Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Whoo boy… winter arrived with an icy drizzle followed by some major snow. I'm very glad I have no place I need to be that involves travel. Ugh.

Another slower week for television. I had a project that needed some solid focus and I used music as my background noise for less distraction. Oddly enough, it was a New Year's Eve playlist. LOL I also had some outside things going on; lunch with my daughter and cousin and a lengthy concussion assessment for my middle kid. Okay, he's not really a kid anymore since he just turned twenty, but he needed to have someone with him while they did the tests and I'm glad I was there. Turns out he's probably had a concussion for at least a couple of years. Epic fail on my parental duties there.

I did catch the finale of Strike Back. Kind of liked the way it ended but I'm used to a little more closure. I'm definitely looking forward to the new season in the next week or so.

Watched an episode of Chicago Fire and—thank whatever rules the universe—the stupid deputy commissioner appears to be out. Who knows for how long, but man, I hate that storyline. Also saddened that Severied lost his dad. Really thrilled Benny came through in the end though.

Caught an episode of Luke Cage. Actually kind of liked watching several relationships implode. Almost to the end of the season then, sadly, won't have any new to look forward to. I'm so excited for Punisher's second season but I'm hitting up Iron Fist and Dare Devil first.

I watched some behind the scenes stuff from Passionflix. If you're not a subscriber, check it out if you love books made into movies. Had time to finish up the web planet arc of Classic Who also.

I finished out the week with an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. This show continues to make me happy and hasn't fallen back on repeating storylines yet. After twelve years. That's amazing.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, a short story free read that helps set up the Sanctuary Island stories.

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…

Ceet rose and strolled down the path to the shoreline. He looked out at the inlet and said a sad farewell to his former mates. They were a good crew and he'd miss them.

A quiet hush fell, all around him, and Ceet shifted his eyes around slowly. An eerie feeling trickled down his spine and he jumped when a loud crack reverberated and a deafening roar burst through the skies. Thunder boomed and lightning danced all around him. Even the trees seemed to scream their fury.

Ceet threw up his arms, fists punching toward the sky. "Now just you calm down! I ain't a going anywhere." He shouted, raising his voice as loud as he could. "We had a deal and I aim to keep my end. Now, stop this nonsense!"

He flung his arms down and the noise ceased. Peace and quiet returned.

"Just like a woman, it is."

Ceet ambled over to the encampment area and built up a fire. Nightfall would come on soon. He'd have to start thinking about building permanent shelter right away.

His eyes scanned the coastline then he turned and looked at the dense foliage behind him. Dusk settled around the island, he wouldn't make much headway tonight. He gathered up the foodstuffs left behind and set about making dinner.

After eating, he secured his camp—more out of habit than concern for safety. He strung a hammock and started to climb onto it when a winking glint caught his eye. Over by a small outcropping of rocks there looked to be something bobbing up and down in the water.

He'd check it in the morning. The day had been long and his body and mind needed rest. Ceet crossed his ankles and lay back in the canvas bed. His eyes closed and he waited for sleep to claim him.

The nocturnal rest eluded him. Even with his eyes shut the blinking was noticeable. It reflected off the large leaves of the trees above him.

With a heavy sigh, Ceet rolled out of the hammock, lit a lantern and made his way toward the group of rocks. Might as well discover whatever the island wanted him to find. And Ceet knew it was Sanctuary that made the flashing brighter when he tried to sleep.

Getting closer, he realized he'd have to wade into the surf to actually retrieve the object. "You jest couldn't let me get me rest, could ye?" The water was still on the warm side when he went in.

It was also up to his chest by the time he got to the spot. Lantern held high, he checked for creatures before sticking his hand inside the group of rocks. Feeling around he found what the island had for him and pulled the object out to get a better look.

A compass.

Ceet harrumphed. "I've got one of these. I don't need another one, do I?" The device grew warm in his hand. Ceet turned it over and tried to find the source of the heat.

I'm having a lot of fun working in Ceet's backstory with the mystic island of Sanctuary.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

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

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.

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

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!

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