Sunday Snippet: Organic Chemistry (a Civil Revolution novella)

Had a slower work week and got a good bit of cleaning and clearing done. I also got some solid viewing time in. I'm also somewhat stunned that August is just around the corner. This year is flying by.

I started my watch week with Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries and got two episodes finished. The first one did indeed have Percy the Putz involved in his usual shenanigans. The second one made my heart ache but I thoroughly enjoyed getting some background on Birdie. I'm loving the episode titles for the second season as much as I loved the first season's. Can't wait to finish season two up this week, which I think is probably doable.

Caught two episodes of Silent Witness. These finished out the eleventh season and I'm getting into the seasons I've definitely watched before. I'll be starting season twelve this week.

Enjoyed two arcs of Classic Who and I'm getting close to the end of the seventeenth season. Not sure how many more Four has but I'm excited to start Five's tenure soon.

Finished up UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I thoroughly enjoyed both seasons and got a few neat little plot bunnies from what I viewed.

Caught four episodes of The Muppet Show and finished out the second season. The guest stars were Bob Hope, Teresa Brewer, John Cleese, and Cloris Leachman. Looking forward to starting season three.

This was my week for finishing up seasons. I watched the last two episodes of The Hardy Boys and I'm so excited there's going to be a second season. I really enjoyed how everything played out and I'm so happy everyone got the ending they deserved. Also kind of thrilled there's a seed planted for more possibilities for the eye.

Watched two episodes of Peak Practice. The first one finished out the third season where everyone said good-bye to Beth and Jack. The second started season four with Will on the hot seat trying to save the practice. Glad to see Andrew sticking around for a bit and I kind of liked the new doctor.

I finished up the Master Class with David Carson. I enjoyed getting his insight to graphic design and learned some new things. I also started a new class with LeVar Burton on storytelling. I'm very excited to work through this series of classes.

Caught two episodes of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm loving how accepting the group is being about Theo and I'm kind of interested in how the academy stuff is playing out. I like Nick okay but I'm a little twitchy about his motives. Can't wait to find out if there's more going on there.

Enjoyed two more episodes of the Brokenwood Mysteries. I loved this show. The wine episode ended up being a great little mystery and the golf course episode was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved seeing the story play out on that one.

Started Star Trek: Discovery and have to admit I'm cautiously optimistic. I quite enjoyed the first episode. I'm looking forward to more.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and have to say again I'm so glad I'm finally getting to watch this series from the beginning. I'm getting close to the end of the first season and I'm looking forward to the season two.

Passionflix premiered season two of Driven and the first episode rocked. I loved the first actor that played Colton but the recast works very well. Looking forward to the next three episodes!

Started UFO Witness and liked the first episode. It's only a single season so I'll see where things go.

For nostalgia's sake, I started the new version of the Rugrats (heretofore referred to as New Rugrats). The original will always have a special place in my heart since all three of my kiddos loved the show. It had the rare ability to appeal to little ones and grown-ups with so many inside jokes. The new version is quite charming and I'm happy to say I think I'll enjoy it.

Last but not least, I started a new episode of Blue Heelers. It's a two-parter and looks to be kind of interesting with lots of bridges being burned and internal affairs out for blood.

Whew. That's if for television this week. Tonight's post is from Organic Chemistry, an Civil Revolution novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dominic Marinelli and Etta Morgan meet under very difficult circumstances, but form a relationship built on one basic need … sex. When Etta decides to strike out on her own, Dom has to figure out why it bothers him so much.

And a sneaky peek…

It's just not right. I saw her first. Wanted her first.

Had her first.

Too bad Dom hadn't been able to keep her.

Dom Marinelli cursed the twisted fates of inconvenience. One look at Lex Durban and Dom had lost Charlotte forever. They'd hit the refugee underground after spending a solid week living in each other's pockets and the only thing Char had to do was smile and Durban had been on her like a shit ton of bricks.

Not that Dom had been any different. He'd pulled Charlotte out of a bad situation and offered to get her to the camp. She'd hopped on the back of his bike, scared and shaking, but ready to go.

She didn't know him, but she'd put her trust in his ability to get her where she needed to be.

Safety.

And in that exact moment he'd fallen for her. It didn't matter that she had a price on her head. Or that the corporation she did R&D for had put it there. It didn't even bother him they had to lay low and take a very circuitous route to get to the underground.

Because he considered every moment with Charlotte a gift.

Two days into their journey they had the sweetest sex he'd ever experienced. He opened up and told her things he'd never shared with anyone else. Told her about his craptastic childhood. Maybe if they'd met differently—extreme circumstances provided a shared intimacy almost from the first instant—he wouldn't have fallen so hard. And maybe he'd just been alone too long.

Neither had made any promises, but Dom thought they might have a chance.

Until Lex.

Dom really wanted to hate Durban. But he couldn't. In fact, Lex proved to be a good man, one Dom called friend.

Durban took charge, got in everyone's face, and rode their asses. Everything Dom didn't do, or would think of doing. A natural leader, Durban often made himself a target to protect others.

Dom worked more effectively in the background, hovering in the shadows, to watch and observe. His ability to blend in and ferret out pertinent information made him a good counterpoint to Lex's sometimes swaggering presence.

In spite of the elephant in the room, Lex and Dom worked well together. Dom's feelings for Charlotte rarely got in the way. If he needed a break from the happy couple, he left the compound and scouted for intel. So what if he pushed the envelope sometimes and stayed out longer than Lex's limitation of forty-eight hours?

Dom usually made the extra time worth it. A foraging excursion, a resupply of necessities, liberating medical goods … he never came back empty-handed.

And okay, he kinda liked that Char worried about him and fussed over him when he came back.

He never claimed not to be a sick bastard.

Durban would eventually rip Dom's ass for constantly breaking protocol, but until he did, Dom had some control. Not that he made it a power play. Dom had no desire to give orders and be responsible for the refugee compound. He did his bit and pitched in wherever they needed him.

Lex should kick Dom's ass for thumbing his nose at the rules. They were there for a reason. Dom had a feeling the other man cut him slack because he got it. He understood Dom sometimes needed to lick his wounds and be alone.

Like now.

I'm so excited about this series, especially if it comes together the way I'm hoping it will. There's at least one more book, possibly two after this one.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Operation Moot Point

Another crazy-busy week but I got a lot of television watched. Finished up some short-term projects and got started a new long-term project that I'm excited about. July is almost over and I'm kind of surprised by how fast it's flying by.

On the television front, I actually got four episodes of The Muppet Show watched. Julie Andrews, Jaye P Morgan, Peter Sellers, and Petula Clark were the guest stars. Had a funny conversation with my brother about the reason I've been rewatching the series—mainly because it's something I remember us doing when we were way younger—and he regaled me with how he remembers certain skits more than he remembers the guest stars … and that's actually kind of true for me, too.

Ended up getting in two episodes of The Hardy Boys also. Really excited the guys got into the secret room and I loved how they completely disagreed about what to do with the pieces of the eye. Interested in what Stacy's game actually is. Something tells me she's not quite as ready to trash everything to do with the circle as she claims. I love how shady all the possible baddies are on this show. I can't wait to see how the first season ends with the finale.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice and enjoyed both. I liked being able to see Beth and Jack grieve for their loss. Andrew is definitely growing on me, which is a good thing because he sticks around for a long time. Will is Will and I like him as he is.

Watched two more Master Class lessons with David Carson. The first focused on designing impactful magazines and I got some good information from that one. The second one was about designing your future and had the four group members trying to predict what their future would like in design. It was interesting and I liked the group overall.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The final with midwinter as the backdrop ended up being really good. The opener of season two with the epiphany set some interesting dominoes in play. I'm kind of excited to see where things go.

Loved the finale of Street Legal. I'm kind of hoping there's a second season because I'd like to know where the characters end up going. I kind of didn't see the partners hooking up coming but I'm interested in how that ends up playing out.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med. Both were excellent. I'm so happy I'm finally able to catch this show from the beginning.

Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries had a great episode. Watching James and Peregrine tiptoe around each other makes my heart equally happy and sad. I love seeing the ramifications play out with them though. Next episode looks really good with Percy the Putz stirring the pot again.

Watched the second part of Silent Witness and ended up really enjoying the ending. I think I caught it during my initial run because I vaguely remember how things played out.

Got a full arc of Classic Who in and enjoyed the four episodes. I'm still not sure about the whole new regeneration of Romana but we'll see how the season plays out.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I'm nearing the end of season two and I'm not sure if there's another season or not but I quite enjoy this show.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and, so far, it's interesting. There's a reporter that's annoying but otherwise good story rolling out.

Started a new-to-me series with Brokenwood Mysteries. I loved the first episode and look forward to see how the next few hold up to the premiere.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Operation Moot Point, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Zia Rogue and Keb Belova are highly trained soldiers and put in charge of Operation Moot Point. Between them and their specialized skills, they should be able to plan the surprise party for the base commander—if they can stop arguing long enough to actually get the work done.

And a sneaky peek…

Not a single ship fired at him when he dropped down to follow Zia's trajectory. Not even the surface rail guns aimed his way.

Hitting the thrusters, he hit the halfway point. "I'm as crazy as she is." He kept going intent on saving her ass.

A single thought circled around in his brain. I can't face life if she's not in it. What that meant on a deeper level, he couldn't answer. Instinct drove him to keep moving so he didn't have to find out.

He shot past the final enemy raider and rolled into the space next to Zia.

Zia's voice crackled over the line. "What the hell did you just do?"

Keb blinked, a little stunned to still be breathing. "I came to get you."

Zia sputtered and choked. "Why? Seriously … why would you do something so stupid?"

Keb bit down on the truth. "Because two on this side and ten on the other gives us all better odds." And it meant she wouldn't die alone. "You got the message out, right?"

She huffed out a breath. "Fine time to ask. But, yeah, I did."

Zeb slowly started forward. "Then we'll close ranks and take out as many as we can until reinforcements arrive." He switched over to address the full squadron. "Hold positions for ten count. Cut all chatter." He didn't want anyone to lose focus. "Tighten the net by mark zero four every seven. If the raiders stray out of the zone, tear 'em up." He eased forward a little more.

Zia's voice came over the ship to ship. "I didn't get an acknowledgment. We don't know if we'll get help."

Keb shrugged. "Doesn't matter. We've got a small window of opportunity here. We're between the enemy and their satellite, which means they can't call for more ground assistance. We hold the line here for thirty and do as much damage as we can." They'd be fucked on epic levels if another squadron didn't show.

Zia muttered on the ship to ship. "I still don't get why."

Keb didn't give her an answer. "Squawk twice if you get an acknowledgment. Otherwise, go silent. We have work to do." He wouldn't—couldn't—have a heartfelt conversation with her about the why.

Mainly because he still hadn't wrapped his brain around the depth of his feelings yet. And might never do so. Zia never made things easy and usually went out of her way to make them as difficult as possible.

Lining up a target, he let loose with a volley of gunfire and hit his mark. Zia followed suit and took out another raider.

"And there we have it. Nothing like a gun battle to act as a distraction."

I'm having more fun with this one than expected. Keb keeps sticking random little ideas into the story and I'm here for it.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: One Last Chance

It's been a busy week with medical emergencies—not mine, thankfully—and vacationer pickups. Also had a few work projects to get worked in.

Had a great week for television. Started out by finishing up the sixteenth season of Classic Who and I got a start on season seventeen. Interesting choice to have Romana regenerate as the princess of the final arc. We'll see how that plays out.

Watched another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. The focus was on the Royal Air Force and I enjoyed the episode. I also started the next one which feature sacred sites and UFOs.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Lou Rawls and Cleo Laine were the guest stars. Had a great conversation with my brother about watching this show while we were growing up.

Enjoyed another episode of The Hardy Boys. The jury is still out on whether the grandma is a good force or a not-so-good one. I'm really excited to watch the next episode with the secret room.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and, yep, a tragedy occurred. I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing the last of Beth and Jack, which is actually what I expected. I'll look forward to their sendoff.

Caught another Master Class with David Carson. This one talked about working with clients and I got some solid information from the session. I might not work full-time with graphic design, but I do work with clients on a regular basis and the lesson had some good strategies for meeting expectations that can apply universally.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina had an interesting episode. I'm still not a Wardwell fan and even less so after this episode. I'm kind of excited to see what Cerebus is going to bring to the story and Zelda made a bold choice I didn't quite expect.

Watched the penultimate episode of Street Legal. I have to give Steven Lund kudos. I loved his journey in this episode. Olivia overstepped in a way I didn't quite believe. I hope there's a bit of an explanation in the final episode of season one.

Enjoyed another Ready Room recap. I'm having a lot of fun with guest stars who were previous cast members. I might not be able to say the same with season two. I'm not a Q fan in the slightest. Here's hoping the writing makes me change my mind.

Finished up another episode of Blue Heelers and enjoyed it. I also caught another episode and started a new one. I'm creeping up on the halfway point of season three.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med. Again, I really enjoyed the multiple threads. Will's arc impressed me. I loved the opening scene with Rhodes and Will working together and getting along, mainly because of the reactions of the rest of the team.

Watched another episode of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. Bertie cracks me up. I love Samuel and Violetta. I'm hurting for Peregrine and James but I can't wait to see more and how they work things out. I miss Fleur and I'm kind of hoping we'll see more characters of the Adventuress Club. So far, season two is making me very happy.

Enjoyed the first part of Silent Witness's two-parter. Nikki's dad is a piece of work. I'm kind of glad I can't remember how things play out with him. Looking forward to seeing the second part this week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from One Last Chance, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Uma Banks, a natural born pilot, fails everyone she loves. But her biggest catastrophe is Fitz Winterson, a lifelong friend who should be more. Uma has one last chance to make things right … if she doesn't blow it again.

And a sneaky peek…

Uma, heartbroken she wouldn't sign a contract, cried on Fitz's shoulder. A complete testament to the chemical enhancements of the pain killers.

Fitz offered her some solid advice. "You could enlist."

Uma stared in open mouthed shock. "Are you insane? I am not my mother." She shuddered. "And I don't want to follow in her footsteps."

Fitz lifted a shoulder. "Then don't." He sat next to her on the bed. "Outdo her. Opt for pilot training and go off planet." He squeezed her hand. "You could earn a spot in OCS and work your way up through the ranks." He slid a sideways glance her way. "Imagine your mom's utter irritation if you became an officer."

Uma scoffed but it made her think. Her mom retired as a sergeant major and held little regard for commissioned officers. Maybe because she'd been passed over for selection each time her name had been submitted for consideration. If Uma wanted to go a different route, applying to flight school meant almost certain acceptance in the officers candidate school … as long as she passed muster and made it through basic maneuvers.

She took the three days she spent in the hospital to consider the idea. Met with recruiters several times and signed on the bottom line two months before graduation. She shipped out the day after. Her mom didn't see Uma off. Her rage and disappointment in Uma's choice sent Ursula on a binge.

But Fitz showed up when Uma called him. Something shifted during their exchange at the hospital. She wanted to share the news with him.

Fitz met her at the station the night before her scheduled departure. "Congratulations. I'm proud of you." He hauled her close and hugged her.

When he set her back away from him, she smiled, basking under his praise. "Thanks for coming. It means a lot." She stepped forward and pressed a kiss against his lips.

Fitz cupped her face and whispered. "I've got a room across the street. Come back with me?"

Filled with hope, she nodded and took his offered hand.

She owed him so much. Not the least of which could be the future she might have.

This one is kind of all over the map right now but it's slowly coming together. Uma is being very vocal and Fitz is patiently waiting his turn.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: One Hot Mess

Happy Independence Day if you're in the US. If not, I hope you're having a terrific weekend. Our weather is very pleasant and mild so I'm not going to complain about that. I will express frustration with random people letting off fireworks, but only because our doggos hate them.

Had a truly jam-packed, great television viewing week. Started and ended the week with No Offence. I finished up the series and I'm not disappointed at all. What a experience!

Also watched Silent Witness and I'm almost through the second episode of the two-parter. I watched the first part at the end of last week and should have this one finished up by the time I'm ready to post this blog entry.

Caught another arc of Classic Who. The fifth part of the key has been found so I'm almost ready for season sixteen to come to a close. So far, I've been on the fence with this season but it's enjoyable.

Watched an episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one dived into the cover-ups in the US. I'm always fascinated by how much this show reminds me of the X-Files. I love it.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Rudolf Nereyev and Elton John were the guest stars. Really enjoyed Elton.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. I'm starting to like the new doctor. He kind of rubs everyone the wrong way but I truly feel for the guy coming to a small village where the residents are all used to things being a specific way.

The Hardy Boys had a terrific episode. I'm kind of interested in how the boys are dealing with starting at a new school and uncovering their mom's past there.

Dove into another Master Class with David Carson. I didn't think I'd get much out of the whole collage lesson but I did walk away with a few ideas about how textures and colors work together on a physical level.

Watched Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and, wow, Sabrina definitely had a bomb blow up in her face. I'm kind of glad to see it but also now wondering how everything is going to play out. Still not a big fan of Wardwell.

Caught another episode of Street Legal and thoroughly enjoyed. I'll be honest … I'm not always a fan of Olivia but I enjoyed her interaction with Emily. I'm also really interested in the dynamics of the partners. Definitely going to enjoy watching the rest of the episodes.

The Ready Room had a great recap and family reunion with Wil, Jonathan, and Brent. Such a fun episode and really looking forward to the next one.

Caught an episode of Chicago Med and really enjoyed it. I'm totally down for the rivalry between Halsted and Rhodes but I'm looking forward to when they're really great friends too.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I'm kind of interested in how this one plays out because Nick has been getting on my nerves lately. We'll see if that improves or not.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from One Hot Mess, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Eva Twine and Van Jefferson have a very friendly rivalry when their teams compete for the galaxy championship. But when Van questions what Eva will wear to the celebratory masquerade, she decides to rock his very foundation.

And a sneaky peek…

Eva ordered a drink at the bar. She felt very conspicuous in the killer dress even if it seemed to have the desired effect. More than one head did a double take when she'd walked into the ballroom.

Too bad none of those second looks had come from the source she wanted.

The bartender placed a scotch and water in front of her. She picked it up and took a sip then narrowed her eyes in his direction. The guy's lips quirked and he winked at her.

"Don't look now, but I think you've got an admirer." He quickly picked up a bin full of empty glasses and made tracks to the sink.

Had Van finally shown?

Eva turned around slowly and fought the urge to laugh out loud at the pole axed look on his face. Okay, the dress and heels? Totally worth it.

Van's gaze traveled slowly up and down. "Eva?" His eyes raked over her again. "Wow."

She lifted a brow. "What? Didn't think I had it in me to pull off a chanteuse?" Another nice, slow sip from the scotch and water gave him time to work his tongue loose and provide an answer.

He let out a low whistle. "No." He frowned. "Er, wait. That's not what I mean."

She chuckled. "Telling me I look kick ass awesome would not be remiss." Her lips curved in a smile.

Van licked his lips, his eyes going over her from head to toe again. "You do. Amazing." He met her gaze again. "No, incredible." Beautiful.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it. Me in a getup like this might be a once in a lifetime deal." Draining her glass, she set it back on the bar.

Van moved to stand beside her. "Well, I'm glad I got to witness it then." He reached out but drew his hand back and shoved it in a pocket.

Eva finally registered his costume. He'd gone old world detective. It should have looked very clichéd, but on him, somehow it came across as authentic. Right down to the concealed weapon in the cane.

She sent him a crooked grin. "Look at you. Interesting choice." And strangely hot, but she kept that to herself. "Very cloak and dagger."

This one is so much fun to write. Eva and Van have terrific chemistry and I love how this book is coming together.

 

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

ML Skye