Sunday Snippet: Xtreme Vibrations (Xtreme Justice)

Welcome to Spooky Season month! I love October even if we're having unseasonably higher temperatures. Fall is such a fickle season in Ohio, but I'm hoping for an actual cooling down before winter snow comes calling.

Super busy work week with little projects, which actually gave me some time to write and organize. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in the next couple of weeks and having that extra time is helping.

Not a bad week for viewing television. The timing of my work projects overlapped a lot this week, so I didn't get to watch as much.

Watched the first of a two-parter Silent Witness. This one is very twisty and I'm afraid Nikki is headed for heartbreak. I love the premise of the case, though.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. The contrast between Richard and Humphrey is fun. Richard was very tight-lipped and refused to be vulnerable. Humphrey is super vulnerable almost from the word go. He's also much more in tune with people in general.

Started season three of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I'm not quite as riveted as I was for the first two seasons, but I love that we get to dive into Oliver's world. We kind of started in Mabel's even if we didn't know that fact at first, and season two brought Charles's past into the picture, literally. It's fun to see Oliver interact with the theater crowd.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Rather enjoyed the take on the puppet master Scarface in this 'verse. And Alfred setting up Bruce's dating profile always makes me chuckle.

Started season six of Classic Rugrats. Introducing Dil with two episodes of how life is different was a good choice. Loved Spike saving the day in his episode.

Caught another episode of VIP. Lots of fun and they nailed the trash TV talk-show vibe of the late nineties / early aughts.

Started another episode of My Life Is Murder and I'm enjoying it. Alexa is a tough nut to crack sometimes and I kind of like that. I do get a little annoyed when she's callous and treats others like they're a waste of her time. Hopefully that smooths out at some point.

And that's pretty much if for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Xtreme Vibrations, a meta human romance and part of the Xtreme Justice series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Cythe and Nyx have one solid ally in their life—Stanja Davidich. When a former mentor kidnaps Stanja to use her vibrating power to wreak havoc on the high seas, Cythe and Nyx go against orders to rescue Stanja. But during the attempt, Nyx falls into a trap and Cythe races the clock to get the women in his life back before he dies from being separated from Nyx.

And a preview snippet…

Cythe followed Nyx out of the briefing room doing a silent countdown. Three … two … one…

Nyx whirled to face, pitching her voice low. "What the hell was that? Are they serious about not trying to find Stanja?" The words hissed out in anger.

Cythe gave her a head shake. "Not here. Let's head home." He grasped her elbow and led her outside. "The walls have ears and eyes. We can't discuss this here." Ushering her into their SUV, he darted around and slid behind the wheel.

When Nyx opened her mouth, still fuming mad, he held up his fist in a stop motion then twirled his finger around, indicating the vehicle might be bugged. Nyx huffed out an angry breath and crossed her arms over her chest. She lifted her chin, more or less telling to get the stick out … because she had a lot more to say.

Cythe took the shortest route back to his building. Once he parked, Nyx had the door open and traveled halfway up the stairs to the loft before he even cut the engine. Cythe got out and braced for a pissed-off confrontation. Heading up the steps, he paused at the midpoint. Nyx held a hefty envelope in her hands and wore a bemused expression on her face.

Cythe shrugged. He had no idea where it came from or how it got on the landing outside her door.

Nyx handed the envelope over and entered her space. "What the hell is going on, Cythe?" She waited for him to follow her in then shut the door.

Cythe set the envelope on the table. "Obviously, the UNIT brass thinks Stanja turned traitor. They were pretty damn clear during that briefing." He studied the packet, his gut certain it had come from Stanja.

Nyx snorted. "No shit. But that doesn't explain why they wouldn't try to find her. If for no other reason than to use her as an example." She circled the room, pent-up energy rolling off her in waves.

Cythe grunted. "Yeah, well, there's an unwritten rule about handling those who exit UNIT under less than ideal circumstances … which means they'll be looking for her, but it's not the kind of all hands on deck kind of thing." He finally caved and grabbed the envelope again, making a blade with his forefinger and tearing through the seal.

Nyx made a low growling sound. "You mean she'll be hunted down like an animal." Her hands balled into fists. "Won't she?"

Cythe pulled out a bound book and several folded pages. "Uh, yeah, probably." He opened the topmost note and quickly scanned the contents.

Nyx marched over and jabbed a finger into his shoulder. "And you're okay with that? I mean, Stanja pisses me off on the regular, but I can't believe she turned her back on UNIT. The damn place means too much to her." She went to poke him again.

Cythe snatched her fingers. "She didn't. Turn her back on UNIT." He handed the missive to Nyx. "She's been grabbed by a ghost from her past."

Nyx read the brief note. "Holy fuck." Her gaze met Cythe's. "What're we gonna do to get her back?"

Cythe huffed out a breath. "Great question."

I'm having a lot of fun with this series. Cythe and Nyx are a true joy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtreme Attraction (Xtreme Justice book one)

Our temperature warmed up again but didn't get super-hot, so the week ended up being very nice. The leaves are starting to turn and are already falling to the ground. I'm sad the colors aren't nearly as bright as they used to be.

Had a busy work week with lots of potential new projects. I also had some extra time to finish up a fall holiday short story, which makes me so happy! I ended up getting a good chunk of writing done and hope that continues this week.

Ended up with a decent week of viewing television. I got a little distracted with writing so about one full round of my current lineup. Not bad all things considered.

Watched two episodes of My Life Is Murder. So far, I'm enjoying the series. I feel like I might get a little annoyed with Alexa, but it's early days yet and that might change. I do love the supporting characters and how Alexa's backstory is unfolding at a slow drip.

Got almost two episodes of Agatha Raisin watched. I'll be finishing the second one up later today. Another show where I love the supporting characters so much. And Agatha is a lot of fun.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness, which finished out season twenty-two. I thoroughly enjoyed Nikki knowing in her gut she hadn't made a mistake and then following that through to prove it. I was kind of bummed the assistant ended up being the reason for the problems. Also loved the additional case of the drug-trial testing and how that one played out.

Started season three of Death in Paradise. I've watched the episode before, but it's a great example of how to bring in a new character while giving the original a proper send-off. Looking forward to Humphrey's tenure.

Finished up Fantasy Island's second season. I ended up being fairly pleased with the lack of extended angst between Elena and Javier. So nice to see Ruby's daughter and follow that story. The wives' club fantasy ended up being pretty great also. If and when the writer and actor strike is over, I'll look forward to a season three if the show is renewed.

Caught another episode of The Batman and it's one I'd forgotten. I like having some different or lesser-known rogue characters. And the Alfred and Bruce interactions are fun in this series.

Watched a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with "Lay Down Your Burden," the season two finale episodes. So much to love and so much to not love about these two episodes. And I'm still completely amazed with how prescient this series ended up being. It's freaky sometimes.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats, which ended season five and ushered in the first movie and baby Dil. I'd completely forgotten about Charles's parents being in this one. Kind of cool to see them.

Also caught another episode of VIP. It's one I remember from way back in the day and a fun one, where Tasha actually give Val kudos. This is an over-the-top wild show but so much fun to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Xtreme Attraction, the opening book of a trilogy about metahumans.

Here's the miniblurb:

The double X gene found in junk DNA makes life very interesting for a group of humans. Nyx Boit reshapes matter with her force of will. Cythe Baldetto literally has blades of steel at his fingertips. When Cythe is sent to recruit Nyx, she wants no part of his offer. To make her point, she converts his arrows, darts, and knives into liquid pools at his feet. Finally meeting his match, Cythe figures recruiting Nyx is out, but wooing her is most definitely in.

And a preview snippet…

You could kill me if you ever decide you're tired of me…

Cythe wanted to reassure Nyx. He didn't think he could ever harm her.

He cupped her face. "Yes, I suppose that's possible, but it's not probable. I'm not wired that way."

The ex love of his life would be dead if he had been.

He drew Nyx off the bar stool and led her to the couch. "In the interest of full disclosure, I had one other person I reacted to the way I did the first moment I laid eyes on you." He rarely thought of her and didn't want to now.

Nyx settled back and tucked her legs under her. "What happened?"

Cythe shrugged, unwilling to share the truly intimate details. "She wouldn't commit."

And he nearly lost his life because of her inability to do so.

Nyx met his gaze. "Is she still around?" Her voice wobbled just a little.

His lips curved. "She's not dead, if that's what you're asking." He sobered. "But, no, she's not around at the moment." And hopefully wouldn't be anytime soon.

Nyx nodded. "But you have history?" She spoke quietly.

Cythe inclined his chin. "Yes. But there's no longer a connection in that way." And there never would be again.

Nyx shook her head. "What about the pheromones?"

Cythe answered with honesty. "They affect her, but not me. Not anymore. When she broke the covenant, I almost died. But we'd just discovered the latent by product in my DNA. That said, I can't ever be with her again. The desire is no longer there…" He met Nyx's gaze again. "On my end, anyway. Physically, I have no reaction."

Nyx filled in the blanks. "But she does?" Her eyebrows arched.

Cythe nodded. "Yes." Hence the reason his ex had made tracks as quickly as possible.

Nyx shrugged. "That sucks for her."

Cythe couldn't argue. "It does. And she couldn't control the way she responded to me … which made for a lot of tense interactions."

And became part of the reason she left for places unknown. She didn't want a full commitment, but she also didn't want to constantly want Cythe.

He faced Nyx. "I'm telling you everything because I want to avoid the same scenario with you. Can you understand?" His gut said if they acted on the attraction in a physical sense, all bets would be off.

And that probably wouldn't bode well for either of them.

Nyx nodded. "I think so…" She got up and slowly paced his living area. "But I'm trying to wrap my head around it all."

He understood. He'd dropped a major truth bomb on her.

I'm enjoying this couple. They're fun to write and the three books are coming together the way I'd hoped they would.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtremely Personal (Xtreme Justice)

Well, November is here. Gotta say, I hope it doesn't pass as slowly as September but not as fast as October. I'll look forward to a month that actually feels like a month again. Who knows when that'll happen?

Busy week with work projects. I didn't get a lot of new television watched. I mainly caught a few of the holiday movies on Hallmark and Lifetime and watched a lot of Ovation.

I did catch an episode of Blue Heelers. Also started a new one. The new guy in season two is still kind of annoying me. Here's hoping he settles down soon.

I also watched several episodes of Silent Witness. Finished up season five and started on six.

I also got to do early voting. My daughter and I went on Thursday and, thankfully, didn't have a long wait. One of the benefits to living in a rural area. I'll be happy when the election is over. It's been an exhausting ride this year.

Tonight's post is from Xtremely Personal, a novella in the Xtreme Justice series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A blast from Cythe's past comes blowing in at the worst possible time. Nyx struggles to adjust being part of a team and half of a couple and dealing with Cythe's ex isn't high on her list of things she wants to accomplish. The duo has to thwart the ex-girlfriend's troublemaking and both have to brace for a showdown of epic proportions.

And a preview snippet…

Cythe Baldetto entered his loft ready to head up to the studio apartment where Nyx Boit resided. He'd just received terrific news and couldn't wait to share it with her. Thank you, Stanja.

"Hello, Cythe."

The voice stopped him cold. No … it couldn't be. He slowly turned, his gut dropping to his toes.

"What do you want, Maris?"

Maris Thompkins—his ex—had draped herself over his bed in what she probably assumed to be a seductive pose. Completely lost on him, he wanted the woman in the studio upstairs. Her timing reeked … and smacked of something nefarious. Why did she come back now?

She shrugged. "The same thing I always want, Cythe. You." Moving to a sitting position, she flipped her hair over her shoulder.

Cythe shook his head. "We've been down this road before. I'm not available." And he never would be.

She rose to her feet and sauntered toward him. "Ahhh … but you could be. Once upon a time you were as hot for me as I am for you." Making a slow circle around him, she put one hand on his chest and made another half-circle, wrapping herself around his back. "You know I'm a slave to the lust I feel for you. I'll do anything you want." Her voice buzzed along his ear, raspy and husky.

At one time, the smoky quality set flame to him … now it left him cold.

He disengaged from her. "Don't want a slave. Never did." Turning to face her, he crossed his arms over his chest. "Once upon a time, I wanted a future with you. You chose to walk away." And I almost died. "I'm not looking for a repeat performance if you suddenly change your mind and decide to cut and run."

She pouted. "You don't think I learned from my biggest mistake." Her gaze rose to meet his. "But I have. I want another shot, Cythe. I can't resist the pull anymore. I have to be with you." She added a desperate tone to her plea and started toward him.

Cythe held up a hand and backed away. "There is no pull unless you're in close proximity, which you haven't been for years. So, why now and, again, what do you want?"

A throat cleared. "I'd love to hear the answer to his questions, too."

At the bottom of the spiral staircase he'd installed to the studio apartment, Nyx stood, wearing only a short kimono—pretty much leaving no doubt as to the role she played in his life.

Shit's about to get real interesting.

I'm having so much fun with this series. I love Cythe and Nyx and figuring out where they're going in their work and personal lives.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtreme Justice

November 5, 2017

Welcome to November! We're almost finished with 2017 and I'm honestly looking forward to a new year. It's been a rough ten months so far.

Excellent television viewing this week. The Flash had a great episode. It's always fun to see Cisco on the hot seat. Really enjoyed his storyline. Also interested in seeing where things go with Joe and becoming a father again.

Legends of Tomorrow didn't have a terrible episode. The homage to ET maybe went a little overboard but still fun.

Riverdale was sort of on the fence for me… until I got a wild hair theory about who the black hood is and now I have to stay tuned to see if I'm right. I'm honestly fairly disappointed with the addition of Hiram to the fold. He made a better villain working from the shadows.

Arrow continues to amaze me. I love the way roles continue to be mixed up and everything is fluid. That keeps me glued to the screen.

Got caught up on Gotham and watched this week's episode. I won't be disappointed to see the end of Professor Pyg but at least the plot is moving forward and I'm down with that.

Having fun watching holiday movies on the Hallmark channels. There's usually something on one of them that catches my interest.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Xtreme Justice, a novella that started with a writing community prompt to create characters with metahuman abilities.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The double X gene found in junk DNA makes life very interesting for a group of humans. Nyx Boit reshapes matter with her force of will. Cythe Baldetto literally has blades of steel at his fingertips. When Cythe is sent to recruit Nyx, she wants no part of his offer. To make her point, she converts his arrows, darts, and knives into liquid pools at his feet. Finally meeting his match, Cythe figures recruiting Nyx is out, but wooing her is most definitely in.

And a preview snippet…

Cythe Baldetto waited for the lights to lower in the viewing room. "Bring on the crazy." According to his former flame and current boss, he'd be impressed with Nyx Biot's ability.

Stanja Davidich wanted Cythe to become a recruiter. Not something he had much of an interest in. But knowing who else had double "x" abilities helped keep him alive.

The screen went from dark to bursting with action. Apparently Nyx had the ability to alter matter and she wielded her power with passion. Bending metal into cage traps, bringing down light fixtures to act as nets. She'd taken out three people in the first five minutes.

Cythe narrowed his eyes. "Where is this? How did you get the footage?" The building looked too familiar.

Stanja sent him a sideways glance. "Okay, I'll admit we set up a scenario to see what Nyx can do."

Cythe growled. "Which you know pisses me off." He hated the stupid games UNIT played.

A big part of the reason he and Stanja no longer had a relationship.

He let the topic go for the moment. Nyx had raw but amazing moves. She shifted a huge expanse of floor into a liquid pool. Then she changed the shimmering mass into a boiling vat of seething danger. With some training, she could probably do even more impressive stunts.

Stanja read his mood. "She's good. Look at how she almost predicts what her best move will be." Her voice held admiration.

Cythe grunted a noncommittal response. Stanja didn't have things wrong, but she didn't see the way Nyx ducked and ran for cover, moving behind a metal partition for several minutes while the team tried to get around the huge obstacle she'd laid out. Cythe's gut said Nyx had limitations and he'd bet anything the more showy or intense the matter shift, the greater toll it took on her. For now, he'd keep that piece of information to himself.

The final five UNIT members skirted the bubbling mass on the floor and engaged Nyx again. She waited until they got close to a stack of metal beams then altered the bars into flexible restraints and wrapped them around the group. The drone camera zeroed in on Nyx when she shimmied out of the building and headed toward the docks.

The lights came up and the screen went blank.

Stanja shifted her position to face Cythe. "We lost her once she got to the shipping yard, but we're pretty sure she's holed in one of the empty containers." She shuddered.

 Cythe barely bit back a smirk. Stanja liked living the cushy life the UNIT afforded her. So what if she sold half her soul to do it. Cythe signed on with them because they were the lesser of two evils. UNIT didn't try to exploit his ability for profit or personal gain, but he didn't consider himself stupid—they had a measure of control over him. No doubt they wanted to same with Nyx. Someone with her power could be an extreme threat—

Cythe straightened. "What do you want with her?" He cut right to the meat of the matter.

Stanja snorted. "Nothing sinister, Cythe. She's a powerful metahuman. Wouldn’t it be better to have her on our side?" She gave him the standard bullshit curve of her lips.

Cythe lifted a shoulder. "It might. What do you want me to do?"

Stanja flashed a genuine smile. "We want you to recruit her. Bring her into the fold."

Pretty much what he thought. "Why me?" The one piece of the puzzle he didn't have figured.

Stanja held his gaze a moment before answering. "Because you came from the outside. You know what's at stake and why she'd be an asset." She shrugged. "And you know I've been wanting you to bring in new members."

Reluctant, Cythe needed some assurances. "Why, exactly, do you want her?" Even with their past, or maybe because of it, he wanted specifics.

Stanja's eyes went wide. "Did you not just watch the same footage I did?"

Well, yeah, he did. Didn't mean he automatically thought they'd welcome Nyx with sunshine and rainbows. Which prompted his next question.

"What happens if I can't talk her into joining UNIT?"

Stanja glanced away. "We'd rather not consider that option." Her voice dropped to low tones.

Cythe nodded. Pretty much what he'd expected. Nothing sinister or nefarious… unless Nyx didn't want to play ball.

Then all bets were off.

Cythe got up and waited until Stanja met his gaze. "If you want this to happen, I do it my way, meaning UNIT doesn't get involved." At least not until he gave the go ahead.

Stanja opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it. "Fine. We'll give you latitude to work…" She didn't have to add it would only be up to a certain point.

So be it. He didn't plan on failing. If Stanja wanted him to step up and start recruiting for UNIT, she could stay the hell out of his way.

So far, this one is giving me all kinds of ideas. I'm excited to see where Cythe and Nyx go.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye