Sunday Snippet: It's Always the Same Show

The end of October is nigh and, man, it's been a month. Between work projects and personal life stuff, time flew by fast. Helped my oldest kidlet move some things from their old place to their new one and also took him for a job interview. Happy to say he got an offer and should start sometime soon. Also looking forward to trick or treat night and then gearing up for the holidays.

Happy to say the areas where I had my extractions are finally healed up enough that I can eat most types of food. I'm still careful with anything hard and crunchy but otherwise normal intake isn't a challenge anymore.

Stayed busy with work. Have a tricky manuscript that's kind of giving me fits with continuity and consistency concerns, which makes the edit slow way down. Sent off a couple of quotes for upcoming projects and look forward to getting started on those.

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through a full round of my shows but kind of in backward order. Will probably have the same thing this week.

Started off with an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see Lastrade get back on track. Interesting twisty case also.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Always like seeing the Flash in action. I remembered most of this episode also.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats and only remembered one of the vignettes. The other two were either new to me or memory holed.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I do remember bits of this one and I’m glad I got to see the whole thing from start to finish.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I like how the new cases play into the overall case of the disappearance of David's wife. Looking forward to seeing how this season ends.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Loved the case because it's fun to see a bit of Ruby's past mixed in with the present. I enjoy her interactions with Commission Patterson. Gotta say, I'm not sure I enjoy Neville Parker. I appreciate the fact he's very different from the previous three DIs but … the constant afflictions are, well, annoying.

On a side note, I discovered there's a second spinoff of this show that's set in Australia. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it's available in the US.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's terrific to see Jack's niece take a role in the Lylle. Looking forward to the second half of this episode.

Another side note … most of the cast from Battlestar Galactica is in Chicago for the twentieth anniversary of the show. I've been poking around all weekend to stay up to date on what's happening at the convention. My mind is completely blown that it's been twenty years since the premiere of the series. It's still probably my all-time favorite show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from It's Always the Same Show, a novella that reunites a couple that can't help but push each other's buttons.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lanie Beck and Titus Berkley are tasked with whipping a new class of cadet mages into shape for the Academy of Light. The biggest problem they face is never agreeing on how to make it happen. The cadets quickly learn to tune in and enjoy the show.

And a preview snippet…

"Great mage. Could I be more of an idiot?" Lanie walked up the path to Titus's cottage.

She shouldn't have agreed to meet him. But she wanted to set the record straight between them. Standing outside his door, she pushed down the nervous tremble in her stomach down, then knocked.

Two seconds later, Titus's face greeted her, and she crossed the threshold into his home. Half a second later, her back hit the wall and her lips were caught in a steamy kiss. Oh … she'd missed his mouth. Not that she hadn't indulged in a few liaisons, but no one got her revved and going like Titus.

And, ugh, she didn't come here for reunion sex. She couldn't. Not when her whole future rode on getting her class prepared. She pushed against his chest, and he took the hint, stepping back to give her some breathing room.

Titus sighed. "Well, I would've said we answered the where-we-stand thing, but you'd disagree, wouldn't you?" He wiped the corner of his mouth with his thumb.

Lanie shrugged. "I didn't come here to pick up where we left off, no. I just want to avoid a lot of awkwardness if we can." She willed her heartrate to slow down.

Titus snorted. "Lanie, we've never been awkward. Passionate, volatile, on opposite sides of too much stuff, but never awkward." He paused. "Why are you really here?" He folded his arms over his chest.

Lanie eased away from the wall. "To make sure you know I'm back to stay. I finally found my niche. Discovered something I'm very good at." She slowly walked into the living room then turned to face him. "The rest? You and me. Has to take a backseat until I get this semester out of the way." She couldn't do more at the moment. "And, even then, I have no idea if there can ever be an us." As much as she really wanted him.

Titus grunted. "So, basically, you're here to yank my chain."

She growled right back. "No, dammit, but if you need to see it that way, I won't try to change your mind." She dashed past him and pulled the door open. "Let's try to stay out of each other's way." Better yet, she'd completely avoid him if possible.

Titus followed her to the threshold when she exited the house. "Sure, we can try." He closed the door with a loud bang. "Not gonna be easy." His muffled response reached her ears.

Lanie stalked away from his cottage and walked toward the visiting-instructor residence—her home until she made the cut. Why on earth would Titus think they'd have a hard time avoiding each other? She'd go out of her way to give him wide berth. The less she let him distract her from her goal the better.

Unlocking the door, she stepped inside the warm interior of the house. She did her nightly ritual, then headed to bed. Room 322 would greet her early in the morning.

Hopefully she wouldn't have any sexy dreams about Titus…

I'm not much of an angst fan, but this story definitely has some between Lanie and Titus.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: It's Always the Same Show

Wow, September flew by. Now that we're into fall the days always seem to go faster, probably because they're shorter and the activities tend to be jam-packed. I love the fall season so I hope I remember to take time to enjoy it.

As usual, the week got stuffed full of last-minute projects, but I did get some good viewing in. I caught The Last Ship on Monday because my brain needed time to recover from homecoming. LOL An excellent episode by the way.

I binge-watched classic Hawaii Five-0 most of the day on Sunday and it helped soothe my garbled mind. Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and I'm almost through the season. I think I still have about seven more to watch.

Got in another episode of Babylon 5 along with The Sarah Conner Chronicles. To keep with the sci-fi theme, I also watched episodes of Birds of Prey and Lexx. Rounded the week out with Pensacola Wings of Gold and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Caught an all-day marathon of The Garage Sale Mysteries, too.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from It's Always the Same Show, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "tune in".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lanie Beck and Titus Berkley are tasked with whipping a new class of cadet mages into shape for the Academy of light. The biggest problem they face is never agreeing on how to make it happen. The cadets quickly learn to tune in and enjoy the show.

And a preview snippet…

Lanie Beck whispered the beginning of the incantation to start the last phase of the final exam when Titus Berkley, her partner for the project interrupted her. "Keep it together, Lanie. Don't screw this up."

A brief flash of anger singed her concentration. "Shush. I've got this." The line of flame Titus had created separated into small batches and she directed them into a box formation.

Titus used a spell to raise the dancing fireballs high in the exam room. Lanie loved to watch him wield magick. He had so much control and it showed in the way his muscles bunched and flexed with each physical movement. She had a tendency to show off with some flair and add a little drama to the stages. Titus called her out, his low-key approach favored by the directors. He enjoyed her theatrics, but not for the academy finals.

The flames reached the domed ceiling and Lanie began the incantation for the finale. Titus stepped up behind her, a lot closer than usual. She flubbed the last phrase and instead of a swirling ring of fireballs, the air sizzled and popped with raining flames.

Everyone ducked for cover but a quick suppression spell put the fire out before anyone or anything got damaged. Titus grabbed her shoulder and turned her toward the table of mages, the one grading their performance.

He nodded to the directors. "We'll take our retest from the beginning of the last phase." The mages gave their blessing.

Lanie flushed hotly, embarrassed and a little pissed off at Titus. He'd thrown her off by changing his position for the last set.

He stepped up and leaned in. "That's our one mistake. Try not to screw up again." He began the series of spell-castings.

Lanie muttered, "Then stick to your mark, dammit." She took over when he created the dancing line of flame again.

The final phase went off without a hitch. She got it right the second time. But the fact she messed up pissed her off because Titus pushed her buttons just because he could.

She shrugged off the anger and pasted a smile on her face when Titus clasped her hand and walked to the center of the exam room.

He kept his voice low. "We definitely passed. You did great on the retake." His fingers squeezed hers.

The praise made her day. They did work well together. The attraction and chemistry they shared almost guaranteed they would. Opposites in almost everything, they had an interesting balance that created excellent results.

Lanie's lips curved in a small smile. "I did great only because you set me off and you know it." She angled her head to meet his gaze. "The big question is why?"

I love writing the dynamic between Lanie and Titus. The back and forth they have is a treat, especially when Titus messes up in a big way.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: It's Always the Same Show

Happy 2016 to everyone!

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with reading, writing, and blogging. And, of course, sharing fun commentary about my favorite televisions shows.

Speaking of… I have the Sherlock special on tap to watch in the near future, hopefully tonight. Can't wait to tumble back into the wild world of deduction and keen intelligence. Also caught A Very Murdoch Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the extra-long episode. Nicely done!

Agent Carter is starting in a few weeks and I'm crazy excited. Also waiting patiently for Arrow and The Flash to return. It's finally getting cold in Ohio and I want some hot shows to kick back and relax with.

Tonight's post is from It's Always the Same Show, a novella where my main characters need to find some common ground after a major challenge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lanie Beck and Titus Berkley are tasked with whipping a new class of cadet mages into shape for the Academy of light. The biggest problem they face is never agreeing on how to make it happen. The cadets quickly learn to tune in and enjoy the show.

And a preview snippet…

Titus dismissed his cadets and crossed the now empty training area to knock on Lanie's door. His confidence she'd still be in the school fairly high, but not certain. He waited a few minutes then rapped on the frosted glass pane. No response.

Hmm. Not like Lanie to cut and run when she could unleash her fury on him. And she'd want to go full bore crazycakes on him. Rightfully so. He'd take whatever she dished out.

If she ever answered.

Waiting another full minute, he tried the knob. The door opened to a darkened room, the only light spilling from the small alcove where Lanie stored the oils, herbs, crystals, and minerals she used to instruct the cadets on the finer aspects of diversionary tactics. A crash of glass and muffled curse drew him to the space in a rush. He found Lanie on her knees, sweeping up a broken bottle of crushed quartz with a hand broom.

He huffed out a breath. "Are you okay—" His gaze swept the area, finding once full shelves nearly empty. "What's going on, Lanie?" She usually had the alcove stocked to the rafters.

She didn't turn or acknowledge his presence. Scooping the ruined jar into a dustpan, she dumped the contents into the trash. She rose and put the cleaning supplies away, then dusted her hands off on her pants. Moving forward, she climbed up the ladder and retrieved several more bottles, carefully descending the latter with two tucked under her chin and one in each hand. Placing them on the counter, she crossed the items off on a clipboard and tossed the supplies in the same trash bin.

Titus frowned. "Lanie… what are you doing?" Her beloved magick potion-making tricks of the trade being handled without the revered care she usually showed?

No way. She had to be ill. Or maybe possessed by something otherworldly.

Or maybe really, really pissed.

Her motivation hit him square between the eyes. And the niggle of guilt creeping up his spine got firmly shoved back. He wouldn't let it surface.

Instead, he snorted. "Seriously? You're in a snit so you're packing up shop?" He couldn't believe the childishness she displayed.

Lanie flicked a hard glance his way. "I'm not packing because I’m in a snit. I'm doing it because I’m done." She grabbed the clipboard and brushed past him. "Remember how I mentioned I had a tight schedule to keep? Well, I missed the deadline to have my curriculum approved because you kept the cadets and I couldn't turn in the test results." She crossed the classroom area and placed the inventory list on the desk. "I've got twenty-four hours to vacate and make room for Sera's healing harmony class, which will begin next week." Glancing up, her gaze scanned the space before it met his in cold stare. "Guess you won't have to worry about the dangerous nature of exposing young minds to the evils of explosive magick anymore." Turning on her heel, she started toward the door.

The guilt he'd shoved aside reared its ugly head and threatened to swallow him whole. He'd forgotten her tenuous status and the need for her to prove the validity of her coursework. But she could have reminded him. She shouldn't have to, you idiot. She point blank told you she needed the cadets to be present.

Titus dashed over, grasping her arm. "Why didn't you say something when you were at my door earlier?" He'd forgotten, he truly had.

She jerked away and whirled on him. "Are you kidding? It's always the same damn show with you, Titus. Push my buttons and watch me jump. As long as you get what you want, that's all that matters." Planting her hands on her hips, she all but growled. "Well, no thanks. I'm tired of playing to an avid audience." Her voice smoothed out to a choked whisper. "At least I don't have to worry about that anymore." Backing away, she exited the room and motioned for him to follow so she could ward the door.

Titus vacated the classroom, standing beside her while she flipped the runes to secure the location. Her words cut deep, because the truth hit hard. He enjoyed getting her riled and watching her respond.

But he didn't want to ruin her standing in the curriculum. Making her lose her spot had never been his aim. Her instruction had merit, even if he thought the dangerous aspects were more than first year cadets could handle.

Lanie made it halfway across the training area before he snapped out of his recriminations.

Titus started after her. "Lanie, wait. Let me—"

She stopped and held up a hand. "Don't. Just… don't." Shaking her head, she continued out into the small vestibule of the side entrance then left the building.

Titus wanted to go after her and make her accept his apology and listen to his assurance he'd right his wrong. But… he couldn't guarantee anything or promise he'd fix the mess he'd landed her in.

But he would sure as hell do his damnedest to try.

And he's going to have to jump through some flaming hoops in his near future. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: It's Always the Same Show

Happy New Year!!

I hope 2014 is filled with everyone my readers want and, of course, lots of reading!

I'm not a big fan of resolutions, but I do love setting goals. This year, my hope is to publish at least six manuscripts and learn more about the graphic end of the business. Luckily, my oldest kidlet is something of a whiz when it comes to creating great designs, so I have a built-in tutor.

I'm also feeling a strong pull to get back into crafting and being creative. My youngest is all for this and wants to help out. I'm looking forward to the bonding time we'll have.

And my middle child is my TV buddy. We watch a lot of the same shows and spend quality time chatting and dissecting the episodes. All in all, a good time.

The husband is an avid golfer and I'm hoping we'll get to spend some time on the course together. Even when I only go along for the ride, which is about half the time, it's a nice way to relax and catch up with each other.

On the television show front, Sherlock is back!! The convergence of acting, writing, and filming just makes me so happy. New episodes of my other favorite shows start soon. Banshee returns this Friday and I'm excited and on edge just thinking about it. I have no idea why that show sucks me in, but it completely does. J

Tonight's post is from It's Always the Same Show, a novella featuring battling between the hero and heroine. But all is not what it seems…

Here's the tagline:

Lanie Beck and Titus Berkley are tasked with whipping a new class of cadet mages into shape for the Academy of light. The biggest problem they face is never agreeing on how to make it happen. The cadets quickly learn to tune in and enjoy the show.

And a preview snippet…

Lanie let out a frustrated yowl and stomped to her open doorway.

A newbie cadet, stopped her workout and bowed to Fiberous, the under adept leading the fluid motion class. "Oh, man, is she going to be okay?" The student angled her head around and took a step back. "It looks like steam should be coming out her ears."

The lead attendant crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah, well, tune in, because it's about to get really interesting and probably very ugly." He snorted. "And steam is a definite possibility."

Lanie tossed him a nasty look, strode from her classroom, and rapped loudly on Titus's door. "Titus Berkley, get you’re your lame and sorry ass out here, now." She stepped back, bracing her hands on her hips.

A full two minutes went by before Titus deigned to open his door. "Do not use foul language, Lanie. I've got a roomful of cadets who don't need to listen to your mutilation of the common word." He braced his shoulder on the jamb. "What do you want?"

She exhaled slowly and poked a finger in his chest. "I want my cadets. At this very moment, they're supposed to be combining chemicals to make potions in my classroom." She snarled. "Why aren't they?"

Titus sighed. "Because I told you last week I'd need more time to go over the spells and incantations with them. We're getting into the final unit." He lifted a brow, daring her to deny his statement.

She couldn't, but she also recalled her response. "And I informed you extra class time would have to wait, because I have a tight schedule to keep."

Titus rolled his eyes. "Teaching the cadets how to blow shit up isn't a priority, Lanie, to anyone but you."

The student, Billa, glanced in Fiberous's direction. "Ouch. He hit hard with that one."

Fib shot her a look. "Doesn't mean he isn't right."

"Shut. Up." Lanie hated the fact Titus spoke in unison with her.

She moved forward, standing toe to toe with her nemesis. "Look. You don't get to dictate my schedule. And you definitely don't have the right to step all over my pre-arranged syllabus."

Titus leaned in close. "And I don't expect you to remember how intricate or important the wording is for the final unit, especially since you butcher basic grammar on a daily basis." He smirked. "But I'd rather not have fire raining down from the sky if we can avoid it."

Lanie flushed hot. "You son of a bitch. That happened one damn time. And it was as much your fault as it was mine." She whirled around, crossed the training area, and slammed her door so hard the glass rattled.

Fib shook his head. "You're a brave man, Titus. That woman is gonna rain holy hell down on you."

Titus grinned. "I know. I can't wait."

Needless to say, Lanie will probably have something very interesting in store for Titus, but… it may not be what anyone thinks. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye