Sunday Snippet: Beastly Shadows (a Lantern Jack tale)

I hope everyone who celebrates US Thanksgiving had a lovely holiday. Mine was low-key, which is how I enjoy the holiday the most. As usual, my husband cooked for ninety-seven people instead of the three that were here, but that means leftovers and readily available meals for a few days!

Kind of a light week for work projects in varying stages. I ended up getting a decent amount of writing completed. I finished up two manuscript drafts and I'm in the fine-tuning stage for those. I'm excited to start revising! I also did some additional planning for the other ventures I'm trying to launch soon. Should be an exciting December!

Had a great week of television viewing. I got an extra show in this go around but still didn't get to pick back up with my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. Hopefully this week.

I ended up watching two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm sad that Clarissa is leaving but look forward to new faces. Can't wait to pick up with the second half of the current two-parter. It ended on a cliffhanger.

Also got two episodes of Death in Paradise in this week. Started season four, which I'm enjoying. Humph is a lot of fun and Dwayne has been very entertaining so far.

Ended up watching two episodes of Only Murders in the Building also. Finished the penultimate episode last night and, wow, I love this show. And … I'm pretty sure I guessed correctly with a slight twist on the murderer. Can't wait to watch the final episode.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. One I remembered and the other one I didn't so really enjoyed that one. Not sure how many episodes are left in the first season but looking forward to more.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. I did remember both. An interesting bit was the theme changed for one episode then went back to the original. Weird what I notice when I'm streaming shows.

Watched another episode of VIP. The over-the-top storylines are so much fun. I really miss some of the shows from the late nineties and early aughts.

Enjoyed a behind-the-scenes episode of My Life Is Murder. I'll be starting season two this week, unless there's another bonus episode.

Also watched a behind-the-scenes episode of Agatha Raisin. A lot of fun to see and hear the actors talk about their characters. There might be one more BTS for season two then I'll be moving on to season three.

Picked back up with Peak Practice. I skipped ahead a little because I honestly don't care about Andrew and Kate's torrid relationship. Might try to work another episode in this week.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Beastly Shadows, a Lantern Jack tale.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lantern Jack is back. To end a centuries old feud between werewolves and the hunters, Lantern Jack has to right another wrong. He sets out to bring childhood friends Bebe Beasley and Mannix Mortimer together on Halloween night, but to do so he has to put Mannix in the path of a bullet.

And a preview snippet…

Bebe pulled her gloves off when her phone chirped.

After reading the caller ID, she sighed. "What is it, Bastian? I'm busy right now." Okay, dead heading her garden could be done anytime but the less she had to deal with family drama the better.

And two calls in a day crossed her tolerance threshold.

Bastain got to his point. "Be on the lookout for Mannix Mortimer. He might be headed up to your area." He paused a moment. "And you know what to do if you see him."

Bebe really, really hated her cousin sometimes. "Fine, Bastian. I'll be watchful. I always am." She cut the call and ignored the dread balling in her stomach.

Getting up, she entered the cabin and dumped her gloves in the bin and washed her hands. "I don't want to chase Mannix around." She actually liked him.

She could not say the same about overbearing Bastian.

To be fair, she enjoyed the Mannix she played with as a child whenever Bastian and his equally annoying brother weren't around. Images of climbing trees, swimming in the pond, and running through the woods crystallized in her mind. Those were good memories.

As a grown up, she appreciated the attractive man he'd become. Hard planes, chiseled muscles, a face made to stop traffic, and haunting silver eyes. If not for the stupid family vendetta, she could easily fall for him. But … she'd be foolish to do so. She didn't really know the adult Mannix—only his reputation. Which, rumor had it, featured a lot of women crawling in and out of his bed. Not that she blamed any of them.

Bebe stepped out onto the porch and yelped when she found a carved jack-o-lantern sitting beside the door. "Where did you come from?" Probably one of the high school clubs making the rounds.

They often did surprise drop-offs, even out in wood country where Bebe lived. Geraniums in the spring and mums in the fall. A nice neighborly gesture.

Bebe bent down. "Someone did a terrible job on your face." She turned the pumpkin around.

When her fingers touched the rind, a series of images and sounds flashed through her mind. A rifle, a shot ringing in the air, rolling fog and dancing shadows, and a loud, long howl.

A shiver went down her spine at the weird premonitory glimpse. Something wicked this way comes.

This one is finished and almost ready to release. I love writing the Lantern Jack tales and can't wait for everyone to see this one.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Beast in the Belfry

Entering thankful week with so much to think about and be grateful for. There's a lot going on in life right now and some of it's not great. But … there's also so much that's good and I always try to focus on the good stuff. I spent way too many years as a glass half empty girl. The stress of that did not do me any favors.

I got to edit an amazing holiday story, which I didn't expect and I'm so happy I got the project. It's from one of my favorite authors too!

My husband started a new job that he can do during his off season from the golf course, which is an amazing opportunity.

I got to watch a play my daughter did the entire lighting setup for, and I'm so glad I got to go and see what she's accomplished with her theater major. I already get to hear her radio show for her media production major. She has a semester left and I can't wait to see the amazing things she does with her future.

Had a pretty decent week of television viewing. I managed a full round of my current slate of shows, minus the Battlestar Galactica rewatch. Hoping to pick it back up this week.

Started out with the first half of a two-part Silent Witness. Kind of an interesting case mixed in with the personal aspect for the characters.

Caught another Death in Paradise. This is an episode I got to see part of before and it's nice to have the full context of everything that happened.

Loved the episode of Only Murders in the Building. So awesome to see Theo again. I love his friendship with Mabel. I'm kind of hoping the trio is back together by the next episode, but it's fun to see Mabel interact with other people. Going to miss seeing her in her aunt's apartment though.

Watched another episode of The Batman. This one introduced the Riddler. I'd forgotten how much teamwork between Yin and Batman was in this one.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I kind of remembered both and liked being able to sort of rewatch and still be a little surprised.

Caught an episode of VIP. This one ended up being a lot of fun and had some terrific character moments.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder. Nice to see Alexa kind of joining in and participating in a celebration. Here's hoping we get more of that in later episodes.

Also got another episode of Agatha Raisin in. This ended the second series and had so many great moments. I'm excited to see what season three brings.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Beast in the Belfry, a novella that has a bit of a supernatural twist.

Here's the miniblurb:

A curse leaves artist Vittoria Blahm disfigured and marred for life. But Cal Gilligan sees the true woman under the scars, and he falls hard for her when she saves him from plunging to his death. Vittoria can't quite believe anyone wants her and fears risking her heart to the possibility.

And a preview snippet…

Cal gazed out on the expanse of buildings on campus—an unshakable feeling of home settling over him. He swung a leg over the open window and settled on the sill. A sound caught his attention and he turned, taking in easels and paints, the couch, bed, and kitchenette. Shit! Does someone live here?

A wild-haired, screeching person flew out of the shadows, their hands raised for attack. Startled, Cal gasped when its—no, her—face came into view.

"Get out! Get out!" She grabbed his arm, tugging hard. "Leave. Now!" Fear filled her gaze but also anger.

Cal tried to duck out of the way, but in his haste he tottered sideways and went crashing through the open window. He skidded along the tiled roof, scrabbling to hold on. A firm grip on his wrist kept him from sliding—thank the universe—and gave him time to pull himself back up and into the tower. The woman scrambled away, cowering against the wall.

Cal stepped forward but didn't invade her personal space. "Thank you. You pretty much saved me from a horrible death." How he spoke calmly when his heart thundered, he'd never know.

She flicked her gaze to him but quickly glanced away. "You need to leave. This is my home." Her hands balled into fists.

Cal apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." Something about her called to him.

The mission work his parents did exposed him to distraught, damaged people. This woman had deep-running scars on the inside. Probably more painful than the ones marring her face.

He slowly stuck out his hand, palm up. "Cal Gilligan. U of M is my alma mater, but I've been gone for several years." When she didn't respond, he continued. "I didn't mean to invade your space. I just accepted a position in the literature department, and I used to come here all the time, especially during my final year." Silence. "Anyway, please accept my apology again. I'll leave now." He tucked his hand inside his pocket and crossed the floor, heading for the steps but stopped short when he passed the painting. "My God. This is incredible." He shot her a look. "Did you paint this?"

I have so much love for this story. Cal is just the right guy to bring Vittoria out of her self-imposed prison. I can't wait to finish this one!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: All Roads Lead Home (Warlock's Curse novella)

November is continuing the crazy weather tradition. Warm a few days then frigid a few. The whiplash roller coaster is in full force. Please keep arms and legs inside during the ride and make sure you've got plenty of allergy meds and mucus relief tablets on hand.

Had a somewhat light work week and got to focus on writing, which is kind of great considering it's Nanowrimo month.

Also got some decent screen time this week. I didn't do a double rotation, but I did make a full run through of all my shows with a little overflow.

I caught two episodes of Agatha Raisin. Season two is a bit different with longer episodes and different titles. So far, I'm enjoying the fallout from the aborted wedding … and the mysteries of course.

Watched the second half of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. I'm enjoying the kind of messy storylines. Considering this series has been around for twenty-three years, it's interesting to see how much it's changed from the beginning.

Enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise and finished out season three. Kind of nice to see Humphrey's wife and get an actual end to their relationship. Also great that neither really ended up being the bad guy.

Caught another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Loved how the trio finally got to work together … sort of. That might be the only thing that really sticks out as being a little off for me this season. Otherwise, I'm enjoying the mystery.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I like seeing the villains kind of double up and then double cross each other.

Got another episode of Classic Rugrats in and remembered both vignettes. Thoroughly enjoyed both. It's so much fun going back to this show and thinking about watching when my kids were little.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from All Roads Lead Home, a Warlock's Curse offshoot novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sebastian North has a legacy to remake and he begins by searching for the one that got away, Hagan Culpepper. Hagan wants nothing to do with Sebastian. She's worked a long time to get past the hurt and damage he caused and doesn't believe he's embarked on a new path. Her return spells new possibilities and spins a few secrets she isn't quite ready to reveal.

And a preview snippet…

Sebastian North answered the door. "Nadia. Falk. Thanks for coming." He ushered them into the manor and nodded toward the beautifully appointed living room.

Nadia arched her brows. "We're not meeting in the study? You said this is an official get together." She took a spot on the sofa.

Falk made a slow walk around the perimeter of the room. "Yeah, I thought all pretentious assholes liked to loom over their guests from behind some huge monstrosity of a desk." He finally completed his circuit and settled beside Nadia.

Sebastian kept his gaze on Falk, mainly because Sebastian had no idea how to approach the topic he needed to discuss. "Yeah, well, I can't argue that point. And I'd be a hell of a lot more comfortable being a pretentious asshole … I mean I learned how to be one from the best there was." He referred to Nadia's dad Boris Manchen.

Nadia waved a hand. "That goes without saying. But you've moved past my sperm donor's machinations, right? Meaning you'll figure out how to not make mad grabs for power." She leaned back and kicked her feet up onto the ottoman.

Sebastian's chin jutted out. "Right. Exactly. Which kind of brings up the point of asking you two here…" He inhaled slowly and let the breath out with the same measured pace.

Falk grunted. "Just spit it out, man. The longer it takes you to say what you need the harder it's going to be." He slumped down and crossed his ankle over his knee.

Sebastian almost laughed. The possibility of Falk smashing Sebastian's face in increased whether he spoke or not. Because Sebastian had a big ask and Falk wouldn't like the request one damned bit. But Sebastian needed to right his wrongs if he ever wanted to remake Boris's legacy.

And that meant Sebastian needed Falk's help.

Leaning forward, he pinned Falk with a hard stare. "You won't like this, but I need your help." He didn't give Falk a chance to replay. "I have to find Hagan, and you're the only one who can put me on the right path to do so." There … he'd spit it out.

Falk blinked. "You want me to lead you to my sister?" His head jerked back and forth. "Fuck, no."

I love, love, love this series and I hope I can get it ready to go and out into the world in the near future.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zip Cuffs

Ugh. Turning the clock back is a bummer. I've been reading arguments for staying on standard time or making daylight saving time permanent. I think I'm coming down on making DSL permanent, but either way, it would be nice to not have to turn the clocks in any direction.

Had a busy work week and hit my daily goals to stay on target for project dates. I also got a lot of writing in and updated some completed manuscripts for my new venture. I truly hope to launch it before the holidays.

Not a bad week of watching television. I'm debating on how many streamers I'm going to keep because they keep raising their prices. I'm okay with paying more if it's not all going into shareholder pockets. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of deal SAG-AFTRA can make with the studios. That might also help me decide which streaming platforms I'll be keeping.

I ended up starting a new Silent Witness two-parter and struggled a little with this one. Domestic violence is a hard watch and there aren't many clues to who the culprit is. I'm hoping to finish the second half later today.

Caught another Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of Humphrey and can't wait to finish his run so I can watch the spin off Beyond Paradise.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building and enjoyed it even if a lot of the scenes were goofy. It's kind of nice to have the comedic skills of the cast on display.

Got another episode of Battlestar Galactica in on my rewatch. This one had some good moments with a lot being left unsaid, which ends up biting a few people later.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman, which finished up the two-part origin story of Clayface and put Yin on the tentative side of the Batman.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. I remembered the first part with the submarine imagination scenario but forgot about the one where they discover Chuckie is left-handed. I love going back to these episodes and seeing them again.

Caught another episode of VIP and enjoyed it. It's fun to see the characters out of their element. It's also fun to see Val figure out what's actually going on.

Enjoyed another episode of My Life Is Murder. Nice to have a bit of Alexa backstory about her husband and how his death still affects her.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zip Cuffs, which will soon be renamed Falling from Thrayce.

Here's the miniblurb:

Thrayce Stratton finally has the man she wants, Dino Singer, but when all evidence points to him as the culprit behind several gruesome fae murders, she'll absolutely do her job as an enforcer—including using zip cuffs to get what she needs from Dino.

And a preview snippet…

Thrayce let the curtain fall when Dino pulled into her driveway. "Betrayal cuts deep." His earlier hesitation sent up a red flag for her.

Why else would he be reluctant to meet unless he had other plans … of the killing kind? But thankfully, Dino walked into her trap right on time. As soon as he popped the door open, she knocked him out with a siren song. He dropped like a stone in her entryway.

She grabbed his feet and dragged him into her private interrogation room—something she added after he got nominated to his position. Securing his feet first, he came to when she cuffed him to a chair with his arms behind the back.

At first, Dino found the scenario kinky. "Damn, Thrayce, I had no idea you were into this stuff." His lips quirked in a sexy grin.

She put that thought out of his mind quickly. "I'm not." She finished pulling the zip cords around his wrists. "Someone got tipped off. They know we spent the night together." Pushing down the anger at his betrayal, she yanked on the cuffs. "This is an actual interrogation, you moron." Her heart hurt when she thought about what would come next.

Dino's eyes went wide. "What? Why? You can't possibly think—"

She cut him off. "Really? I can't? How convenient the one night you're fucking me, there's no body found?" The truly damning fact.

Dino frowned but stayed silent. His thighs flexed and his shoulders shifted. No doubt discomfort hit him on all levels. As designed.

Thrayce walked around him. "No wonder you did such a fast turnaround on the whole being together thing." Bile rose in her throat.

Dino cocked his head. "Who planted this little seed?" His gaze narrowed in on her.

Thrayce didn't see the harm in telling him. "Watson Kincaid."

Dino snorted. "How convenient it's the one person who opposed my nomination." He shook his head.

Thrayce paused in front of him. "You know him?" How come I don't?

Dino jerked his head. "Only by sight and by the nastygrams he sends to the board, decrying the lack of a certified election." He grimaced. "Apparently, I was nominated and appointed by underhanded tactics and Kincaid is not happy about it."

Thrayce grabbed the information Watson gave her. "They why were you in the vicinity of all the murders?" She tapped the paper. "I verified this intel. I didn't just take his word." The confirmation of Dino's whereabouts kind of sealed the deal.

Dino growled. "You didn't call the council, did you? Because if you had, they would've informed you I had meetings in those locations, scheduled over a month ago." He shifted his position again, trying to keep the blood flow to his hands and feet.

Thrayce paced back and forth, her mind spinning. "And the bodies started dropping this week. Except on the one night you spend with me." She gnashed her teeth. "Maybe just a bit too convenient. Dammit." She hated how far apart they'd grown … so far she couldn't, with certainty, discount the so-called proof she'd been given.

Dino laid her out with his next words. "Sure as shit it's too convenient. And dammit, Thrayce, I can't believe you didn't trust me. How could you let someone get between us?"

Thrayce's shoulders slumped because she shouldn't have. "Well, fuck." So much for being good at her job.

This story is coming together in a way I didn't expect and I love it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye