Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

It's a long weekend in the US for the Memorial Day holiday and also graduation weekend for our local high school. Seems like a great time to have lovely weather, right? It's Ohio so the answer would be probably not. It's cloudy with a chance of rain. But at least the temperature is in the high sixties instead of the low fifties, which is more like March instead of May.

I'm making headway on the multiple work projects. Two have shifted off my plate for the next step in the publishing process and the other six are coming along. I should have at least two more finished up this week. YAY!

Had a pretty solid week of viewing. I did make it through my regular slate of shows and got started on my two new ones. Or, one new one and one that always seems to simmer on the back burner.

Enjoyed another episode in my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The first couple of episodes do such a great job of setting up the dynamic between the characters and I thoroughly enjoy the actors so much.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and like how awkward things are between Selwyn and his daughter. I also kind of enjoy Katherine being in his face but I also think she kind of oversteps sometimes.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I often feel like the relationship between Poirot and Japp is shortchanged because we don't really see how that started, but the interactions are fun.

Enjoyed another Brokenwood Mysteries. Kind of weird but awesome the victim is someone we met in an earlier episode. And the mystery took some wild turns, which is always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary and loved the interactions with Joan and Sherlock. The ice cream touch at the end is perfection.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I don't really remember much of but also one that I quite enjoyed. There's nothing like a storyline where a character is trapped in a computer and wants to escape to the real world. It's a weird trope that I love.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The two vignettes are ones that were new to me, and I liked both. Weird bit with some out of order information as the Finsters were still calling their dog puppy instead of Pepper.

Watched another episode of Return to Paradise and I'm still enjoying this one. I'm very interested in seeing what happens with Mackenzie and her ex-fiancé. There's a lot of good potential to be very messy with this situation.

I got started on a new episode of Peak Practice but didn't make it all the way through. I'll try to finish it up this week.

Also started a new episode of Reacher, but paused because I need to pay attention and couldn't focus like I wanted to. I'll definitely finish this one up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that reunites a couple after three years to see if they can work out their issues.

Here's the miniblurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most … until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

Fiona attempted a smooth landing but failed on an epic level. Instead of gliding into Warrick's place, she crash-landed in a heap in the middle of his first floor living space.

And found him hot and heavy with a blonde, her legs wrapped around Warrick's waist, up against a wall with him driving into her. That'll teach me to show up unannounced. She ignored the rising bile in her throat and ruthlessly tamped down the hot burn of jealousy thrumming through her veins. She had zero claim on the council head.

Warrick's head snapped around at the disturbance. "What the hell are you doing here?" He used his shoulders to block her view of his … bedmate?

Or maybe life partner?

Again, she swallowed down the nasty taste in her mouth. "Excuse me? You demanded my immediate presence." Gathering her broom, she tucked it under her arm and got to her feet. "So … here I am." With a snort, she added, "Next time, consider giving a specific time when issuing orders … if only to avoid anything like this happening again." She sent her best innocent look his way.

Warrick's nostrils flared. "Whatever. Since you're here, go wait upstairs in the solarium." He tilted his head toward the woman. "I'm a little busy at the moment."

Fiona rolled her eyes. "Ten minutes. Then I leave the way I came." She stomped over to the stairs and clomped each step until she reached the top.

The solarium beckoned her at the end of the hall. She'd loved this room … before Warrick accepted the position as head of council. Before he lived here and called this space his own.

She wondered how many changes he'd made. Her hand stilled over the knob and trembled a little. Facing the past she'd wrecked and walked away from didn't give her any kind of right to be disappointed.

Sucking in a deep breath, she twisted the handle and pushed the door open.

Soft light from several sconces greeted her when she entered. The three walls and partial ceiling of windows opened the space up to nightfall outside. The slipping sun of burnished orange dipped below the tree line. Her feet moved across the polished wood floor, through the mix of plants and tables and shelves lined with books, bottles, and baubles steeped with the history of the glade.

She came to a stop beside the wingback chair Upton Morse used to occupy. The previous head of council left a huge empty spot when he succumbed to his injuries from a battle with a long illness. She still missed him … even if she no longer called the glade home.

Continuing forward, she gazed through the expanse of glass with memories shifting in her mind not unlike the sway of the shadowy treetops dancing in the twilight. Warmth cascaded over her … the familiar surroundings creating a warm glow that sparked to life in her heart and soul. She had no illusions about Warrick leaving the space untouched for her. But she appreciated the lack of change anyway.

Exhaling on a sigh, she closed her eyes. "I've missed this place so much…"

"It's not like it went anywhere. You would be the one who did that."

Squaring her shoulders, Fiona braced for a battle and turned to face Warrick—fresh from a shower if the damp hair and unbuttoned shirt were indicators. "Why am I here, Warrick?"

I'm not completely sure where things are going with this one, but Fiona and Warrick are going to crash into something that will make them work together and I can't wait to write that for them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mr and Mrs Black

May is flying by at a rapid pace. This week has been intense with burning the candle at both ends for me. This is a good day to take some downtime, which I'm trying to do today.

Work exploded this week with multiple projects dropping into my inbox. I have four nonfiction manuscripts and three fiction manuscripts in various stages of editing. I don't normally have seven different projects going at the same time but, so far, I'm managing them. It'll make for a nice June once they're all turned in.

Had an amazing week of viewing. I got a full round of shows in and caught a couple of extras. Also started a new show that might be sporadically viewed until it's available for streaming.

I started a rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries this week. I'm waiting a some new episodes of a few other shows to drop and this is such a comfort series for me.

Caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very twisty and turny, which is always fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm happy to have some Naomi backstory. I'd love to see a bit more of that for the characters.

Started a from the beginning run of Poirot. I've seen quite a few episodes of this show but haven't watched any of them in order. This is another filler series until new episodes start dropping of my current shows.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. I'm always interested when weird cases pop up and the cryogenics angle ended up being interesting.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and have some vague memories of the first time I watched it. I'm wondering if the Ts are in any way a throwback to Mr. Terrific. I might have to dive down that rabbit hole at some point.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of these vignettes and I liked both.

I finished up an episode of Peak Practice and might start another one this week. This is one of my back burner shows and I'm happy I got to finish watching.

Started a new-to-me series and watched Reacher. Gotta say I loved the first episode. I did a bit of dive into write-ups of future seasons, and I think I'll stick with this one.

Also got a minimarathon of Return to Paradise in over the weekend. I'm looking forward to streaming this one when it's available in the US. Really enjoyed the first three episodes and I'm excited to see the rest.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mr. and Mrs. Black, a novella about a couple whose work makes them keep secrets from each other.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ember Frost and Winter Smoak, assassins for opposing factions, are ordered by their respective employers to kill each other, which would be so much easier if they weren't happily married but hiding some big secrets—like their occupations—from each other.

And a preview snippet…

"That should do it." Keeping the slow boil of anger in check, Ember set the stage.

She'd booby trapped the doors—front, back, and the French doors leading to the patio. Even with the haze of betrayal clouding her vision, she put backup contingencies in place. Because … when it came right down to reality? She honestly didn't know if she could actually pull the metaphorical trigger.

If Win died in an explosion, it would be on him for not being cautious. Right? Then again, she'd never known him to not be vigilant.

She snorted. "Except when it comes to the truth." He'd prevaricated there.

Big time.

And okay, the irony stabbing her in the gut because she also hid her true work from him only calmed the swirling spiral of rage, disappointment, and … if she had to own it … hurt a tiny bit.

Squaring her shoulders, she ran her mental checklist. She had a barrage of spells ready to go. She considering planning a seductive scene to hide the real reason she'd lured him to this location … on the off chance he cased the house first. But why would he do that? She'd asked him to meet ASAP, which could mean anything. Right?

She ruthlessly ignored the small niggle she should dim the lights and start a fire. Could she sneak in one last romp with the man she married? No. She had an assignment, and she would carry it out like she'd done with every other target she'd been handed.

And when her heart broke after she completed the task?

Well … she'd deal with that by never falling for another person again. Ever. She'd sworn to cherish and honor Winter Smoak until her dying breath.

She shook her head. "Should've said until his dying breath."

"Sounds like you're plotting my demise."

She whirled to find Win standing on the stairs behind her.

Well, fuck. Of course he entered through a window on the second floor.

Caught off guard, she reacted quickly and flung a fireball at him. "Maybe because I am…"

Having a lot of fun with this one. Ember and Win might be keeping big secrets but they know each other very well and that makes this encounter dangerous between them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, mentors, and mother figures out there! Enjoy the day, and if it's a hard day to celebrate, take care of you.

Another wildly busy work week but a lot of projects moved ahead and some were completed. One contrary work thing took an unexpected turn and I'll be trying to figure that one out later today.

Had a decent week of viewing despite the busy schedule. I made it through a full round of my shows, minus one—Dark Winds—because it's not on the streaming service I have anymore. I think it's on another one, but I've been too busy to track it down.

Started the week off with Brokenwood Mysteries. This one ended up being a lot of fun with a couple of interesting secrets being revealed. Truly hope to see more of Trudy and Ray's mom.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed the mystery. Really not sure what Neville's DI friend is doing on the island but have a feeling it's not going to mean anything good.

Loved the Beyond Paradise holiday special for this past Christmas. I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of the season when it's available in the US.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. Interesting to get some backstory of Sherlock's time under the influence. Also intriguing that he stayed somewhat in the background. I like that kind of character progress.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and didn't really have any recollection about this one. I did enjoy seeing Terry use his Batman moves while out of the costume.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and enjoyed both vignettes. I didn't remember either of them so more new-to-me stuff.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm, a novella that explores what happens when long-held secrets come to light.

Here's the miniblurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

Bentley entered her parents'—no … her mom and Baron's—house and purposefully let the door slam shut.

Took less than five seconds for her mother to come bustling in. "For goodness' sake. What is your problem, Bentley? You know I don't appreciate it when you shake the house to the rafters when you come in." Exasperation oozed from Mariana's pores.

Bently cut right to the chase. "Why didn't you fight for Teague?" She shrugged out of her jacket and tossed it on the back of the chair, something else her mother hated.

Mariana blinked, opened her mouth then shut it again. She shook her head and turned back toward the study.

Bentley called her mom out. "You don't get to ignore me this time, Mom. Why didn't you fight for the man you loved?" A whole lot rode on her mom's answer.

Mariana whirled around. "Because I didn't love him!" She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. "More like I couldn't be sure of what I felt for him. And he left before I could figure it out." Moving forward, her shoulder slumped in resignation, she took a seat on the edge of one of her slipper chairs.

Bentley grunted. "Can you blame him?" Defending Teague didn't set completely well with her, but she understood a lot more now than she did before.

Mariana sighed. "It was a confusing time and so long ago. I didn't know how I felt after I found out … well, after I discovered his latent ability. I was angry with him for not telling me." She straightened her shoulders. "He left. At first to give me space. Then I met Baron, and I did fall in love with him. By the time Teague returned, I was planning a wedding." Her face grew wistful.

A fresh splash of rage washed over Bentley. "And let Teague suffer in silence? Way to go, Mom." She paced back and forth. "You get him to sign his parental rights away, have Baron adopt me, then keep everything, everything, from me when you knew all along what might happen." She stopped and flung her hand out. "No wonder I'm so messed up. I can't turn around without smacking into another secret." Probably why she'd become so good at keeping them herself.

Mariana tilted her head and pinned Bentley with a hard glare. "Kind of like you not telling Vasek how you really feel about him?" Her lips curved in a knowing smirk.

Dammit, Baron. I trusted you.

Bentley didn't like the twist. "Gee, Mom, I don't know. Guess I got the worst of my parents instead of the best. Lucky me." The chasm grew even wider between her and her mother.

Mariana clicked her tongue against her teeth. "You know what? Stop it. You've had a very privileged upbringing, and I didn't raise you to act like a spoiled child."

Bentley snorted then went for blood. "You didn't raise me at all. Baron did. The man I thought was my father." She started pacing again. "And it makes so much sense now. You couldn't bear to be around me, because I reminded you of your worst transgression … getting knocked up by someone you considered to be untrustworthy." She stopped mid-step. "Well, guess what, Mom? You won't have to suffer through that anymore. I'm going to fix it for you." She grabbed her coat and headed for the foyer.

Mariana reached out and clasped Bentley's shoulder. "And just how do you plan to do that?" Her fingers dug into Bentley's skin.

Bentley shrugged away from her mother. "Easily. By walking out the door and not letting it hit me in the ass on the way out. Your biggest problem—which has always been me—solved just like that." She snapped her fingers, gave her mother a mocking salute then pulled the door open and strode through, leaving her gaping mother behind.

I love writing Bentley's confrontations. She's a force to be reckoned with and her life is falling apart, but she'll get things back on track.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

 

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

May the Fourth be with anyone who celebrates! And, wow, a shiny new month that's off to a wild start so far. Our weather has been crazy intense with loads of rain. My daughter graduated with a master's in arts administration, and I unfortunately had to miss due to being under the weather. But I'm so proud of her!

Work projects kept me very busy. I'm getting to a finishing point on one that's been difficult to get through and I have a new one getting ready to start. The weather has been wreaking havoc on productivity because the possibility of losing power is a constant concern.

I did have a decent week of viewing and made a full run through my regular slate of shows. I started a movie but didn't have time to finish it.

I caught an episode of Dark Winds and I'm still intrigued by everything that's happening in this show. I love that the FBI agent's cover is blown by episode two and I can't wait to see what happens with the fallout from that.

Also watched another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. This is truly one of my happy place shows. I'm rather curious about whether Gina is still rooming with Kristin or not and if not, what happened there.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Very curious where things might go with the Sophie and Neville thing and also where the whole last prepper standing thing will end up going since he's watching Neville.

Loved the season two finale of Beyond Paradise. Humphrey and Martha are so much fun, and the surrounding cast of characters is so good. I'm not always sure about Anne, but she's growing on me.

Caught another episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed Sherlock's attempt at taking care of Joan. And her solution to having her own space is genius.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond with the beginning of season two. Ended up remembering most of this one. This is such a good follow up to the original series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have some vague memories of both vignettes, which is so weird because most of the ninth season is new to me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mister Mysterious, a novella that gives a couple a second change to right an old wrong.

Here's the miniblurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

After tossing and turning for an hour, Tharn spent a sleepless night studying the cluster of gifts Marlow had received. "Better than strolling down memory lane…" Which would not end well with her in such close proximity.

Stop thinking with your dick, dumbass.

Right. Because that would not happen. They had their chance and acting on their attraction stole the future from them.

He clenched his fist. "Not this time." Tolstoy wouldn't get the chance to ruin Marlow's hard-won recovery.

Even if she existed in solitude never letting anyone get too close.

Not that he blamed her. And he respected the fact she continued to work and carve out a life for herself … even if she had to be lonely. The conscious choice she'd made worked for her.

He leaned his head on the back of the couch. "Wish I could say the same." But he really couldn't.

He moved through life always reaching for something that eluded him. The thing he almost had the night Charlotte died. A contentment lasting in a small window of time before his future ended up dashed and dead against a rocky cliff.

Because even after so much time had passed … and especially after coming here tonight … he finally figured out what his life had been missing.

"Marlow's it for me." No one else could fill the void in his heart.

Seeing her brought the wild attraction back, but in a way tempered by the events of that night. All that transpired since then added depth to the longing for what could have been. And served as a stark contrast to the reality he lived.

"Is she really happy? Or is she marking time like I am?"

The answer to that question might prove to be as elusive as what he truly wanted …

Her love.

She would hate having him in her space … a constant reminder of what she lost. But he wouldn't walk away … not yet. When she no longer had to look over her shoulder, he'd get out of her way, and she could live her life…

Without him.

This is such a moody manuscript and I kind of love it. Tharn and Marlow have a road they have to travel together and it's fun writing their journey.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye