Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

Well, 2026 is off to a wonky start. It's like it looked at 2025 and decided to say, "Hold my beer." Not sure that's a good thing.

Weather stayed very cold, which I'm totally okay with. We got a bunch of snow on New Year's Eve and I'm happy to have stayed in and enjoyed ringing in the new year at home. It ended up being a super-busy week with a lot going on but at least I didn't have the crazy back and forth temperatures to deal with. My sinuses really hate that.

Another slower work week, but progress on the three projects I'm working on at the moment. The unexpected stuff kind of messed up my groove, but I got back on track. I'm hoping this week is a little smoother.

Didn't quite make it all the way through my round of shows, but I did get the remaining holiday special in. I also have some new seasons of shows I'm excited about.

I started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and I'm almost finished with my rewatch. I think I have two more episodes left. Then I'll probably watch the fan-funded movie, which is quite excellent.

Finished up the episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I'd forgotten Andrew and Sam split up in this one and I kind of mourn their breakup.

Caught the holiday special of Death in Paradise. Such a good one! Having Selwyn in England added a really nice layer to the whole mystery and tied the episode of Beyond Paradise in nicely.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's a very twisty and turny case. Looking forward to the second part to wrap things up. I also really enjoy the newest addition to the Lyell.

I began season four of Poirot and enjoyed the first episode. Interesting mystery and a lot of fun with Hastings really wanting to talk about his shooting of the alligator-like creature and no one being interested until the very end.

That's all I got in this week on my television shows.

Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella that sends a couple of a wild adventure in search of an elusive artifact.

Here's the miniblurb:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backward and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Griff propped his head on his hand. "So this scroll is the answer to everything? Filled with cryptic clues and mumbo jumbo to find the mysterious Kingfish?" He quirked a brow. "Maybe I should take the dusty roll into protective custody."

Stevie snorted. "Forget you. I'm going to find the single most hunted and well-hidden artifact in our history." And put everyone else to shame.

Griff prodded her. "You sure about that?"

She gave an emphatic nod.

He flashed a grin. "Good. Want some help?" His free hand curved over her hip.

Stevie smirked. "Thought you'd never ask." She tucked the parchment under the bed and snuggled into Griff. "But it'll keep until the morning." Her lips trailed along his jawline. "Right now, I want something a little more tangible."

Griff's hand drifted around to cup her ass. "I think I can help provide what you're looking for." He leaned in, his mouth hovering close to hers.

She caught his lips in a hungry kiss and his erection bobbed against her stomach.

She eased away, reaching down to palm his length. "I'd say there's no doubt about that." Her stroking had his cock swelling in her grip.

Griff nuzzled her throat and skimmed a hand up to her breast. Her nipples grew taut and sensitive. He thumbed over a pebbled tip and a zing of heat pooled in her core.

She wanted more. She needed him. Even if she got lost in the haze of uncertainty of why he'd return her feelings.

Griff moved his hand to cup her chin. "Stevie. Stop thinking and let me in." His mouth captured hers.

She deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue to tangle with his. He moaned and shifted onto his back, hauling her over to straddle his thighs. She took the hint and raised her hips to sink over the hard, long length of his dick. Once fully seated, her eyes closed and she savored the sensation of being filled to capacity.

Griff brought his hands up and cupped her breasts. "Yeah, that's it. Ride me, Stevie." His hips flexed and dipped under her.

She planted her palms on his chest and rocked back and forth. Heat and lust coursed through her veins. Tingling awareness skittered along her nerve endings. Griff's hands fondled her dangling boobs, amping up the tension coiling low in her belly.

Her head drooped, a riot of colors swirling in her mind. "So close, Griff. It's so good." The pressure burst outward and an orgasm washed over her.

Griff hissed out a breath. "Ah, yeah. Right behind you." His thighs grew taut and his head thrashed on the pillow.

Stevie collapsed down to her elbows, her mouth seeking his. Griff meshed their lips together, his heartbeat running wild against her chest. Her fingers and toes were numb with bliss.

Easing away from him, she rested her forehead against his. "Will you stay with me tonight?" She didn't want to break the spell they were under yet.

Griff gave a brief nod. "I'll stay as long as you let me."

She smiled and shifted to the side and burrowed into him. She didn't notice when he drew the sheet up and over them. Her eyes drifted shut and sleep claimed her.

I didn't quite know where this one would end up going, but I had a stroke of inspiration and think I have a plan now.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

Had a crazy week with new projects sliding into my inbox and each of them is interesting and a little different for me. I love diving into new areas. I'm also trying to get ready for a vacation and it's a little daunting because I haven't traveled much recently.

Ended up getting a lot of television viewing in this week. I had a good handle on my work stuff and kept the shows going in the background.

I finished up the first season of Moon Knight and ended up enjoying the series overall. I wouldn't mind seeing more at all.

Also finished The Hardy Boys and I'm a little torn over how I feel about where everything ended up. On one side, there are so many possibilities for a third season. On the other, I'm struggling to buy-in to the whole swap at the end and a miraculous wish being granted that one of the characters had. I'll let both sit with me for a while and see how I feel if and when a third season comes around.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and I kind of feel for Joanna. Also kind of wondering when Andrew will be back and if he'll still be as self-destructive as he always seems to be.

Caught two MasterClass lessons with Roxane Gay. The first one discussed writing about trauma and the second offered feedback for an essay. I thoroughly enjoy the way Roxane presents information.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Babysitters Club. Again, I'm so disappointed there won't be more to the story after this season ends. This is such a great show!

Watched another episode of The Ready Room. Anson Mount had some great moments during his interview. It's always fun when the actors are huge fans of the Trek 'verse.

Caught two more episodes of Driven. I have one left and I'm excited to see how this series ends. I have a lot of love for this one.

Ended up viewing two episodes of Chicago Med. I'm starting to feel the same way about April as I do about Natalie, which is disappointing. I realize both are leaving the series, but the dings to their characterizations don't seem fair.

Watched a two-part Batman: The Animated Series and forgot how much I liked the origin story of Clayface in this one.

Started Ted Lasso after a lot of pestering from my brother. I have the first two episodes watched and, so far, it's quite good. Everyone raves about the show so I'm confident I'll enjoy the whole thing.

Caught another of The Agatha Christie Hour. Really enjoyed this one. It was actually kind of campy and fun with a lot of mistaken identity and misadventure.

Watched a two-part Silent Witness and loved the twisty turns in the show. Ended up being surprised a couple of times by things I didn't expect.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Who. Wrapped up the second arc and should start a new one this week.

Caught another episode of Strangest Things. This one focused on relics that were supposed to help see the future.

Finished up season three of Harrow. Gotta say I ended up being very happy with the conclusion. I truly hope we'll see a season four, even with annoying boss lady.

Enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers. This one had some interesting reveals with Adam, which is probably long overdue.

Watched two episodes of Classic Rugrats and finished out season three. I'll be starting season four this week.

Also caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This one had a great mystery with some fun twists. I'm kind of hoping Gina is done pining for Mike but I somehow doubt she is.

That pretty much sums up the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella that puts the characters on a bit of a treasure hunt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backward and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive Kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Griff stopped outside Stevie's room, hesitating then knocking on her door.

A low groan greeted him from the other side.

Slightly concerned, he twisted the knob and poked his head inside. "Hey, you doing okay?" He'd fallen asleep listening for her return.

Her hair peeked out from under the sheet and one foot hung over the edge of the mattress. Everything else remained hidden under the light cover. He entered, keeping one arm hidden behind his back.

Her hand shot out and yanked the sheet down. "Do I smell something heavenly and caffeinated?" A low moan followed the rapid movement.

He grimaced inwardly. No doubt she ached in places she'd forgotten about … and not for a fun reason. Like a late-night frolic in bed.

Moving to the side of her bed, he held the steaming cup of coffee close to her face. "Your nose is discerning." He held out his free hand, offering her assistance.

She clasped his palm and wince when she sat up. "Ugh. Everything hurts." Taking the cup, she breathed in the tantalizing aroma of the freshly brewed wake-up call.

Griff dragged a chair over and plopped down. "I couldn't keep my eyes open after two. What time did you end up getting back?"

Her weary gaze met his. "Sometime after three. I literally fell into bed and wished for death." Taking a small sip of coffee, she closed her eyes. "Then I got over myself and figured a solid eight would set me back to rights." She glanced out the window. "Not quite one hundred percent, but it's what? Ten a.m.?"

He nodded. "There about. I hated to wake you, but I heard a rumor that Ziller is going to the annex around noon to check on your progress. Figured you wouldn't want to give him the satisfaction of not finding you there among the dusty tomes and moldering pages." He also didn't like how the board seemed to want Stevie to fail.

She took another long swallow of the liquid gold. "Right. Okay. Appreciate the heads-up." Moving slowly, she scooted to the edge of the mattress and swung her legs over. "Better grab a shower and get back to it." After standing, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. "Thank you."

Griff lifted his chin. "You're welcome. Plan on me bringing a late lunch. I doubt Ziller will stick around once he makes sure you're doing hard labor." He got up and returned the chair to its spot by her desk.

She brightened a little. "Going to push your luck again? If I didn't have somewhere to be, I'd drag you into the shower with me." Setting the cup down, she dragged her shirt over her head.

Griff flashed a smile. "My last name is all the luck I need. But I'll remember what you said about the shower … and remind you later." With a quick wave, he let himself out of her room.

He had some plans to make for their late lunch and maybe a favor or two to call in.

This story is so much fun. Stevie and Griff are a good balance for each other and I love writing them.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

Boo! It's the month of Halloween and creeptastic treasures! I love October. That said, it's also the time I need to start thinking and doing my holiday shopping. I do not want a repeat of last year when I waited way too long to get stuff done.

Had a busy week driving all over the place with my daughter. We had a college visit on Monday. I picked her up from the district tournament for golf on Wednesday. And I picked her up from her band competition because she needs to be up and out early in the morning. I forgot how much windshield time driving gives me. LOL

Not a bad week for television. I haven't started any of the new seasons of my faves yet. But… I did finish up Peter Gunn. I have a few ideas of what to replace that slot with but haven't landed on a specific one yet.

I caught two episodes of Blue Heelers. I'm still at the beginning of season two but I love this show. It has a great cast.

I started season nineteen of Midsomer Murders. I can honestly say I took the death of Sykes really hard. Seriously. Which is actually kind of sad but, man, that was one cool dog. The new one, Paddy, is also fun, but I had years' worth of Sykes antics to enjoy. Anyway… I like the new DS guy but I miss Charlie. I'm watching an episode with Jones in it and it kind of makes me nostalgic.

I got to watch two more arcs of Classic Who. The Claws of Axios and Colony in Space. I'll be starting a new one this week.

I also plan to watch the new Passionflix movie that released this week. I'm looking forward to it.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backwards and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive Kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Stevie Peel sneezed when her feather duster disturbed a pile of moldering dust. "Dammit. I can't believe they won't let me use magick to clean this nightmare of a library wing." Rubbing her nose brought on several more violent eruptions. "Argh! This sucks." She tossed the offending cleaning tool over her shoulder and raised her hands to cast a spell to make the shelf clear.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The voice came from the doorway leading to the main library.

She didn't have to look to see who decided to interrupt her punishment. Griff Lannister. The only guy… hell, possibly the only person… on campus who would dare. She'd been sentenced and banished to this solitary pursuit for hexing half the pavilion during the winternight festival dance.

Stevie lowered her arms. "You're not me but, yeah, I can't cheat." She shot a gaze over her shoulder. "Besides, I'm not in the mood to kill you right now." Her lips kicked upward in a smile. "Even though I could definitely hide your body in here and no one would find you." Heaving a sigh, she went to grab the stupid feather duster again.

Griff moved into the cavernous room with a laugh. "You won't kill me. I'd come back to haunt you and you'd never know another moment of peace again." He propped his hip on a table stacked with books she'd removed from the shelf.

Stevie chuckled because he totally would haunt her and she had no trouble picturing him drifting around and making her life even crazier than usual.

Moving back to the shelves, she swept the surface again. "Why are you here anyway?" Not that she minded, but the precept made it clear her punishment should be carried out alone.

Griff flipped one of the tomes open, stirring up more dust. "Eh, you got a bum deal. Not fair you have to clean this whole annex and aren't supposed to have anyone down here with you just because you mixed up a few words of a spell." He glanced up from the book. "If they paid attention, they would've known you weren't ready for a public rite." Slamming the book shut, he coughed when a waft of dust rose up to his face.

Stevie shrugged, even though his support touched her deeply. "I could've said something." Except she couldn't. She didn't do well with admitting defeat.

And she didn't talk about her issues with her mind going blank in crowds with anyone but Griff. And only because he pulled it out of her in his very Griff way.

What did the guy see in her?

Griff shuffled through the pile of old papers on the table. "Did they give you a deadline for having this cleanup thing done?"

Stevie snorted. "Are you kidding? I'm pretty sure they're hoping it'll take me the rest of this semester and the next one so they don't have to worry about me ruining the end of year festivities or the Valentine's ball. I mean, how would it look if I ended up making more of the student population succumb to a sleeping spell?" An entire dance floor of people dropping like stones, all because she goofed up the word order.

Griff glanced around the huge expanse of space. "I'll bet you're done within the month. Don't forget we have most of January off for semester break."

Stevie rolled a shoulder. "Except for the mounds of dust, I like it down here. It's quiet and very non-peopley." Her gaze slid sideways in his direction. "Present company excluded." But she didn't mind having his presence.

Griff gave her smirk. "Meaning I'm not people?"

She shot back. "Meaning you're one of the few I actually like." Something that continued to surprise her.

Griff puffed out his chest. "I like being at the top of your list."

She blinked and sputtered. "Totally not what I said." But probably true.

He turned and started toward the doorway, waving his hand in the air. "Doesn't matter, I heard your inferred meaning." He sailed through the exit and left her standing alone.

Shaking her head, Stevie laughed. "Inferred meaning, my ass. You heard what you wanted to hear."

But he didn't happen to be wrong. He did top her list.

I love writing Stevie. I wanted a character that had something of a learning disability but didn't let it stop her from achieving what she wants. And I wanted Griff to not try and fix her or solve her problems but to support her because he sees the potential she has. This story is so much fun.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

Only one week until the merriest day! We still have to decorate our tree, but we always wait until about a week before the holiday. Should be done by this evening.

The Great Holiday Show Binge Watch Extravaganza continued this past week. I finished up NCIS, moved on to NCIS: LA and NCIS: New Orleans. Then followed with MASH. Last night I started the X-Files.

Teen Wolf had a great episode. The season feels a little choppy but I'm enjoying. The Librarians and MacGyver had good episodes. Enjoyed the holiday-themed flavor on MacGyver.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella that started with the two-word prompt, "forget you".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backward and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive Kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Griff woke slowly, reaching out to find the bed empty. His eyes popped open and focused on Stevie, sitting at the desk in front of the window. She wore his sweatshirt, the sleeves pushed up past her elbows. With her head bent, her hair hid her face but he didn't have to see her. She'd be intent on studying the scroll.

He propped up onto his elbows. "Any progress?" He didn't have the same gut instinct she had about finding the Kingfish, but an adventure should prove fun.

She angled her head around and shot him a smile. "Not yet. Deciphering isn't my strength." Getting up, she left the parchment on the desk and crawled back onto the bed. "That's more up your alley. Think you can take a look?" She tugged his sweatshirt off and dropped it on the floor.

Griff didn't hesitate. "Absolutely. Want me to do that now?" He started to rise, enjoying the look on Stevie's face.

She planted her palm on his chest. "Uh-uh. We've got all the time in the world." Rising up, she straddled his thighs. "But an entire day off doesn't happen often." Lowering her head, she brushed his lips with hers. "We should take advantage while we can." She rocked her hips, rubbing against his rapidly expanding cock.

Griff's lips curved. "I like the way you think." His hands cupped her breasts and he caught her mouth for an urgent kiss.

Stevie lifted up and sank over his length, moaning, then sliding her tongue against his.

Griff could wake up like this every day… if their work didn't have a nasty habit of keeping them on opposite schedules.

Not sure how this one is going to turn out. The sages are tossing several ideas back and forth and can't decide which one they want to go with.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Quest for the Kingfish

EEK! I just realized we've only got around ten days before out school year starts. I'm both thrilled and freaked out. Thrilled because the structure is great for the kids. They know where they have to be and at what time. Freaked out because we still have supplies to buy and I'm booked solid and jammed up until after the first day. Poor planning on my part. LOL

As usual, some great TV this past week. The finale for Dominion left so many new questions and I hope we get a second season. I'd love to see more of this show. Really loving the twists and turns in Defiance, too. And The Last Ship is steadily becoming one of my favorite shows.

Filming has started on Sons of Anarchy, Bitten, Arrow and Flash. Fall can't quite get here soon enough.

Tonight's post is from Quest for the Kingfish, a novella with a dusty, old scroll sends my characters on a treasure hunt.

Here's the tagline:

Stevie Peel is a little bit backwards and standoffish, but she loves a good mystery. Griff Lannsiter takes an immediate liking to Stevie and when she finds an ancient scroll tucked into the dusty stacks of the research library, he offers his help on her quest to find the elusive Kingfish.

And a preview snippet…

Griff propped his head on his hand. "So this scroll is the answer to everything? Filled with cryptic clues and mumbo jumbo to find the mysterious Kingfish?" He quirked a brow. "Maybe I should take the dusty roll into protective custody."

Stevie snorted. "Forget you. I'm going to find the single most hunted and well-hidden artifact in our history." And put everyone else to shame.

Griff prodded her. "You sure about that?"

She gave an emphatic nod.

He flashed a grin. "Good. Want some help?" His free hand curved over her hip.

Stevie smirked. "Thought you'd never ask." She tucked the parchment under the bed and snuggled into Griff. "But it'll keep until the morning." Her lips trailed along his jawline. "Right now, I want something a little more tangible."

Griff's hand drifted around to cup her ass. "I think I can help provide what you're looking for." He leaned in, his mouth hovering close to hers.

She caught his lips in a hungry kiss and his erection bobbed against her stomach.

She eased away, reaching down to palm his length. "I'd say there's no doubt about that."

What's a little sex before going on a major quest, right?

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye