Sunday Snippet: Under a Crescent Moon

*sigh*

Sit back and get a little comfy. I'm going to blather on about my disappointment in the new season of Doctor Who, which feels almost sacrilegious, but necessary. Maybe if I purge myself, I'll enjoy the show more.

So… as mentioned before, I'm not a huge fan of Capaldi as the Doctor. This has nothing to do with his acting. I enjoy his work. But… here's the thing… I just can't get past the fact he's been two other characters besides the Doctor in the Whoverse—Caecilius in The Fires of Pompeii and John Frobisher in Torchwood: Children of Earth. But wait! What about Eve Myles? She played a character in Doctor Who before being in Torchwood. Why doesn't that bother me?

One simple reason. The character she played in The Unquiet Dead, Gwyneth, by rights, could have been an ancestor of Torchwood's Gwen, so… my brain has no problem wrapping around the idea. But Capaldi's characters? Not so much. Wanna know why?

Because THE DOCTOR doesn't have ancestors on earth. Even if I bought the idea Caecilius could be John Frobisher's ancestor, I can't buy the idea they're somehow related to the Doctor. EVER. It's just a big, fat NOPE.

Do I take this Whoverse stuff way too seriously? Oh, hell yes, I do. LOL But… I miss the continuity of the earlier Davies seasons. The sweeping emotional arcs we got in a single episode sometimes. And Moffat is more than capable of writing that way. I mean Blink is one of the most emotional roller coaster episodes I've EVER watched on TV, so he's got the chops to connect with me on that level… when he's not trying to be too quirky or clever or whatever the hell he's trying to be with the gimmicky shtick he's been throwing out lately, especially with the two opening episodes of this season. They were disjointed and messy and I'm honestly not sure what I was watching, but it's not the Doctor Who I love.

And no worries if anyone vehemently disagrees with me. I'm totally okay with the rest of the planet loving the Doctor as much as they always have. I'm just not quite there yet—maybe I never will be—but I'm hoping Moffat rises to the challenge of keeping me as a viewer.

Whew. I feel WAY better now. Thanks for letting me vent. LOL I think I'll rant a little more on my sister blog, or you know, copy this and post it there, too. :D

I could go on about having new episodes of Lost Girl to watch, but I'll save it for a later post.

Moving on… Tonight's post is from Under a Crescent Moon, a sexy short where my hero needs to make amends.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tyra Blanc, a top military pilot, harbors a secret love for classic old romance movies. When she's not paying attention during a briefing, her superior officer, Dev Dravenish, reveals her weakness and Tyra is caught between wondering how he discovered the information and how to deal with the all-out ribbing coming her way.

And a sneaky peek…

Tyra Blanc moaned. "Mmm. Yes, Dev. Right there." Her orgasm hit and she rode it out, planting her hands on Dev Dravenish's chest.

He bucked his hips. "Right behind you, Tyra." His fingers dug into her thighs, tightening when he found his release.

Tyra slumped forward, goose bumps breaking out over her skin. The chilly recycled air doing its job of cooling her down after extremely hot sex. Dev wrapped his arms around her, ghosting his palms over her back. She shifted sideways and he tucked her into his side.

Her head lolled on his shoulder. "Geez, Dev. We can't let a whole week go by without sex anymore." Her eyes grew heavy. "Three times in one night is a personal record."

For her anyway. She had no idea if Dev had ever topped that many times.

His arm tightened around her. "Yeah, two times is my usual limit. At least it is during one night." He shifted to his side and met her gaze. "A full twenty-four hour period is a different story."

Her lips curved in a grin. "Meaning we could continue this in the morning?" She draped an arm around his waist and palmed his ass cheek.

Dev chuckled. "Would love to, but…" He caught her lips in a quick, hard kiss. "Briefing starts at 0600 and my schedule is jammed until after 2030." Maneuvering his arm out from under her, he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bunk.

Tyra groaned. "Dammit, Dev. It's after one a.m." She rolled onto her back. "Early briefings suck balls."

He glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. I know. You're not a morning person." He fished around for his boxers and jammed his legs through. "But sometimes you gotta deal and drag your ass out of bed." He stood up and shot her an amused look. "Do I have to come and douse you with cold water in four hours?" He yanked his t-shirt over his head.

Tyra squeaked out a protest. "Don't even think about it." She lifted her head and punched the pillow. "I'll be there. Won't enjoy it, but I'll be there." Her head dropped and she yawned.

Dev ducked back inside the bunk enclosure. "I'll buy you all the coffee you need after the briefing." His mouth brushed over hers. "Love you."

He straightened and made his way across the floor, crawling up into his berth. Tyra sighed and closed her eyes. They rarely had the senior quarters all to themselves and she didn't regret taking advantage of the alone time. But, ugh, she'd definitely be sluggish and out of sorts when she had to get up in less than five hours. Dev would probably be awake within two, if he held to his habit of going over the briefing notes and checking in with command deck for last minute changes.

She hated his ability to exist on a few hours' sleep. But, oh, she loved what he could do to her in the same time span.

Snuggling into the mattress, she smiled. She could manage to get her ass up, right?

Ha. She'll manage, but it won't be pretty. LOL

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Top Honors

Hmmm. As much as I love Doctor Who, I have to admit to being underwhelmed by the season premiere. I'm not a huge fan of Missy in any way, shape, or form. I love the concept of a female Master, but eh, not thrilled with the storylines she's been featured in. We'll see how the rest of the season goes.

I have been enjoying the new season of Longmire. I like to move to Netflix and, so far, all the episodes have been pretty solid. I think I have two left before I'm done.

I wish I had more excited for the new fall season but nothing is really sparking my interest with the new slate of shows. I am looking forward to my faves returning so at least I'll have something to rave about each week. LOL

Tonight's post is from Top Honors, a novella where my characters have some family issues to overcome.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Katie Beal and Hilton Hillion have a very messy breakup after she fails him from basic flight. Two years later, Forbes Hillion bumps into her at Hilt's graduation from the academy and sparks fly, but Katie won't go down the same road again… after all, her career can't withstand another setback from Forbes's dad.

And a sneaky peek…

Katie Beal entered the commandant's office and stood at attention.

Colonel Nathan Jones met her gaze. "Lieutenant Beal, your status as a flight instructor is hereby revoked and your pay grade lowered to O3. You'll report to the base hangar deck at 0600 first thing Monday morning for new orders." He glanced away. "If I had my way, I'd keep you on. You're the best instructor we've had come through here in a long time." Clearing his throat, he looked back in her direction. "My hands are tied, Katie. I'm sorry."

The use of her given name took some of the sting away from being dismissed. But she needed to be stoic and not crumple under pressure.

Katie gave the colonel a terse nod. "I understand, Sir. Thank you for the opportunity." She met his gaze again. "And for being the best commanding officer I've ever had." Her voice wobbled and she slowly drew in a deep breath.

The anger set in and helped keep any stupid tears from forming behind her eyelids. She blamed no one but herself. Getting tangled up with a student ? Never ended well, as her affair and subsequent break-up with Hilton Hillion proved.

And Walsh Hillion made sure he drove the point home by working behind the scenes to protect his baby boy's name and do his damnedest to muddy up hers.

The colonel sighed. "This business with Hilton isn't your fault, Lieutenant. The kid didn't have the chops and you did what you were supposed to do."

Katie's lips twisted. "Not according to his dad. Apparently I should've passed his son, regardless of the fact he'd have never made it through the board quals."

Colonel Jones shook his head. "I'm aware of the cadet's shortcomings. He entered flight school later than most, charmed his way into your heart, then blew every opportunity you gave him." He met Katie's gaze. "But Walsh Hillion is a damned fine officer, one who wields a lot of power—rightfully so in most cases—just not in this one." His shoulders slumped forward.

Katie gave a quick nod. "I meant no disrespect, Colonel. I hope you know I don't hold any ill will towards the admiral." And therein laid the bitch of her entire situation.

Admiral Hillion had a reputation for demanding excellence. She respected his drive for distinction and merit. But she didn't have to like the man or his tactics. Her anger over his machinations would pass. Her disappointment with her stupidity would linger for a long time.

Colonel Jones stood up. "Lieutenant, if I ever have the opportunity to bring you back as an instructor, I'll do so. Keep your credentials up to date." He came around and walked her toward the door. "And stop in when you can. I have no doubt I'll be seeing you on base from time to time." He gave her a kind smile.

Katie made her lips turn upward. "Thank you, Sir. I'll look forward to seeing you." She turned and started down the corridor.

Once clear of the educational building, she leaned against the outside wall. Dragging in a few deep breaths, she exhaled slowly and lifted her chin. Walsh Hillion could use his rank like a blade, wielding his mighty sword to fell a lowly lieutenant. Katie would soldier on, keep her head down, and wait out the storm.

She didn't envy Hilton at all. He'd started flight school later than most, almost a full two years behind the average age. He'd held out, going to college for two years before applying for the basic course. Katie asked him about it once and he'd mentioned not living in his brother's shadow. His sibling made top gun status within the first year of graduating so Hilton held out… until his old man pushed hard to add another pilot to the family roster. Hilton caved and did okay in the basic course. He faltered once he got into her advanced training program. And when he realized he couldn't bluff his way through her classes, even though they were romantically involved, he did the smart thing and told her to fail him—after they broke up. Too late to do much to save her post as an instructor, but she'd take the hit there. She could've done the smart thing and rebuffed him.

Katie shook her head. Hilton had a keen intelligence and he'd go far in the military… just not as a pilot. Hilt needed a position where he could analyze details, project outcomes, and use the bucket loads of charm he oozed without trying. Something like military intelligence. Katie would bet her next pay grade the spooks and spies would recruit him before he graduated.

Maybe his old man would back off then. But she wouldn't bet on that one.

This one is so much fun. Katie's got a good head on her shoulders and once Forbes steps in, the admiral won't know what hit him.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Threshold

So… The Last Ship? Probably one of the best season finales I've seen in a long time. I love this show! Now I have a whole year to wait for new episodes. *sigh*

Not much else on the television front. I'm patiently waiting for my superhero shows to return and watching a lot of new stuff on Netflix. The new season of Longmire is now streaming and I'm two episodes in. I love where things are going so far… stay tuned to see if that changes. LOL

New Doctor Who episodes start the weekend. Can't say I'm super excited to have a new season, but I'll watch and hopefully be surprised. After investing so much time, I'll have to keep current with what's happening.

I also started a beta read on a great story for an author friend. Looking forward to finishing it up this week.

Tonight's post is from Threshold, a novella that's kind of close to my heart. I love the concept of this story and how it's coming together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Satin Welch takes one look at the gorgeous Blade Killian and has to have him. She purchases his slave contract and grants him freedom. Blade doesn't trust the beautiful woman or her idea to make him a partner on the Threshold, a pleasure ship traveling throughout the galaxy, but he can't quite resist the chance to make his own choices after a decade of sexual servitude.

And a sneaky peek…

"The Court hereby grants Satin Welch the sum of one hundred and fifty million credits and the deed to the cruiser class ship, Threshold." The magistrate glanced up from his order. "By the decree of this Court, the title is free and clear of lien and Madam Welch can use the ship in any way she sees fit." He slapped the gavel down. "So ordered on this date, year, and time."

Satin let out the breath she'd been holding and resisted the urge to shout with glee. Instead, she rose with as much grace as she could muster and walked out of the magistrate's chambers with her shoulders squared and head held high. Her family could no longer touch her, control her, or bring her to heel.

Or use her to garner favors from their debauched and depraved friends.

Nine years of being whored out by her own blood for anything from settling a gambling debt to gaining a seat on a corporate board, she finally got her freedom. Thanks to her great-grandfather who had promised she'd never have to service another rutting cock or salacious couple, unless she chose to do so. He'd kept his word and she now had the means to do whatever she wanted.

And she had just the plan to get underway.

Stepping out into the atrium of the galactic judicial building, she dug her howler out of her inside pocket and dialed a series of numbers.

Her recipient answered on the third beep. "Yeah, Manilow."

Bart Manilow served as a mercenary for hire and she'd grown up with him. His father ran her dad's security service. Bart got along with his parents about as well as she did with hers.

Satin's lips curved in a smile. "Bart? It's Satin. I have a major opportunity for you and five of your closest friends."

Her dream of putting an end to the sex worker slave trade finally within her grasp, she said a silent thank you to her great-grandfather for making it happen.

Satin is so much fun to write. This may end up becoming a full series if the ideas keep pinging in my brain.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Therapeutic Recuperation

Great news! Killjoys and Dark Matter will both have a second season. I'm doing my happy chair dance right now. LOL

The Last Ship appears to have delivered my greatest wish, but… I may have hoped too soon. I have a feeling a different foe will prove more formidable than those who will remain nameless for now. LOL I can't wait for tonight's episode!

I got to watch the season four trailer for Arrow and ohhhh… can't wait for October to get here. Looking forward to The Flash and Agent Carter, also.

Syfy has a couple of shows I'm going to try, but eh, their slate isn't what I'd hoped it would be. Maybe I'll be surprised, who knows.

Tonight's post is from Therapeutic Recuperation, a novella where my main characters conduct their romance in an odd place.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An accidental blast on the hangar deck lands Nadine Hewes and Hall Pullion in sickbay. The ship's doctor gets them stable then puts them in the same alcove so they don't drive everyone else nuts while they recuperate, leading the pilots to discover all kinds of interesting things about each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Nadine Hewes finished a hydraulic check on her bird, a ravenwing fighter. "Specialist Hannah? Line number four needs to be replaced before the next patrol run." She slid out from under the plane and wiped her hands off on a work rag.

Rachel Hannah checked the maintenance log and nodded. "Got it, Lieutenant. We'll cycle the repair through on the next pass." She moved on to the next plane.

Nadine got to her feet and planted her hands on her hips. Too many nitpick details were being missed by the crew. If her line had blown while on a patrol, she could've taken out two other ships.

The deck chief stopped beside her. "Lieutenant, I'll have another bird assigned to you until the repair is made." His gaze scanned the chart in his hand. "Let's go with Victor Sierra 972. She just came back from being upgraded with the new radar equipment." He shoved the clipboard under her nose. "If you'll sign off, I'll have her towed into rotation."

Nadine scribbled her signature on the line and initialed the box beside the chief's name. "Better make sure she's in tip top shape. I don't want to find anything else your crew missed, Chief."

He frowned. "I'll do the checks myself. And go easy, Lieutenant. I've got a lot of rooks working my deck right now." He motioned for two hands to hook the tow cables to the replacement bird.

Nadine bit back a nasty retort. She understood how hard the delicate balance of seasoned veterans and green newbs could be, but too many errors could get someone killed.

And she'd be pissed if it ended up being her.

Hall Pullion, a fellow pilot, nudged her with his shoulder. "Give him another two weeks and he'll have things running smoothly again."

Nadine slid him a sideways glance. "Easy for you to say. I don't see your ravenwing getting hauled off the deck for repairs." She nodded to his bird, complete with his call sign on the side. "Everyone's going to think I'm Lieutenant No Name when I'm out on patrol."

Hall snorted. "Trust me, they won't. You're flying style announces your presence way before anyone can make out the name or the designation." He crossed his arms over his chest.

Nadine lifted a shoulder. "Good point. One I can't argue with." She turned and headed toward the exit. "And since I'm flying with you later, you'll know exactly where I am."

His brows knit together and Nadine laughed. She had so much fun giving Hall a hard time.

I'm looking forward to writing more on this one. I have such a good time with these characters!

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye