Sunday Snippet: Keeping Life Real

Time to wrap up 2024 and send it on its happy way. For me, it's been a year of ups and downs and sometimes the downs packed a punch. That said, I try to focus on the ups and pull that energy into my realm.

Wild weather, per usual. We had sixty degrees yesterday, so my husband went golfing. He's been down with a nasty cold and wanted / needed the fresh air and exercise. Today it's raining and dreary outside.

Finished up a section of a developmental edit I've been working on. So excited to have it done, because we're almost to the finish line on this story. One more chunk of chapters then a full read through and we'll be ready to go.

A semi-decent week of viewing even with the holiday thrown in this week. I still need to pick a new show to watch on one of my streamers and I finished another show and will need to replace it also.

Started season three of Elementary. I'm not sure how I feel about Harsh Joan or New Watson working with Sherlock. Also feel a bit off by Gregson's backhanded bitchslap to Sherlock. I do love that Sherlock is seeing consequences for his actions, even if they were to preserve his sobriety. Season three could prove to be interesting.

I finished The Batman series and thoroughly enjoyed the rewatch. I feel like there's at least one episode I missed, but maybe I'm remembering a different series.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and didn't remember either of the vignettes. Loved the babies thinking they were helping and the grown-ups getting locked in the playpen.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I think I have two more episodes left in this series. It's a fun show and I'm glad I watched from the beginning.

Finished up the second season of London Kills and I'm excited to start season three. The weaving of the plot lines is something I really like about this series. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Really interested to see what happens with JP. I love his character and I'll be sad to see him go, if he does.

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

Here's the miniblurb:

After a fae glade is destroyed, Spencer Lucas is called to head up the rebuilding efforts, but he's not ready. Spencer has big shoes to fill—his dad is Overwatch of all fae creatures and Spencer fears letting him down. Bibi Ragland—well-known and well liked—would be a better choice but she doesn't want the job. Bibi does want Spencer to step up and she's not above pushing him to get him there.

And a preview snippet…

Spencer Lucas grasped the hips of the woman riding him. "Come on, Bibi, don't hold back." He flexed his thighs, thrusting upward when she rocked forward.

Her head fell back. "Gah! Spence, I'm so close." She added a twist to her backward motion.

Spencer sucked in a breath. Bibi Ragland always knew how to amp the temperature during sex. She leaned down and meshed her mouth with his.

Spencer skimmed his hands up her sides, using one to cup her nape so he could deepen the kiss. Bibi moaned and changed the pace, adding more pressure to the roll of her pelvis. Spencer held on by a thread. Her hot walls hugging his dick? No better feeling in the fae realms.

She broke the kiss and huffed out a harsh breath. "Almost there…" She rocked her hips again.

Two phones played different ringtones and vibrated on the nightstand.

Bibi's head snapped up and she glared at the offending devices.

Spencer shook his head. "Uh-uh. Whoever's calling can wait two minutes." His hands palmed her ass. "Let it go … come with me…" He couldn't hold on much longer.

Bibi's hands fisted in the sheet. "Gah … now, Spence." Her head dropped back and a shudder tore through her.

Spencer broke, a ball of pleasure spreading out from the base of his spine. He gasped her name, his hands grasping her waist. A kaleidoscope of color burst behind his eyelids.

Bibi collapsed atop his chest and caught her breath. He wrapped his arms around her and waited for his heart rate to return to normal. The zips and zings of his orgasm faded to a satisfied hum along his nerve endings.

Bibi reached over and grabbed their phones then shifted off to his side. Both showed a voice mail received. Spencer clicked on the phone icon and dialed to listen to his message.

His dad's voice spoke with urgency. "The Red Wood Glade has been destroyed. I need you and Bibi to come in for a briefing then go to assess the damage and report your findings directly to me. Overwatch only." The call ended abruptly.

Shit. Figured he blew off a call from his dad and the man called with catastrophic news. Stiles Lucas held the title of Overwatch and functioned as the premier leader over all the fae beings. And Spencer had a million questions rolling through his brain.

Bibi growled. "How the hell did anyone or anything destroy a glade?"

That question held the top spot on his list.

She followed up with another one. "And why Red Wood? It's a sacred sanctuary." She sat up and reached for her shirt.

Spencer grabbed his pants, jamming his feet through the legs. "Maybe Overwatch will have more information when we get briefed." He shrugged his shirt over his head.

Bibi stepped into her leggings. "He's gonna be pissed we didn't answer."

Yeah, he would. They should've known something happened when both phones rang at the same time. They didn't get all-calls very often.

Spencer grunted. "My guess is he'll pick his battle, and the destruction of the glade will take priority." He paused before heading for the door. "Probably shouldn't mention the reason we didn't answer."

Bibi arched her brows. "Yeah, no. Definitely not." She snapped her fingers. "We were outside and didn't have our phones with us." She gave a nod. "That'll work."

Spencer gave her a side-eye. "Right. We'll go with that." He tucked his phone in his pocket, a ball of dread rolling in his gut. "Better head out. Gonna be hard to wrap my head around this before we meet with Overwatch."

A glade. Destroyed.

Why…

I'm just getting started on this one and can't wait to see how everything unfolds.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Juvenile Behavior

Seasons' Greetings!

For whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope you have a joyous time filled with cheer and merriment. We'll be low key per usual with a trip to my dad's and hopefully some FaceTime with my brother in Arizona.

The weather is still playing back and forth. We have a bit of snow and it's pretty cold right now. The temps are supposed to warm up into the forties and fifties over the next few days.

Finished up two projects this week and have one on my plate. January looks to be shaping up with multiple projects and I'm so grateful for those. The short break gives me some time to finish getting my side project ready to launch and I hope to do that next week during the holiday.

Only a semi-good week of viewing. I had some big cleaning projects to work on and got a good bit of that completed. Still working on a few others and hope to have them finished before the end of the year.

Watched another episode of Mr and Mrs Murder. I remember parts of this one but hadn't seen the entire episode. Ended up being pretty good.

Also watched an episode of London Kills. The plot thickens regarding the disappearance of David's wife. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up being resolved. Also enjoying Billie so much on this show.

Enjoyed the one hundredth episode of Death in Paradise. So lovely to have Camille back for a brief stay. Also nice to see Spirit Richard. This also marks, in my opinion, when Catherine and Selwyn take on larger roles in the show. Looking forward to rounding out season ten with the last two episodes.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Juvenile Behavior, a novella that gives a couple an opportunity to see if they'd make a good match.

Here's the miniblurb:

Freddie and Owen, top adepts putting cadets through their paces at the Mage Academy, are very much in love but refuse to act on their attraction. But when the Mage Principal has enough of their antics, he strips them of their rank and tenure and pushes them to act like grown-ups instead of juvenile delinquents.

And a preview snippet…

Freddie entered the house through the servants' entrance and made her way to the kitchen. "Hi, Helen." She gave the older woman a hug.

Helen released her, leaning back to get a look at Freddie. "I suggest you go right in to see your uncle." Her lips twisted in a frown.

Freddie tilted her head to one side. "Has he been treating you poorly?" Stupid question, because of course he would.

Roderick treated everyone with terrible disregard.

Helen tsked. "No and we'll talk later." She shooed Freddie toward the main house.

Freddie knocked once and entered her uncle's suite. "What do you want, Uncle?" Her brows drew together at his appearance.

Debauched didn't quite cover the description. Roderick wore a pajama-and-robe set with leather slippers on his feet. His eyes were bloodshot, and stubble covered his face. Unlike Owen, who looked sexy with some scruff on his face, Roderick looked ill kept and disheveled.

Roderick sneered in her direction. "What did you think you'd accomplish by siccing your boy toy on me?" He growled the words.

Freddie's eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you talking about?" As if she'd willingly make anyone talk to her uncle.

Roderick snorted. "I'm talking about that Parker weanling barging in here and all but accusing me of neglect where you're concerned." He got up and paced back and forth. "Didn't take two seconds to figure out he's fucking you." His face twisted in a grimace. "Had the gall to suggest I look into setting the codicil aside." He barked out a laugh. "As if I'd ever do that."

Freddie blinked but otherwise hid her surprise and anger … at both men.

Owen had no right to confront her uncle behind her back. But … at least he gave enough of a damn to call Roderick out for the bullshit way he hoarded the fortune. And Roderick summoning her to the manor to give her shit about something Owen did pissed her off.

She widened her stance and folded her arms over her chest. "First of all, I didn't send Owen. He a grown-ass man and makes his own decisions." Even if said decisions were terrible. "Second, what he doesn't realize is how much of an asshat you are or how much you love the precious Rudd money." She dropped her arms and leaned forward, placing her hands on the desk. "Grandfather would lose his shit if he knew how much of his fortune you've already gone through." At the rate her uncle spent money, he'd be broke within a decade.

Roderick huffed out a breath. "Yeah? Well, Granddad would lose even more of his shit if he knew you were letting a Parker bang you." He made another grimace of distaste.

What she had with Owen amounted to so much more than banging. Even if she'd tried to only focus on the sex at first. She'd been engaged in a losing battle on that front.

Freddie shrugged, feigning indifference. "Maybe so, but I don't care about the family money. You're the one with that affliction." And he'd raise an unholy stink if his precious funds ended up going to charity.

Roderick gave her a cold smirk. "You're right. And since I do care, you'll end the farce with Parker now." He slapped his hand on the desk for emphasis.

Freddie made a bold statement. "It's not a farce. I love him. But your worry is moot. It won't be long before Owen and I go back to being nothing but work colleagues." She made to turn and leave, but Roderick gestured with his hands, using a binding spell on her.

I should have seen that coming.

He leaned forward. "Make sure that's how it plays out, dear niece. I don't mind playing dirty when I have to."

Freddie snarled. "Resorting to threats isn't necessary, dear uncle. I don't break my word." She tried to move, but the spell still held her. "Let me go or I'll make sure you never successfully get it up for the rest of your life." She could play just as dirty as her uncle.

He released her and she exited his study shaking with rage. She made her way to the kitchen and met Helen's hug. Blinking back tears, she accepted the comfort for a few moments. Then she eased back and exhaled slowly.

Helen's gaze went dark and stormy. "That went as well as I thought it would. But using a binding spell? That's lower than low." Helen didn't hide being livid over Roderick's treatment of Freddie. "One day that man will get his comeuppance." Placing a palm on Freddie's cheek, Helen's lips curved in a sad smile. "And I understand your anger at Owen, but I also think that Parker is a keeper."

Freddie's eyes widened. "You talked to him?"

Helen nodded. "I did. Such a charming man." She waited a beat. "He loves you, Freddie. It's obvious."

Freddie's shoulders slumped. "I love him, too. But he shouldn't have come here. The only thing he achieved is to stir up Roderick's ire and make him angry. Any thought I had of possibly living a quiet life with Owen is gone."

Helen hugged her again. "We'll see about that, Freddie. Just enjoy him for now." She squeezed Freddie's hand. "And don't be too hard on him."

This is a fun story even with some heavy family drama. Freddie and Owen are a cool couple to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Justified

Big cold snap with a little bit of snow this week in weather. I'm getting much better about making sure I have layers on even if it's just a quick trip outside with the doggos. I also haven't had a major cold yet this season and I hope I didn't just jinx that fact.

Semibusy work week with finishing a proofread and working on two copy edits. I'm hoping to have some projects to work on over the holiday break. I'm not great at having a week or two off then trying to gear back up into work mode.

Fairly decent week of viewing. I'm trying to decide what new show to add to my usual slate of viewing fare. I'm leaning toward Beyond Paradise, but I'm not completely sure yet.

Caught another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen much if any of this episode and I enjoyed it. I think I have a handful of episodes left before it'll be time to switch to another show.

Watched another episode of London Kills and tensions are running high. The case ended up being very interesting and Viv and Rob are pushing the line by investigating David. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Part one of a two-part arc and the lead-in to the show's one hundredth episode. Loved seeing Camille at the end and can't wait to watch the next episode. I've seen almost all of it and loved it.

Finished up season two of Elementary. I still think Mycroft is an ass even if I get why he did things the way he did. I'm a little on the fence about where Sherlock and Joan left things. I'll be interested to see where they pick up with season three.

Started the two-part series finale of The Batman. I don't remember if I actually watched this before or not but it was a good episode. I think I might move on to Batman Beyond after this.

Also watched another episode Classic Rugrats. I hadn't seen either of the vignettes and enjoyed both.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Justified, a novella that brings a couple with unique skills together to face a common enemy.

Here's the miniblurb:

Electra Cage and Nix Naught shouldn't be together. She's firmly on the side of law and order and he's on whatever side pays the most. They justify their liaison when they discover a common enemy—one they'll need their unique skill sets to destroy.

And a preview snippet…

Damn, she noticed everything. Maybe too much. No one else would've clocked to the fact Nix didn't actually use a key to enter the building. Her uncanny and spooky accurate ability to miss nothing piqued his curiosity. Definitely more to Electra than a smokin' hot body, steel-trap mind, and sexual energy.

Nix wanted to discover what else made her stand out.

And why Walton wanted her out of commission.

Nix led her to the middle of the open space where skylights let in rays from the moon. Electra scanned the room, her gaze missing nothing.

She glanced back at him. "Is your friend home?"

Nix's lips quirked. "At the moment, he's on a sabbatical somewhere no one else can get to." Kincaid didn't always reside on this plane of existence, something only a few were privy to.

Nix appreciated being one of the select group. The pagan master would approve of Nix's use of the sanctuary as neutral ground. Especially if he used it to find answers.

He settled down onto a pile of cushions. "Please, make yourself comfortable." He debated over how to start and how much to tell her.

Electra gracefully removed her jacket and sank down across from him.

Before he said anything, he wanted one simple point made clear. "Why are we here?"

Electra frowned. "Because you didn't want to talk in the bar."

Nix shot her a look. Playing obtuse didn't look good on her.

She sighed. "We're here because I'm close to discovering your secret."

Nix prompted her for more. "And?"

Electra kicked her shoes off and planted her feet in his lap, very close to his crotch. "Anything you tell me stays between you and me and won't be used against you." She paused a moment. "Unless you've committed murder. All bets are off if you've killed anyone."

Nix nodded. "Fair enough. But I'm not a hitman." Even if Walton wanted Nix to cross that line.

And Nix's gut said the fucker would want exactly that.

Electra waved a hand. "Fine. You're a boy scout. Now satisfy my curiosity about this…" Her foot slid upward, coming to rest on his dick.

Nix popped the button on his pants. "It might be easier to show you…"

I'm having so much fun with this story. Electra and Nix will end up making a great team in or out of bed.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Just One Moment (Paranormal)

Ohio is back to being contrary with its weather. Super cold days in the teens followed by a warmup of midfifties. My sinuses hate this kind of back and forth.

Had a fairly busy work week with a new project landing in my inbox. It's one of my favorite authors to edit and proofread for. Also spent a lot of time pulling my tax stuff together. I realized last week I hadn't filed for 2023 yet. Better late than never.

Not a bad week of viewing. I didn't make a full round of my usual slate of shows, but I got most of the way through. Again, my sleep schedule is playing havoc with my brain.

Watched another episode of Mr and Mrs Murder and thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of familiar faces in this one, which is always fun.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I'm kind of excited about Rob and Vivienne teaming up to investigate David. Of course, there's more to the story and I can't wait to find out what's really going on.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one but it's nice to follow the whole story from beginning to end instead of catching bits and pieces all the time.

Finished up season twenty-seven of Silent Witness. Gotta say, I really enjoyed the finale. Jack proposing to Nikki made my heart happy. And I'm interested to see what happens with Jack's place. Maybe Kara and Velvy will stay there.

Watched another episode of Elementary and enjoyed it. Still not a Mycroft fan even if he had extenuating reasons for being an ass. I am kind of glad Sherlock isn't going to throw his brother under the bus. At least I don't think he is. The next episode should reveal what will happen.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Just One Moment, a themed sexy short written in tandem with my other two alter egos.

Here's the miniblurb:

A life-threatening situation and a couple in love. Just one moment for Sygin and Boyd to say everything that needs to be said.

And a preview snippet…

Sygin stalked out of the meeting chambers barely hanging on to her temper. "I can't believe they're taking a wait-and-see approach." An attempt to invade the campus should warrant a response.

Boyd fell into step beside her. "Not sure why they think what happened over the solstice holiday is a one-off. Especially when they recommended the precautions." He tsked.

Sygin shook her head. "I'm not relying on the buddy system. Too many things can go wrong. Are we really going to let this play out until someone gets hurt?" Her blood boiled over the stupid bureaucracy.

Because even if their nemeses were only trying to test the boundaries of dark magick—as the council concluded during the meeting—the sinister aspect of using their campus should have them all worried a hell of a lot more than they were.

Boyd snorted. "You know better than that." He stopped at the edge of the corridor and tugged her into a testing alcove. "We're going to take chances with our students. We're gonna start preparing our quad to act as an early warning system." He flicked his gaze toward the clock on the wall. "Starting tonight."

Sygin's lips curved. "See. That right there is the reason we're together." He practically read her mind on the way to skate the line of being proactive while not outright thumbing their noses at the council.

Boyd narrowed his eyes. "I thought we were together because I make you scream my name during sex."

Sygin laughed. "Not gonna lie. That's a big part of it also." She sobered. "But you're the whole package, which is infinitely more appealing than your expertise in bed." Which actually said a lot because Boyd played her like a maestro between the sheets.

He grasped her hips and hauled her closer. "That's good to know." His fingers tilted her chin up and his mouth captured hers.

Sygin leaned into the kiss. Boyd's tongue swept against hers, dueling for dominance. The man had magick in his lips. And his hands. And, well, everywhere else. She wound her arms around his neck and let all of her anger go, relaxing into his embrace.

He eased back, tracing her thumb over her jawline. "I'd love nothing more than heading back to our place to finish what we started here, but…" He dropped a kiss on her nose.

Sygin sighed. "Right. It'll have to wait." Her palms slid down his chest. "We've got work to do and no time for the undeniably more fun option." Stepping back, she hooked a finger into his waistband. "But we're picking this back up after we make a plan with our quad."

Boyd gave her a wicked smile. "I'll hold you to that."

Sygin smirked. "You'd better."

I like writing in this universe. Boyd and Sygin have a couple more stories coming in the near future.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Jump

Welcome, December! I'm truly not sure what this month will bring. I'm at a weird place where I feel kind of stuck and a little buried under the weight of needing to get things done … but I have no idea where to start.

Work slowed down a little, which isn't a great thing. But it did give me some time to spend with my daughter when she came home for Thanksgiving break. I'm so grateful for that time. And December still looks to be booked with projects for the most part.

The temperature did drop but didn't quite dip into the teens. I'm really not ready for the arctic blast yet. But it does help get me in a mood for the holidays.

Had a semi-decent week of viewing. My sleep schedule is all over the place again and that doesn't always make for a good attention span.

Watched the season two premiere episode of London Kills. Nice to see Billie back in action. I'm interested in the ongoing arc from season one. This cast is stellar, and I love the changing dynamics between them.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm starting to find some redeeming value in Neville. I liked the way he kind of helped Florance. Really not sure about Marlon.

Enjoyed part one of Silent Witness. Loving some inside looks at Jack and Nikki and the mystery is kind of amazing. I have no idea where things are going and that's always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Mycroft is an ass and maybe that's a good thing. He definitely has some explaining to do. I do give him kudos for being able to manipulate Sherlock even if I hate that he could. And I'm going to be really pissed if Sherlock decides Joan is his weakness and starts acting like a bigger ass than Mycroft.

Caught an episode of The Batman and it's one I don't remember watching previously. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Having a team that is completely opposite of Batman and Robin was fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I think it's the final one where the whole episode is one story. I kind of wish there were more of those.

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

Here's the miniblurb:

A group of young adults comes into their mage power much later than usual. Sima Hood and Dario Burgos are the de facto leaders of the raw recruits when they're trapped and pinned down by a faction of dark sorcerers who want to groom them for their side, but Sima and Dario receive guidance from one of the elder mages who help them escape and lead them to safety.

And a preview snippet…

Sima Hood shook her head back and forth. "No way am I working with Dario Burgos. You've got to be testing the limits of my patience with this request." She certainly hoped the elder mage didn't really think putting her with Dario would be a good idea.

Marco Lambert gave her a steady look. "Sima, I don't have time to argue this point with you. Twelve raw recruits need a crash course in controlling their powers, and I don't have to tell you it's harder when they haven't been raised with the basics of mage wisdom." He sighed. "This is a huge undertaking, and you can't do it alone." His shoulders slumped.

Sima bit the inside of her lip. Marco didn't wear defeat well. She didn't want to let him down. But she also didn't want to spend the next who knew how many weeks butting heads or anything else with Dario. They did not get along. But the one thing they had in common—coming into their powers in late adolescence instead of the beginning of puberty—made her and Dario uniquely qualified to help this group transition into being proper mages.

Dammit.

She couldn't say no to the man who mentored her and helped her make the transition to becoming a functioning mage. He'd also done the same for Dario … which became part of the reason she struggled to get along with her fellow mage proctor. They didn't have an easy road, and they clashed frequently during their training.

Sima squared her shoulders. "Okay. This is going to be a complete shitshow, but you can count on me." A promise she might end up regretting.

Especially with Dario involved.

Marco's lips quirked in a wry smile. "Not sure this helps, but I heard the same thing from Dario." He chuckled. "Might be the first time you two have ever been on the same page. I consider that a good omen."

A slap might have stung less. But she didn't know if the idea Dario agreed they'd be dealing with a trainwreck bothered her or if the fact the elder mage consulted Dario first kicked harder. Because neither made her happy.

But she'd made a commitment, so Sima tempered her response. "I guess there's a first time for everything." Whether or not they stayed in sync might prove to be the bigger question.

She definitely had doubts.

I'm just getting started on this one and I love having a new story to sink into.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye