Sunday Snippet: Tangled Web

We had a crazy week of weather. Rain, rain, rain, followed by wind, wind, wind. Lost power for a couple of hours and returned some of the neighbor's stuff that ended up in our backyard. Something tells me we're going to pay for a fairly mild winter with a chaotic and wild spring. Can't wait.

Good week on work projects and I finally made headway with clearing out my inbox on my old PC and I'm starting the transfer of files to my new computer. I can't wait to get this project done so I can go back to having one desktop instead of two in my workspace. Up next, tackling my laptop to see if I can get the graphics card to function again. Or, the issue could be related to a Windows update. Either way, I'm hoping I won't have to invest in a new laptop. Fingers crossed.

Not a bad week of television viewing. I didn't get quite as much watched as I did last week, but I got a few shows in.

I finished up the Classic Who episode I started last weekend and I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out. Hoping to get to the next part this week.

Watched the season twenty-one opener of Silent Witness. Nice to see some fallout from Nikki's Mexico trip. Jack is a little off and I'm curious to find out why. Love to see Clarissa out in the field because she's become a favorite character and shouldn't always be relegated to the lab.

Enjoyed another episode of Strangest Things. The items they discuss are always interesting and I love the speculative aspect when they really don't know exactly what they have.

Caught another episode of The Mandalorian. Bo Katan's introduction piqued my interest. I like how a different sect of Mandalorians are out there giving a different perspective.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Thoroughly enjoyed discovering the building has secret passageways and tunnels. Loved the introduction of Lucy. I haven't changed my theory quite yet on who the killer might be, but we'll see what happens. Also nice to see Oliver show up for his son. Much needed character growth there.

Got to return to my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week. While the episode doesn't rank as one of my favorites from season one, it's still a solid watch. Frankly, season one doesn't have a bad episode. It's probably the best first season of television I've watched.

Enjoyed another episode of Pennyworth. A few unexpected twists turned up and I'm here for those. I'm quite enjoying the slow discovery of how Alfred became Batman's butler. There's not a wasted moment on the screen.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Tangled Web, a novella that puts a little noir into the romantic chase between the characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ruby Ire is bad for men—every time she falls for one he ends up dead, so she doesn't get tangled up with them anymore. But a series of near miss accidents makes her think she's become a target and she hires Jordan Riceman to track down her attacker. And she absolutely will not let Jordan get too close, no matter how damned attractive he is.

And a preview snippet…

Jordan Riceman jogged up the steps to a brownstone in an old neighborhood of the city. He twisted the knob and entered then made his way to the study. The old place needed some work, but the classic lines couldn't be missed.

He rapped on the door. "Granddad?" He opened the door and ducked inside the stately room. "Sorry I'm late." He paused when he caught sight of his grandfather and a distant cousin sitting beside the fire.

Frank Riceman stood and greeted Jordan. "Hello, my boy. You remember Doug, don't you?"

Douglas R. Barclay, son of Jordan's grandmother's sister. Jordan remembered Doug even if it had been at least five years since they'd interacted. Doug lived in a small burg about an hour away and tended to stick close to his home.

Jordan lifted his chin in Doug's direction. "Hi, Doug. Hope you've been well." He motioned for his grandfather to retake his seat. "Again, sorry to keep you waiting."

Frank waved a hand. "Not a problem. I asked Doug to come here to save time." He got up again and crossed over to a maple desk. "I have something for both of you." He withdrew an envelope and a set of keys from the top drawer.

Jordan stayed silent, wondering what his grandfather had in mind for this meeting.

Frank came back around the desk and handed Doug the envelope. "This contains the deed to the hunting cabin your grandpa and I used to use anytime your grandma and my Minnie wanted to redecorate." His lips twitched. "The fact they always chose hunting season seemed awful convenient."

Doug accepted the envelope with a frown. "Uh, thanks. Not sure what I'll do with it." He tucked the deed into the pocket of his jacket. "I hate to cut this short, but I have an appointment to make." Raising a hand, he started for the doors.

Frank added a reminder. "The key to the cabin is under the porch. It's all spelled out in the letter your grandpa included. Call if you have any questions."

Doug grunted and left the room.

Jordan's brows arched. "Not exactly thrilled with the gift, was he?" He didn't remember Doug being quite so rude the last time they'd attended a family function.

Frank rolled his eyes. "I blame Nellie. After Ralph died, she and their daughter Ellen had a falling out and that usually kept Doug firmly on his mom's side." He shook his head. "Doug didn't start coming to family gatherings until after his mom passed. And your grandma is convinced it's only to remind Nellie how poorly she treated her daughter." He waved a hand. "Bah. You didn't come here for a family history lesson." Pressing the keys into Jordan's hand, Frank smiled. "The brownstone is yours. Don't forget the secrets of the old place. Should help you with your work."

Jordan operated a private investigation and security company. The old building had three secret entrances and myriad passageways between floors. So, yeah, the privileged information could definitely help with anything covert.

Jordan gave a nod. "It will. I'll use the lower level for my office and live up here. Be nice to have a couple of shortcuts I can use." Not that he'd share any of those with anyone.

Not even his—if he eventually hired one—assistant. He liked to work alone and had a few key clients that usually kept him busy. But he'd have to bring someone else on board if he wanted to stay relevant.

Frank nudged Jordan's shoulder. "I anticipated your plans. I've got a guy coming over tomorrow morning to put your name on the door downstairs. You tell him what you want and he'll make sure you're good to go."

Jordan hugged his granddad. "Thank you. Can I stop by for dinner next week so I can thank Grandma, too?" After all, the brownstone had been their home after they got married.

Frank smiled. "You bet you can. She'll be happy to see you, my boy." Starting for the doors, he turned back. "Make it Wednesday, if you're free. We're leaving for a cross-country train tour on the weekend."

Jordon walked his grandfather to the main entrance. "Wednesday it is. I'll be there unless I have work to do." He grinned when a black sedan pulled up to the curb.

He'd given his granddad a silent communication device over the holidays last year. Looked like Frank put it to good use. Once the car pulled away, Jordan turned and headed back into the brownstone.

Shaking his head, he huffed out a laugh. "Guess I gotta start thinking of this as my brownstone."

I love writing a small bit of mystery into a romance. The noir feel is one of my favorite things.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Take a Walk on the Wild Side

It's been an eventful weekend. On Friday night at my daughter's university campus, an individual fired multiple shots at a baseball game. Thankfully—and it pains me to say this at all because it shouldn't be anyone—only one person, a player for the opposing team, and the alleged target of the shooter, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is already in custody and has already been charged by the county prosecutor for attempted murder and felonious assault, both charges have firearm specifications. I'm very happy no one else was physically injured and I'm terribly sorry for the opposing team's player and their family. It's a lot to endure.

It's a lot to endure for everyone. The university staff, baseball team, students, the local community, and the opposing college, their staff, team, and students now have a shared experience with, unfortunately, too many others. I'm so happy my daughter wasn't anywhere near the baseball field when this occurred and I'm very happy the other players are okay. Like I said, an eventful weekend.

On top of that, I had a full week of work projects and made good progress on all of them.

I also got some television in. I didn't have a chance to do my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica, but we're on the schedule for next week.

I did finish up The Mandalorian. Ended up enjoying the episode a lot.

Also watched Only Murders in the Building. I have a working theory on who the killer will be and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Caught another episode of Pennyworth and I like how this show is coming together. Looking forward to finishing out the season.

Started Wednesday, based on recommendations from a bunch of my viewing friends. Loved the first episode and look forward to more.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats and I think I actually watched on I missed during the thousands of times we watched this when the kids were growing up. Kind of happy to have that happen.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Loved this one and laughed out loud a couple of times. I guess one more episode to finish out the season.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'm at the midway point for season nine and getting more familiar with the new faces.

Started a new episode of Classic Who and should finish it up later tonight.

That's pretty much it for the life updated this week. Tonight's post is from Take a Walk on the Wild Side, a follow-up to Long Time No See in a series that hasn't been named yet.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After dealing with repercussions from the Vallas clan, Val Janison steps into a leadership role he's not thrilled to have. Jonni Mars works behind the scenes as a liaison between the three ruling families and tries to broker a peaceful resolution. In the middle of everything, the couple makes an attempt to keep their relationship solid … with mixed results.

And a preview snippet…

Jonni Mars strode up the long lane leading to the home the love of her life lived in. "Seriously, Val, I hate coming to this monstrosity of a house." But … if the mountain wouldn't come to her or however that saying went.

She missed him and she would get some alone time with him … even if she had to bribe Anton Benoit, the manservant Val inherited when his grandfather passed into the next realm.

She snorted. "Right. Anton's unimpeachable. And part of the reason I haven't seen Val in almost a week." The righthand man ran Val's schedule with a firm grip.

Instead of heading to the huge double front doors, Jonni ducked around the side of the house and made her way to the service entrance and let herself in.

The huge room with floor to ceiling shelves on one wall and a long counter with a sink and cupboards above and below on the other currently lacked activity of any kind. Jonni thanked whatever ruled the universe she didn't have to interact with any of the staff. Yet…

She went straight for the narrow wall with several panels and pressed the button for Val's office.

He responded right away. "Yes?" The sound of shuffling papers filtered through.

Jonni rolled her eyes. "Val? Can you work me into your schedule today?"

He made a surprised noise. "Jonni? Where the hell are you?"

She glanced around again. "Uh, the butler's pantry? I'm making an assumption here." The food staples on the shelves and the array of trays and linens gave her a clue.

Val tsked. "Why did you come in through the service entrance? You should be entering through the main doors."

Jonni snorted. "No way. Too many people monitor the comings and goings through there. And I'm not here on official business. I'm here to—"

Val cut in. "Make my day? Stay there. I'll be right down." He cut the communication.

Jonni shrugged and did some exploring, poking around in the cabinets. Most were filled with glassware and dishes. One held multiple bottles of alcohol, no doubt used to restock the bars throughout the house. One cupboard had pull-out shelves with so much flatware her eyes bugged out.

Shaking her head, she shut the door. "Who needs that much silverware?" The leader of the Janison family obviously.

Arms came around her and lips nuzzled her throat. "Not everyone can manage with one or two of everything, even it's more efficient."

Jonni's grumpy mood dissipated and she turned in Val's arms. "Efficiency is simple and clean, considering how much time I spend cleaning up other people's messes." She tugged him closer.

Val's lips curved. "But not today, right? Unless it's maybe limited to my bedroom…" His head lowered and he caught her lips in a hot, steamy kiss.

Jonni sank into the embrace. Now, this was worth the trek out here…

This is a fun series and I hope to work more books in. Jonni and Val have a lot of things they can explore.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Storm Down the Drain

Very busy week with work projects and client calls. My youngest was also in the UK over her spring break for a study abroad program. She's back in the States today.

Weather is all over the place, which is typical for March. We had sunny and warm followed by chilly and rainy, followed by brrrrr! and some flurries. I can't wait to see what the next two or three weeks brings to the playing field.

Had an okay week for television. I didn't get back on my regular schedule, but I did get a few things watched.

Started out with some Classic Rugrats. Only watched one episode but enjoyed it. I always like the episodes where Angelica is bested by the babies.

Watched another episode of Midsomer Murders. I'm kind of bummed Barnaby's degree in psychology isn't a thing anymore. I enjoyed that aspect in the first few seasons of John's tenure.

I finished an episode of Endeavor and enjoyed it. Glad to be back into this show. I'm a few seasons behind but I'll get caught up eventually.

Caught another episode of Classic Who. This one started a new arc and I'm excited to see where it goes. There might have been a hint about Ace's mom and I want to see if pans out.

Completed season twenty of Silent Witness. Really liked how the episode played out and I'm interested in how Nikki and Jack deal with the fallout of their trip to Mexico.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. A couple of interesting features in this one, especially the bat bomb that destroyed an entire air force base.

Also started a new episode of The Mandalorian. I'll finish it up later today while I prep for the new season.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Storm Down the Drain, a novella where the characters play a cat and mouse game with their adversary and fall for each other in the process.

Here's the mini-blurb:

On a dark and stormy night, Brooks Algonquin knocks on Velvet Strong's door and asks her to help him find the Burmesian Raven, an antiquity with magical qualities. Velvet takes his case, but quickly learns Brooks has ulterior motives for acquiring the artifact stolen from his family.

And a preview snippet…

Velvet dressed with care for her assignation with Brooks Algonquin. "When I play a role, I go all out." She zipped the back of her dress up.

A shopping excursion scored several new outfits, all slinky and sultry in a range of colors. Her shoe problem—she could never have too many—allowed her to choose from a wide array of options. She settled on a pair of violet peep-toe platform pumps to complement the lilac sequined sheath with fringe along the hemline.

Slipping them on, she admired the rhinestone accents on the shoes. "A little shimmer will keep my legs as a focal point." She also selected a knotted necklace of sparkling crystals. "The glistening gleam begs a man's gaze to linger on my decolletage." A matching pain of earrings finally drew attention to her face and eyes, which she'd done in smoky purples and grays.

She'd gone heavier on the color than normal, mainly to be convincing as something of a coquette. Her cases didn't often require her to flirty and she rather looked forward to bantering with Brooks.

She added a spritz of perfume—a freesia scent with deep caramel undertones. The floral aroma lasted a long time but didn't overpower. The caramel added weight and kept the flowery vibe from being too sweet.

Checking her appearance one last time, she grabbed a silver clutch and draped a white velveteen stole around her shoulders then headed to meet Brooks at Jumpin' Joes, the little bistro with a jazzy sound.

Halfway down to the ground floor, she smiled. "I hope Brooks likes to dance." The tiny floor allowed for several couples to sway along to the live singer's performance.

She'd own wanting to be in his arms—but only because the action would add to their guise of a chance meeting turning into something more.

And the something more element added a layer of danger that appealed to her.

I'm having so much fun writing this story! Velvet is a terrific character with a mind and will that more than matches Brooks's.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Still of the Night

March entered the room with some wild weather, which isn't a big surprise. Still having the back and forth chilly then warm and lots of rain and wind. I expect nothing less from my birth month.

 

Got a lot accomplished on my work projects. I have a new one coming in sometime in the next week or two and I'm looking forward to jumping into another new one this week.

 

Didn't get a lot of television watched this week, but I got a few episodes in.

 

Finished up The Mandalorian episode I started and thoroughly enjoyed it. My brother used to be obsessed with the sand people so it's fun to see them in action in this episode.

 

My Battlestar Galactica rewatch continued with "Act of Contrition." So many great moments in this episode and the acting is stellar. For a show that came out twenty years ago, I have vivid memories of watching this for the first time.

 

I also caught another episode of Only Murders in the Building. I kind of love where they're taking things at the moment. It'll be hard to top the first season for me, but I'm excited to see how this plays out. I'm really hoping it holds up.

 

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Still of the Night, a novella that brings an uptown guy and a downtown girl together for a money-making venture.

 

Here's the mini-blurb:

 

Salem Rhys has the perfect recipe for brewing dark lager, a potent alcohol that will go over huge at the mage academy … but doesn’t have the know-how or equipment to create the concoction. Jared Meyer, a tech genius, can definitely help her out. Salem falls hard for her business partner but considers him out of her league until Jared proposes more than a money-making venture.

 

And a preview snippet…

 

Salem pulled into the small parking lot a bit wistful about stopping the hot and sexy action yesterday. But she also kind of appreciated Jared's pull back. Jumping into something intimate when this whole idea could go belly up would be a stupid thing to do.

Grabbing her supplies, she popped her door. "Not that stupid can't be fun."

She entered the warehouse only to be met by a man who paced around muttering under his breath.

He caught sight of her and tossed up a hand. "Bah. A piece of ass. I should've known." The look he gave her condemned her on the spot.

Her temper lit, she dropped her bags on the counter. "Excuse me? I'm no one's piece of ass." Although she could have been if Jared hadn't stopped yesterday.

The gentleman gave a rude snort. "You will be soon enough. Jared's got Meyer blood running through his veins."

And yet, Jared didn't act like a raging asshole, unlike crankypants old guy. Angry beyond rational thought, she conjured a fireball, but the old man easily deflected it. He sent her a scathing look.

Salem snarled. "Who the hell are you?" He had about half a second to confirm her worst suspicion.

The man straightened his jacket. "Jarvis Meyer. Jared's grandfather. I came down to see what he was so all fired up about." He rolled his eyes. "I'm disappointed to see he's still thinking with his dick."

Salem almost laughed. "You're so wrong about that." Growing angrier by the moment, she threw down the gauntlet. "And you know what? Get out. You're not welcome here." At this rate, he never would be.

Jarvis looked down his nose. "You can't order me out of a building I paid for."

Salem arched her brows. "Really? Okay then." She built up several fireballs, adding a hex to all four. "Since money is all that matters to you … I'll hit you where it hurts." She launched the flaming orbs, hurtling them to the four corners of the building.

Grabbing her precious book of magick, she spun and started for the door. Mr. Jarvis the asshat could suck donkey balls for all she cared. And Jared could wait in line behind him.

Except … he probably deserved better from her.

Halfway to the exit, she stopped. "You know, if Jared was only thinking with his dick, he could've fucked me and taken my only possession." She held the book up. "Instead, he offered a partnership and put in as much time as I have. If you ask me ... he's the one with brains and foresight." Turning back, she made her way to the door and crashed into Jared on the way out.

He grasped her arms. "What's going on? What happened?"

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she pulled away from him. "If you want to salvage anything, the release spell word is hierarchy." Head high, she sailed past him and didn't look back.

I love Salem and her take-no-prisoners attitude. Thankfully, Jared does also!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye