Sunday Snippet: Knowing Truth

We had a bit of a thaw with temperatures just a bit above freezing. It's not going to last long but nice to step outside and not have it hurt to breathe.

Work ended up being very busy this week. And I made some progress on my side project. Hoping to launch by February, but that's not a given. I am crossing my fingers though.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my usual shows. I did add a new one, which I think I'm going to enjoy.

The new show I added is One Lane Bridge and I watched the first episode. There's a bit of a paranormal twist to this that I'm very interested in.

Caught another episode of London Kills. It was nice to get some Billie backstory. Also nice to see movement on the larger case. Looking forward to a new episode this week.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. New sergeant is fun, and the mystery ended up being interesting. Looking forward to more of season eleven.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm enjoying my favorite actor's character in this. Loved the mystery and piecing everything together.

I started an episode of Elementary and I'm enjoying it. I'm not quite sure what's going on with Watson's guy, but I have a sneaking suspicion there's more to him than we're seeing and not in a good way.

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

Here's the miniblurb:

Shila Sellers knows time is growing short for her fae brethren to find the enchanted glade they need to survive, and she takes a big risk to make the elders listen to her. Quinton Bobbitt knows Shila is on a journey to find the true path they need to travel, and he'll back her no matter the cost. Together, Shila and Quinton map out their destiny and find the road to a new home.

And a preview snippet…

Shila stood outside the temple, wishing she'd let Quinton come with her.

Adam pulled the drape aside. "She'll see you now." He swept his arm out, indicating Shila should enter.

She exhaled slowly and crossed the threshold. The interior reeked with incense and the scent of low-burning candles. Lauret reclined on a chaise with her feet propped up on a cushion.

Inner knowledge swam in Shila's mind when she made her way to Lauret's side. She sent a questioning look in Adam's direction. As usual, the elder sage gave nothing away.

Shila decided not to pull any punches. "Cancer sucks."

Lauret blinked and responded. "Who told you?" She shifted her position, wincing slightly until she found another comfortable spot.

Shila shook her head. "No one. I just know." She couldn't explain the weird insights she kept receiving.

Just like she couldn't give anyone a reason for creating the maze, other than having the deep, abiding sense she needed to make the elaborate network. And she didn't care if the scrolls had no mention of the labyrinth.

Lauret studied Shila for several long moments. Shila weathered the scrutiny because Adam already decided to send Shila out to traverse the maze. He believed in her.

Finally, the priestess narrowed her eyes. "What else do you know?"

Shila looked her straight in the eye. "We're going about finding our new glade the wrong way." She hoped Lauret didn't ask her to clarify details … because Shila didn't have any.

Lauret sighed. "Okay, Sister Sellers. You have my leave." Straightening, she gathered her robes around her. "What do you want from me?"

Shila shrugged. "Faith would be great, but I don't want anything from you." Not even a blessing because who the hell knew if Shila would be successful?

The priestess frowned. "I can't, in good conscience, blindly follow you when you don't have any kind of idea where to go either." In other words, she'd continue using the scrolls for guidance.

Honestly, what could it hurt?

Shila gave a curt nod. "As long as we understand each other, Madame Priestess." With a small bow, Shila turned and headed for the exit.

Adam followed after a brief word with Lauret.

Shila waited until he closed the drape before speaking. "I'll leave at first light." She hesitated for a moment then squared her shoulders. "And I'm not going alone." She met the elder sage's gaze. "Quinton is coming with me."

I'm just getting started with this one and I have a general idea where things are going. I can't wait to see how everything plays out.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kings of Chaos

Winter blast is lingering for at least another week. Our low is supposed to minus eight on Tuesday. And I'll probably have to go out when it's that low. I can't wait.

Lighter than normal work week, but I had come copy editing on my plate. Finished one project and started another one. I also have some new stuff floating in the wings and will hopefully start that soon.

Had an okay week of viewing and made it through the full slate of shows. I'll be starting a new one this week and I'm pretty sure I have the show picked out.

Finished up the series run of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I quite enjoyed this show. Sometimes I got annoyed at the antics but mostly loved the interactions between the characters.

Caught another episode of London Kills and loved the twisty turns in the episode. I'm loving the vibe between the characters and I'm happy to see Billie become a full detective constable. Looking forward to the next episode.

Loved the Christmas episode of Death in Paradise. The beginning of season eleven is off to a great start. Really cool to see Dwayne again.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. My favorite actor showed up and I'm very excited to see what happens. Still not sure about the mom. Can't quite figure out if she's going to be an anvil between Humphrey and Martha or supportive.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed. I'm not really sure about Joan's new love interest. I actually think he's a bit annoying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and loved it. I remembered this one and possibly caught an easter egg related to Batman: The Animated Series and the Gray Ghost character. Fun times!

Enjoyed the last episode of the eighth season of Classic Rugrats. I'll be starting the final season this week. Very much looking forward to picking back up with new episodes once my rewatch is complete.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kings of Chaos, a novella about a paranormal motorcycle club in a to-be-named series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ainslee and Witt are stranded during a charity ride for their local children's organization. Foul play is involved, and they have to determine which rival club member has the most to gain or if someone closer to home is the culprit. Either way the warlocks versus wizards mindset is supposed to be null and void when a truce is underway.

And a preview snippet…

Witt loved the start of a group ride. The roar of the engines. The rush of adrenaline. The camaraderie of riding with his brothers. And, of course having Ainslee by his side.

Ainsley swung her leg over her bike and flashed a grin. "Gonna be a wild trip." She settled back and waited for the signal.

Only two other old ladies came along on charity rides. Each had two Kings as their old men. The trios were well-established and rarely did anything apart. Witt's old man didn't like the multiple partner setup, but he couldn't argue against a poly group. The club bylaws specifically stated polyamorous relationships were legal and binding. Personally, Witt found the practice kept members from butting heads and creating havoc. So far, all parties proved the system worked both ways.

"Fuck you, Argathorn. Kerri came to see me off. Why waste time with a shit stain like you?" Andy Rytol shoved hard against Merrick Argathorn's shoulder.

Merrick sneered but didn't respond, other than to put an arm around the woman in question.

The competition between the men for Karrie Warner had reared its ugly head. Again. Witt lost his calm.

He straightened from his reclined position. "Hey, lock that shit down." He pinned the instigator with his gaze. "Karrie, get your ass back in the clubhouse and stay there until we're gone."

She bowed her head and made a brisk getaway. She might not stir the pot intentionally, but she hadn't figured out how to keep the rivals from hitting the boiling point either.

Witt pointed at the men. "You two"—his voice lowered to a snarl—"stop acting like assholes who can't figure out which dick is bigger. If you keep it up, I'll solve the problem by hexing your poles down to the nads." He gave both men a hard glare. "Clear?"

The men shifted uncomfortably but grumbled and nodded. Argathorn straddled his motorcycle and Rytol stooped down to check his foot plate.

Ainslee leaned in close. "Harsh, but effective." She put her palm on his thigh, sending a soothing stream of serene vibes his way.

Witt lifted his chin. "That's a problem for another day." He laced his fingers with hers.

Wyatt gave a sharp whistle, and the noise and chatter dwindled. An air of expectation and excitement rippled through the members. Wyatt faced forward at the head of the group.

The old man raised his fist. "Let's ride." His bike roared to life.

The cacophony of engines starting and motors revving reverberated through the parking lot. Wyatt moved out, everyone else falling into a line behind him. At the edge of the apron, Witt gave Ainslee a quick, hand kiss—a charity ride tradition—and pulled out onto the street.

The wind hit his face, and the lure of the open road squashed the earlier discord.

This is going to be a fun series to write. Ainslee and Witt set the stage for the next two books in the series. I can't wait to get started!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kindred Spirits

The winter blast is still underway. I'd love to send some of our precipitation out to California to combat the wildfires burning LA right now. Another 3-5 inches of snow in the next day or so. Thankfully, I don't have to really go out for anything until the end of the week.

I made progress on my side project. I have a few more things to upload and some links to get set, then I'll hopefully be ready to launch. I also did some future planning on what manuscripts to focus on next. At least it's movement!

Very light work week again. Still working on the readthrough for my friend and I completed a manuscript proofread. Hoping to have another new one to get started on this week.

Not a bad week for viewing. I had some distractions but nothing major. I also think I've found the next show I want to watch on one of my streamers.

Finished up the premier episode of London Kills. This is definitely going to be a wild season. Can't wait to see more.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see JP leaving but excited to see what happens next. Marlon is growing on me so that's a good thing.

Started the spinoff Beyond Paradise and enjoyed the opening episode. I'm interested to see where things go with Humphrey and Martha. Not sure about Martha's mom. So far, not a fan. I do love the team and look forward to more interactions with them.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Enjoyed the dynamic with the Sherlock regular, the math guy. Also kind of enjoyed the Joan and Kitty scenes. I'm not sure what's going on with Kitty but I don't think she's really committed to the group therapy thing. We'll see if I'm right about that…

Finished up the second part of the opening episodes of Batman Beyond. I'm excited about this rewatch. The theme song alone makes it worth another visit to this one.

Enjoyed another Classic Rugrats episode. This one was the launch of All Growed Up and I hadn't seen the bookend with the original babies. Such a fun episode.

Also finished up an episode of Peak Practice, which I ended up liking. Will is still a bit of a prat but and I really, really dislike the finance guy, but overall, this ended up being a great episode.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kindred Spirits, a novella that mixes a little multiple partner fun with magic at a mage academy.

Here's the miniblurb:

Merrit Rhodes accepts a teaching position at the Athena Academy of Magic and Semblance to earn her rites. Vaughn Gregorvich and Kirby Selwig are best friends and fellow instructors who fall hard for the newest addition to the campus. Sparks literally fly when the trio decides to test the power of three after a night of drinking a powerfully potent new cocktail called Elixir.

And a preview snippet…

Merrit had a dilemma.

How did I even try to ignore the simmering awareness and sexual tension with these two guys?

Kirby put her at ease. His running commentary while they gathered what she'd need for uniforms and her new living space entertained and informed. He acted like a big goofball, but she didn't miss the agile way he moved or the controlled lion-like grace to his stride. He had an aura of openness and a flair for the dramatic. Merrit enjoyed his company.

But Vaughn … well … he made her hyperaware of his presence. He stalked through the stores with a panther-like quality, something almost regal, but deep and dark. Something about him stayed hidden in the shadows and he didn't feel like sharing. Walking a finely honed blade might be the way to describe the vibe she got from him. Instinct screamed one wrong move would send the knife plunging deep into her heart and mind.

The idea thrilled and terrified her in equal measure.

Fingers snapped in front of her. "Hello? Merrit, you still with us?" Kirby's raised eyebrow gave him a rakish look.

Merrit shook her head. "Sorry. Yes. What were you saying?" The men each had several shopping bags in hand, while she also carried two on either side.

Vaughn smirked. "He asked if you know what Dean Hargrove's first name is?"

Merrit paused a moment. "Honestly? I don't. None of the correspondence referred to him as anything but Dean Hargrove."

Kirby grinned. "That's his name."

Confused, Merrit stopped walking. "What is?"

Vaughn cracked a smile, a sly twist to his lips.

Merrit laughed. "You're kidding. His name is Dean Hargrove and he's the dean of Athertons?" Kind of a weird and wild coincidence.

Kirby nodded. "Absolutely!" He leaned in. "You're pretty quick on the uptake. Most new recruits don't catch on until at least the third of questioning back and forth."

Merrit shot a quick glance toward Vaughn. Had he meant to give away the joke? His wry response had clued her in.

She shrugged. "I'm just lucky, I guess." She always tried to downplay her intuitiveness.

Kirby snorted. "Or maybe you have strong oracle fu—like your mom."

Merrit raised her brows. "How much do you two know about me?" Her history had pockets of secrets.

Vaughn rolled a shoulder. "Not as much as you think. Kirby's talent is drawing people out, but you're proving to be a tough case."

She smiled. "Good."

Kirby blinked. "Good?" He made what she could only refer to as a confused dog sound.

Merrit gave a nod. "Yes. I have a feeling things come way too easily for you two. A challenge will keep you on your toes."

Kirby sputtered and mumbled something unintelligible.

But Vaughn surprised her. He threw his head back and laughed. The man needed to do that more often.

Holy shit.

I'm having so much fun writing this trio. The sages are having a good time feeding me this story.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kill Switch

Hello 2025. I truly hope this year is better than I expect it will be.

I have some goals for this year, and one is to finally launch my side project. I've been putting it off, and I think I finally figured out why. Instead of FOMO, fear of missing out, I have FOFU, fear of fucking up or, a kinder version, FOMU, fear of messing up. I need to get over that.

We're under a winter weather advisory and I have to leave super early in the morning to pick my oldest up from work. I'm debating whether I should fill up my tank now or just wait and do it on the way. We're only supposed to have an inch of snow, but I'm not sure about the freezing rain and ice. I'll monitor and decide soon.

Very light work week. I'm working on a readthrough of a series for a friend and I'm so excited for this project! I'm also hoping I have some new work starting this week. I have tentative dates in my calendar, but nothing set yet.

Had an okay week of viewing. I've been in a weird mood and haven't been watching as much as I could have. That said, I have been getting a lot of writing done so I'm not complaining.

Caught another episode of Elementary. Much happier with where Joan and Sherlock in this episode. The vibe is very different from the first two seasons, and I think I'm okay with that.

I started a Batman Beyond rewatch. I have a lot of love for this show and look forward to diving back in again.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. Once again, I didn't remember either of the vignettes, so I had fun watching.

Watched an episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen any of this one and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think there's one episode left, and I'll have to find a new show to watch.

Almost through the season three premiere episode of London Kills. This could end up being a wild ride. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kill Switch, a novella that features a couple that has to fight to be together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Karsen Hill and Theo Gordon live in a modern world full of magic and mayhem. Torn apart by their circumstances, they still share a powerful attraction, and it will take a kill switch to keep their feelings at bay. When a bar of the same name opens, the duo can't resist meeting to explore their options.

And a preview snippet…

Theo arrived home to find his mother waiting by the door.

She took one look at his disheveled appearance and curled her lip. "You've been with that female hunter again." She shuddered.

Her chastising tone pissed him off. "The hunter's name is Karsen, Mother. And who I sleep with—or who I fuck—is none of your business." She needed to understand that.

Meara gave him a long look. "It is now. Everyone is here for the announcement." She jerked her head toward the stairs. "Take ten minutes to shower and change then come to the study."

Theo shook his head. "I don't think so, Mom." She hated the casual term. "I'm not down with being hooked up to any of your porcelain prodigies." As if he wanted a carbon copy of Meara Gordon as a partner.

She handwaved his objection. "I don't care. As acting head of the family, it's my wish to have this settled." A delicate shoulder lifted. "Maybe it will boost his spirits and help him recover." Her lips twisted what she considered a smile.

Because invoking Granddad's name and tying it to her fondest desire to see Theo shackled to one of her simpering swans didn't count as dirty pool. At least not in her eyes. But Theo saw right through her tactics.

Theo resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "And maybe it's your way of controlling my life, which I don't need help with."

Meara arched a brow. "Really? I beg to differ. If you didn't shirk your responsibility, I wouldn't have to prod you." She gave him a sly smirk. "I can always ask your granddad what he'd like." She arched her brows, daring him to argue.

Theo didn't buy into her bullshit, but he didn't want to risk having her drag Granddad into the fray. "Fine, Mother. You win this round." He started for the stairs. "But I refuse to discuss any kind of wedding plans until Granddad is in the clear." He'd buy whatever time he could.

Meara gave him a wide smile. "That will do for now." She inclined her head.

Theo suppressed a snarl. "Which one of your bleating minions is the lucky choice?" Did he even really want to know?

Meara smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle from her blouse. "Deandra Bennet." Her mouth curved again then she turned and glided toward the study.

Theo conceded his mother's pick could've been worse. Deandra could be haughty and vain, but she also aimed to please and could carry on a conversation that didn't center around whatever Meara Gordon wanted. If Theo had to carry out this farce of an engagement, Deandra would at least make for somewhat enjoyable company.

Heading up the steps, thoughts of Karsen filled his mind. He didn't look forward to explaining this fucked up mess his mother created … but he owed her the truth. And he had to make it clear the betrothal meant nothing more than keeping the peace.

His heart belonged, fully and completely, to Karsen.

I'm hoping to have this one finished up in the near future. I have a lot of love for this story.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye