Sunday Snippet: Fistful of Sorry

I hope everyone who has a long weekend gets to enjoy the time off. We're continuing to be low-key and not really doing much more than our usual food fest of pizza, burgers, brats, and sides. I've been trying to balance cleaning and sorting with writing and editing work.

Had a really solid week of television viewing. I started out with Peak Practice. I had to skip an episode because it's not available for streaming.

Caught another Master Class lesson about graphic design. This one featured using photography in design. Got a few great ideas to maybe use for covers and marketing material.

Ended up watching a full episode of Blue Heelers and started another. The tension and conflict seems to be amping up and I'm not sure I really like it. It's gone a little into soap territory, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's not what I expected.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina pulled a fast one and made me shift my opinion a little on Zelda. This is a good thing. I really didn't like her at all until she chose Sabrina and Hilda over the high priest. I kind of hope he dies in a fire. I'm also not loving the teacher. Again, it might be residual Doctor Who dislike bleeding over.

Caught an episode of the Ready Room. I like Wil's enthusiasm and he asks some great questions. Looking forward to the recap of episode three.

Watched a couple of Passionflix originals. A holiday Quickie, The Merry Mistake, entertained with a mistaken identity vibe. That finished up the holiday fare from this past year. I also got to watch the premiere of Wicked and thoroughly enjoyed! I'm looking forward to more paranormal romance adaptations.

Got another episode of Chicago Med in. This one ended up being a good viewing with lots going on but fairly equal storylines.

Caught the opener of the third season of No Offence. Man. A gut-wrenching episode. I love, love, love Dinah and Spike's friendship. I have a sneaky suspicion he'll be moving up and forming the third point of the trio now. I'm okay with that.

Finished up the tenth season of Silent Witness and should start series eleven this week. This is an episode I remembered watching but I'd forgotten how it played out. Ended up really loving it.

Started the sixteenth season of Classic Who. New companion, new K-9, new multiple arcs with a single thread. I think I'll like through line with four-part arcs.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one had a focus on police files. Pretty interesting.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fistful of Sorry, a novella that has the main characters at odds but finally realizing they balance each other to perfection.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Orly Manx and Cal Luminity always approach situations from opposite angles, but usually end up on the same side. When Orly pushes a cadet too far during training, she apologizes to Cal for not following his advice. But Cal isn't interested in listening or quick to forgive, which drives a wedge between them and Orly realizes how much she needs Cal to play yin to her yang.

And a preview snippet…

Orly waited a full day to track Cal down again. When he answered her knock, he raised a brow but otherwise ignored her. Okay, he's still very pissed off.

She met his gaze and offered a simple apology. "I'm sorry." Best place to start, right?

Cal remained silent … for a long time. When he didn't acknowledge her apology, she didn't know what else to do. Dipping her chin, Orly turned to walk away.

Cal finally spoke. "You know what? You are. A very sorry excuse for a role model." He spun around and stalked into the living room. "But you never signed on to be one did you?" His scathing look should've left scorch marks on the floor between them.

Her shoulders slumped. Figured he'd go for the jugular, when a simple smack to the head would do. She wanted to run, but couldn't make her feet move. She needed to make him see her sincerity.

Or die trying.

She bit back a sigh. "No, I don't want to be a role model, but I accept that's part of the package." Moving into the room, she closed the door. "I'm trying to make amends and do what's right." What more did he want from her?

Cal snorted. "How? By coming in here with a fistful of sorry and expecting everything to be okay?" He flung a hand out. "Well, it's not right … or okay." He sank down on the sofa and shook his head.

Orly flinched a little. "It's a start." She settled across from him on the opposite end of the cough.

Cal exhaled slowly. "Yeah, but like I said, it's not enough."

She pushed back. "What will be enough?" He had to give her something to go on.

Cal shrugged. "I don't know. Willingness to change. Adapt to different needs?" He pinned her with his gaze. "An ability to assess the best way to bring out the talent of someone different."

The light-bulb went on in her mind. "Like you do with me?" How the hell had she missed that? "Crap, Cal. I just realized you bust me down and build me up all the time. You take me to task, tear into me, then when that doesn't work, you change your approach." She huffed out a breath. "At least a little, until I wrap my head around something. That's what I need to do, isn't it?"

Cal agreed. "It would probably help."

Orly sank back against the cushions. "Why do you put up with me?" She closed her eyes.

Cal snorted. "I asked myself that question before you came in."

Orly worried her lower lip. "What was the answer?"

Cal lifted a shoulder. "I didn't have one. In fact, I decided I needed some distance to figure it out."

Orly sat forward. "Please don't walk away, Cal. We're good together." The absolute best, in fact.

Cal arched a brow. "Don't you mean I'm good for you?"

She deflated a little. He made a valid point.

Cal straightened. "Hey, I'm not serious, Orly. Part of the reason I wanted distance is because—as you pointed out—I'm too close to Benson's situation. And if I don't have you to pull my head out my ass, I might suffocate."

She laughed and relaxed.

Cal grew serious. "The thing is, I can't get a handle on whether Benson really wanted to die or if he called for help with the attempt."

Orly jerked with reaction. "Help. It was a call for help." Her gut instinct didn't waver on that idea.

Cal arched an eyebrow. "You're certain, are you?"

Orly nodded. "Fairly." She explained about her parting words to Benson during the last class. "I'm certain his attempt took balls and what he couldn't speak he demonstrated."

Cal exhaled on a long breath. "It's not going to be easy for him to come back from his actions." Concern marred his face.

Conviction filled her. "Then I'll help him." For as long as it took.

Orly has a double challenge to meet with getting Benson back on track and showing Cal she wants to work with him instead of against him.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Fiery Yule (a Holiday Spirit short)

Had a family wedding this weekend and it ended up being terrific weather, kind of warm but the venue had air conditioning and it cooled off in the evening and the mosquitoes weren't awful.

Had another weird mix of a week. Got a lot of writing done and several new projects on the horizon I prepped for. Not a bad week for television either.

Started out with a new episode of Blue Heelers. Didn't quite finish it up yet, but I'm over halfway through.

Watched another episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm still enjoying this one. I'm a little on the fence with Zelda but I'm kind of invested in finding out what happened to Sabrina's parents. And Harvey's dad is a total ass.

Caught the second class on graphic design in the Master Class series I started. This one focused on typography and ended up being pretty interesting and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Started the Ready Room episodes for Picard. I enjoyed Wil Wheaton's mix of insider knowledge and uber-fan vibe. Looking forward to more of these.

Watched another Passionflix holiday Quickie. The Package ended up being another fun elevator setting. I'm a fan of being trapped with nowhere to go and having to deal with a bad day.

Caught another episode of Chicago Med. I'm really happy I'm finally able to watch this series from the beginning. A heartbreaker of an episode but happy at the end.

Watched the series two finale of No Offence. This ended up being a really terrific season. I'll look forward to starting series three this week.

Also started the first part of a Silent Witness two-parter. I vaguely remember this one and the next episode marks the end of series ten. We'll be getting into the seasons I've watched before.

Caught the final episode arc for season fifteen of Classic Who. Leela stayed behind on Gallifrey so I'm assuming there'll be a new companion when I start sixteen this week.

Started the second season of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. The first episode opened with a deep dive into Nazi secrets surrounding unidentified flying objects. I've seen quite a few of those clips on another program but it's interesting to see how different experts interpret things.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show with Milton Berle and Rich Little as the guest stars. Lots of fun to have the comedians interact with the muppets.

Also started a new episode of The Hardy Boys. I had a long conversation with my brother about the show, which he recommended. I enjoy the intrigue and clues and I love how the brothers interact with each other and their friends.

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

Here's the mini-blurb:

A holiday spirit, Spruce Lightfir, gives Enzo Escada, a fire demon, the perfect place to lay low over the Yule holiday. Enzo craves some time alone, away from the demanding overseer of Enzo's peerage. When Quinne Quailer, a mystic, arrives for a sabbatical from the human world, Enzo is cranky about the intrusion … until Quinne's presence calms his fiery inner soul. Maybe the miracle of Yule can free Enzo from his life of servitude.

And a preview snippet…

Enzo Escada delivered the scorching sentence to—damn, he didn't even remember the offender's name, only the level of damage required to mete out Lucien Darhk's justice. Once Enzo completed the task, he left the building and let the enforcers do their thing—which usually involved extracting new promises from those beholden to the overseer of the soul asylum. Enzo strolled down the street, choosing to walk back to the high-rise owned by Darkh Dominion, Lucien's corporate cover.

The entire skyscraper housed the unlucky minions employed and deployed by Darhk and his business interests. "And it's been my veritable prison for over two decades." Enzo entered the building devoid of feeling—except for the simmering rage that always lurked in his soul. "The instrument of my torture."

Especially now. Lucien always kept Enzo busy around any holiday, but Yule seemed to average a higher than normal volume of retribution. Enzo stepped into the elevator and hit the down button. He resided on the lowest sub-level by choice. The opposite and farthest away from Lucien's lofty penthouse at the top of the building.

When the doors opened, Enzo found Lucien waiting for him.

Enzo paused mid-step, not happy. "Why are you here?" He barely kept his hostility from his voice.

After the first decade of service, Lucien had promised to leave Enzo alone and not invade his sanctuary.

Enzo had grown to hate the overseer—who kept Enzo so busy he didn't have time to do much more than sleep to recharge.

Lucien gave him a tight smile. "Ah, yes. I've sullied your sacred space with my presence." He flicked his gaze from Enzo's feet to his shoulders. "But, as it's my building, I'll always reserve the right to come and go as I please."

Enzo lifted his chin. "As you wish." Keeping his tone civil with only the thinnest deference, he continued. "Is there something else you need from me?" He'd be hard-pressed to provide anything until he got some rest.

Lucien waved an envelope. "This arrived today. Apparently, I'm required to give you leave time if I want to keep my standing in the underworld." He sneered and slapped the envelope against Enzo's chest. "You've got through the dates listed here then I want you back here to carry on my work."

Enzo briefly scanned the invitation.

 

The time is nigh for solitary pleasure.

Come to Goodacre at your leisure.

Quiet and solitude to end the year.

Seek what you need to make things clear.

 

A range of dates were listed below the stanza along with instructions for how to arrive at the bed and breakfast.

Enzo shifted his attention to Lucien. "You're allowing me to go?" He hadn't been given a reprieve since he'd been roped into service for the overseer.

Lucien waved a hand. "I don't appear to have a choice." He smirked. "Besides, you'll be back. Not like you have anyplace else to go." He strolled down the corridor, leaving Enzo in stunned disbelief.

He read the card again. Solitude. How long had it been since he'd truly had nothing but himself for company?

Entering his suite, he snorted. "At least two decades." Yeah, he might live on the lowest sub-level now, but he didn't start there. Between the jobs Lucien sent Enzo out on, and the constant surveillance Darhk maintained, alone wouldn't be a good definition for any of Enzo's time. He quickly packed a bag and exited his home that never felt like one.

He didn't lock up—not really a need—but he did take a long hard look at the place he considered one step up from a prison cell. The time alone … he welcomed. No people, no jobs, no justice.

"Maybe the flaming pit inside me will calm and I can actually … rest."

Even if he'd only have a few days.

I have so much fun writing the Holiday Spirit shorts. Quinne and Enzo are both grumpy and Spruce is cranky yet they'll all be festive by the time Yule arrives.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

Geez, half of May is gone and I have no idea where it went. At least the weather has somewhat improved and feels more like spring heading into summer.

Had a fairly decent week of work and television viewing. Finished up a project and completed another one.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and got about halfway through. So far, it's an interesting one.

I caught the penultimate episode of No Offence. I have a feeling the finale is going to be a doozy. I'm looking forward to starting the third series.

I finished up the second part of Silent Witness. I should be ready to move on to season eleven in the near future. I think I have one more two-parter to watch.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. Once again, I got a little annoyed with Four. There's something about his arrogance that rubs me wrong. Pretty decent four-part series of episodes leading up to the six-part finale, which I'm looking forward to.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on pilots and astronauts that had experiences seeing unidentified flying objects.

Watched a couple of The Muppet Show episodes. Don Knotts and Zero Mostel were the guests. I'd forgotten they had a new opening for the second season. I'm kind of partial to the first season's opener.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. I like this show. For me, there's a lot of nostalgia because it harkens back to phones with cords, unorganized or unstructured days, eight-bit video games, and hanging out with friends. The mystery and dangerous stuff is icing on the cake.

Also started another episode of Peak Practice. Jack's in Africa and Beth and Will are trying to manage the practice while they wait on a replacement doctor. I have a feeling this episode might end up being a sad one.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella where my main characters join forces to defeat a harsh antagonist.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And a preview snippet…

Larue strolled the perimeter of the training room, observing her novices work increasingly difficult spells. "They're such a good group." She enjoyed this class so much.

Making another circuit, she paused and helped one of the youngest students adjust her technique. "Hold your palm level, don't curve your fingers." Larue demonstrated the proper method.

The pupil gave her a wide smile. "Thanks, Larue. I always struggle with the right placement." She practiced several times, gaining confidence.

Larue grinned. "There you go. And trust me when I say you'll appreciate the nuance." She waited a beat. "Especially when curved palms bring forth something completely different. Instead of a fire ball you end up with what amounts to a snow cone."

The group laughed then all eyes went wide when a portal closed behind Wade. They'd been so engrossed none had noticed it opening.

Wade quirked an eyebrow. "Listen to her. She's right, you know. Getting a handle on the subtleties now will save your ass in the future." He moved to stand by Larue's side.

She waved the novices back to their practice. "I'm pretty sure you just made everyone's day by dropping in." Her gaze narrowed. "Why did you?" Not like him to intrude during lesson-time.

He shook his head. "I didn't make their day. You did. You're well-liked and this group kind of worships you." He started for the exit but angled his head around. "As they probably should." He gave her wide grin before leaving her space.

The compliment warmed her even if he'd dodged answering the question. She loved teaching and watching talent bloom in the younger wards. Their struggles and achievements reminded her of how hard but rewarding magick could be. This class especially made her proud.

She frowned. "I hate that their talent will be used to keep Helena in power." A kick of guilt landed in her chest.

Larue had no place to go when she couldn't control her power and Helena had taken Larue in. She learned control and discipline and quickly advanced up the ranks. Becoming the top female mage surpassed anything Larue thought she'd accomplish.

"I found a home here." But lately she'd been unsettled.

An itchy, edgy uncertainty crawled in her mind. Something big loomed on the horizon and Larue felt the pull whenever Wade entered her vicinity. And when Helena went on a rampage, which seemed to be more frequent lately.

Larue dismissed the novices because her concentration had been broken and they'd worked hard today. She gave each an encouraging word on their way out. Why didn't Helena foster this kind of reward system?

Larue snorted. "Because she has people like me who do." Even when Helena had given Larue a place to stay and learn, others taught her.

Helena had better things to do, like arrange pyre tournaments where she pitted mages that had fallen out of favor or those she'd grown bored with against each other or had them go up against her current champions. Larue earned her top spot by defeating her predecessor who promptly ended up banished to another realm.

She still had reservations about that. "Maybe that's why my gratitude only goes so far." She could be next on Helena's hit list, top spot or not.

Her mind went back to Wade's unexpected appearance in the class. He fascinated Larue but she never gave any indication she might be interested in anything more than friendship. Wade could have his pick of anyone in Helena's orbit, including the Fury herself. And … Helena made it clear she'd soon have him and no one dared deny her.

I love this story. Larue and Wade are ready for change and they'll have as much as they can handle in the near future.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. We're having some unseasonably chilly and rainy weather but it's nice to have my youngest home for the weekend.

Had a weird mix of editing work and a bunch of stuff I needed to catch up on this week. I did manage to get some solid writing time in also, which makes me very happy. I finished up a manuscript I've been working on for a long time and got it ready for some beta readers! I also finished a sexy short and have it ready for some critique as well.

Not a bad week for television. I started a new to me show on Hulu with The Hardy Boys. The first episode had a lot going on but I enjoyed it. My brother highly recommended the series because he liked it a lot. We remember the original Hardy Boys from way back in the day so I'll go with his recommendation.

I started a Master Class series on graphic design. I'm not going to win any awards, but I have an interest in the topic and I like to know what goes into making things like book covers and media for marketing purposes. I have several more classes to watch and I'm looking forward to them.

Caught the second episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. So far, I'm still in. I like looking at the world through Sabrina's eyes and watching how everyone reacts with her. I'm split down the middle with the aunts and I love her cousin. Harvey and Sabrina's friends are fun also. The jury is out on the teacher. I have a bit of a hang up about the actress because she played a character I really didn't like on Doctor Who. That's not her fault, it's part of the Moffet era that I didn't enjoy.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and it was a tough one, but I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to seeing the next one even though Beth and Jack are kind of going through the wringer right now.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. It's interesting to see how witness protection works in another country. I also love to see how the small-town heelers have a better grasp on how things work than the big city guys.

I finished the first season of Picard and, wow, I did not expect to be a sobbing mess. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It took me some time to really get into the series, but I ended up getting pretty invested in the core group. I am left with a couple of questions, which isn't a bad thing. I'll look forward to seeing if those get answered in the second season.

Caught another episode of Chicago Med and it's part of a crossover event I remember watching. I'm ready for the next episode, hopefully this week.

Last but not least, I caught another Passionflix holiday Quickie with Just Say When. It was on the shorter side but didn't suffer for it. A nice little bit of angsty merriment.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fancy Meeting You Here, a novella that features two characters on opposing sides trying to navigate a relationship.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Val crouched against the warehouse wall, listening carefully to the man inside. Philan belched orders into the phone. So far, he'd arranged a meet-up with the human trafficking arm of his empire and scheduled a shipment of drugs to move out in two days.

"He won't see the rewards from either venture."

Val's senses kicked in and he skimmed the side of the building, instincts on high alert. Someone else is here. Reaching the end of bricks, he stayed back, merged with the shadows. He's used a cloaking spell to remain out of sight, but he didn't add a noise dampening cue.

He waited until the person emerged from the darkness of the alley. Female, well-versed in fighting techniques based on her confident stride and wary countenance. She looks familiar.

She paused, her gaze scanning side to side then quietly ordered. "You might as well show yourself. I don't care how many of you assholes I have to go through to get inside." Her arms crossed in front of her waist and readied to withdraw weapons.

Val let go of his shadow mantle and appeared before her. No use hiding, especially if he didn't want to draw undue attention out here. And, dammit, where did he know her from.

She snorted. "Nice trick." Then she got a look at him. "Great balls. Fucking Janis clan royalty." She tilted her head. "No way you went black. Why are you here?" Her arms relaxed but her shoulders remained tense and rigid.

Ah, Jonni Mars. A Marsoni enforcer. Interesting.

But he didn't like her snotty tone, like he'd ruined her day. Then he remembered. Rochelle. Best friend. Shit.

Had they come for the same thing then?

He lifted his chin. "Probably the same reason you are." His mind spun with potential pros and cons.

She rocked back on her heels. "I doubt that." Her gaze landed anywhere but on him.

Liar. She'd come for the same purpose.

Val got up close and in her face. "You shouldn't. I'm calling bullshit here. You're here for the same reason I am … and I think we're going to help each other." A bold statement, but not a huge leap of logic.

She arched a brow. "Is that right? And what is it we're going to do?"

He held her gaze. "Put Philan down."

Her gaze went flat and she shook her head. "Screw that. There's no way."

I'm excited about this story, which has ended up being morphing into another book, and possibly a third.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fan the Flames

Hello, May! I'll be honest, I had a momentary freak out when I realized we're a month away from being halfway done with the year. It's so weird how time seems to fly by so fast but it also drags on for what seems like decades. Geez.

Had an okay week of television. I started a new to me show The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which I enjoyed. It's pretty creepy and I'm intrigued enough to keep watching.

Watched the penultimate episode of Picard. It went in a direction I didn't expect and I'm not quite sure how I feel about where things are at the moment. I'm looking forward to the finale.

Caught another Passionflix holiday Quickie. Sexy Scrooge ended up being pretty good. I liked the couple's chemistry and the Uber driver was fun.

Started another new episode of Blue Heelers. I'm almost finished with this one and I'm interested to see where things go. They're starting something of a serialized continuation and I'm down with that.

Watched Chicago Med and enjoyed it. I'm four episodes in and I'm getting a better feel for who the cast is. It's helpful to have some experience with the Chicago crossovers.

Caught another episode of No Offence. Things are moving along at a good clip and I'm pretty interested in seeing where the new boss lands where Viv is concerned. I kind of love the feud between Nora and Viv.

Started the first part of Silent Witness. This one is very twisty and I can't wait to see if I'm right about who the killers are.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. I'm kind of amazed at how a show from thirty years ago manages to kind of hit on things that are happening right now.

Ended up getting in another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one featured segments on death-bed confessions from government officials and military people.

Also managed to finish the first season of The Muppet Show and I'm getting ready to start the second. First guest star is Don Knotts, which should make for a fun show.

That's it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from Fan the Flames, a novella that features a cupid bringing a couple together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A modern day cupid discovers a couple with matching auras and thinks he'll have an easy time matching them up. Right ... not so much. While Jamie and Alix definitely have the hots for each other, one big obstacle stands in their way—Jamie's job.

And a preview snippet…

"Sorry I'm late, Joe."

Joe handed Jamie a folder with the presentation schedule. "No problem. They're waiting for you, go on in." He clapped Jamie on the back.

Jamie did a quick scan of the designers listed in the file on the way to his seat. The chief shot him a brief glance of disapproval, but didn't bust Jamie's chops. No doubt the man had read the after action reports. Settling back, Jamie half-listened while the introductions were made, his eyes drawn again to the file. Alixandra Golden, currently with Gung Ho designs, rang a bell. He shifted slightly and took a long drink from his coffee mug. Gung Ho, a catchy play on the owner's last name, specialized in residential design. And Jamie remembered why Alixandra seemed familiar. He'd toured one of the holiday homes she designed. A sugary confection of gingerbread Victoriana that made him want to heave before he'd hit the second floor. Strictly speaking, she'd remained true to the period, capturing the flair of Victorian flounces with a mix of antique originals and beautifully crafted reproductions. Why anyone would want to live among so much frou-frou lace and floral prints, he'd never understand. The whole house reminded him of the Candy-land board game he'd played as a kid.

And she wanted to do the interior of the fire station's residential area? No effing way. Not if he had anything to say about the subject.

She took her spot at the center of the room and brought out her design boards, propping them on the easel, the top one facing away from her audience. Doing a slow five count to focus her thoughts, she smiled and opened her mouth to start her presentation.

Jamie rolled his eyes. "Is the reason you have your design boards facing away because you're going to dazzle us with pink, frilly concoctions and an explosion of chintz fabric?"

The banter in this story is so much fun to write. Joe starts out being very grumpy but he changes his tune in a big hurry.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye