Sunday Snippet: Bright, Burning Yule (A Holiday Spirit Short)

Holy crap. Where did January go? It's crazy how fast months fly by now.

So, The Flash is testing my patience. Not in a necessarily bad way, but having Barry zoom around and put all the inmates back in their cells had me eye-rolling. We'll see how long they keep him trapped in a cell. I need to rewatch the second episode of Black Lightning because I had too many distractions the first time around.

Riverdale… Oh, show. The Ram? Really? I don't know. It's either the best nickname ever or possibly the lamest one on the planet. Time will tell. Everything else about the episode hit high notes for me. It's going to be a wild ride and I'm totally strapped in to see where everything goes. One interesting development… now that I have a better understanding of Mama Alice I now need to know what the hell flavor of fresh hell Hal's been drinking.

Arrow keeps throwing twisty-turns into the mix and I love it. I'm actually hoping Vigilante is an actual double agent. And here's my fondest desire… he's working for ARGUS in exchange for immunity against all the bad guys he killed. Just saying, having him around for a while wouldn't be a bad thing. Now, after saying that, he did tell James he knows how to push every one of Dinah's buttons and having him on her side would be a great big red one. I won't be too shocked if his help is nothing but a ruse. But I will be disappointed, dammit.

Still loving my period dramas. Murdoch Mysteries and Frankie Drake Mysteries. Frankie Drake is terrific with keeping interesting cases rolling across the screen. Murdoch Mysteries never fails to be consistent with quality. Love both of these shows.

I'm burning through season three of Chicago Fire and still loving the show. I'm also enjoying the crossover episodes they have with other productions. Nice to have those on the DVDs.

I think that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Bright, Burning Yule, a Holiday Spirit sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Stella Silverbell, a holiday spirit, is tasked with bringing Nyssa Nameth, the ultra female werewolf, together with the Braddox Bennington, the prime hunter of all wolf shifters, during the Yule season. Their joining can end centuries of misconception but they have to get over their preconceived notions first.

And a preview snippet…

Stella Silverbell, holiday spirit extraordinaire, smoothed her hand down the skirt of her little red dress and flashed a smile at her reflection in the ornate mirror she'd inherited from her grandmother.

Turning to the side, she found nothing out of place. "Stella, you're gonna blow his mind." Tom Tinsel wouldn't know what hit him.

She'd looked forward to the upcoming date with a fellow spirit for ages. Nothing like the Yule season to make a wish come true.

She crossed to her vanity, selected her favorite scent—Ethereal Mist—and spritzed each of her pulse points. She placed the bottle in its spot when a zing of energy buzzed along her skin and a bell tinkled.

Stella groaned. "Noooooo. Not tonight." Maybe she'd get an easy match and she could be fashionably late for dinner…

The mission details appeared on her vanity.

Stella sank down onto the stool. "No such luck. Who did I piss off to land this ultimate challenge?" She dashed off a quick note and sent it via the shadow realm to Tom. "Here's hoping he'll take a rain check and be happy to ring in the new year with me instead.

Stella slipped off her killer red heels and grabbed the file the spirit master provided. Taking the folder, she retrieved a cup of tea from the shadows and settled on her bed to plan her course of action. "Bringing a female wolf shifter and a hunter together? Only the Yule season could maybe make that feasible." She shuffled through the several possible locations to attempt this crazy match. "A-ha! Goodacre Bed and Breakfast." Hollis Goldstar had excellent luck with ending a long-standing feud between sorcerers and wizards at the charming B and B.

The three-story manor house, nestled in an enchanted forest and only reachable by shadow manipulation or portal, had everything Stella could want for a romantic setup. And she'd need every last trick in her repertoire of magick to pull this mission off. Taking a sip of her tea, she read through her female charge's file. Nyssa Nameth, twenty-five, the first female ultra wolf in over a century.

Stella clicked her tongue against her teeth. "Girl, you've got special snowflake syndrome written all over you." No doubt a lot of pressure to live with.

And Braddox Bennington didn't have thing much easier. His family controlled the hunter population, which had thinned out the werewolves almost to the point of extinction. Stella shook her head. "It's not supposed to be like this. Hunters used to protect the werewolves from other predators." A tragic incident with a rabid wolf ended the long tradition.

Braddox turned twenty-nine recently and stood in line to take over leadership of the family. But he had some competition in the form of about a dozen siblings and cousins who wanted the job more than Braddox.

Stella blew out a breath. "Damn, Braddox. They don't make them small where you come from, do they?" He had the physique of an outdoorsman who used nature as his crossfit playground.

Of course, having some preternatural ability would only heighten the total experience of being one with the earth.

Huffing out a breath, Stella got to work crafting two invitations for her wayward charges. She sent them off via the shadow realm with instructions on when to deliver the missives. She then got up and changed into some traveling clothes. She'd need to do some preliminary groundwork to ready the manor house for her guests.

Her lips curved upward. "Definitely got my work cut out with this one. The spirit master better appreciate the scope of this request."

I have so much fun with the holiday spirit stories. Here's hoping I can finish this one up for release in late November.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blushing Brawler

January 21, 2018

Well… this has been a crazy week. My daughter had a break on Monday for MLK Jr. Day and hasn't been back to school since. Four snow days in a row. We're supposed to have a warmer weekend so hopefully they'll be back to school this week. She's going stir-crazy and keeps mumbling about the district cancelling school for the rest of the year. LOL

Not a bad week in television. MY SHOWS ARE BACK!! The Flash put Barry on trial and, holy crap, he's not in a good place. I'd like to say I cared more about everything happening but I just can't give two craps about the stupid body swap, uber smart big bad here. Eh… at least we're getting some good character development on other fronts.

Gotta say if you're not watching Black Lightning, find it and watch! What a kickass premiere! I'm excited about this show. I'm still holding out hope we eventually get a Vixen scripted drama sometime in the future.

Arrow still ranks as my top DC universe show. Even though James is similar to the uber smart Flash villain scenario, I like how he's got a team of junior villains backing him. I'm holding out hope this one has a satisfactory ending.

Riverdale. Oh, show. Where the hell are you going? I'm kind of thrilled I have no freaking clue what out of left field thing will happen next. Part of the joy in watching this show is the absolutely crazy dark alleys it decides to go down. That said, pitting Archie against Hiram is either the best thing ever or the stupidest move an FBI agent will ever make. Just saying.

Got started on The Punisher and, honestly, it ranks right up there with Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil. Iron Fist is still the weakest link in this group, but I have faith Danny won't be the most annoying super hero ever in his second season. Maybe.

Murdoch Mysteries had a great episode last week. I know nothing about cricket but it made an interesting murder backdrop. Also, it's so awesome William and Julia are possibly going to start their family. Fingers crossed that actually happens.

Frankie Drake provided a terrific case this week and also had excellent guest stars. So awesome to see George Crabtree around and doing quite well for himself. Also, Laurence Fox can guest star again whenever he wants. I'm totally down with that idea.

Finished the second season of Chicago Fire and, wow, what an ending. Got the third season ready to start today. Definitely glad I don't have to wait through a hiatus to find out what happened to everyone.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blushing Brawler, a novella that has the main characters discovering the difference between big city life and a rural upbringing can make getting to know each other very interesting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yardley Holmes grew up in the fighting circuit, coaching and training alongside her dad. She likes nothing more than having a new brawler to use as a target. When Cale Scarsdale, a green recruit from Ruralsville, walks into the cage, Yardley goes after him with biting sarcasm and razor sharp innuendo to test his mettle. Cale takes it all in stride until she goes one step too far and Yardley remembers lesson number one from her dad—watch out for the quiet ones.

And a preview snippet…

Cale put the image of his assessor out of his mind. A gorgeous woman would decide his fate? Not a wrinkle he'd expected when he looked up Benjamin Holmes. The little sprite sprang from Benjamin's loins? Cale had a hard time picturing the towering monster of a man mating with a pixie descendant, but, yeah, coming from Ruralsville, he didn't have a lock on big city ways.

Ben quirked a brow. "You ready? Yardley's not known for patience." His gaze slid toward his daughter.

Cale resisted the urge to glance in her direction and went into a fighting stance. "Ready." He needed to pass this first hurdle and get a spot on Ninth Street's roster.

Ben gave nod. "Begin."

Cale shuffled, careful to avoid the standard pitfalls of a physical bout. He circled Holmes and got a bead on the way the trainer moved. When the first swing connected with Ben's chin, Yardley let out a sound of shocked surprise. After a series of combination maneuvers, Ben flashed a wide grin.

Holmes countered the next series. "You've got chops, kid. I like your style." Benjamin took off the metaphorical gloves and put Cale through his paces.

When the bell rang, Holmes held out his hand. "Nice job. I rarely get to dive into the intermediate stuff with new recruits." After Cale clasped palms, Holmes gave Yardley a sideways glance. "What's the verdict, Yard?"

Cale finally directed his full attention on the owner's daughter. She had her head tilted to one side, her brunette locks streaked with honey-colored highlights. She studied him with narrowed eyes and the scrutiny irritated Cale. He'd proven his worth, hadn't he?

Yardley straightened and offered a shrug. "He'll do." She got up and sauntered into the office, grabbing her workout bag on the way.

Cale met Benjamin's gaze. "Does that mean I'm in?" Not like she made it crystal clear.

Benjamin barked out a laugh. "It does indeed. Yardley's not known for glowing praise. You'll get used to it." He moved to the ropes and held them up for Cale to exit the ring. "She'll get the paperwork ready and you can sign the contract after you're settled. Let's get you a locker and find a room for you to stay in while you're training." Ben nudged Cale out of the gym and back toward the private residential area.

Cale followed, tamping down the urge to shout out a victory cry. He'd only cleared the first hurdle. Instinct suggested he'd be matching wits with Yardley Holmes on a regular basis.

Oddly, he kind of looked forward to winning her over.

Yardley and Cale are a treat to write. Can't wait to finish this one up and launch it.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blurred Lines

Brrrrr!! It's crazypants cold in Ohio. We're having the standard bizarre weather. At the beginning of the week, we had an icy snow mix. My middle kidlet had his second spinout and almost took out a road sign. Luckily, the damage to his car is minimal and he didn't get a ticket. Thank you, Deputy H! On Thursday, it was almost sixty degrees. Friday started out around fifty-eight then steadily dropped over thirty degrees and dumped freezing rain and eight inches of snow. I'm at the point where I'm over the crappy driving conditions. I don't mind winter weather for the most part but I hate driving when ice is involved. Bleh.

The nice thing about the frigid temperatures is settling in with a good manuscript and watching movies or television. This week I got through the most of the back half of Chicago Fire. Some very emotional through lines, which I enjoyed. I'm liking the later season episodes much better than the first part of the season.

I'm hoping to start The Punisher this week. I've heard some terrific things about the season. Looking forward to more Frank Castle.

Also rewatching Hollywood Dirt on Passionflix. This steamy movie is so much fun. I'm a fan of the male lead anyway so I'm thrilled to have him in a hot and sexy role.

My regular shows return this week and I'm excited. Can't wait for more Arrow episodes. Also looking forward to the Black Lightning premiere.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blurred Lines, a novella that started as a snippet in time alternate universe fanfiction for one of my favorite shows. I liked the story so much I wanted to make it original.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Becca and York. Finding their way back to each other is the ultimate achievement. Working out how they'll function together is the challenge. The lines are all blurry because they've crossed back and forth so many times.

And a preview snippet…

Penny would probably be better for him than Becca. But Penny didn't get him. Not truly, in the elemental way a perfect partner should understand their mate. Their most recent conversation more or less proved the point.

He'd slept in the guest room the night before. She had entered the kitchen, barely sparing him a glance before pouring a cup of coffee and sitting down to pick up her work unit, scanning the daily assignments. He'd expected the cold shoulder, and honestly, the chilly atmosphere gave him the resolve he needed to dig in his heels.

He grabbed his mug and carried it to the counter. "I think you and I need to face some hard truths."

Penny laid her device aside and lifted a brow. "And what would those be, York?" She tapped her fingernails on the pristine white surface of the bar.

He set his cup down. "I'm not what you really want. You love what you think I should be."

She flicked her gaze in his direction. "And what's that, York?"

He sighed. "An ideal. One I can't live up to."

Her lips thinned to a straight line. "Because you don't want to."

He met her gaze. "I've never wanted to. Can you not see that, Penny?" He placed his forearms on the counter, leaning in. "I'll never be what you picture in your head."

She rolled a shoulder and got up. "You have no idea what I imagine, York. And that's your choice, too." She gave him a sad smile.

Something she did a lot lately, not that anyone would ever know. She always put on a brave face and played happily ever after.

The act drove him mad sometimes.

He straightened. "I thought we could build something—a life—together." He pushed away from the bar, pacing back and forth. "But, Penny, the only thing we constructed is a carefully fabricated lie." He stopped and sighed. "And I have no idea how to find the truth anymore."

Penny got up and tilted her head to the side. "Yes, you do." She nodded, a resigned look settling across her face. "Yes. You do." She shook her head. "But you're right, York. I loved the man I thought you should be, and you're not that man."

He agreed. "No, I'm not."

Penny gave him a long considering look. "I won't expect you home tonight. You can send a moving service to get your things."

I'm having a lot of fun writing this one. The story hasn't quite made up its mind if it wants to be magickal fantasy or speculative romance, but I like the magickal elements. We'll see if the sages finally decide which way they want to go.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blondie and the Three Wizards

I hope 2018 is off to a great start for everyone. For myself, it's like an arctic tundra in Ohio but that gives me time to write, edit, and catch up on lots of television. Unless it's three a.m. and the dog has to pee… then it takes fifteen minutes to bundle up to go outside so we don't end up coming back in as popsicles. LOL

As mentioned, I watched Passionflix's The Trouble with Mistletoe last week and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Honestly, the adaption hit all the right emotional notes. There were moments that felt a little rushed, but I have to give props for being able to convey small story beats so masterfully.

Also got caught up on Riverdale. The winter finale tied up the black hood storyline… I think. That new janitor dude is very sketchy-looking so, yeah, not sure. I am looking forward to new episodes to see what new fresh hell Hiram has planned for Riverdale.

I'm almost halfway through season two of Chicago Fire. I'm still not wholly down with the entire McLeod arc. The resolution, while satisfying—watching Isabella shut Gail down was a thing of beauty—didn't exactly make up for not know why she had it in for station fifty-one. Her bonus notwithstanding, I didn't quite buy the whole vindictive nature.

I'm looking forward to the return of my regular network fare in the next two weeks, especially Arrow.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blondie and the Three Wizards, a paranormal romance spin on Goldilocks.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Xandra Blue, a mage adept, has to pick a new mentor from three extremely sexy wizards. All three have the skills and could make great partners, but the guys don't make it easy for her to choose.

And a preview snippet…

Dare Atherton concentrated on the billiard ball and pictured how he wanted to maneuver it on the table. He sent the image forward and the white orb moved across the felt, striking the grouping of solid balls. Two sank into the corner pocket and the third traveled to the center left.

Heath Meyer rolled his eyes. "You never go for the all in one shot, do you?" He stood with his shoulders braced against the wall of the rec room, his arms folded across his chest.

Dare shot him a quick glance. "You know it's against regulation play to do that. We're supposed to hone our skill but stay within the parameters of the game." He shouldn't have to explain this every time they shot a magickal game of pool.

Sam Guilliams snorted. "Heath always looks for the shortcut. And the rules don't apply to him." Guilliams sat at one of the tables, books cracked open and a bag of implements resting beside them.

Heath shrugged. "Why should they? More fun to break them anyway." He cocked his head to one side. "No, I just know what ones to break." He pinned Sam with a hard stare. "At least I'm doing something other than shoving my nose in a book."

Guilliams growled. "I'm reviewing the mentor guidelines. One of us will be chosen by Chris's former apprentice, this… Xandra Blue." He tapped a page in his notebook.

Heath snorted. "Phfft. You two should get out of the way. One look at me and she'll be all over this." He made a sweeping motion from his shoulders to his hips.

Dare rolled his eyes but didn't join in the fray. Instead, he set up the next shot in his mind and pushed the image out again. After sinking three more balls and clearing the table, he weighed the pros and cons of mentoring an apprentice. Heath and Sam traded barbs all the time but either would get the job done and the other would back off and get out of the way.

Dare could use the bump in status being an advisor would provide. But the reason the apprentice got to choose couldn't be ignored. They had to be comfortable with the counselor. Learning the upper levels of wizardry took a lot of work, concentration, and guidance. If the pupil's personality clashed with the tutor's, the instruction proved difficult and often impossible.

A scenario that guaranteed failure for the apprentice and a tarnished reputation for the mentor, which didn't accomplish anything. Chris Makepeace left a golden legacy, one tough to live up to. And one lost woman with a huge decision to make would determine the fate of three wizards.

Sam would over prepare—his usual modis operandi. He'd provide detailed lists of why he'd be the best choice. Heath's ego would make him confident—not that he needed the boost. He'd be suave and charming and act nonchalant about Xandra's choice. Dare… well, he'd hang back and study her in the moment. He wanted the opportunity but only if the fit proved good.

He glanced in the direction of his friends. "Whatever or whoever she decides on, things will be interesting for the next few weeks."

This will hopefully end up being lots of fun. I like putting a twist on a classic.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye