Sunday Snippet: Blending In

I got slammed with a nasty cold and definitely feel it this week. Completely derailed my daily relaxation stress reducer posts. I'll hopefully catch back up next week or start over again for the new year.

Finished up several work-related projects and added a few to my calendar. Hoping to start the new year off with a full slate to stay busy.

Not a bad week of television, even with the icky cold making me super tired and exhausted.

Watched another episode of My Life Is Murder and enjoyed it. I'm still trying to get used to the New Zealand locale with the second season. Still a fun show.

Caught the second half of Agatha Raisin. Feel very badly for James, who kind of seems like the odd man out of the group. Loved how this one played out.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and not sure on the new pathologist. He's not bad, I guess. Clearly, it's time to shake things up for Jack, which probably means things won't go well when his brother gets out of prison.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise, which is one I didn't remember. I'm getting into the Humphrey episodes I missed on the first watch.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite liked the dynamic. I'm very interested in getting into more of what happened with Joan's medical career. Sherlock is definitely true to form and I'm getting into this version.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I think I have one or two more episodes of the first season then a bit of a shift to the second one.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. For some reason, I think I might have missed a season or at least some episodes. I'll do a run through after I finish up the sixth season.

Continued with The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm intrigued by how the season is unfolding and I'm kind of interested in where things are going to go.

Finished out the week with an episode of VIP. Some familiar early aughts faces in this one. Also a fun episode.

That's pretty much it on the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Blending In, a novella that puts a couple undercover and brings them together despite their best intentions of staying apart.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wren and Ethan go undercover in the seedy Bottoms. Ethan's by the book style clashes with Wren's off the cuff attitude, but when a powerful mage makes a threat, they'll have to forge an unbreakable bond or go down in flames.

And a preview snippet…

Ethan considered Wren's justification. "Okay, what's next?" He might as well roll with tide.

She suggested an info gathering opportunity. "No engagement. We go in, get some intel, and come out. That's it." She made a few adjustments to her outfit, knotting the T-shirt under her breasts and letting her hair down.

Ethan followed Wren into Hunter's Glen, his heart pumping with both anticipation and trepidation. He didn't do on-the-fly work and he feared it would show. He didn't want to let her down.

Once inside, he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior. "I'll follow your lead. I need a few minutes to get into the role and follow the vibe." And maybe get his shit together.

Wren jerked her head, acknowledging the request. She led him through the throng of people and directly by the trio who'd drawn their attention. The mood coming from the bar area consisted of boisterous bravado mixed with an angry undertone.

Ethan adopted a besotted demeanor, trailing behind Wren like he couldn't wait to get his hands on her. Not a hard sell for him. This might not be as difficult as he'd thought.

She led him to a corner table in a shadowy recess close to the bar. Good cover and strategically located. He admired her quick and spot-on assessment.

Tugging him close, she spoke quietly in his ear. "Look oblivious to everyone but me but pay very close attention to the conversations." She settled onto a chair and gave him a sexy smile.

He scooted his around so he could play the part she assigned to him. Leaning one arm over her shoulder, he twisted her toward him so they looked extra cozy. Her eyes went wide but she didn't resist. And a note of admiration crept into the dark depths. He'd made the right move.

She tilted her head toward him, doing a good impression of a private conversation, but her attention focused on the bar. Ethan tracked the conversations at the line of pool tables. Deviating from the plan might end up paying off if the first hour they spent barely touching their drinks and eavesdropping indicated anything.

He leaned in, speaking in low tones. "Sounds like the triple threat is here to meet the wall of muscle on table two." He eased back and gave her a bold stare.

Wren tipped her chin. "Sounds right. They're waiting until the weasel-faced guy leaves. They don't trust him." She scooted closer, almost sitting on his lap.

But it put her in a prime position when the trio of Orion men made their way to the pool tables. Under the guise of practically making out, Ethan and Wren spent the next sixty minutes carefully catching the bulk of the planned attack on a group of fae intermediaries. Wren's eyes widened when the crucial piece of information dropped. The big ringleader told the trio to be ready within the week.

Ethan made a move to stand, pushing his chair back a little, but Wren slid up onto his lap.

She rested her forehead against his. "Not yet. Too obvious. Let the game wind down first." She eased back and held his gaze.

He didn't argue and gave a barely perceptible nod. Moving his hands up, he palmed her thighs, keeping her from shifting back to her seat. Her lips quirked but she didn't resist.

The final ball sank into the pocket and a round of drinks was raised to the winners. Ethan checked his urge to make tracks. He'd follow Wren's lead again.

When they drew a stare or two from the burly bikers and some raunchy commentary, Wren did a sensuous slide off his lap and tugged him upward.

They left to whistles and catcalls and thankfully before anyone tried something stupid.

Once outside, she clasped his palm. "We're primed with some good intel. Keep acting the part until we clear the next block." She shivered a little from the bite in the wind.

Ethan wrapped an arm around her and tucked her into his side. Neither spoke, pretending to be too into each other to talk. They made their way across the street and headed for the little apartment over the thrift shop.

This story is getting a second book because Ethan and Wren have more to say about their relationship.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blending In

The final weekend of 2020 is very chilly and snowy in Ohio. We got about eight inches over the holiday and I can't complain. I wouldn't mind temperature above the teens but as long as we bundle up, it's not bad. I got the doggos some fleece vests to keep them a little warmer when we go out for potty breaks in the wee hours of the morning.

Watched some holiday fare for a good part of the week. Mainly some classic television special episodes, which are always fun.

I did start Gabriel's Inferno part three and have it ready to go again sometime tomorrow. So far, I'm enjoying it. The sleazy ex finally made an appearance and is getting ready to wreak havoc on Gabriel and Julia. Should be fun.

I caught an episode of Silent Witness, the second to last with Amanda Burton. It ended on a cliffhanger so I need to watch the next one ASAP.

Also started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I'm really enjoying this one. One of the heelers is suspected of murder but he didn't do it. So far, it's a great episode.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blending In, a novella that has two undercover characters finding their footing with each other and their case.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wren and Ethan go undercover in the seedy Bottoms. Ethan's by the book style clashes with Wren's off the cuff attitude, but when a powerful mage makes a threat, they'll have to forge an unbreakable bond or go down in flames.

And a preview snippet…

Ethan considered Wren's justification. "Okay, what's next?" He might as well roll with tide.

She suggested an info gathering opportunity. "No engagement. We go in, get some intel, and come out. That's it." She made a few adjustments to her outfit, knotting the T-shirt under her breasts and letting her hair down.

Ethan followed Wren into Hunter's Glen, his heart pumping with both anticipation and trepidation. He didn't do on-the-fly work and he feared it would show. He didn't want to let her down.

Once inside, he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior. "I'll follow your lead. I need a few minutes to get into the role and follow the vibe." And maybe get his shit together.

Wren jerked her head, acknowledging the request. She led him through the throng of people and directly by the trio who'd drawn their attention. The mood coming from the bar area consisted of boisterous bravado mixed with an angry undertone.

Ethan adopted a besotted demeanor, trailing behind Wren like he couldn't wait to get his hands on her. Not a hard sell for him. This might not be as difficult as he'd thought.

She led him to a corner table in a shadowy recess close to the bar. Good cover and strategically located. He admired her quick and spot-on assessment.

Tugging him close, she spoke quietly in his ear. "Look oblivious to everyone but me, but pay very close attention to the conversations." She settled onto a chair and gave him a sexy smile.

He scooted his around so he could play the part she assigned to him. Leaning one arm over her shoulder, he twisted her toward him so they looked extra cozy. Her eyes went wide but she didn't resist. And a note of admiration crept into the dark depths. He'd made the right move.

She tilted her head toward him, doing a good impression of a private conversation, but her attention focused on the bar. Ethan tracked the conversations at the line of pool tables. Deviating from the plan might end up paying off if the first hour they spent barely touching their drinks and eavesdropping indicated anything.

He leaned in, speaking in low tones. "Sounds like the triple threat is here to meet the wall of muscle on table two." He eased back and gave her bold stare.

Wren tipped her chin. "Sounds right. They're waiting until the weasel-faced guy leaves. They don't trust him." She scooted closer, almost sitting on his lap.

But it put her in a prime position when the trio of Orion men made their way to the pool tables. Under the guise of practically making out, Ethan and Wren spent the next sixty minutes carefully catching the bulk of the planned attack on a group of fae intermediaries. Wren's eyes widened when the crucial piece of information dropped. The big ringleader told the trio to be ready within the week.

Ethan made a move to stand, pushing his chair back a little, but Wren slid up onto his lap.

She rested her forehead against his. "Not yet. Too obvious. Let the game wind down first." She eased back and held his gaze.

He didn't argue and gave a barely perceptible nod. Moving his hands up, he palmed her thighs, keeping her from shifting back to her seat. Her lips quirked but she didn't resist.

The final ball sank into the pocket and a round of drinks was raised to the winners. Ethan checked his urge to make tracks. He'd follow Wren's lead again.

When they drew a stare or two from the burly bikers and some raunchy commentary, Wren did a sensuous slide off his lap and tugged him upward.

They left to whistles and catcalls and thankfully before anyone tried something stupid.

Once outside, she clasped his palm. "We're primed with some good intel. Keep acting the part until we clear the next block." She shivered a little from the bite in the wind.

Ethan wrapped an arm around her and tucked her into his side. Neither spoke, pretending to be too into each other to talk. They made their way across the street and headed for the little apartment over the thrift shop.

I like how this story is coming together. All the pieces are in place and I'm excited to see them merge together.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blending In

December 31, 2017

Greetings on this final day of 2017. I hope everyone had the best of holiday seasons and wish all nothing but wonderful things for the upcoming new year. I have several goals I'll be working toward and I'm kind of excited about starting with a shiny new calendar.

Holiday movies are winding down and I'll be a little sad to see them disappear until the next holiday season. There's something a little magical about Christmas movies. My one wish would be to see some diversity and have Hanukkah, Kwanza, and even Yule or the Solstice represented. I'm fascinated by other traditions and wouldn't mind seeing some movies built around them.

The Doctor Who Christmas special ended up being good. "Twice Upon a Time" tied some things up and delved back into the shows history and, yeah, I'll give credit to Capaldi's final bow. A worthy ending to Twelve's tenure.

Murdoch Mysteries "Home for Christmas" hit all the right notes. This show is in its eleventh season and, honestly, it's only improved with age. The cast is top notch and the revolving round of historical bigwig and the guest stars that portray them rarely disappoint. I'm happy this remains on my watch radar.

I've also been enjoying Frankie Drake Mysteries—another Canadian show. I like the leads and, so far, the mysteries have been entertaining. This is a little similar to Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. If you enjoyed that one, give Frankie Drake a try.

I've started the second season of Chicago Fire and I'm a little disappointed in the whole McLeod storyline. Maybe if I had a little more to go on with why she's hell-bent on getting Boden out I might care a little more. And Benny Severied whispering in her ear isn't quite enough in my book. That said, I love everything else about the first five episodes.

I don't think I've talked about Passionflix, a new $4.99 a month subscription streaming movie service. It's brand new and they're creating original movies—and possibly series down the road a ways—and also offer several classic romantic films with more to come. To date, they have three original movies available for viewers. They're all based on best-selling romance novels and have varying levels of steaminess. The site has a convenient BON—Barometer of Naughtiness—rating system so viewers can find their comfort zone. I've been able to catch the first two, Hollywood Dirt and Afterburn | Aftershock. Guys… it's worth the $4.99 a month for those two alone. I'll be viewing the final new release The Trouble with Mistletoe later today. If you love romance, give this service a consideration.

And that's it for television viewing this week. This year's final post is from Blending In, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of having two coworkers go undercover in a dangerous situation.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wren and Ethan go undercover in the seedy District. Ethan's by the book style clashes with Wren's off the cuff attitude, but when a powerful Mage makes a threat, they'll have to forge an unbreakable bond or go down in flames.

And a preview snippet…

Wren let herself into the apartment, steaming mad and ready to bail on the whole operation. Spending an extended period of time in a tiny space with Ethan the dick didn't appeal to her at all. She paced the small length of the living room kitchen combo, trying hard to not wish for terrible things to happen to him.

Ethan entered, carrying their minimal luggage. The nice gesture didn't score points at the moment.

She flung a sparse glance in his direction. "Just leave mine. I'll get it later." Or maybe she'd take the case and run.

Ethan placed the bags on the floor. "Look, I'm sorry." He moved into the living room, sucking all the light and air with his looming presence. "For the record, you're jacket speaks for itself. I trust your ability." Standing with his feet planted and his arms across his chest, he didn't look like he'd move until she said something.

Wren stopped walking. "Right, but you don't trust me. And that's a problem." Pushing the urge to bail down hard, she mimicked his position.

Ethan relaxed and moved to the café table, pulling a seat out. "I don't know you well enough to trust you, so you need to cut me some slack there." He sat and pushed the opposite chair out. "Take a seat, please, and let me tell you what I do know."

She trudged over and dropped down across from him.

He rested his forearms on the table. "Your experience on the streets surpasses mine. I work deep cover, which means I'm used to having lots of time to prepare and research my targets." His gaze met hers. "We don't have time for that here. I get that. But—and I realize this is a lot to ask—having a plan of action, even if it's only vague, goes a long way to keeping us alive."

Wren snarked. "Especially you." She added a smirk to emphasize her point.

He had a valid point.

Ethan nodded. "Especially me. I'm a little out of my element, Wren. But I'll get the job done."

And didn't he smoothly douse her flaming anger in one go? Pretty much.

Wren conceded. "Fine. We'll hash out a loose plan." She fished the burner phone out of her pocket. "Mind if I call for takeout first?"

I think this story is going to end up being terrific in ways I didn't expect. I'm excited to keep diving into Ethan and Wren's adventures.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blending In

July 5, 2015

Happy Fireworks Day to my US readers. Happy weekend to my non-US readers.

So… Teen Wolf premiere, two nights of great viewing. The bad part? Now I have to wait for the next episode. I can't just hit 'next' anymore. Totally sucks. LOL

Another great episode of The Last Ship. I'm kind of intrigued with where they're going to take the story. The Irish-sounding guy grated, which I'm assuming he was supposed to, but yeah, what's all his blather about?

Defiance, as usual, rocks. I'm glad to visit the Nolan / Irisa origins a little more. With the potential for another war looming, their crap needs to be in order, right? Something tells me it won't be so easy. I'm also happy Killjoys and Dark Matter still have me interested. I'm a sucker for sibling rivalry, so the Jaqobis brothers are my catnip right now. Can't wait to see them go head to head and work out their issues. I'm rather enjoying the small, little breadcrumbs being dropped in Dark Matter. Makes me want to pay super close attention so I don't miss something crucial. J

I only have one more episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries to be caught up with the current season. Then it's off to find out if I can stream eps from Australia, because I love, love, love this show. :D

Tonight's post is from Blending In, a novella with undercover shenanigans, which is always a treat to write.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wren and Ethan go undercover in the seedy District. Ethan's by the book style clashes with Wren's off the cuff attitude, but when a powerful Mage makes a threat, they'll have to forge an unbreakable bond or go down in flames.

And a preview snippet…

Ethan Scott glanced sideways when the passenger side door opened and a woman slid inside the vehicle. His orders stated to wait in the parking garage and he figured out why. Wren Bingman refused to be seen inside the precinct building.

She stuck out her hand. "Ethan Scott?" She shook firmly when he clasped her palm. "Wren Bingman. Let's roll." Facing forward, she tapped her fingertips on the dashboard.

Ethan started the engine and eased around to the alley entrance the undercover operatives used to covertly enter and exit the area. He merged into traffic and started toward the fringe neighborhood where an apartment had been rented for their use during the op. His gaze shifted to his new partner, taking in the long, dark hair worn straight as a pin, brushing just past her shoulders. She slid her gaze his way, her leaf green eyes taking on a sly glint.

Her lips twisted, a cross between a smirk and a grin. "You've been briefed, right? UC work in the District tends to leave a foul stench and a bitter aftertaste." Her slow once over and resulting head shake didn't scream confidence. "You don't exactly look like you belong. You have worked undercover before, haven't you?" She angled sideways, her brow lifted in question.

Ethan tried not to bristle at her lack of faith. Not her fault she didn't have a clue about his work. He'd rather keep his success under wraps, but he'd have to share with her per orders.

His hands gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "Yes, I've done covert ops before." He kept his eyes on the road ahead. "The Princeton job was my last detail." Bracing for her reaction, he changed lanes.

He'd infiltrated a fae faction of the mob and freed two banshees they'd held hostage. The Princeton family used the death predictors in tandem with oracles and picked off a third of a rival clan's manpower then swooped in and took over the shakedown business.

She let out a low whistle. "Holy shit. No wonder I've never heard of you." She snorted. "You're only known by your code name on all the files." Shifting again, she turned, practically sitting sideways.

Ethan shot her a quick glance. "Helps keep me fluid and available. Any possible leaks from the inside can only give a general description and the code name, Raven." He shrugged. "I'm rarely around the precinct anyway."

Wren huffed out a hard breath. "Well, no. Not when you're on a job for six months or more." She shook her head. "Guess you've got me beat there. My busts usually happen within thirty days or less."

Ethan nodded. "You have an impressive number of collars." She also tended to fly by the seat of her pants, which they couldn't do on this case.

The big problem? Trying to get her to see the facts on the ground and work with him to plan a takedown on a massive scale and get everyone involved in the brutal attacks taking place across the city. He'd have his work cut out.

Wren's lips curved upward. "I do tend to get fast results." She angled back around, facing forward again.

Ethan made a left, heading down the alley to the rear entrance of their walk-up flat situated over a thrift shop. He pulled into the single parking spot and cut the engine, but didn't make a move to exit the car.

Wren snapped her fingers close to his ear. "Hey, Mr. Gloomy, we're home. Let's get up there and settle in." She popped her door open and shot him another look. "We could start canvassing the District tonight."

His hand shot out, halting her progress. "I think we need to have a conversation about that first. We can't just go off half-cocked here."

Wren narrowed her gaze. "I didn't say anything about going full tilt with balls and tits hanging out. What's your problem?" She jerked her arm away from him

Ethan opened his mouth, ready to provide a detailed list of his concerns.

Wren's eyes went wide. "Oh, my God. You don't think I can handle this operation." A garbled choking sound escaped from her lips. "There I was, worrying you'd be a hindrance because you've got no game and instead, you're the one who's got a stick up his ass about me." She flung him a nasty look. "Go to hell, jack ass." Sliding from the car, she slammed the door and stomped up the steps to their four room efficiency apartment.

Ethan heaved a sigh. "Yeah, that went well." He pocketed the keys and got out of the vehicle. "Way to go, Mr. Cool."

Honestly? Ethan and Wren are a hoot to write. They just need to establish a little trust, right? LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blending In

Another week, another blog post. But first…how about Walking Dead? I thought after last week I wouldn't be all that impressed, but guess what? I'm rather loving the way things are going along. Those little moments of humor have been a welcome occurrence.

But enough about TV. Let's get to writing. Tonight's snippet is from a brand new manuscript. One of my writing communities posted a few prompts and this idea sprang from one of those. I LOVE prompts to get the creative juices flowing.

Blending In has our heroic couple trying to infiltrate an underground movement to thwart some evil plans.

Here's the tagline:

Wren and Ethan go undercover in the seedy District. Ethan's by the book style clashes with Wren's off the cuff attitude, but when a powerful Mage makes a threat, they'll have to forge an unbreakable bond or go down in flames.

And here's the preview snippet…

"Look, Ethan, you're gonna need to follow my lead here." Wren crouched low, behind a dumpster, dragging Ethan down beside her.

Ethan shook off her hand, but kept his voice low. "You make it damned hard to follow anything. We have a plan. Took hours to map it out." He leaned in, hissing. "Not even thirty minutes into the op and you're deviating and changing it all around."

Wren held back a shudder. The man's voice did crazy stupid things to her. It reminded her of good whiskey. Cultured and smooth with just the right amount of heat.

She focused on the issue. "I know. But listen to me. The bar across the street? The one with the red door?" She moved her head so he had a clear view of the storefronts. "I feel it in my bones."

Ethan snorted. "We're throwing hours of planning aside because you have a gut feeling?" He made a move to stand. "I don't think so, Wren. Stick to the original parameters."

She grabbed his arm and jerked him back down. "Wait. Look."

Three men entered the bar, all wearing the red caps indicating their affiliation with Sons of Orion. Ethan made a low whistling sound of surprise and a jolt of vindication went through her.

Rocking back on his heels, he huffed out a breath. "Okay. You called that one." He met her gaze. "How?"

Wren didn't want to take the time to explain how her brain worked through the details. She tended to process things on the go, constantly shuffling known information against rumor, word on the streets, and in some cases, persuasion with brute force. Cursing the need to break in a new partner, she turned and propped her back against the brick wall of the building and tried to figure out the best way to explain.

She started simply. "Crimson. Remember? 'The crimson portal will welcome all who come in the name of Orion'."

Ethan nodded. "I remember. But how did you make the leap from that to the red door of the Hunter's Glen Tavern?" He stopped. "Never mind. I get it now."

She gave him credit for being quick on the uptake. Orion, the hunter. Hunter's Glen. Crimson portal, red door. It definitely helped their intel had the members all wearing the red beret-style hats and three chose to enter while she and Ethan lurked in the shadows. Good thing, too. Especially since he didn't trust her instincts and they didn't have the luxury of doing a slow build up.

They worked against a ticking clock. The next attack would take place in less than two weeks.

Not much time to get their job done.

I always love to write characters that seem to be polar opposites but have way more in common than they like to believe. Wren and Ethan are going to be so much fun. :D

And that's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye