Sunday Snippet: Prank Police

Another busy week in the books and I'm gearing up for a chaotic ride for the upcoming one. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday and, frankly, I'm not excited. But at least it'll be done and over early in the week.

Ohio is still doing the back and forth weather stuff. At least it's not a wild fluctuation. More like fifties one day, high thirties the next. I'm not complaining because it's time for the cool down and I like chillier weather.

I have a slow start to my work week because of the colonoscopy, but I have a full of projects. A copy edit and a design proofread are underway and I should have another copy edit sliding in by midweek. I also have an author Zoom session either Tuesday or Wednesday. I very much enjoy the variety of projects I'm working on. I'm also looking forward to a possible collaboration on a fun idea with a few colleagues sometime soon.

Had an okay viewing week. I had time to hit the back burner shows but found I needed a break. My focus slipped by the weekend and I ended up keeping them on simmer for now.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Season three is kind of a wild ride and I waffle between enjoying having Phryne's dad causing problems and wishing we had more episodes without him.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's one I remember from my first run through of the series. The acting is top notch throughout from beginning to end.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. I love Martha and Humphrey with their foster daughter. Kind of bummed Esther decided to break things off with Archie. Hopefully, that's a red herring.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I don't have any memories of watching this one before and I always love how terrible Hastings is at Miss Lemon's filing system.

Elementary ended up being excellent. I like Joan trying to navigate having a half-sister. The case also proved interesting. And definitely a little scary.

Caught the season three opener of Batman Beyond. Always fun to see the Royal Flush gang. I'd forgotten how this one ended and I enjoyed it.

Also watched an episode of Lower Decks. I'm very much enjoying how many easter eggs are in this show. Lots of fun!

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Prank Police, a novella that features a couple getting their comeuppance with a new class of recruits.

Here's the miniblurb:

The mage academy is rife with pranksters, and Zenna Doyle and Kyrk Rydercroft must corral the new recruits when they all test their newfound powers. And to top it off, the couple pulls duty at the worst time—the night of the blue moon when magic is at its strongest.

And a preview snippet…

Holy shit. Sex with Kyrk always satisfied … but the enchantment spell ramped things up to the stratosphere. Which…

She moaned. "Dammit. Wait one—" A wave of utter bliss rolled over her.

Fuck. She had to focus. Or the spell could break containment and spread over the entire campus.

Kyrk grunted. "What the hell, Zenn?" He shuddered then snapped his gaze to hers.

She nodded. "Yeah. We have to … have to …" Gah!

She wanted to rock her hips over his and chase the spiraling pleasure coursing through her veins.

His fingers dug into her hips. "Right. Right. Gonna need your help." He began a low incantation to ward the area under a dome.

Zenna joined the spellcasting, adding her magick to his. Battling the strong desire to give in to the waiting ecstasy, they managed to construct a protective dome over the commons area to keep the enchantment contained to one specific area. And they only had to start over twice.

Barrier secure, Zenna smashed her lips against Kyrk's and gave full rein to the lust threatening to overtake her.

Kyrk hummed low in his throat. "Not gonna last, Zenn. You're too hot for me to have any control." He thrust upward, driving deep.

Zenna hissed out a harsh breath. "Don't care. This spell means we'll be ready to go without a long wait time." Her hips rocked back and forth, increasing in speed.

Kyrk made a garbled sound. "Guh. I'm right there. Come with me…" He worked his fingers between them and found her clit.

Zenna cried out, toppling over the edge and crashing into a wave of orgasmic haze. Kyrk followed right behind her, his thighs going taut. Zenna wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding on when his legs gave out and he sank to the floor.

Kyrk rested his forehead against hers. "Round one complete. That was … amazing."

She gave a slow nod. "So amazing." Easing her head back, she met his gaze. "Gonna be a wild ride until the sun comes up." At least they had most of the class under one roof.

Kyrk's hand skimmed up along her torso. "Pretty sure we'll enjoy the journey." His mouth ghosted along her shoulder.

Zenna didn't reply … instead, she gave herself over to the magickal power building between them again.

Heh. This story is so much fun to write. Zenna and Kyrk have their work cut out for them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Place of Honor

It's been a busy week. We're still kind of off-kilter after the loss of our doggo. Our younger one is adjusting and I'm thankful for that. Our vet office is amazing, and they've been wonderful throughout this whole process.

Ohio weather is being very Ohio right now. Warm up, cool down, something kind of in between. I had to clear snow off my car at the beginning of last week. It didn't stick around, which is okay with me. I don't mind snow, but I'm also not quite ready for it yet.

Work was very busy this past week. Had a terrific Zoom meeting with an author and two other members of a team I often work with. We're getting ready to hand over the project for the next steps. Also had another Zoom session with a different author and they're making headway on their memoir. Finished up a developmental edit and we're getting ready to hand that one off also. Had an older project pop back up and I think we have that one resolved. I also finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread.

Not a bad viewing week either. I made it through all of my usual slate of shows. The next two weeks are going to be a little iffy, but I'll make an effort to stay current.

I started with the season three opener of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The introduction of her dad was fun, and I liked seeing Jack show a little jealousy.

Also caught another episode of Foyle's War and I'd forgotten how much of a role Andrew played in this episode. If I remember correctly, we won't see him again for a while.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm enjoying Archie and Esther's romance a lot. I loved Humphrey being in the uncomfortable position of having to question Martha as a suspect to clear her. And I'm so glad Anne finally spilled the beans about her biopsy.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. I love Hastings and Miss Lemon investigating and then chatting about Poirot. The lengths he went to to protect the countess kind of charmed me.

Elementary had a great episode. Discovering Joan has a half-sister is interesting. I also love how tangled up everything ended up being. Bringing Mycroft into the equation is a snare that will have some repercussions, I think. Especially with the NSA showing up again.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remembered it from my original watch. Getting Ace's backstory is great.

Also got to watch another episode of Lower Decks. The characters are starting to gel for me, and Mariner is way less annoying this season. Very glad I stuck with this one.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Place of Honor, a novella with a dark flair that brings a couple together the hard way.

Here's the miniblurb:

A band of bounty hunters go after urban legends, bagging, tagging, and removing the threat from cities, towns, villages, and sprawling rural landscapes. Wiley Star has a score to settle and Hex Harrigan can't deny her quest for vengeance—but when Wiley lands on the wrong end of a double cross, it's up to Hex to track her whereabouts and save the day, which proves difficult because his personal feelings keep getting in the way.

And a preview snippet…

"We weren't responsible for your sister's death."

By the fifth day of poking at the Reavers, Wiley had taken out half a dozen of the members.

And she finally got one to cough up some intel. "So … who killed her?" If this assclown died before he spilled, she'd lose her mind.

The demon coughed, a trickle of blood leaking from his lips. "Vicious new gang threading their way into town. The … Dark—" Another round of wracking coughs. "D-Darkwings." His breathing got raspy. "Leader's name is Mango something."

Who the fuck are the Darkwings? And why the hell don't I know anything about them?

She twisted her fist in his vest. "Where do I find this gang?" She'd tear several new assholes when she caught up with them.

The demon made a garbled choking sound. "N-no … no clue. You think we haven't tried to? They're like cockroaches. Rarely come out into the daylight." His breath seized in his throat and he went lax.

Wiley growled. "Dammit." At least she had a name.

She could hunt this group down and avenge her sister's death.

Wiley stood up from her crouch to find herself surrounded by a group of demons in full motorcycle regalia. The Darkwings, no doubt. At least she didn't have to waste time looking for them.

The leader, this Mango something, had an oily smile. "Fuck. Wish I'd've known there were two of you before we took your sister out." His black gaze gave Wiley a slow once-over from head to toe.

Wiley snarked a comeback. "You're gonna wish you'd never laid eyes on me, jackass." She lifted her chin and held his gaze.

Mango snorted. "I don't think so, sweet ass. Allow me to introduce you to my queen." He stepped to one side.

A gorgeous vision of a woman eased forward and moved to stand toe to toe with Wiley. "You're a beautiful and strong woman." She cocked her head to one side and inhaled deeply.

Wiley found herself doing the same, tilting her head to mimic the woman's actions. And instead of inhaling, Wiley exhaled because the air forcibly exited her lungs. Fuck. A succubus. And she's putting me under her control. Try as Wiley might, she could not look away from the woman.

The woman straightened her head. "My name is Anissa, queen of the Darkwings. You will swear fealty to me."

Wiley tried to snort but couldn't. She expended every effort to look away and break the hold Anissa had on Wiley.

Instead, she slid deeper into thrall. "I swear fealty to you." Dammit!

Anissa's lips curved. "Very good. You'll now swear fealty to my king, Mango Sallivan."

Mango moved to stand beside Anissa. He reached out and groped Wiley's breasts. "Let's hear it, sweet ass." He leaned in closer.

Bile rose in her throat and she fought to keep the words from escaping.

He squeezed her breasts harder and jerked her forward. "Now." The order hissed out.

Her monotone voice answered. "I swear fealty to the king." She'd capitulated, held fast by the bondage of her words.

Mango made a low humming sound deep in his throat. "Yeah you do. You're gonna be a star attraction for me and my crew." His forked tongue darted out, and he grasped his crotch, rubbing the hard ridge under the black leather.

Wiley blinked, not caring about the implication of his gesture. "As you wish, my king."

He let out an evil laugh and cupped her chin in his hand. "Damn straight, honey pot." He sealed her fate by slanting his mouth over hers to the cheers of his other companions.

This story is coming together and it's a challenging tale to write. I love Wiley and hate putting her through the wringer she's going to go through but she double dog dared me to.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Pit and the Pyre

I'm going to start with a doggo update. We thought our older doggo was doing better but, sadly, that wasn't the case. The vet took an aspirated sample of her lymph node, and the results came back as cancerous, probably MAST cell. The prognosis is never great for that diagnosis. But we planned to keep her comfortable and spend as much time as we could with her. Unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse and on November 7, we let her go to the great beyond. Hardest decision to make but she stopped eating and couldn't really afford to lose more weight than she already had. My heart hurts right now, but we're trying to ease the loss for our other doggo and that's been a blessing.

Obviously, even with everything going on with our dog, work continued. I finished up a proofread and have a new one scheduled for the upcoming week. I also have a couple of client calls and I'm excited about those. I'm in the middle of a copy edit for an opening book to a new series and it's going well.

I had an okay viewing week. I made it most of the way through my regular shows, with the exception of Lower Decks. I'll get back to it this week. I hope.

Finished up the second season of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I love the Christmas in July episode so much. There's some subtle groundwork being laid for the final season and I appreciate being able to look back and see it.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War. I really wanted to smash everyone working against Foyle in the face. The arrogance of the military spies grated hard on me this time around.

Beyond Paradise ended up being a lot of fun. I like the romance with Archie and Ester. And I love Humphrey and Martha with their fostering. I'm a little put out with the mom being so cagey. I get the why but it's annoying. I'm kind of hoping she ends up confiding in Zoe.

Watched another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I loved having him hoodwinked into solving a murder because an author wrote himself into a corner. And having the author kind of save the day was fun.

Elementary ended up being a great episode. I love Sherlock putting forth effort in his relationship and getting it wrong for the right reasons.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman Beyond. Loved Bruce and Max working together to find Terry. I had some vague memories of this one but didn't remember everything that happened.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Pit and the Pyre, a novella featuring a second chance at romance with an added twist.

Here's the miniblurb:

Virgo Sohn walks through five years of hellfire to get back to Gunn Gladstone, but she finds him married to Glynne Allmore. Accepting the hand dealt, Virgo refuses to explain the circumstances of her return until Glynne succumbs to a raging virus and Gunn feels he should join her on the pyre.

And a preview snippet…

After the exchange with Gunn, Virgo had no idea how to win the last challenge she faced. "He pretty much hates me, and I can't blame him." But if she wanted to remain on the mortal coil, she had to win him back.

Nothing like an impossible hurdle to jump over. Or maybe flaming hoops to jump through would be a better analogy considering the hellfire council gave her an expiration date.

Virgo walked up the path from the caverns toward the town proper. "At least I gave him something to chew on. He won't be able to resist trying to figure out the how, and that gives me time to work on the why." A difficult task, but one worth the effort.

What a journey to find such a simple answer.

Virgo spent the first three years of her trial trying to become a better person for Gunn. She finally realized she didn't have to change for him. She needed to change for her. So, she atoned for her family's sins, brandishing the flames of hellfire inward to scorch the past and direct her righteous truth where it needed to be. At home.

She snorted. "But I didn't come out unscathed." Nope … she carried a burden, one that could make or break her acceptance back into the assembly.

Her heavy load had two unequal sides. 

Crossing the main thoroughfare, she darted into the green quad, one of her favorite spaces. A place where she could think and ponder and hopefully come up with a way to expose and weed out her naysayer. The one who started the crusade against her.

She found her favorite spot, a little copse of trees with a comfortable bench and lots of quiet.

Sitting on the warm wooden surface, she heaved a sigh. "Vausch Minslow is my second biggest problem." The bigger obstacle would always be Gunn.

Minslow had left her alone since her return, but he only bided his time. He'd make a move soon … because he wouldn't have a choice. She planned to force his hand in the very near future. Her task to bring him down would even the score.

Her lips twisted. "He's been working hard behind the scenes, using Gunn's distraction with Glynne to make headway." The man wanted to send the assembly back to the dark ages and allow the use of black magick.

The hellfire council had major issues with the idea. They controlled the balance of light and dark. The Maiden Flame—head of the council and a badass of epic proportions—didn't appreciate Minslow's backhanded methods for trying to get around a parameter set in place centuries ago.

Virgo only had one concern regarding Vausch. "If he talks the quorum into banishing me, my mission ends, and I'll succumb back into the flames." She'd need to tread carefully and expose him at the right moment … whenever that might be.

The bigger and harder challenge would be Gunn. "I can tell him about Minslow but I can't let on about anything else." The Maiden Flame gave firm instructions about what Virgo could and could not reveal.

Surely, Gunn would soften his stance. He loved Virgo once. She could win him over again. She had to remind him and get him to remember how good they'd been together.

Before she walked away … her biggest sin.

Her worst crime … not trusting the love they shared.

Her penance wiped her family's misdeeds clean away. But the fact she turned her back on Gunn rested wholly and completely on her.

And the Maiden Flame made resolving that issue the price for Virgo's freedom.

Nothing like giving a guy up then having to make him fall in love with me again.

This story is taking some twists and turns I didn't expect, and I love when that happens.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Picture Perfect

Welcome, November! Honestly, October had great points and not-so-great points. Having a sick pet is not fun. Trying to figure out exactly what's going on isn't either. But she appears to be doing better so that's a plus.

We had a spectacular trick-or-treat night. The weather ended up being cooperative. Chilly but not cold, slightly windy but not gusty, and no rain. The past few years we've had flurries, frigid temperatures, rain, and the blowy, serious wind that makes everyone miserable. Having almost perfect weather is a nice change.

Had an okay work week. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread. Finalized a developmental edit with only formatting left to do before it moves over to a copy editor. I have a bit of research to do for the other developmental edit I'm working on and I should have that at least started today.

Not a bad week of viewing. I made it all the way through my current slate of shows. I didn't hit the backburner ones but, again, sick doggo equals a lot of time.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and I'm almost finished with the second season. I really did enjoy the downfall of Jack's former father-in-law. I also loved how disgusted Rosie ended up being with her dad. Christmas episode is up next and it's one I love to pieces.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and finished out the second season. I'd forgotten Andrew crashed his plane and he had a bit of a romance with Sam. Looking forward to starting the third season.

Watched an episode of Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed Humphrey and Martha interacting with their new foster. Also quite enjoyed the Ester and Archie banter. I really hope Kelby ends up getting a girl because he's the sweetest guy ever.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. A lot of twisty-turns in this one and Poirot getting all bent over Hastings using the bathroom as a darkroom was hilarious.

Elementary ended up being very interesting. I'm kind of wary of Joan trying to get a mole inside Moreland's company. I think it's for protection so Moreland's enemies can't hurt Sherlock and, by extension, Joan. I'm very interested in whether Moreland is setting this up on purpose or if he's just underestimating Joan. Should be fun to find out.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and didn't really remember this one. Ended up liking it a lot. Always good to see Bruce out of the manor.

Lower Decks was so much fun. Beckett is growing on me and Boimler isn't annoying me as much either. And the theme song is still stuck in my head. I think it might be my favorite out of all the Trek shows.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Picture Perfect, a novella that pulls a couple back together after one literally goes through a trial by fire.

Here's the miniblurb:

Faeryn Carnes, a fire elemental, crossed through the Shroud, leaving the mortal plane. But when she returned, an unheard of occurrence, Seth Jacobson, an air elemental, is the only person she can count on, which seems impossible because Faeryn believes air and fire can't mix.

And a preview snippet…

Several hours later, Faeryn yawned and glanced over toward Seth. His head bent forward, and his finger moved across the page. Occasionally, he'd stop and highlight a section of the book.

The noise in her head receded a little and her eyes grew heavy. Did she dare try to sleep? Yeah, you need the rest. She hadn't had more than an hour or two at a time since she'd returned.

She focused on Seth, watching him work. Her mind stilled and her brain slipped into slumber. Muted images rolled through her awareness, seemingly on fast forward. An occasional burst of color would pop, and the frame would freeze.

Faeryn crossed the shroud and entered the flames … a woman grasped Faeryn and carried her though the flames … and argued her case in a dark chamber filled with voices … the woman fused herself to Faeryn … Vinard's visage loomed huge and menacing … a man dangled on a precipice, trapped in a cage … more debate raged in the background … the voices rose urgent with anger and determination … the woman faded away … but Faeryn stayed tethered to her … until she crossed through the veil again … not dead but not fully alive either and the incessant buzzing of his voice began.

I am the fire elemental. You are my vessel, and you must defeat—

"Faeryn! Hey, come on. Come back to me." Fear laced Seth's voice. "Breathe, Faeryn. Come on."

Vinard!

Her eyes blinked open and she gasped, coughing and choking on the air rushing into her lungs. Seth's shoulders slumped and he gathered her to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist and clung to him. A balm of safety in her perilous world.

He eased back and held her gaze. "You okay? You gave me a scare." His hand cupped her face.

She leaned into his palm. "What happened? What did I do?" Her eyes darted back and forth, taking in the low embers of the fire and the first streaks of light in the sky beyond the window. "How long was I out?"

Seth angled around on the sofa and hauled her up onto his lap. "Most of the night. I figured you needed the downtime and didn't disturb you … until you started talking in your sleep. The words sounded ancient, and I tried to translate but then you went completely stiff and I think you stopped breathing." He shook his head. "Scared the hell out of me."

She'd slept most of the night? Had to be because of Seth. He offered her a safe haven, and she could let down her guard.

She laced their fingers together. "Sorry about that. I can't believe I actually slept most of the night." She huffed out a breath. "What a wild ride, though."

Seth tucked her closer to his side. "Do you remember anything?" His brows arched.

She half-shrugged. "Bit and pieces. I might have some answers but I'm not sure." Her heart twisted. "I feel like they're right there … but also just out of reach." A sigh escaped before she could stop it.

Seth rubbed her shoulder. "That's frustrating but…" He trailed off on a yawn.

Faeryn nudged him. "Maybe you need to get some rest, and we can talk about what I remember when you can think straight." She gave him a wobbly grin.

Seth scrunched down, keeping her in his arms, and pulled a throw off the back of the couch. "That's a plan. And, no, you're not going anywhere. Even if you don't fall asleep, I'll rest better knowing you're here and safe for the moment." He draped the blanket over them.

Faeryn brushed her lips over his jawline. "There's no place I'd rather be right now." Her mouth quirked because he'd already drifted off.

She turned her thoughts to the last moments of her dream. If the vision proved true, she had a large piece of the puzzle … but what would that answer cost her?

I'm kind of happy with how this one is coming together. Faeryn is a fun character to write even if she'd living on the edge right now.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye