Sunday Snippet: Calamity of Chaos

Howdy!

Well, my week in television ended up being pretty damned awesome. Seriously, the Walking Dead kind of caught me off guard, but gotta give it to Rick. When he steps up, he sorta goes full tilt and gets it done. Not sure how I feel about the parting of ways, but I'm leaning towards it being a good thing.

Thoroughly enjoyed Castle, which is a nice change since I've been kind of 'meh' about this season. I love getting to see Rick and Kate together—that kind of never happens and it pisses me off—but the storylines either underwhelmed or made me scratch my head. Sons of Anarchy continues to rip the scabs off old wounds. I love having my smart Jax back. He's always at his best when he's not reacting to and working through shit like watching his best friend die. Very interested to see what side Tara's actions have him landing on. My hope is he'll stay smart, get the Irish out of the way, deal with the DA, and then let the emotional fallout hit. And good Christ, stay away from Gemma so she can't throw gasoline on the fire. *shakes head*

Arrow and The Tomorrow People just make my Wednesday the best day of the week. I can't say enough about Arrow at the moment, and anything I would say would contain spoilers, so *zips lips*. Haven twisted everything sideways again, but hit on a theory I had from the first episode. I kind of can't wait to see how the new wrinkle plays into the mythology. I have more thinky thoughts, but again… spoilers. LOL

So, that's my week in TV. Maybe I should get to the actual post, right? Tonight's snippet is from Calamity of Chaos, a follow up to Consortium of Chaos. The story is set in the United States and has Esme and Ash on the trail of Baron Morbid's partner. So far, it's been loads of fun to write.

Here's the tagline:

Esme and Ashton embark on a trip to America, on the trail of their nemesis's partner. Calamity ensues when they stumble upon a dastardly plot to keep them from returning home.

And a preview snippet…

Esme turned the controls of the Lady Victorious over to Del. "Keep her steady and for pity's sake call me if you run into any sky traffic." She stepped away from the helm. "I do not want to get stranded in the states with no way home except by sea."

Del snorted. "Esme, you've taught me everything I know about captaining this big ship. Since when do you lack confidence in my ability?" He lifted a brow.

Smithers nosed into the conversation. "Since you are not her, sir." He sent a smirk in Esme's direction.

She sneered. "Stow it, Smithers. I'm perfectly confident Del can handle things." She started toward the aisle leading to the staterooms. "It's the crazy Americans I worry about." Her lips curved when Smithers went pale and pasty.

She enjoyed getting him all wound up. And Del would have to deal with the hovering valet, leaving her plenty of time to cajole Ash into bed for a nice, long romp.

Ash got too caught up in Mobride's business sometimes and Esme wanted to remind him to take a little time to wind down and rejuvenate. Too much time spent around Baron Morbid's affairs would eventually have a negative effect. Esme wanted to get the guy's partner as much, maybe more, than Ash, but she wouldn't lose the man she loved to the nefarious viciousness Mobride seemed able to generate even beyond the grave.

She paused outside the door of their cabin and loosened the buttons of her bodice then gave her camisole a yank for good measure. Twisting the knob of the door, she entered quarters and found Ash poring over several sets of ledgers. The man didn't even look up when she strode across the floor to stop in front of the desk. Esme frowned. Desperate times called for desperate actions. Tugging her shirttails free, she undid the rest of the buttons and shrugged the garment off to toss it on the surface in front on Ash. Startled, he glanced up, his eyes going wide then darkening with desire. Esme slowly made her way around the edge, stopping just shy of Ash's chair. The scrape of wood on the deck became a welcome sound when Ash angled the seat so she could drop down atop his lap. Esme wrapped an arm around his shoulders, putting her breasts on display when the camisole inched its way down. Ash's tongue flicked out, wetting his lower lip and her nipples puckered in response.

She met his gaze. "It's past time for a distraction, my love." She wriggled her butt around and grinned when she got the response she wanted.

The rapid hardening of Ash's cock.

He gave her a wolfish smile then grasped the hem of her camisole, lifting upward. "You know, Es, I think you're right." He tugged the garment over her head then leaned down to draw a pebbled tip between his lips.

Esme gasped, loving the way his teeth grazed over the sensitive peak.

And yes, I'm gonna leave the rest to your imagination. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Broken Down and Maxed Out

Hi!

YAY! Strike Back got a renewal even though it'll be the last season. I can live with one more ten episode run with Stonebridge and Scott. I'm torn between wanting to see them go out with a bang—Butch and Sundance style—and hoping like hell my two heroes find a way to be happy and live long lives. :D

And Arrow… holy crap. I can't even form coherent thoughts about last week's episode yet. Without getting too spoileriffic, I'm usually not keen on recasting a primary character, even if they've had almost zero screen time, but I'm definitely reserving judgment on this one. Mainly because I can't wait to see where they take the character and how they tie her into the DC 'verse. *rubs hands together gleefully*

Haven keeps impressing me and doesn't always do what I expect. If I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE shows that keep me guessing. J

Anyway, time for the actual post. Tonight's snippet is from Broken Down and Maxed Out. The manuscript is in the beginning stages, but the sages are throwing out some great stuff. J

Here's the tagline:

When Dallas Kirk and Rafe Quinoza, two top agents in the Ministry of Magic, are broken down and maxed out they turn to each other to regroup and recharge. But when they reach their saturation point at the same time, they struggle to keep their connection strong which is difficult when they blame themselves for a mission gone wrong.

And the preview snippet…

Dallas trudged up the steps to the apartment, weary, worn out, and dying for her bed. But not before she took the longest shower known to man or mage. Her hand drifted to her hair, fingers brushing lightly over the strands. Yep. Still had traces of sage ash and singed ends. She'd probably have to cut several inches off to undo the damage.

Sliding her key in the lock, she shoved the door open and dropped her bag on the floor. The loud clunk echoed in the empty space and the darkness swallowed her, dragging her mood down even further. She shrugged out of her trench coat, the tricks of her trade clanging together when she tossed the jacket over the back of the loveseat. Making a mental note to restock her metal cuffs—and make certain they had sufficient wards in place—she turned toward the bathroom and headed in that direction. She didn't bother flipping the lights on, she didn't need them to find her way.

Dallas turned on the shower, stripped, and finally turned some ambient illumination on by setting the dimmer switch to the lowest notch. She had no desire to see the welts and bruises on her body. And there'd be a shit ton after the beating she'd taken.

Stepping into the shower stall, she let the pounding spray work out the kinks and cramps. Pressing her face against the tiled wall, she blew out a harsh breath. Good cripes, she needed a respite—a nice long break from the batshit crazy ministry business and every damn thing going wrong.

Right. As if.

Lost in the miserable knowledge a vacation wouldn't be on the books any time soon, she jumped when the shower door flew open and braced for a fight. She relaxed when she caught sight of her would be assailant, Rafe.

His gaze swept over her, taking in every minute detail. "Fuck me, Dallas. What the flaming hell happened to you?" He yanked his shirt off and started on his jeans.

Dallas didn't answer, her throat still raw from the earlier fracas, and now choked with emotion. The sight of Rafe, her balm in the shit storm of life, soothed her soul more than any magically enhanced salve. Rafe kicked off his pants and glanced up, got a good look at her face, and ducked inside the steaming mist.

His hands cupped her head, carefully avoiding the abrasions along her jaw. "I'm here, Dal. You can let go now." He drew her forward, wrapping his arms around her. "Use me to get it out."

Her carefully constructed calm shattered and she threw her head back, the scream no less blood-curdling even with her damaged vocal chords. The dam burst and Rafe held her until she'd spent the last of her rage. She grabbed hold of his ass, her fingers digging into the flesh, dragging him closer, and angling her head to nip at his neck.

His breath hissed out when she made contact but his semi-hard erection swelled to its full length. He'd take the edge off her frayed psyche and recharge her to face another day.

She reached behind him and shut the water off. "Hard and fast, Rafe. Now." Her raspy voice made his eyes narrow.

But he heard the plea. His mouth crushed hers and she welcomed the sweep of his tongue against her lips. His hands skimmed her sides then he lifted her, pressing on her ass, urging her to wrap her legs around his torso. Nudging the door open, he exited the shower and carried her, dripping wet, across the floor and into their bedroom.

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he raised her a little and entered her with a smooth thrust. Dallas moaned, breaking the kiss and bucked against his hips, building some friction.

She tumbled sideways, hauling Rafe atop her. "More, Rafe. I need more." She wrapped her legs around him, drawing him back inside.

He palmed her breasts, his eyes raking over her, taking in each and every injury. "I'll give you everything, Dal. Hang on." He drove into her, pumping his hips back and forth.

His mouth worked magic along her jawline, healing her abrasions. His hard cock pounded her, their magical connection building energy, arcing between them to patch up everything else. She took as much as she dared then gave herself over to the emotional bond, letting the disappointment and disillusionment ebb away. Rafe changed the pace, easing into a sensual rhythm. Dallas got lost in his golden gaze and sank into euphoria. The slid of his skin, the rapid beat of his heart, and the warmth of being joined swallowed her senses and spun her world sideways. She loved Rafe to distraction—right or wrong—and no one could take the feeling away.

Given the botched mission, the ministry could try to separate her and Rafe, but she'd fight tooth and nail if they made the attempt.

Rafe leaned down, his breath hot against her ear. "Stop thinking, Dal." He flicked his tongue over her lobe. "Just feel. Me. You. What we have. Feel." His mouth met hers in a hot kiss.

He flexed his hips, bumping hard against her clit and she broke, coming hard, the release washing over her until her toes tingled. Rafe followed quickly behind, thrusting deep and emptying himself. He collapsed sideways and hauled her close, tucking her head against his shoulder.

He brushed her hair back with his fingers. "Sleep, Dal." He pressed his lips to her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere."

She snuggled into his embrace and let her eyes drift closed. Rafe would keep watch and she could shut her brain down and finally rest.

Whew. Dallas has a lot on her mind, but some quality time with Rafe never hurts. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Broken Arrow

Greetings!

Gah! What a week in television. Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D got interesting, Sons of Anarchy kicked several plots up a notch, Arrow continues to WOW me, Haven had a kick ass episode and Walking Dead still amazes and creeps me out all at the same time. J I already miss Strike Back, but hopefully a new season will be announced, if it hasn't been already.

Shifting gears, tonight's post is from Broken Arrow, a novella where Cailin has to figure out where she belongs and how to get there.

Here's the tagline:

Cailin Berg is a broken arrow, a mage suffering from a crippling experience who can no longer use their skills, and she wants to find a way back to her practice. Phelps Morlach can't give her any answers, but he will offer whatever assistance he can provide… especially since he holds some of the responsibility for Cailin's predicament.

And a preview snippet…

Farsi turned, picked up a bowl filled with sand, and placed it on the table. "You need a compass, my dear." The oracle drew a circle in the grains and added directional markers. "Someone to guide your aim so it stays true."

Cailin frowned. "Someone?" Could the spiritual guru make less sense?

Farsi nodded. "Yes. A person."

"Could you be less informative?" Cailin huffed out a frustrated breath. "I'm supposed to do what, exactly? Follow some guy, or hell, some girl around then?"

Farsi smiled, an indulgent curving of her lips, and the gesture pissed Cailin off.

Her hand slammed down. "Don't screw with me, old woman. I'm not in the mood." She slouched down in her chair and crossed her arms in front of her.

Farsi quirked an eyebrow. "I can see you're also not in the frame of mind to see what's in front of you or listen with your heart instead of your ears." She smoothed the sand into a flat surface. "The noise in your head is loud and it drowns everything else out. Sometimes what you need to hear is only but a whisper."

Cailin rolled her eyes. "Whatever that means. I don't have the time or patience for riddles. Either help me or shut up."

Farsi pursed her lips. "Hear my words, Cailin Berg. You have one constant in your life. Find it and you'll find the answers and peace you seek." She lifted the bowl and placed it on the shelf again.

Cailin is fun to write, her impatience often mirrors mine. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

New Release: A Magical Affair

My Halloween release for Silver Publishing's Magic and Mayhem special call is out today!! YAY!

Click to Buy

Available from Silver Publishing | $3.99

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

October 20, 2013

Hello!

So… one of the things I love about The Walking Dead is how much it blows my mind and creeps me out in equal measure. LOL Seriously, the show has so many little nuances that always suck me in, and yet it tops itself weekly by grossing me out to the point of wanting to heave. :D

Let's see, what else? Strike Back season finale did NOT disappoint. I have one or two teeny quibbles, but I had a huge grin on my face with the final scene, so yeah, direct score for season three (or, well, four, if you count the way I do and consider the first series with Armitage and Lincoln as number one). I honestly hope there's another season to watch and enjoy.

Arrow also ranks right up there on my obsession list. I want to talk and write meta posts about how much I love it. I haven't been so obsessed with a show since the reboot of Battlestar Galactica. Sons of Anarchy comes close, but I sort of avoid the fandom circles for the show.

Anyway, tonight's post is from Your Call, an opening book to an as yet unnamed series. The couple will hopefully feature in a few more books, but maybe not as the main draw. The sages are being rather stingy with the details at the moment. LOL

Here's the tagline:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

When Norje woke up, a sparkling glint in the moonlight caught her attention. She sat up and stretched, then tilted her head to the side. Reaching out, she ran her hand over the grass, her fingers snagging on a ring. An attached note fluttered in the breeze when Norje picked the silver circle up.

The River. At Dawn. It's your call. (PS The ring is optional) —Barrick

Norje closed her hand around the burnished circlet, the metal warm against her palm. Barrick wouldn't make demands or insist she wear it. But she would…

Wait, she would? Norje drew her knees up to her chin, the inky sky lightening with the first slivers of gray streaks on the horizon. She wanted something, some type of relationship with Barrick, but the handfasting they'd planned so long ago couldn't possibly work, could it?

The defeat of Hoyt didn't mean anything. A skirmish won, nothing more. A war brewed and the weavers would seek vengeance at the least, a full on battle royale at the most. Matrimony—something she'd wanted so much before Hoyt created the nightmare they'd just lived through—would only deepen her connection to Barrick. The risk of being used as a weapon against him made her heart hurt. Or vice versa. Could she stand up to Barrick being tortured or harmed because of her? Hadn't she already?

She earned the reward of being with him. They'd fought and won—even when they thought they were on opposing sides. That counted. They were stronger together than apart, but each had their own skills and abilities to see them through dark days and possible separations. Pink, feathery light from the sun broke through the clouds and Norje blew out a nervous breath.

Rising slowly, she let a smile ghost over her lips before she tucked the ring in her pocket and lifted her face to the sky. The sun's golden rays peeked up over the horizon. Perfect timing. She had just enough time to make it to the river's edge to meet Barrick before dawn fully broke to start the new day. 

Now I just need to write the actual epic battle part. LOL Ugh, it's all in my head, I swear. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: X + Y

October 13, 2013

Hi!

So…. Walking Dead is back!! Arrow premiered!! The Tomorrow People is pretty awesome. Strike Back is one episode away from the finale and ripped my heart out Friday. And Sons of Anarchy is batshit crazy, which I totally love.

TV is good right now, people. So very good. Oddly, when I've got great stuff to engage my mind, I tend to write more prolifically. This is not a bad thing. LOL

Tonight's post is from a fun novella, X + Y, and features two warring clans who have special abilities. Wolf and Vail definitely have their work cut out if they want to be together… which neither is sure about, by the way. :D

Here's the tagline:

Vail Gault and Wolf Vermassey have a wicked, powerful attraction for each other. Too bad their clans are brutal rivals in the underground world of meta-human politics. Pitted against each other, they can never be more than opponents in a cage match who happen to have sex that makes their sparring matches look like cake walks.

And the preview snippet…

Wolf answered the loud, pounding knock.

Vail shoved her way into his house. "You don’t get to walk away. Not yet."

Wolf closed the door and turned, giving her a considering look. She had a wild and frenzied air to her charged words. Wolf fought the pull and willed his dick not to respond. The electric current, static-filled and burning hot, of her ability drew him like a magnet. But he had to step back—way back—or risk being found out.

He cocked his head. "I already have, Vail. I’m done." He strode to the bar and poured a healthy amount of vodka in a glass. "I've had the cred for a long time. I fought because I needed the outlet."

She made a low growling sound. "And what'll take the place of the adrenaline rush a cage match provides?"

He shrugged. "Nothing. But it's time. Has been for far too long."

Vail pushed for an answer. "So what? Are you getting pressure from family? Demands?"

He lifted a shoulder. Let her think what she wanted.

Vail sputtered. "Since when do you cave in to the whims of the crazy relatives?" She paced back and forth, frustration rolling off her in waves.

Wolf tossed back the contents of his tumbler. "I don't. But I've got good cause to move up."

She scoffed. "What the fuck would that be?"

Wolf opted for the truth. "I won't be used to settle familial scores." Once the other jackasses discovered his weakness for her, it would only be a matter of time before they all tried to take him down.

Or eliminate him entirely.

Vail stopped short and whipped her hear around. Her eyes narrowed and she held his gaze for several long moments.

She finally got it.

Her eyes slid closed. "By using me, right?" Her shoulders slumped and she dropped down onto the wingback chair by the fire.

Wolf nodded. "She gets it in one." He poured more vodka and  handed the glass to Vail.

She gulped the alcohol down in two swallows. "Fuck."

Wolf's head bobbed. "Exactly."

It's a good thing Vail is a quick thinker. She's got just the solution to their dilemma. And it blows Wolf's mind. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Magical Affair

Greetings!

Whew! I'm relieved to say my favorite characters are still intact on Strike Back and Sons of Anarchy. And I got to see more of Stonebridge than I have in a while. :D

Arrow returns Wednesday and I'm dying to have it back on my TV. The behind the scene teases and brief clips are only serving to whet my appetite. Come on, Wednesday!!

Enough about television. It's time to share some good news!! The release date for A Magical Affair is October 26. Silver Publishing's special call for Magic and Mayhem is available for pre-order now.

Here's the tagline:

Welcome to Magic Meadows, the place where fantasies are fulfilled in vivid detail by an ancient wellspring of magic.

And another preview snippet…

Heath knocked on the heavy oak, arched door, then stepped back to wait. His eyes drank in the sight of sedate luxury. On the drive up, his breath caught in his throat at the sheer size of the place—a huge four-story center section, with three-story wings on each side. He'd bet his last dollar there'd be a courtyard or gardens with some kind of stables or guest house finishing off the square. Or maybe the gardens would open up to a rolling landscape with outbuildings tucked back into the dense forest behind the mansion.

His anticipation kicked up a notch when the handle clicked and the door swung inward, revealing a tall, thin man with inky, black hair.

"Welcome to Magic Meadows." He ushered Heath inside.

Romy stood at the bottom of a grand-looking staircase, and her best friend Stacie hovered on a step behind her.

Heath grinned. He had no idea Stacie had returned from her trip to Japan.

Romy moved forward and wrapped her arm around his waist. "Heath, this is Jarvin, the owner of all this." Her free arm swept outward.

Heath stuck his hand out. "Jarvin. Nice to meet you." He gazed in Romy's direction. "What's up your sleeve?"

She chuckled. "Funny you should ask that." She angled around, grasping his hips. "Jarvin and his partner, Vivica, are launching a new kind of retreat, here, at Magic Meadows." She held out a hand, and Stacie came forward. "They invited us to be their first clients. A trial run for them to work out the… uh… more interesting aspects of their specialty, before officially opening their doors."

Heat radiated off the women, and Heath had a solid idea of what Romy had in mind. His pants grew almost uncomfortably tight around his rapidly hardening length. His curiosity kicked into high gear, too. Romy hadn't revealed everything yet.

He turned his gaze toward Jarvin, sizing the man up. Absolutely not Romy's type, a little too thin and long-faced, but he wanted to get the guy's measure, maybe figure out what the 'more interesting aspects' could be.

Jarvin's lips curved in a knowing smile. "Heath, your lovely Romy has some very specific things planned for your stay here. The Meadows is a remarkable place, sitting atop an ancient wellspring of magic." He paused when Heath narrowed his eyes. "I don't blame you for being skeptical, but please displace your doubt." Jarvin turned and held out his hand. "Vivica, darling, let's show Heath what we can do."

A stunning blonde with an hourglass figure and a hot red dress came into view on the second floor. She smiled and started a slow walk from the end of the corridor leading toward the stairs. Before his eyes, she morphed from curvy to lean and leggy, wearing fuck-me heels and a sheer white negligee. Heath blinked, and when he looked again, her hair had changed to a shimmery black. Two steps later, she sported a short, cropped cut, dangly jewelry, and wore hiking boots with cutoff denim shorts and a halter in an ethnic print. When she reached the top of the stairs, Heath sucked in a breath. The walls and steps faded, replaced by a fire escape on the exterior of a brownstone building. She kicked the release and started a descent down the metal rungs. Halfway down, the scene changed again, the stone altered to an ornate, gilded interior with lush, carpeted steps, and Vivica now had an elaborate up-do in a shade of chestnut that complemented the emerald green sheath and matching shoes she wore. She reached the bottom and made her way toward Heath, grasping his hand in greeting.

Heath shot a sideways glance toward Jarvin. "Okay, very impressive. I won't even bother asking how, because frankly, I don't care. It's enough to know it's possible." He turned toward Romy and noticed the room had gone back to its original decor. "You never cease to amaze, Rom. One of the many reasons I love you."

She flashed a wide smile. "Thought you'd get on board." She nodded toward Stacie. "And, as expected, Stace is happy to participate." She hooked an arm around her friend's shoulders.

Heath observed Stacie, noting the differences between the women. Stacie had been Romy's roommate in college, and Romy confessed they sometimes literally shared a bed. He could care less. In fact, he got hard just thinking about Stacie's curves tangling with Romy's long and leggy frame.

He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers. "Glad you're back… and here. Romy has great taste in friends."

Stacie gave him a flirty smile. "And in men. I can't wait to get started."

I'm so excited about the release! Please enjoy!

That's it for this week.

Click to Buy 

Cheers!

Skye