Sunday Snippet: Seeing Red

May is shaping up to be a weird month. I'm feeling kind of rushed but at the same time like I'm bogged down in mud. I think that's a sign that big change is coming and I'm not always as go with the flow as I'd like to be. We'll see what the summer brings.

Work projects are in a good place. I finished up a proofread and only have a few random changes to check. Also moved a copy edit off my plate. I'm continuing work on a design proofread and started a manuscript proofread over the weekend. I have a client call this week on a memoir and a developmental edit I'm returning to after a bit of a break. All in all, shaping up to be a busy week.

Hoping to put in some work on my sorely neglected website to get things moving on one of the side hustles I've been working on for a long time. I'm putting this in writing as a motivator!

Had a really good viewing week. I got through my full slate of shows and got one of my back-burner ones in also.

Started out with finishing up Foyle's War and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm not sure I actually got to see this one during my original run through.

Also caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. Ended up really enjoying this one also. Very fun to see some previous characters return.

Watched an episode of Silent Witness and I love that Jack is considering teaching. That could end up being fun to watch. Also love his interactions with Kat.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. Poor Hastings has had a run of bad luck with his investments. Very fun to see Poirot not enjoy his health retreat until the mystery starts.

Elementary had another great episode. Season five has been very enjoyable with the cast gelling in a great way. Loved the guy getting his comeuppance because he couldn't resist leaving the country for a hockey match.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I ended up really enjoying how the team worked together even while completely blowing their original mission.

Caught the season four premier of Star Trek: Lower Decks and enjoyed every moment. Fun to see the growth of the characters and also fun to see so many callbacks to other Trek shows.

Hit an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. Really felt for Alex and Carrie. And I also really loved Will changing his mind about the case with the sisters. Then again, if he'd listened to Alex in the first place he wouldn't have had to.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Seeing Red, a novella that puts a couple with superpowers in a tricky situation that forces them to examine their feelings.

Here's the miniblurb:

Vesta Crock can't stand tension, and a major meta-human uprising puts everyone on edge. Jones Blaylock becomes her target for a series of supposedly fun pranks, but when a fellow member of their team gets injured, Jones sees red and that's not a good thing for the firestarter.

And a preview snippet…

By the third day of mixed-team training, Jones still didn't have his head wrapped around his situation with Vesta. "The timing is terrible." And wouldn't get any better.

Stan had the helm and ran simulations. Vesta bucked orders twice—arguing the scenes were too far off the grid. She made her point on the first throw down, getting up in Stan's grill.

But Jones stepped in on the second before Stan lost his shit. "Vesta, take five. Now."

She glared but walked off the floor.

Jones had to cut through the tension between them from the other night. Right. Exactly how to do that he hadn't figured out. Be nice if I had a guidebook or something.

He gave her five full minutes before he confronted her. "Look, we have to work every possibility. You know this. Why are you making it difficult?" And making his life problematic at the same time.

Vesta opened with a blazing volley. "Because this is stupid. You have two elite teams of meta-humans who've gone through the same training. At this point, we'll either have our shit together or we don't. Running endless sims accomplishes nothing other than having two groups get on each other's nerves." She paused a moment. "And with no outside downtime, it's like holding a match to a powder keg." She met his gaze. "Don't be shocked when it blows." Planting her hands on her hips, frustration and anger rolled off her in waves.

Jones blinked. Her righteous fury took his breath away and made his blood surge in his veins. He had to get a handle on his reaction to her. After he put her firmly in her place.

He leaned in close to her. "Look, it's a team-building exercise. Get your ass back over there and participate or forget about being in on the takedown." Which meant even longer in lockdown.

Vesta snarled. "Fine. But this is a waste of everyone's time." She stalked back to the floor and took point for the next simulation.

After the confrontation, Jones clasped the metal railing with an iron grip. He didn't notice his reaction, but Stan did. Jones heated the steel rod Stan had his elbows resting on.

Stan jerked upright. "Damn, man. You're gonna melt that if you're not careful." He rubbed at his chafed skin.

Jones winced and apologized. "Yeah, sorry. I need a minute." He got ready to leave, unsettled over the slip.

Stan grunted. "Yeah, don't blame you for losing control around your loud-mouthed hotheaded team member." He moved to the console and loaded up the next run through.

Jones didn't reply but the insult irritated him. Vesta could absolutely be a pain in the ass. Kind of came with the territory of having superpowers. But she didn't have a lock on the top spot.

And Stan definitely pushed the limit on repetitive scenarios. Something Jones would mention during their one-on-one debrief after the day's work. Right now, he needed a walk around the facility to cool off.

And figure out how to not heat up everything he came in contact with.

Having fun with this one. Vesta and Jones can be volatile, and their situation is a powder keg.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Same Time Next Year

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, mentors, fur baby mothers, aunties, found moms, and mother figures. I hope this day is joyful and everything you want it to be. For all those out there who have a hard time with this day, I hope peace and serenity find you.

Coming off a super-busy week with a lot going on between work and home. There are times I really wish I could split myself in two so I could get more accomplished.

Work projects ended up being chaotic. A bunch are finishing up, which is great. But they're also closing out with little things that need attention and happening all at once. Whew! I'm actually not sure how I made it through the week.

I have a couple of new projects starting this week and they're fairly normal, which is good for my executive function. I at least feel like I'll be able to breathe.

Even with all the chaos projects, I ended having a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows. I didn't get to watch any extras, but I'm okay with that.

Started out with Brokenwood Mysteries and really enjoyed the mystery. I rather like Reverend Green and Doctor Plummer and seeing them work through a rough patch kind of made the whole show.

Got started on an episode of Foyle's War and need to finish it up this week. I'd forgotten how twisty the last two seasons were with the spy thrilled angle.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Thoroughly enjoyed Mervin and Solomon interacting. Kind of curious where they'll go with things and I have a feeling it won't be to a good place.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and loved having Hastings return. The twisty, twisty tale also made for great viewing. Love it when Poirot almost stumbles then catches himself before he faceplants.

Elementary ended up being really good. I love Joan having Marcus's back. Getting the dirt for him made me so happy. Also loved the mystery they had to solve.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and I'm pretty interested in where things go. I like the team figuring out how to interact and I look forward to seeing their new member.

Finished up the third season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Gotta say for someone who really disliked Mariner well into the second season, I'd probably die for her now. That's a great character arc. Just saying.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Same Time Next Year, a paranormal novella that brings a couple together when they offer aid and comfort for each other.

Here's the miniblurb:

After commiserating over failed hookups, Tessa Gem and Hart Cantley make a date for the following year at the same time, but they have no idea their fae collective will be at war when they meet again.

And a preview snippet…

Hart blinked. "I think I took a harder blow on the head than I thought. I couldn't have heard you right." Tessa Gem pulling a one-eighty?

Yeah … no. He didn't see that one coming.

Tessa met his gaze. "Yes, you did." She settled closer to him. "Head injury aside, I know you've had thoughts about how to incite change. What are your ideas?"

Hart took a moment before answering. "I don't know where to start. But equal representation is key. And the mad power grabs have to end." Hopefully starting with his mother.

Tessa nodded and added her two cents. "It's gotta start at the top. Lop off the head to cure the disease." She huffed out a breath.

Hart widened his eyes. "You've given this some thought, too." Who knew a seed had been planted the last time they spoke.

Tessa shrugged. "Yeah. A lot recently. I'm good at kicking in doors and sweeping up the riffraff. But I didn't sign on to enforce policy that's become discriminatory or to line some fat cat's pockets." Her tongue clicked against her teeth, making a derisive sound.

A pocket of righteousness unfurled in his gut. If rank-and-file Tessa could revise her stance, progress might be possible. Change had to start somewhere.

But… "I don't disagree with your theory, but I gotta challenge you to project what would happen if the top dogs were removed." Starting at the top would be bold but problematic.

Tessa took a moment, the wheels spinning in her brain. "Okay, yes, as a wake-up call, it would work. But long-term … more power-grabbing paws are going to stick their mitts in." She grimaced. "And we're right back where we started."

Hart grunted. "Exactly." Two steps forward followed by about five steps back.

Tessa cocked her head. "So … what's the plan?" A speculative gleam entered her gaze.

He gave her his best innocent brow arch.

She rolled her eyes. "Look, I know you have one. And I'm in, Hart." A frown marred her features. "Unless you don't trust me."

Really happy with how this one is coming together. Tessa and Hart want the same thing, and they'll need to work together to make it happen.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rumpled and Worn

Yeesh. So far, May has been a very chilly month. Our high yesterday hit forty-five degrees. Brrr. I'm going to try really hard to remember this when I'm crying because it's eighty-five in October. Just saying.

I didn't quite get everything tracked down that I wanted to last week so I'm carrying it over to this week. I think I'm going to make May my month to get stuff done. And, I'll be honest, it'll probably spill over into June. Time moves faster than I like sometimes.

Pretty good work week all things considered. I closed out a project and came close to finishing the final steps two others. Finished up a copy edit on a long manuscript and started a proofread on another. I have a continuation of another project on the books for this week also. I love to be busy.

Not a bad viewing week. I got through my usual list of shows, which makes me happy. I didn't get to watch any of my back burner shows or a concert, but maybe this week.

Started out with the season-twelve premier of the Brokenwood Mysteries. Thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Love having the cast of recurring characters making appearances.

Watched the final behind the scenes bonus of Foyle's War and enjoyed seeing the effort that went into creating the battle scene. Should be starting the final season this week.

Caught the opening episode of the next Poirot season. Kind of fun to see how little Poirot enjoyed retirement. And a really good mystery also.

Finished up the two-part Silent Witness premier. A very twisty story with lots of layers. I think I'm going to like having the team work at the new Bowman Center.

Elementary ended up being really interesting. I'm enjoying the Shinwell training and the case ended up being way complicated than I thought it would be.

Watched the second episode of Young Justice and I enjoyed seeing the team come together. Looking forward to more.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, whoo boy. Gotta say Mariner got shafted. Should be fun and interesting to see how things play out over the rest of the season.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rumpled and Worn, a modern-day twist on the Rumpelstiltskin tale.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lindie Lands strikes a deal with the Rumpleman—keep her crazy stalker at bay and she'll hand over the first man she falls for. But when she finally finds a lasting love with Cole Darrington, she's not willing to give him up and together they outsmart the Rumpleman.

And a preview snippet…

With a hard dick, bursting to get free, Cole gave a one-word answer. "Bedroom?" Why not keep things simple?

Lindie's lip curved in a sexy smile while her fingers undid the row of buttons on his borrowed shirt. "Thought you'd never ask."

The fabric played peekaboo with her breasts and his cock strained against his zipper. He held out a hand and when her fingers brushed his, he tugged her forward, sweeping an arm under her legs to whisk her off her feet. Settling her against his chest, her butt perched over his hard-on, he carried her into his room. His eyes feasted on her bountiful rack.

Placing her on the bed, he stepped back and stripped off his shirt. Her heated gaze roamed over him before fastening on his fingers popping the button of his fly. He unzipped slowly, amping up the tension. Her breathing went a little shallow when he eased the denim past his hips. He let the jeans pool at his feet and his erection jutted out, hard and ready.

She licked her lips. "Oh, my…" Her gaze met his.

A swell of pride filled him. He didn't have many complaints, but her opinion mattered. And the approval in her eyes served to make him even harder.

She sat up and shrugged out of his shirt, her nipples tightening into taut nubs. He wanted to tease and torment the dusky peaks with his lips and teeth. She got up on her knees, her fingers slipping under the waistband of her panties.

Cole strode to the bed. "Please, let me." He had to touch her.

She gave him a sensual smile and removed her hands, letting them hang loosely at her sides. He put a knee on the bed and reached out, feeling like a kid on the winter solstice ready to unwrap something special. He palmed her ass, loving the way it fit his hand.

She put her arms around his neck, and he hooked his thumbs under the waistband. Leaning in, he captured her lips and eased the satiny fabric past her hips. He wrapped an arm around her and lowered her to the bed, dragging her panties off to let them fall on the floor.

Her tongue dueled with his, notching the heat up. He slid a palm over her smooth calf and up along her thigh. She parted her legs, welcoming the glide of fingers over her slick folds.

Breaking the kiss, he moaned. "Oh, sweetness, you're hot and wet."

She flicked her tongue over her lower lip and nodded. "And so ready." Her fingers circled around his dick. "But I want a taste first."

Happy to oblige, he maneuvered around until they were side by side, in opposite directions. "As long as I can sample, too."

She responded by licking the tip of his cock then engulfing a large portion of his shaft. He made a hum of satisfaction before delving between her legs to swipe his tongue along her labia. Sweet nectar flowed and he added a finger, inserting the digit, loving the way her walls clamped and held him prisoner. He'd happily stay shackled to her … for however long she wanted him to.

I really love how this story is coming together and can't wait to see where it goes.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye