Sunday Snippet: Xtreme Attraction (Xtreme Justice book one)

Our temperature warmed up again but didn't get super-hot, so the week ended up being very nice. The leaves are starting to turn and are already falling to the ground. I'm sad the colors aren't nearly as bright as they used to be.

Had a busy work week with lots of potential new projects. I also had some extra time to finish up a fall holiday short story, which makes me so happy! I ended up getting a good chunk of writing done and hope that continues this week.

Ended up with a decent week of viewing television. I got a little distracted with writing so about one full round of my current lineup. Not bad all things considered.

Watched two episodes of My Life Is Murder. So far, I'm enjoying the series. I feel like I might get a little annoyed with Alexa, but it's early days yet and that might change. I do love the supporting characters and how Alexa's backstory is unfolding at a slow drip.

Got almost two episodes of Agatha Raisin watched. I'll be finishing the second one up later today. Another show where I love the supporting characters so much. And Agatha is a lot of fun.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness, which finished out season twenty-two. I thoroughly enjoyed Nikki knowing in her gut she hadn't made a mistake and then following that through to prove it. I was kind of bummed the assistant ended up being the reason for the problems. Also loved the additional case of the drug-trial testing and how that one played out.

Started season three of Death in Paradise. I've watched the episode before, but it's a great example of how to bring in a new character while giving the original a proper send-off. Looking forward to Humphrey's tenure.

Finished up Fantasy Island's second season. I ended up being fairly pleased with the lack of extended angst between Elena and Javier. So nice to see Ruby's daughter and follow that story. The wives' club fantasy ended up being pretty great also. If and when the writer and actor strike is over, I'll look forward to a season three if the show is renewed.

Caught another episode of The Batman and it's one I'd forgotten. I like having some different or lesser-known rogue characters. And the Alfred and Bruce interactions are fun in this series.

Watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with "Lay Down Your Burden," the season two finale episodes. So much to love and so much to not love about these two episodes. And I'm still completely amazed with how prescient this series ended up being. It's freaky sometimes.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats, which ended season five and ushered in the first movie and baby Dil. I'd completely forgotten about Charles's parents being in this one. Kind of cool to see them.

Also caught another episode of VIP. It's one I remember from way back in the day and a fun one, where Tasha actually give Val kudos. This is an over-the-top wild show but so much fun to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Xtreme Attraction, the opening book of a trilogy about metahumans.

Here's the miniblurb:

The double X gene found in junk DNA makes life very interesting for a group of humans. Nyx Boit reshapes matter with her force of will. Cythe Baldetto literally has blades of steel at his fingertips. When Cythe is sent to recruit Nyx, she wants no part of his offer. To make her point, she converts his arrows, darts, and knives into liquid pools at his feet. Finally meeting his match, Cythe figures recruiting Nyx is out, but wooing her is most definitely in.

And a preview snippet…

You could kill me if you ever decide you're tired of me…

Cythe wanted to reassure Nyx. He didn't think he could ever harm her.

He cupped her face. "Yes, I suppose that's possible, but it's not probable. I'm not wired that way."

The ex love of his life would be dead if he had been.

He drew Nyx off the bar stool and led her to the couch. "In the interest of full disclosure, I had one other person I reacted to the way I did the first moment I laid eyes on you." He rarely thought of her and didn't want to now.

Nyx settled back and tucked her legs under her. "What happened?"

Cythe shrugged, unwilling to share the truly intimate details. "She wouldn't commit."

And he nearly lost his life because of her inability to do so.

Nyx met his gaze. "Is she still around?" Her voice wobbled just a little.

His lips curved. "She's not dead, if that's what you're asking." He sobered. "But, no, she's not around at the moment." And hopefully wouldn't be anytime soon.

Nyx nodded. "But you have history?" She spoke quietly.

Cythe inclined his chin. "Yes. But there's no longer a connection in that way." And there never would be again.

Nyx shook her head. "What about the pheromones?"

Cythe answered with honesty. "They affect her, but not me. Not anymore. When she broke the covenant, I almost died. But we'd just discovered the latent by product in my DNA. That said, I can't ever be with her again. The desire is no longer there…" He met Nyx's gaze again. "On my end, anyway. Physically, I have no reaction."

Nyx filled in the blanks. "But she does?" Her eyebrows arched.

Cythe nodded. "Yes." Hence the reason his ex had made tracks as quickly as possible.

Nyx shrugged. "That sucks for her."

Cythe couldn't argue. "It does. And she couldn't control the way she responded to me … which made for a lot of tense interactions."

And became part of the reason she left for places unknown. She didn't want a full commitment, but she also didn't want to constantly want Cythe.

He faced Nyx. "I'm telling you everything because I want to avoid the same scenario with you. Can you understand?" His gut said if they acted on the attraction in a physical sense, all bets would be off.

And that probably wouldn't bode well for either of them.

Nyx nodded. "I think so…" She got up and slowly paced his living area. "But I'm trying to wrap my head around it all."

He understood. He'd dropped a major truth bomb on her.

I'm enjoying this couple. They're fun to write and the three books are coming together the way I'd hoped they would.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: X Plus Y

Our fall-like weather remained with us … to the point we had record lows. I have to laugh a little because it's like a yoyo swinging up and down with record temperatures in both directions. It's nuts.

Had a very solid work week. Possible new projects that I'm excited about and finishing up a big one, which feels really good.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I didn't make it through two times like last week but had almost a full rotation of the shows I normally watch.

Enjoyed another Agatha Raisin episode. I'm settling in with this cast of characters and I love the village vibe. Looking forward to more episodes.

Started a new Silent Witness two-parter and I'm really interested in where this one goes and what's going on at the Lyle. The second half should be terrific.

Caught the finale for season two of Death in Paradise. I'm a little sad because the season three opener is obviously the loss of one of the main characters. But I'm excited to start in with a new character.

Watched another Fantasy Island episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm also happy to report Roark and Javier seem to be on better footing and the angst factor did not get amped to ten or above. A pleasant surprise. The whole deal with Ruby should be interesting to watch unfold. Not sure how I want things to go there.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. This one featured Firefly and I kind of loved the Bruce and Alfred banter in this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and loved it. One part had the babies journeying to the basement ala Indiana Jones style. The second one had the full set of McNultys for a birthday party. So much fun.

Started another episode of VIP but didn't make it all the way through. Too many interruptions to finish, but I hope to get the rest watched today.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from X Plus Y, a novella that brings DNA into the equation for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vail Gault and Wolf Vermassey have a wicked, powerful attraction for each other. Too bad their clans are brutal rivals in the underground world of meta-human politics. Pitted against each other, they can never be more than opponents in a cage match who happen to have sex that makes their sparring matches look like cake walks.

And a preview snippet…

Wolf's adopted grandfather called Wolf into his private chamber. He spread his hands, indicating Wolf should have a seat. Wolf declined. Whatever the old man said, Wolf wouldn't be sticking around long.

Malton sighed and settled in the chair closest to the fire. "Are you serious about handfasting with the Gault girl?" His eyebrows arched in question.

Wolf didn't hesitate, he answered truthfully. "Yes." The old man wouldn't get more until he got to whatever point he wanted to make.

Malton studied him for a long moment. "Did you lie when you said you had no emotional feeling for her?" The question came out on a raspy growl.

Wolf again answered honestly. "No. I didn't have an emotional connection to her at the time." Mainly because he'd refused to look deeper … a stupid mistake.

The elder quirked his eyebrow.

Wolf continued in more detail. "Listen, old man, when I discovered my feelings, I tried to do right and move on." He laid everything out.

The refusal to see Vail or seek her out. The choice to move away from cage fighting. The constant resisting temptation.

Vail finally sat down. "But I can't fight the pull." He didn't want to anymore.

Vermassey sighed again. "There's a reason you can't." He stared into the flames. "She's got the extra Y gene." He turned and met Wolf's gaze. "And you've got the additional X one."

If the old man had dropped a bomb in the room, Wolf wouldn't have blinked. But this? This had Wolf's head snapping back in disbelief.

Wolf scoffed. "That's bullshit. Only royal bloodlines have the extra genes." And he definitely didn't come from Vermassey stock, despite his acquired last name.

Malton gave a nod. "Yes, that's true." He laid a gnarled hand on Wolf's. "You're my grandson, Wolf. You were fathered by my oldest child." His free hand fisted on the arm of the chair. "He wouldn't claim you, but as soon as I found out, I did. And your father went to his grave not knowing, by my design." His gruff statement belied the internal rage he held for his deceased son.

Wolf honestly didn't have a clue how to respond … so he said nothing.

The chieftain, hell, his grandfather, held Wolf's gaze. "You have to know mixing the two bloodlines could create chaos. Any child of yours will be potential threats." His tone held no malice, which actually meant the peril wouldn't come from the council.

But … old grievances could. Over my dead body. If he and Vail had children, anyone coming after them would have to get through both.

Then again … mixing the bloodlines could also go the other direction.

Wolf countered. "Any children we have could also be potential guardians and buffers by uniting the houses." Rivalries could end.

Malton's lips curved in a partial smile. "Only time will tell, my boy. Only time will tell."

This one took a twist I didn't expect, and I'm happy with how everything is falling into place.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Worlds Collide

Ohio had record high temperatures this past week, but the weekend has brought some fall-like weather. I'm looking forward to seeing the leaves change even if it seems like the colors are less vibrant than they used to be.

Juggled several work projects and I'm in the final stages of two and starting a couple of small new ones. I'm liking the mix of things I'm currently working on. It's fun to stretch my wings sometimes.

Had a solid week of viewing, which seems weird because I did have a lot of work stuff to get done.

I started a new to me series with Agatha Raisin and thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes. I think I'm going to like this one!

I finished up season two of Suspects and, wow, the last episode kind of packed a punch. I'll have to wait to see if more episodes become available on the streamer I use. I'm not quite ready to sign up for yet another one to see the remaining seasons.

Caught the first episode of Peak Practice season ten. Also started the second episode but got a little distracted. I might end up skipping a few because I really don't care about Andrew and his affair.

Watched a Silent Witness two-parter that dived into the Troubles and thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns.

Forgot to include Battlestar Galactica in last week's recap. Watched "Captain's Hand," which is one of my favorite episodes. This week we watched "Downloaded," which is kind of the beginning of the end to a promising series. With twenty years of hindsight, I can honestly say I didn't need or want to know that much about the cylons.

Enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise. I loved the hurricane episode. Only Richard would think it's just a little wind. One more episode for season two and then it's time for a changing of the guard.

Caught two episodes of Fantasy Island. I'll admit, I'm on the fence with Roark and Javier. I'm kind of down with the building of the friendship and letting Javier all Elena out for trying to protect Ruby. The thing is … he's not wrong, but he should also know Elena might have been down this road before and she almost always has information she can't share, which is kind of hinted at when Ruby more or less forgets about Mel. What's next? She forgets her kids? So … I rather love that this thread looks like it will be spun out to a thin tether. Also makes me wonder what's in store with Ruby's tattoo.

Watched two more episodes of The Batman. ManBat and Victor Frieze were the bad guys for these two. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this show the first run through.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Finally had another one with Susie, which makes me happy. Also forgot how much fun it was to have Chuckie act like Angelica for a day.

Started a rewatch of VIP. Sometimes it's so much fun to go back to shows from the late nineties and early aughts and enjoy the creative license and sheer escapism they provide.

Also started another new to me series with My Life Is Murder. I'm not quite finished with the episode, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far!

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

Here's the miniblurb:

On the eve of a major battle between supernatural factions, Frida Hapspell and Quant Undersmith ponder their fate and their future. With family relationships at stake, Frida takes steps to make Quant face the widening chasm he's creating with his dad … especially because she's the reason they're at odds.

And a preview snippet…

Frida Hapspell quickened her pace. "Why do I always lose track of time?" The mandatory curfew started well over two hours ago.

And she'd been holed up in the catacombs doing research. Someone had to figure out a way to open negotiations with the fae before an all-out war started. She would definitely not be the someone, but her knack for digging into subjects and boiling them down to their very essence would give whoever landed the unenviable task a leg up.

Footfalls crunched on the road behind her, and Frida cut through an alley and backed up against the wall of a bookstore. "Friend or foe?" She didn't want to find out but might not have a choice.

Peering around the corner of the building, her shoulders slumped. "Shit. Foe." Sliding further back into the alley, she made a quick run for the street and darted across, keeping away from the lamppost and its diffused light.

What the hell are shifters doing out? Of course, they weren't part of the mage society and didn't abide by the curfew. Only those who wanted the wrath of the Undersmiths paid no attention to the safety measures the ruling family put in place.

Crouching behind a half wall, Frida grimaced. "Which is not me." She cursed herself for getting too engrossed in the supernatural law tomes.

The two beings following her paused in the middle of the road, sending their gazes and, no doubt, their noses in both directions. She wouldn't stay hidden long if they got her scent. She risked glancing around, a spark of hope filling her when a lone individual came out of the corner deli.

He dropped his wrapped order on the ground and called out. "Hey, it's after curfew. You guys need to get inside and locked down for the night." He started toward the duo.

The two shifters smirked and stood shoulder to shoulder. Frida's heart sank when each made a partial transformation, their hands taking on their wolf form. Barely a second passed before they launched forward and grabbed her would-be rescuer by the throat.

Frida gasped. "Aw, shit. What the hell is he doing out after curfew?" She recognized the younger son of Stanton Undersmith.

She'd graduated with his older brother, Quant. Everyone knew the Undersmiths by sight if nothing else. The family stayed active in the community they oversaw.

Brant's startled gaze met hers for a brief moment … right before the larger of the two slashed Brant's jugular with a thick claw.

Frida bit back a scream and bile filled her mouth. She didn't want to give her position away. And she definitely didn't want to become the next victim of the shifters.

"What the hell? Stop. You're violating curfew and under arrest…" The voice trailed off when the shifters tossed Brant in its direction.

Frida took another quick look over the edge of the concrete. One of the Undersmith patrolmen held Brant's lifeless body in his arms. Frida caught sight of the shifters in full transformation tearing down the road in the opposite direction. Stifling the urge to heave her guts up, she scrambled to her feet and ran the four blocks to her building.

With shaking hands and tears flowing down her cheeks, she flipped the runes and quickly ducked inside before sinking to the floor and closing her eyes.

I just witnessed the murder of Brant Undersmith.

His death had saved her. She had no doubt his intervention kept the two shifters from killing her. The fae were gearing up for battle and taking out a member of the ruling family wouldn't go unavenged.

Resting her head on her knees, Frida dragged in a watery breath. "What the flaming hell am I going to do?" She needed time to think and process everything that happened.

She had a friendship with Quant, something she didn't want to trash. But she also inadvertently caused his brother's death, which would set Stanton on the warpath. And she really didn't want to be a casualty of the fallout.

No matter what way she turned, she'd landed smack dab between a rock and a hard place.

This story is just getting started and I'm so excited to see where it goes. I love writing Frida.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Whipped Cream and Chocolate Dreams

September has ushered in yo-yo weather. We had record low overnight temperatures this past week and we're supposed to end up with record high temperatures this week. My sinuses are not happy right now.

I'm still finishing up the copy edit for the extended project and should have it ready this week. I'm looking forward to starting a new project in the next week or so. September is shaping up to be a busy month and that makes me happy.

Didn't have a bad week of viewing. I got a lot of episodes in and finished up a series, which means I get to start a new one this week. I have no idea what that will be yet, but probably a mystery.

I caught two episodes of Death in Paradise. One I remember seeing before and the other new to me. This is why I love going back and watching in chronological order.

Also watched two episodes of Fantasy Island. Enjoyed both for the fantasy aspect. Did not enjoy the angst factor. As usual, you take a perfectly good couple and break them up for a stupid reason. Depending on how the next few episodes go, I'm probably done with this show.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. Bane and Catwoman were introduced and the Catwoman episode was a lot of fun. The Bane episode wasn't bad either.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. The four vignettes were all ones I'd remembered and pretty fun to watch again.

Finished up the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the final episode. I love mistaken identity hijinks and this episode had a splashy party to boot. So much fun.

Caught the second half of Suspects and thoroughly enjoyed watching the team unravel the tangled web of who did it. Also kind of great to get some insight into the characters' personal lives.

Finally watched the season nine finale of Peak Practice. It was as hard as I thought it would be. I'm not looking forward to Andrew's personal life being a main focus of season ten, but I'll still be watching.

Finished the second half of Silent Witness. This one ended up being very twisty and I like that. Looking forward to the next two-parter. Might get more insight into Jack's character.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Whipped Cream and Chocolate Dreams, a novella where a dream tender and cupid have a running challenge that brings three characters together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nita, Deacon, and Callen fall victim to Morpho, the Dream Tender, who plants vivid imagery in their minds while they slumber. When the trio wakes up primed and ready for action, they try to fight the erotic pull, but fail.

And a preview snippet…

Deacon stayed outside, chilling on the hammock, after Cal and Nita went in to stream a movie. "I've seen the entire Marvelverse at least twice." Tipping his bottle to his mouth, he finished off the remaining cider.

He loved having Nita back in their small beach town. Growing up, he'd looked forward to when she'd arrive on Memorial Day weekend to spend the summer with her gram. She started coming their seventh-grade year and somehow brought Deke and Callen into her circle from their initial meeting in the ice cream parlor. Being year rounders, he and Cal went to the same school, but they rarely hung out together.

Until she arrived that first summer.

Once Nita showed up, she insisted the first two people she met had to stroll the beach in the mornings with her—before it got crowded and they had to start working their summer jobs. For a decade, the trio spent time together for three months each year during high school and college. And Cal became Deke's best friend.

The past three years, Nita couldn't make it for more than a week or two. She landed a job managing a chain of boutiques as soon as she graduated from her university.

Deke tsked. "Then her gram got sick." An aggressive form of cancer took her life within six months of being diagnosed.

Nita came down with her parents for the funeral. He and Cal attended but they had work commitments. Deke worked for the local fire department and Cal's computer science degree made him an in-demand consultant. When she called to say she'd be moving down full-time, he and Cal met to coordinate their schedules.

And talk about Nita. Both cared for her but wouldn't compete with each other. If she wanted one, she'd let them know. Deke had a thing for her going way back. He dated but not seriously. Cal ended a two-year relationship right after college and only did casual hookups since then.

Shaking his head, he got up and put his bottle in the recycling bin. "Time to call it a night. Thoughts are getting a little too cozy right now." He headed inside to find his bed.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. This trio of friends is a joy to write and I love playing with the dynamic between them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye