Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

January kind of flew by for me and I'm not quite ready for February yet. That said, I did establish a few new habits or routines and I'm a little thrilled I kept them up for the entire month.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I kind of let the housework slide to stay caught up on work projects and had a chance to cycle through a bunch of shows.

Ended up getting in three episodes of Chicago Med. I'm almost finished with the third season and I'm still thoroughly enjoying this show so much.

Watched three episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. These little shorts are fun and quick to get through. Nice to have something that works as a timed break when it's needed.

Finished up The Madame Blanc bonus episodes and eagerly await another season of this super engaging mysteries series.

Ended up catching three episodes of Silent Witness. The "Fear" two-parter ended up being really terrific and I don't remember watching it before. Looking forward to the next two-part episode.

Enjoyed the final two episodes of the Classic Who arc with Two and Six. Kind of fun to revisit the former doctor, especially since many of Two's episodes are lost to time.

Got two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle in. One focused on a lost flight and the thunderbird legend and the other about Mount Hope and a possible secret base, which had remote viewing involved and that subject fascinates me.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppets. I'm still finding my way with this show. It's entertaining but really lacks the charm of the original.

Finished up Fosse Verdon. Even though I knew how things ended, I still felt like someone punched me in the gut when the final moments aired. Hat tip to the cast of this terrific limited series.

Caught the final episode of Peak Practice season six and started season seven. Sad to see Erica no longer with the practice but looking forward to some new interactions with whoever takes over for her.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I have a bonus episode to watch then I'll start a new class. No idea what I'll pick up next but look forward to diving in.

Enjoyed a couple of extras for The Witcher. Started out with the making of season two and then caught the characters of the continent special. This week I'll probably dive into the beasts and monsters they deal with.

Caught a couple episodes of Classic Rugrats. Season two ranks as probably my favorite overall. That might change as I get further along, but right now, I'm remembering how many of my faves are in the second season.

Watched another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I like the new guy even if he's not quite as quirky as Breen. As always, it's fun to see recurring characters pop up in the course of the investigations.

Star Trek: Discovery continues to amaze me. I'm enjoying the red angel saga and how intertwined everything is. Nice to have Hugh back even if he's not quite himself. Should be fun to see how that plays out.

Started the second season of Queens of Mystery. I'm rather disappointed that Matilda and Daniel aren't anywhere close to being together. Miscommunication can be a blessing or a curse and I'm hoping it ends up being a blessing. We'll see how the season goes.

That's pretty much it for the television update this week. Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that stacks the odd against the characters even though they want to be together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most … until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

Warrick Lawton led Brigitt—no, Byrony—into his apartment above the fae council chambers. The old brick building had three fours and he lived on the top two. Perks of being the head of council.

Byrony's gaze darted around, taking in the living area and library. "Wow, nice space." A calculating gleam entered the flashing brown depths of her eyes.

No doubt she had some ideas on where she might put her stuff. He'd put a stop to any thoughts like that right away. He always did.

Warrick stepped in front of her, bringing her focus solely on him. "Don't do that. Don't plan ahead. This is a one-time thing." His hands grasped her shoulders. "I'm always honest about what I'm looking for and forever isn't it." He waited until she met his gaze. "If you want something more, I'm not game. The choice is yours." His hands dropped and he stepped back to give her room to make a decision.

Byrony gave him a slow, sultry smile. "I get it, Warrick. I'm sure I'm not the first or only woman who entertained a brief but bright wish she'd be the one to tame you." Her fingers went to the hem of her shirt. "I'll take what you're offering and walk away happy." She tugged the tee up and over her head.

If only another certain woman had taken what I offered and didn't walk away.  But, no, Fiona Freeman full-on rejected having a place at his side then fled the glade without a backward glance. Served him right … for thinking she'd want forever with him. Fiona didn't do forever.

And now, neither did he.

Dropping her shorts, Byrony arched a brow. "Planning to join me?" She grabbed his shirt and tugged him close.

He braced his hands on the wall behind her and lowered his head to snag her lips in a heated kiss. She moaned against his mouth and worked the button open and the zipper of his pants down then shoved them past his hips. Pressing her back against the paneled surface of the wall, she grasped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist. He didn't hesitate, thrusting forward, going deep and grinding against her. Keeping one palm against the wall and the other cupping her ass, he nuzzled her throat.

She nipped at his ear, rocking her hips. "Not gonna last long, Warrick. I've wanted you too long." Her head lolled to one side and her breath came out in short, gasping pants.

Warrick gave a grunt of acknowledgment, focusing on getting her off. The least I can do considering she'll never have an opportunity for another round. And he'd take care of a basic need so he could convene the council without wanting to do bodily harm to the members.

Not exactly win-win, but he'd left that mindset behind the day Fiona left.

Warrick isn't really in a good space at the moment and he's going to get a big blast from the past in the near future.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mr and Mrs Black

Kind of a busy, frustrating week. We dug out of eleven inches of snow, which is actually a lot more than we've seen in several years. I had a lot of work stuff hit sideways and struggled to get some insurance stuff sorted out for my middle kidlet.

Had a decent week of television viewing, mainly due to hold times on the phone. I started with Seduction and Snacks, a PassionFlix movie and have about half of it completed. I had to pause because the distractions were too many and I want to take my time and enjoy this one.

Got two more episodes of Snoopy in Space watched and kind of enjoyed both. It's fun to have something quick and easy to view.

Caught some behind-the-scenes stuff for The Madame Blanc Mysteries. So much fun to watch the cast interviews and get some insight on how they shot the series. I really hope they do a second one.

Finished up one and began a new Silent Witness two-parter. Good stuff this season. I'm looking forward to more.

Watched two more episodes of Classic Who. The Master is gone again—for now. Can't say I'm sorry to see him go. Six is kind of growing on me and it's fun to have two wandering around again. I'll see how that arc ends this week.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Shipwrecks and underwater UFOs and ghost ships were the focus. Always love watching what might have happened to downed ships.

Started The Muppets and, meh, it's okay. Really lacks the charm of the original but it's kind of fun to see the muppets in a docu-style series.

Caught another two episodes of Fosse Verdon. I'm so intrigued by the ins and outs of Bob and Gwen's personal and professional lives. Can't wait to finish this one.

Watched two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm almost finished with season six and should be starting seven this week. I've enjoyed not having weird manipulating characters for the past few episodes.

Got two more MasterClass lessons with Bill Nye. I love how much fun he has educating people.

Ended up getting in two more episodes of Classic Rugrats—two of my favorites. I love reminiscing while watching.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and enjoyed it a lot. Really looking forward for more next week.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'm kind of sad because a favorite character ended up saying good-bye. I'm hoping some light will be shed in the behind-the-scenes interviews.

Enjoyed a seriously great episode of Star Trek: Discovery. This show … never fails to suck me into the action and emotion.

Last but not least, I finished the second season of The Witcher. I'm so intrigued by the ending and can't wait for more episodes. I ended up being very satisfied with how things played out for the main trio and the side characters. I love this show.

That's it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Mr and Mrs Black, a novella where a very-much-in-love couple discovers how many secrets they're keeping from each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ember Frost and Winter Smoak, assassins for opposing factions, are ordered by their respective employers to kill each other, which would be so much easier if they weren't happily married but hiding some big secrets—like their occupations—from each other.

And a preview snippet…

"Do you understand the objective, Mr. Smoak?"

Fuck, yes, I do.

Winter stared at his screen then gave a nod. "Not much to misunderstand, is there?" He refused to let the icy rage take over or show in his tone. "I'll report no later than midnight."

After cutting the call, he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. A deep, frigid chill settled over him, keeping the swirling tendrils of anger and fear at bay. He prided himself on never taking his work home or letting it get personal.

That ended now.

Because his job just took a turn into personal territory and parked right out front.

He swiped his finger over the image. "How could you do this to me?" Damn her to hell.

Hello, pot. You've got no room to talk.

Maybe not, but obviously he needed to have a conversation. And maybe a long internal discussion about missing the forest for the trees. And probably about being gullible enough to believe her cover, which okay, didn't look all that different from his.

The ice cracked a little but froze over again. No. He had to maintain a separation of fact and fiction.

She'd lied to him. "What a betrayal." Working for the other side, not as a consultant as he'd believed, but as a fixer. Assassin. All-around pain in the ass.

"Whose time has apparently run out."

Because his objective didn't leave any kind of wiggle room. And right now … being pissed off she'd kept something so utterly important from him would make his job easy. Find her then add another check to his achieved agenda.

A ping for an incoming text drew his attention.

He glanced at his phone. "Geez. Wouldn't you know?" His target made contact.

Ember kept the message short and sweet. "We need to meet. 524 Windsor Ave. ASAP."

He didn't think twice, firing off an immediate reply. "On my way."

Checking his weapon, he didn't know whether to thank the universe or curse it for Ember setting the meet away from their home. His personal stash of weaponry would come in handy, but she, no doubt, had a full cache hidden around also. She wouldn't be the number one most wanted if she didn't.

Exiting out into the chilly night air, he put his game face on. The mask slipped a little when he slid behind the wheel of his vehicle. For the first time in his long career, doubt about his profession crept in.

"Damn, this sucks big hairy ones."

Because he'd been tasked with taking Ember Black—no, Frost—out of commission. Permanently. The woman he happily married and loved more than anything.

I love writing this one. I have no idea exactly where it's going to go but it's fun making the discovery as I happily type away.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm

We're supposed to get dumped on by winter storm Izzy. I don't know, six to eleven inches doesn't seem like getting hammered by snow, but it'll make driving very not fun.

Had a great work week and started a new project. Also got another haul of books that I've already cracked open and started reading. I'm gonna need another bookcase in the near future.

Decent week of television also. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and kind of enjoyed them. They're super short and rather fun.

Finished up an episode of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. This show continues to make me happy. Although Leo is being a bit of a shit and that disappoints me.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Who. The Master returned, which is kind of meh for me. I'm not a fan of his weirdness or one-note return to evil.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Both focused on hauntings and one featured giants and the other had a creature called the kushtaka. I found everything fascinating. Gotta watch more shows about Alaskan lore.

Finished out season five of The Muppet Show. Johnny Cash, Buddy Rich, Linda Ronstadt, and Roger Moore were the guest stars. I'll probably start a new muppet series this week.

Caught two more episodes of Fosse Verdon. I feel like I missed out on so much by not really following this as it all happened. I didn't really get into Broadway shows until my late twenties, which is almost a decade after Fosse died.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm nearing the end of season six and they've tackled a lot this season. Kind of looking forward to Claire having the baby to see where things go from there.

I finished up the first season of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Only slightly surprised by who the villain turned out to be and I'm looking forward to seeing if this thread is picked back up if there's a second season.

Watched two more MasterClass lessons with Bill Nye. I truly enjoy how he presents information. I think I have about four more classes with him and I'm looking forward to more.

Caught two episodes of The Witcher. Man, the second episode almost did me in. Never thought I'd be so damned bummed about a horse. And, wow, the storm brewing around Ciri is getting intense. I only have two episodes left and I'm not sure I'm ready for them.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This show makes me happy. The first two seasons are filled with so much tongue in cheek, yet very spot-on mayhem.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I have a sad feeling Sarah is headed for lots of trouble. Really not sure about the whole Conor Beckett hookup. I mean, I know what happens but the way they get started is kind of bleh.

Started season seven of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I really hope there's more to come from this series. I have a lot of fun watching this group solve crime.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Suru and Michael have come such a long way and I love their storyline. This show really makes me happy.

That's pretty much it for this week's television update. Tonight's post is from Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm, a novella where the characters butt heads in a great way.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

What the hell have I walked in on?

Two men pacing back and forth never amounted to anything good. And their stricken and, yeah, guilty looks only added to her discomfort. Each man looked like an animal caught in the crosshairs.

Shit. "Aw, fuck. You told him." If she could get away with murder, she'd kill Teague right now. "You had no right to share that information. It's not your secret to tell." Okay, not entirely true but, dammit, she should've been able to tell Vasek. In her own time and her own way.

Now she wouldn't have the chance.

Teague moved forward. "He needed to know. If he doesn't give the hounds a heads-up, you run the risk of, at the very least, being tracked and tagged when they're on patrol." He snarled the words.

She hand-waved his concern. "So what? I've gone toe-to-toe with them before. It's not like they don't know me." Why all the drama?

Vasek stepped in. "Dammit, Bentley. Think about it. Do you know what they'll do to you if they get a bead on you?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Obviously I've missed something. What, exactly, is the problem?" Could she get any deeper in the shit pile?

Teague's lips flattened and his face went stony. Great. He blabbed to Vasek without any trouble but he wouldn't inform her? What happened to his all-consuming need to be parental?

Vas gave a sound of disgust. "If you don't tell her, I will. She needs to know, dammit."

A ball of dread spooled in her stomach. What the hell is going on?

Teague made a reluctant noise. "There are certain times of the month where your ability might manifest itself in ways that will be dangerous for you." He paced back and forth again. "Similar to when female animals go in heat. Unless you learn control, you could change without warning, give off a heightened scent, and-or draw potential mates to you without realizing it and they wouldn't be able to resist." He stopped walking. "Basically, the hounds wouldn't just track and tag, they'd track, tag, and fight to the death to take."

Bentley absorbed his words, letting the ramifications wash over her then completely lost her shit. "Well, that's just fucking awesome. Yet another way you've managed to screw everything up in my life." Balling her fists, she fought the urge to punch something. "Thanks for that, oh great sperm donor." She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "And thanks for the need to put the information out there. I'll bet Vasek can't wait to explain this to his faction." At least he'd take care to minimize the details and the damage.

Teague flung a hand out. "If you won't let me train you to mask the potential pitfalls, I have to be responsible and make sure we're not wasting time and resources on erroneous sightings or start a war during the patrols."

Bentley rolled her eyes. "Right. Just dandy you choose to take responsibility for this but couldn't be bothered after you dicked my mom. That's just perfect." She hated being such a bitch, especially with an audience that didn't deserve to have the sordid details of her parentage strewn out for his listening pleasure.

Teague sighed. "You know what? I'm only going to say this once. What I had with your mother went beyond wanting a good fuck. I loved her."

Bentley tsked. "Right, so much so, you left as soon as you found out you knocked her up. What about that responsibility?" Hurt and pain filled her voice and she hated both.

Teague closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. "It's a two-way street, Bentley. I'm willing to accept what I owe you, but you have to be ready to learn and focus. Until that happens, we're done here. Which means you're on short notice. You can't be running around out there until you can control the ability. It's not safe for you or anyone else." He sent an SOS glance in Vasek's direction.

Vas, to his credit, held up both hands. "You have a valid point, Teague, but it's her call. My guys will get the heads-up and do everything they can to manage the situation." He directed his gaze to Bentley. "Until we know more about how your ability will function, you might want to at least get a handle on the basic methods he wants to teach you."

Ugh. Of course, he'd go diplomatic on her. Not that she blamed him. He'd be in a really tough spot, thanks to her paternal nightmare.

Bentley growled. "Fine." She sent a scathing glance toward Teague. "I'll think about working with you on this, but it'll be on my terms. I'll let you know when I'm ready." Which would not be tonight.

Teague grunted. "That's a start."

She turned to leave. "By the way, I'm in for the night. You can call off the watchdogs. And I don't mean the hounds." She'd be damned if he would have her followed twenty-four seven.

Teague frowned. "I didn't have anyone else out there."

Bentley cocked her head. Interesting. And probably not good.

She hedged a little. "Hmm. I was tailed the moment I left the bar." A creepy feeling entered her brain. "Gave whoever the hell it was a show." She'd figured it would piss Teague off.

Teague's brows furrowed. "You went skinny dipping in Havers Lake, didn't you?"

Damn. Scary how well he knew her. Even without the parental connection.

She shrugged. "Maybe. None of your damned business." She started for the door again.

Teague blocked her path. "It is if you're being followed."

Bentley sidestepped around him. "No, it's not. You're not putting me on a leash. I'm not in the field right now, which you know makes me crazy. If you think you're going to keep me prisoner in the manor, you're dead-ass wrong." She held up a hand when he started to argue. "I won't go out alone anymore. That's all I'm willing to concede."

His mouth thinned to a slash across his face but he gave her a terse nod.

To play nice, she met Vasek's gaze. "Wanna walk me out?"

He fell into step beside her and they exited the room.

Thankfully, he said nothing on the way to her place, giving her time to ponder how much she didn't want to be spending quality time with her dear, old dad.

I love having a character that has to deal with a big reveal, especially when they don't want to deal with the fallout from it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

Not a bad week overall. The weather has been a little crazypants, but given the state of the world, not exactly surprising.

Had a new work project and set up several more for the near future. Happy about getting some new ink on my calendar. Also started a new goal of reading a bit from my new books. If I make it an almost daily habit, I'll get a lot accomplished.

Decent viewing week for television. I caught a couple of Peanuts specials. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown and It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown. I don't think I've ever seen either.

Watched the penultimate episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. So far, I'm really enjoying this new show. Here's hoping there will be more.

Caught two episodes of Classic Who and I'm stuck between thinking it's kind of cool that the Doctor struggles with maintaining the TARDIS and being annoyed by the idea. Did kind of enjoy the various incarnations the ship took when they moved from place to place.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I'm constantly fascinated by how vast the state is and how beautiful the scenery is. Even with weird stuff going on.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. Not quite sure what this one will be about but I have a feeling Wayne's not going to fare well.

Watched four episodes of The Muppet Show. Gladys Knight, Hal Linden, Marty Feldman, and Wally Boag were the guest stars. Almost finished with season five and then it'll be the new-to-me series and movies up next.

Got two more episodes of Peak Practice watched. The icky doctor finally got his comeuppance and Claire's manic depression might have calmed down a little. Still enjoying this one.

Finished up the holiday special of Fantasy Island. I ended up a blubbery mess by the end of it. Kudos to the writing staff for that. Really like where this show is headed. Fingers crossed they don't eff it up like so many other shows.

Enjoyed two more lessons of MasterClass with Bill Nye. I love his mix of humor and excitement. I wish school districts would let teachers instruct the way he does.

Got two episodes of The Witcher watched and I'm so in love with this show. I love everything about the plotlines this season. I'm very excited about the main trio meeting up … if it happens. If it doesn't, I'll deal but I want Geralt, Yennifer, and Ciri in one room at the same time—even if it's the final cut scene of the season. Just saying.

Watched two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both were remembered favorites. Someday, I'd love to watch some of these with my oldest kidlet again.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and enjoyed both. There's something about a medical drama that makes me very happy. This one walks a nice line of drama and humor.

Finished up season six of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I've got one season left and I'm actually hoping there will be another one in the wings. Haven't really looked to see if that's going to happen but here's hoping.

Started a new season and a new two-parter of Silent Witness. Harry is still around, which is terrific. I love his character. I also don't remember watching this run so I might finally be in new episodes for me.

Caught another episode of Fosse Verdon. This one made me grin because my daughter did the "Who's Got the Pain" number for her senior year pops concert. I'm hoping I can get her to watch at least that scene.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. A lot going on in this one. Ash is back with star fleet. Tilly is going through it. Phillipa made an appearance, which I'm totally down with. And Michael is caught up in major family drama. Looking forward to seeing where everything ends up.

Whew! That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mister Mysterious, a novella that brings a former couple together again to resolve their past.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

Her mouth dropped open. "You can't be serious? You're not staying here. No way." She got up and paced back and forth.

Tharn barely batted an eye. "Yes, I am." His tone indicated he'd be stubborn.

Marlow stopped and flung a hand out. "Why? Why would you want to?" Did he have masochistic tendencies she didn't know about?

Tharn closed his eyes. "Because I owe Charlotte. And you." His eyes popped open and he met her gaze. "Hell, I owe myself for not taking enough precautions to save your sister."

Marlow owned responsibility there. If she'd backed off and ignored wild chemistry they had, his mind would've been focused only on Charlotte. But … she hadn't and they paid a high price for their lack of attention.

She dropped down beside him. "I hate this." She waited a beat. "I hate you." Even though she still wanted to jump him.

Almost as if he'd read her mind, Tharn's lips quirked. "No, you don't. That's why it's hard." He angled toward her. "You want to hate me, but you don't. Because you're too much of a realist to lay all the blame at my feet."

And just like that, he'd nailed her to the wall.

She gave up trying to get rid of him. But she wouldn't make the same mistake she'd made three years ago.

Heaving a sigh, her shoulders slumped. "Damn you, Tharn. I'm not going to fall back into bed with you." The only indication she'd accept him sticking close by.

Tharn snorted. "Didn't ask you to. That's not why I'm here."

Right. Apparently he didn't have sex on the brain like she did. And she really shouldn't be pissed about that fact.

Getting her head on straight, she nodded. "Glad that's settled." Now she needed her fears confirmed, even if unofficially. "You got word through channels? I'm assuming they're deep and dark and way, way back." They had to be because she hadn't heard any kind of chatter. Not even a whisper.

Tharn grunted. "You assume correctly. And before you ask, no, I'm not sharing the sources. Suffice to say I trust them." His head dropped to the back of the cushion.

Marlow bit her cheek to keep from demanding answers. "Meaning I have to trust you, right?" She didn't have much choice and it didn't rest well with her.

Tharn gave her a sharp glance. "Bluntly? Doesn't matter if you do or don't. I will not fail you like I failed Charlotte. Believe me. Doubt me. I don't care. From this moment forward, nothing gets to you without going through me." He straightened and got up, heading to the wardrobe in the corner of the room.

Reaching in, he pulled out an extra throw and a pillow. He went to the front door and whispered an incantation then returned to the living room. The windows were warded next followed by the fireplace. He added a blanket spell to cover the French doors and patio. He made his way to the kitchen and stopped by the bath on his way back through, placing protective layers in each location.

Setting the sleeping items on the sofa, he lifted his chin. "You'll take care of the loft? I won't invade your personal sanctuary."

Rising, Marlow gave a nod. "I'll head up now and take care of it." She didn't say goodnight, her heart needing the separation of personal and professional.

But her mind eased with the knowledge she'd actually sleep more than a few hours for the first time in two weeks.

I love a good reunion with unresolved issues and Marlow definitely has major concerns with Tharn showing up on her doorstep.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Mirror of the Mist

Welcome 2022! Honestly, I'm hoping for great things in the next twelve months. After two years of questionable circumstances with family health issues and weird things happening, I'm kind of ready for some smoother sailing. Here's to making that happen.

Had a weirdly busy week with finalizing some work projects and clearing my desk and inbox for year-end stuff. Also had some running around that needed to get done.

Sort of a so-so week for television. I caught two episodes of Chicago Med and liked both. Sad to see Conor's life implode again and since I know what's coming for him, I'm hovering in the background wondering how bad things will get.

For a fun pick-me-up, I watched the Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne special and thoroughly enjoyed it. I might have to revisit all the Peanuts specials to keep the mood up.

Caught an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and, as usual, loved it. This show makes me happy. I'm always excited to see returning characters.

Enjoyed the holiday episode of Death in Paradise. Gotta say I really enjoyed it. I need to start from the very beginning and watch the whole series run to date.

Watched the first part of Silent Witness and I have a feeling it might be the last of Harry's episodes, which makes me sad but I'm also getting closer to episodes I haven't seen yet.

Caught the first episode of a Classic Who two-parter. I think this season has a couple of those.

Started a new series with The Alaska Triangle. Loved the first episode, mainly because it's like brand new information to me. There's so much stuff about the Bermuda Triangle but I haven't read or watched anything about the Alaska one.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppet Show. Mac Davis and Carol Burnett were the guest stars. Still hoping to get the movies watched in the near future.

Watched the first part of Fantasy Island's holiday episode and should finish up the second part this week. Really enjoyed it and I hope it goes in the direction I'm wishing for.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. The new guy is really annoying me to no end. I'm not sure if they'll end up making him a decent guy or not, but at this point I don't actually care.

Viewed another MasterClass lesson with Bill Nye. Critical thinking and critical filtering was the topic and I loved it. Bill explains things so well.

Enjoyed the second episode of The Witcher. This season has been a bit of a roller coaster already. I feel awful for Yennifer and can't wait until she hooks up with Geralt and Ciri.

Caught an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and thoroughly enjoyed it. So far, the second season is excellent. Love Pike and Michael's interactions and I'm totally down with Tillie and Stamets having their weird issues from interactions with foreign entities.

Wow, I watched more than I thought I did. That's pretty much it for the update this week.

Tonight's post is from Mirror of the Mist, a modern twist of a fairy tale with some paranormal elements woven in.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An urban riff on Snow White, Cecelia Dumond, a black arts priestess, tasks Dys Hunter to assassinate her counterpart, a mystic oracle named Lyric Song. Dys goes undercover in a fight club to gain access to the powerful beauty. Little does he know, she's the one to lead him home, back to his rightful place as heir to his father's empire.

And a preview snippet…

Dys Hunter entered the chamber of his mistress, Cecelia Dumond, and stopped in front of her, bowing his head. "You called for me?" His mouth watered when she approached, the sheer fabric of her dress outlining the curve of her breasts and the flare of her hips.

Dare he hope…

Cecelia gave a nod. "I have a job for you, Hunter." She trailed her fingers from his bicep to his wrist.

His body immediately responded—as it always did when she touched him. He craved her, would do anything she asked, and come back begging for more. Anything to win favor and make her eyes gleam with pleasure over his accomplishments.

She grasped his hand and tugged him forward, leading him to the edge of her sanctuary. "I want you to find a way in to Thrune Ultimate Fighting Factory." She twined her fingers with his. "I have a dossier for you to review on the head of the company. She's your target."

Dys arched a brow. "What's the end goal?" He didn't normally do honey traps as Cecelia had other henchmen better suited to that kind of work.

She let go of his hand. "To take TUFF down and ruin any chance of it getting back up and running again." Her feet glided along the slate tiles to the huge floor-to-ceiling mirror that cast shadows on the powder gray walls. "There's more to the Thrune Ultimate than cage fighting matches. They've got a lucrative sideline that I want control over." Her head angled back. "The paranormal well runs deep within the ranks over there and I won't have that kind of competition." She turned back, her face a mask of anger.

Dys longed to give her serenity. "What do you need me to do?" He'd find a way to make whatever she required a reality.

Cecelia loosened the stays of her dress and let it fall to the floor. "First, I want you hard and hot for me then I'll outline your plan of attack…" She snapped her fingers and smiled when his clothes disappeared then she swept her arm to one side and directed him to her bed.

Dys didn't think about anything other than her and the bliss she created for the next two hours.

I'm having a lot of fun playing with the Snow White themes and changing things up a little.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye