Sunday Snippet: Rumpled and Worn

Wow, I can't believe January is almost over. Actually… yeah, I can. It's been a strange month. The weather is definitely not winter-like, which I'm not really complaining about. It might be nice to have snow… but maybe after we get our roof repaired.

Slow week for television as I had a few projects to get caught up on. I caught a new arc of Classic Who episodes. I'm in the tenth season and have one more to go with Three.

Also watched two more episodes of Gargoyles and finished out the first season. The second is super long with something like fifty-plus episodes. I'll gradually make my way through those.

I watched the first episode season eight's Arrow. Man… I'm going to miss this show so much. I'm excited there might be carry-on with Mia and the Dinah's and I actually hope some of the others in the 2040 version of Starling City find their way to the new show.

Caught an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and loved it. I always find it fun when they have historical figures mixed in with the regular cast. And I love the soft jabs the show takes at current events.

Watched another episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and I have one left for the third season. I really love how they work Flo and Mary into the storylines and I'll be interested to see what season four has on the horizon. If there is a season four.

Started the Riverdale finale for season three. I'm so hoping Edgar is gone for season four and I know Hiram isn't but I at least I might get one wish to come true. Seriously, I hate Hiram with the passion of a thousand burning suns. Ugh.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rumpled and Worn, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt about taking an established fairy tale and putting a new twist on it. I chose Rumplestilsken for this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lindie Lands strikes a deal with the Rumpleman—keep her crazy stalker at bay and she'll hand over the first man she falls for. But when she finally finds a lasting love with Cole Darrington, she's not willing to give him up and together they outsmart the Rumpleman.

And a preview snippet…

Cole Darrington knocked on Mabel Hawthorn's door. "Mrs. H? I'm going down to the ATM. Do you need anything?" He usually tried to ask whenever he went out later in the evening, especially since Mrs. H tended to run out of milk, eggs, and other baking supplies.

The oak slab swung inward and Mabel poked her head outside. "Ah, Cole. Come in for a moment, will you? I've got a wee list almost ready." Which could mean she had one or two things or up to a dozen items.

Cole stepped inside the tidy apartment. "Smells good in here. What sinfully delicious thing are you baking tonight?" From the aroma, he'd put his money on some kind of cake.

Mrs. H handed him a scrap of paper. "Mini coffee cakes. I need some cinnamon for dusting to mix with sugar for dusting the tops." She nodded at the jar on her counter. "Take what you need—"

Cole held up a hand. "Uh-uh. One container of cinnamon won't break the bank, Mrs. H." He tucked the paper in his pocket—not that he needed it—to humor Mabel.

She narrowed her eyes. "Well, then, I'll be bringing some of the cakes over for you to sample." Turning around, she bustled around, putting the mixing bowl into her sink.

Cole patted his stomach. "You're a very bad influence, Mrs. H."

She angled her head around, giving him a grin. "I'm not the one you need to worry about." She referred to her prophetic statement about the woman Cole would spend his life with.

Cole only half-believed her crazy theory he'd immediately know when he met her from the jolt that would supposedly shoot from his palm to his heart. Mrs. H had some mystical notions about love and soul mates and how the universe helped guide people on their right path. He'd never completely discount Mabel's statements because she'd been instrumental in helping Cole discover his calling as personal trainer and gym owner. You get what people need to motivate them and you're not an asshole about it. His lips quirked. Mrs. H didn't mince words.

Mabel paused from washing the bowl and cocked her head to one side. "Better hurry. Rain's coming." She sent a glance over her shoulder.

Cole gave a nod. "You've never been wrong. I'm headed out now." A quick trip to the local grocery then a stop at the ATM shouldn't take too long.

She lifted her chin in farewell and Cole backed out of her apartment, closing the door quietly behind him.

When he stepped out onto the sidewalk in the murky darkness of evening, a low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance. Cole shook his head and dashed across the street.

I love reworking fairy tales and adding an urban flavor to them. This one is so much fun.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rite of Passage

I'm so excited! We're getting our leaky roof replaced in the very near future. I've been waiting to do a small renovation in our bathroom because I need to make sure we won't have any more water damage in there. Can't wait!!

Not a bad week for television. Caught an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and, once again, enjoyed the four main characters and their bonding. Terrific female representation in this show.

Watched the penultimate episode of Riverdale's third season. So many revelations in this one and nothing I'm terribly surprised by. Edgar is just as creeptastic as I suspected. I do want to know if Polly is aware of Jason being… whatever the hell Jason is. My gut says Alice is not. Can't wait to find out. Veronica pulled a savage move on Hiram and I'm totally there for more of that. I literally hate that guy and actually wouldn't mind if he died in a fire. No such luck, I'm sure.

I caved and watched a season twelve episode of Peak Practice. I'll probably go back and forth on this show, catching the entire run while also sneaking in episodes with my favorite actor.

Caught the behind-the-scenes episode of Midsomer Murders and I'm ready to start season twenty-one. Looking forward to diving in next week.

I'm excited to watch the final season of Arrow in the very near future, along with the crossover event. I'm also thrilled to have some new super-hero shows on the horizon. Should be an interesting year for watching.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rite of Passage, a Warlock's Curse novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nadia Iris and Falk Ridenour have one goal—to thwart her father's nefarious power grab. Even though they're on the same page, Nadia struggles for balance and Falk has to make some hard choices about their future.

And a preview snippet…

Nadia spoke quietly. "Why are you checking out on me?" Tension radiated from her.

Falk sighed. Only Nadia would see him taking a step back as abandonment. How could he explain the clarity he now had?

Nadia paced back and forth. "Falk, you're letting my dad get to you." She stopped and pinned him with a glare.

Falk tilted his head to one side. "Yes, but also no. Having him in my face—and yours—all the time is pissing me off, so yeah, he's getting to me." He straightened and presented his case the best way he could. "Look, Nadia, I have to let you choose for yourself. If I don't, I'm no better than Boris." He moved forward and put his hands on her shoulders. "I'll offer any and all insight where I can, but won't be a dick like your dad and force you into making decisions." He cupped her chin and held her gaze. "I also won't use my dick to bind you to me." Because that would be exactly what Boris would do… hell, had done with Miranda. "Ultimately, Nadia, you have want that binding and come to me." Something he hoped for more than he wanted to admit right now.

Nadia's eyes welled up. "Don't you see the ultimatum is almost as bad?" Her fingers dashed the tears away.

Falk shook his head. "You see giving you the choice as an ultimatum?" How could she not understand? "I love you. Witch. Warlock. Woman. I don't care what you call yourself. I do care about not using you for some endgame to gain power." Boris had that wrapped up tight.

Nadia closed her eyes and swayed a little. "I'm so tired, Falk. Tired of fighting Boris. Tired of having Sebastian underfoot. Tired of not knowing which way to jump." She turned and stared into the fire.

A flash of insight hit Falk. She needed his guidance and didn't see him being alpha and demanding she choose him as a bad thing. But he couldn't make a demand, not even if it helped override and balance her warlock side. He could, however, share his conviction with her.

Moving to stand behind her, he wrapped his arms around her. "You know what has to be done, Nadia, and I will help there. You'll also know who's going to win. You'll make the right choice… because I trust you to do it." Pressing a kiss on her temple, he eased away from her and turned to leave.

Because Nadia also needed Falk to end her dad. She couldn't do it. The binding Boris did during her conception prevented her from killing him. But Falk didn't have any restrictions other than doing no harm. Putting Boris down would test the boundaries of magickal law but Falk counted on love winning out. His love for Nadia would be the deciding factor when he had to face whatever the coven council threw at him.

Exiting the study, he whispered an incantation and forwarded a message to the warlock master. They'd meet at dawn to end the battle for Nadia.

Honestly? I love this series so much. I'm hoping to get the time I need to write the whole thing before releasing any of the books.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Rockin' Yule

We're having unseasonably warm weather for January. The temperature hit seventy degrees today. I'm pretty much planning on having a blizzard during prom season and possibly during my daughter's graduation in May. Just saying.

I've had the unique experience of being project-free for a whole week. I can honestly say it's actually been kind of nice to have the downtime. It's good to catch up on mundane things like clearing my inbox and deleted items files.

Had a semi-decent week of television viewing. I finished up the episode of Frankie Drake and watched a new one. I really love this show.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and finished out the twentieth series. I have a behind the scenes thing to watch then off to series twenty-one. Looking forward to starting it.

Finished the Sapphire and Steel series. I can honestly say the way ended surprised me but not in a bad way. The unique spin on how time functioned ended up being fun to watch.

Also caught the Three Doctors arc of Classic Who. Very interesting to go watch this one because I didn't get to watch during its original run.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Started the second season, which is a lot longer than I originally thought it was. I've also discovered I'm pretty sure I missed the entire third season of this show. New stuff!!

Started a new episode of Murdoch Mysteries and I'm enjoying it so far. I feel like fans are on borrowed time because sooner or later the shoe is going to drop on William and Miss Hart will be the one to wield it. Not sure how I feel about that, to be honest.

Finished up a Blue Heelers episode and started a new one. Still enjoy this show so much. I love getting a look at how law enforcement works in another country, even if it's fictionalized.

Finally, I've been waiting and waiting for a very long time for an old British show to make its way to the streaming services. It's finally here! I watched the first episode of Peak Practice and I can't wait to watch the episodes with one of my favorite actors. Of course, he doesn't show up until the final season and it's a solid bet I won't be able to wait to watch his episodes, but I'm trying to view in chronological order. We'll see what happens.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Rockin' Yule, a Holiday Spirit short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Saffron Sapienza is in trouble with her hellhound pack for being wild and overindulgent. She's looking for an escape in the hopes of letting her latest scandal die down. Gabriel Gabor has a big decision to make—become nobleman of the nymphs or give the job to his arch rival, a man who tries to take everything Gabriel has. A holiday spirit, Jolly Jingleman, brings the duo together at a secluded bed and breakfast over Yule and works his magick to help the couple find their holiday cheer along with some direction for their future.

And a preview snippet…

Jolly Jingleman, a holiday spirit in the nether realm, put a log on the fire and settled back onto the sofa. He had a new book he could read but he opted for a deck of cards instead. This close to the Yule holiday taught a very valuable lesson...

"Never make plans, start a new book, or go on vacation because, inevitably, the spirit forces will wreck all of the above."

He'd been around long enough in the afterlife to always be prepared—especially during the cheeriest time of the year.

He took a nip of his hot toddy. "So many people lose their holiday happiness." Hence the reason spirits had busy schedules during the last month of the year.

Sure enough, halfway through his third game of solitaire, the low burn of energy buzzed through his system. He scooped the cards up and put them away then retrieved the fluttering notification from the mantle. Settling down on the couch again, he perused the orders to bring two wayward souls together for the holiday.

Leaning back, he set the parchment aside. "Well, well, well. I have my work cut out for me." He brought out the Book of Everything and found the background for Gabriel Gabor, a wood nymph in an ancient glade. "Let's see, Gabriel is up for the nobleman position. His problem?" Jolly read through the lengthy description. "Ah, he's not sure he can get the nymphs on board to integrate into the human realm. Doesn't help his archrival wants the position and likes to spread dissent." Jolly shook his head. "Tyson Truman is a piece of work."

The man didn't care how much nymphs disliked strife. He fanned the flames of fear, wanting to rule over the masses and keep them under his "protection".

Jolly rolled his eyes. "More like control thinly veiled as protection." Truman only cared about lording himself over the other nymphs.

But the nymphs were slowly dying out. Gabriel recognized the need to spread out and gain new blood. If it didn't happen soon, the species would cease to exist.

Jolly turned his attention to Saffron Sapienza, an extraordinarily beautiful hellhound. Tall, darkly exotic in human form, and deadly, but gorgeous in her hound form.

Jolly chuckled. "Whoo, boy. She's a fire cracker."

Saffron tilted the world on its axis no matter where she went. She didn't do anything on purpose. In fact, she rarely enjoyed the attention she received or the havoc it caused within her pack of shifters.

Jolly snorted. "She's a perfect storm of brains, beauty, and unrestrained hellhound blood."

Too bad the DNA limited Saffron's options. Hellhounds had a high sex drive but they mated with one person and they had a switch that flipped when they found their match.

Jolly laughed. "No wonder the spirits needed help on this one."

With the nymphs rarely leaving the glade and Saffron's pack issues, the two wouldn't have met under conventional circumstances.

Jolly rubbed his hands together. "Okay, let's find a place for my charges to explore new possibilities with no distractions."

He thumbed through several locations. The city penthouse would have too many diversions for the potential couple. And the chalet, while lovely, lacked the romantic ambiance Saffron deserved when she finally met her mate. The next location pinged as exactly right.

"Ah... here we go. This will be perfect." Goodacre Bed and Breakfast.

The secluded inn, situated in the nether world, would provide privacy and a charming locale for the duo to discover their future.

Jolly got up and shifted between the veils separating the spiritual realm from the supernatural nether world. "I have a stage to set."

I love writing the holiday spirit sexy shorts. It's fun to come up with ridiculous names for the spirits and create conflict for the fae / supernatural characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

January 5, 2020

Hello 2020! I'm quite thrilled to have a clean new year to take out for a spin. We have a new puppy named Maggie Mae and she's a sweetie. Her big sister Annabelle needed a companion and so far they're settling in together very well. I'd totally forgotten how much energy puppies have. Yeesh.

Had a limited week of television viewing but got a few shows watched. I caught a full arc of Classic Who and also watched quite a bit of the Doctor Who marathon on BBC America. Sadly, I missed almost all of the episodes from last season.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I had a long hiatus mainly because I've been catching up on laundry and had so much to fold I couldn't do it in my laundry room.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Also had another great conversation with my oldest about watching this show when he was a little one.

Caught the prom night episode of Riverdale and, again, enjoyed the hell out of it. This show is so incredibly batshit I can't not have fun while watching.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm so on the fence about where they're going with William and Julia. To date, this show has never let me down so I'm hoping that won't be the case here.

Finally, I started an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. This is another show that rarely lets me down and I'm having a good time watching this episode.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive flirting in the apprentice's ring, when Vita Morj and Keb Pennyson are challenged to see who'd win in a magical bout. It may end up a draw, because neither opponent plans to give quarter.

And a preview snippet…

Vita Morj draped the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder. "Finally finished with finals." The mage academy wouldn't get another thought from her for a full month.

Which meant she had to budget her funds even more, but the break would be worth it. Too bad the financial aid stipend her grandmother secured didn't extend during the semester downtime.

"Vita! Hold up a moment." The deep, resonating voice came from behind her.

Vita paused, her breath catching in her throat. What could Keb Pennyson possibly have to say to her? Not like they even came close to existing in the same circles. He had blue blood running through his veins and while her pedigree topped his… a grand total of three people had access to that information.

Turning, she slid her gaze in his direction. "Keb. Need my notes or something?" He'd snuck into class during one of the instructor's spell lessons.

He flashed his megawatt grin. "Nah. I have a guy for that." He leaned in close, crowding her personal space. "What are you doing tonight? Can you see your way to having dinner with me at my family's estate?" He braced on arm on the wall behind her, creating an intimate cocoon.

Vita's eyes widened. "Uh… dinner? Well… sure, I guess so." Color her shocked, because Keb had cool and aloof down to a fine art.

But his invitation, issued with a warm tone, thrilled her to her toes. And he got her name right, which also surprised her. He normally referred to people he didn't run around with by the first initial of their name, followed by incorrect versions. Visa, Vila, Veela…

She bit back a huge smile, not wanting to show how much having her secret fantasy guy ask her out excited her. "Should I just show up? Or will you be picking me up? Oh, what time?"  She stumbled over the words but, holy shit, Keb Pennyson. "And, um, does your family dress for dinner?" That could be problematic.

He gave her a quirky smile. "Yeah, the folks like a formal affair, but you don't need anything special. Just wear a dress and you'll be fine." He backed away. "I'll pick you up in the quad… around seven? Dinner's at seven thirty." He raised an eyebrow.

Vita gave a nod. "Okay, seven PM in the quad. I'll be ready." She started a mental list because she didn't own a dress.

Surely the vintage thrift shop would have something appropriate? And she'd have to use the last of her grocery allowance to buy something.

Then again… worth it.

She had a date with Keb Pennyson.

Vita all but floated out of Banner Hall before heading for her dorm.

I so love writing this one. Keb is getting ready to learn a valuable lesson at Vita's hand and he's going to stumble and fall a few times.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye