Sunday Snippet: Whatever It Takes

Wow, August kind of flew by. I'm always amazed how fast the week slips away, which probably means I need to go outside and get some grounding time in. I'm going to blink, and it'll be the holiday season. Just saying. Maybe I'll moon watch this week with the blue supermoon happening.

Had a busy work week. I'm finishing up an extended project and working on a new manuscript copy edit. Also gearing up for a new developmental edit and a new manuscript assessment in September. Looking forward to working on new books in these two series.

Had a decent week of viewing television. I still haven't watched the final episode of Peak Practice season nine. I needed good vibes this week and didn't want anything to bum my mojo.

I actually caught two episodes of Suspects. I finished out the first season and started season two. The second season is four episodes but they're both two-parters. Looking forward to seeing what happens. I'm a bit bummed that I can't watch all five seasons of this show … unless they become available on the streamer I'm currently using.

Finished the first season of Cannes Confidential. My choice for the big bad was correct and that makes me happy. I'm so hoping there will be a second season of this show.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness's two-parter. Ended up enjoying the twists this one took. A great cast of guest stars really added to the storyline.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. This show makes me happy, which might seem weird because it's always about a murder. The cast is amazing and that's why I love it.

I'm on the fence with Fantasy Island. I enjoyed the episode but I'm not here for having angst solely for the sake of having angst. No thanks. We'll see how the season ends.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. "Sacrifices" ended up being such an interesting episode even if it shortchanged a couple of characters. One of the critiques I have about this show is not digging into the storylines when they should have. The previously on Battlestar Galactica does a lot of heavy lifting in seasons two through four and it's not necessarily a good thing.

Watched another episode of The Batman. This one introduced Penguin and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Aunt Miriam made another appearance as did the McNulty's.

Restarted the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the episode. I have one episode left in this series and then I'll have to decide if I want to dive into another Christie series or find something new.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Whatever It Takes, a novella that puts a couple on a treacherous path to find their version of happily ever after.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lysanor Bela runs the gauntlet and while she survives the experience, it messes with her mind. She has a vision of killing Baron Saltman—and gauntlet revelations are never wrong. Lys will do whatever it takes to keep Baron alive as long as possible—even if it means walking away from their relationship.

And a preview snippet…

Something's wrong. Lys should have finished by now.

Baron backed up and glanced at the timer. "She's been in there too long." Longer than anyone else to date.

He kept the comment under his breath. He wouldn't disturb the watchers. They had a job to do and didn't need to be distracted … again. Magheen's interruption earlier only drew the attention of one other, so Lys wouldn't suffer any penalties.

If only his mind seek had worked, he'd have a better idea of what might be going on with Lysanor. The unease of not being able to pinpoint what troubled him didn't sit well. He'd never been blocked before.

Ready to call an end to the test and send a team to pull her out, he hesitated. Lys would be crushed if he stepped in. She had worked and trained hard to get her shot at the gauntlet. If she failed, she'd lose her status and rank within the realm. Earning another chance wouldn't be easy, but Lys would do it … if only to be by his side.

She had the skill to be a master in the magedom. And her intuition rarely missed the mark. Discovering her path would put them one step closer to the vision he had of their future.

So, he waited. "Gotta give her time. At least a little more." He couldn't let her stay in much longer.

Because he couldn't lose her.

Too much time in the gauntlet could be fatal. The exertion needed to get through coupled with the mental stamina required sometimes wreaked havoc on the central nervous system. And while most recovered, a rare few had permanent damage. He wouldn't risk that with Lysanor.

He grabbed the handheld receiver. "Give her five more minutes then send in the med techs." Hanging up, he ignored the raised eyebrows of the other three people in the viewing room.

They couldn't hold his decision against Lysanor. If she made it out, the watchers could chalk his caution up to an overreaction on his end. But he'd rather err on the safe side and have a team ready and waiting.

Curling his fingers into his palms, he exhaled slowly. "Come on, Lys. Cross back through." And do it soon…

I like the way this story is coming together. Lysanor and Baron have a battle ahead of them and the fight will be worth it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Had a very busy week with work projects and family stuff. I'm kind of exhausted but not in a bad way. My sleep schedule is somewhat all over the map and that doesn't help. Insomnia is a definite pain in the butt.

I had a pretty solid week of viewing television. I got another full round of shows in and might be adding one or two in the next week.

I picked back up with Suspects and enjoyed the episode. This show is a little chaotic and I like that. I also rather like the characters.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have one episode left and I'm not ready for the season to end. I truly hope there's more to come from this show. It's so good!

Watched the penultimate episode of Peak Practice season nine. I'm bracing for impact for the finale. Then it's on to season ten!

Started a new two-parter of Silent Witness. Very interesting episode and I'm not sure where part two is going to go. This isn't a bad thing.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. This is such a fun show even if there's always a murder to solve.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, yep, my biggest pet peeve happened. Take a couple and tear them apart for stupid reasons. I'll finish out the season and see what happens, but I'm cranky now and that probably means I won't watch anything else if it has another season.

Started a rewatch of The Batman. I rather liked this series. I might also be able to finish my rewatch of Batman: The Animated Series. For whatever reason, it seems to be available again.

Watched another Classic Rugrats episode with two eps I'd forgotten about. Season five seems to have quite a few of those.

Missed watching Battlestar Galactica this week. My viewing partner had a family commitment and we're picking up again this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Weapons of Mass Destruction, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Bennie Sheehan and Sutton McBride are instructors at a mage academy. When they're trapped by a group of students pulling an elaborate lark—a yearly tradition—the former classmates reminisce about a favorite teacher and discover a mutual attraction for each other. The game then becomes whether they can act on their feelings before the group of academic tricksters undo their prank.

 

And a preview snippet…

 

Bennie Sheehan reached for another archive and opened the book. "I know there's a reference to the topic in one of these tomes." She occupied the large table in the center of the academy's library and had half the surface covered.

She used the index, running her finger along the side of the page. "Aha! Yes. I knew I'd find something." She snagged a bookmark and turned to the noted page. "Why did I agree to take over Carmody's advanced rune class after half term?" Because he'd planned a sabbatical and she had the lightest course load at the moment.

Right.

Because she'd only been back at the Bramblewood Academy for half a semester.

Setting the book aside, she checked over her list. She had everything she needed to get started after the mid-term break. "Hopefully, I won't have to bring everyone up to speed when I take over Carmody's class." The guy rarely stuck to his syllabus.

A noise in the upper stacks drew her attention and she glanced upward. The head librarian, Sutton McBride, guided a cart of books from the center of the left wing using spellwork to return the titles to their rightful place. He moved like a maestro conducting an elaborate symphony.

Bennie tilted her head to one side. "He's only improved in half a decade." They'd graduated from Bramblewood the same year but didn't have many classes together.

She'd had a huge crush on Sutton—like half their class—and always kind of regretted not being more social during her four years of study. If she had been, she might have had an opportunity to take a shot with him. Sutton participated in a slew of activities. The mage society, competitive spellcasters, the underground rune club, and the lock and key group.

Her lips curved. "I belonged to study sessions for one and spent ninety percent of my time crouched over my desk poring over my notes." Kind of like now.

She went back to her research, double-checking the resources she wanted to use. About halfway through the review, an odd feeling settled over her. It's too quiet.

The library usually had a buzz of muted tones and whispers. Right now, the space almost echoed with silence. No hum from groups huddled together discussing their latest projects or the slick sounds of pages being turned. Only utter stillness.

Bennie got up and did some quick recon. The windows on the first floor were shuttered, no light reflecting in from the streetlamps outside. The upper stacks didn't have moonlight filtering in through the large glass panes at either end of the library. A hard ball of dread settled in her stomach when she attempted to open the main doors and they didn't budge.

She tried the side entrances next and couldn't get through. The doors weren't locked, yet something, a spell or hex, held them in place. For thoroughness, she checked the window closest to her, but nope, it wouldn't move.

She put her hands on her hips. "Dammit. Locked in and trapped. What the hell is going on?" As soon as the words left her mouth, realization of the date kicked in. "Shit. Midterm break." She sighed.

Time for the annual biggest magick prank week of the year. Just for tricks and grins.

And I'm stuck in the middle of one. 

 

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. It's early days yet, but Bennie and Sutton are cool characters and a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

 

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wandering Soul

I sometimes wonder if time is speeding up. The week flew by. Then again, I have multiple work projects going right now and they're all at different stages.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Not quite as heavy as last week but I got through a full round of my current shows.

Actually started and ended the week with Classic Rugrats. I'm currently watching season five and it's weirdly missing Susie Carmichael. Maybe there's more of her in the later episodes.

Finished up the second season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Ended up fairly pleased with the resolution of Jean's stalker. Very glad and hopeful we don't have to see more of her.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential. I seriously love this show. The cast is amazing and the chemistry with all of them is terrific. I have a very sneaky suspicion one of the main characters is going to be a bad guy and I'm actually kind of here for that if it happens.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. I have two left in season nine and it's going to be kind of heartbreaking because I know what's coming. Also, Andrew is seriously annoying right now and I'm not sure if he'll improve or not.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Scar." This is another one of my favorite episodes even if, like "Black Market," there are some big flaws with development for later episodes. One of the best conversations of the entire series is in this episode.

Finished up a two-part Silent Witness. The culprit was indeed one of two characters I thought it might be. Such a great episode.

Started season two of Death in Paradise. Good opening episode with some familiar faces in the guest stars. I love catching my favorite actors in other roles.

Enjoyed an episode of Fantasy Island. So cool to kind of see how Elena assumed the role of host. I'm very curious about Ruby's mystery woman. I have a theory about her and I hope we get some answers before the end of the season.

Finished up season two of Strangest Things. I'd be interested in more episodes, but I won't hold my breath. The combination of Discovery and HBO Max is the stupidest thing ever and I'm honestly not sure I'll even continue trying to find shows I want to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wandering Soul, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

When unsettling dreams haunt Isobel Graff, she turns to an old friend to help her work through them. Garfield McCaskill has long buried his feelings for Isobel and when she seeks his assistance, he's thrilled … until he realizes the person she trusts the most—him—is part of the reason she's having the nocturnal visions.

And a preview snippet…

Isobel Graff let out a moan and tossed over onto her back. "Uggghhh. What's going on?" Her head thrashed on the pillow and images swirled in her mind.

Music. Music came from all angles. The chords dissonant and clashing against each other. She put her hands against her ears and closed her eyes, trying to keep the sound at bay.

When that action didn't help, she gave up and her eyes popped open. A figure lurked in the shadows, the subtle shift of black, gray, and fuzzy whisps of white hiding facial features.

It's a man. Why can't I see his face?

The orchestral sound dissipated, the strident crash and boom becoming muted. The inky fog whorled around her encompassing everything … except the figure standing somewhere near but not close enough to touch.

Isobel tried anyway. "Who are you?" She reached out, her hands fumbling in the cloudy vapor that kept changing direction.

The figure turned, the heavy mist of gray swallowing him up. Isobel didn't understand the bereft sensation left behind when he disappeared into the darkness.

The music crescendoed, rising to a headache-inducing level. Isobel ran, stumbling over unseen obstacles, trying to escape. The smashing, thrashing cacophony followed and she sank to her knees, covering her head. Her mouth opened on a scream, anything to drown out the noise that wouldn't cease.

Her eyes snapped open and the harsh sound coming from deep inside her chest stopped. Blessed silence enveloped her.

Lifting a shaky hand to her forehead, she blinked the remnants of the nightmarish dream away. "What's going on with me?" She shuddered and glanced around.

The rose-red fingers of the breaking dawn peeked in through her window. Her sheets were twisted and flung aside. Her quilt hung over the edge of her bed. All evidence of the physical cost of her reckless slumber.

Dragging the quilt up and around her, Isobel propped her pillows against the headboard. Leaning back, she tried to shuffle the vision into something that made sense. The jumble in her brain wouldn't settle, similar to the dance of shadows and the constant thrum and thunder of the music she'd heard.

Shaking her head, she rubbed her temples. "Even now, my ears are ringing…"

Unwilling to fall back asleep, she drew her knees up, resting her cheek on them while gazing out the window. "Nothing like being afraid of what my dreams might bring…" She stayed there, an unsettled weight between her shoulders, until the sun rose over the horizon.

This story is very much in the beginning stages but I'm excited to see where it goes. I love writing Isobel.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Voltage

Wow. August snuck up on me. I need someone to slow time down a little so I can catch up. I did have a great week with work projects and I'm hoping that trend continues through the end of the year.

Had an okay week with watching television. I'm going through a weird phase where I'm feeling kind of blah about everything I'm viewing. Not because the shows aren't interesting … more because my attention is very scattered and it's hard to focus right now.

I started and ended the week with episodes of Strangest Things. Seriously, there are some truly weird and bizarre items featured on this show. People are strange sometimes.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both featured fun bits with Grandpa Lou (Lew? I honestly can't remember how it's spelled.) They also had an in loving memory of David Doyle, the actor who voiced the character. Nice reminder of his work.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. We're an episode away from the end of season two and I'm not sure if I'm interested in whatever the creepy lady has in store for Jean or not. I'm on the fence about whether I hope there's a resolution to wrap this part up or if it should continue through season three, if there is one.

Enjoyed another episode of Cannes Confidential. This show is so much fun even with the dark theme swirling in the background. I really hope there's another season of this.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Very interesting premise. I'm not completely sure I have this one figured out, but I think I do.

Caught another Death in Paradise, which finished out the first season. Looking forward to starting season two this week.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Black Market." I have so much love for this episode even though it has a lot of flaws. Getting action-hero Lee is kind of worth having some thrown-in plot devices.

Watched another Fantasy Island episode and, again, I'm cautiously optimistic with how they're handling the personal lives of the characters. Also really enjoyed the fantasy of the three women. Such a great episode!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Voltage, a metahuman novella where the dynamics shift with a couple, and they gain some insight into each other.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tess Truvient, Gentry Malloway, and Hunter Keepman use their meta-human abilities for the cause of justice by working with a covert organization with a global reach. Tess and Hunter have a volatile relationship, on one day and off the next. Enter new recruit, Gentry, and Tess finds a much-needed distraction—if only for a few months—except something about Gentry draws her in and she's caught off guard when it's time for him to ship out to his permanent post.

And a preview snippet…

Tess melted into the kiss.

Aw, hell. He always knows how to push my buttons.

She responded, her hands skimming over the skin she knew so well. Hunter worked hard to maintain his physique and stay in top shape. But his powerful brain drew her in and held her interest.

He moved behind her, his hands sliding over her stomach to delve into her pants. He found her clit and swirled a finger around the hard nub. Her knees buckled and Hunter caught her, bracing his back against the lockers and tugging her ass onto his lap.

Tess worked the buttons of her fatigues loose and inched them down to give him some space. Hunter took the advantage and worked two fingers into her hot core. Brushing his thumb in counterpoint to the thrust of his hand, he quickly got her off.

She shuddered against him, a wave of pleasure crashing over her. Her bones turned to mush, and she collapsed in a spent heap. The man always knew exactly what to do to make her fly over the edge of bliss.

When she angled around to meet his lips, Hunter gave her a quick, hard kiss but eased away and straightened, nudging her to her feet.

She faced him, tilting her head. "You don't want me to return the favor?" Her palm cupped the hard ridge of his cock.

She'd gladly provide a toe-curling blowjob. If only to take the edge off. Mutual satisfaction worked as a great mood lifter.

Hunter shook his head. "Not right now. I wanted something of you to take home with me." His fingers glistened with her essence. "I won't expect you tonight … and you'll have the courtesy of giving me a heads-up if you move on with him, right?" An eyebrow arched.

She blinked but nodded, quickly yanking her fatigues up and fastening them. "Uh, yes. Of course." Caught between satiation and bewilderment, she didn't know what else to say.

Leaning in, Hunter gave her a sweetly sexy kiss then with a final glance at her, he headed for the exit.

She stared after him, his stricken face haunting her when he left.

This story might end up going in a direction I didn't expect. The sages are whispering in a corner right now and that usually means they're up to no good.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye