Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

April 10, 2016

Just in time for the weekend, snow showers in Ohio. LOL Considering I was still wearing shorts and flip-flops in October, I won't gripe anymore. J

Update on the gimpy kid… she'd made huge strides over the last week, going from her splint down to a boot and now easing into a brace. She's doing therapy and it's making a huge difference. She won't be ready to jump hurdles before the end of track season, but she's mobile and crutchless for the most part. *throws confetti*

Sad there isn't a new Walking Dead, but also a little relieved. I'll give next season a quick go then decide if I can deal with Negan or not.

The Magicians is almost to the season ender and I'm kind of excited to see what happens. Bitten is also two episodes away from its finale and I'm kind of sad there won't be any new episodes to look forward to.

No new The Flash, but Agents of SHIELD had a terrific showing. I rather like how the deep division seems to be setting up Captain America: Civil War.

Arrow… wow. I'm actually kind of shocked at who we lost. That said, never say die in a show based on a comic series. There's a solid chance we'll see the one we lost again.

Legends of Tomorrow put a good episode together. I really love the complicated mix and relationships portrayed. I will admit, I'm actually kind of tired of Savage constantly having the upper hand. I'd like to see a serious blow dealt to him and maybe an introduction of some other villains.

Still need to watch Banshee, but I have the eps ready to go. And the first episode of Wynonna Earp proved awesome! If the second ep is as good, I'm all-in. Kind of looking forward to The Hunters and hoping it holds my interest.

That's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, a free origin story for the caretaker and island in the Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island brand.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge… and a reunion with his lost love.

And a preview snippet…

"Captain, make fer the ship. You 'ave got to get off the island." Cedric Edward Teasdale might be a lowly crewman, but he knew battle tactics and strategies better than most seasoned officers.

And his captain had to get much needed supplies to the front.

"I'd love to head out, Ceet, but the hold is still being filled. I can't leave without the bulk of the cargo." Captain James Avery didn't do anything by half measures.

Ceet understood. Avery wasn't a privateer because he had to be. And the man didn't just play at raiding other ships for sheer enjoyment. No, Avery was cut from a different cloth.

He believed in the crown and would do whatever necessary to protect it.

"Aye, Captain. That ye can't." Ceet took a step forward and lowered his voice. "If'n you'll excuse me impertinence, sir, I took the liberty of outfitting that old battlement with fodder for the canons. They be primed and ready."

Ceet experienced a humble moment at the look of pride on Avery's face.

"Your impertinence is excused, Ceet. You've done well."

Bobbing his head at the compliment, Cedric looked to the horizon. "I can hold 'em off til you get the hold filled. Then you 'ave to make yer getaway swift and sure."

Avery nodded. "I can only spare two men. That won't hold them off for long."

"Beggin' yer pardon again, sir. You can't spare that. I'll take one man for an hour half. And that's to load up additional fodder for the canons. Once that's done, he'll be out on the last boat to the ship. You'll need all hands to make yer escape."

Avery pondered Ceet's words in silence before speaking quietly. "I won't allow you to sacrifice yourself for me, Ceet."

"Yessun, you will. And it's no sacrifice. I could do worse than this beaut of an island."

Avery turned, his eyes surveying the lush landscape. "You're sure? I'll return if we make it through, but it could take years."

"I'm sure. I've grown to love this place. I'll take care of the island and it'll take care of me."

"God willing, Ceet."   

"Swift sailing, Captain. May the wind always be at your back."

"Farewell, my friend."

Ceet is a terrific character and so much fun to write. The island is also fun to portray.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Events in Motion

Hmmm. As much as I love Doctor Who, I have to admit to being underwhelmed by the season premiere. I'm not a huge fan of Missy in any way, shape, or form. I love the concept of a female Master, but eh, not thrilled with the storylines she's been featured in. We'll see how the rest of the season goes.

I have been enjoying the new season of Longmire. I like to move to Netflix and, so far, all the episodes have been pretty solid. I think I have two left before I'm done.

I wish I had more excited for the new fall season but nothing is really sparking my interest with the new slate of shows. I am looking forward to my faves returning so at least I'll have something to rave about each week. LOL

Tonight's post is from Events in Motion, a novella where my characters try to fight fate and don't have the best results.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fate has a plan for Drury, one she's not all that certain she wants to follow. Porter doesn't believe in destiny, but when Drury sets a chain of events in motion, he has to change his perspective or risk losing her to chance.

And a preview snippet…

Drury Amanze tossed and turned, in the grip of a dream she had full cognizance of but no control over. She floated above the planet, weightless and serene, but the imagery cast frightening disasters—hurricane floods, blazing wildfires, raging blizzards—all covering the rock in the universe she called home. The devastation and destruction made her arms wrap around her midsection. Horror clogged her throat until she couldn't breathe. She gasped for air and a strangled scream tore through the quiet of space and she plummeted, free-falling through the atmosphere, picking up speed the charred earth rushing upward to greet her.

"Dru! Wake up!"

A pair of hands shook her roughly and she jerked awake on another scream. Strong arms went around her, hauling her up against a solid cest.

A soothing voice whispered against her ear. "I've got you, Dru. You're okay."

Porter.

She sank into his warm embrace, curling her arms around him. Tears flowed down her cheeks. When did I start crying? And his fingers brushed the droplets away.

 He tilted her chin up towards him. "You had a dream, Dru. A nightmare. But I'm here. You're safe." His lips pressed against her forehead.

She nodded, but couldn't speak yet. The horrific obliteration of their planet still spun through her head, but the images were fading, going gray and hazy around the edges. Porter braced his back against the headboard and tucked her head in the crook of his shoulder. He didn't say anything, but the inhale and exhale of his breathing soothed her further. The terrible dream faded, but a constant buzzing hummed in her head.

Dru chalked the sound up to being shaken and exhausted. Closing her eyes, she burrowed closer to Porter. He tugged a lightweight throw up and over them.

He stroked his palm over her hair. "I'll stay through the night. Get some rest."

At least he didn't tell her to sleep. She didn't think she could handle another nightmare tonight. But she'd take the comfort Porter offered… especially since she didn't have a claim on his nighttime hours anymore. Hell, she didn't even know why he'd shown up, but thank the universe he had.

She gave his midsection a squeeze. "Thank you. For being here."

Porter rested his chin on her head. "You're welcome, Dru. Anytime."

Her lips curved, just a little. The man never failed to come through for her.

Even when they weren't a couple anymore.

Another one of my favorite stories to write… the couple who finds their way back to each other.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Embrace the Magic—An Idyllic Affair

Welcome to the weekly blog hop hosted by the Paranormal Love Wednesdays blog.

Readers: Embrace the magic, the mystical, the totally out there. Witches, werewolves, shapeshifters, magicians, wizards—the dearly twisted beings we all know and love. Or sink into a world with gods and goddesses, unearthly forces, or cupids, imps, and leprechauns. If it's otherworldly, bring on the fun. Authors are sharing short excerpts or blurbs from their books or works in progress.

Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

~*~

Today I'm sharing some background details for An Idyllic Affair, an Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island novella, co-written with my alter ego ML Skye for Ellipses Press, Ltd.

The Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island branded anthology features a mystical island that grants refuge to those who need it. The stories can take place in any time period as long as the characters can reach the island by some means of transportation—boats, airplanes, space ships, whatever—and are in need of sanctuary. Whether it's from running naval blockades, trying to stay out of enemy hands while flying under the radar during a war, or running from a super power that has a chokehold on an entire galaxy, Insula Ara will grant those it deems worthy a safe place to regroup and often find the answers they seek, but the solace always comes with a price.

My story takes place in the very distant future with the crew of the Charming Lady in desperate need of a place to lay low for a while. Trusting the instincts of their captain, Geoff MacLeod, they find exactly what they need—an entire galaxy away. Against the better judgment of the ship's XO, Linnea Jensen, the captain and the two man crew allow the island's caretaker, Ceet, to provide them with rooms and to offer them a part for their damaged ship. Geoff is charmed by the grizzled, old man, but Linnea doesn't trust the guy one tiny bit. Then again, she relies on cold, hard facts whereas Geoff tends to go with his gut. And since he got them to the island, she'll back off and see what happens.

And she's not happy when she finds out. Ceet sends Geoff and Linnea off to the other side of the island with a crude map and a vague assurance they'll find the part they need in the smuggler's caves. They're usually on the run from the Axis Prime and being surrounded by a tropical paradise has the captain and XO off kilter. Linnea and Geoff butt heads, which isn't anything new, but they find their stride and work out some issues while on their trek.

 The downtime also gives them more time than either wants to dance around their attraction. Linnea doesn't want the complication of starting something during a war, but Geoff thinks they should build what they can while they have a shot. The tension stretches between them but their mutual respect for each other holds firm and they shelve the conversation.

At least until they make it to the caves and a hurricane sets in. Trapped inside, they're stuck until the heavy rains pass and that's when the dance of attraction really kicks in. And it's when the fun truly begins…

I hope you'll check out An Idyllic Affair and read about Geoff and Linnea's adventure on Insula Ara.

Next week, I'll be featuring the first of three excerpts from the book.

~*~

Book Tagline: On the run from their enemies, an island sanctuary gives Geoff and Linnea time for An Idyllic Affair.

Anthology Tagline: Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

~*~

Available on Amazon

~*~

Anthology Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

                                              

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

Embrace more great reads! Visit the other participating authors.

Smokin' Hot—Hot Kiss: An Idyllic Affair

Welcome to the Hot for Friday blog hop!

Readers: Enjoy posts from authors with fun weekly tasks or a cool question.

Authors: Get in on the fun and join here.

Greetings!

This week we're tasked with sharing a hot kiss, whether it's slow, eager, passionate, a kiss can be many things. *sigh* Check out the smokin' smooches and enjoy! :D

For my feature, I'm posting a scene from a current release, An Idyllic Affair, an Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island novella, co-written with my alter ego ML Skye.

For a little background, here are the anthology brand and book taglines:

Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

On the run from their enemies, an island sanctuary gives Geoff and Linnea time for An Idyllic Affair.

Bring on the steamy smooches…

His hands cupped her face. "Linn." Whisper soft, his voice sent a shudder through her.

She opened her eyes.

"Stop thinking." His hand trailed down, gliding over her stomach, the curve of her hip and drifted over to undo the buttons of her fatigues. "Feel." His fingers slipped under the fabric and cupped her mound. "Just for tonight." Geoff pressed a line of kisses along her jaw. "Don't worry about tomorrow."

Her resistance melted away. "Okay. Until the weather breaks, I won't." She leaned in and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders.

Geoff made a low, growling sound and pushed her pants past her hips. She kicked her legs free and worked her hands under his shirt. Inching it upward, she gasped when Geoff pushed two fingers inside her. Her head fell back, but she tugged his shirt further up, leaning forward to finally taste his skin. Her tongue made a wet trail, before she stopped and crisscrossed her arms to drag her shirt up and over her head. Geoff used his free hand to yank his offensive garment off then wrapped his arm around Linnea, jockeying his position to lift his hips. Linn took the hint and flipped the buttons of his fatigues open, one by one, teasing him by going slowly.

Geoff's voice rumbled in her ear. "I'll make you pay for that later." His tongue flicked against her lobe.

~*~

Available on Amazon

~*~

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

Brand Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

~*~

Thank you for stopping by.

Please feel free to drop by my website

And don't forget to enjoy the other Hot for Friday posts!

Smokin' Hot—Hot Encounter: An Idyllic Affair

Welcome to the Hot for Friday blog hop!

Readers: Enjoy posts from authors with fun weekly tasks or a cool question.

Authors: Get in on the fun and join here.

Greetings!

This week we're tasked with sharing a hot encounter, whether it's the first time or one of many others between the characters. Awesome! As mentioned in last week's post, I'm in Ohio and the subzero temps make reading the hot and steamy even more of a treat. :D

For my feature, I'm sharing a steamy moment from my current release, An Idyllic Affair, co-written with my alter ego, ML Skye, for the Ellipses Press branded anthology Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island.

For a little background, here are the series and book taglines:

Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

On the run from their enemies, an island sanctuary gives Geoff and Linnea time for An Idyllic Affair.

Bring on the hot stuff…

~*~

His hands cupped her face. "Linn." Whisper soft, his voice sent a shudder through her.

She opened her eyes.

"Stop thinking." His hand trailed down, gliding over her stomach, the curve of her hip and drifted over to undo the buttons of her fatigues. "Feel." His fingers slipped under the fabric and cupped her mound. "Just for tonight." Geoff pressed a line of kisses along her jaw. "Don't worry about tomorrow."

Her resistance melted away. "Okay. Until the weather breaks, I won't." She leaned in and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders.

Geoff made a low, growling sound and pushed her pants past her hips. She kicked her legs free and worked her hands under his shirt. Inching it upward, she gasped when Geoff pushed two fingers inside her. Her head fell back, but she tugged his shirt further up, leaning forward to finally taste his skin. Her tongue made a wet trail, before she stopped and crisscrossed her arms to drag her shirt up and over her head. Geoff used his free hand to yank his offensive garment off then wrapped his arm around Linnea, jockeying his position to lift his hips. Linn took the hint and flipped the buttons of his fatigues open, one by one, teasing him by going slowly.

Geoff's voice rumbled in her ear. "I'll make you pay for that later." His tongue flicked against her lobe.

Linnea chuckled and shoved his fatigues down then leaned forward, taking the length of his shaft inside her mouth. Geoff hissed out a harsh breath and twisted his fingers in the sleeping bag he'd rolled out earlier.

"God's bones, Linnea. You should warn a guy before going down on him."

She smiled around his girth, pulling back to speak. "Where's the fun in that, Geoff?" She wrapped her lips around the tip and sucked hard.

~*~

Available on Amazon

~*~

Anthology Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

~*~

Thank you for dropping by.

Please feel free to stop by my website

And don't forget to enjoy the other Hot for Friday samples!

Sunday Snippet: The Jade Claw

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving, if celebrated. For my family, it's the official beginning to the holiday season and we come up with a new theme for our tree. My middle kidlet is choosing this year and he's decided to go with a sports-related color scheme. Should be interesting because we're mixing scarlet and gray; green, blue, and white; and brown and orange. I have a general idea of how to make it work, but we'll see what the final result is.

A lot of years, we've waited until December 24 to do the actual decorating, but I think we'll be getting it done earlier this season. We also have a big puppy in the house for the first time and I can't wait to see what she does around the tree. LOL

Not much on the TV front this week, but The Flash turned in a great episode. Gotham and Sleepy Hollow were pretty good, too. I'm very much looking forward to the fall finale of Walking Dead tonight. I have a feeling someone's not going to make it… but we'll see. Thankfully, I'll have Chris Hardwick's Talking Dead to soothe whatever gaping wounds I might have. J

Tonight's post is from The Jade Claw, a novella that might be the first of a series, depending on where the story takes me.

Here's the tagline:

Skyrah Yule is caught in the middle of a paranormal mafia grab for power when several artifacts are stolen from the museum she works for. The agent investigating the break-in, Clay Wellstone, intrigues her, especially when she discovers he's got close familial ties with the suspected culprits.

And a preview snippet…

Capricorn Defense Agent Clay Wellstone surveyed the wrecked and damaged area of the Tauric Antiquities room with a critically discerning eye. He noted the presence of the curator, an Art History professor at Capricorn University. Her agitated state suggested impatience to restore order. Not that he blamed her. Whoever pulled off the heist of the museum did so with precision, leaving a path of destruction behind to muddy the waters and slow things down.

"Excuse me, Ms. Rule." Clay pulled the curator of the Museum of Cantor History off to the side of the crime scene. "Can you give me basics of what happened here?"

The harassed but seriously beautiful blond stared at the ugly scene before her, broken glass, overturned display cases and empty stands. Her devastated eyes blinked several times, as if that might make the carnage go away. No such luck.

"Ms. Rule?"

She focused her gaze on him. "What? Oh, the basics. Right."

Turning, she scanned the area with different eyes. This time they were keenly intelligent and sharp, and just a little pissed off. Exactly what he’d been going for.

Her lips thinned into a straight line. "I got here late, my class ran over."

Clay had already run a background check, following protocol. "You're a professor at Capricorn U?" He asked the question for confirmation.

A quick nod and she continued. "I entered the back way. I always come in from the employee parking area."

She ran the steps she'd taken, walked him through her discovery, providing a solid amount of detail. His respect level raised another notch. She’d make a good agent if she ever wanted a career change.

He flashed a rueful smile. "I appreciate the information and I'm sorry to ask, but we'll need you to come down and make a full statement when you're up for it."

She looked around the display area again. "Now's good. Everything's fresh in my mind."

Clay smiled. "Great. I can give you a ride and drop you back here after we're through." He admired her tenacity and get it done now attitude.

As if he needed more to add to the list of things he liked about her.

Skyrah nodded. "Yeah, that works." She picked her way toward the door, careful not to disturb anything.

Clay watched closely, as much to figure out the intriguing puzzle she appeared to be as to enjoy the determined set of her shoulders.

He had a feeling Skyrah Rule would be quite a challenge.

Looking forward to diving deeper into this one and I do sort of hope it turns into a series.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—An Idyllic Affair (Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island) #MFRWAuthors #MFRWHooks

Welcome to Book Hooks, the weekly smorgasbord sampler hosted by the MFRW Authors Blog.

Readers: get hooked and reel in some great books. Authors are sharing short excerpts from their work. Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

This week I'm thrilled to announce an upcoming release that is co-written with my alter ego ML Skye. I write under three pseudonyms, and when I started An Idyllic Affair, it began with a strong sci-fi element. But as the story progressed, the nature of the island pushed its way in and a mystical aspect took center stage. For branding purposes, I decided to release under ML Skye, my speculative romance moniker, and Skye Ritchey, my paranormal / fantasy pen name. I'm very excited as I believe the story will appeal to both audiences.

This week, I'm featuring a fun interaction between Geoff and Linnea.

Series Tagline: Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

Book Tagline: On the run from their enemies, an island sanctuary gives Geoff and Linnea time for An Idyllic Affair.

~*~

Cursing the restricted area, Geoff angled his legs down through the passage and attempted to leave enough space for Linnea's to fit. She gingerly tried to put both feet in first. When that didn't work, she grabbed his shoulder and got her left leg situated but couldn't manage the right.

Geoff tried to give her more room. "Sorry, X. I've got nowhere to go here." He shifted his hips, creating maybe one more inch.

Linnea chuckled. "Just give me a sec. If I put my hand here…" She braced her fingers against the tank. "And then lay my head on your shoulder, I think I might… oh, yeah. That's feeling just about right."

Geoff couldn't believe the way she could contort her body. "God, X, that's perfect." But they'd need room to kick the panel out. "Okay, almost there. Lift your thigh a little. Yeah, put it right between mine." His grunt sounded more like a groan when she followed his direction and brought her leg up, wedging it up close to the apex of his groin. "Almost there, Linn. Angle your hips a little. Yeah… that's it."

Linnea fisted her hand in his shirt, twisting it hard. "Sorry, Captain. Need just a little more… there! Right there."

Marcus cleared his throat. "Uh, geez, you two. You're making Willoughby turn an unhealthy shade of crimson out here. Do you have any idea how you guys sound?"

Shane sputtered and coughed. "I am not turning red." He waited a beat. "But Ramsey's got a point. If I didn't know better, I'd think you guys were… well…" His voice trailed off.

A little frustrated and a whole lot of uncomfortable, Geoff shot back. "Trust me, if the XO and I were having sex, it would not sound like this." Exactly how it would, he didn't know, but his imagination could fill in the blanks later.

Linnea snorted and offered her two cents. "Mainly because the captain and I wouldn't be having carnal relations." She paused then added. "Now, or anytime in the foreseeable future."

Geoff frowned. Did she always have to be so emphatic about the potential of them never hooking up?

Coming Soon!

~*~

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

Series Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

Reel in more great books! Visit the other participating authors.

Smokin' Hot—An Idyllic Affair

Welcome to the Hot for Friday blog hop!

Readers: Enjoy posts from authors with fun weekly tasks or a cool question.

Authors: Get in on the fun and join here.

For this week's entry, we authors are tasked with sharing a scene with sexual tension.

My excerpt is from an upcoming release, An Idyllic Affair, co-written with my alter ego, ML Skye, for the Ellipses Press branded anthology Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island.

~*~

She didn't care that her captain stood only a few feet away. She peeled off her sticky shirt and dropped it on the floor. Then she scrabbled out of her pants, leaving them in a heap on her way to what she hoped would be heavenly bliss. She spared a quick glance in his direction before stripping off her underwear to climb inside the quickly filling tub.

Linnea settled back with a hum of pleasure. Everything drained away. Her cranky mood and her aching muscles… instantly gone. Unable to resist, she ducked under the water, completely submerged for a moment then came back up, a huge smile on her face. She flipped her hair back, leaned against the tub, and sighed with contentment.

Geoff chuckled. "I might have to look into installing one of these on the Charming Lady."

If he did, she'd probably agree to bear his children.

Geoff stooped down and Linn had a hard time wondering how he kept the towel secure. She refused to look over the side of the tub… she'd already been caught staring once.

The captain had no such qualms. He dipped a finger in the steaming water then trailed it over her shoulder and down her arm.

He angled his head a bit. "You look very happy." His eyes met hers and she shivered under the intense study from him.

Dragging her gaze away, she tried to get back on an even keel. "It wouldn't be fair, you know." His questioning scowl made her feel back in control. "To Marcus and Shane. Something tells me I'd be the only one who'd welcome a lovely tub."

There might have been a flash of disappointment in his eyes, but he masked it quickly.

Her lips curved. "I, uh… appreciate the thought though."

Geoff acknowledged her words with a brief nod then studied her in silent contemplation—long enough she wanted to squirm under the scrutiny. It made her very much aware of her naked state—and his damned close to nude one.

The long, lean thigh she'd been trying not to look at drew her attention and she had to remind herself—ruefully—they didn't mix work and recreation.

~*~

I hope you enjoyed the tension.

~*~

Anthology Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

~*~

Thank you for stopping by.

Please feel free to drop by my website

And don't forget to enjoy the other Hot for Friday samples!

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—An Idyllic Affair (Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island) #MFRWAuthors #MFRWHooks

Welcome to Book Hooks, the weekly smorgasbord sampler hosted by the MFRW Authors Blog.

Readers: get hooked and reel in some great books. Authors are sharing short excerpts from their work. Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

This week I'm thrilled to announce an upcoming release that is co-written with my alter ego ML Skye. I write under three pseudonyms, and when I started An Idyllic Affair, it began with a strong sci-fi element. But as the story progressed, the nature of the island pushed its way in and a mystical aspect took center stage. For branding purposes, I decided to release under ML Skye, my speculative romance moniker, and Skye Ritchey, my paranormal / fantasy pen name. I'm very excited as I believe the story will appeal to both audiences.

This week, I'm featuring part of the opening scene from Linnea's point of view.

Series Tagline: Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

Book Tagline: On the run from their enemies, an island sanctuary gives Geoff and Linnea time for An Idyllic Affair.

~*~

Linnea moved slowly, her steps dragging when time seemed to slow down. "Care to tell me where the hell we're going? It doesn't even look like it's in this galaxy."

Geoff raised a single eyebrow. "It's not. That's the beauty of it."

She felt like the deck dropped out from under her. "Captain. Geoff… where, exactly, are you taking us?"

He directed his gaze back to the holograph. "Old Earth."

If she'd started floating in suspended animation, she wouldn't have been surprised.

She couldn't have heard him right.

Old Earth?

Well, hell. Did he really think they could find sanctuary on some crazy island that might or might not exist? The one he loved to tell stories about?

Everything stopped for a second then snapped back to real time.

Linnea didn't know if the queasy feeling in her stomach came from the jump or finding out they'd left the galaxy.

Both, she decided.

"Captain, are you sure this is a good idea?" Linnea slid her gaze toward the man, making sure to keep one eye on the monitor in front of her.

Geoff raised an eyebrow in question. "You doubt me, XO?" He picked up his excited pacing, striding back and forth across the command deck of the Charming Lady.

Linnea snorted. They wouldn't be sanctioned smugglers if any of the crew doubted him. "It's not about that. Facts are facts. I never doubt them."

And Geoff knew it. He'd chosen her as his executive officer and second-in-command for that very reason.

"I do, however, question myth and legend… and that's all you've got." She sometimes envied the fact he only needed those.

Coming Soon!

~*~

Book Blurb: Privateers by trade, Geoff MacLeod and Linnea Jensen find sanctuary on Insula Ara, a mysterious island full of wonder and a tinge of darkness. When Geoff and Linnea embark on a quest to retrieve a badly needed part for their ship, they find their deep attraction for each other hard to resist, and under the spell of the island, they have to tread carefully or succumb to the swirling undercurrents.

Series Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

Reel in more great books! Visit the other participating authors.

Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Banner Thursday—Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island

Today, I'm featuring the banner for an Ellipses Press branded anthology, Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island. My upcoming release An Idyllic Affair, written with my alter ego ML Skye is part of this line.

                                 

For this piece, I want to help build recognition so I'm using the Insula Ara logo and tagline for the series. My goal is to generate interest in the new release.

I hope I succeeded.

Take a look…

Tagline: Escape to Insula Ara, an island sanctuary that provides refuge… but it comes with a price.

Blurb: Legend tells of a mysterious island called Sanctuary, inhabited by people who have been to hell and back—and lived to tell the tale.

It goes on to say, that if someone needs help, if they are truly without hope, island will come to them in their darkest hour and help them find the way.

But the assistance comes with a price. Their heart and soul may be lost to the island in the process.

Thanks for reading!

Please visit my website