Sunday Snippet: A Timely Distraction

Yeesh. Still dealing with the tire issue but have an appointment to get the replacements on Tuesday. I can't wait. But … we now have to get two new tires for my husband's vehicle. It's like dominoes falling … one thing after another.

Had some seriously cool temperatures this week. Also rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. We're supposed to have clear weather for the beginning of the week but more rain from Thursday through the weekend.

Work projects were pretty smooth this week. I finished up the wild ride copy edit and completed a proofread that had a few issues but overall ended up being great. Still working on the evaluation and making good project. I have another back burner project I'm hoping to get to this week.

Had a solid viewing week. I made it through my usual slate of shows and got to binge Death in Paradise a couple of days.

Started with Marple again and enjoyed the mystery. There were a lot of twists and turns with a resolution that ended up being sad but excellent.

Finished up the first season of Britain's Most Scenic Counties. Thoroughly enjoyed visiting Kent and look forward to the next season and new location.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise and enjoyed it again. Reggie reminds me of Margo from Beyond Paradise. Both are filled with local knowledge and wield their power when it counts the most. Great mystery also.

Watched another Poirot and liked the twists and turns. Very interesting to hear all the discussion of the upcoming war and having three mysteries instead of one ended up being quite fun.

Elementary got a little freaky. The possible serial killer struck very close to home, and I really hope things don't go in an obvious direction. Can't wait to watch the next episode to see if they do or don't.

Enjoyed an episode of Young Justice and loved seeing the young team dealing with being the grown-ups in the room. Kind of interested to see what happens with the stolen bit.

Ended the week with an episode of Star Trek Lower Decks and totally loved the call back to the original series. Fun episode with plenty of weird thrown in for good measure. I'm going to be very sad when I finish this one.

That's the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Timely Distraction, a riff on a fairy-tale romance that brings a couple together.

Here's the miniblurb:

Donahue Stuart, prince and heir to his father's throne, longs for grand adventures, but danger lurks from raiders and marauders, out for royal blood. Enter Lady Vivian, daughter of the king's oldest friend, and a kindred spirit who shows Donahue he can have all the magnificent escapades he wants, right in his own realm.

And a preview snippet…

Hue set aside the stack of correspondence he'd finished. "Might as well tackle the letter from Delia now." He'd shuffled her missive to the bottom of his pile because he'd rather not deal with whatever might be inside.

But he couldn't put off making it clear they would not be meeting for a tryst again. Or that she would ever become his mistress. Maybe he could provide a few names for her. She could find a protector of her choice—unlike the exchange with Fitzmar, who had offered for her before she'd even had an opportunity to meet other courtiers—and give her a chance to forge her own future.

He slipped a letter opener under the wax seal and started to withdraw the parchment. A rapid series of soft knocks distracted him, and he glanced up to Lady Vivian bursting through his door. Her unexpected entrance caught him by surprise.

Placing the envelope under the desk blotter, he arched his brows. "Lady Vivian. I heard you were here for a visit." And she'd grown more beautiful if that were possible.

Her eyes always drew him … they sparkled with hidden depths that suggested she held secrets she didn't share with others. Once again, he cursed the close friendship their fathers shared. Otherwise, he'd make every effort to pursue her.

Vivian gave him a smile. "Yes, I missed seeing you when I arrived. You were out riding, think?" Her gaze swept the room before landing on him.

He leaned back in his chair. "And what is your purpose for seeking me out?" Not that he cared, she provided a wonderful diversion to an unpleasant task.

Vivian spun around and flounced onto his settee. "I'm seeking you out, because I'm bored and restless." She sat up suddenly. "Would you be interested in visiting the village?" Her eyes were bright with excitement.

The idea sounded dull, but she seemed thrilled by the prospect.

Hue shrugged. "I'm not, but I'll tag along." He got up and crossed the room to pull the cord that would summon the guard.

Vivian bounded up off the sofa and stopped him with a hand on his bicep. "Er … I have another idea. Let's head to the storage room and dig around a little." She leaned in and lowered her voice. "I thought we might dress up—or down as the case may be—as commoners." An impish grin spread over her face.

Hue narrowed his eyes. "Are you serious?" He cocked his head when possibilities filled his mind.

Being out of royal garb would give him some freedom to move about, unencumbered by the trappings of being the heir.

Viv nodded. "Absolutely. Let's see how much fun we can have." Her voice took on a sultry tone.

He smiled wide. "How do we lose the guard?" He had no doubt she would make things interesting.

Vivian patted his shoulder. "Leave that to me."

This is such a fun story to write. I love the chemistry between Vivian and Hue!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Timely Distraction

Well, June is off to an auspicious start. Not only a pandemic still raging but global protests against police brutality and systematic racism. It's a wild time to be alive. Whew.

Not a bad week of television viewing overall, especially considering how intense this past week has been. I started out with some new Blue Heelers and almost finished up the episode.

Also caught several more episodes of Danger Man. I'm almost through the second season and should be starting the third soon.

I did indeed start Gabriel's Inferno and I've been catching bits and pieces throughout the week. This is a movie I want to watch during uninterrupted time so it'll take me a while to get through the full two hours. I'm excited there will be more to come with a second part to this and I think two more books to adapt. Good stuff so far.

Also did some additional listening to the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack for season three. I'm going to have to hunt down the works I don't have from Bear McCreary. He's truly a remarkable composer.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Timely Distraction, a fairytale-style fantasy.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Donahue Stuart, prince and heir to his father's throne, longs for grand adventures, but danger lurks from raiders and marauders, out for royal blood. Enter Lady Vivian, daughter of the king's oldest friend, and a kindred spirit who shows Donahue he can have all the magnificent escapades he wants, right in his own realm.

And a preview snippet…

Damon Stuart, the reigning monarch of Kendara entered his son's suite of rooms unannounced. "Donahue Malcolm MacKinnon Stuart! Where are you?" His voice boomed, carrying out to the balcony.

Hue winced. "Shit. All four names. He knows about Delia." He'd hoped to keep the dalliance under wraps a little while longer.

Heaving a sigh, Hue pushed away from the stone abutment and turned to enter his sitting area. His father paced back and forth, muttering under his breath. Hue paused a moment, wishing they could agree on at least one single topic for once. Probably not going to happen today.

Hue cleared his throat. "I'm right here, Father." He didn't say more; no use poking at his dad when he already had a full head of steam boiling out of his ears.

Damon whirled around. "What were you thinking? Bedding Delia Sinclair." He began pacing again. "Fitzmar just set her up as his mistress. He paid her tribute price and expected to have a solid return on his investment." He stopped walking again and sent his son a scathing look. "You've ruined her for that now."

Hue rolled a shoulder. "It's not my fault I'm well-endowed or that she snuck into my bathing chamber. You employ servants who are supposed to keep the latter from happening." Of course, Delia slipped a bag of coins to the footman for the privilege of watching Hue bathe.

Why would anyone consider it a privilege? Oh, right. I'm the prince and heir to the throne.

Damon grunted. "And you couldn't have refused her advances? Especially knowing Fitzmar had claim?" A grimace of distaste belied the king's words.

King Stuart loathed the court consort tradition but couldn't do much to disabuse visiting dignitaries from engaging in the exchange of tributes between his noblemen and those from other kingdoms.

Hue ripped the scab off an already festering wound. "Why should I? It's the only time I have contact with the realms outside of Kendara." He gave his dad a pointed look. "I might not have to resort to bedding the comely women who track me down if you'd actually let me travel without an entourage of guards and gibbon-faced advisors." He'd be twenty in a month's time and hadn't seen anything of the world that didn't involve some kind of courtly fanfare.

He longed to explore, visit villages outside of Kendara's realm, see how other people lived their lives.

Damon laid a hand on Hue's shoulder. "You know why you can't." Sadness weighed his father's words.

Yeah, he did. A promise made to his mother on her deathbed—to always keep Hue safe. Ah, Mom, why would you do that to me?

Damon sighed. "We've had this argument too many times, my son."

Hue lifted his chin, acknowledging the truth of those words. "And we'll keep having it until you see reason, Dad." Which might happen just shy of never.

Damon shook his head. "You'll have to make recompense to Fitzmar. He's frothing over the loss of Delia."

Hue quirked a brow. "She's really refusing to honor her contract?" Not that Hue blamed her; women shouldn't have to barter their looks and talent to have a place in court.

The king sent Hue a sideways glance. "After bedding you? I'm sure she's holding out hope to become a royal asset."

Which would never happen because Damon abolished the horrible practice when he became betrothed to Hue's mother.

Hue frowned. "I'll forward the tribute price with an added ten percent to Fitzmar. That will soothe his tattered ego. As for Delia, she can wish and hope until time's end but I explained our liaison would be a one-time occurrence." He never made promises he wouldn't keep.

The idea and practice of stringing people along irritated him. His father's tutelage and demonstrations of being up front, honest, and open in his dealings stuck with Hue and helped shape him into a man he hoped his mother would be proud of.

Damon shook his head. "Fitzmar will accept the offering, but he'll make his disappointment known. That's something you'll have to deal with." Exhaling slowly, he continued. "You arrogance is going to do you in someday, Hue. And probably make your future wife wary with fear of being married to you, a man with a voracious appetite for sex."

Hue snorted. "I doubt that. I won't wed a simpering mess who can't handle physical intimacy, Dad." The thought made him cringe.

He'd bedded the most amazing mistresses and courtesans in the kingdom. Hue wanted a woman in bed; one that had the same passions he had. Like his father, Hue wanted to be true to his wife.

He met his dad's eyes squarely. "I want what you and Mother had, to be of one heart and in tune with each other."

Damon's gaze drifted to the balcony doors. "I hope you find someone who loves you the way your mother loved me, and that you return her feelings tenfold." He faced Hue again. "But try to be more circumspect with your dalliances until you find her."

Hue rolled his eyes. "If you'd let me leave and travel a little, no one would be the wiser to my conquests." And he'd finally have the longed-for freedom he wanted so badly.

Damon's lips thinned to a slash across his face. "You've had quite enough adventure in this castle; let's not start the same argument again."

Hue conceded. "Fine, Dad. Consider the subject closed." He gave a slight bow and stalked back out onto the balcony, needing the fresh air and distance from the king.

How can I effectively lead a kingdom if I've never truly been out in the world?

The honest answer made his head ache.

He couldn't.

I have a lot of fun mixing and blasting through some of the established norms of fairytales. Hue is a joy to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Timely Distraction

Welcome to July, meaning half the year is gone and I have no idea where it went. LOL

This has been a crazy week. I'm so far behind on my fave shows. I missed the premiere of Killjoys and I'm carving, carving time out Monday to make sure I don't get too far behind.

I did get to catch most of Dark Matter and Wynonna Earp. I really do like where things are going with both shows.

I've decided I'll probably end up binge watching Orphan Black. I haven't had the time to catch up on my missed episodes. As for Doctor Who… I'm just so disgusted with this season I don't even care how it ended. This makes me sad. Considering some of my very favorite episodes were written by Moffat—oddly, all before he became showrunner—I'm truly discouraged with how much he's destroyed the joy of watching the show for me. Here's looking forward to Chris Chibnall's tenure. May he bring back my love for the show.

Finished up my rewatch of City Homicide and think I'll be moving on to Sense8 for my next binge marathon. Also caught another episode or two of Young Justice. Almost through the first season and I like the setup for what I think is coming.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Timely Distraction, a novella with a fairy tale flair set in a magical realm.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Donahue Stuart, prince and heir to his father's throne, longs for grand adventures, but danger lurks from raiders and marauders, out for royal blood. Enter Lady Vivian, daughter of the king's oldest friend, and a kindred spirit who shows Donahue he can have all the magnificent escapades he wants, right in his own realm.

And a preview snippet…

"Vivian Minerva Ashworth Mewes, where are you?"

Her father's bellowing voice stopped Viv from making her escape out her bedroom window. He'd used her full, full name—not just her first and middle names. She'd lost her chance to make her getaway to the stables for a quick ride—her thoroughbred or a stable hand, either would do.

"Damn. He's found out about my refusal of Wallace Winsor's suit."

Stepping away from the window, she smoothed down her skirt, shaking out the hem to hide the riding breeches she had on underneath. Not like Herschel Mewes, Earl of Hawthorne, didn't know his daughter wore jodhpurs when taking her mount out… hence the skirt for an easy transition. But he preferred to see her dressed in day clothes, the itchy formal attire she loathed. He stopped short of insisting on proper morning, followed by afternoon garb, but always appreciated when she actually dressed for dinner. A small concession to be able to wear one bleeding outfit during the day.  

She checked to make sure the riding pants were hidden, then opened her door. "Coming, Father!" Marching to the top of the stairs, she paused when she met his gaze.

Anger and indignation flashed in his eyes and the firm set of his mouth indicated she'd be in for a tongue lashing.

Heaving a sigh, she gracefully descended the steps, stopping on the last one. She waited, because she only assumed he'd discovered her resounding no on the topic of Wallace Winsor.

Herschel clamped his hands behind his back. "In the drawing room, Vivian Minerva. You have some explaining to do." He jerked his head toward the wide open space off the hallway by the stairs.

Vivian strode forward, entering and taking her usual place by the north window. The one that looked out to the stables, where she'd really rather be.

Hawthorne closed the pocket doors then moved to stand by her side. "Why, Vivian?" He didn't elaborate because simple questions always put her on the spot.

She didn't look away from the view. "Because Wally would bore me within two weeks. The man can't purchase a clue, Father. I'd either have to kill him… or myself… if I considered his courtship." Her gaze slid sideways to catch the barely perceptible twitch of her father's lips.

At least he understood, even if he'd never agree with her reasons or choices.

He made a frustrated sound. "He's the last of a dozen perfectly presentable suitors. You have to have a better reason than he's boring."

"I don't want a man, Father."

His eyes widened. "You mean—"

She growled. "No. I don't mean I want a woman." She rolled her eyes. "To be specific, I don't want a husband. Men are absolutely fine when it comes to being a diversion, but I shouldn't have to tie myself to one just because 'it's what's done'." Why didn't anyone understand?

Herschel cleared his throat. "For the record, Viv, if you had been sabotaging all your suitors because you wanted a female partner, I would have understood." He raised a hand when she tried to jump on the subject. "However… since you've made it clear that's not the case, consider the topic moot." He sent her a sly half-smile.

Argh! He'd manipulated her into one less escape route.

She curved her lips in a smirk. "Well done, Father. Are we finished here? I'll formally apologize to Wally for calling him a weasel-faced gibbon and beg his forgiveness." Hoping to end the conversation, she sweetened the pot. "And thank him for his interest and nicely refuse his suit." There, that should do the trick.

Herschel gave a terse nod. "Yes, you will." He swung his gaze to clash with hers. "And then you're going to the castle for an extended stay."

She opened her mouth to protest but her dad's eyes took on a dark gleam and she snapped her lips shut.

He shook his head. "That's right, Viv. No arguments. And you can forget about heading to the stables." He glanced pointedly at her skirt.

Busted. Herschel Mewes rarely missed any of her tricks.

His voice lowered. "Your randy buck, Thomas, is otherwise engaged for the next two days, until you're safely en route to Kendara." The veiled meaning came through, no doubt as he intended.

Vivian's eyes widened. Damn. Did that mean he also knew about—

Herschel lifted his chin. "I know everything, Vivian. Who you lost your virginity to, the other lovers aside from Thomas, everything."

Uh oh… Vivian is well and truly busted by her dad. But all isn't lost. She's actually tripped right into his well-laid trap. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Timely Distraction

Okay. The end of a seven year ride with the final episode of Sons of Anarchy left me satisfied and kind of weepy. But honestly? The last shot of the series ended up being pretty much perfect, in my opinion. Still digesting everything, but all in all, things played out exactly how I expected, but in a way that made me wish I had Kurt Sutter's talent. Sons of Anarchy will rank right up there with Battlestar Galactica as one of my favorite shows of all time.

The Flash and Arrow also didn't let me down. On one hand, I wish I didn't have to wait until January for new episodes, but on the other, with the busy holiday season, a nice little rest won't kill me. I hope. LOL

Tonight's post is from Timely Distraction, a novella about a magical realm where the prince seeks a grand adventure.

Here's the tagline:

Donahue Stuart, prince and heir to his father's throne, longs for grand adventures, but danger lurks from raiders and marauders, out for royal blood. Enter Lady Vivian, daughter of the king's oldest friend, and a kindred spirit who shows Donahue he can have all the magnificent escapades he wants, right in his own realm.

And a preview snippet…

Lady Vivian knocked lightly on the door to the king's chamber then pushed the heavy oak inward, gliding through the entrance like she owned the castle.

King Stuart glanced up, one eyebrow arched. "Vivian, why must you always try to scandalize the palace servants by sneaking into my private domain?" He closed the book, resting on his lap, and laid it aside. "You know how they love to gossip." He rose and crossed the floor with three long strides, coming to a stop less than a foot away from her.

Vivian shrugged. "Habit, I guess. I've been finding ways to wreak havoc since the age of three." She waited, a little uncertain of her reception.

Stuart's lips twitched. "My dear, you've been running amok since you slid from the womb and you know it." He gathered Vivian up into a big bear hug, pressing a kiss to her temple before letting her go.

Vivian stepped back and flashed a grin. "Perhaps, but I don't remember anything before turning three." She dipped into a half-curtsey. "The earl sends his good tidings and apologies for not coming along this time." She left out the reason why.

Damon shot her a stern look. "He couldn't come because he's cleaning up after you again. How many brokenhearted suitors does this make, Viv? Ten? Eleven?" He placed his hand on her shoulder and directed her into his sitting area.

Vivian's face flamed hot. "Twelve, but who's counting?" She settled onto the dainty chair beside the fire, feeling out of place with her leather pants and boots. "I told the earl I didn't plan to wed anytime soon. Not my fault he keeps throwing hapless males in my path." She lifted a shoulder. "I won't settle down until I'm ready." Shooting the king a sideways glance, she continued. "But I'm sorry he keeps sending me here to be underfoot when he's displeased with me."

Damon threw his head back and laughed. "No. You're not." He sat on his ornate seat and propped a leg on the ottoman in front of him. "And while he is displeased with you, I asked for your presence. The timing of my request just happened to work out well for your father." He leaned back, folding his hands across his stomach.

Vivian narrowed her eyes. "Please tell me you're not trying to fix me up with some blue blood royal, too." A shot of disappoint zinged her.

She'd always considered the king an ally. Her heart would break if he proved otherwise.

Stuart snorted. "Not bleeding likely, Viv. The earl is my oldest and dearest friend, but he knows how I feel about rushing you to wed." He kicked his other foot onto the ottoman. "No, I sent for you because I have a favor to ask. A big one." He sighed.

Her curiosity piqued, she tilted her head to one side. "Does it involve mayhem and causing trouble?" If it didn't, Damon would be sorely disappointed.

She couldn't do the lady in waiting thing.

Again, the king laughed. "It just might." He straightened and leaned forward, his features sobering. "Within reason, because it involves Hue."

Intrigued by his serious countenance, and the mention of Hue, Vivian eased to the edge of her seat. "I'm listening. What do you need me to do?"

I have so much fun with fairy tale settings. This story is no different.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye