Sunday Snippet: Justified

Ugh… we're going to hit the fifties this week, meaning my sinuses are going to go on a full scale revolt. LOL

So, I enjoyed the first two episodes of The X-Files and look forward to the remaining four. :D I could totally get behind short-term revivals of my favorite shows.

My general rundown of my weekly must-sees starts now. Skip ahead if you're not interested. The Flash turned in a great episode. Looking forward to seeing if I'm right on a few things. I do wish Harrison wouldn't turn out to be a bad guy this time around, but I have a feeling I'll be disappointed.

Arrow had a terrific show with Felicity battling her old self. I love the subtle nuances in this show sometimes and having her let go of the angry, young woman she once was and accept her current incarnation juxtaposed so well with the underlying theme of accepting her current circumstances and it did it without getting completely maudlin. I love this show!

Legends of Tomorrow amped up the repercussions of traveling through time, but still delivered on the witty banter between the characters. I do have concerns about the show devolving into gimmicky shtick when they're in a different era, but so far, I'm loving what they do.

Agent Carter… Love this show! I have so many theories and ideas of how things will play out. I really, really want Jack to get his head out of his ass and see how easily he's being manipulated. I think it's going to happen, but who knows. I love how much Peggy doesn't hesitate to call Jack on his shit. Seriously, good stuff there.

Even though Teen Wolf feels so discombobulated, I like where everything seems to be headed. I don't know, the flow is choppy and maybe that's being done on purpose, but I'm a little cranky about it. I do love having some familiar faces popping up again though.

I have a new show I've started to binge watch, X Company, a Canadian offering which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I might not rank it up there with Murdoch Mysteries, but I'm only three episodes in. LOL

And that's it for my viewing pleasure rundown this week. The Walking Dead returns soon and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Tonight's post is from Justified, a novella where my characters have some superhuman abilities. They shouldn't be together, but where's the fun in that?

Here's the mini-blurb:

Electra Cage and Nix Naught should be together. She's firmly on the side of law and order and he's on whatever side pays the most. They justify their liaison when they discover a common enemy—one they'll need their unique skill sets to destroy.

And a preview snippet…

Nix walked into the Raven's Nest and immediately caught sight of new blood. The cool blonde, sitting at the bar commanded attention. He knew her. Okay… knew of her. Electra Cage. Anyone in his line of work had a serious need to be aware of her uncanny ability to find the smallest shred of evidence to nail down cases for the DA. Her work with the civil and private sectors made her an in-demand entity.

So what the hell brought her to a dive like the Nest?

The need to find out compelled him in her direction. Signaling to Bart, the beefy man behind the bar, he ordered his usual by tapping two fingers on the oak surface. After the shit night he'd had, a double wouldn't do much to remove the knife from his back, but it might go a long way toward soothing the bite of betrayal.

Bart slid the glass in front of Nix and poured. "Rough night?" He set the bottle on the counter, next to another one already there.

Nix snorted. "Nothing I can't handle." He drank the liquor, savoring the hot trail it burned to his gut.

Electra angled her head, giving him a sideways glance.

Nix took the opportunity to open a conversation with her. "This place is a little downscale for you, isn't it?" Hell, the Raven's Nest barely qualified as a place he wanted to hang out.

But if she started parking her ass on a stool, he'd make it his number one stop on a regular basis.

Electra quirked an eyebrow. "Do I know you?" The cultured tone of her voice caught him by surprise.

He propped his butt on the stool beside her. "We haven't met, no, Ms. Cage, but I'm familiar with your work." Tapping the bar again, he ordered another shot.

She scooted around, almost facing him. "Cop or corporate?" Her finger traced the rim of her glass.

Nix's lips twitched. "Er… both. Name's Nix—"

Recognition dawned in her gaze. "Naught. The man who amounts to and leaves nothing behind." One side of her mouth curved. "You've got quite the reputation, Mr. Naught." A spark of interest lit within her blue eyes.

She had no idea his name reflected his innate ability, inherited from his mother's family, to alter his DNA, making detection damned near impossible. And he intended to make sure she didn't find out.

He boldly perused her. "As do you, hence the observation. The Nest is way below your standard." Then again, maybe not.

He only knew what he'd heard through the grapevine.

Electra smoothly downed her shot. "Really? How do you know what my standards are?" The alcohol gave her voice a smoky quality.

Nix didn't miss the fact the bartender automatically refilled her glass nor the frank appraisal in her gaze when she directed it his way. The way she looked like she could gobble him up combined with the raspy tone she used proved to be a heady cocktail better than any shot of bourbon. He wanted to taste and savor her.

Slow down, Nix. She's a dangerous woman.

He snorted. "I don't. But the lowlifes who start brawls in here might ruin the designer duds you're wearing." And wouldn't that be a shame?

Electra's eyebrow arched. "Do I look like I give a damn?" She quickly tossed back the liquid.

Nix narrowed his eyes. She actually didn't look like she cared. Bart dutifully replenished her drink again.

He propped an elbow on the bar. "No, you don't. So, what? Come to see how the rough boys live? Because you'll get your wish if you stick around another hour or so." He pitched his voice low so only she could hear.

Electra smirked and leaned forward. "The only reason I'm here is to find a dick hard enough to keep up with me tonight." Her gaze dropped to his crotch. "Think you might qualify?"

Hell, yes. He should've been shocked, but instead, she'd intrigued him. His cock responded to the rasp of her voice, becoming a hard ridge under his fly. The slow, satisfied twist of her lips kicked his blood flow into overdrive and he decided to push and see how far she'd go.

Nix grabbed her hand, guiding it to his growing erection. "You tell me." He flattened his palm over hers, making sure she got a good feel for what he had on offer.

Electra made a low, purring sound. "Mmmm. I think you'll do." She gave his dick a firm squeeze then met his gaze. "My place?" She made the breathy question sound like sex.

Jesus. He'd do her right there in the bar if she gave the go.

Nix growled. "Anywhere you want it, sweetness. I'm good to go all night." Lust oozed from every pore and he fought the urge to immediately strip her naked.

Electra smiled and drained her glass again before rising, her hand pressing against his groin. "Then follow me, hot stuff. I'm parked right outside." She sauntered to the door, glancing over her shoulder.

The promise in her eyes of seriously hot sex had him striding to catch up. When she hit her key fob to unlock the car, he crowded close to her, nuzzling her neck before she could open the door. Grabbing her shoulders, he spun her around, clamping his mouth over hers, his tongue pushing past her lips to get a steamy preview of what would come later.

She made a sexy hum, low in her throat, before she planted her hands on his chest and lightly shoved him away. "Down, boy. As much as I want that hard slab between your legs, I like a little anticipation." Reaching behind her she popped the door open and slid inside, then scooted across the seat.

The move surprised him, especially when she patted the driver's seat. Wordlessly, he slid behind the wheel and pressed the automatic starter. The engine fired up and he slid his gaze toward her. Her coat gaped open, giving him a view of her nipples straining against thin almost sheer fabric of her blouse. She didn't have a bra on and the sexy sight made his fingers itch to pinch and tweak the pebbled tips.

She put her hand on his crotch and angled in close. "I'm wet and ready for you, big guy. I'm going to keep your lovely dick all primed and ready while you drive to us to the Wentworth Towers." Her palm massaged his hard length. "Then we're going to see if you're good to go all night."

Biting back a groan, he put the car in drive, eased out into traffic, and took the shortest route possible for the Wentworth.

This one is super steamy and Electra is totally going for what she wants, even if Nix isn't normally on the side of being a lawful citizen.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Judge a Book by Its Cover

Well… Winter Storm Jonah, or whatever its name is, missed my part of Ohio. I'm not complaining in the least. For everyone else dealing with the massive snow dump, I hope you're all safe, warm, and enjoying the blizzard as much as possible. J

One thing though… why are we naming winter storms now? I mean I was alive for the Blizzard of '78 and referring to it the Blizzard of '78 works just fine for me. Is there a reason we have to give names to snowstorms? I get naming hurricanes and tropical storms, typhoons, etc., but eh, giving monikers to snowstorms seems like something a bored Weather Channel employee decided to cook up to brighten their day. Just saying. LOL

Let's see… big X-Files revival premieres tonight. I'm super-excited! One of my all-time favorite shows is coming back and I don't even care if it sucks huge ones. LOL I'm watching a marathon on Chiller right now, so my day is going really great. J

The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow had kick ass episodes. I kind of love Legends, the snarky banter makes me happy. I could watch an hour of nothing but the characters trying to out snark each other. That said, the jury's out on how well this group with mesh together, but I'm all in to see what happens.

Agent Carter's two episode premiere didn't disappoint. I've got some hopes for what happens with the New York contingent. I also loved meeting Jarvis's Mrs. Very cool and awesome character. J

Last, but not least, Teen Wolf's episode entertained, as usual. It might just be me, but the last few episodes have something of a choppy feeling, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a little confusing.

That's it for television this week…

Tonight's post is from Judge a Book by Its Cover, a novella that came about from a theme prompt of cheating scandal. I love my writing groups!

Here's the mini-blurb:

Zeth Herrickson has to catch the culprits in a cheating scandal at the academy. Coorah Blair normally sits at the top of his list when things aren't right—except she's the one who brings the matter to his attention. They work together to track down the participants and go after the ringleader, who is much closer to both than they'd believe.

And a preview snippet…

Coorah left Zeth's alcove armed with a plan of action and a date for coffee. How the hell did that happen? Okay, she knew how they came up with the idea bringing down the person making money off the novices. They'd spent the last hour going over the best possible methods.

The coffee part tripped her up though.

Why did she say yes? Because he'd asked her, of course. But, no, that made zero sense. She didn't do coffee and she definitely didn't do anything with magistrates. But you're working with him on the cheating thing. Right. Didn't explain why her brain took a vacation and all of a sudden went to crazytown.

But he looked so damned hot, glancing up from the notes he'd taken, and she'd blurted out a yes before thinking. The magistrate and the queen of mayhem. Wouldn't their being together set tongue wagging? Why would he want to tarnish his stellar reputation by hanging out with her, especially since she had a habit of ignoring the rules? He couldn't possibly really want to get involved with her.

Unless… Coorah smacked her forehead. Of course, Zeth had a reason for asking her out. They couldn't very well meet in his alcove all the time. Grabbing coffee made a great cover so they could discuss their covert activities. She'd been so… stunned… over his invitation and her response, she'd made a mad dash for the door. Could she be more of an idiot?

Figuring out his reason should have made her feel way better. But… her stomach churned. She shouldn't be upset, right? How stupid could she be to think he actually found her attractive and wanted to spend time with her? Especially when she didn't want to date the guy.

Shaking her head, she made her way out of the building and started for her small suite of rooms. "Come on, Coorah. You don't really want to get tangled up with Hard Ass Herrickson, do you?" No, totally a bad idea.

Except… she kind of had the insane notion she wouldn't mind getting involved with Zeth. And bad ideas were her forte.

I'm having a blast writing this one. I love characters that start out on the opposite end of the spectrum and find common ground that leads to something more.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Jade Claw

Ugh. Got hit hard with a nasty cold / flu something. It's been a miserable week trying to hit editing deadlines and maintain my sanity at the same time. LOL

This week's Teen Wolf brought back an old, well… I can't really call the character a favorite, so let's say a familiar face instead. I like having some old school peeps back on my screen. Nothing wrong with the new crew, but eh, I think a lot can be said for taking care of the roots, too. Hopefully, I'm not being too spoilery.

My shows are back this week. The Flash, Arrow, the premiere of Legends of Tomorrow, and maybe even Agent Carter. Not sure about the premiere date for X-Files, but I'll be checking to make sure I don't miss it.

And that's it for this week on the TV front.

Tonight's post is from The Jade Claw, a novella with paranormal intrigue and a dash of humor where my main characters jump through flaming hoops to accomplish their goals.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Skyrah Yule is caught in the middle of a paranormal mafia grab for power when several artifacts are stolen from the museum she works for. The agent investigating the break-in, Clay Wellstone, intrigues her, especially when she discovers he's got close familial ties with the suspected culprits.

And a preview snippet…

Cantor Defense Agent Clay Wellstone surveyed the wrecked and damaged area of the Tauric Antiquities room with a critically discerning eye. He noted the presence of the curator, an Art History professor at Cantor University. Her agitated state suggested impatience to restore order. Not that he blamed her. Whoever pulled off the heist of the museum did so with precision, leaving a path of destruction behind to muddy the waters and slow things down.

"Excuse me, Ms. Yule." Clay pulled the curator of the Museum of Cantor History off to the side of the crime scene. "Can you give me basics of what happened here?"

The harassed but seriously beautiful blond stared at the ugly scene before her, broken glass, overturned display cases and empty stands. Her devastated eyes blinked several times, as if that might make the carnage go away. No such luck.

"Ms. Yule?"

She focused her gaze on him. "What? Oh, the basics. Right."

Turning, she scanned the area with different eyes. This time they were keenly intelligent and sharp, and just a little pissed off. Exactly what he’d been going for.

Her lips thinned into a straight line. "I got here late, my class ran over."

Clay had already run a background check, following protocol. "You're a professor at Cantor U?" He asked the question for confirmation.

A quick nod and she continued. "I entered the back way. I always come in from the employee parking area."

She ran the steps she'd taken, walked him through her discovery, providing a solid amount of detail. His respect level raised another notch. She’d make a good agent if she ever wanted a career change.

He flashed a rueful smile. "I appreciate the information and I'm sorry to ask, but we'll need you to come down and make a full statement when you're up for it."

She looked around the display area again. "Now's good. Everything's fresh in my mind."

Clay smiled. "Great. I can give you a ride and drop you back here after we're through." He admired her tenacity and get it done now attitude.

As if he needed more to add to the list of things he liked about her.

Skyrah nodded. "Yeah, that works." She picked her way toward the door, careful not to disturb anything.

Clay watched closely, as much to figure out the intriguing puzzle she appeared to be as to enjoy the determined set of her shoulders.

He had a feeling Skyrah Yule would be quite a challenge.

This one may end up being a full novel by the time it's all written. And it's been so much fun I can't wait to finish and get it polished up and ready to publish!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: It's Not What They Think

A quick break from discussing television to talk about the crazy weather in Ohio. Okay, make that the weird weather everywhere. If you're experiencing it, let me know. LOL

Finally watched The Abominable Bride and thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the back and forth and I'll leave it there so I don't spoil anything. But I'm looking forward to seeing a new season, whenever that might be.

Excited to have my shows return but also so busy I'm struggling to keep the dates straight. LOL Nothing like having a ton work to plow through. J I did catch the winter premiere of Teen Wolf and I'm glad to have that bit of crazy to look forward to each week, especially with a familiar face returning.

Tonight's post is from It's Not What They Think, a novella where my main characters have to get creative to help my heroine control her magical powers.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Meaghan Wrath goes on the warpath, losing her hard won control over her powers and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting clan members. She's setting a crappy example, but her husband, Vinnie Grayson, walks a fine line by not reprimanding her. Her need let off steam and be rebellious never lasts long—usually the week leading up to the full moon—and a demand to stop will only land her on the hot seat—almost literally.

And a preview snippet…

Meghan blinked, shaking her head. "I just told you I set an elderman's robes on fire and you're what? Planning a weekend getaway?" Did he not realize how close to the line—no, how far over the line—she'd gone.

Vinnie frowned. "No. I don't plan for us to go anywhere or leave the compound." He caught up. "Oh, right. Don't worry about Vice. I'll smooth things over." He stepped away, moving to the desk and grabbing the phone. "Seriously, Meghan, clear your schedule for the next seventy-two hours, okay." Punching in a series of numbers, he only waited a moment before speaking. "Elderman Vice? Yeah, yeah, I know… No… About that… Yes, sir. I'm aware she's been escalating… No, it won't happen again. In fact, she's agreed to stay in residence until the full moon passes. Yes… I'm going to be here with her… No, she won't leave and yes, I give you my personal guarantee. Right. Yes. Thank you." He hung up the phone and met her gaze. "Man, he's pissed." His lips quirked.

Meghan arched a brow. "And you're amused? Are you stupid? Or just crazy?" After the last month with her, he could actually be both.

Vinnie snorted. "I'm neither. In fact, I'm pretty damned intelligent." He lifted a shoulder. "Or at least our best friend is."

Meghan tilted her head to one side. "Mathias? Really?" A snort escaped. "Oh, please, I can't wait to hear his latest pearl of wisdom." Moving forward, she stepped into Vinnie's personal space. "Lay it one me."

Vinnie flashed a grin. "Sex." His hands grasped her hips. "For the next three days." Waggling his eyebrows, he leaned in, running his lips along her jawline.

Meghan barked out a laugh. "See… there's a reason we like him." She wrapped her arms around Vinnie. "But seriously? Aren't you the least bit concerned I'll bring more pain than pleasure?" With her power being at the apex, she didn't always have the control she needed.

Vinnie nipped at her earlobe. "Nope. Because the way I figure things, if I keep you in orgasmic bliss, you'll be too sated to do much damage." His hands tugged the hem of her shirt upward and he dropped to his knees, licking a wet trail from her waistband to the underside of her bra.

The idea had merit. If she combined magick with sex, her energy levels would dissipate. In theory, a workable solution and one she could totally get behind.

Running her fingers through Vinnie's short, cropped hair, she nudged his head back. "In that case… you'd better get busy and take the edge off before we really get down to business."

A wolfish smile twisted his lips and he flicked his gaze from her belly to the floor. Her yoga pants pooled at her feet and he rose, dragging her shirt up and over her head. She got rid of her bra with a quick, muttered incantation.

Vinnie stepped back, his gaze sweeping over her, lingering on her hot spots—caressing her breasts and warming the juncture between her thighs. He snapped his fingers and stood naked before her, his erect cock proudly jutting out. Crooking his finger, he motioned her forward and her feet carried her willingly, stopping when the head of his dick brushed against her heated skin.

Reaching out, Vinnie cupped her ass with one hand, hauling her closer. "I think we'll need at least two rounds to take the edge off, yeah?" He urged her up onto her toes and worked fisted his erection, working it along her folds before sliding home in a single, smooth thrust.

A satisfied hum rumbled in her chest and she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Sounds about right to me." Head dropping back, she rocked her hips against his groin.

Great mage, she loved her husband.

The sages are being somewhat tight-lipped with this one. They've got the general idea of where they're going to take me, but they're being stingy with the big details.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: It's Always the Same Show

Happy 2016 to everyone!

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with reading, writing, and blogging. And, of course, sharing fun commentary about my favorite televisions shows.

Speaking of… I have the Sherlock special on tap to watch in the near future, hopefully tonight. Can't wait to tumble back into the wild world of deduction and keen intelligence. Also caught A Very Murdoch Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the extra-long episode. Nicely done!

Agent Carter is starting in a few weeks and I'm crazy excited. Also waiting patiently for Arrow and The Flash to return. It's finally getting cold in Ohio and I want some hot shows to kick back and relax with.

Tonight's post is from It's Always the Same Show, a novella where my main characters need to find some common ground after a major challenge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lanie Beck and Titus Berkley are tasked with whipping a new class of cadet mages into shape for the Academy of light. The biggest problem they face is never agreeing on how to make it happen. The cadets quickly learn to tune in and enjoy the show.

And a preview snippet…

Titus dismissed his cadets and crossed the now empty training area to knock on Lanie's door. His confidence she'd still be in the school fairly high, but not certain. He waited a few minutes then rapped on the frosted glass pane. No response.

Hmm. Not like Lanie to cut and run when she could unleash her fury on him. And she'd want to go full bore crazycakes on him. Rightfully so. He'd take whatever she dished out.

If she ever answered.

Waiting another full minute, he tried the knob. The door opened to a darkened room, the only light spilling from the small alcove where Lanie stored the oils, herbs, crystals, and minerals she used to instruct the cadets on the finer aspects of diversionary tactics. A crash of glass and muffled curse drew him to the space in a rush. He found Lanie on her knees, sweeping up a broken bottle of crushed quartz with a hand broom.

He huffed out a breath. "Are you okay—" His gaze swept the area, finding once full shelves nearly empty. "What's going on, Lanie?" She usually had the alcove stocked to the rafters.

She didn't turn or acknowledge his presence. Scooping the ruined jar into a dustpan, she dumped the contents into the trash. She rose and put the cleaning supplies away, then dusted her hands off on her pants. Moving forward, she climbed up the ladder and retrieved several more bottles, carefully descending the latter with two tucked under her chin and one in each hand. Placing them on the counter, she crossed the items off on a clipboard and tossed the supplies in the same trash bin.

Titus frowned. "Lanie… what are you doing?" Her beloved magick potion-making tricks of the trade being handled without the revered care she usually showed?

No way. She had to be ill. Or maybe possessed by something otherworldly.

Or maybe really, really pissed.

Her motivation hit him square between the eyes. And the niggle of guilt creeping up his spine got firmly shoved back. He wouldn't let it surface.

Instead, he snorted. "Seriously? You're in a snit so you're packing up shop?" He couldn't believe the childishness she displayed.

Lanie flicked a hard glance his way. "I'm not packing because I’m in a snit. I'm doing it because I’m done." She grabbed the clipboard and brushed past him. "Remember how I mentioned I had a tight schedule to keep? Well, I missed the deadline to have my curriculum approved because you kept the cadets and I couldn't turn in the test results." She crossed the classroom area and placed the inventory list on the desk. "I've got twenty-four hours to vacate and make room for Sera's healing harmony class, which will begin next week." Glancing up, her gaze scanned the space before it met his in cold stare. "Guess you won't have to worry about the dangerous nature of exposing young minds to the evils of explosive magick anymore." Turning on her heel, she started toward the door.

The guilt he'd shoved aside reared its ugly head and threatened to swallow him whole. He'd forgotten her tenuous status and the need for her to prove the validity of her coursework. But she could have reminded him. She shouldn't have to, you idiot. She point blank told you she needed the cadets to be present.

Titus dashed over, grasping her arm. "Why didn't you say something when you were at my door earlier?" He'd forgotten, he truly had.

She jerked away and whirled on him. "Are you kidding? It's always the same damn show with you, Titus. Push my buttons and watch me jump. As long as you get what you want, that's all that matters." Planting her hands on her hips, she all but growled. "Well, no thanks. I'm tired of playing to an avid audience." Her voice smoothed out to a choked whisper. "At least I don't have to worry about that anymore." Backing away, she exited the room and motioned for him to follow so she could ward the door.

Titus vacated the classroom, standing beside her while she flipped the runes to secure the location. Her words cut deep, because the truth hit hard. He enjoyed getting her riled and watching her respond.

But he didn't want to ruin her standing in the curriculum. Making her lose her spot had never been his aim. Her instruction had merit, even if he thought the dangerous aspects were more than first year cadets could handle.

Lanie made it halfway across the training area before he snapped out of his recriminations.

Titus started after her. "Lanie, wait. Let me—"

She stopped and held up a hand. "Don't. Just… don't." Shaking her head, she continued out into the small vestibule of the side entrance then left the building.

Titus wanted to go after her and make her accept his apology and listen to his assurance he'd right his wrong. But… he couldn't guarantee anything or promise he'd fix the mess he'd landed her in.

But he would sure as hell do his damnedest to try.

And he's going to have to jump through some flaming hoops in his near future. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye