Sunday Snippet: On the Circuit

It's been a wild and busy week! I'm buried with work projects, which I'm thrilled to have—even if I could use about four more hours in each day. Good problems to have.

Had a slower than normal television viewing week, but I kind of expect that when I'm trying to keep plates spinning with work and only have a small wobble here and there.

I caught two episodes of Hawkeye and I'm kind of bummed there's only one left. I'm loving this show a lot.

Caught the season three premiere of Harrow and I already intensely dislike the new boss. That said, I kind of love the shifting dynamics of the character relationships. Fern could grow up just a little, but I like where everyone else is for the most part.

Watched another episode of Blue Heelers and liked the way everything played out. Really good case of the week on this one.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Neil de Grasse Tyson. Learned about cognitive bias and have a much better understanding of how that works.

Caught another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. Poor Kurt gets his ass kicked on a regular basis. Glad to see Reza get bumped up to detective. Poor Rusk has a lot going on at the moment.

Got two more episodes of Classic Rugrats in and thoroughly enjoyed. I love the call outs to stuff from my younger years. That's why the original show is genius. Enjoyable for parents and kids.

Watched another episode of Chicago Med and things got interesting at the end. Not sure I'm down with Will possibly hooking up with Agent Lee. Really kind of squicked out by Nat's involvement with the dad of her former patient. But I love the whole saga of Daniel's ex and everything that's going on with that.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. I like how the short vignettes are themed around a topic. This one had Halloween stuff and it was a lot of fun.

Caught another episode of Loch Ness and I'm kind of amazed how things are moving forward but at what seems like a maddeningly slow pace. A couple of big reveals in this episode.

Finished up season seventeen of Silent Witness and should start eighteen this week. Have to say I quite liked how this one ended. Glad Jack will be sticking around.

Watched another episode of Classic Who. Poor Seven just doesn't have a lot to work with. That said, I'm kind of enjoying this arc.

Enjoyed another episode of The Laundry Guy. I think I could honestly watch multiple seasons of this show. Patric needs his own YouTube channel. I'd totally subscribe.

Also watched another episode of The Hardy Boys and have a lot of love for this show. It's so much fun to talk to my brother about the episodes after we see them. Brings back a lot of eighties memories.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from On the Circuit, a novella that features dragon rodeos and two bull-fighting characters that keep the riders safe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The popularity of breaking dragons on the rodeo trail lures Reggie Pitch to test her mettle as a bullfighter. She works her way up from green recruit and tries out for the big show with Dwight Merlyn as her trainer, which proves intimidating because not only is he attractive as hell, he's a third generation handler and his family breeds the rankest, meanest beasts on the circuit.

And a preview snippet…

Dwight arrived at the bar and scanned the room for Reggie. "Not here yet. Good." He needed time to come down from the high of facing down rank bulls for the last several hours.

The rodeo owner, Jeb McCallister, signaled Dwight over to the counter. Dwight ambled over, ready for anything. Jeb had a lock on the circuit in this area. He owned the arena, the bar, and most of the supply shops. He also had shares in the crew quarters and family housing.

The dragons were the only thing the man didn't have a financial interest in … Dwight's family had full control of the stock and breeding of the beasts. What started out as a relationship of necessity between the two clans had turned into lifelong friendship—at least for three generations. Dwight respected the hell out of Jeb, even when he butted into Dwight's personal life.

Jeb tapped the wood surface. "Get this man a shot."

Mathis, the bartender and one of Jeb's brothers, poured amber liquid into a glass. "Hell of night out there. New bull fighter is coming along." He slid the tumbler toward Dwight.

Dwight gave a nod. "Yeah, she's got some chops." He downed the drink.

Jeb snorted. "Hell, she's got more than that. That little slip of a woman put on one hell of a show." He leaned his forearms on the bar. "She gonna stick around?"

He left the real part of the question unasked. Would Reggie follow Nordstrom?

Dwight inclined his head. "Far as I know. She gave Nordstrom the boot right after you did." His lips curved when he remembered how well she'd handled that scene.

Jeb cocked his head to one side. "Tread carefully, my boy." The warning tone had humor laced through it.

Dwight huffed out a breath. "Always do." He spied Reggie enter and pushed away from the bar. "But I appreciate the advice." He lifted his chin. "Even if I don't plan on taking it."

Jeb and Mathis rolled their eyes. Dwight didn't care. He'd pretty much made up his mind to let nature take its course with Reggie. If they ended up twisted around each other, so be it.

He could question the choice later.

I love this story so much! As a rodeo fan, I'm challenged by writing the scenes with the dragons, but moments like the preview are fun to dig into.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: On Ice

To everyone celebrating a holiday, I hope it's incredible and lovely. To everyone not celebrating a holiday, I hope your weekend is incredible and lovely.

Had a crazy-busy week with a lot of distractions. I got a lot of work done but felt like I kept spinning my wheels, mainly because I'd get interrupted and have to review a lot so I didn't miss anything.

Kind of a slow week of television viewing. I watched two episodes of The Snoopy Show and rather enjoyed both. I'll definitely finish the season that's available.

Caught the second episode of Loch Ness and I'm pretty hooked. There's a lot going on and sometimes doesn't feel like anything is related, but I'm pretty sure there's one single thread that will pull everything together.

Watched two more episodes of Silent Witness. I like getting a little more information on Jack's backstory. He's an interesting character but kind of mysterious.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. Seven kind of gets a raw deal and I'm still not quite sure about Mel. The weird way she got introduced kind of throws me off.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Laundry Guy and have to say this is such a cool show. I don't know if they'll do more episodes, but I'm totally in if they do.

Caught another episode of Hawkeye. I'm very interested in how they're exploring the Ronin angle. I haven't watched all the movies yet but I'm kind of current on what happened. Nice to see a little more detail about this aspect of Clint's character.

Watched the first episode of The Hardy Boys second season. A little disappointed they recast Fenton, but I love the actor who's taken on the role. I'm definitely interested in the new mystery and can't wait to watch more.

Started season eight of Peak Practice. A lot of changes with the move to the new building and a great case of the week. Feels like there might be a lot more drama with rescues and stuff this season.

Enjoyed another MasterClass lesson with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Asking questions is something I wish more people did on a regular basis, especially when mis or disinformation is now the standard.

Caught another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. Kurt is kind of walking a fine line and I really do not like the new boss and how he's trying to get rid of Rusk. My one hope is Kurt's friendship with Rez better not go up in flames.

Watched another episode of the Ready Room and thoroughly enjoyed it. Getting to know the actress playing L'Rell was a lot of fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Chicago Med and I liked getting to see Daniel's ex-wife. I'm a little confused because it almost seemed like Robin is his only kid, but I'm certain he had another daughter in an earlier season. Maybe I missed something.

Caught another episode of Cuffs and, again, really enjoyed the character dynamics. I'm beginning to like Jo a lot and I'm still not quite certain what the hell the chief detective has going on in his life aside from the horrible relationship with his dad.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from On Ice, a novella that has the main characters at odds over how to handle their current situation.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A battle is brewing between opposing magical factions and Paley Knoff and Birk Southampton are charged with readying their troops. Paley thinks Birk is taking the threat too seriously and when he ignores her in favor of adding more training, she pushes him a little too far, leaving him no choice but to put her on ice until she remembers who's in charge.

And a preview snippet…

Paley stomped into the rooms she mostly shared with Birk. "Damn man can't see the forest for the trees." And he'd probably fell the entire acreage if he thought he could prove a point.

Flopping onto the sofa, she kicked her feet up. At least one other person, namely Mabel, understood how mind-numbing repetition could be. Did anyone actually think Janus would neat and orderly during a battle?

Hell, no.

She had to make Birk see reason.

He entered their space and dropped down into the chair across from her. "That was quite a display earlier." Leaning back, he propped his elbow on the arm. "But you made a valid point."

Her gaze narrowed. "Atwater didn't back me, so it's moot."

Birk tilted his head to one side. "Not like he completely shot you down either. What's really going on with you?" His gaze narrowed as if that would give him the answer.

She rolled her eyes. "Nothing's going on. I'm tired of playing catch-up. We don't have time for anything other than training and teaching." She huffed out a breath. "You've heard of work-life balance, right?" Geez, now she sounded like a bratty child.

Birk straightened. "Ah. I get it now." He slid off the chair and walked on his knees toward the sofa. "Your impatience is double-sided." His hands gripped her thighs. "Why don't we do something to recharge?" He leaned in close, his breath fanning across her cheek.

She shuddered a little. It had been weeks since they'd had time to do more than fall into bed. And … he might be in a better frame of mind to see things from her perspective.

She fisted her hand in his shirt. "What do you have in mind…" Her voice lowered to a husky timbre.

His lips ghosted over her throat. "We'll take the night. Just you and me. No distractions or interruptions." He cupped her face. "We could start with a long shower for round one."

Her blood warmed. "Round one?" She liked the sound of that and let go of his shirt, patting his chest.

Birk nodded. "Absolutely. Followed by at least two more." He eased back and got to his feet then held out his hand.

Paley grasped his palm and rose from the cushions. "I'm gonna hold you to that." She started in the direction of the bathroom with Birk dogging her heels.

The calm before the storm can be a lot of fun and Paley definitely takes advantage.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Old Wounds

More weird weather this week. And some great news for the daughter. She ended up with three scholarships and two awards for her sophomore year. Amazing!

Solid work week with ongoing edits on two projects. I'm doing some new nonfiction work and I'm enjoying it so much.

Pretty good week of television also. I finished up the second season of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'd be happy if they did another run of episodes with this show.

Caught an episode of Cuffs and actually enjoyed it a lot even though the personal lives of the characters are all falling apart.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm beginning to really enjoy Jack's tenaciousness. He won't let go when his hunches are biting down hard.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. I'd forgotten how the quality of the show suffered so much during Seven's tenure, which isn't a bash on the actors. They do an excellent job considering what they're given to work with.

Finished up Aliens in Alaska and really enjoyed the season. Wouldn't mind if they did more later.

Caught two episodes of Hawkeye and I'm sold. Love the interaction between the characters and enjoy the overarching plot point. Great show.

Finished up the second season of Harrow and I enjoyed it so much. One thing that really hits hard is the fact that Harrow has now murdered two people and as much as I love the character, I kind of want him to suffer some consequences for his actions. We'll see if season three offers any up for him.

Watched the Peak Practice season seven finale. Looks like some big changes for the next season with a new location for the practice. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go.

Started a quirky series with The Laundry Guy. Enjoyed seeing what he uses to bring stained items back to life. I'm definitely going to learn a lot from this show.

Caught an episode of Blue Heelers and enjoyed it. Really feeling the topic of the week vibes during this season, but it's not deal-breaking.

Consumed another MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson and liked learning about the scientific method. As with Nye, Tyson has a way of putting information out there that doesn't make me feel stupid.

Watched another episode of Young Wallander: Killer's Shadow. I'm very invested in this season already and I kind of love where things are going.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This rewatch definitely lets me find my happy place.

Also caught another episode of Chicago Med and I'm kind of still hating the new head of the ED. We'll see if that continues. I love that Rhodes is actually on to Ava and isn't really being duped … yet.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Old Wounds, a novella that has the characters going through a terrible experience and one has to revisit a painful part of their past to help the other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Abbot Isley's father lies near death, Nixie Grimm is willing to open old wounds to help him cope. Taking a trip down memory lane is not her favorite thing, but Abbot's steadfast support triggers a healing process she didn't know she needed and lets her move forward—with Abbot.

And a preview snippet…

Nixie's heart ached. She loved the old man, too. And he's all Abbot has left.

She wanted to ask so many questions. In fact, she had to bite her tongue to keep her mouth shut. She held back because she'd react with violence if Abbot pushed her when she needed space and she wouldn't force him to speak until he wanted to.

Even if his silence killed her.

When they dumped the keys in the drop box, he finally started talking. "This so-called lead? Nothing but a dick move to get us away from the estate." He led the way, going behind the service area of the rental office where they'd project back home.

Nixie cursed softly. "Dammit. They're playing hard ball now." Which meant the council would have to start hitting back.

No more kid gloves and quiet poking around.

Abbot stopped by the ancient oak and drew a protective circle around them. "Can you get us home? I don't have the bandwidth right now." His eyes closed and he swayed to the side.

Nixie steadied him, grabbing his bicep. "I got this." Meeting his gaze, she asked one question. "Home or the healing chamber?"

Abbot didn't hesitate. "Chamber. He might not have long."

She spoke the incantation and projected them to the sacred grotto at the far end of the healing rooms. "Leave the bags. I'll come for them later." Not waiting, she led the way out of the stone-walled alcove and worked her way through the throng of council members standing in the corridor.

Abbot followed and the crowd dispersed, parting to let them through. Nixie didn't like the somber faces or the hushed conversations. She didn't dare look back to Abbot, afraid she'd lose the fragile calm she'd worked to hold on to.

Abbot paused beside the head healer, Barton Wence. "What's happening?"

Barton shook his head. "The news is grave. Isaac is near death and there's a good chance he won't make it." He drew Abbot into the alcove and continued. "The magic poison is wrapped in several layers of spells and if we counter in the wrong order—"

Abbot cut him off. "I know that. Tell me what you're doing right now."

Nixie winced at the angry tone but didn't blame Abbot for being impatient. Barton could be frustrating when a life didn't hang in the balance. To do so now bordered on stupidity.

They didn't have the patience to deal with a bunch of inane platitudes. And Isaac didn't have the time for muddled mutterings.

Nixie nudged Barton along. "Look, start with what you've done since Abbot got the call."

I'm very happy with how this story is coming along. The sages are giving me the flow in small bits and pieces but I love where things are going.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Numb

Nothing like starting April with snow flurries and chilly weather. Prom weekend for the high schoolers ended up being very brisk. Brrrr.

Had a very busy work week but I made a ton of progress on a difficult edit. It's something kind of new for me and I'm thoroughly enjoying the project. Had a couple of great calls for some possible new work also. All in all a productive week.

Had a decent week of viewing television also. I'm more or less back on my regular schedule, which makes me happy.

Caught two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm very much liking the new season. Clarissa is fast becoming a favorite and they're not shoving the new guy in my face all the time. All in all, I'm still loving this show.

Finished up season twenty-three of Classic Who and started season twenty-four. I'd forgotten the weird way they morphed from Six to Seven. I actually might not have seen that one. Almost finished with the original run and then I have to decide if I'm going to start a rewatch of New Who. I might wait a while.

Watched two more episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I have one more to watch then it's on to something new. I might dive into something more space-related again. I'm not sure yet.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Muppets Now. I should have this finished up this week then I'll have to decide what to watch next. I might dive into the Marvelverse. I've been wanting to watch Hawkeye.

Caught two episodes of Harrow. Man, this season is a roller coaster. I have no clue what the hell is going on with Maxine but I'm not liking it. I love, love, love the kind of new dynamic with Fairley and I like the new assistant. I also enjoy the whole Daniel and Grace being unable to find their footing. Good stuff.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'll have this season finished up this week and should be ready to start season eight.

I started a new MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson. I'm enjoying the way he explains things. Should be a very interesting class.

Finished the first season of Young Wallander and started the second. I gotta say I shouldn't have been surprised with how the first season ended but I was. That said, I loved the opening episode of season two. Kurt is a magnet for strange cases.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. One of my favorites with Grandpa moving out followed by the legend of Satchmo made me really happy. One of the best things about the original show is how much grown-ups could enjoy the episodes right along with the little ones.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and, sadly, Will is beginning to annoy the crap out of me. Ethan is probably my favorite doctor even if he's a bit rigid sometimes. Not sure I like where they're taking April, but I'll hold judgment on that front for now.

Watched an episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and I'm down to having one more left. I'll have to decide what to watch next once I finish this series.

I started a new mystery, Loch Ness, and enjoyed the first episode. This one could go either way so I'm hoping it keeps my attention.

Also enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers and liked it. I do not enjoy Monica but this one seemed to set up some stuff for the future so that might be fun to watch.

Began the Ready Room episodes for the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. Rather enjoyed the first one and I'll look forward to watching more.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Numb, a novella where the characters are in crisis mode and kind of numb to everything going on.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cyan Fitch and Theron Dibney have a great relationship—hot sex, rock solid friendship, and mutual respect. When a mostly lethal virus tears through their community, the couple works side by side to help as many as possible, but it takes a toll. They can't quite get comfortably numb while they face the devastating losses and neither is willing to bend for fear they'll break.

And a preview snippet…

Theron paced the length of the corridor outside Ciara's lab. The runes barred entrance and anger replaced the numbness he'd carried for months.

His hand slapped against the wall. "I can't and won't let Cyan go." The possibility of losing her wrecked him. "I've got one shot to make this happen."

He astral-projected into the council chambers … unannounced.

The head elder sputtered out an objection. "What do you think you're doing? You can't just barge in here. There are protocols you need to follow."

Theron waved a hand. "I don't have time. Cyan's life hangs in the balance and the answer to the cure is in her mother's lab." He met the elder's gaze. "Remove the runes."

The elder shook his head. "That's not possible. For all we know, Ciara's lab is ground zero. No one gets access." He folded his hands in front of him.

The other sages remained silent, bowing to the elder's decision.

Theron snorted. "Bullshit. Her lab isn't ground zero. This chamber is. And each of you bears the responsibility for the decimation of our people." He paced again, throwing decorum out the window. "The twelve of you are the reason the bio-curse got unleashed." He hoped like hell Ciara's message didn't prove to be wrong.

A collective gasp came from the semicircle, answering that question. They knew. Every damn one of them.

Theron snarled a curse. "It's time to pull your heads out of your asses and face this challenge. Let me get what we need to save lives." Especially Cyan's.

The elder shook his head. "Ciara went rogue and called on the dark arts. We can't risk having the cure tainted with black magick." He cast a glance to his counterparts and they agreed with murmurs of assent.

Theron made a low growl. "No, what you mean is you can't risk the truth coming out. Pretty damn convenient to use Ciara as the excuse to block progress, especially when she turned to unconventional sources to find a cure and they revealed the ugly certainty of your culpability." He got a kick of satisfaction when half the semicircle blanched at his knowledge of their guilt.

A lone female sage slowly rose. "You're using guesswork to fill in blanks. You don't have the whole truth."

The elder snapped. "That's enough, Larkin. You don't have consent to say more."

Theron pushed his advantage. "She doesn't have to. The whole truth doesn't matter when lives are being lost." He moved forward and met the gaze of each council member. "And know this … If you continue to sit back and do nothing, I'll lead the charge to revolt and remove every last one of you from the sanctuary of this chamber. You're not out there trying to save people and helping them bury their dead. I am. Cyan was. And if she dies, nothing will keep the survivors from turning on you." He paused a moment. "Choose wisely and make it fast." The clock continued to tick against Cyan.

After several long moments of telepathic communication, the elder finally inclined his chin. "Access to Ciara's lab is granted. We'll discuss your grandstanding threats once a cure has been found."

Theron gave a nod. "You're damn right we will. I'll look forward to having that conversation." He faded back out and entered Ciara's lab.

There would be a reckoning, all right. And the council would be on the receiving end.

But first, he needed to make sure Cyan lived to help fight that battle.

I love this story and I'm excited about finishing it up. There's something about going through the motions because nothing else can be done until a wake-up call hits hard that appeals to me.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye