Sunday Snippet: Not Again

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, mentors, and father figures out there! And if this is a rough day for anyone, please find peace and joy where you can.

Seriously busy week and I didn't feel the greatest. Heading in for an annual physical soon and hope to nail down why I'm kind of down right now. My guess is my sleep schedule is horrible at the moment.

Somewhat good progress on work projects. Friday and Saturday ended up being challenging days because of not feeling well. I'm a little behind on two and hope to make that up in the next couple of days.

Spent a couple of days doing tedious personal life stuff, but I made it through my standard slate of shows this week. I'm considering a new addition to the lineup but haven't made up my mind yet.

Enjoyed an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The plot's twisty turns are fun and it's nice to see the tentative partnership with Jack and Phryne taking root.

I totally lied when I said I caught the season twelve finale of Death in Paradise. It had one more episode, which I ended up enjoying a lot. I'll be starting thirteen this week.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. This one had some twists but it was fun for Poirot to have a case in his own backyard … or building as the case may be.

Started a new series called the Art Detectives and liked the first episode. The leads have great chemistry and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary and enjoyed Sherlock coming to terms with being friends with Alfredo and not just sponsor and sponsee. Joan was really great in this episode also.

Enjoyed another episode of Batman Beyond. It's fun when Terry has to be a big brother and I love how he handles Tim. The big bad was also interesting.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both were new-to-me vignettes and I liked them. The one with DeeDee's college class was a lot of fun.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Not Again, a novella where the couple has a big hurdle to clear before they get their HEA.

Here's the miniblurb:

Drue Braddock and Xeno Howlett have a rocky relationship, but when Drue goes off on one of her many soul-searching quests, Xeno decides he's had enough. When Drue returns, she finally knows what she wants—Xeno—but she may not get her chance because he's got someone new in his life.

And a preview snippet…

Drue squared her shoulders for battle then swished through the gauzy curtains of Lydia's studio space. "We gotta talk, Lyds." Drue purposefully used the hated nickname of the other woman.

Lydia bristled. "No, we really don't." She visibly forced herself to relax. "You being back doesn't affect me in any way." Her fingers fluffed up the basil she'd finished transplanting.

Drue snorted. "You're not senseless. You have to know I'll be interacting with Xeno. It can't be avoided." She stopped there because the less she shared about her discovery the better.

Lydia's gaze snapped upward. "Your trip proved fruitful then?" Her attempt at idle curiosity failed … the keen interest and envy oozed from her.

Drue shrugged. "My trips always do." She held Lydia's gaze. "And I need to brief Xeno then work with him to counteract a few things." Keeping any additional revelations to herself, Drue continued. "That said, I won't be attempting to take him from you."

Lydia scoffed. "The very idea is laughable. You can't possibly worm your way between us." The wobble to her voice gave her away.

Lydia worried Xeno still had feelings for Drue … which she filed away for use at a later time. Right now, too much rode on getting Xeno up to speed with the darkness headed their way.

Drue lifted her chin. "Good to know that won't be an issue. Our work together will be strictly professional on my end. You have my word on that." She waited a brief moment. "I can't promise Xeno will do the same, but if you're not worried, I won't be either." Turning, she headed for the exit without a backward glance.

She'd accomplished her goal of firing a warning shot. What Lydia did with the cautionary information remained to be seen. Putting her on notice wouldn't sit well with her, but she'd have to deal because Drue would be swearing Xeno to secrecy about a rising faction of troublemakers hellbent on destroying the decades of peace the tribe had enjoyed.

Leaving the building where Lydia kept her studio, Drue headed toward Xeno's, the instinctive mistrust of Lydia weighing Drue down. She owned jealousy that Lydia now had a place in Xeno's life played a role but the other woman's envy of Drue's talent with the crystals came between them more than once. Adding Xeno to the mix would not help the situation.

Drue sighed. "Guess I'll be ready for some major clashes in the near future."

Won't that be fun?

Drue is probably right not to trust Lydia but not because she's jealous.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not Again

My youngest kiddo is twenty today. I'm officially no longer a parent of a teenager. Wow. Feels like a milestone.

Had a long week of work projects but got a decent amount of television viewing done also. Sometimes running in the background and other times when I needed to shut my brain off for a while.

I caught two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Skagway featured as a gold-rush ghost town and an island with a possible colony of bigfoot ended up being really interesting.

Watched two episodes of The Muppets. The show is growing on me, which is kind of moot since it's only a single season, I believe.

Enjoyed two episodes of Harrow. I'm very intrigued by the backstory mystery. I want to know who Harrow is protecting because I don't buy into the idea he's the culprit. I'm leaning toward Fern at the moment.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice. I'm liking season seven even if it's kind of messy at the moment. I also rather love the new doctor.

Dove into two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love the way she describes her process and how she encourages collaboration. I think I'm going to love this class.

Started The Witcher: Nightmares of the Wolf and didn't finish it. I'm not in the right head space for the animation right now. I'll pick it back up at some point.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. This is one of my background shows. I can put an episode on and enjoy while I'm digging into something else. I needed that this week.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I'm very interested in the episode titles and like how they're all part of a theme. This show is so good.

I'm almost finished with the first season of Snoopy in Space. This is another background show that I can put on and enjoy when I need a break. The episodes are a quick ten minutes and very fun to watch.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'll probably finish this show up and then have to wait impatiently for a new season. My one singular critique of this show is having Gina be so clueless about Mike's disinterest. It's been seven seasons and I kind of wish they'd address that dynamic at some point.

Started a new season of Silent Witness and while there's no Harry anymore, I like the changes. Should be fun to follow along now.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and will usher in a new season this week. I'll be interested to see where the show goes from here.

Started a new mystery show with Paranoid and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. I'll enjoy diving into this one.

That's pretty much it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from Not Again, a novella where my main characters are reunited and have some issues to work through.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Drue Braddock and Xeno Howlett have a rocky relationship, but when Drue goes off on one of her many soul-searching quests, Xeno decides he's had enough. When Drue returns, she finally knows what she wants—Xeno—but she may not get her chance because he's got someone new in his life.

And a preview snippet…

Xeno put a lid on the to-go cup. "Coffee's ready." He poured a regular mug for himself.

Lydia strolled into the kitchen, her gossamer dress clinging to her curves. "What do you have planned to do all day?" She took a bagel from the toaster and spread almond butter over the surface.

He frowned. In the two months she'd been living in the apartment, they'd never made small talk before she headed out for the studio. She liked to focus and prepare for her day's work and he didn't mind the quiet beginning to his morning—he'd had those with Drue also. Lydia making conversation raised a flag.

He blew across the top of his mug. "I've never had to give you a rundown before." His eyebrow arched asking why now.

Lydia slid him a sideways glance. "Your ex just blew back into town. Forgive my curiosity about whether you plan to be seeing her or not." She nibbled on the bagel then set it aside, wrinkling her nose.

The gesture annoyed him … for no reason. Lydia often took two bites of something then decided not to finish. Something about wasting the food never set well with him. But he'd address that issue later…

Xeno placed his mug on the counter. "Let's get something straight, Lydia. I'm not down with giving you a line-by-line look at my schedule. At some point, it's inevitable I'll run into Drue. When that happens, I'll let you know." He'd never held anything back … why start now?

Lydia crossed into the living room. "I don't see a reason you need to interact with her." She grabbed her keys, a filmy cape, and her bag. "But, you're right, you'll eventually cross paths—she'll no doubt make certain you do." Her voice all but did an eye roll.

He didn't care for the snide tone. "Even if that's the case, it doesn't affect us." He entered the room and stood by the door. "I have a history with her. Hell, we both do. There's no avoiding that." He wouldn't try, except to make it clear he'd moved on.

She shrugged. "Maybe not. But we don't have to play the same song on repeat, do we?" She flung her cloak over her shoulder and sailed out the door.

Xeno narrowed his gaze. "I don't think I'm the one stuck in a groove here." Shutting the solid oak panel, he stopped by the kitchen for his coffee then headed for the office he used to share with Drue.

Sitting behind the desk, he heaved a sigh. "I've removed all trace of her, yet her presence looms large." Which made the dig about playing the same tune sting a little more.

He'd already cut Drue physically out of his life—if only to shake things up and help him not repeat past mistakes. He'd kept their interaction to a minimum, all but throwing her out of the place she'd called home for over three years. Eventually, the images of their life together would fade and be replaced with new memories … right?

His head dropped into his hands. "If not … there's gonna be hell to pay."

And he wanted to avoid that scenario at all costs.

Xeno is pretty much in denial at the moment but Drue won't let him stay there. I'm having a great time with this story.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not Again

So… not a bad week overall. A little slower, which I truly appreciate. I did have a sick kid, but she's on the mend now. A quick trip to pick her up from work had to happen but otherwise, she's feeling much better.

Had some decent television viewing. Mainly some repeat watches of current favorite shows and catching up on a few marathons. I did catch a few new episodes also.

Chicago Fire had a terrific episode. I have to say I'm not a fan of the boys fighting amongst themselves. New guy breaking the ice is going to be one of my favorite bits from the series.

Watched Iron Fist and things are moving along. Nice to see a little progress with Ward but I have a dreadful feeling his trust will bite him on the ass. Thrilled to finally see what the hell is up with Mary and, boy, the reveal didn't disappoint. Looking forward to the next episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Roswell. I'd forgotten about the Native American angle. Looking forward to the next episode.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I don't know if this is the last season, but they seem to be tying off a lot of loose ends. If it is… it's been a wonderful twelve years.

I started casually watching Blue Bloods. It's not really a show I want to add to my roster, but marathons are on every day and I've seen pretty much of the first five seasons. I'm now paying more attention and trying to catch up on season six and onward. I do love the family angle of this show.

Started a new Canadian show, The Murders, mainly because Dylan Bruce is one of the regulars. That said, I loved the first episode. I'm looking forward to more.

With no new episode of Roswell, New Mexico this week, I started another rewatch. This show… man, I can't get enough of it right now. I might have to start a recap series on my fandom blog. Stay tuned. I'll let everyone know if it happens.

That's pretty much my week in television. Tonight's post is from Not Again, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "not again".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Drue Braddock and Xeno Howlett have a rocky relationship, but when Drue goes off on one of her many soul searching quests, Xeno decides he's had enough. When Drue returns, she finally knows what she wants—Xeno—but she may not get her chance because he's got someone new in his life.

And a preview snippet…

Drue sized up her new accommodations. "Temporary… so it'll do." The cheap rent sold her on the studio space, enhanced with an actual galley-style kitchen area and full bath.

She didn't need much and sure as hell didn't plan to be there very long.

Xeno would meet with her and listen to what she'd discovered. And he'd do it soon. If she had to tie him up to make it happen, she would.

Lydia Masters threw a bit of a twist into the mix. "What the hell, Xeno. Nothing like picking my polar opposite to hook up with." Her history with the woman probably made Lydia all the more appealing.

Dammit, Xeno.

Right. Couldn't really blame him. Not for everything. He'd put up with her crazy vision quest drama for five years. The one where she needed time and space and distance to figure out her role in life.

Dropping her bag on the floor, she made her way to the furnished sofa and dropped down on it. "Not my fault Xeno's too much of a distraction when the crystals start calling." Also not her fault they were deep in the realm and she always went to them.

Not his fault either.

But she did blame him for thinking she could pull the stones from their natural location. First, they'd lose their connection to the elements. Second, despite his assurances, the crystals wouldn't be safe. No matter how hard or how much Xeno tried to protect them, nothing would beat the realm's measures.

Her head hit the back of the cushions. "And Miss Lydia-Effing-Masters knows that." Part of their beef had everything to do with the fact Lydia couldn’t get her hands on the stones.

Unlike Drue, Lydia didn't have an affinity for shifting between the ether veils that separated the human world from the magickal.

Drue straightened, bringing her chin level again. "Boo-fucking-hoo and not my problem." Nope… her challenge grew exponentially with each passing moment she didn't have Xeno's ear.

Because the crystals had a lot to reveal and none of the portents boded well for the Xeno and the tribe elders.

She heaved a sigh. "And the whole damn mess landed in my lap."

Drue has her work cut out and Xeno isn't going to make anything easy for her. She'll get him to listen though and he's not going to like what he hears.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not Again

So… premiere for The Last Ship? Everything I expected and more. I have so much love for this show. I'm also going to have a huge bar tab by the time the season ends if episode one is any indication. I almost sit on the edge of my seat hoping like hell none of my favorite characters will meet their end.

And of course, some of them do. LOL

I've got a bunch of theories about this season, which I won't share to avoid possible spoilage… but I don't trust the president at all. One specific moment in the premiere episodes turned the table with how I feel about that guy. Just saying.

Currently watching the finale of Wynonna Earp and my fingers are crossed for a second season. Have no clue if Syfy will be cooperative and make that happen or not.

Still rewatching Babylon 5 and Strike Back. I'd forgotten how much Strike Back crammed into each episode, especially during the first season. Contrast the breakneck pace with Babylon 5's slower build in its first season. I sometimes miss having a nice, long arc to settle into a show and really get to know the characters.

Killjoys and Dark Matter return soon and I'm patiently waiting to get back into the gritty realm of both. Bring it on.

Tonight's post is from Not Again, a novella built on the two-word prompt of "hell, no". Honestly, I love two-word prompts. So many ideas can spur from something truly simple.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Drue Braddock and Xeno Howlett have a rocky relationship, but when Drue goes off on one of her many soul searching quests, Xeno decides he's had enough. When Drue returns, she finally knows what she wants—Xeno—but she may not get her chance because he's got someone new in his life.

And a preview snippet…

Xeno closed his eyes a moment then walked toward the bedroom. Stopping outside, he leaned his head on the jamb. Dammit. Drue returned at the worst possible time.

As usual.

The soft sound of the knob turning gave him a brief warning and when he glanced up, his gaze met Lydia's angry one. She stood, naked, and poked her head out of the room. Finding the coast clear, she edged past Xeno and flopped down onto the couch.

Curling her legs under her, she draped an arm over the back of the cushions. "Drue certainly makes her presence felt, doesn't she?" A yawn escaped before she could squelch it.

Xeno moved to sit in the chair perpendicular to the sofa. "Yeah, and I’m sorry she woke you." He dropped his head back against the top of the seat.

Lydia shifted position and leaned in close. "I'm not. After hearing what you've had to deal with on and off for five years, I have a better appreciation for your reticence to commit fully to our relationship." Bracing her hands on his knees, she waited until he met her gaze before continuing. "That said, I think we should retire to the bedroom so I can remind you who's here and has no plans to leave any time soon." She got up slowly, giving him ample view of her assets.

Xeno followed her into their room, pushing memories of Drue aside. Normally when she came back, they'd spend three or four days in bed, making up for lost time. Part of Xeno craved the intimacy he shared with Drue during the reunion phase. The other side accepted Lydia's presence and her offer to wipe Drue's visit from his mind.

Okay, she actually wanted him to remember she lived here now and wouldn't go running because his former flame came knocking. A smarter woman would never underestimate Drue. But Lydia relied heavily on magickal intuition, which usually served her well.

But she had yet to experience Drue in full-on territorial mode. Xeno didn't relish playing referee between the females, yet he didn't have the heart to warn Lydia about being out of her league.

The bitter tang of being a total shit rested briefly on his tongue until Lydia tugged him down to the mattress and got him undressed. Once she had him naked, he forgot to feel guilty about anything. Fifteen minutes later, sated, spent, and spooned up behind feminine curves, Xeno drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Too bad his dreams focused on Drue.

I'm not quite sure where this one will end up, but it's been fun setting things up so far.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not Again

April 20, 2014

Hello!

Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Lovely week in TV. Arrow had a rockin' episode. I love it when Oliver doesn't get things right and makes huge mistakes. S.H.I.E.L.D also had another awesome episode. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they end this season. Also? Orphan Black returned!! I love this show SO MUCH!!

And seriously? What an opening episode. I have sooooo many theories and I can't wait to see if I'm on track or totally off the rails. LOL The writing never fails to keep me coming back for more and the acting just blows my mind. If you're not watching this, you should be. J

Tonight's post is from Not Again, a hurts so good novella.

Here's the tagline:

Drue Braddock and Xeno Howlett have a rocky relationship, but when Drue goes off on one of her many soul searching quests, Xeno decides he's had enough. When Drue returns, she finally knows what she wants—Xeno—but she may not get her chance because he's got someone new in his life.

And a preview snippet…

Xeno propped his shoulder against the jamb, blocking Drue's entrance.

She lifted a brow. "What the hell, Xeno? I had a long trip back. Let me in."

Xeno's head jerked back and forth. "Don't think so, Drue. Not again." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Say what you need to say and leave."

She jabbed a finger into the soft spot under his collarbone. "I've got a lot to say and I'm not doing it from the hallway." She leaned in closer. "Half the place belongs to me, Xeno."

He snorted, then straightened. "Not anymore, Drue." He stepped back and directed her in with a wave of his arm. "But sure, barge right on in."

She crossed the threshold and stopped dead in her tracks when her gaze automatically went to the bedroom she shared with Xeno.

A low growl emanated from deep within her chest, the only indication she'd ever give of the pain ripping its way through her. She gave Xeno a sideways glance, turned on her heel and stomped over to the door, slamming it shut.

Wheeling around, she snarled. "You have exactly ten seconds to get Lydia's ass out of my bed."

Xeno shot back. "It's not your bed anymore, Drue. And it won't be again." He crossed the floor in three strides and opened the heavy oak. "Your stuff is in storage." He reached over and snagged a key from the console table by the door. "You can pick it up whenever you want." A tag dangled with the name of the location and a number. "I think we're done here. Don't come back again."

With little choice—for the moment—Drue accepted the key. She swallowed a stream of expletives and exited Xeno's apartment. When the door slammed shut behind her, she squared her shoulders and walked toward the bank of elevators.

Once she hit the call button, she sucked in a determined breath. "We are nowhere close to being done, Xeno. I will be back… again."

Poor Lydia might want to duck and run while she can. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye