Sunday Snippet: Turning the Tide

June is coming to a close and I can honestly say this feels like the longest effing year while at the same time the days are flying off the calendar. It's bizarre and baffling. 2020 is probably going to go down as the year I want to forget but won't be able to. LOL

Rather slow week of television but I did get a few things watched. I started with Kings of Broadway, a charity program on YouTube. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Started season three of Danger Man and thought it would be color episodes, but it's not yet. Enjoyed the first episode.

Caught another episode of Strike Back and Strike Back Declassified. I've only got two episodes left and then I'll have to start a rewatch because I love these characters so much.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and look forward to seeing how it ends. I like this Aussie drama and have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of familiar faces.

Watched another episode of Gargoyles. It's one I don't remember so it was nice to have something to sink into. I think I'm about a third of the way through the second season.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Turning the Tide, a Black Hawk Banner novella. Interestingly enough, the series name is going to change, but I haven't landed on the new title yet.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Verity and Emory have to balance the personal with the professional when they're back at Blackhawk command. They're tasked with taking out a crucial enemy stronghold by exploiting a vulnerable weakness. The removal of the base will give the allied forces a way into the heart of enemy territory. Just when they think they're ready to go, Verity's ace fighter pilot dad shows up to see his daughter … and meet the man who wants her—Emory Cavendish.

And a preview snippet…

Verity Jones kept her gaze on the panel in the wall of her room. She loosened the belt of her robe, anticipation filling her. Any moment now, Emory Cavendish would enter her room through the secret passageway and her night would be perfect.

A soft click sounded a heartbeat before the panel slid outward and Emory came through.

Verity's eyes widened and a laugh escaped. "Ah, Emory. You're eager tonight, aren't you?" His shirt and pants were thrown over his shoulder and his boots dangled from his fingertips.

He flashed a grin. "I'm always eager to be with you and we don't have enough time together." He shrugged. "I figured I'd cut through the preliminaries." Placing his boots beside the secret door, he then dropped his clothes on the wooden chair beside the writing table.

Verity moved forward, her robe billowing around her legs. "I love a smart man." Her fingers worked under his cotton T-shirt. "And you left me something to remove." She pushed the fabric upward and Emory lifted his arms, making it easy for her to slip the garment over his head.

His hands cupped her shoulders and edged the silky material away from her skin. The robe hit the floor the same moment his boxers did. Skin-to-skin, they tumbled to the bed and their lips met.

Verity loved everything about kissing Emory. He never rushed through an embrace, took his time exploring her mouth before he moved on to a sensuous skate along her jawline and down to her collarbone. He left a burning trail over the top of her breasts and paused to nuzzle between them before choosing which pebbled nipple he'd tease with his tongue.

Verity used her hands to skim over his back, down his torso, and finally cupped his ass. She kneaded the flesh then worked her hands around to palm his erection. The shaft swelled in reaction and her fingers curled around the girth, adding stimulation.

Emory's lips ghosted over her skin with a satisfied hum when he maneuvered his way back upward. "We're not gonna last long tonight, are we?" He cupped a breast, thumbing over the taut peak.

Verity shook her head. "Not the first time, no." Her legs splayed, inviting him closer, and she guided his cock to her entrance.

Emory flexed his hips, ready to thrust deeply but a rapid knock on her door kept him from following through. He rolled to his side and Verity scrambled off the bed to grab her robe.

Tying the sash, she called out, "Be there in a minute." She checked to make sure Emory had ducked out of sight before twisting the knob.

Percy waited outside, pacing back and forth. He stopped when she stepped out into the hallway. To his credit, he didn't gawk at her attire.

Instead, he blew out a long exhale. "Important intel's coming in. Worthington needs you two." He jerked his head toward the main wing.

Verity raised a brow but let the two slide. She and Emory worked at being discreet but the entire company probably had a solid handle on their status. As long as they didn't flaunt their relationship, the status quo would be golden.

Verity lifted her chin. "I'll make sure Emory gets the message." After Percy gave her a brief salute, she closed the door to find Emory tugging on his boxers.

The sight pained her, watching him cover his magnificent ass. She looked away, searching for her discarded uniform.

He glanced over his shoulder. "I'll head down through the passageway." He dragged his shirt on then jammed his legs into his fatigues. "Don't think Worthington would appreciate me showing up sans pants." He didn't take the time to button up, instead yanking his uniform shirt on.

Verity chuckled. "He might not, but I sure would appreciate it."

Okay, maybe not. She'd be useless if they had to plan a mission.

Emory's lips quirked. "We'd get nothing done if I tried that." He got up and cupped her cheek. "I'll see you down there." He leaned in and caught her mouth in a kiss.

Verity melted into him for a moment then stepped away so he could head down. She opted against her uniform and threw some regular clothes on and exited her room to attend the briefing.

Julie met Verity on the way up the stairs. Holding a mug of tea in one hand and a warmed pot in the other. Verity had no doubt where Julie had been—holed up in Worthington's room.

She shook her head. "There's something about late-night tea runs, isn't there?" Her teasing tone had Julie's lips twitching.

She lifted a shoulder. "The tea is just so much better in the main wing instead of our makeshift kitchenette."

Verity laughed. "I hear you." Amazing how the steamy brew left stubble burns on Julie's neck too.

Giving the nurse a quick wave, Verity headed down the stairs and out into the main corridor.

I have this four-book series almost completely planned out. This is, right now, the final book and I'm having so much fun writing the exploits of the characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Truth Hurts

I can't believe there's only one more week and a few days of June left. This year seems to be flying by so fast—even with a pandemic and social distancing.

Slow week of television again but a good one for client phone calls. I have a couple if potentially interesting new projects to be excited about.

I did finish up Danger Man with the last few episodes of season two. I'll be starting the color episodes this week along with the new title of Secret Agent. Should be fun.

I also got through the Riverdale episode I started last week and, surprisingly, it got better. I kind of understand where Alice came from but it still annoys me to no end. Veronica's savage takedown of Hiram made my week. I also ended up really enjoying the Cheryl session with the guidance counselor—whoever tagged Gina Torres for that role deserves a raise. I'm very intrigued by the cutaway end scenes. If not for my absolute complete and utter loathing of Hiram, I would be so set to keep watching this show. As it is, I literally hate that character so much, I'll probably only skim through the season.

I caught another episode of Roswell, New Mexico and thoroughly enjoyed it. I like Alex and Michael working as a team without the usual UST between them. Having them become actual friends is a great thing and I'm totally there to watch that happen. Loved having the former Max back as a Mains ancestor. Here's hoping he'll be available for more flashback scenes. I like where Isabel is headed and love what she did for Arturo and Liz. Also loved, loved, loved Kyle's scenes with his mom. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the dean's daughter storyline, but I'm down with whatever happens. I kind of have a tiny hope Kyle ends up hooking up with Cameron at some point … but that's only if Jessie doesn't have her abducted. I totally don't believe he's been shackled by anyone or anything. In fact, I'd lay odds he's the actual private security firm's leader. That's my prediction and I'm sticking to it.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Peak Practice. I've been staying with the chronological order for now and I'm working my way through the second season. Should have it finished up within the month. I hope.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Truth Hurts, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mardi Darr discovers her current lover is an enemy agent with an enchanted chip in his head. She gives the okay for a risky surgery and it lands him in a submersion chamber with no brain activity. Heth Santiago is responsible for Mardi being with Staz and he needs to help Mardi accept the truth … even though it hurts like a bitch.

And a preview snippet…

Mardi pulled up behind the nondescript ranch house on a quiet street two towns over. "This should work until we can get Joannie in for a debrief." She cut the engine.

Staz rubbed the back of his head and around to his temples. "Man, my head hurts." He craned his neck from side to side.

His brows furrowed and he exhaled on a long breath.

Mardi frowned but turned to face Heth. "We weren't tailed, but it probably won't take long for the hawks to figure out we've got her." She slid a quick glance in Staz's direction, concerned when he kept rubbing his fingers across his forehead.

Heth nodded. "We bought some time but not much. Getting her inside then relocated should be a top priority." He angled sideways to address Joannie. "Are you good with going into our protective program?"

Mardi rolled her eyes. Whether Joannie wanted to or not, she didn't have a choice. She either went into seclusion or she risked losing her life.

Joannie twisted her hands in her lap. "Will I have any contact with you?" She asked the question of Heth.

Mardi bit back a rude snort. Of course Joannie wanted to maintain a line of communication with Heth. Probably had serious heart eyes for the guy.

Which shouldn't concern Mardi in the least. Not anymore. Her case of romantic infatuation with the man ended when he walked away from her.

Except it didn't … not really.

Staz groaned. "Mar, you got any painkillers? This throbbing won't stop." He popped the glove compartment open and riffled around.

Mardi reached out and placed her fingers at his nape. She pushed a soothing vibe, hoping to alleviate some of his discomfort. A niggle of guilt licked along her consciousness because she'd been focused on Heth instead of Staz.

Heth answered Joannie. "I'll help handle getting you moved but, after that, you're better off severing all ties with us. It protects you. But we'll keep tabs on you and you'll have an emergency number you can call if anything hinky happens." His gaze flicked to Staz, who continued to mumble complaints about his headache. "Look, Mardi, cancel the crew. I'll get Joannie into alliance headquarters for a debrief." His shouldered his way out of the SUV then motioned for Joannie to follow.

Mardi barely refrained from snarking about the change of plans. If Heth wanted to spend his time with a beautiful woman, it didn't matter to Mardi. She wanted to get Staz home anyway.

She rolled her window down. "Standard perimeter wards and hex locks?" She'd have to let the team know so they didn't trip anything when they came to pick Heth and Joannie up.

He nodded. "Have them approach from this side via the back door. I'm going to reinforce the front out to the street. If we get any surprises from the hawks, it'll buy us time to get out." Grabbing Joannie's elbow, he led her up to the house.

Mardi waited until they got inside then pulled away. "You're going in to have a brain scan, Staz. No more arguments. We've gotta find out why your headaches are getting worse." Easing out onto the street from the alley, she glanced in his direction.

He gave a twitchy nod then leaned back against the headrest. His eyes closed and he took slow, even breaths—a sure sign her healing magic had little effect. Surprising, since her ability had grown in recent months.

Hence the reason the Street Hawks were so damned determined to get their hands on her. They wanted a powerful mage to control so they could enhance their sorcery and act as a conduit between their mage and wizard sides. Her direct descendancy from a line of pure blood mages had them frothing at the mouth. Lucky her.

Staz opened his eyes and angled his head toward her. "I'm sorry for this, Mar. I'm such a pain in the ass." He straightened again and drifted back out.

Mardi shook her head. "No reason to apologize." She should be the one begging forgiveness.

She enjoyed their time together, and she wanted to love him, but Heth obviously still had pull with her thoughts and her heart. As for being a pain in the ass … no one but the hawks had that particular claim right now.

A little longer than usual with the preview but this scene came together better than I'd hoped. The sages were on fire.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Trip the Light Fantastic (a Chaos novella)

So far, June is shaping up to be a weird month. Work has slowed way down, which isn't an all bad thing. I've been very fortunate to have a steady flow when so many others have been furloughed or, worse, completely lost their job. That said, it's weird to have time on my hands so I'm hitting projects I've been putting off for ages. It's kind of wonderful and scary all at the same time.

Hit or miss week with television viewing. I haven't been watching as much as I normally do, mainly because I've been doing a good bit of writing. I did catch another episode of Danger Man. Almost finished with the second season.

I caught the penultimate episode of Arrow. Green Arrow and the Canaries ended up being more entertaining than I thought it would be. I'd watch the new version if it comes around.

Also started another episode of Riverdale. I'll be honest, I'm probably done after this season. Alice came such a long way and now she's back to being her obnoxiously overbearing self. I had so hoped she'd maintain her character growth. Bleh.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Trip the Light Fantastic, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt and is part of the Chaos series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Esme Von Staunton and Ashton Sylvester think they might be going insane. Ashton's weird attunement with Esme draws her into his bizarre nightmare of hallucinations and doing things neither remember. Esme's brother Eric stumbles onto a plot by Baron Mobride and races to save his source and his favorite couple, but Mobride has other ideas and doesn't plan to let Eric thwart him.

And a preview snippet…

Baron Franz Mobride pressed his seal against the wax on the envelope. "This goes to the usual location." The mixture of olympus and opium in the paraffin might be his most ingenious idea ever.

The lackey, Johnston, maybe, carefully took the stack of correspondence and tucked it into his case. "I'll see they're delivered in due course." He turned on his heel and exited Franz's office.

Franz leaned back in his chair. "Soon … very soon now, I'll know who has an affinity with the olympus and the advantage that knowledge will afford me." He needed something to give him an edge with his silent benefactor.

All because of Ashton Sylvester.

Franz poured a healthy amount of amber liquor into a tumbler. "The earl of Cranford won't a thorn in my side much longer." Not if Franz's intuition didn't fail him.

His gut squirmed, indicating the correct nature of his guess. Olympus gave Sylvester added insight and who knew what other abilities. Now Franz had to prove his theory and find a way to exploit the fact to benefit himself. If he got his hands on Sylvester's fortune more the better.

Draining the glass, he cracked a smile. "Then I'll be on equal footing with my American counterpart." And he wouldn't have to keep excruciatingly accurate account of his expenses.

The very thought chafed against Franz's sense of value. Why did it matter what he spent the flow of funds coming from the American on? Franz had an image to uphold and a network of people to control. The loss of his personal wealth left a bitter taste in the back of his throat.

Twirling the tumbler in his hand, he gnashed his teeth. "Sylvester will pay for ruining me financially. I've still got some friends in the consortium that'll back my every move." Sometimes extortion didn't pay in gold.

Setting the glass aside, Mobride rose from his chair and took a moment to doff his hat and coat. He had a long-standing appointment at the Tildaswail Brothel.

Flashing a grin, he hailed his carriage. "Can't be late. I want to use every minute I have working out my frustration on a willing woman." Stepping up into the plush interior of his enclosed vehicle, he waved his driver onward.

This series is going to some unexpected places. It started with two books then quickly morphed into four. I'm excited to see how everything plays out.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Timely Distraction

Well, June is off to an auspicious start. Not only a pandemic still raging but global protests against police brutality and systematic racism. It's a wild time to be alive. Whew.

Not a bad week of television viewing overall, especially considering how intense this past week has been. I started out with some new Blue Heelers and almost finished up the episode.

Also caught several more episodes of Danger Man. I'm almost through the second season and should be starting the third soon.

I did indeed start Gabriel's Inferno and I've been catching bits and pieces throughout the week. This is a movie I want to watch during uninterrupted time so it'll take me a while to get through the full two hours. I'm excited there will be more to come with a second part to this and I think two more books to adapt. Good stuff so far.

Also did some additional listening to the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack for season three. I'm going to have to hunt down the works I don't have from Bear McCreary. He's truly a remarkable composer.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Timely Distraction, a fairytale-style fantasy.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Donahue Stuart, prince and heir to his father's throne, longs for grand adventures, but danger lurks from raiders and marauders, out for royal blood. Enter Lady Vivian, daughter of the king's oldest friend, and a kindred spirit who shows Donahue he can have all the magnificent escapades he wants, right in his own realm.

And a preview snippet…

Damon Stuart, the reigning monarch of Kendara entered his son's suite of rooms unannounced. "Donahue Malcolm MacKinnon Stuart! Where are you?" His voice boomed, carrying out to the balcony.

Hue winced. "Shit. All four names. He knows about Delia." He'd hoped to keep the dalliance under wraps a little while longer.

Heaving a sigh, Hue pushed away from the stone abutment and turned to enter his sitting area. His father paced back and forth, muttering under his breath. Hue paused a moment, wishing they could agree on at least one single topic for once. Probably not going to happen today.

Hue cleared his throat. "I'm right here, Father." He didn't say more; no use poking at his dad when he already had a full head of steam boiling out of his ears.

Damon whirled around. "What were you thinking? Bedding Delia Sinclair." He began pacing again. "Fitzmar just set her up as his mistress. He paid her tribute price and expected to have a solid return on his investment." He stopped walking again and sent his son a scathing look. "You've ruined her for that now."

Hue rolled a shoulder. "It's not my fault I'm well-endowed or that she snuck into my bathing chamber. You employ servants who are supposed to keep the latter from happening." Of course, Delia slipped a bag of coins to the footman for the privilege of watching Hue bathe.

Why would anyone consider it a privilege? Oh, right. I'm the prince and heir to the throne.

Damon grunted. "And you couldn't have refused her advances? Especially knowing Fitzmar had claim?" A grimace of distaste belied the king's words.

King Stuart loathed the court consort tradition but couldn't do much to disabuse visiting dignitaries from engaging in the exchange of tributes between his noblemen and those from other kingdoms.

Hue ripped the scab off an already festering wound. "Why should I? It's the only time I have contact with the realms outside of Kendara." He gave his dad a pointed look. "I might not have to resort to bedding the comely women who track me down if you'd actually let me travel without an entourage of guards and gibbon-faced advisors." He'd be twenty in a month's time and hadn't seen anything of the world that didn't involve some kind of courtly fanfare.

He longed to explore, visit villages outside of Kendara's realm, see how other people lived their lives.

Damon laid a hand on Hue's shoulder. "You know why you can't." Sadness weighed his father's words.

Yeah, he did. A promise made to his mother on her deathbed—to always keep Hue safe. Ah, Mom, why would you do that to me?

Damon sighed. "We've had this argument too many times, my son."

Hue lifted his chin, acknowledging the truth of those words. "And we'll keep having it until you see reason, Dad." Which might happen just shy of never.

Damon shook his head. "You'll have to make recompense to Fitzmar. He's frothing over the loss of Delia."

Hue quirked a brow. "She's really refusing to honor her contract?" Not that Hue blamed her; women shouldn't have to barter their looks and talent to have a place in court.

The king sent Hue a sideways glance. "After bedding you? I'm sure she's holding out hope to become a royal asset."

Which would never happen because Damon abolished the horrible practice when he became betrothed to Hue's mother.

Hue frowned. "I'll forward the tribute price with an added ten percent to Fitzmar. That will soothe his tattered ego. As for Delia, she can wish and hope until time's end but I explained our liaison would be a one-time occurrence." He never made promises he wouldn't keep.

The idea and practice of stringing people along irritated him. His father's tutelage and demonstrations of being up front, honest, and open in his dealings stuck with Hue and helped shape him into a man he hoped his mother would be proud of.

Damon shook his head. "Fitzmar will accept the offering, but he'll make his disappointment known. That's something you'll have to deal with." Exhaling slowly, he continued. "You arrogance is going to do you in someday, Hue. And probably make your future wife wary with fear of being married to you, a man with a voracious appetite for sex."

Hue snorted. "I doubt that. I won't wed a simpering mess who can't handle physical intimacy, Dad." The thought made him cringe.

He'd bedded the most amazing mistresses and courtesans in the kingdom. Hue wanted a woman in bed; one that had the same passions he had. Like his father, Hue wanted to be true to his wife.

He met his dad's eyes squarely. "I want what you and Mother had, to be of one heart and in tune with each other."

Damon's gaze drifted to the balcony doors. "I hope you find someone who loves you the way your mother loved me, and that you return her feelings tenfold." He faced Hue again. "But try to be more circumspect with your dalliances until you find her."

Hue rolled his eyes. "If you'd let me leave and travel a little, no one would be the wiser to my conquests." And he'd finally have the longed-for freedom he wanted so badly.

Damon's lips thinned to a slash across his face. "You've had quite enough adventure in this castle; let's not start the same argument again."

Hue conceded. "Fine, Dad. Consider the subject closed." He gave a slight bow and stalked back out onto the balcony, needing the fresh air and distance from the king.

How can I effectively lead a kingdom if I've never truly been out in the world?

The honest answer made his head ache.

He couldn't.

I have a lot of fun mixing and blasting through some of the established norms of fairytales. Hue is a joy to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye