Sunday Snippet: Tangled Web

A very long week with wild weather and lots of things going on, including back-to-school shenanigans, roadwork, and tons of laundry.

Kind of a repeat from last week with thunderstorms rolling through the state and a day or two of plain old rain, which is actually kind of nice … except for flooding, which we didn't have but other areas in the state did.

Work stayed busy. Still removing images from a manuscript to get it ready for a copy edit. But the good news is I should finish up today or tomorrow. I put the project aside when we had storms because I won't change losing all the work put in so far.

Pretty decent viewing week even with the wild weather. Made it through my full slate of shows and had a couple of binge watches of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise.

Started with an episode of Marple and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very different from another version and a great cast.

Finished up Coastal Ireland and loved it. Especially enjoy watching someone who loves the country show their favorite locations.

Caught another episode of Beyond Paradise and I'm truly wondering how things will end up working out with Anne being on the committee overseeing the police. Here's hoping she finds a way to keep the team together.

Watched another episode of Poirot and, whew, what a very twisty mystery. And a great cast made it all work.

Elementary had another great offering. I enjoy seeing Sherlock not at his best but also watching Joan kind of rally behind him. And he's still got a leg up on everyone else even with the post-concussion stuff he's going through.

Caught another episode of Young Justice and quite enjoyed watching the team work together while defying orders.

Enjoyed another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and I'm so happy the lower deckers are back together. Also loved seeing T'Lyn going the extra mile to fill the gap Tendi left and then join in the celebration when she returned.

No backburner shows this week. We'll see if there's time week, but probably not as I have a long day on Saturday to meet my cousins for our annual get together.

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Tangled Web, a novella with a noir flair.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ruby Ire is bad for men—every time she falls for one he ends up dead, so she doesn't get tangled up with them anymore. But a series of near miss accidents makes her think she's become a target and she hires Jordan Riceman to track down her attacker. And she absolutely will not let Jordan get too close, no matter how damned attractive he is.

And a preview snippet…

Ruby paced the back sitting area where she and Melba had their tea sessions. "My butterflies are having a wild time right now." She placed a hand on her stomach and inhaled deeply.

She hated living with the unknown. Especially when she didn't know if someone had it out for her. But the coincidences were too many, and her conscience wouldn't let her ignore the possibility.

She made another back and forth across the floor. What if Jordan Riceman didn't come? No. She wouldn't think that way. Thelma assured Ruby no man would be able to resist a cryptic message from a damsel in distress.

Ruby snorted. "They might when the meeting takes place in a beauty parlor." But the genius idea cooked up with Thelma should provide the cover Ruby needed.

The bell chimed and Ruby's heart rate kicked into high gear. Had he arrived?

Thelma raised her voice in greeting. "Right this way, Mr. Riceman." The clack-clack of her heels got closer.

Ruby turned at the swish of the curtain. Oh my. Her first glance at Jordan Riceman took her breath away. Tall with short hair, he wore it longer on top. His locks had a natural wave that gave him a charming rakish look.

Thelma gave Ruby a quick wink, indicating her thoughts about Mr. Riceman. "I'll just go lock up so there won't be any interruptions." She sashayed out but not before her eyes went wide for a second and her lips made a silent wow.

The idea Ruby needed to stay away from anything personal hit high alert. And sent a kick of regret through her. She would so enjoy seeing if the roguish appeal went farther than skin deep. But no. No, no, no. She wouldn't risk anyone else's life.

Putting on a cool facade, she thrust out her hand. "Mr. Riceman. Ruby Ire. Thank you for coming."

He flashed a smile. "It's my pleasure, Ms. Ire." He shook her hand, holding it for a moment.

Long enough for Ruby to feel the zing of connection travel along her arm.

I love this story and the twists and turns it takes. Jordan and Ruby are in for a bit of a ride.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye