Sunday Snippet: Turning the Tide (a Black Raven Banner novella)

I can't believe we're at the end of May already. The year is flying by a lot faster than I want it to. Then again, it's been busier than usual for me, so time is kind of relative right now.

Had a great week with work projects. I'm making steady progress on both and still enjoying them. It's so much fun when you love the work.

Had a somewhat limited viewing week. I'm trying to figure out the whole HBOMax is Max now and, oh, yeah, it includes Discovery+. I have both so I have to figure it all out. I won't be paying twice for the same thing.

I watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with the second and third episodes of season two. I can't say enough about how strong the first ten episodes are. This show rarely missed in the first two seasons.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have so much love for this show. It also makes me happy when people pop back up. I kind of miss a few of the original recurring characters but it's nice to have the continuity this show tries for.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Who. I think I might have one or two left to finish out the classic run of episodes. Not sure if I'll start a new rewatch of the New Who or not, but I'm excited for the new doctor and the anniversary specials.

I'll be starting the second part of Silent Witness this week. I'm also going to change up how I do my viewing. I normally scroll through my streaming services and watch one show from each, but that hasn't been cutting it lately. I think I'll start watching whatever strikes my interest and go from there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Turning the Tide, a Black Raven Banner novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Verity and Emory have to balance the personal with the professional when they're back at Black Raven command. They're tasked with taking out a crucial enemy stronghold by exploiting a vulnerable weakness. The removal of the base will give the allied forces a way into the heart of enemy territory. Just when they think they're ready to go, Verity's ace fighter pilot dad shows up to see his daughter … and meet the man who wants her—Emory Cavendish.

And a preview snippet…

Emory wished for another R and R furlough. "The lack of interruptions were a plus." He finished buttoning his shirt and entered the briefing area.

Worthington greeted him. "Your French connection paid off. Word just came through." He retrieved a box of simulation props from the cupboard.

Emory quirked a brow. "Troop movement?" The resistance had been busy.

Worthington nodded when more people filed into the room. Verity, a large mug of coffee in her hand, strolled in behind Percy. She took a spot on the wall, letting the guys gather around the table.

Worthington called the meeting to order. "All right, now that we have everyone, here's the main point." He unfurled a large map and spread it on the table. "The enemy forces are starting to move around the first base Cavendish located. We've got orders to plan an air attack." His hand motioned to allied territory. "Ground forces are going to move out within forty-eight hours with an estimated arrival sometime late in the week." He paused and pinned Emory with his gaze. "I'm assigning Cavendish and Jones as leads on this, but everyone needs to work the table." His focus switched to Verity.

She came forward and eased up to Emory, her gaze sweeping the mock-up of hand-drawn locations. She shot a glance toward Emory then nodded. She wanted him to take the lead.

He picked up a model representing a troop transport vehicle. "Let's start with where the ground forces will be." He placed the truck on the map surface.

For the next two hours they plotted, arranged, planned, discarded, and finally got a working operation hashed out. Emory nudged Verity and she put the final plane on the board. The one she'd be flying.

She stepped back. "Okay, does everyone understand their role for this mission?" All heads nodded.

She swept the pieces off the table and slid a sideways glance toward Worthington.

He chuckled and lifted his chin. "Good, let's go through it one more time. Jones, why don't you get us started."

Emory picked up the transport and handed it to Verity.

A voice from the back of the room called out. "What the ever-loving hell is my daughter doing knee-deep in a briefing?"

All heads turned and a line of pilots shuffled to obscure the table from the intruder's sight. The man stood with his feet planted in black leather boots and his hands fisted at his side. Emory recognized him; had seen his stern countenance in photographs many times. Victor "Ace" Jones.

Verity's father.

Well, hell.

This is the concluding book to the Black Raven Banner—if the name doesn't change again—series and I'm so happy with how it's coming together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Truth Hurts

Greetings! It's been another busy week and I'm still excited about my ongoing projects. They're completely different genres and it's fun to have that variety while working.

Somewhat limited viewing week again. I've been in a place where background noise is more distracting than helpful, which occasionally happens. I notice it more on day when I didn't get solid sleep the night before.

I did catch most of Pennyworth. I have the last act of the episode to watch. This show is dark in all the ways I like shows to be. And I love getting to see Alfred actually grieve. And having Ripper be the catalyst that pulls him out is kind of a master stroke. Such a great show!

Also continued my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. We started season two and the first ten episodes are so terrific. The second half of the season is also excellent, but I remember so much about those first ten.

That's pretty much it for the life update. I am hoping to get some gardening in this week so stay tuned.

Tonight's post is from The Truth Hurts, a novella that brings a couple back together after one receives bad news.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mardi Darr discovers her current lover is an enemy agent with an enchanted chip in his head. She gives the okay for a risky surgery, and it lands him in a submersion chamber with no brain activity. Heth Santiago is responsible for Mardi being with Staz and he needs to help Mardi accept the truth … even though it hurts like a bitch.

And a preview snippet…

Halfway through the second bottle of Abernath, Mardi finally chewed through her chaotic feelings. "I'm not pissed about the surgery, you know. I enjoyed Staz's company, and he was there when I needed someone, but … I ruined a man's life." And she loved Heth.

Always would—even if the stupid man thought she didn't know her own mind.

Heth set his empty glass aside. "Hence the reason you're here, drinking to soothe the hurt." He gave a nod of understanding. "What do you want to do after getting stupid drunk?" Leaning back in his chair, he arched his brows.

She shrugged. "Not sure, but planning revenge sounds pretty good." She'd take on every sorcerer on the planet if she could.

Heth grunted. "Want some help?" He straightened and poured another shot.

She nearly choked on her surprise. "Why? You don't even like Staz." A fact he'd made clear more than once.

Heth leaned in close. "Liking him has nothing to do with wanting to help. I love you."

Her mouth dropped open. "You can't say that to me. Not now." She shook her head, even while she wanted to bask in his words.

Heth downed his shot. "Yeah, my timing sucks. But I realized how stupid I was right after you got together with Staz." He pinned her with his gaze. "And I wouldn't get in the way of what you two had going on."

She huffed out a breath. "Which turned out to be nothing. Or did you miss the part where they used him as a pawn?" Somehow that fact did nothing to ease her guilt.

Heth shook his head. "I definitely didn't miss that part. But Staz being a pawn rests on my shoulders as much as yours."

Because he walked away. He didn't have to say the words. His meaning came through every with crystal clarity.

Her shoulders slumped. "I want to hate you so much right now." But she'd never be able to.

Heth inclined his chin. "I know. And I don't blame you. But I will help you seek justice for Staz. I owe both of you that much." He nudged the Abernath toward her.

She shoved the bottle aside. "You know what? I'm gonna put everything on the table here. We will get payback for Staz. But we can't do that until you and I work out your issues with us being a couple." She settled back. "So start talking."

This story is making me happy. I like messy characters because they're fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Trip the Light Fantastic

Happy Mother's Day to all who celebrate. For me, this includes those who mentor others because being a mom isn't always about giving birth to a person or have fur babies.

Had another busy work week and I'm thrilled to have multiple projects to dig into. I love what I do and being freelance means being happy when the work is rolling in.

Had a limited viewing week with so many other things going on. I sadly lost one of my aunts I've been particularly close to and needed some quiet reflection time.

I did get the double-header of the last two episodes for the first season of Battlestar Galactica in, and they held up as being one of the most perfect season finales of all time.

I also finished up the episode of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say I had a feeling the artist would do something creepy and she totally did.

Other than that, I watched my classic standby of Perry Mason and also caught some early seasons of Midsomer Murders.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Trip the Light Fantastic, a Chaos series novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Esme Von Staunton and Ashton Sylvester think they might be going insane. Ashton's weird attunement with Esme draws her into his bizarre nightmare of hallucinations and doing things neither remember. Esme's brother Eric stumbles onto a plot by Baron Mobride and races to save his source and his favorite couple, but Mobride has other ideas and doesn't plan to let Eric thwart him.

And a preview snippet…

Eric Von Staunton quietly entered the seductively lit room, his gaze drinking in the sight of Bonnie Lancaster while she lightly powdered the apples of her cheeks. "My gorgeous woman, you don't need facial enhancement. You're perfect as is." For six months he'd been visiting her and paying for her services.

But only to keep up appearances.

Bonnie swiveled around and leapt to her feet. "Eric! I'm happy to see you." She dropped the brush to her vanity and launched herself toward him.

He caught her in his arms and slanted his mouth over hers. He welcomed her enthusiastic response of a low moan in her throat. Long ago, he'd hoped to have a shot with her, but circumstances drove a wedge into that plan. He took up the fight against the horrific conditions most of the populace had to work under and Bonnie fell on hard times and took a position in the privacy rooms at the Emporium of Entertainment. By chance, Eric bumped into her when Ash sent Eric to ferret out some information. Their renewed acquaintance brought old feelings to the surface and Eric tumbled headlong into love with her again. Bonnie returned the sentiment but remained as a top draw at the emporium.

Bonnie eased away from him. "How long can you stay? Do we have the night?" She loosened the sash of her robe, easing it from her shoulders.

Eric nudged her toward the bed. "You're most definitely spoken for until dawn breaks over the horizon." He shrugged out of his jacket but stopped when she shook her head.

Her hands smoothed over his shirt. "Let me. I love undressing you." She made short work of undoing the buttons and sliding her palms against his skin. "It's like unwrapping a lovely present and revealing a longed-for gift." Pushing the garment from his body, she started on his pants.

Eric gave her free rein. He'd like her to leave the emporium, but he wouldn't press the issue. He couldn't offer her a home ... yet. He shared the carriage house on Ashton Sylvester's estate with Delphinius Dieter and they had a standing agreement to keep their romantic entanglements elsewhere. Eric didn't like accepting charity from Ash, and Esme argued with Eric about how Ash didn't consider Eric a burden. Ash appreciated Eric's brilliant ideas and liked to invest in sure bets, which Eric would happily accept. But he also wanted to make his own way. So … Eric had meetings about his inventions with manufacturers scheduled.

Bonnie cupped Eric's erection. "Time to turn your brain off, my love, and enjoy our precious time together." Her fingers circled his length then glided along his shaft.

Eric nodded. "You're right." He swept an arm under her thighs and scooped her up. "Starting right now." Depositing her on the bed, he pulled the laces of her camisole loose and helped her shrug out of the garment. "I hope you're ready for a long night…" His head dipped and he captured a taut nipple between his lips.

I'm so happy Eric is finally coming together. The sages weren't telling me what he wanted, and Bonnie ended up being exactly right for him.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: A Timely Distraction

Finally have a little bit of spring weather, which is a nice change from the cold and dreary yuck of last week. Taking the doggos out won't be as much of a chore and they like it when the temperatures are mild.

Super, super busy work week. I dropped a quick copy edit in for a healthcare workbook and managed to get the revisions reviewed and back to the author in record time. Might have a few tweaks left, but otherwise that project is in the books.

Also completed a clean copy return for a romance novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I've been lucky enough to edit the whole series and I'm excited for more!

Finished up a full copy edit on a novel and have the file ready for author review. I'll be forwarding it later today and I'm excited to finish book one so we can jump into book two. This is a fun series to work on.

Also finished up a manuscript evaluation for a new adult novel and I can't wait to work on this series with the author. I love the concept and the characters are messy and fun, which is what I like in the new adult genre.

All those projects didn't leave a lot of time for television this week, which I'm actually okay with. When projects are fun and interesting, I fall right into work mode and enjoy what I do so much!

I did finish up The Mandalorian. This episode ended up being terrific. Ahsoka's introduction and her interaction with Grogu topped my favorite moments. Having the Mandalorian and Jedi working together also made things interesting. I love this show.

I started the next episode of Only Murders in the Building but didn't get to finish. I'll probably watch the rest later tonight.

Also missed my weekly rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. We're doing a double-header for the last two episodes of season one and I didn't have the chunk of time needed to do that this week. Bummer.

My daughter also finished up this semester of college and came home this weekend. She'll be here about a month before heading off to Michigan for a paid internship in a summer stock theater. So excited for her!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Timely Distraction, a novella with a fairytale vibe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Donahue Stuart, prince and heir to his father's throne, longs for grand adventures, but danger lurks from raiders and marauders, out for royal blood. Enter Lady Vivian, daughter of the king's oldest friend, and a kindred spirit who shows Hue he can have all the magnificent escapades he wants, right in his own realm.

And a preview snippet…

Hue tucked Vivian's hand around his elbow. "Your ingenuity amazes me. How did you come up with the idea to lure the guard to the front gates while we snuck out the back?" He paused at a vendor's table.

Vivian smiled. "Practice. But you'll only be able to pull that off once or twice a year." Damon didn't hire idiots to guard his only son.

They spent the day strolling through the markets, making purchases, mainly small trinkets and baubles. Vivian loved the freedom to mingle with the villagers. She'd found a lovely gray servant's dress made from the softest cotton with plain buttons and a simple sash attached at the waistline. Hue wore sturdy black pants and a homespun shirt in shades of red and gray. He'd added a low-fitting hat that hid part of his face to avoid being easily recognized. Viv admired the fit of his attire. The man made whatever he had on look incredible.

Hue nudged her shoulder. "Are you hungry? Would you mind eating here in the village or would you rather go back to the castle?" He glanced around and nodded toward an inn.

Vivian nodded. "Here sounds wonderful." She paid for her purchase then handed the card to Hue. "A rendition of the hawthorn tree and a memento of today." She hoped he would understand the significance.

Hue grinned. "It's perfect. Whenever I look at it, I'll think of you, the lady of Hawthorne Manor." He slipped the card into his shirt pocket. "Thank you."

Vivian's lips quirked. "You're welcome." She fell into step beside him, and they made their way to the dining area of the inn.

After they finished two dinners of stew and crusty rolls, Hue asked for two stout ales. Vivian loved how he didn't insist she drink something different from him. He lifted his mug and gave her a silent toast.

She raised hers. "To a day well spent."

Hue nodded. "To a day well spent." He drained half the mug.

Vivian followed suit and relished the comfortable hazy glow the alcohol provided.

Hue settled back, relaxing with his ale. "So, I've been curious all day. Why are you at the palace?" He crossed his leg over his opposite knee.

Vivian chuckled a little. "Well, the earl sent me to stay until my latest suitor debacle dies down." She took a large sip of her brew. "I refused one of his important cronies." The beer soured on her tongue when she thought about Wally.

Hue's eyebrows arched. "Did he have bug eyes or some other disfigurement?"

Viv shook her head. "No and I wouldn't care about that." She appreciated a finely made male but didn't use handsomeness as a measure of worth. "Wally is the definition of a stuffed shirt. He's very tied to protocol and maintaining strict standards." She paused a moment then opted for total honesty. "I'm not cut out for prim and proper trappings. I hate them. And I won't let anyone tame my spirit." She'd done Wallace Windsor a favor by rejecting him.

Hue's gaze drifted toward the window. "I know how you feel. I'm tied to protocol and strict standards. And protocol demands I marry and produce an heir before I can travel the lands outside of Kendara." His voice took on a dejected tone.

Vivian laced her fingers with his. "And that limitation chafes, doesn't it?" She definitely understood the dilemma.

Hue nodded then leaned in closer. "What if my perfect mate is out among the world? My dad met my mom while visiting an ally's court." He sighed. "Then the dragon wars started and travel for heirs became restricted." He frowned. "I don't want to settle until I've had the opportunity to explore the world outside of Kendara."

The statement crushed Viv a little, but she got it. "You want what your parents had. Which means you don't want to acquire a mistress on one of your journeys and have to tuck her away somewhere because you're in a loveless marriage." Right now, the reminder sucked the wind from Viv's sails.

And she had a quandary. She'd give about anything to have Hue notice her or want her. Maybe if she planted a hint…

Viv finished her mug of ale and used the liquid courage to tug Hue forward and mesh their lips together. She only lingered a moment, enough to show the embrace to be more than a friendly peck but not long enough to suggest something seductive. Getting too familiar would only tangle her heart into knots.

She eased away and brushed her thumb over his lower lip. "I understand your frustration and I hope you find exactly what you're looking for."

Even if it couldn't be her.

Hue blinked and shook his head a little. "I hope so, too." He gave her a lopsided smile.

Viv pushed away from the table. "We should probably head back before nightfall. My guess is we'll meet the guard on the way if we don't."

Hue barked out a laugh and got to his feet. "No doubt you're right." He crooked his elbow and tucked her hand around it again. "Thank you for the delightful diversion today."

Vivian inclined her head. "You're quite welcome." Plan number one down.

She couldn't wait to spring her next idea on him.

I have so much love for this story. Hue and Vivian are a fun couple and they're easy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye