Sunday Snippet: Beast in the Belfry

I hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving, if celebrating. I had an oddly weird week. My youngest is in quarantine because she ended up being exposed to Covid at her university. Thankfully, she could go to my dad's house to isolate from the rest of us—he was out of town visiting my brother. She got her test on Friday and we should have the results by Wednesday—fingers crossed. She's restricting herself to an upstairs bedroom and bathroom and carefully disinfecting anything she touches. And, of course, she's keeping a mask on unless she's in the bedroom. Needless to say, she's not having a lot of fun, but we'd all rather be safe and limit other exposure.

The middle kiddo has GERD. He's been five days free from throwing up, thank whatever rules the universe—and a prescription for a strong acid reducer. Considering he spent anywhere from two to four hours at a time being sick for over ten days, he's feeling way better. He'll be changing a few things in his diet to hopefully help alleviate the symptoms even more.

Happy to say my oldest is doing just fine. He's getting ready to move out in the near future and looking forward to having more space.

Had a decent week watching television. I started off with a full arc of Classic Who and caught the full four-part Planet of Evil.

Started a new-to-me drama The Queens of Mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode and look forward to finishing up the second part.

Watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm almost through with the third episode of season seven.

Also caught a full slate of Ovation mysteries throughout Thursday and Friday. Also watched quite a few Classic Perry Mason and The Saint episodes. I've been seeking out comfort television lately.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Beast in the Belfry, a novella that's a bit of a twist on Beauty and the Beast with a gender swap thrown in for fun.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A curse leaves artist Vittoria Blahm disfigured and marred for life. But Cal Gilligan sees the true woman under the scars and he falls hard for her when she saves him from plunging to his death. Vittoria can't quite believe anyone wants her and fears risking her heart to the possibility.

And a preview snippet…

Cal gazed out on the expanse of buildings on campus—an unshakable feeling of home settling over him. He swung a leg over the open window and settled on the sill. A sound caught his attention and he turned, taking in easels and paints, the couch, bed, and kitchenette. Shit! Did someone live here?

A wild-haired, screeching person flew out of the shadows, their hands raised for attack. Startled, Cal gasped when its—no, her—face came into view.

"Get out! Get out!" She grabbed his arm, tugging hard. "Leave. Now!" Fear filled her gaze but also anger.

Cal tried to duck out of the way, but in his haste he tottered sideways and went crashing through the open window. He skidded along the tiled roof, scrabbling to hold on. A firm grip on his wrist kept him from sliding—thank the universe—and gave him time to pull himself back up and into the tower. The woman scrambled away, cowering against the wall.

Cal stepped forward but didn't invade her personal space. "Thank you. You pretty much saved me from a horrible death." How he spoke calmly when his heart thundered, he'd never know.

She flicked her gaze to him but quickly glanced away. "You need to leave. This is my home." Her hands balled into fists.

Cal apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." Something about her called to him.

The mission work his parents did exposed him to distraught, damaged people. This woman had deep-running scars on the inside. Probably more painful than the ones marring her face.

He slowly stuck out his hand, palm up. "Cal Gilligan. U of M is my alma mater, but I've been gone for several years." When she didn't respond, he continued. "I didn't mean to invade your space. I just accepted a position in the literature department and I used to come here all the time, especially during my final year." Silence. "Anyway, please accept my apology again. I'll leave now." He tucked his hand inside his pocket and crossed the floor, heading for the steps but stopped short when he passed the painting. "My God. This is incredible." He shot her a look. "Did you paint this?"

I'm very attached to this story. I love the challenge of putting a personal spin on a fairy tale and making it take place in a modern setting is a lot of fun.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: All Day Sucker (Paranormal)

Well, back to illness again. Middle kiddo is experiencing something more than the stomach flu. Not sure what it is yet, but it’s not pleasant. Hope to have some answers by mid-week. It’s not fun watching them go through the rough ride.

Not a bad week for television but had some distractions with the above-mentioned illness. I watched the rest of Silent Witness’s sixth season and should be starting season seven this week.

Also caught another episode of Blue Heelers. I’m still enjoying this show a lot. And, wow, there are a bunch of seasons on this one.

Caught my usual mystery fare on Ovation again. Hoping to find a Bond movie marathon over the Thanksgiving weekend to watch.

That’s pretty much it for television this week. Tonight’s post is from All Day Sucker, a sexy short promotional companion piece for Cupid's Curse.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Archer and Bree, Cupids of the First Order, have an eternity together, which means they like to keep things interesting. Archer plans a dinner party as a surprise for Bree but she ends up blowing his mind instead.

And a preview snippet…

Even though Bree buzzed with sexual tension, she thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful dinner with her favorite people. Who knew the cupids I used to lampoon would become such good friends? She loved all of them dearly. Even Merry, who used to make Bree insanely jealous.

Especially when Bree arrived at the grotto and found Merry laughing it up with Arch. Bree wanted to smash the woman's face in. But … the reunion that followed—thanks to Aphrodite's carefully enacted plan—rocked Bree's world right down to her red-painted toenails. A lovely series of images flashed in Bree's mind and she sizzled with erotic need.

Bree sent Arch a very hot glance and licked her lips. She'd devour him right here if he gave the go-ahead. Which he wouldn't. Damn the man.

Merry caught the vibe coming off Bree and, after everyone finished up their last bites of food, she made an astute observation. "As much as I'm sure we'd all love to spend hours with our favorite couple, something tells me Bree wants to spend hours blowing Arch's mind … among other things." Her eyebrows waggled.

Bree laughed. "You know me a little too well … but I'm glad you do."

Merry took her cue and got up, carrying her plate and glass into the kitchen. Everyone else good-naturedly helped clean up then offered a round of good-byes. The flurry of activity and innuendo-laden ribbing only heightened Bree's desire.

Hugs and kisses preceded everyone on their way out the door, which Bree closed and locked.

Then, she turned to face Arch, whose gaze darkened to a sexy smolder.

Bree gave him a long, slow grin. "Happy anniversary, my love." She unfastened the clasp of her dress and let it slide to the floor.

I love this couple. Cupid's Curse ended up being so much fun to write, I needed to catch up with Bree and Archer to see how they were doing.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zip Cuffs

How did we get to the halfway mark of November already? See, the month is flying by again. At least I didn't have any illness or medical drama this week. LOL

I caught some television but not much. Watched several more episodes of Silent Witness. I'm happy to have the opportunity to see how Leo and Harry were introduced. I originally started watching the show sometime around season nine, I think.

I also spent a fair amount of time catching up on laundry and watched a few episodes of Blue Heelers. The new guy is finally starting to grow on me.

I also caught my usual mystery shows on Ovation and did a brief dive into classic Perry Mason. I've been in the mood for mysteries lately.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zip Cuffs, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt. This is also a working title until the sages give me a good one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Thrayce Stratton finally has the man she wants, Dino Singer, but when all evidence points to him as the culprit behind several gruesome fae murders, she'll absolutely do her job as an enforcer—including using zip cuffs to get what she needs from Dino.

And a preview snippet…

Dino led Thrayce to the exit and outside then paused by the door. "My place?" He hadn't thought that far ahead.

She nodded. "It's closer. Not that distance matters all that much." She leaned into his side, shivering a little from the cold wind.

He started forward, draping an arm around her. "What's up with tracking? Done for the night?" She should be, but he had no idea how she ran things now that they weren't partners anymore.

Thrayce shrugged. "Pretty much. Could always get a call later." Not like they never got settled in for the night only to get an emergency send out.

Which he didn't miss all that much. But he still got late-night calls but they didn't involve going out to track anyone.

They walked to his place in companionable silence. Thrayce didn't miss a step on the way, her feet traveling the several block trek numerous times. He could do the same going to hers.

She followed him up the steps to his front door and placed her hand on his. "Why now?" Her steady gaze held his.

She didn't need to clarify. It had been months and he could've made a move at any time.

So many reasons, but he gave her the important one. "Because I miss you, more than I ever thought possible." Everything else, all the other roadblocks, paled in comparison.

Her eyes widened at the admission but she grinned. "'Bout time." She lifted her chin and pressed her mouth against his.

And, damn, he'd definitely missed her lips.

Not breaking the kiss, he unlocked and opened the door to drag her inside. He kicked the solid oak shut and leaned back, hauling her against him. She flung her coat off, letting it hit the floor. He worked his hands under her shirt while she slid his jacket over his shoulders. One arm at a time, he shrugged the garment off. Thrayce fisted her hand in his shirt and backed toward the stairs. Still kissing, he paused only long enough to drag his shirt over his head. Up one step, she did the same to hers. Two more and they each shoved pants out of the way. Leaving the garments where they landed, they made it up several more steps before her bra dropped to the ground. At the top of the stairs, they broke their lip-lock long enough to shed the last remaining barriers then found themselves skin-to-skin.

Dino cupped her ass, hauling her close, and nudged her into the bedroom. She turned within his arms and led the way to the soft mattress, tugging him down beside her. His lips found her throat and she moaned.

The sound ignited his blood and he didn't want to be anywhere else but in bed with her for the foreseeable future.

Or at least for the rest of the night.

Nuzzling her collarbone, his hands explored her, ghosting over her skin. She did the same, knowing exactly where to touch and how to make him hot and hard for her. Familiarity settled over him and he hated how much he'd freely given up.

I'm excited about how this story is coming together. I still have a few quirks to figure out but the sages are cooperating and giving me good ideas.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

Yikes. What a week. We have a new president, which I'm rather thankful for. I hope things slowly get back to at least an even keel. I spent two evenings in two different emergency departments and got to play Dr. Mom with my daughter after she took a spill while riding her rip-stick. Also got some health screening done. It's been a little crazy for the first week of a month.

Didn't get much television watched. I viewed my usual fare on Ovation and caught a few more episodes of Silent Witness. Also ended up catching a few episodes of Death in Paradise, which I enjoyed.

Had a great conversation with my brother about shows we've both watched. We're fans of Australian dramas and recommend anything new we've come across to each other.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I might be back on a semi-regular schedule soon.

Tonight's post is from Your Call, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

Barrick jerked awake. An obnoxious sound came from the phone on the nightstand.

He nudged Norje and handed her the device. "It's yours." No one else used thrash metal for a ringtone.

She groaned but answered. "Hello." Pushing up to her elbow, she listened intently. "Yeah, fine. I'll head out as soon as I can. Yes, it'll be within the hour." She cut the call. "Geez, what crawled up Hoyt's ass?" Moving to sit upright, she swung her legs over the mattress.

Barrick rolled to his side. "What's  up?" Hoyt liked to push buttons but he'd been on a tear lately.

She shrugged. "Apparently, the world is going to end if I don't get out and patrol right away. Well, more like gather intelligence. Hoyt wants me to skulk around down at the riverfront and see if I pick up anything." She stretched her arms over her head and tilted her head from side to side.

Barrick sat up and propped his shoulders against the pillows. "Damn. If I'd known you were gonna get a call out, we could've gone straight to bed." Right, maybe not.

Norje angled around. "And miss out on that incredible experience?" She snorted. "Bite your tongue, Barrick. Never." Getting up, she crossed to the dresser and dragged out one of Barrick's T-shirts.

He grinned. "Help yourself." He got a kick when she wore his clothes.

She chuckled. "I gotta bring more of my stuff over. Didn't think I'd need work clothes tonight." Dragging the shirt over her head, she glanced over her shoulder. "Please tell me at least one pair of my leggings is here."

He nodded toward the wardrobe. "Second shelf." She could conjure whatever she needed but if she met any trouble, she wouldn't be at full power.

Grabbing the garment, she stuffed her legs inside. "I'll keep you posted." Winding her hair up, she tucked it under a clip. "Better get some rest. I'll lay odds Hoyt'll call you out tomorrow." Snagging his canvas duster, she crossed back to the bed.

Barrick leaned over and caught her face with one hand. "Wake me up when you get back." His lips met hers for a lingering kiss.

She inclined her chin and gave him a wave then exited the bedroom. A few seconds later, the door opened and closed. Barrick settled back, closing his eyes. She really did need to get her stuff moved over. Unless she wanted to wait until after their handfasting.

He shook his head. "Won't be a bit surprised if Hoyt finds a way to conveniently forget we've got downtime scheduled."

This story is coming together nicely. I like where Norje and Barrick are headed … straight into danger.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtremely Personal (Xtreme Justice)

Well, November is here. Gotta say, I hope it doesn't pass as slowly as September but not as fast as October. I'll look forward to a month that actually feels like a month again. Who knows when that'll happen?

Busy week with work projects. I didn't get a lot of new television watched. I mainly caught a few of the holiday movies on Hallmark and Lifetime and watched a lot of Ovation.

I did catch an episode of Blue Heelers. Also started a new one. The new guy in season two is still kind of annoying me. Here's hoping he settles down soon.

I also watched several episodes of Silent Witness. Finished up season five and started on six.

I also got to do early voting. My daughter and I went on Thursday and, thankfully, didn't have a long wait. One of the benefits to living in a rural area. I'll be happy when the election is over. It's been an exhausting ride this year.

Tonight's post is from Xtremely Personal, a novella in the Xtreme Justice series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A blast from Cythe's past comes blowing in at the worst possible time. Nyx struggles to adjust being part of a team and half of a couple and dealing with Cythe's ex isn't high on her list of things she wants to accomplish. The duo has to thwart the ex-girlfriend's troublemaking and both have to brace for a showdown of epic proportions.

And a preview snippet…

Cythe Baldetto entered his loft ready to head up to the studio apartment where Nyx Boit resided. He'd just received terrific news and couldn't wait to share it with her. Thank you, Stanja.

"Hello, Cythe."

The voice stopped him cold. No … it couldn't be. He slowly turned, his gut dropping to his toes.

"What do you want, Maris?"

Maris Thompkins—his ex—had draped herself over his bed in what she probably assumed to be a seductive pose. Completely lost on him, he wanted the woman in the studio upstairs. Her timing reeked … and smacked of something nefarious. Why did she come back now?

She shrugged. "The same thing I always want, Cythe. You." Moving to a sitting position, she flipped her hair over her shoulder.

Cythe shook his head. "We've been down this road before. I'm not available." And he never would be.

She rose to her feet and sauntered toward him. "Ahhh … but you could be. Once upon a time you were as hot for me as I am for you." Making a slow circle around him, she put one hand on his chest and made another half-circle, wrapping herself around his back. "You know I'm a slave to the lust I feel for you. I'll do anything you want." Her voice buzzed along his ear, raspy and husky.

At one time, the smoky quality set flame to him … now it left him cold.

He disengaged from her. "Don't want a slave. Never did." Turning to face her, he crossed his arms over his chest. "Once upon a time, I wanted a future with you. You chose to walk away." And I almost died. "I'm not looking for a repeat performance if you suddenly change your mind and decide to cut and run."

She pouted. "You don't think I learned from my biggest mistake." Her gaze rose to meet his. "But I have. I want another shot, Cythe. I can't resist the pull anymore. I have to be with you." She added a desperate tone to her plea and started toward him.

Cythe held up a hand and backed away. "There is no pull unless you're in close proximity, which you haven't been for years. So, why now and, again, what do you want?"

A throat cleared. "I'd love to hear the answer to his questions, too."

At the bottom of the spiral staircase he'd installed to the studio apartment, Nyx stood, wearing only a short kimono—pretty much leaving no doubt as to the role she played in his life.

Shit's about to get real interesting.

I'm having so much fun with this series. I love Cythe and Nyx and figuring out where they're going in their work and personal lives.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye