Sunday Snippet: Led Astray

Happy Halloween to those who observe. We had our trick or treat last night and it was nice to be outside with semi-decent weather to enjoy fall. For me, it was wonderful to take a break from some renovation in the bathroom. I'm not twenty-five anymore and I'm definitely feeling that right now. LOL

Not a bad week for television, I started with another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and quite enjoyed it. I love the quirkiness of the characters and the cases. Such a great show.

Watched a two-part Silent Witness and I vaguely remembered this one. It's odd how a season from a decade or so ago holds up so well. What goes around comes around.

Caught two arcs of Classic Who, which brings me close to the end of season twenty. Pretty sure the Master is going to show up again around the final arc.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppet Show. Liza Minnelli and Phyllis George were the guest stars.

Finished up season six of Prime Suspect. I'll be starting the final season this week. I'm not sure what I'll move on to after this series but I'll find something.

Watched two episodes of Roswell: The Final Verdict. I kind of like the use of AI truth detection they're using to determine whether witness accounts about the crash are true or not. Interesting viewing.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm coming up on the last few episodes of season five and I'm still enjoying the series. Slowly but surely making my way to season twelve with one of my favorite actors in an early role.

Got some great information from MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. I'll be coming back to this lesson in the near future.

Started the new-to-me series Glitch and got rather hooked on the first episode. My sibling highly recommended this one and I look forward to discussing it with him.

Watched Pop Profile: Demi Lovato and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not overly familiar with her career and the profile was interesting to follow along.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Things are definitely heating up and I can't decide if I'm really down with what's going on with Ash or if I need to shake my head over it. Either way, I'm so invested in what happens I can't wait for the next episode.

Great Chicago Med episode with Halsted, Rhodes, and Reese learning some lessons. I always find the episode names interesting and I love how they almost always end up fitting the theme.

Watched another Midsomer Murders episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. After twenty-two seasons that's saying something. I have one more episode of this season then, hopefully, a new season in the near future.

That's pretty much it for this week's viewing update. Tonight's post is from Led Astray, a novella where characters on opposing sides come together to put a feud to rest.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Gia Schmidt is tasked with bringing Orrick Triolo around to her clan's way of thinking, but he proves a hard case to crack, even with her considerable skills. Orrick's got something she wants but if she's not careful, he'll lead her astray instead of the other way around.

And a preview snippet…

Gia reached out, loosened his tie, and pulled it out from under his collar. "We both know the answer, don't we?" Her fingers worked on his buttons, revealing a defined chest and torso.

Her mouth watered and she struggled to remember her true purpose for being here. To Orrick's credit, he gave her full rein, shrugging out of the impeccably tailored shirt while she undid his belt, released the clasp, and lowered his zipper. A hard, thick cock jutted upward and her knees went a little weak at the sight.

She slowly angled around, glancing over her shoulder. "Will you?" Her gaze dropped to the zipper at the low part of her back.

His hands smoothed over her skin before he unzipped her dress. She turned back around to find he'd kicked his pants aside after toeing off his shoes. His gaze darkened when she let the bodice slide down her body, revealing nothing but her bare breasts. With a slight shake, she let the garment fall to stand naked before him.

Orrick blinked. "Damn." He grasped her hips and nudged her backward, easing her fall to the bed.

Gia wrapped a leg around his waist and tilted her chin up to meet his hungry kiss. His lips moved over hers with dizzying thoroughness before trailing along her jawline down to her shoulder where his teeth grazed over her collarbone. His tongue took over, laving a path to her breasts. He teased one then the other before drawing her hardened nipple between his lips. He sucked hard and she gasped, arching her back. He caught a hip with his palm, holding her steady then wedged his thigh between her legs.

She bucked against the muscled thickness, the hair-roughened surface creating a delicious friction. Orrick made his way back up to meet her mouth in another steamy embrace. She didn't try to temper her reaction anymore. She couldn't. The man evoked an emotional and physical response. Her ability to remain detached and use her power had exploded with the first kiss. She wanted him—hard and hot—right now.

Breaking the lip-lock, she palmed his erection. "Don't make me wait, Orrick. I want you." She guided the head of his cock along her wet folds.

His gaze filled with shadows and for one suspended moment, she feared he'd pull away and break the connection they had. It wouldn't be the only time she'd lost someone, but she'd regret losing him—a first for her. When he thrust forward, filling her, relief mixed with wonder. God, the man made her blood sing with heart-pounding rhythm.

I love this story! Orrick and Gia will end up in the crosshairs from both of their families but they'll figure a way out.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kings of Chaos

It's so weird we're almost to the end of the month. One more October Sunday after this one. Had a decent work week and made a lot of progress on my cleaning project.

Also had a solid viewing week. Started with The Muppet Show and ended up getting four episodes watched. Beverley Sills, Kenny Rogers, Lola Falana, and Dizzy Gillespie were the guest stars.

Watched Prime Suspect and finished up season five and started season six. Six is proving to be very interesting. I can't remember how it ends up playing out but I'll find out this week.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice and liked both. Sometimes the bickering between the partners gets a little wearing but I do like this mix.

Ended up watching two episodes of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. I like this guy and I'm getting some good tips on how to work with my doggos.

Finished up Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Man. "Summer" and "Fall" hit me in the feels in a really big way. At some point, I want to rewatch the four episodes and do a recap on my fictional universe blogs. I can honestly say the revival had everything I would've wanted and only a few things I didn't. Which means I'm left with a feeling of completeness. This isn't to say I wouldn't welcome another year in the life that would pick up at the present time. That could be a lot of fun.

I enjoyed two musician spotlights. Dolly Parton: Queen of Country turned out to be an enjoyable look at the amazing woman and her long career. Pop Profiles: Christina Aguilara shed some facts about her career that I didn't know. As a casual fan, I found it interesting.

Watched an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and loved the mirror universe. Those kinds of episodes always make me happy. I'm looking forward to the next installment so I can find out how things play out.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med. The second one ended up blowing me away. Understated but really strong performances all around. I love this show.

Weirdly enough, I watched an episode of Midsomer Murders and it featured scarecrows. I say weirdly because the final episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries had a scarecrow feature also. Anyway, nice to see Winter get some backstory and lovely to see Betty again.

Finished up the second episode of Silent Witness. I vaguely remember this one and enjoyed getting caught up in the cases again. Looking forward to starting the next two-parter.

Caught another four-episode arc of Classic Who. Nice to see the brigadier again. Interesting episode with a potential new companion in the mix.

Finished up UFOs over Earth. This one focused on mass sightings in Mexico. I'll be starting a new series this week and I think it's going to be about Roswell.

Last but not least, I watched two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. The first season had some great standalone episodes and two were in the set I watched. The second season of the new version is streaming now but I'm waiting until all episodes are available before diving in.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Kings of Chaos, a novella that features a couple caught in a brewing feud between warlocks and wizards.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ainslee and Witt are stranded during a charity ride for their local children's organization. Foul play is involved and they have to determine which rival club member has the most to gain or if someone closer to home is the culprit. Either way the warlocks versus wizards mindset is supposed to be null and void when a truce is underway.

And a preview snippet…

Going astral never failed to be a thrill ride. The first euphoric moments of freedom provided a giddy escape and Ainslee relished the experience for a few moments. Hovering above the campsite, she sobered quickly when her gaze caught sight of the hex spells Witt set.

Right. She had a mission—check on the old man.

Soaring high, she spared a final glance at Witt now sitting beside her physical form, keeping vigil until she returned. "God, I love that man."

He wouldn't let anything happen to her. She'd stake her life on him.

Soaring outward, she followed the route for the charity ride and found the clubs at a rest area—one no longer maintained by the state—where the MCs often stopped to regroup and stretch their legs. This spot—considered neutral territory—served as a place to conduct pickups and drop-offs, usually of a supernatural sort.

Ainslee spotted the old man ambling down one of the trails and she followed. He cleared the rest area perimeter and kept going, which surprised Ainslee. He didn't mention anything about a meet or other business before they left. Not that he had to. Being president had perks—he could do what he wanted.

He stopped at the mesh fence bordering on some private property owned by the Kings. He didn't go further. Ainslee spotted the reason why several seconds later. Frank Cavalli, flanked by one of his goons, strolled to the old man's side.

Wyatt arched a brow. "You asked for this meet. What do you want?" He planted his hands on his hips and held Cavalli's gaze.

Ainslee hovered around and caught the glint of a blade. Dammit. Power play.

She shouted a telepathic warning, which had Wyatt's torso whipping around. Her paranormal action sent her hurtling back toward her corporeal self, but not before she witnessed the lunge of the knife into the old man's body.

She also heard the ominous warning.

"It's time for a change, old man."

She fought the pull back to her physical form, but lost the battle, crashing down into herself. Her body jerked with a violent start. Her mouth opened on a gasp and her mind screamed. No!

The convulsions from her rapid reentry started almost immediately. Strong hands gripped her shoulders, holding her steady and keeping her from doing too much harm to herself. The ethereal fog, thick and gritty, tried to hold her under but Witt's voice broke through the haze.

"Roll with it, Ainslee. Ride the wave and come back to me."

She struggled to clear her mind, kicking through the murky veils, and finally opened her eyes to the sight of Witt's concerned face.

She gripped his shirt, fisting her hand in the fabric. "The old man..." Her voice croaked and she swallowed hard. "Not good." She coughed, gagging for air.

I love this story and the sages are feeding me ideas for two more books. Here's hoping they let me finish this one before they really get going.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kindred Spirits

Wow. The month is half over already. October is flying by. Not complaining because I'm super busy with work projects and that makes me happy. I'm also making steady progress on the whole clean and organize project.

Had a solid week of television viewing again. I watched two lessons of Master Class with Brandon McMillan. I got more valuable insight in dog behavior and I hope I can translate that to working with my doggos.

Caught two episodes of Gilmore Girls: Year in the Life. Winter and spring were each enjoyable. I didn't know how they'd handle Richard's death, but I like what they did. I'm very curious how summer is going to play out, especially with Loralie's therapy deal.

Enjoyed two specials about Cher. Artist to Icon and Life in the Spotlight both had great footage and details. I remember watching Sonny and Cher and her solo show on television when I was a kid. I sometimes miss that type of variety show. I'm so not into the idols and voice-type shows.

Watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. I thoroughly enjoy how the plotlines are playing out. I have to admit I really didn't think they'd go where they went with the Tyler storyline but I love that they did. Took me back to Farscape a little bit.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and liked both. Rhodes keeps growing on me and I like how he stumbles every once in a while. I need to go back and do a crossover watch at some point also.

Thoroughly enjoyed an episode of Midsommer Murders. Old school in so many ways with being trapped on an island and having the case be about tabletop gaming. All in all, an excellent episode.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. Great to have Leo back in the morgue and out on cases. I also remembered how much I love Nikki and Harry's bantery conversations.

Started season twenty of Classic Who and, hello, Tegan's back. I watched two four-episode arcs and actually loved both. The second arc brought the Maya back and I'd forgotten they did that sometimes in the original series.

Began a new series with UFOs Over Earth. The first two episodes were fun. Fayetteville and Bucks County were the areas MUFON investigated. I've seen bit and pieces about both sightings but got some new information about each. Always enjoy when that happens.

Watched two episodes of The Muppet Show. Dudley Moore and Arlo Guthrie were the guest stars. I'm enjoying season four so far.

Started the fifth season of Prime Suspect and I'm pretty sure I remember how this one plays out. I love how fallible Jane is and watching that unfold on screen.

Got another episode of Peak Practice watched. This one ended up being a lot calmer than the last one. I'm really enjoying the trio of partners.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. The first season has so many great moments and I love revisiting them.

Also got in another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and finished up season four. I'll be starting season five this week. I still truly love this show so much. I miss Jared a little but I think he might be in at least one more episode and I'm hoping to actually get to meet Roxy at some point.

That's pretty much it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Kindred Spirits, a novella with a friendly rivalry that turns into something deeper between the characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Merrit Rhodes accepts a teaching position at the Athena Academy of Magic and Semblance to earn her rites. Vaughn Gregorvich and Kirby Selwig are best friends and fellow instructors who fall hard for the newest addition to the campus. Sparks literally fly when the trio decides to test the power of three after a night of drinking a powerfully potent new cocktail called Elixir.

And a preview snippet…

Her beauty stunned Kirby. He didn't lack confidence, but someone like Merrit—who had enough raw talent to garner the special program—intimidated him. He'd man up and own that admission—if only to himself. So … he fell back on his standard practice—boyish charm and a steady flow of conversation.

He angled toward her. "You're not nervous, are you?" She came across as open but a little reserved.

Merrit's head wobbled back and forth a little. "Overwhelmed is a better definition." She swept her arms out. "This is a lot take in."

Kirby's lips curved. "You get used to it—pretty quickly, too. Vaughn and I were old hands by our second semester." And they ruled the campus by the end of the third.

Merrit tilted her head to one side. "When did you start?"

Kirby glanced in Vaughn's direction. "Hmm … how old were we, Vaughn? Ten?"

Vaughn gave him a vacant stare, which probably meant a private conversation with Hargrove. Kirby would find out what had held his friend up after they got Merrit settled. He didn't like being out of the loop.

Vaughn focused on the question a moment then nodded. "Yes. You'd just turned ten the week before, and I was only going to be ten for another week."

Merrit flashed a smile. "So, you're the same age for two whole weeks?"

Kirby smirked. "Exactly. Something old man Vaughn likes to tout—the vast maturity and experience he has over me."

Vaughn snorted. "I don't have to tout anything. Anyone with keen observational skills can figure out what they need to know about you and me."

Kirby narrowed his gaze. Translated meaning … Good luck, bro. The game is on. Which meant the trash talk would begin.

Kirby flung in arm around Merrit. "Let's get you some uniforms then we'll get you settled." He led her down the corridor.

Merrit happily agreed and stayed by his side.

Kirby tossed a vague smile of triumph in Vaughn's direction. First point, mine.

I love writing this group of characters. The vibe between the three is so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Kill Switch

October is starting out really well and I hope it's a sign of things to come. My work projects have picked up again and I'm so happy! I'm also making progress on the great clean out again. I've also taken to spending fifteen to thirty minutes before I go to bed reading something that interests me. I've got a ton of new research books and I love digging into them.

Pretty decent week for television viewing. I watched four episodes of The Muppet Show. The guest stars were Shields and Yarnell, Dyan Cannon, Victor Borge, and Linda Lavin. Pretty good episodes all in all.

Caught two episodes of Prime Suspect, which finished out season four. So far, the episodes are standing up and I like revisiting them.

Watched two episodes of Peak Practice. Will said good-bye and headed for Bristol and the newly formed trio is finding their footing. The second episode ended up being quite dramatic with explosions and emergencies all around.

Enjoyed the second lesson of Master Class with Brandon McMillan. He focused on variables that make dogs unique. I already have some good information based on the two types of dogs I have.

Caught Making the Witcher and liked diving deep into how everything gets put together behind the scenes. I'll probably be starting a new show this week.

Enjoyed Artist to Icon: Madonna. She came onto the music scene in my early adulthood and I've always enjoyed her music. Nice to see some new information about her long and storied career.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. As usual, I get sucked right back into the past when my oldest was a tiny baby and watching the show with my husband in the evenings.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and thoroughly enjoyed it. I like how the relationships and friendships work on the show and even when the characters make me angry, I can see where they're coming from.

Loved the latest episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Breen's discomfort whenever he tangled with the abrasive Trudy proved valid even if she ended up not quite fitting the mold most, including me, cast her in.

Watched the first part of Silent Witness. I remember this one but not how it turned out. I'm always interested when the characters end up on opposite sides of a case. Looking forward to seeing how this one plays out again.

Enjoyed Classic Who's finale arc of season nineteen. Looks like Teegan won't be returning for the twentieth season, leaving the Doctor with one companion. Should start the new season this week.

Finished out the season of UFO Conspiracies. I'll be starting a new UFO show this week and I'm kind of hoping it will be a good one.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Kill Switch, a novella that has circumstances keeping my main characters apart and they're not happy about it.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Karsen Hill and Theo Gordon live in a modern world full of magic and mayhem. Torn apart by their circumstances, they still share a powerful attraction and it will take a kill switch to keep their feelings at bay. When a bar of the same name opens, the duo can't resist meeting to explore their options.

And a preview snippet…

Theo hauled Karsen close and wrapped an arm around her. He picked up his phone and dialed his mother. She picked up before the first ring completed.

"Where are you?"

His fingers trailed down Karsen's shoulder. "Out. What do you want?" At twenty-five, he no longer accounted for his every waking moment.

Too bad Meara refused to get the message.

His mother pitched her voice low. "You were supposed to be here an hour ago. I've got guests, and your presence is required." She hissed out the last words.

He closed his eyes. "For another boring dinner? Not tonight, Mother."

She pushed out an angry breath. "Then I'll make the announcement of your engagement without you."

He shot up, dislodging Karsen from his side. "My what?" Did his mother go off the deep end?

Karsen gave him a questioning look and he turned away, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not doing this, not playing this stupid game. I'll be home when I want to be, not because you're playing your hand at blackmail."

Meara tsked. "This isn't blackmail, Theo. It's a done deal. Get your ass home now." The line went dead.

He heaved a sigh and got up, meeting Karsen's gaze. "Sorry, Karse, I'm gonna have to go." He leaned in, planting a hard hiss on her lips.

She waved her phone back and forth. "Yeah, me too."

Her distracted tone pulled his attention from sorting their clothes. "Anything wrong?" His family drama could take a backseat if she needed him.

She glanced up from reading a text message. "What? No. Yes. But nothing you can do. Seamus is on a tear again." She rolled her eyes. "Needs help routing out a cadre of vampires." She slid to the edge of the mattress. "Apparently only I can lend the assist."

Theo shrugged into his shirt. "You're the only one who ever can. He's got no one else he can rely on." Because he never looked any further than Karsen.

Karsen smirked. "Your utter dislike is showing." She jammed her legs into her pants and dragged her tank over her head.

Theo put his hands on her shoulders. "Not trying to hide it." He pressed a kiss to the column of her throat. "Be careful out there."

She flashed a grin. "Always am." Her face sobered. "Problem at home?"

Theo shrugged. "Eh, not sure yet. My mother is being her usual pain in the ass self." And he had every intention of shutting her down if possible.

This story goes in a lot of directions but everything comes together in a terrific way. I'm excited to get it finished and ready for action.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Juvenile Behavior

Welcome, October. It's been a week with a lot of ups and downs. Work went well and I got a bunch of projects close to being finished. My middle kid needed some help navigating a challenging week of appointments and mild setbacks with health care.

Not a bad week of television either. I caught two episodes of Prime Suspect. Finished up season three and started season four. Four begins single episodes and I'm looking forward to diving in.

Watched two episodes of Peak Practice. Both were pretty interesting and I like where season five is going.

Finished up Master Class with LeVar Burton and started a new course with Brandon McMillan about training dogs.

Completed Inside the Episodes: The Witcher and I'm looking forward to season two so much right now. To tide myself over, I'm going to watch the making of the series next.

Enjoyed watching Adele: Homecoming. I loved getting some insight into how she got her start and how she creates her music.

Started watching Classic Rugrats with the first episode about Tommy's birthday. I'll look forward to getting back into this show for the sheer nostalgia.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. Both ended up making me emotional and all teary-eyed. I love this show!

Enjoyed another The Brokenwood Mysteries. Poor Mike being out of commission made an interesting dynamic change.

Started season thirteen of Silent Witness and vaguely remember the episode. The insurance adjuster woman is the reason. Her obnoxiousness rubbed me wrong the first time around also. I mean I literally want to slap her, she's that annoying.

Also began a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one should prove to be interesting and I have a feeling helicopter parents will be the reason.

Caught a two-part arc of Classic Who. Actually enjoyed it for the most part, even the hints about a possible return of the Master.

Watched another episode of UFO Conspiracies. This one had a focus on cold-climate sightings. A neat spin on the usual fare.

Got two more episodes of The Muppet Show in with John Denver and Crystal Gayle as the guest stars. Season four is officially underway.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. A lot going on in this one and I liked getting some additional insight in the second in command. I don't have all the names down yet.

Enjoyed an episode of Artist to Icon. This one featured Whitney Houston and I learned a few things I didn't know about her career. I'll probably stick to musicians for this series.

Finally, I caught an episode of Midsommer Murders. Hannah Waddington guest-starred and the episode ended up being such a good one.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Juvenile Behavior, a novella that features a long-standing rivalry between two families and the resolution with the new generation.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Freddie and Owen, top adepts putting cadets through their paces at the Mage Academy, are very much in love but refuse to act on their attraction. But when the Mage Principal has enough of their antics, he strips them of their rank and tenure and pushes them to act like grown-ups instead of juvenile delinquents.

And a preview snippet…

Owen used the heavy brass knocker on the oak door. He waited several long moments before an older woman in a starched gray maid's uniform greeted him.

She arched her eyebrows. "May I help you, sir?"

Owen gave her his best smile. "Is Mr. Radd in and available?" He'd taken a chance and stopped by instead of making an appointment.

The maid gave him a long look. "May I say who's calling?" Her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval.

Owen hesitated but opted for the truth. "Owen Parker. I'm an instructor at the academy where his niece also—"

The woman cut him off. "Freddie." Her face transformed, going from bored disdain to joyfully animated. "Er, I mean Ms. Rudd, of course." Her hands smoothed the already impeccable apron.

Owen bit back a grin. "Yes, my visit concerns her."

The maid stepped back and ushered Owen inside. "Please, come in." She held out a hand. "I'm Mrs. Hasher, but please call me Helen." She added a wide smile of welcome

Owen clasped her palm. "Thank you, Helen. I'm sorry to just drop in, but I have something important to discuss with Mr. Rudd."

Helen shook her head. "I'll show you through. How's she doing?" From her tone, the love she had for Freddie came through loud and clear.

She started walking through the corridor and Owen followed her.

Helen chattered on. "I've missed having her around. I used to work for her parents until they died." A slight catch in her voice indicated more to the story.

Owen hoped he'd get to hear it someday.

He answered her original question. "Freddie's doing great. She's amazing with her students." He paused and added on something more personal. "Of course, she's still pushing envelopes and challenging rules."

Helen glanced over her shoulder with a sly grin. "Sounds just like her." She sobered. "Before. She lost a lot of her zest for life after the accident." Her eyes went dark and stormy. "Didn't help that her horrible uncle treated her. The man completely neglected Freddie." Her face brightened. "I'll happily show you in now."

Pushing open the doors, the crafty older woman waved Owen inside the study.

Mr. Rudd glanced upward and frowned. "What's the meaning of this?" His fist clenched and he hissed for Helen to leave.

Owen blinked at the rude countenance. The man is visibly pissed because he's been interrupted from ... lounging in front of the fire going on two in the afternoon?

Straightening his robe, he rose from the sofa. "Who are you and what do you want?"

Owen lifted his chin. "Owen Parker. I'm here to discuss your niece."

Helen is such a great character and Owen will come to discover having her on Freddie's side is a huge check in the plus column.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye