Sunday Snippet: Still of the Night

August is starting out with a weird vibe. The temperatures have been very mild and I'm wondering how much we'll pay for that in the fall months or the winter. Thrilled for the kiddos going back to school in a week or so because they might not roast during the first few weeks like they normally do.

I'm still trying to get some things that I've been putting off in the checked boxes. I did manage to fix the leak in my bathtub, which was way overdue. Should help with my water bill. I got the part needed to fix the washing machine and that's a project for this week. I hope.

Work projects are going somewhat smoothly. I did have the book that won't go away come back one more time. The developmental edit I've got on the back burner is heating up again. I'm also working on a coaching project that's part pull the manuscript together and part help the author get it ready for a copy edit. Had a solid week with copy edits and proofreads also.

Had another good week for viewing. Nothing extra but made it through my usual slate of shows. Also did another Death in Paradise binge of older seasons.

Started with another episode of Marple. I kind of like the actress playing Jane. She's kind of snappy and a little punchy (not physically) with her dialog and I love it.

Also watched another episode of Ireland Coast and Country. I'm really enjoying this series. I now want to make vermouth. Just saying.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and finished up season fifteen. I ended up kind of liking the niece. Looking forward to the holiday episode if there is one this year. And also kind of excited about the next season. I really love this show.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. The mystery ended up being kind of twisty and I loved seeing Poirot's author friend again. She's a hoot.

Elementary ended up being really good. The whole thing with the woman who leads meetings and Sherlock kind of came from left field, but I'll hold out to see what happens with that. I'll be disappointed if she ends up being Moriarty. The whole take down of the gang is really interesting. Can't wait to see what happens there.

Watched another episode of Young Justice and pieces are falling in place. Nearing the end of the first season and I'm interested in seeing what happens to the team.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and love how the season-arc mystery is coming together. Also enjoyed the Cerritos team pulling off a ruse to get what they needed. And the name drops from other shows always make me happy.

That wraps up the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Still of the Night, an Academy of Light novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Salem Rhys has the perfect recipe for brewing dark lager, a potent alcohol that will go over huge at the mage academy … but doesn’t have the know-how or equipment to create the concoction. Jared Meyer, a tech genius, can definitely help her out. Salem falls hard for her business partner but considers him out of her league until Jared proposes more than a money-making venture.

And a preview snippet…

With smoke starting to creep out along the window frames, Jared dashed into the warehouse to find his grandpa frantically trying to extinguish four fireballs to no avail. The spells he used increased the flames with each incantation. Jared didn't need a hard guess to know his granddad fucked up on an epic level.

He skidded to a stop not far from the old man. "Grandfather, what did you do?" He crossed his arms over his chest.

Jarvis threw him a look. "Don't just stand there, boy, help me. That stupid girl hexed her orbs, but combined, we should be able to overcome the magick and douse the flames." He went back to muttering spells.

Jared snorted. "Looks to me like that very brilliant woman bested you." He stood his ground even though the heat from fire grew with each breath. "What. Did. You. Do?" Something horrible no doubt.

His grandfather paused. "Thought you were up to your old tricks and came to see for myself what you'd gotten into with my money." His gaze lowered to take in the floor.

Jared huffed out a breath. "And you took one look at Salem and decided she was just another gold-digger slut after the family riches." Anger filled him at the thought.

Jarvis's face flushed a darker shade of red. "Actually, I assumed she was another piece of ass and said as much." He raised his gaze to meet his grandson's

Pissed off, Jared shook his head. "Then this place can burn to the ground." He started for the exit.

His grandfather exploded. "What?" He chased after Jared. "No. No, you don't want that. She set me straight. Called me on my bullshit, she did. And she defended you." He grasped Jared's bicep. "Now, help me, Jared." A frantic note entered his voice.

Jared gave it two heartbeats before he tossed out a word. "Hierarchy." He had to give Salem kudos for thinking that one up on the spot.

The orbs extinguished their flames, four piles of ash falling to the floor. Pride filled Jared along with another emotion he didn't recognize until this very moment.

Love.

He loved Salem with everything in him.

Jared walked over to the wall and propped open a window. "You know what? You're a pitiful old geezer… and … you were right to cut me off." He faced Jarvis. "But here's the deal. I'm serious about this venture." And serious about Salem, but dear old granddad didn't need to know that part. "You're going to back off, pay up, and repair the damage … and stay the hell away from Salem." Hell, Jared might not be welcome anywhere near her after his grandfather's stupid stunt.

Jarvis gave a nod. "Fine. I'll cover the damages and leave you two alone."

Jared lifted his chin. "That's a good start." He poked a finger in his grandfather's chest. "And you better hope I can smooth things over with Salem … or flaming fireballs won't be the worst thing you experience from her, old man." His threat delivered, Jared left the building and went to find his business partner … and hopefully a little more.

I'm so happy with this story and how it's coming together. Jared and Salem are a fun couple.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye