy is sooo good and I enjoy his work.

And last but not least regarding TV, The Last Ship has it's summer air date. June is looking up. :D

Tonight's post is from Nowhere Good, a novella where my characters are stuck in roles they don't want to be in.

Here's the tagline:

After wiping out a rival fae faction, Adria Stock plants a hot kiss on Shaun Henrickton, a fellow enforcer, and their world tilts sideways. They've got custom and ritual, protocol, and baggage between them and if they cave to their baser feelings, the outcome can't go anywhere good.

And a preview snippet…

Shaun made a quiet approach, but Adria sensed his presence the moment he entered the alcove.

He stopped just shy of her chair. "We should talk about the kiss." His hands came to rest on her shoulders.

Adria shrugged away from his touch. "Why? It was a kiss. Nothing more." Mother earth, she lied horribly.

Shaun snorted. "Really? Because I sure as hell felt the pull." His hand slid back to her shoulder, squeezing gently. "You can't tell me you didn't either."

She eased away and stood, turning to face him. "Okay, maybe not. But we don't have to do anything about it." They couldn't do anything about the crazy intense passion, actually.

Silence from Shaun, and a stubborn set to his jaw.

She sighed. "Come on, Shaun. What's the outcome?" She turned away, pacing the small area. "Follow the progression in your head and tell me where it goes?" She gave him barely a second before she supplied the answer. "Nowhere good." Certainly not for either of them.

Shaun narrowed his eyes. "Why not?" He crossed his arms over his chest and lifted a brow.

Geez, she definitely shouldn't have to explain. "Um, custom. Ritual, protocol. Not to mention a shit ton of baggage." His family had looked down on her for generations.

Generations.

Shaun scoffed. "It doesn't have to be like that." The conviction in his voice almost convinced her to cave.

But reality kicked in. "Yeah, Shaun. It does. And you know it." As much as she loathed tradition and all the bullshit that went with it, she didn't have the energy to beat it back.

Shaun pinned her with his gaze. "Why? Explain the reason." He stayed rigid, his arms still firmly wrapped around his middle.

She always called the stance his 'I hate this shit' pose. And she shouldn't have to school him in ancient history.

But she would. "For starters, you're ruling class and I'm not. You'll be going through the ritual to choose your bride in the very near future." And she would be long gone.

No way in hell did her plans include playing 'happy' for the new couple.

Shaun rolled his eyes. "You know how I feel about the whole class thing." He made a nasty face, like something died in his mouth.

She lifted a shoulder. "Yeah, well, if you can show me how you're going to escape your fate any time, I'd be interested." Because he never would.

His lips twisted in a sly smile. "It's simple, really. I declare you as my intended." He relaxed and reached out for her.

She backed away. "You've got to be joking. There's no way you'd get away with making that kind of claim." His family would lock him up in the tower and never let him out.

Shaun moved closer, grasping her biceps. "Adris, things have to change. How much longer can the same seven families intermarry and not suffer the effects of inbreeding?" He hauled her against him. "We need new blood, new ideas, new customs and rituals." A hand came up to cup her cheek.

She leaned into his palm, only for a moment. "And you think I'll be accepted?" Again, she shifted away, putting some space between them.

Shaun snarled. "I don't care. I'm more concerned your family won't welcome me." He threw up an arm. "Why would they? How can they not judge me when my pedigree alone is a huge strike?"

She tilted her head to one side, considering his statement. "You make a good point." Her grandmother would spin in her grave and her parents would probably banish her to exile.

Shaun's voice softened. "Exactly. And you know what? Change won't happen unless we push the boundaries." He invaded her personal space again, backing her into a corner. "You're always busting down doors, for anyone and anything else. Why aren't you willing to for me?" He raised his arms, bracketing her between them. "So we can have a chance?"

When he put the idea in those terms, she didn't have any kind of good answer.

I love writing about old traditions in desperate need of change. Throw in two characters that have to fight to make it happen and boom! Great story. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Embrace the Magic—A Magical Affair

Welcome to the weekly blog hop hosted by the Paranormal Love Wednesdays blog.

Readers: Embrace the magic, the mystical, the totally out there. Witches, werewolves, shapeshifters, magicians, wizards—the dearly twisted beings we all know and love. Or sink into a world with gods and goddesses, unearthly forces, or cupids, imps, and leprechauns. If it's otherworldly, bring on the fun. Authors are sharing short excerpts or blurbs from their books or works in progress.

Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

~*~

Today I'm sharing a sexy little bit with Heath, Romy, and Stacie, in A Magical Affair, my fantasy ménage set around Halloween.

Heath stayed sprawled on the bed, letting his anticipation build, and hoped the women would turn their attention on him soon. If they didn't, he'd take matters into his own hands and ruin his part of the bargain. Romy guided Stacie to the edge of the bed, directing her to sit at the foot of the mattress.

Romy withdrew her fingers and replaced them with Stacie's. "Keep yourself hot, Stace."

Stacie hovered on the edge, her role secondary to Romy's.

Romy crawled up onto the bed and smiled, sultry and catlike. She moved between Heath's legs, then bent over to lick his shaft from base to tip. Her eyes dared him to remain passive. He responded by grabbing her head and positioning her mouth over his cock. She licked her lips, opened wide, and enveloped his length, welcoming his involuntary thrust with a humming purr.

Bobbing her head up and down, she wrapped her fingers around his girth and used them to increase the tension. Her tongue swirled around, laving back and forth over the rigid hardness. Her free hand cupped his balls and fondled them with gentle pressure.

Needless to say, Heath is very excited about what the weekend holds in store.

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Book Tagline: A mansion atop a wellspring of magic lets Romy, Heath, and Stacie live out their fantasies.

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Available on Amazon

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Book Blurb: Romy Bludd and Heath Graystone are very adventurous and happily explore the wilder side of sex. Romy meets Jarvin and Vivica, who give her an opportunity to spend Halloween weekend at Magic Meadows, a mansion sitting atop an ancient wellspring of magic. Romy accepts the offer because she and Heath want to add someone else to the mix and Romy's best friend, Stacie, is back from a ten month stay abroad. The timing couldn't be better for the trio to live out their lustful fantasies.

The mansion and its owners are capable of wondrous transformations, giving Romy and Stacie a wealth of choices to rock Heath's world. A character from his favorite urban thriller, a cougar on the prowl, the plain librarian who wants to hook up with her boss, a roller derby diva with aggression issues, and a reporting duo with blackmail on their minds are on the agenda for the romp-filled weekend.

Heath is thrilled, but he really wants one thing—for Romy to give up control and let him call the shots.

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Please stop by my website

Embrace more great reads! Visit the other participating authors.