Sunday Snippet: Man Up

Hope everyone had a terrific US holiday and a terrific week if not in the US. I got to spend time with my oldest and youngest kiddos and enjoyed being able to do so. I think I have two more gifts and maybe some odds and ends to pick up and I'm done with holiday shopping. Fairly pleased to be a little ahead of my usual last-minute rush.

Had a good week of television viewing. I watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This show continues to make me so happy.

Got a two-part Silent Witness watched. This is one I didn't remember and I'm glad I got to watch it.

Got a full arc of Classic Who in and started a new one. I've discovered a couple of episodes were almost an hour in this season, which is actually kind of cool.

Started a new series with Mysteries of Apollo and the first episode focused on the Apollo 13 mission and some of the in-depth history of that experience.

Began season five of The Muppet Show and watched four episodes. Gene Kelly, Loretta Swit, Joan Baez, and Shirley Bassey were the guest hosts. Final season of the original.

Caught two episodes of Fantasy Island and I'm still thoroughly enjoying the show. I think I have one left in this first season and I'll look forward to the holiday episode.

Started season six of Peak Practice. Great episode that moved the timeline ahead a little. Being at the halfway mark of the entire run is a nice accomplishment.

Enjoyed another lesson of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. Some great tips on housebreaking that I hope to put into effect after I get my downstairs area organized.

Season two of Glitch started out with an interesting twist. This show is very twisty and turny and I like that. Looking forward to getting more information on how everything works and finding out if Sarah is another one of the risen. If so, poor James. Two women in his life? That's a lot.

Remember when I thought I finished the first season of Star Trek: Discovery? Yeah, not the case. I had two more episodes. Watched the penultimate this week and, wow, what a mix of highs and lows. This show. Just saying.

Started season three of Chicago Med. I like how they moved the timeline ahead and seeing where everyone ended up. Conor breaks my heart. April breaks my heart. Wil and Nat make me happy. The horrible new surgical resident irritates the life out of me. So far, so good. LOL

Watched another episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. I really love the dynamic of this show and the mystery this week ended up being terrific. Also love the overarching mystery of who killed Jean's husband. Interesting show.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Man Up, a fun tale of a game going too far in exactly the right way.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hattie Hale and Nero Palmer, instructors at the Academy of Light, are supposed to set the example, but can't quite get past their competitive natures. A drunken game of one-ups-manship goes all the way to the sleeping chamber because neither will admit to being outdone.

And a preview snippet…

Around noon on Saturday, Nero stood outside Hattie's door. "I'm crazy to do this." But he wouldn't welsh on a bet.

He knocked and when no one answered he rapped on the wood again. Moments later, a thud sounded from inside and a scrape of metal against wood followed by a string of curses echoed behind the window.

Hattie pulled the door open, looking worse for the wear. "What the hell, Nero. Why are you here?" She squinted against the sunlight streaming through the trees.

He gave harsh exhale. "Did we really agree to having a one-upsmanship contest last night?" Maybe she'd forgotten.

Hattie winced. "Ugh. You're here at the asscrack of dawn to ask me that?" She ran a hand through her tangled hair.

Nero quirked a brow. "It's after noon, Hats. If we're doing this, we've got until Tuesday since we're on school holiday Monday." Seventy-two hours or so to figure out who really ruled.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine." She stepped back and swept her arm out, inviting him in. "But don't say another word until I get caffeinated." Shuffling across the floor, she headed for her kitchen.

He followed her inside and scoped out her living space. Surprisingly tidy and orderly, except for a chair bumped up against the coffee table. No doubt the source for the earlier commotion and swearing.

Why he thought her home would be mass chaos he couldn't honestly say. Okay, he'd admit having preconceived notions because she rarely if ever invited anyone into her personal space. And the way she ran her classes, with unbridled enthusiasm and raucous abandon fed into his perception.

He huffed out a breath. "Might have to alter the perspective a little."

She strolled back into the living room, carrying a huge mug of coffee in each hand. "Didn't know if you'd want some…" Reaching out, she lifted one of the cups.

Nero accepted the java. "Thank you. I probably don't need it, but I love a good cup of coffee." He took a sip and blinked in surprise. "Wow … this is excellent."

She toasted him. "Thanks." Settling on the couch, she tucked her feet under her thighs. "You might as well sit. I don't plan to move from this spot until the pot is empty." A flick of her wrist conjured a carafe onto the ottoman between the couch and two chairs.

Nero chose a chair and leaned against the cushion. "Okay, you don't have to move until the coffee is gone, but you only have until your first cup is empty for quiet time." He arched a brow, daring her to argue.

She narrowed her eyes but inclined her head.

Nero considered he'd won the first round and added a point to his win column.

I love the dynamic between Nero and Hattie. This is such a fun story to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Loss

Okay, we're a week before Thanksgiving in the US and I'm happy to say I've got the bulk of my holiday shopping done. I need to get a few more items then it's time to put a bow on the whole package and be done. YAY!

Had a pretty solid week of working and watching television. A new project crossed my desk and it's going well. On the television side, I started with Classic Who and watched a four-episode arc then hit a two-episode arc. Both were enjoyable.

Caught the last two episodes of Roswell: The Final Verdict. Really enjoyed this six-part series. Not sure what I'll pick up with next, but probably something else UFO related.

I watched four episodes of The Muppet Show and finished out season four. The guest hosts were Doug Henning, Andy Williams, Alan Arkin, and Diana Ross. Season five is the final run of the original show and I'm not sure what I'll watch next. Maybe some of the movies.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Fantasy Island. So far, I'm liking the new premise and how things from the past are blended into the current incarnation of the island. Based on what I've read, there's going to be a holiday episode. I'm a total sucker for stuff like that and can't wait.

Finished out season five of Peak Practice. Did not expect it to end with a house burning down, but it happened. Looking forward to starting season six. I'm at the halfway point. Yay!

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. He's got some great methods and I'm hoping to try some out on my furry mutts soon. I've already incorporated a couple of things and they've worked well.

Completed the first season of Glitch. I didn't see a couple of things coming and I love the twists. Looking forward to starting the second season this week. I gotta say I really feel for James and this show is like catnip because of the love triangle that isn't really a triangle and the fact that no one is a bad guy in it. That's a trope I thoroughly enjoy.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and have a feeling it's going to be one of those odd ones where the heelers are on opposing sides. Not sure how I'll like this one.

Finished the finale of Star Trek: Discovery. Man, what a ride the first season ended up being. I can't wait to see what the breakdowns will look like on The Ready Room.

Caught two more episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the second season and looking forward to the third. Gotta take a moment to appreciate the episode titles. This show makes them fun.

Started a new show with The Madam Blanc Mysteries. So far, I'm hooked. I loved the first episode. Looking forward to seeing more.

Finished the second episode of Silent Witness. I have vague memories of this one and how it played out. Kind of a twisty tale.

Last but not least, I watched two more Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm trying to decide if I want to watch the holiday specials or hold off and watch as they pop up during the seasons. Stay tuned.

That's pretty much it for weekly updates. Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella that puts my characters in a quandary when they deal with grief in completely different ways.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad is killed, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Welsh woke with a start and had ten blissful seconds of peace before his memory kicked in and the world went dark again. He needed to be a leader today and the idea freaked him out. How had his dad managed for so long?

He scrubbed a hand over his face. "Cagney?" Her side of the bed—empty and cool to the touch—barely looked slept in. "She must be in the shower.'' But his bathroom hadn't been used. "Maybe she's in hers."

He grabbed a shower and dressed then went to make coffee. All routine things that no longer felt normal. Because the looming presence of sending his dad to his final rest hovered on the fringes of his mind. Jacko knocked on the door at the moment the coffeemaker finished brewing.

Welsh offered Jacko a cup. "I'd like to get a group together to build the pyre."

Jacko nodded. "I figured. You want to go to the square or do it here?"

Welsh didn't hesitate. ''Here. I know the square is the community gathering place, but my old man welcomed any and all at the estate. And I plan to do the same."

Jacko didn't argue. "No one is going think it's a bad idea."

Welsh shrugged. "Truce or not, we should be ready to bring people in. The closer everyone stays, the easier it'll be to respond if the treaty is broken."

Jacko cocked his head. "What do you think Bainbridge is angling for?"

Welsh shrugged. "I don't know, but it's definitely something. Bainbridge is full of shit and he's not going to sit back and lick his wounds. We've got a reprieve but it won't last long." He'd bet his entire future on that fact.

Jacko put his mug on the counter. "We'll keep this information under wraps for now?"

Welsh nodded. "We will. The clan needs to focus on Dad right now and mourning our dead. Time enough to say our good-byes before we open the floodgates of planning and preparation."

Jacko lifted his chin. "For what it's worth, I wouldn't do anything different. You're handling everything the way I would."

Welsh appreciated the boost of confidence. "Thanks for saying so. Could we get the crew together in an hour or so?"

Jacko left with the assurance he'd have everyone ready.

Welsh stared out the window, pondering the toll it would take on him to lead and grieve at the same time. He considered whether to track Cagney down but decided against it.

He backed away from the counter. "Let her have some time alone." He got a kick of guilt for relying on her to do things his way. "I'll get her when the time comes to light the pyre."

They could figure out the future after they'd laid his old man to rest.

This one is challenging but so enjoyable to write. Welsh is a natural-born leader but doesn't think so and he stumbles along his way for a while.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Lie to Me

Well, we're finally getting November weather. It's chilly outside and we got some snow showers that really ended up being flurries flying wildly in the wind. I'm kind of excited to get into the true depth of fall.

Had a decent week of catching up on projects and doing more organizing. I also made a dent in my holiday shopping. I'm making an effort to be on top of that this year.

Pretty solid week of viewing also. I got two episodes of Glitch in. I thought I'd already watched the third episode but I hadn't. So I'll be starting episode five this week. Some crazy stuff happened and we're down two characters. I'm very interested in what the hell happened to Vic.

Caught another musical icon episode. Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You ended up being full of stuff I didn't know or remember about the singer. I like revisiting the lives of those we've lost.

Watched the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Definitely had a twist I sort of expected but didn't know if the show would go there. They totally did. I'm kind of excited to see the finale then dive into the Ready Room breakdowns. I kind of hope Wil loses his mind over some of the twists and turns. He's so much fun because he's such a huge fan.

Enjoyed two episode of Chicago Med. I'm almost through the second season with one more episode to go. I'm kind of sad about Robin's descent, especially because Rhodes is such a nice guy. I'm also thrilled with how Reese is coming into her own and standing up for herself. Her confidence is amazing this season.

Caught the season finale of Midsomer Murders. Really liked this one and loved the mystery. I rather hope there's another season in the works.

Finished season thirteen of Silent Witness and started the first episode of season fourteen. I'm a little iffy on whether I remember this one or not. Some of the details are pinging so I think I did watch it before.

Watched the season twenty finale of Classic Who. Thoroughly enjoyed "The Five Doctors" and seeing all the former companions back for a spin. Although Four didn't have much of anything to do, which, honestly, isn't a huge loss. He'd been the most recent anyway.

Caught another episode of Roswell: The Final Verdict and liked the deep dive into how some of the witnesses were discredited and humiliated. Everything that happened with the Roswell incident is fascinating.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Lynda Carter and Carol Channing were the guest stars. The muppets trying to be super heroes was hilarious.

Started the updated version of Fantasy Island. Interesting premise and pretty decent storylines. I'll finish out the season and see if things hold up.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm almost through season five and I'm still liking the mix of partners. I think I have two episodes left before season six starts.

Watched another MasterClass with Brandon McMillan. This one gave me some good insight into how to keep my doggos from jumping. I'm going to try some of the techniques because that's a huge problem with both dogs.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Two were favorites from watching with my kiddos when they were little. This show is so much fun to revisit.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Nice to see Jared back and what a terrific case. I'm hoping the lawyer lady gets caught at some point. Because she's definitely guilty. Also wondering if the final duo will end up featuring in another episode at some point.

And that's pretty much it for this week's television update. Tonight's post is from Lie to Me, a novella that puts one of the characters in a dangerous situation and forces the other to consider how to save them.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jana Ricks has a target on her back and she wants Rhys McPherson to help her get rid of it. Rhys loves Jana, but may not be able to protect her, not if they want to stay alive, which he's determined to make happen … even if it means giving up the future he wants.

And a preview snippet…

Jana showered and waited for Rhys. He tripped the ward to alert her and she went to the door. She drank in the sight of him ambling along her walkway.

She sighed. "Such a handsome geek." Her long-buried feelings for him threatened to consumer her.

She loved him. Always would. Even if she'd never have him again.

When he stepped up onto her porch, she exited to meet him. "I'm sorry. I didn't know who to call. No one else has your knowledge." The man loved nothing more than to be surrounded by books.

He hugged her. A quick squeeze and release. Her body craved more. So much more.

Rhys cupped her face. "You know I'll always have your back." He followed her inside. "You've set perimeter wards?" He hefted his bag higher on his shoulder.

She nodded. "Right now, you're the only one who has access. Anyone else will get an unpleasant welcome." And probably not live to tell anyone about it.

Rhys cocked his head. "You took a risk going out to set an exception."

Jana flushed hot. "Er, I didn't go out." She held up a shirt—the fabric whisper soft from wear. "I used this to create the allowance for your admittance." She tucked the garment under her arm with no plans to give it back.

Rhys huffed out a breath. "Smart." He dumped his bag on the chair by the table. "Didn't realize I'd left anything behind." His gaze drifted toward the living area.

Jana winced but didn't jump on the subject. He didn't come to rehash the reasons they'd split up. Awkward moment much.

Jana finally remembered her manners. "How are Lindi and the kids?" Stupid question, but she could play nice when necessary.

Rhys gave her a wry grin. "They're all right. The kids have adjusted to living at the estate." He sobered. "Lindi's hanging in there." He jammed his hands into his pockets.

Translation—the kids are bouncing back and Lindi is still pissed at you.

She changed the subject. "I didn't get a good look at the predator, but it's either a hell hound or a hex cat. My money's on the cat." She paced a little, fighting the creeped-out feeling of being chased. "I think it was cloaked so a description could be avoided." Pretty damn smart, if she wanted to be nice about things.

She didn't.

Rhys dragged his books out of his bag. "Any reason why you're betting on the cat?" He stacked five volumes on the table.

Jana shrugged. "A hound would be baying in frustration over not getting past my wards." And probably chomping at the bit to get at her.

Rhys lifted his chin. "Unless it's well-trained."

Jana conceded. "Okay. Good point. But … they're notoriously hard to train and not many have the patience or skill to do it."

Rhys gave a slow nod. "True. We'll focus on a hex cat to start." He grabbed a book from the pile.

Jana pointed to the living room. "I cleared the table so you've got room to spread out. Or you—we—can work in here." She started toward the room.

Rhys couldn't hide a slight grimace. "You're helping?" He tucked two books under his arm and lifted three more in both hands.

Jana laughed. "Don't worry. I figured I can play fetch and carry. I promise I won't touch the precious tomes." A long-standing bone of contention between them—her lack of scholarly pursuits showed in her nonexistent reverence for a musty text.

Rhys picked up on her stab at humor. "Hey, the precious tomes might be the only thing to save your very nice ass." He strolled past her with a quirky grin on his face and put the books on the ottoman in front of the couch.

Jana couldn't suppress a lick of satisfaction. At least he still liked her butt. She shut down the euphoria and focused on the reason Rhys had to be here.

Her work created a lot of havoc. Rhys had knowledge about a little bit of everything. She wouldn't regret using whatever connection they had to figure this out. And she wouldn't make too much of anything else.

Heading back toward the kitchen, she called over her shoulder. "I'll put some coffee on."

I love writing banter between characters who have a lot of underlying tension. Rhys and Jana definitely have history and a lot of shorthand between them.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Left Unsaid

Well … November has arrived and the weather is cooling off to true fall-like temperatures. It's pretty chilly when I take the dogs out for the final time at night. Brrr.

Had a limited work week with only one project on my desk. Sometimes it's nice to have the extra time to get things done around the house. I'm still on my great clear-out and making solid progress. I have a new couch coming later this month and I'm excited to get everything ready for it.

Decent week of television. I caught four episodes of The Muppet Show. Anne Murray, Jonathan Winters, Star Wars / Mark Hamill, and Christopher Reeve were the guest stars. I remember the Star Wars episode from childhood. My brothers and I loved that one.

Finished up Prime Suspect and actually loved the way the series ended. I don't remember if I actually got to finish the entire series when I watched the first time so I'm glad I got to complete the entire run. Really like the bookend of how it began with how it ended.

Watched two episodes of Peak Practice. As suspected, David's wife kind of went off the rails and the climax of that happened in the second episode. I'm also enjoying Paul's storyline. Nice to see him pop up about every other episode.

Caught two more MasterClass lessons with Brandon McMillan. He's very good at explaining his technique and I'm hoping I'll be able to work with both dogs to have them behave better.

Watched another episode of Glitch and this show is as trippy as I thought it would be. Three episodes in and I'm still not quite sure what's going on. James has quite the dilemma on two fronts and it's almost uncomfortable watching him juggle everything.

Enjoyed another Pop Profiles. This one featured Jennifer Lopez. I didn't learn a lot of new things about her career but I loved revisiting some of her stellar moments.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This show is so much fun to revisit. Had a chance to talk to my oldest and reminisce a little about how much we loved watching when he was little.

Watched a great episode of Chicago Med. I'm starting to really enjoy Dr. Latham. I also loved getting into a little more of Goodwin's story. Also really liked Reece's storyline for this episode.

Enjoyed another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I've been enjoying having Frodo pop up in weird jobs. My hope is he'll eventually end up at the Toad and Lion. He'd make a great bartender.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. This one is interesting with a rural flavor to it. I'm feeling bad for Adam. He's got it bad for Chris and she's not going there because of their age difference.

Started the final two-parter of Silent Witness for season thirteen. This is another South Africa setting. I have a very vague memory of what happened the first time I watched and I'm looking forward to the second part to see if I remember anything else.

I'm almost finished with season twenty of Classic Who. The Master did show up again in a two-part arc and that leaves one final episode left. "The Five Doctors" will round out the season and we'll be on to twenty-one.

Enjoyed another episode of Roswell: The Final Verdict. This focused on how the government went to a lot of trouble to silence witnesses of the crash. The AI found a couple of false statements and that always interests me. Looking forward to the next episode.

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Left Unsaid, a novella with main characters that can't always say what they want to.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Haven and Pryce are involved in a covert war between humanity and the fae. When the battle takes a nasty turn for the worse and their lives are in danger multiple times, the couple realizes it's sometimes better to communicate without words.

And a preview snippet…

Haven woke slowly. A little disoriented, the pleasant weight of Pryce's arm curled around her made her smile. She didn't do wistful, not normally, but she could get used to having him spooned against her.

Stop. You can't go there. Why not, though? Because he still needs to grieve and you might not have tomorrow. But they had today. If anything, living in the moment and happily right now is the way to go.

Raspy stubble ghosted over her shoulder. "I can hear the wheels spinning in your head, Haven. What's got your brain churning?" He pressed a kiss to her skin.

She shifted around to face him. "Everything we leave unsaid between us." So much they could fill a baggage claim.

He cupped her face. "This is deeper than Peter, isn't it?"

She nodded. "But he looms the largest right now." The rest could wait.

Pryce brushed his lips over hers. "Okay, then. Let's grab a shower and put Peter to rest while we eat something." He eased off the couch and started for the bathroom.

Haven admired his ass then shook her head. "Focus, you idiot." She got up and joined him under the spray.

She liked how they lingered, neither in a rush to dive into anything sexy but taking time to appreciate the play of water and suds over skin. The touch so different from when she'd first arrived. When the water cooled, Pryce twisted the knob and cut the flow. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Haven.

His thumbs brushed over her cheeks, his gaze seeking answers. "Look, Have, about earlier—"

She cut him off. "Don't you dare apologize. You took what I freely offered and I'm not complaining." She pinned him with a bold look. "We needed the outlet to get through the anger." Keeping the towel around her, she entered his bedroom and snagged one of his T-shirts then dried off and slipped the garment over her head. "Besides, we have other important things to discuss, right?"

I love where this book is going. Everything kind of came together and the conflict ended up being filled with more layers than I thought it would be.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye