Sunday Snippet: To V or Not to V (a V-World novella)

Whew. It's been a week, right? I finished up several projects and got a couple of new ones lined up. My workload is changing in a lot of ways and I'm happily adapting to the new lineup. Change is good, even when you (meaning me) don't like it. At least that's what I've discovered lately.

Had a very solid week of television viewing. I have something of a pattern and I watch shows on a bit of a schedule. This week everything kind of seemed to speed along.

I ended up getting in three Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I'm enjoying the second season of this show. The episodes are pretty short and fun to watch.

Finished up the Queens of Mystery second part and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. I'm a little frustrated by the overarching mystery of Mattie's mom but I'm very willing to give this show a lot of leeway.

Watched three episodes of Silent Witness. The second two-parter ended up being pretty enjoyable. I like the vibe of having the forensic science mixed in with the pathology. After fifteen seasons, it's probably past time to introduce that into the mix.

Enjoyed two more Classic Who episodes. I actually kind of like the format for this season with Six being on trial. It's a nice change of pace and something a little different from the norm.

Caught two more episodes of The Muppets. Weirdly, the show really started to gel for me in the last couple of episodes. It's more inclusive and somewhat similar to the older format. And it's fun.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I'm very much into the unknown mysteries that haven't been discovered there yet. Dinosaurs, UFOs, weird paranormal encounters. This show has everything.

I'm loving Harrow. I got two more episodes watched and the walls are kind of closing in on the bigger arc of who killed Robert Quinn. I'm kind of excited to see where it ends up.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice and the characters said good-bye to David. It's about halfway through the seventh season and I'm interested in what will follow and what the fallout will be.

Enjoyed two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. She discussed mazes and patterns and the audience and both classes were very interesting. If nothing else, she's given me a new way of looking at projects and I'm here for that.

Got two episodes of Paranoid in and, wow, things are heating up. This is a very twisty and turny mystery and I like how things are playing out. I also love that the three leads are kind of a total mess but still get the job done.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. While none were my faves, they were great to watch as I'd kind of forgotten them. Nice to be reminded.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and I really, really don't like the COO person. As a foil for Sharon, I get the need to have her but, yikes, she's awful, terrible, and rage inducing.

Enjoyed two bonus episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries. A behind-the-scenes short and an interview with the two leads. I finished out everything that's currently available and I'll have to find a new show to start this week to go along with Queens of Mystery.

Got the first of a two-part Blue Heelers watched. I have a sneaky feeling this might be Wayne's swan song. The episode ended up being better than I expected. Can't wait to finish it next week.

Star Trek: Discovery once again kind of blew my mind. I love the interaction with Spock and Michael. The same goes for Michael and Ash. Actually, all the relationships on this show are amazing. Seriously, amazing.

That's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from To V or Not to V, a V World novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mallory Biden and Surge Tempest work side by side to police crimes in V-World, a virtual reality recreation area where anyone can live out their wildest fantasy. But when Surge goes rogue to track down an old nemesis and enters the Void Zone, a dangerous, untraceable place he helped create, Mallory will risk getting trapped inside to pull him out.

And a sneaky peek…

Surge Tempest battled his way through the murky depths of code. "Geez, you'd think I had a death wish." He'd put himself in dangerous territory.

To right a wrong and fix a past mistake.

An old friend—now enemy—had lured Surge into a showdown in V-World. Surge didn't see it coming, didn't expect anything out of the ordinary. A new recruit, a green kid, paid the price, his mind forever lost, no chance of recovery. Surge barely made it out and wouldn've suffered the same fate as Nathan, the new recruit, if Mallory hadn't found Surge sprawled on the floor—unconscious and hanging by a thread. His habit of dancing close to the flame had finally landed him in the fire.

"I probably deserve to be burned." But those who worked with and loved him—the few there were—did not.

And he definitely didn't want Mallory caught in the crossfire. She'd want to kill him if she knew where he'd gone.

The VZ. His old stomping grounds.

Slipping between servers, he grimaced. "It's worse than I remembered." Back in the day when he helped set the place up.

At the time, his hacking skills went to the highest bidder. And Surge decided to never be picky about the work he acquired. If someone would pay, he'd set up the play.

He didn't care if the job skirted legal boundaries. They changed so frequently and so fast that Surge made it a priority to be five steps ahead. Christ, life had been so much easier then.

Until he couldn't be five steps ahead anymore.

Because he got out—after meeting Mallory. She'd come thisclose to nabbing him. No one had ever gotten as far as she had.

What else could he do but join her outfit? He helped Mallory track down people similar to him, ones who lacked the knowledge and skill he had. He'd got out of the creating game and didn't regret it at all. Mallory's band of motley mercenaries turned do-gooders had given him a home. And a purpose.

For five years.

And then he got sucked back in.

By his arch rival and sometimes former employer, Nemesis Sisemen.

"Now, it's game on." Cat and mouse. Hunter and hunted.

Surge didn't want to be in the VZ. But he'd keep going until one of them ended up dead or out of commission.

Nemesis wouldn't shred anyone else Surge had a connection to, or get near anyone he loved.

Nemesis had scored first blood, but he wouldn't win.

"Not if I can help it."

I'm honestly loving how this story is coming together. I wanted something with a bit of a cyberpunk feel but with a futuristic vibe also. So far, I'm pleased with how this is shaping up.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Top Honors

Very intense and bizarre weather this past week. We had a significant warm up, which melted a lot of the snow. Then we had a ton of rain followed by high water and flooding. To top it off, the temperatures dropped again into the teens and twenties and we got more icy rain and snow. Seriously, it's crazy.

Had a very busy work week with projects landing in my inbox. I'm happy to have the work flowing and keeping me busy. Oddly, my writing time is shorter but I'm getting a lot done.

Had a solid week of television viewing. Introduced a couple of additional shows and I'll be adding a new one next week.

Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and finished up the first season. I'll start season two this week.

Started a new two-part Queens of Mystery and rather enjoyed the episode. I love the aunts and I'm starting to really enjoy the secondary characters. Matilda is such a great character even if she frustrates me sometimes.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness's opening for season sixteen. Started a new two-parter and enjoyed it.

Watched three episodes of Classic Who. I should finish the arc up this week and move on to the next one.

Caught two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. I have so much fun watching this show. I really love the haunted places and mysterious forces vignettes.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppets. The show has really grown on me even if it'll never replace the original in my mind.

Watched two more episodes of Harrow. I'm quite enamored with this show and I hope things play out the way I'm expecting them to. There's a twist I didn't quite expect and I love it and it also makes me think things will fall where I think they're going to. I can't wait to find out.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice and even though I knew what to expect, the death did not play the way I thought it would. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet.

Enjoyed two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. She discussed scale and architecture along with storytelling with light. The light lesson fascinated me. I'm a sucker for well-lit—not to be confused with brightly lit—settings. I'm glad I dropped into this class.

Watched two episodes of Paranoid. I'm quite taken with this show. I love the intrigue and mystery and the dynamic of the forming relationships. I think this one might end up with something of a gotcha and I'm quietly waiting with anticipation to see if I'm right.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. One of my favorites, "Meet the Carmichaels," gave me some happy joy for the week. This show fills me with so much nostalgia.

Finished up season three of Chicago Med and started season four. A lot went down on the three finale. I'm still trying to wrap my head around where everyone currently is in the opening of four.

I watched the last available episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I have two behind-the-scenes specials to watch and then I'll have to impatiently wait for anything new.

Finished up an older episode of Blue Heelers. I'll be adding more of these to my weekly lineup. Looking forward to getting back into this one.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Man, this series really brings a great cast of characters together. I'm never bored and I'm glad I'm watching the second season right now because I'm getting to know Pike at the best possible time with the new Trek arriving soon. I can't wait.

That's pretty much it for this week's viewing update. Tonight's post is from Top Honors, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Katie Beal and Hilton Hillion have a very public 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 got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her head. "Another boring night at home." She picked up her wine and took a sip.

A series of knocks sounded on her door and she shrugged into her robe, figuring her neighbor, Mrs. Hanzen, might have a package for Katie. Mrs. H. usually stopped by around this time of night. Katie grabbed her glass and crossed through her apartment to answer. Shocked filled her to find Forbes on the other side, holding takeout bags from the restaurant she'd mentioned.

Opening the door a crack, she kept her voice low. "What are you doing here?" She tamped down the wild flutter in her stomach.

He waved the food and grinned. "I had dinner plans with a gorgeous woman, but she stood me up." He sobered. "And I'm not above asking why?" A tiny thread of hurt entered his gaze.

The flutter edged into a thrum.

This is a bad idea waiting to happen. Again.

But she couldn't resist. Or leave him standing outside.

Katie let him in, but tightened her robe more securely around her and got rid of the towel on her head. Pointing to her living room, she cleared off the coffee table and Forbes opened the bags and handed an entrée to her. The gorgeous smell of alfredo sauce and parmesan filled her nostrils. She moaned with delight.

Forbes gave her a wide smile but didn't comment. He settled on the chair perpendicular to the couch and they dug into the food. Forbes filled her in on what he'd been doing the past couple of years.

She didn't have much to contribute, her career at a standstill. "You're pretty much looking at how I spend my weekends." Alone in a bathrobe.

He finished off his dinner. "Which brings begs the question of why we're here instead out at the restaurant." He relaxed into the cushion of the chair, looking like he belonged there.

Katie shrugged then explained. "I'm not sure I can do any more drama with your dad." She purposefully kept a low profile to stay off the admiral's radar.

Forbes lifted his chin. "Glad you mentioned him. Care to fill me in?" He didn't have to tell her he'd been warned off … his tone spoke volumes.

She sighed. "Well, the biggest change for me is work. I'm no longer an instructor." She also couldn't seem to get transfers approved, but she didn't share that piece of information. "I've been passed over twice for a bump in rank even though my qualifications and scores were more than adequate." A promotion would almost guarantee a new post, which would put her out of Walsh's reach.

Forbes blinked with astonishment. "I'm flabbergasted. I'm sorry my dad's such an ass."

She couldn't quite bring herself to agree with the assessment. "I wouldn't go that far, but I've kept myself in check to avoid further setbacks."

Forbes shook his head. "Look, he has no business mucking up you career." He leaned forward. "He made a rash decision and won't back down because he never does."

Katie shrugged. "I'm the one who got involved with your brother when he was a student. Not the best choice." She huffed out a breath.

Understatement of the year.

Forbes snorted. "The way I see it. You didn't stand a chance. Hilt is a veritable charm factory. The stuff all but oozes out of his pores." He rolled his eyes. "I've seen more than few people succumb to my brother. You're not at fault, especially since you guys ended things, for one. And secondly, you did what you needed to and failed him."

Her lips curved. "Both at his request, too." In hindsight, she might have made the breakup a little less public.

Forbes smirked. "Yeah, he worked the angles there. Took some of the heat off him with the old man." He shook his head. "He had no idea the price you'd pay for that."

She nodded. "Yeah, I know. And he doesn't need to be privy to that information. He's got a good start in a field he'll excel in." She honestly didn't begrudge Hilton anything.

Forbes slid off the chair and down to the floor in front of her. "Look, I don't care that you used to date my brother. I like you. Always have." He grasped her hands. "We don't have to have a full-on romance, but give me a chance." He waited a beat. "Please."

Katie might regret getting tangled up with another Hillion, but her two-year dry spell pushed her to throw caution out the window.

Rising from the sofa, she held out a hand. "Follow me."

I have so much fun writing sibling rivalry and family drama tropes into my romances. Katie and Forbes get to navigate the minefield while figuring out what they'll be to each other.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: To Create a Spy

My youngest kiddo is twenty today. I'm officially no longer a parent of a teenager. Wow. Feels like a milestone.

Had a long week of work projects but got a decent amount of television viewing done also. Sometimes running in the background and other times when I needed to shut my brain off for a while.

I caught two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Skagway featured as a gold-rush ghost town and an island with a possible colony of bigfoot ended up being really interesting.

Watched two episodes of The Muppets. The show is growing on me, which is kind of moot since it's only a single season, I believe.

Enjoyed two episodes of Harrow. I'm very intrigued by the backstory mystery. I want to know who Harrow is protecting because I don't buy into the idea he's the culprit. I'm leaning toward Fern at the moment.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice. I'm liking season seven even if it's kind of messy at the moment. I also rather love the new doctor.

Dove into two more MasterClass lessons with Es Devlin. I love the way she describes her process and how she encourages collaboration. I think I'm going to love this class.

Started The Witcher: Nightmares of the Wolf and didn't finish it. I'm not in the right head space for the animation right now. I'll pick it back up at some point.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. This is one of my background shows. I can put an episode on and enjoy while I'm digging into something else. I needed that this week.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I'm very interested in the episode titles and like how they're all part of a theme. This show is so good.

I'm almost finished with the first season of Snoopy in Space. This is another background show that I can put on and enjoy when I need a break. The episodes are a quick ten minutes and very fun to watch.

Caught another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'll probably finish this show up and then have to wait impatiently for a new season. My one singular critique of this show is having Gina be so clueless about Mike's disinterest. It's been seven seasons and I kind of wish they'd address that dynamic at some point.

Started a new season of Silent Witness and while there's no Harry anymore, I like the changes. Should be fun to follow along now.

Finished up an arc of Classic Who and will usher in a new season this week. I'll be interested to see where the show goes from here.

Started a new mystery show with Paranoid and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. I'll enjoy diving into this one.

That's pretty much it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from To Create a Spy, a novella that got a start with a writing community challenge and might morph into a trilogy.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mariah St. James isn't what she appears to be when she's recruited by a covert black ops group hell bent on using her supposed skill set. But when she finds an ally in Matthew Jamison, she thinks she might actually survive the rigorous and deadly training … until he betrays her by leaving her alone in a dangerous situation.

And a sneaky peek…

Mariah couldn't take it anymore. If she'd been removed from the prison then she had a chance to survive. But first, she needed answers. And she had to find out if she'd landed back in the hands of the insane people who'd forced her to do their bidding.

She craned her neck and scanned the room for something, anything she could use to cause harm … because she'd kill herself before they doused her with those mind bending drugs again.

A sharp pinch along her shoulder made her wince in pain. She told her achy muscles to fuck off and sat up just as the door snicked open and caught her off guard. She moved too fast. Her head swam, pinpoints of light pricking behind her eyelids and the room darkened for a moment.

Squeezing her eyes shut and blinking hard she opened them to find the blue-eyed man standing just inside the door, arms behind his back.

The force of his gaze made her dizzy enough to grab the edge of the cot with both hands … willing herself not to pitch forward and fall off.

Or throw up.

She needed to have a few moments to gather her strength.

Breathing in a calming breath, she raised her head to pin him with a bold stare. “Where the hell am I?” Her voice sounded like gravel on the road.

He merely raised an eyebrow at her choice of language. Damn, ice probably wouldn't melt in his veins. The thought gave her pause but not enough to stay quiet.

She followed with a statement instead of a question this time. “You can’t keep me here.”

Would be nice to know wherever here might be.

Would also be terrific if her head stopped throbbing and her muscles would quit quivering. How could she escape if she didn't get a handle on her body?

I love writing this story and really want to capture a Michael and Nikita with Matthew and Mariah. That series was the inspiration for this novella and part of the writing challenge.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Threshold

The first week of February is pretty much in the books and didn't start off too badly. I ended up with several new projects in my inbox and that never fails to make me happy.

Had a very good week of watching television. Considering we got hammered with a bunch of snow and ice, I'm glad I had power to keep the lights and television on.

I watched a little more of PassionFlix's Seduction and Snacks. Holy crap, the awkwardness is off-the-charts terrific. Kudos to the actors for nailing that down with skill and talent.

I finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. The daleks feature in the current one and Davros. Jury is out on whether I'll like it or not.

Caught two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Finished the first season and started the second. The Alaska Bigfoot episode ended up being more interesting than I thought it would be and the Dark Pyramid episode completely sucked me in. So many weird and unexplained or completely covered-up bits to unpack and explore.

Watched two episodes of The Muppets. The show is growing on me a little. I'm enjoying having the core group in different surroundings.

Started Harrow on the recommendation of my brother and enjoyed the first two episodes. I'm so curious about the overarching mystery and can't wait to find out more.

Enjoyed two episodes of Peak Practice. Season seven is moving right along and has a bit of a different feel to it. So far, I like it.

Finished up Bill Nye's MasterClass and started a new design class with Es Devlin. I think I'll enjoy her instruction and hopefully get some cool ideas.

Caught the two-part The Witcher: Bestiary shorts from season one. Kind of nice to get names and a bit of the lore behind the monsters.

Watched one of my very favorite episodes of Classic Rugrats with "The Santa Experience." My oldest and I used to watch this holiday episode a lot.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Chicago Med. I'm on the fence with whether or not I like Will and Natalie together. Sometimes I think they're perfect for each other and sometimes I think they're terrible together. I like that I can't decide which way to go on this one.

Caught two more episodes of Snoopy in Space. These are so much fun and I love having the human peanuts as the technical crew for Snoopy and Woodstock.

Enjoyed another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'm almost finished with the last available season and I really, really hope there will be more.

Watched another two-part Silent Witness and finished out season fifteen. Based on what I read of the episode teasers, sixteen looks like it's Harry-free. I'm a little bummed but also diving into new stuff I haven't seen.

Loved the latest Star Trek: Discovery episode. This show is so good right now. Makes me excited for season two of Picard and the new show that debuts later this year.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of Queens of Mystery. I'm a little bummed about the lack of communication with Daniel and Matilda but slow burns can also be fun. I love the background mystery of Matilda seeking information about her mom's disappearance. Can't wait to find out more about that.

That's it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Threshold, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

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…

Blade glanced up when two goons came to collect him from the holding area. "Figures." Of course, the gorgeous woman wouldn't lower herself to personally escort him to his new home.

Determined to not go quietly, he struggled and fought, throwing a punch to the jaw of the tallest guy then whirled and struck the midsection of the other. Both men stepped back and away several times, confusing the hell out of Blade.

He finally goaded them. "Are you too weak-minded to let a man fight?" Could he have no dignity?

The tallest one inclined his chin. "No. But you're too valuable to our boss. You can fight all you want, but we won't engage. My name is Bart, by the way." The man extended his hand.

What the hell? Blade didn't understand. Most owners sent the big guys to make sure Blade got the message and understood the score right away. A beat down usually proved a quick reminder he had no rights.

Blade warily shook Bart's hand. Then did the same with Eugene, the other guy.

Docile for now, Blade followed Bart and Eugene flanked Blade on the left. He expected a lesson before they reached the ship—like in the darkened concourse or on the dimly lit tram. When it didn't come, Blade fought a wave of disappointment. He needed an aggressive release and a physical altercation would do that. A huge head of anger over his circumstances continued to build and he'd need an outlet soon.

The gleaming carrier class ship name Threshold came into view. Once aboard, they glided out of the landing bay with little fanfare. Blade had no idea what to expect but his brain tripped over the richly appointed parlor with a long bar on one side and a stage on the other. Plush furniture, placed in intimate seating arrangements dotted the rest of the space.

It didn't take long for the puzzle pieces to fall into place. "A flying brothel? I'm to be a stud of galactic proportions now?"

His keepers didn't respond but led him through an open hatch to a corridor with the same lavishly designed decor lined with staterooms on both sides. Blade followed along, but his anger grew with every step he took. Bad enough he had to act as an on-demand cock for his masters. But at least he knew what to expect at the palatial residences.

Out in space with millions of ports? Would he be servicing aliens now? So many nefarious images ran through his head he slammed into the back of the mercenary—Blade had been with enough military men to know both were soldiers in a former life. Bart frowned, but only opened the door and preceded Blade into the room—no, two-level suite. Eugene remained outside the open door probably to halt any attempt at escape.

Blade's gaze scanned the area, a very masculine decor with warm wood tones and earthy greens and beiges. A sitting area with entertainment monitors opened into a sleeping chamber and a small kitchenette sat nestled into an alcove. Two other doors on the lower level, one he assumed to be a bathroom took up space along the other wall. The upper level had a gaming area and another sitting area and two enclosed rooms. A gilded cage.

Standing in the middle of the living area, he turned to face Bart. "What am I doing here? Who am I supposed to service?" Hell, maybe he should ask what instead of who.

Neither man responded, but a door opened behind Blade and he whirled around to face his new owner. The gorgeous woman had changed into a gauzy tunic with molded leggings and her curvy body tempted him—but only for a moment—before his rage took over.

He lunged for her, wrapping one hand around her throat. "Why am I here?" He expected her to struggle or for him to be hit from behind.

The woman held up a hand, silently directing her goons to stay back while she held Blade's gaze.

Blade tightened his grip. "Who the hell are you?" And why am I reacting this way?

I really love the way this one is coming together. I'm going a little out of my comfort zone but I have so much fun writing this. I hope everyone enjoys it when it's complete.

 

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

ML Skye