Sunday Snippet: Turning the Tide (a Black Watch banner novella)

Whew. Rough week. The nasty cold bit down hard, and I struggled to get through any and everything. I think I finally kicked the worst of it yesterday. Got a solid eight hours of sleep and only woke up twice coughing. The three days before? Only got two to three hours of sleep at a time before the coughing fits would wake me up and I couldn't get back to sleep. Not fun.

The tire drama is finally at an end. Now it's on to brakes for my car. That's still going to be a November problem.

We got our first cold snap and finally had to turn the furnace on today. I'm usually good until the interior of the house hits the low sixties. Woke to sixty-two degrees and, yeah, kicked the thermostat to heat. Pretty sure we'll be back in the seventies by the middle of the week and I'll turn it off again … hopefully until November.

Work projects were rough this week, mainly because of my cold. The whole fuzzy bunny slippers in my head feeling doesn't match well with trying to read words and edit manuscripts. I did finish up a proofread and started a copy edit. I also reviewed the opening chapters of a manuscript for a potential new client. I have an evaluation I need to work on and should be able to start hitting that one hard this week.

Had a semi-okay viewing week. I didn't make it all the way through my regular slate of shows because of the aforementioned cold, but I got most of the way through.

Started with Marple and I'm warming up to the new actress playing the role. She's not quite as snappy as the previous actress but she embodies Jane just the same.

Watched another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties and enjoyed the various stops in Cheshire. If I had to pick between Kent and Cheshire, I'd lean toward Kent, but Cheshire is gaining momentum.

Caught an episode of Return to Paradise and I can honestly say this season is kind of knocking it out of the park. The emotional upheaval of Mac being back in Paradise Cove is so well done. I love her interactions with Philomena are amazing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot and continue to love his friendship with Ariadne. I think I have two episodes left of this version of the show. Looking forward to those.

Elementary had another great episode. I'm enjoying the way the show is weaving in outside elements to the case and tying them together.

I also did some binge watching of Death in Paradise per usual. Sometimes it's nice to have a comfort show on in the background.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Turning the Tide, a to be named banner novella. Yeah, the title of this series keeps changing and it's driving me bonkers.

Here's the miniblurb:

Verity and Emory have to balance the personal with the professional when they're back at Black Raven command. They're tasked with taking out a crucial enemy stronghold by exploiting a vulnerable weakness. The removal of the base will give the allied forces a way into the heart of enemy territory. Just when they think they're ready to go, Verity's ace fighter pilot dad shows up to see his daughter … and meet the man who wants her—Emory Cavendish.

And a preview snippet…

Well, hell.

Verity closed her eyes for a brief moment before glancing up and meeting her father's angry gaze. "Hello, Ace. What brings you to Blackwatch command?" She kept her voice calm and casual … even though the looming figure of Victor Jones had her hackles rising.

As much as it pained her to do so, she shot Worthington a quick look for help. She carefully avoided Emory's gaze for the moment.

Worthington stepped out from behind the table. "Jones, as you can see, we're busy right now and this operation is need to know only." The implied meaning being Victor Jones did not need to know.

Verity bit back a smirk. Wonder how long he's wanted to nail my dad with that one?

She finally sought Emory's and took the boost of confidence his smile gave her.

Worthington directed Victor to the door then glanced back. "Finish the run through. I'll get Ace here something to drink and find some quarters for him." He pushed Victor through in front of him. "Come by when you're finished." He gave Verity a pointed look before leaving.

Verity let out the breath she'd been holding when her dad offered no objection and the door closed softly behind them. All eyes were on her, so she broke the tension.

"You all can scrape your jaws off the floor. He's just a man."

Laughter erupted and Emory placed the next piece on the board.

When the others began setting the stage, Emory leaned in, keeping his voice low. "Were you expecting him?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Haven't even heard from him since I received my orders.'' And his arrival didn't bode well.

Emory cut into her depressing thought. "Are you okay?" Concern laced his tone.

Verity lifted a shoulder. "I'll get back to you on that." She waited a beat. "You'll come with me to see him after this is over?" She actually wanted Emory to meet her dad, and she had a feeling she'd need Emory's moral support … both as the CAG and as her lover.

Emory lifted his chin. "Absolutely." He held her gaze a moment longer before diving back into the run through.

This series is so much fun to write, and I'm so happy with where things are … with the exception of trying to nail down a name for it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Truth Hurts

Heh, so far the bumps have not smoothed over in October. But … that could have more to do with the yucky cold I picked up from the husband. It's like I have fuzzy slippers in my head, and I'm not a fan.

Our tire trauma is still ongoing. I now have four tires paid for and the appointment is scheduled for this week. I still have to have my front and rear rotors and pads replaced as soon as possible also. That might end up being a November problem. I do want to get that managed before we start getting snow.

Still having fairly mild weather. I love having an actual fall. I'm hoping we're not having fake fall, and we'll end up with ninety degree days again. But won't be surprised if it happens.

Had a decent work week even with the cold. I'm moving slowly on the evaluation, but the book is pretty interesting. Finished up a copy edit and started a proofread. I'm hoping to finish the proofread later today. I also need to hit my backburner project that I keep putting on hold.

Had a sketchy viewing week. Between the cold and other things going on, I didn't quite make it through my usual line up. I did do a binge watch of Death in Paradise.

Started with Marple and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Very fun to see the mystery unfold and watch Jane piece everything together. Fun watching experience.

Watched another episode of Britain's Most Scenic Counties. I'm enjoying Cheshire. There are a lot of interesting bits and bobs. While the white cliffs of Dover in Kent definitely draw attention, there seems to be more urban adventures in Cheshire.

Enjoyed an episode of Return to Paradise. I'm very much on the fence with Mac and Glenn's interactions. Watching her calm him down was a lot of fun. Knife-thick tension there. Also really enjoyed getting some insight to Colin's past in this one.

Caught another episode of Poirot and, wow, what an adventure. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the band get back together. I've missed Hastings, Lemon, and Japp.

Elementary had a terrific episode. Glad to see Sherlock somewhat back to his old self. I loved how much confidence he has in Joan's ability to be a great parent. Also quite liked the interactions between Joan and the pregnant mom. What a great episode.

Started an episode of Young Justice but ran out of steam. I'll finish it up this week. I think I remember this one or at least parts of it.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Truth Hurts, a novella that reunites a couple under terrible circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Mardi Darr discovers her current lover is an enemy agent with an enchanted chip in his head. She gives the okay for a risky surgery, and it lands him in a submersion chamber with no brain activity. Heth Santiago is responsible for Mardi being with Staz and he needs to help Mardi accept the truth … even though it hurts like a bitch.

And a preview snippet…

After reuniting in the chapel, Heth agreed moving their liaison to her place made sense. They had a lot to discuss. And two more days of sex to make up for lost time didn't hurt either.

He tucked his arm around Mardi and spooned up against her. "You have a damn comfortable bed." Considering they'd done pretty much everything from there since they got here, probably a good thing.

Mardi stretched against Heth. "Do you really think this plan will work?" She said the words quietly.

Heth trailed his fingers down her arm. "How can they resist? You're walking into their realm and calling them out. They'll want to prove they can take you." And they needed to believe they could.

Mardi shifted around to face him. "But you're not going to let them." Her finger made a circular motion over his heart.

Heth shook his head. "Nope. Once we have you face-to-face with the leaders, we'll work our magick and put them in the same condition as Staz." Minus the enchanted chip, which they didn't need.

Mardi's eyes darkened. "Then we hit the underlings with the offer to talk access to alliance status." They wouldn't need to control her if they became full members.

Heth finished out the plan. "But only if they cease and desist with the attacks on mages and wizards." If the Street Hawks didn't agree … all their planning could blow up in their face.

Mardi held his gaze. "It could all go to hell." Her mouth flattened into a thin line.

Heth nodded. "Yeah, it could. And if that happens, we go out together." Because she wouldn't stand for being used against their community.

Mardi didn't blink. "Agreed." Her voice held stern conviction.

And he held no doubt they'd follow through. Neither had anything without the other. And they wouldn't give the Street Hawks the unlimited power they sought to gain through her.

She cupped his face. "I love you, Heth. Always."

He confirmed his feelings. "Always, Mardi. I love you." Leaning in, he slanted his mouth over hers.

This one is coming together nicely. Very happy with the plan Mardi and Heth put together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Trip the Light Fantastic (a Chaos novella)

It's spooky month!! Kind of happy to see the end of September. It was definitely a rough month. October is starting with a few bumps but here's hoping they'll smooth over soon.

Got my new tires and what a difference. Hit a snag with the husband's tires. We can't do two. It's all-wheel drive so they'll only replace all four. Sigh. We now have to wait until this weekend to get them replaced. Tires are expensive.

Had truly lovely weather. Mild temperatures that feel like fall are such a surprise. I'm not holding my breath that we won't end up with a big spike again, so I'm enjoying while I can.

Had a decent work week. Had another super challenging copy edit but got through it. Almost finished up with the evaluation read through. And I might be able to get back to my lingering project, which needs attention. I'm also hoping to make headway on my side project, which I'd really like to launch soon.

Good viewing week. I made it through my usual group of shows. I also included two binge marathons of Death in Paradise. The show makes me happy.

Began with Marple. Interesting episode that had some wild twists and turns. Very fun to see Tom Baker on screen.

Started the new season of Britain's Most Scenic Counties and enjoyed the introduction to Cheshire. Another area I'd love to visit at some point.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise and enjoyed the mystery. Also really enjoyed seeing Mackenzie try to figure out the appeal of dating apps. Loved the interaction between her and the team also.

Watched an episode of Poirot and I'm really enjoying Ariadne Oliver. She's such a fun character. The mystery also ended up being twisty, which I also enjoyed.

Elementary had a great episode. I'm enjoying Sherlock's challenge with recovering from the concussion. Not sure how I feel about the serial killer getting away. Kind of hoping he gets caught without taking out anyone else.

Enjoyed another episode of Young Justice. I remembered some of this one and liked the pacing of the plot. Always fun to see Wally learn life lessons.

Caught another episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and loved the callbacks to Next Generation and Voyager. This show knows how to pay homage to its ancestors.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Trip the Light Fantastic, a Chaos novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Esme Von Staunton and Ashton Sylvester think they might be going insane. Ashton's weird attunement with Esme draws her into his bizarre nightmare of hallucinations and doing things neither remember. Esme's brother Eric stumbles onto a plot by Baron Mobride and races to save his information source and his favorite couple, but Mobride has other ideas and doesn't plan to let Eric thwart him.

And a preview snippet…

Bonnie woke to muffled voices and no idea what happened. Wait. Her throat hurt.

Memories surfaced. She had a session with Baron Mobride. Something she never enjoyed. The man had a cruel streak and couldn't seem to find release until he exercised some kind of physical dominance on his partner.

Damn! He choked me into unconsciousness. No wonder her throat hurt.

She wisely remained still, but opened her eyes slightly and listened carefully. Baron Mobride stood beside the door, speaking with two of his flunkies. One had a deep, grunty voice and the other sniffled and wheezed when he spoke.

Mobride shoved his legs into his pants. "Continue the project." He buttoned up and grabbed his shirt.

The sniffly one lowered his voice. "Including Sylvester?"

Mobride gave a nod. "Yes, with two more deliveries per week."

The other flunky grunted. "Got some questions about that, boss. 'Specially if you don't want—"

Mobride cut him off. "Shut it. Hold on." Mobride went back to the bed and smacked Bonnie on the ass. "Hey. Wake up." He gripped her shoulder, shaking hard.

Bonnie pretended to jolt back to consciousness. "Wha … what happened?" Her hand went to her throat, rubbing gently.

Mobride smirked. "No matter. Get out and give me the room." He threw her wrap on the bed.

Bonnie pulled the garment over her and sat up. "Baron Mobride. This is my area." She turned away and slid the robe over her shoulders. "I can't leave or I won't make my night's quota."

Mobride snorted. "You're leaving." He peeled several bills off a wad of cash and tossed them on the bed. "Get out. Now."

She scrambled up after grabbing the money. "Yes, Baron." Stuffing the payment into her pocket, she edged past the two men standing in the doorway, keeping her eyes downcast.

She'd seen enough of them before Mobride kicked her out to recognize the faces if she needed to.

The men entered the room and slammed the door behind them.

Bonnie huffed out a breath. "What is Mobride up to?" She slowly made her way down the corridor and entered the bathroom.

Pacing back and forth, she pondered what she overheard.

The baron had something nefarious in the works. "And somehow it involves Ashton Sylvester." She had to Eric know.

Could she wait until Eric's next appointment or should she send a message?

Heaving a sigh, she sat on the edge of the bathtub. "I'll probably wait. Sending a message will be too risky." She couldn't trust word wouldn't get back to Mobride … not with the amount of money the man spent at Tildaswail.

She sent a silent missive to the universe. Let everything be all right until Eric returns.

I have a lot of love for this series. The cast of characters is so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye