Sunday Snippet: Nowhere Good

Another busy week with multiple projects on the all burners. I've been doing oracle card readings every morning and, based on what I'm seeing, things won't be slowing down anytime soon. I'm totally okay with that.

We had a few lovely days of spring before winter came roaring back. Two days in the mid-thirties with rain and flurries. Bleh. Then again, when I'm still wearing shorts and flip-flops in October, I'll try to remember being cold in March.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I'm kind of off-schedule, but that happens sometimes. I have a couple of movies and musical specials I want to watch and that might swing things back to my usual show cycle.

I started the week with Star Trek: Discovery and, ugh, I got very emotional. I've got one final episode, I think, of season two and then I might dive into the Ready Room to get some insider details.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and I kind of like the tension building between everyone. Sad to see Will and Nat's wedding not happen and I really disliked the FBI agent overseeing him. Not sure how I feel about the whole Rhodes dynamic. But, knowing what I know about what happens later, it'll prove interesting to see how it all unfolds.

Watched two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'm still enjoying the science stuff mixed in with the antics of Snoopy and Woodstock. I'm always kind of in my happy place after I watch the short features.

I liked the Cuffs episode this week. There's a good mix of humor and drama in this show and I enjoy the partner dynamics. The detective stories are a blend of weird and gritty and I like those angles also.

Enjoyed two episodes of Silent Witness. Finished up the second episode of a two-parter and it didn't go in the direction I thought it would. I love when that happens. Started a new two-parter and it's kind of intense, which I like. The detective is a bit of a hard ass and that kind of annoys me, but it's good drama.

I'm almost finished with Classic Who season twenty-three. As expected, the Master made an appearance. I'm a little wobbly on the whole Doctor's darker side thing, but it's an interesting concept and gets a little work-in during the New Who series episodes.

Caught two more episodes of Aliens in Alaska and I like getting a bit of an education about the remote central interior of the state and the smaller towns. The UFO and alien stuff is just gravy.

Watched two more episodes of Muppets Now. This version of the show is growing on me and I like the repeat appearances by a couple of the guest stars along with one or two new ones that pop in. Of course, I love the Muppet Labs field testing, probably my favorite skit of the new version.

Harrow is really amping up the tension. I'm still so angry they killed off one of my favorite characters but I like how it makes Harrow do some soul-searching. I have no clue what the hell Maxine is doing but I hope there's a good reason for it. The one character that annoys me still annoys me so no change there.

Enjoyed another episode of Peak Practice. We're moving into the trauma of the week style and I'm kind of okay with that. There's enough carry through from previous episodes it still feels like the same show. I'm almost finished with season seven and I'm still liking the show.

Finished up MasterClass with Es Devlin. I thoroughly enjoyed her lessons and actually have some good information to apply to my work. Should be starting a new class this week and I'm planning on going with another science series.

Caught two episodes of Young Wallander and, wow, this show hits hard sometimes. I kind of guessed about who really had a hand in the killings and I'm glad that played out the way I thought it would. I won't rule out another twist though. I'm kind of expecting one.

I started season three of Classic Rugrats and watched several episodes. A couple are probably in my top five for this season—at least until I watch more.

Finished up Queens of Mystery with the final Behind the Scenes bonus. I'm actually glad I did watch because I wondered if they'd recast the lead character and they had. I might need to revisit so I have the details straight but the recast is fairly seamless.

Also watched another episode of Blue Heelers and really enjoyed it. Nice to get some additional backstory about Nick. I'm also such a fan of Chrissy and Adam's relationship. I hope that lasts for a while.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Nowhere Good, a novella that takes a couple on a journey to find their happy place.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After wiping out a rival fae faction, Adrian Stock plants a hot kiss on Shaun Henrickton, a fellow enforcer, and their world tilts sideways. They've got custom and ritual, protocol, and baggage between them and if they cave to their baser feelings, the outcome can't go anywhere good.

And a preview snippet…

Shaun's world tilted sideways and spun backward.

I'm kissing Adrian. What the hell is going on?

He didn't care. Her mouth moved under his and his brain fizzled, short-circuited, and fried on contact. Nothing mattered but her lips and his staying together for the foreseeable future.

Geez, she has a hot mouth.

Hot. Fire. Burned. Shit!

Shaun broke the kiss. "Damn. We need to get you looked at and make sure the sirens are okay." He caught one side of her face in his hand. "You're shivering and possibly in shock." Argh … he sounded stupid, didn't he?

Yep. Adrian blinked and her eyes narrowed. She went into shutdown mode.

Fuck. Their timing sucked. He'd give anything to sit her down and figure out what just happened between them.

He shrugged out of his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Adrian, I'm not sorry that happened. We just need to get out of here and report back." The sirens were vulnerable and his dick could not do the thinking right now.

Adrian tucked her injured arm up close to her chest and tightened his jacket with her good hand. "Fine. Yeah, you're right." She shuddered again.

Pissed off at himself for breaking the intimate moment and ruining a promising start, he wanted to smack himself for being so abrupt. He'd been completely unprepared for the surge of want and need she brought up and out of him. They didn't acknowledge the simmering attraction between them … for too many reasons to count. But the kiss changed everything. At the worst possible time.

She didn't need a slavering idiot right now. She needed comfort, because fire and Adrian did not get along. Funny how being trapped and tortured in a burning building could do that to a person. Not to mention losing a brother in the process. She hated dealing with fire creatures.

Gently, Shaun guided her toward the group of very young men and women gathered in the middle of the parking lot well away from the warehouse. The low hum emanating from the former hostages circled them in waves of calming energy. When Shaun and Adrian approached, the tune changed to a welcoming song.

Shaun paused before going further and met Adrian's gaze. "You good? Probably need about thirty minutes to get the sirens to a safe house." He could go it alone, but didn't want to.

Adrian blinked and squared her shoulders. "I'm solid. Better let me wrangle while you patrol ahead." She schooled her features and slipped her game face on.

Shaun caught the attention of the oldest siren. "Barth?" The guy nodded and Shaun lifted his chin. "We're going to get you to safety. We'll travel on foot to a secure location." He looked over the group. "Is everyone whole? No injuries?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Adrian stepped up. "I'm Adrian and I'll be keeping you shielded from any tracers trying to track you. Shaun is going to scout ahead and make sure we're clear. I'll be in contact with Shaun and all you need to do is keep me in your sight." Moving to stand in the middle of the group, she motioned for them to circle around her. "If I stop, you stop. My shielding will hold and protect you as long as we're all together."

Shaun met Adrian's gaze. "Give me a twenty count then follow. I'll reach out if I encounter anything." Anything else he wanted to say would have to wait.

Adrian inclined her head. "Twenty count. Got it." She muttered an incantation and a ball of light appeared then expanded to surround the group.

When the brightness faded, Shaun started out and made a left out of the parking lot. He'd go up a block then cut through the park—unless something nasty decided to rear its ugly head. Adrian would adjust accordingly if that happened. She knew the routes as well as he did.

She knows everything as well as I do.

Except maybe how to handle the seismic shift that just happened between them.

I love the vibes from this scene. Shaun is all over the map but finally focuses on the work even though he wants nothing more than to take care of Adrian—not that he won't try later.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Nothing Special

Super-heavy workload this week. I'm actually thrilled to be scheduling on my planner again, color-codes and everything. It's been a while since I've had to use a hard copy for keeping track of my projects. I like being busy.

Had a bit of limited viewing time this week. More so from having a bout of insomnia and taking naps at weird times during the day.

I watched an episode of Star Trek: Discovery and I love how things are coming together. There's been so much packed into this season and I'm amazed by the storytelling. This is such a good show.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. Gotta say Will gets himself into some tricky situations. I'm kind of annoyed with the FBI agent being such a drama queen over everything. Also feel terrible for Rhodes. Between having his dad on the board and the new ED doctor, he's got a lot on his plate.

Caught another episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. This is such a great show for young science nerds who love anything to do with space.

Enjoyed another episode of Cuffs. I'm kind of intrigued by the various relationships and I quite like how they intercut the scenes. I'm liking this one.

Watched two episodes of Classic Who. We're getting close to the end of the season and I have sneaky suspicion the Master is going to rear his ugly mug at some point. Should be interesting to see if I'm right.

Finished up season sixteen of Silent Witness and, yep, we lost Leo. So sad to see his end. Kind of wish Harry had come back for that but I loved Nikki's eulogy. Started seventeen and, eh, not sure I like the new guy. Jury is out on that one.

Caught two episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I love getting into what people see and how the experience shapes them afterward. This is a good show.

Started Muppets Now and I kind of like it after watching two episodes. They've brought back some older characters and it's a very updated and modernized variety style. Fun stuff.

Watched two more episodes of Harrow and, dammit, they killed off one of my favorites. I'd actually like to see one of the other characters go but won't hold my breath on that one. I really enjoy the dynamic between Harrow and Fairley's niece. The blending of the case of the week and overarching mystery works well with this show.

Got an episode of Peak Practice in and it was a sad one but with other happy moments woven in. Loved the ending with the new doctor grieving with Joanna.

Caught two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love how she covers scope when she talks about design. She's done some very interesting work and I'm learning a lot from watching her classes.

Watched two episodes of Young Wallander. It's a little uncanny how closely the plot line mirrors stuff going on right now and this show is set in Sweden. I love the lead in this one. He's understated and quiet but actually kind of funny and deep also.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I should be close to the end of season two and getting ready to start on three. I love revisiting this show. I'm pretty sure they leave out a few of the best episodes when they run encores of this.

Caught a bonus short for Queens of Mystery. The recap of season one had some pings that I'll look forward to playing out in season three, especially the ones that weren't solved in season two.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Blue Heelers. An interesting dive into coming home after being gone for a long time and how some people don't wear or show their feelings for everyone to see.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Nothing Special, a sexy short with characters who become more than friends after exchanging small gifts that are supposed to be tokens of appreciation but end up being so much more.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Masha Tuck and Ryce Reynoldson work tirelessly around the winter solstice to help provide a meaningful celebration to their fae and non-fae neighbors. Masha uncovers the perfect gift for Ryce—just a book, nothing special—but if she gives it to him, it'll add depth to their weird relationship and she's not sure she's ready for them to be a thing.

And a preview snippet…

Ryce scrambled quickly to think of something that wouldn't send her running.

Tapping the book, he got up. "Next should be trying one of the recipes, or more than one. I'm well stocked. Let's have dinner." He thumbed through the book and found a one-skillet main dish.

Masha rose and followed him. "Dinner? As in a sit at a table and eat kind of thing?" Her head tilted to one side and her gaze drifted someplace far away.

Ryce gave a nod. "I know. It's a strange concept to consider, since we're usually grabbing something on the go and stuffing our faces in between stops." He couldn't remember the last time he'd sat down to eat. "Yeah, we'll share a meal … see if the world implodes or anything."

Masha laughed. "You truly get me, don't you?" Pulling out a chair, she settled behind the island separating the kitchen and dining nook. "The whole having a moment with you shakes my foundation." Turning the brooch over in her hands, her lips quirked.

Ryce propped the book open and started pulling out ingredients. "How about you read the instructions and I'll do the hard part." He chuckled when she stuck her tongue out.

Tucking the brooch into her shirt pocket, she spun the text toward her. "Fine. Also a wise choice. My culinary skills go as far as opening a box of cereal and pouring milk over it." She flipped through the pages, keeping her place with her finger. "Hey, this dressing looks kind of yummy." She read off the ingredients.

Ryce opened a cabinet. "I'll make it. I've got the stuff." He pulled out more items and added them to the counter. "See if there's anything appealing for dessert. Maybe something with apples."

She found a recipe for a buckwheat tart and mentioned having something similar when her grandmother used to visit.

He got everything started and roped Masha into helping by cutting up apples and showing her how to whisk the dressing. By the time he had the food ready, she'd set the table, poured water into the glasses, and spooned salad into bowls.

He carried the main dish to the table and nodded for her to grab the dressing.

She sat across from him, inhaling deeply. "Mmmm. Smells divine." Draping a napkin across her lap, she then drizzled dressing over the greens mix.

Ryce dished up the main course and had to agree—the mix of herbs and spices tantalized his senses. "Dig in." He motioned for her to get started.

She shook her head. "Nope. If we're sharing the moment, we need to synchronize our tasting." She scooped some of the food onto her fork and waited until he did the same. "To good food and home-cooked meals." Raising her utensil, she made a toasting gesture.

Ryce laughed. "Here-here." He lifted his fork then carefully timed taking a bite with her movements.

Masha's eyes slid closed and she moaned. "Oh my. This is excellent." Chewing, she gave a nod.

Ryce agreed. The old-world blend had just the right amount of flavor and didn't overwhelm his taste buds. He couldn't wait to try more recipes.

Halfway through another bite, he swallowed and met her gaze. "Thank you. Seriously. I'll be using the book as often as I can."

She smiled. "You're welcome." She glanced away and tucked back into her meal.

Ryce didn't attempt more conversation. Not yet. But he planned to engage her after they finished because he didn't want the evening to end.

I love the quiet depth of feeling between Ryce and Masha. This is a fun story to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Nothing but the Truth

Another heavy workload this week followed by some snow and really cold temperatures. Of course, we're supposed to be in the seventies by Thursday, which means my sinuses are going to hate me. Fun times.

Had a slower viewing schedule this week with television. Needed to focus on one of my projects to get it finished up in quick fashion.

I did get quite a few of my regular shows watched. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. One featured information on Europa and the other on Venus. I'm quite enjoying the mix of sciency goodness with the antics of the Peanuts gang.

Started a new-to-me show with Cuffs and liked the first episode. This one should be interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Got two episodes of Silent Witness in, finishing up a two-parter and starting another. I'm very curious about how this will end as the next show will be the season sixteen finale. I'm a little worried about Leo.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. I'm kind of dizzy with the loss of Peri and a new companion rolled into the overarching main story. I'm still a fan of how this season is playing out though.

Completed the last episode of The Alaska Triangle and rather enjoyed the focus on a haunted fairground. I wouldn't mind seeing more from this region of Alaska.

Finished up The Muppets and have to admit I really ended up enjoying the season. I'm not sure if I'll start a new muppet series or move on to some of the Marvel universe shows.

I started season two of Harrow and, wow, it got off with a big bang. I'm very intrigued about how the main mystery is going to play out. I like having a case of the week mixed with the background intrigue of who wants Daniel dead.

Enjoyed an episode of Peak Practice and like the sort of slow burn going on with Andrew and the receptionist. I have a feeling that could go to some interesting places.

I watched two MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love her ideas and insight into putting huge projects together by starting with small-scaled ideas. This shouldn't be confused with the ideas being small, more like imagining them in miniature scale and then creating a huge piece from that.

I watched the last episode of Paranoid and ended up loving this series. The ending wrapped up everything and the evildoers got theirs. Can't ask for more.

Snuck in two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I'm close to finishing up season two and need to decide if I'm going to move up to three or switch over to new Rugrats. Stay tuned.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and I really, really dislike the new chief of the ED. The guy is a complete ass. Here's hoping he'll get a big helping of something not nice in the near future.

I finished up Queens of Mystery and loved the final episode. Lots of new threads to explore in the next season, which I hope is soon. I even ended up not hating the fiancé by the end. I hope if she'd in the next series, she's a lot less obnoxious.

Started a new series with Aliens in Alaska. I'm not quite ready to let the big state go. So far, I'm enjoying the show and look forward to more.

Caught another episode of Blue Heelers and got a kick out of Hugh Jackman guest-starring as an attorney. Honestly, he hasn't changed much in the thirty years since this show aired. Amazing.

Also started Young Wallander based on a recommendation from my brother. I'm almost through the first episode and, so far, enjoy it. Season two came out recently so I have some good stuff to look forward to.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Nothing but the Truth, a novella where the characters make a silent pact to be honest with each other because their work involves subterfuge and lies on a regular basis.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lexa Chan and Quint Maximoff work the seedy underworld of supernatural bounty hunting. Lexa's got a tough as nails reputation and she competes with Quint's larger than life persona. The Halfway, a bar catering to supernatural and mortal beings, is neutral ground where Lexa and Quint form an interesting relationship.

And a preview snippet…

Quint loved the way her heated gaze traveled over him. He had several long-healed wounds—a jagged, narrow slice from a blade, a bullet hole, and a pepper of marks from the damage a screwdriver did to his torso. None erased the naked desire in her eyes.

She licked her lips. "Hmm … where to start?" She trailed a finger from his sternum to his waistline before sliding off his lap to unbutton and zip his pants.

Lowering to the floor, she wrestled his fatigues past his hips. He helped by toeing off his boots and kicking them aside while she finished dragging the fabric off his legs and shoving it aside. Her warm fingers circled his shaft and she leaned in, brushing her thumb over the head.

She got a good look at his dick. "Mmmm. Gotta say my imagination didn't do this justice." She glanced up, a sexy smile curving her lips. "I'm going to enjoy this."

Her mouth slid over the tip of his cock and his head fell back. "Aw, fuck. That's good." Damn, pleasurable didn't begin to describe the magic her mouth worked.

She made a humming sound but didn't lose focus. Her lips and tongue kept a steady pressure on his erection and her fingers fondled his balls. She tugged the orbs lightly and his thighs flexed with reaction. He fought the urge to thrust deep and hard. Definitely don't want this to end too soon.

Lexa eased back and swirled her tongue around the head, flicking the underside with rapid strokes. An undercurrent of need and want swelled along his veins and he almost lost the battle for control. His fingers plunged through her hair and his hips lurched upward.

A breath hissed out from between his teeth. "Not like this. I want you to ride me to a finish." He hooked a hand under her shoulder and hauled her upward.

She used one hand to unfasten her bra and the other to shove her leggings past her hips. "Like minds and all that." Her breathing burst out in ragged pants.

Quint helped get her legs free then slid two fingers along her folds, meeting wet, silky essence. He couldn't wait any longer. Grasping her hip, he tugged her forward to straddle his lap. She lifted her butt and sank over him in one, slow movement until his groin met the apex of her thighs.

Heat enveloped his hard length and his head dropped back on the cushions. "Holy balls of fire. You feel good wrapped around me." He didn't want to move, not yet. His brain needed to catch up with his body.

Lexa's eyes slid closed and she moaned. "This is gonna be hard and fast. I can't go slow right now." Her hips rocked and she shuddered.

Quint took one of her hands and braced it on his shoulder. "Ride me, Lexa." He grasped her waist and urged her forward.

Her fingers dug into his skin, her nails scraping the flesh. He didn't care. He wouldn't mind wearing her mark.

And he'd welcome more, as much as she wanted to give.

Lexa and Quint don't think they're in for the long haul, but life has a way of proving people wrong.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not on the Same Page

Man, when it rains, it pours. My workload got intense this week, which I'm not complaining about, more shaking my head in wonderment. I either need to schedule things better or find more hours in the day. LOL

Had a decent week of television viewing even with the added projects. I caught two episodes of Classic Who. I think I'm about halfway through the trial season and it's actually pretty good.

Watched two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Creatures featured again. I'm fascinated by the legend and lore around the big beasts that strike fear in everyone.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Muppets. Honestly, I'm close to the end of the season and I'm charmed with the show. Probably good it only had one series, but it's a fun one.

Finished up the first season of Harrow. Gotta admit, I'm a little stunned by how things played out. But what a truly terrific opening season. Can't wait to jump into season two.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. The new doctor arrived and he's rather interesting. I'll look forward to seeing more of him.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Es Devlin. I quite enjoy listening to her take on how to collaborate with her team and the people they work with. It's very similar to how I approach editing with my authors.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Paranoid. This show is dark and twisty but there's a lot of humor to counter and balance the deep stuff. I'm looking forward to the final episode to see how everything resolves.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I love picking up new little things when rewatching the show. And remembering things we picked up from watching the original run and encore episodes.

Watched two more episodes of Chicago Med. Things are getting a bit tense for everyone, which I kind of enjoy. I'm constantly shaking my head at Will, but I love his relationship with Jay. Ethan and April make my brain spin sometimes. Maggie is the most awesome of everyone.

Got in an episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I have fun watching these short jaunts into the Peanuts realm.

Enjoyed another episode of Queens of Mystery. The larger mystery of what happened still looms and it's intriguing to see how the sisters react when Mattie gets close to making discoveries.

I also started another two-part Silent Witness. I have a weird feeling this might be Leo's last appearance. I really dislike the spook dude who's going around pulling strings but being a total ass about it. I hope he goes down in the end.

Finished up the two-part Blue Heelers episode and I'm happy to say it's not Wayne's swan song. At least not yet. Great ending to this storyline.

Star Trek: Discovery keeps ramping up the emotional toll on the characters. It's so, so good. I'll be finishing up the second season soon and diving into Picard's second season. I hope I'm not disappointed. I've never been a big fan of Q.

That's pretty much it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from Not on the Same Page, a novella that separates a couple in love and leads to dire circumstances for one of the characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Irini Domaine loves Nathair Sofen but marries another to fulfill a familial obligation. When she suggests carrying on the relationship with Nathair he coldly refuses, which makes Irini vow to slowly but surely convince him otherwise and unknown to her, her life may depend on the connection with Nathair.

And a preview snippet…

You have no right or claim on my slumber, and that was your choice.

He'd caught her off guard with the accusation and now believed she had no idea she invaded his sleeping hours. How could she not? She had power and skill.

Yet … she also hadn't been herself lately. Not since she'd married Braca.

Nathair didn't know what the hell happened to Irini or why she'd started slipping into his dreams. "Doesn't matter. It can't happen again." He gathered his supplies and entered his attic. "I've gotta put a stop to this."

For his sanity and her protection.

He set up for his ritual and cast a circle then settled and closed his eyes. After whispering an incantation, he meditated, going into deep into his subconscious. Erecting barriers took intense concentration and he needed to create strong ones to keep Iri out.

The construction took almost two hours and when he returned to his conscious state, he slumped forward and reached for his water bottle. After draining it, he slowly got to his feet and made his way to the workspace in the corner. Pulling out the chair, he sank down and exhaled slowly.

He dropped his head into his hands. "Maybe now I can rest easy." Or at least get some sleep.

He wouldn't rest easy as long as Irini remained married to Braca. Her burning the wick at both ends would take a toll.

"Mainly on her." He wouldn't be drawn into the fray anymore.

And by removing himself from her nocturnal influence, she might accept the fate she'd agreed to when she walked down the aisle with Norj.

An ache clenched his heart. "Then I can focus on getting on with my life … without her."

Even if he understood her reason for marrying Braca—and he did on a basic level— cutting her father out of her life meant she'd be completely alone. But he couldn't and wouldn't fall in with her plan to carry on an affair, especially one conducted through a dreamscape. How did she really think visiting him while sleeping could work?

Rising, he crossed over to the door, a weight settling between his shoulder blades. "Good-bye, Iri."

Moving down the steps, he couldn't quite shake the dreadful crawl of foreboding creeping down his spine.

This story took a turn I didn't expect but I love the added layer it wraps around the plot.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye