Sunday Snippet: A Capsized Buccaneer

The Olympics are almost over and we'll be back to regular television viewing again. I'm looking forward to my shows being back on the screen.

I thoroughly enjoyed Legends of Tomorrow 's take on Groundhog Day. The end definitely intrigued me. Looking forward to seeing how that plays out.

I finished up another episode of The Punisher and I'm really trying to figure out what's going on with Lewis. I'm not very familiar with the comics versions of Frank's story so I like not having any information to pull from.

Caught several more episodes of Chicago Fire and I'm getting close to the end of season four. Oddly enough, I wasn't all that upset to see Chili go. I did like the reach out to Severide even if that particular thread got rushed.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Capsized Buccaneer, a novella that works in a super-hero angle with romance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kallen Bond, a star athlete certain to lead her team to a championship win, takes a much needed two day excursion aboard a Bertelli luxury yacht before the big game. The Bertelli's sabotage their ship to eliminate Kallen from the competition, but she's saved by Zeb, the family black sheep, and they end up stranded on a remote island with no way home.

And a preview snippet…

Zeb Bertelli stopped short when he arrived to find his family's yacht decorated with sports logos. "What the hell?" He blinked, thinking he might be hallucinating.

After the two-day bender he'd been on, he wouldn't discount the idea.

No such luck. The crew scurried around, setting up tables and stocking the bar. His stomach churned at the thought of alcohol. Or food. The standard aroma of hors d'oeurves wafted from the main deck.

Zeb wanted a bed and a quiet place to dry out before he faced his bastion of relatives again. And he wanted both on the yacht. He didn't care if one of his stupid siblings scheduled an event.

"Ha. Maybe I should tell them I want the Bertie Blue and they can have everything else."

No better way to simplify life than to hop a ship and sail the hell away.

Clutching his stomach with one hand, he started up the gangplank. He'd stumble belowdecks and crash in his stateroom. A "Do Not Disturb" sign should keep partygoers out.

Edging along the bulkhead, he made his way to the lowest portion of the ship. "Finally. Relief." Two more doors down and bliss would be his.

Entering his room, he fumbled for the door tag, one of his brother's better ideas, and hooked it on the knob. The sight of the freshly made bed almost brought tears to Zeb's eyes.

Ambling toward the welcome comfort, he sighed. "Bless you, Martina." His knees hit the edge of the mattress and he tumbled forward, sinking into the soft cushiony heaven.

He considered grabbing a shower but the gentle rocking of the yacht soothed his roiling stomach and pounding head. The sandalwood and eucalyptus scented sheets and fluffy duvet held him captive. Martina's soft touch again. She always had like Zeb best and went out of her way to keep his stateroom stocked and ready for his use.

His last thought before passing out centered on making sure the head housekeeper got a hefty raise in the near future.

Thoroughly enjoying putting the pieces together with this story. Zeb's shallowness is fun to get started with and watching him grow into his true nature is pretty cool.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Calamity of Chaos

Slow week in television due to the Olympics, but that's okay. I enjoy being a casual viewer of the coverage and there have been some terrific events. Watching Virture | Mior during ice dancing is such a joy. They're unmatched by anyone else.

Legends of Tomorrow returned on Monday and while I'm kind of "meh" about the move to a new night, I did love the episode. Nice to see the group dealing with Firestorm being gone. Also kind of cool to see Mick step into something of a leadership role, even if he'd never own doing it. LOL

I had the chance to catch up on my period dramas. Murdoch Mysteries is having some fun with Julia's pregnancy and I kind of like how she's dealing with everything. Frankie Drake Mysteries keeps getting better. I love the varied types of cases Frankie and Trudy get involved in.

Also caught another five episodes of Chicago Fire. Season four is diving into things on a much deeper level and I like where the characters are right now. It's been fun watching Severide pull himself back up from his demotion. I even sort of enjoyed Patterson figuring out what really matters at fifty-one. Not sure I'm totally down with him becoming a battalion chief but, yeah, I can live with it. LOL

I didn't get the chance to watch more of The Punisher, but I'll be catching some episodes this weekend. Also still need to watch the latest Riverdale before the show returns after the Olympics.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Calamity of Chaos, a Chaos novella with a steampunk flair.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Esme and Ashton embark on a trip to America, on the trail of their nemesis's partner. Calamity ensues when they stumble upon a dastardly plot to keep them from returning home.

And a preview snippet…

"I'm asking, plainly I might add, if you'd like to spend the night in my bed." Anissa removed her jacket and hung it by the door along with her hat. "Are you sure you write articles for a living?" Her lips curved in a sexy smirk.

Del blinked and shook his head. The woman certainly liked to push boundaries. But the idea of spending a night with her held great appeal.

But first he had to salvage his wounded pride and protect his cover story. "Yes, I'm certain. I fully grasp the English language." And several others.

Anissa started undoing the buttons of her chambray shirt. "Then what seems to be the problem?" She walked toward him, her hips swaying gently. "You're a prime specimen of manhood. I have no doubt you'll make an impressive lover." Tugging the shirttails from her trousers, she let the shirt flutter to the floor.

Which left her in her chemise and rugged denim pants. Her curves on prominent display, he struggled to form coherent thoughts.

She quirked a brow. "What seems to be the problem?" Leaning in, she trailed a finger down his shirtfront.

His body responded to her touch, his cock hard and aching. "I'm a little taken aback by your forwardness." Only Esme came close to being as brazen.

The women would no doubt get along famously.

She found his declaration vastly amusing, tossing her head with a laugh. "Look, I'm not Miss Prim and Proper. Would I be riding around on a horse, shooting targets if I were?" She lifted a shoulder. "I go where I want and do what I want. With whomever I want. If you can't handle that, take your leave." She glanced toward the door, indicating he could go. "I make no apologies for the way I live." Turning on her heel, she strode to the wardrobe and yanked the door open.

Del crossed the space between them in two strides. "I didn't ask for any. Your life is yours to live however you see fit." He grasped her arm, turning her to face him. "You caught me off-guard with the invitation. I only know one other woman who has the wherewithal to boldly state her intentions and follow through on them." His lips curved. "She quite enjoys thumbing her nose at societal norms. You two would get along quite well."

Anissa's shoulders tensed. "I wasn't aware you're already spoken for. Consider my earlier suggestion off the table." Her mouth twisted in distaste.

Del threw his head back and laughed. "I have no claim on Esme. That headache belongs to her partner Ashton Sylvester." He skimmed his palms up to her shoulders. "I'm currently unattached. And… if your offer still stands…" He lowered his head, his mouth hovering over hers. "I'd very much like to spend the night with you."

I truly need to sit down and finish writing this series. I love the characters and the settings and the sages are usually generous with the words once I dive back into the pages.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Broken Down and Maxed Out

Greetings! Ohio has crazy weather patterns rolling through the state again. I'm at the point with winter where I'd be happy if it made up its mind and either stayed cold or got warmer. The back forth is hell on my sinuses.

Great week in television. The Flash had a good episode and I'm interested to see where things go now. In all honesty, the slow reveal of evil plans is getting to the point of annoyance. Get on with it already.

Black Lightning, on the other hand, is staying on form. I like the world building of this show. Keep on keeping on.

Riverdale is going down another dark road and I like it. I have to watch this week's episode but I caught up on last week and Archie continues to fail in spectacular fashion. I love all the bad decisions he makes.

Arrow did not go where I thought it might and I'm happy about that. I'm thrilled with the left turn the plot made. It's always the quiet ones people need to watch out for.

I'm moving along on Chicago Fire and I've started season four. I'm slowly but surely getting caught up to the current season. I love having the crossover episodes on the DVDs and following the storyline all the way through. Nicely done.

I'm caught up for the most part on Murdoch Mysteries. I loved the cooking competition episode. One of my favorite things about Murdoch is taking a modern trend and making it a trope in the show's setting. And it's always fun to have the spy versus spy episodes.

Need to catch up on Frankie Drake Mysteries and I might have time later today. Legends of Tomorrow returns this week and I'm excited to see what's next for the legends.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Broken Down and Maxed Out, a novella that got a writing community prompt of writing a character who is maxed out and the other tries to talk them through the issue.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Dallas Kirk and Rafe Quinoza, two top agents in the Ministry of Magic, are broken down and maxed out they turn to each other to regroup and recharge. But when they reach their saturation point at the same time, they struggle to keep their connection strong which is difficult when they blame themselves for a mission gone wrong.

And a preview snippet…

Dallas Kirk entered the sprawling warehouse. "Nothing like a little B and E to get the adrenaline flowing." She kept her tone low and relocked the door behind her, using magick to ward the building.

Nothing would get in or out without her knowledge.

She did a quick rundown of the intel she had on Marjam Calla. The ministry file listed him as a nuisance with the potential to cause disruption with terrorist activities. Marjam had a list of grievances he wanted to turn into causes, but the man's standoffish and abrasive personality didn't attract allies. Any like-minded thinkers usually couldn't stand being in the same room with him for any length of time.

Dallas crept through the cavernous space littered with carnival paraphernalia. Marjam's main source of income came during the warmer months when fairs, festivals, and fundraising events. According to Rafe Quinoza, her partner and life mate, Calla lived in a set of converted storage rooms along the north wall of the building. She trusted Rafe's information and followed the west wall along until she spied the boxlike series of three shipping containers lined up end to end. A few windows had been cut into the exterior walls and lamplight burned in the closest one.

Success!

She shouldn't have too much trouble bagging and tagging Marjam. Movement from the east side of the warehouse caught her attention. A large, burly man emerged from the shadows and raised his hands, drawing power from her wards.

Shit. Definitely not Calla. The man barely cleared average height and this guy stood at least six-four. And he had mercenary for hire written all over him.

The door to Marjam's living space opened and he stepped out into the dim light of the main floor. He flung his arms out, tapping into the magical energy surrounding the building. Her work, her protective barrier, would be turned against her in a matter of moments.

A kick of anger hit Dallas, followed by a moment of fear. Resolution kicked in.

No backup. Her wards blocking communication. Trapped and screwed.

Dallas crouched low and braced for the blast of magick. "Fuck me." When she got out, target in tow, someone had some serious explaining to do.

The Ministry of Magickal Defense had a security breach… or Rafe missed a few key details.

Son of a bitch.

I love where this one is going. Here's hoping the sages continue giving me good stuff.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Broken Arrow

Hello, February! We've got snow and slushy ick outside today. Perfect weather for the big game I won't be watching. LOL

So… The Flash definitely got Barry out his regular cell, which is terrific. Sadly, he ended up in a much worse predicament. Nice that he got to do a good deed before landing there.

Black Lightning continues to make me happy. I need a few hours to binge watch all the eps together so I can truly immerse into the universe. Looking forward to that.

I'm behind an episode of Riverdale. Need to catch up this week before the new episode.

Arrow… wow. I have so much love for this show. The dueling teams sadden me but I like where everyone is for the moment. I have a truly bad vibe that I won't share just yet but it's going to make me really angry if I'm right. Not mad in a bad way so maybe disappointed is a better word. Stay tuned. LOL

Got through another four episodes of Chicago Fire and I'm so glad the almost lethally lame fill-in chief is gone. Nice to see Welsh do something terrific for once.

I'm almost through season one of The Punisher. Gotta say this show pisses me off to no end but for all the right reasons. I'm kind of interested and waiting to see where they take the Lewis storyline. Right now it's not meshing well with the other parts. We'll see how it goes.

Also need to catch up on my period dramas. Hopefully, I'll have something for next week.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Broken Arrow, a novella that examines how fitting in isn't always the right path and what happens when it's not.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cailin Berg is a broken arrow, a mage suffering from a crippling experience who can no longer use their skills, and she wants to find a way back to her practice. Phelps Morlach can't give her any answers, but he will offer whatever assistance he can provide… especially since he holds some of the responsibility for Cailin's predicament.

And a preview snippet…

Phelps Morlach entered the quiet alcove and settled across from Cailin Berg, his student, lover, and best friend. His news grave, he considered how to break the information without sending her into a magical tailspin.

Reaching out, he grasped her hands. "Cailin, I've come from the proctor." His thumbs traced wide circles on her skin.

Cailin smiled. "And I'm going to my final examination? When? This week?" She nearly bounced with anticipation.

Phelps shook his head. "No, not this week, or even this month." His gaze met hers. "You need more time, Cailin." He braced for her reaction.

She jerked her hands from his. "You told him, didn't you? About the nightmare I had." Rising from the chaise, she stalked back and forth. "I can't believe you, Phelps. It was one damned dream; nothing says it has to be a prophetic one." She whirled and faced him. "You don't believe in me or my powers. You're so blessed obsessed with having and keeping me, you'll do anything to hold me back." She sneered. "No more, Phelps. I won't wait any longer. I'm leaving tonight." She crossed the floor, her boots scraping along the stone surface. "We're through."

The door, which the society never closed, slammed shut behind her.

Phelps closed his eyes. He sucked. Truly, completely, utterly. How could he possibly explain he didn't lack faith in her? He believed Cailin would do spectacular things one day.

But… the darkness she carried inside her gave him pause. He didn't have the skills to help her get past the nightmare—a prophetic one whether she believed or not—or the ability to show her how to control the dark streak of power. The proctor's edict gave Phelps time to study, learn, and put forth his best effort to keep Cailin from unleashing the raw, tainted magic before she got a handle on the havoc she could create.

The time didn't matter now. His fear for her drove her away.

He'd failed Cailin and lost her in the process.

I'm happy with how this story is unfolding. Cailin has some deep soul-searching to do and it's fun to write how she finally gets the job done.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye