Sunday Snippet: Fan the Flames

Gearing up for a busy week with work projects and my youngest's graduation from college. I think we're also going to have some nasty weather, which should be fun.

Had a solid week of work and writing, which makes me very happy. I might be finding my groove again. I so hope I am. I'm not a fan of being unable to focus when I need to.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Made it through the modified list of shows and started over.

I caught the final two behind the character bonuses for My Life Is Murder. I'm somewhat hoping there's another season. Based on a little research, I think there might be.

Also watched two episodes of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Both were enjoyable. Kind of sad to see the pub owners no longer with the cast but interested in Dom's uncle being a possible addition. Hopefully he won't be too shady.

Enjoyed the two-part Silent Witness. A lot of twists and turns in this one and I liked them. Looking forward to starting a new two-parter this week.

Finished up season six and started season seven of Death in Paradise. I'm excited to dive further into Jack's tenure as the DI. It feels like this is when cast members start their merry-go-round of coming and going. But I'm looking forward to more of this show.

Caught another episode of Elementary and Moriarty is making their presence known. I'm kind of interested in how this might play out over the seasons. I'm very much loving the dynamic with Sherlock and Watson.

Watched another episode of The Batman. I guess it was the season two finale. It always kind of annoys me when the first season is twice as long as the remaining ones. That said, pretty sure Robin makes an appearance in season three so there's that.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats. Again, these were new-to-me vignettes. Not sure what happened with season seven during the original run, but I'm happy to see those now.

Also finished up the Peak Practice episode I started a while ago. Hoping to get another one in this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Fan the Flames, a novella featuring a cupid that has to bring a couple together, but they don't make it easy for him.

Here's the miniblurb:

A modern-day cupid discovers a couple with matching auras and thinks he'll have an easy time matching them up. Right ... not so much. While Jamie and Alix definitely have the hots for each other, one big obstacle stands in their way—Jamie's job.

And a preview snippet…

Alix met the gaze of the man speaking and studied him for a moment. Attractive, except for that nasty comment, he looked tired and a little cranky. But he had to have some knowledge of her work.

Her lips curved upward. "You must be referring to the VanDyne house, the one that featured prominently in the holiday parade of homes last year." Her gaze scanned the other committee members. "The strict guidelines for the design parameters required the full Victorian treatment. Mr…"

The man's lips thinned. "O'Riley, but everyone calls me Jammer." He shifted in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest.

Alix knew the name. Joe mentioned Jammer on a regular basis. He failed to say the guy had a massive stick shoved up his ass.

She gave him a sweet smile. "Jammer it is then. Part of my job is to follow the client's requirements to the letter. In the case of the VanDyne home, the homeowner's association dictated a lot of the design features we went with." Moving the presentation along, she started to turn over the first board.

Jammer jumped in again. "What makes you think you can handle the design for the common areas and living quarters in a fire department while adhering to commercial code?" He quirked an eyebrow.

Alix flipped the board, her color scheme of rich earth tones with pops of red, black, and white drawing appreciative nods from the other committee members. "To answer Jammer's question, my degree is in residential and commercial interior space planning. I'm well-versed and up to date on all codes." She took the design board and started it around the table.

Glancing in Jammer's direction, she paused for half a second to see if he had anything else to bitch about. He brought his coffee mug to his lips and stayed silent.

Alix propped two boards side by side. "Since Jammer seems to have the most concerns, I'll offer to scrap the leather chairs and sofas, the dart boards, the flat screen TVs, and billiard tables for the living room along with the oversized eight burner stove, double fridge and freezers for the kitchen, and do away with the weights and cross fit equipment for the exercise area, if everyone agrees it's not what a firehouse needs." She met Jammer's gaze. "However, the frou-frou bedding with pom-poms for each of the bunks is a sticking point. I refuse to give up creative control for the sleeping area." She smirked then passed the two boards around then revealed the actual bunk room design. "All kidding aside, I'm aware you guys are on shift for twenty-four hours and my goal for the bunkroom is to make it comfortable during downtime." She pointed to the key features. "Semi-private berths, with space and charging stations for your electronic devices, and a fold down desk area will accompany each section." She started the last board around to the buzz of approval from most of the committee. "Bedding can be brought in, so if anyone isn't happy with the cool blues, taupe, and sienna color scheme, they can bring on the pink and polka dots." A round of laughter greeted her pithy remark.

Mr. Grouchy had the design boards laid out in front of him and had, so far, kept his mouth shut. Alix wondered if he'd get on board or go further into ass hat territory.

I love this story so much. Alix and Jamie are a lot of fun to write and bringing them together is a huge treat.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

Can't believe we're almost through April. And yet … it's been a really long month. May has some great things happening, namely my youngest graduating from college. She starts grad school in the fall, and I'm amazed by her. I can't wait to see what she does with her future.

Had an okay week of viewing. I'm behind on my work projects so I didn't push hard to get stuff watched, but I did make a full rotation of my shows.

I finished the regular series of My Life Is Murder. I have the bonus content left to watch. I actually loved this show. And, to my astonishment, it looks like there will be a fourth season! And it premieres tonight if I can trust the interwebs.

Caught an episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. A little disappointed with the friction and push back from Caron about interference with the case, but it's probably a little more true to life than not.

Finished up Silent Witness and loved how it ended. Things didn't go quite the way I expected. I love it when that happens.

Watched the first episode of Jack's tenure of Death in Paradise. I liked the transition from Humphrey to Jack. We're also getting into episodes I've not seen anything of yet and I'm excited to watch new stuff.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. This one didn't have the police coming to Sherlock for consultation. He brought a case to them, and I'd like to see more of that. Almost through the first season so maybe I'll get what I want here.

Caught another episode of The Batman and it's one I remembered watching before. I love it when Alfred's past comes calling. He's got some interesting friends.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats and, again, this is a new to me one. I don't remember either of the vignettes and that's always fun for me.

Finished out the week with some more Peak Practice. I'm trying to get through the episode I started a few weeks ago. I might get it finished this week.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Events in Motion, a novella that explores the journey a couple has to take to find a new home.

Here's the miniblurb:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Drury reached a deep level of meditation. The oracle said Dru would be able to achieve what she needed to. Foretold the future that would rely on something involving Dru and taking a new path.

As if doing actual meditation doesn't already count as something new and different.

She rarely got to the place where her focus zeroed in on specifics. Most of the time, meditating allowed her to silence the noise in her head for short bursts—long enough to stay sane but not lengthy enough to subdue the constant, quiet roar. Porter helped but she shouldn't keep using him.

Fuzzy images gained clarity in her mind's eye. A large, looming structure shifted through a series of snapshot moments. Quick flashes, barely more than blips in her brain shuffled like pages being turned. These are familiar. I know where this is.

Her eyes popped open. "I have to go to the temple." She took a moment to recenter her being then got to her feet.

Crossing the room, she started packing, tossing necessities into a large duffle. With no way of knowing how long she would need, she added enough to cover a week. Movement from behind had her turning to discover Porter leaning against the door jamb.

She zipped her bag. "I'm going to the temple. Whatever questions I have … the answers will be there." Or at least the starting point would be there.

Porter nodded. "Give me fifteen minutes. I'm going with you." He pushed away from the door and headed for the front entrance.

Her gaze narrowed but she didn't argue. She wanted him along. Instinct told her she could use his steady presence. And her heart settled somewhere between hope and wary consternation over his offer to come along.

Hoisting the duffle over her shoulder, she followed him. "Do you want to meet me there?" She set the bag on the table and grabbed a backpack to store water and food.

Porter shook his head. "No. From this moment forward, where you go I go. I'll pack, grab some more supplies then come back for you." He met her gaze. "Fifteen minutes. I promise." His hand twisted the doorknob.

Tears pricked behind her eyelids. "Why are you doing this?" She didn't really deserve his support.

Porter tilted his head to one side. "You need someone in your corner, Dru. I'm that person. I've got your back, and I always will." Pulling the door open, he headed outside.

She blinked hard to clear her vision, letting the teardrops trickle down her cheeks. Because … she didn't just need someone.

She needed him.

I'm very pleased with how this story is shaking out. Dru is in for a wild ride and Porter will keep her grounded.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: An Eternal Yule (a Holiday Spirit short)

Another crazy week. This time on more of a personal front, which isn't all that unusual. I don't normally get slowed down though and I did this week. We got to see almost totality for the eclipse and that was actually a lot of fun. Our streetlights came on at three in the afternoon on an otherwise sunny day. Seriously. Lots of fun.

Had a fairly decent week of viewing and caught up on most of my regular schedule. I've pared it down a little and kind of hope to get back into a full rotation sometime soon. If I'm paying for streaming services, I should be using them, right?

Ended up catching two episodes of The Batman. I'd completely forgotten the original sidekick storyline with Prank for the Joker. Ended up enjoying that one. Also kind of loved the "Thunder" episode. That one I did remember.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I must have missed a big portion of the seventh season because I don't remember any of the vignettes. Kind of nice to have new-to-me material to watch.

Enjoyed an episode of My Life Is Murder. I think I have one more left before bonus material. Going to miss this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the series.

Caught the holiday episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Enjoyed it. Looking forward to diving into the new season.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Loved seeing Jack's niece again. Looking forward to finishing this episode.

Said good-bye to Humphrey on Death in Paradise. Really liked the way his run ended. I'm excited to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

Watched another episode of Elementary. I'm almost through the first season and I'm very much enjoying this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from An Eternal Yule, a holiday spirit short featuring a vampire and a psychic.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tortured vampire Haddon Hobbs can't seem to fight his bloodlust anymore and it's going to be the end of him if he can't. Psychic Tabitha Tarheel is tired of seeing the worst the world has to offer in her visions. Holiday spirit Joy Garland brings the two together over the Yule season to help them find renewed hope for the future.

And a preview snippet…

Haddon's fangs sank deep into the throat of the would-be rapist. The red haze of bloodlust clouded Haddon's mind. The vile human gurgled and choked, his heartbeat slowing almost to a halt.

Haddon finally got a grip on reality and thrust the nearly dead man into the tattered boxes beside the dumpster. "You're not worth it. Killing you would be too merciful." And this guy deserved none.

The man sneered—drained of several pints of blood and barely breathing—he actually sneered. The time it would take for cretin to recover from his injuries might not be long enough. And it got more difficult to resist removing the shit stains on humanity. Haddon almost caved to the burning need to end the despicable wretch's life, but the air shifted around him and the persistent buzz of the supernatural pinged along his awareness. The stinging sensation would get worse if Haddon delayed answering the call.

With a low growl, he stumbled out of the alley and ran directly into a hovering envelope. He snatched it from the air and clasped it between his fingers. Fighting against the strong pull of the rage to go back and finish off the terrible, sexual predator once and for all, Haddon quickly sped to his home with preternatural speed. Once inside his brownstone, he tore the envelope open, fully expecting a summons from the council to address his bloodlust.

Instead, he'd received a parchment invitation. "Huh, didn't think anything could surprise me anymore." The brief missive got directly to the point.

 

The winter solstice is a special time of year.

Not the time to lose all you hold dear.

Some time away would do you good.

A solitary stay in a protected wood.

Travel the mist later tonight…

And make an effort to set things right.

 

The name of the location stood out in bold capital letters with coordinates not far from his residence to enter the nether realm.

Haddon tucked the invitation inside his coat pocket. "The Goodacre Bed and Breakfast." Sounded preciously quaint but he'd live with overblown chintz if it meant a possible solution to his dilemma. He didn't have a death wish. But he also grew weary of fighting the pull of bloodlust. After centuries of living through the terrible things humanity did to itself, disgust and disdain bubbled and boiled under the surface with constant pressure.

Grabbing a large duffel bag, he packed light. "Some casual stuff and a pair of boots for walking in the woods." Maybe he'd find a way to beat the short fuse he'd been living with for months. "Six centuries of harmony and balance shouldn't end without at least trying." Exiting the building, Haddon darted down the access street that led to the storage area behind the four-unit brownstone.

A few moments before the stroke of midnight, the mist rolled in, and Haddon walked forward waiting for the fog to surround him.

Another moment later, he found the veil and started to cross through it. "Here goes nothing…"

Or maybe everything…

I have so much fun writing the holiday spirit shorts. This one is on track to become a favorite!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: An Enticing Yule (Holiday Spirit short)

April is starting off with a bang. We've had seven days of volatile weather. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and another big drop in temperature with snow flurries. I thought for a while we might end up with a blizzardnado—complete with sharks. If you know you know. It's that time of year where keeping warm-weather clothes beside arctic gear isn't a bad idea.

Due to the crazy weather, I didn't get a lot of viewing in this week. I also had a full plate plus dessert of work projects. I'm very happy to have multiple things to occupy my time!

I did get another episode of My Life Is Murder in and loved getting to see Madison strut her stuff undercover. I'm going to miss this show when I'm finished watching.

Caught Midsomer Murder's final episode for this season. Enjoyed the mystery. I'm a little disappointed that it feels like the characters don't know much about each other. Winter has been with Barnaby for quite some time now and it seems like the interactions they've had in the past are quickly forgotten. Really the only thing that kind of irritates me about British mystery shows.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. I think I'm going to like the new guys. I really enjoy Jack and Nikki together. The case was very confusing, but I ended up liking how things turned out.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. It's almost the end of Humphrey's run and I'm kind of excited to finish up and start Jack's journey. And also pick up with Humphrey and Martha back in England.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Kind of fun to see some of Joan's old life collide with her new one. Not super thrilled that her friends thought she needed an intervention, but at least they came around by the end.

That's it for the life update this week. I'm hoping to get back on track this week, barring any weird and wild weather.

Tonight's post is from An Enticing Yule, a holiday spirit short featuring a shifter and a watcher.

Here's the miniblurb:

A shifter and a watcher have to find their Yule cheer … with a little help from holiday spirit, Cinnamon Mistleberry. She's got her work cut out for her. Pandora Prewitt is a multi-shifter struggling to find her true form or risk banishment from her tribe. Dexter Diamond is a watcher, the group of preternatural humans who document the shifter chronicles, questioning his life's work. Cinnamon brings the duo together at Yule to show them the enticing value of love.

And a preview snippet…

Dexter didn't need the confirming nod from the other invitee.

And the moment he got within two feet of her, his senses kicked in. Shifter. Well, damn. Nothing like being on the spot. She didn't look all that happy to see him either.

He grabbed his bag. "Look, I'll leave. You got here first." He'd find somewhere else to figure out his future.

She reached out, placing a hand on his bicep. "You don't have to do that." She flung an arm out. "Look at this place. There's more than enough room for two." She removed her palm from his sleeve and stepped back. "I just thought…" Her words trailed off, leaving an awkward vibe.

He picked up on her thought. "That you'd be alone, right?" Yeah, he kind of thought the same.

She lifted a shoulder. "Well, yeah." She shook her head "No matter." Her hand shot forward. "Pandora Prewitt."

Familiar with the name, a piece fell into place.

He clasped her palm. "Dexter Diamond. I have a feeling we're here by design." He let go and pointed toward the sitting room. "Let's maybe get a little comfortable." He headed through the arched entryway.

Someone definitely put a little thought into the décor. A fire burned in the hearth. Greenery draped … everywhere. Muted gold complemented the earthy tones of the garlands. Welcome comfort almost anyone would feel … but he could be the exception.

Pandora followed him inside. "What do you mean, we're here by design?" Her gaze swept the area, and she gave a slight nod.

He settled in a wingback chair. "You're a shifter. One, I'm assuming, facing a dilemma." He didn't need to be a genius to sense she had trouble on her mind.

Her eyes widened and she perched on the edge of the sofa. "How do you know that?" A note of wariness entered her gaze.

Dexter rolled a shoulder. "It's my job. I'm a watcher."

She opened her mouth then closed it.

He gave her a minute to digest the information. "We don't normally interact with pack members. It's easier if we don't." At least he'd learned that much.

Pandora's chin lifted. "Helps with objectivity, right?"

He smiled. "Something like that." Not that he ever stayed objective.

Pandora leaned against the armrest. "You think someone brought us together on purpose?" Her tone betrayed the interest she had in the topic.

Dexter gave a nod. "More like something, but, yeah, that's what my gut is telling me." Not that he trusted his internal barometer much right now.

She went quiet again, gazing into the fire. Dexter let the silence stretch out, testing his rusty instincts. Pandora would open up if she wanted to. If not, well, still more than enough room for two in the house.

She finally turned her attention to him again. "I want to be angry at being manipulated, but, honestly, I've hit the lowest place I can be in. Having someone else here might save my life."

As far as reactions went … totally not what he expected.

I love writing the holiday spirit shorts. It's so much fun coming up with the conflict and names for the spirits.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye