Sunday Snippet: Hot Rocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Rocks, a novella that brings two characters together under horrible circumstances but also gets them to face their issues.

Here's the miniblurb:

Ava and Walt are taken by the enemy and subjected to torture. They won't find a better time to examine their long and storied past, right?

And a sneaky peek…

Walt closed his eyes. By the cosmos, I didn't miss her sassy mouth. Okay, maybe he did a little.

Walt grimaced. "As if existing didn't piss him off already?"

Ava's knack for keeping him on his toes—by questioning everything—might have prevented his headlong rush into attempting too many crazy stunts during the war and counted as the main reason he lived to help rebuild the galaxy. Dammit. She would have to be the one Woggins caught.

Ava snorted. "Can't argue that point." She hissed out a breath. "Dammit, this metal burns." She shifted her position, which brought his forearms into contact with the searing metal.

He winced but kept a grunt of pain behind his lips.

He hoped but couldn't be certain he got a signal blast out. If he did, he prayed one of their former platoon members bothered to check. But … since he had no way of being sure, he'd give the news to Ava straight-up with no chaser.

He shook his head. "No, I'm not stupid. If I keep his focus on me, you might have a chance." If they didn't scorch to death first.

Ava made a rude sound. "Right. Because Woggins will suddenly grow half a brain and understand the concept of mercy." She rattled the frame. "You're not stupid. You're delusional."

Walt didn't doubt he might be. "Maybe, but there's a chance—a slight one—and I won't give up until I know it's a bust. I used an old relay signal and might have got a coded message out." And … if only one of their former attack squad got the signal, they'd come.

Hopefully with reinforcements.

Ava huffed out an angry breath. "Care to share what's going on in your overly optimistic brain?" Her lack of faith came through loud and clear.

Before he could reply, Woggins strolled back in.

Walt lowered his voice. "Just follow my lead." He might be able to buy some time. "Now, Ava, you know Dim Shade Hollow wasn't our first battle campaign. We were on Rotten Ridge, remember? That crazy-narrow ledge on the side of Mount Waller." Getting a platoon with forty soldiers set up and ready for battle on that nightmare of a cliffside challenged all of them.

Walt would never forget his first look at Ava, dragging a rail cannon into position then unleashing a volley of explosive rounds on the Axis forces trying to get through the mountain passage below. Their squads eventually merged at the end of the campaign … mainly due to casualties.

Ava made a noise of acknowledgment. "Ah, yeah. That's right." She paused a moment. "First time we kicked the enemy's balls up to their teeth." She struck with a verbal barb. "Didn't we, Woggins?" Her head snapped back when Vince slapped her.

He snarled. "Sheer luck gave you red dogs the edge there. It sure as shit wasn't skill." He rattled the frame, making it tilt wildly.

Walt grabbed the hot steel, wincing against the burning pain. Ava's fingertips grazed his hands, then nudged them off the rack. He flexed his palms, trying to ease the discomfort.

Vince made a slow circle around them. "Enough strolling down memory lane. Time to get down to business." He jerked his head toward his two henchmen.

They made quick work of unhooking Ava and dragging her from the alcove.

Walt closed his eyes. "Fuck. So much for buying time."

I'm not completely sure where this story is going. Actually, I know where it's going but how it gets there is the part that's slowly coming together. I'm pretty happy with the direction so far.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Holly's Masquerade

Our fall-like weather remained with us … to the point we had record lows. I have to laugh a little because it's like a yoyo swinging up and down with record temperatures in both directions. It's nuts.

Had a very solid work week. Possible new projects that I'm excited about and finishing up a big one, which feels really good.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I didn't make it through two times like last week but had almost a full rotation of the shows I normally watch.

Enjoyed another Agatha Raisin episode. I'm settling in with this cast of characters and I love the village vibe. Looking forward to more episodes.

Started a new Silent Witness two-parter and I'm really interested in where this one goes and what's going on at the Lyle. The second half should be terrific.

Caught the finale for season two of Death in Paradise. I'm a little sad because the season three opener is obviously the loss of one of the main characters. But I'm excited to start in with a new character.

Watched another Fantasy Island episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm also happy to report Roark and Javier seem to be on better footing and the angst factor did not get amped to ten or above. A pleasant surprise. The whole deal with Ruby should be interesting to watch unfold. Not sure how I want things to go there.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. This one featured Firefly and I kind of loved the Bruce and Alfred banter in this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and loved it. One part had the babies journeying to the basement ala Indiana Jones style. The second one had the full set of McNultys for a birthday party. So much fun.

Started another episode of VIP but didn't make it all the way through. Too many interruptions to finish, but I hope to get the rest watched today.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Holly's Masquerade, a Specter Station novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Roman Holly can't believe how smoothly the transition to his new base of operations on Specter Station is going, but he has Isis Tango, his uber-efficient admin, to thank. She moves halfway across the galaxy to stay by his side and he's not quite sure why. But Isis will reveal her reason at the holiday masquerade, and it will blow Roman's mind.

And a sneaky peek…

Isis closed one file and opened the next. "Nothing liked being mired in last-minute fixes before Roman gets here." She scanned through the checklist for the masquerade, ticked several boxes, added notes, and forwarded copies to Juna Newberry, Maddox Specter, and Roman.

Leaning back, Isis took a breath then exhaled slowly. Finally, a minute to breathe. "And reflect a little." What am I doing? "Moving to a station half a galaxy away because I'm stupid in love with my boss … not the best use of decision-making skills, Ise."

Then again, she loved an adventure, especially when it came with a challenge. Holly Galactic Group provided a wide range of activities and trials for her to dive into. Problem-solving came easily to her … for other people.

She frowned. "Solving my Roman problem? Yeah, I suck at that." Why can't I use my extensive skill set to not be in love with him?

The universe would never know.

She straightened. "And neither will Roman." Geez, wouldn't he love to have that conversation?

Geez, Ise, why now? You've been with him almost seven years. And her brain picked now to figure out she loved him.

She shook her head. "Okay, the three-week window of alone time had a lot to do with that."

Coming ahead to get things set up and ready gave her ample opportunity to examine the reason she agreed to the move. Which also gave her time to take stock and look at what she wanted for the future. She wanted Roman Holly.

Wait … three weeks. That meant…

"Fuck! Roman's arriving today." Glancing at the time, she cursed again. "Check that. Roman's already here." She scrambled out of her chair, smoothed her hair and clothes and took off at close to a dead run toward the lobby.

She arrived at the bank of tubes just in time for the doors to ping open, revealing Roman and Mattox.

She caught her breath, quickly composing herself before flashing a wide smile. "Hello, I was coming down to greet you. Sorry to have missed your arrival." She stepped to the side, her gaze drinking in the sight of Roman—tall, blond, and made to wear a suit to perfection.

The men exited the conveyance and Roman did a full-circle turn in the lobby area. His head nodded in approval at his first sight of the new headquarters.

Nervous and not sure why, Isis got down to business. "Maddox, I forwarded the final details for the masquerade, you'll let me know if there are any changes?" After Maddox lifted his chin, Isis waved her arm toward the office suite. "Welcome to Holly Galactic Group's new base of operations. Everything is ready, including the link-up to our former office. The file transfers are scheduled to begin at any time." She stopped talking when the men exchanged a quick look.

Damn, I'm babbling. Mortification warred with embarrassment and she kind of wished the floor would open up and swallow her.

She blew out a breath. "I'll let you two head in. You've probably got some catching up to do." She started to reach for the tube button, thinking to make a quick escape to regroup and calm down.

Roman shook his head. "Please, come inside with me. I took the liberty of ordering some food and it's on the way up now. Maddox is heading to wherever Juna is." A sly smirk crossed his face.

Maddox returned the gesture with one of his own.

Isis smiled when Maddox made a hasty retreat back inside the tube after lifting a hand in farewell. Roman huffed out a breath and shook his head, then laughed before heading inside the office space. Isis enjoyed the exchange. It's going to be good for Roman to be around his friend on a regular basis. She followed Roman into the suite of offices, still a bit unsettled over missing his arrival. She might need to start seriously thinking about what she wanted for her future.

And whether Roman would be part of her plans or not.

I have a lot of love for this one. Roman and Isis are a joy to write. The whole Specter Station group is fun to be with.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hedging Bets

Ohio had record high temperatures this past week, but the weekend has brought some fall-like weather. I'm looking forward to seeing the leaves change even if it seems like the colors are less vibrant than they used to be.

Juggled several work projects and I'm in the final stages of two and starting a couple of small new ones. I'm liking the mix of things I'm currently working on. It's fun to stretch my wings sometimes.

Had a solid week of viewing, which seems weird because I did have a lot of work stuff to get done.

I started a new to me series with Agatha Raisin and thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes. I think I'm going to like this one!

I finished up season two of Suspects and, wow, the last episode kind of packed a punch. I'll have to wait to see if more episodes become available on the streamer I use. I'm not quite ready to sign up for yet another one to see the remaining seasons.

Caught the first episode of Peak Practice season ten. Also started the second episode but got a little distracted. I might end up skipping a few because I really don't care about Andrew and his affair.

Watched a Silent Witness two-parter that dived into the Troubles and thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns.

Forgot to include Battlestar Galactica in last week's recap. Watched "Captain's Hand," which is one of my favorite episodes. This week we watched "Downloaded," which is kind of the beginning of the end to a promising series. With twenty years of hindsight, I can honestly say I didn't need or want to know that much about the cylons.

Enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise. I loved the hurricane episode. Only Richard would think it's just a little wind. One more episode for season two and then it's time for a changing of the guard.

Caught two episodes of Fantasy Island. I'll admit, I'm on the fence with Roark and Javier. I'm kind of down with the building of the friendship and letting Javier all Elena out for trying to protect Ruby. The thing is … he's not wrong, but he should also know Elena might have been down this road before and she almost always has information she can't share, which is kind of hinted at when Ruby more or less forgets about Mel. What's next? She forgets her kids? So … I rather love that this thread looks like it will be spun out to a thin tether. Also makes me wonder what's in store with Ruby's tattoo.

Watched two more episodes of The Batman. ManBat and Victor Frieze were the bad guys for these two. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this show the first run through.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Finally had another one with Susie, which makes me happy. Also forgot how much fun it was to have Chuckie act like Angelica for a day.

Started a rewatch of VIP. Sometimes it's so much fun to go back to shows from the late nineties and early aughts and enjoy the creative license and sheer escapism they provide.

Also started another new to me series with My Life Is Murder. I'm not quite finished with the episode, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far!

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hedging Bets, a novella featuring an enemies-to-lovers couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lettie and Thane have issues that are getting in the way of their work and are thrown into separate cells for being insubordinate to a superior officer. Their commander decides they can stay locked up—in the same cell—until they work their crap out or one of them calls for a body bag.

And a sneaky peek…

Lettie paced back and forth. "Ten-day rip. Not sure it's worth it, but I won't break first." She got so damned pissed at Thane sometimes. "The man is so freaking irritating and full of himself." Constantly parading around like he owned the damned ship all because his dad had command.

Thane might have a solid record—no blemishes for him—but why wouldn't he? A dad who could sweep infractions under the rug.

"I get tagged for every little thing and it pisses me off." And if her dad had any pull, she'd get really angry if he stepped in all the time.

She'd make her own way, or she wouldn't make anything.

Why the hell doesn't Thane try that? Hell, with his looks, he'd probably still skate on everything from getting whatever schedule he wanted to having the galley crew save his favorite foods. Seriously, the guy put in the work to stay fit. And his body definitely showed the effort. Broad shoulders tapered down to a ripped torso and narrowed waist. He had carved biceps and his thighs were sinewy and defined. And his ass … could've been sculpted in marble. And maybe should be for posterity.

She snorted. "Pisses me off that I find him handsome and hot." Of course, everything about Thane pissed her off.

Could be why she poked at him all the time. Arguing with him made it easier to fight the attraction. Because she definitely didn't want to get cozy with her commander's son.

She shook her head. "No effing way." Even if she had a ton of respect for the elder Sorenson.

Except when he paved the road with glass so Thane could slide through life with ease.

Corporal Gaff lifted his chin and spoke to Thane, no doubt informing him of the rules, schedule, and expectations of the prisoners serving their allotted amount of time. Lettie hoped Gaff didn't mention how easy it would be to get something to make passing the time a little easier. Books, music, digital magazines, most could be had if the occupant asked nicely.

Gaff unlocked the outer door and directed Thane to the cell at the end of the row.

Lettie tracked their progress with her gaze. "Thank you, Corporal Gaff." The cells were enclosed with glass, but the doors were open bars with a slot for the meal tray.

With Thane being four down from her, she might have to look at him, but she wouldn't have to listen to him.

If he kept his voice down, which would be smart of him to do. Because if he started another fight, she wouldn't back down.

I'm having fun with this one. Lettie and Thane have more in common than they realize and it's so enjoyable to write their story.

 

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

ML Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Healing the Wound

September has ushered in yo-yo weather. We had record low overnight temperatures this past week and we're supposed to end up with record high temperatures this week. My sinuses are not happy right now.

I'm still finishing up the copy edit for the extended project and should have it ready this week. I'm looking forward to starting a new project in the next week or so. September is shaping up to be a busy month and that makes me happy.

Didn't have a bad week of viewing. I got a lot of episodes in and finished up a series, which means I get to start a new one this week. I have no idea what that will be yet, but probably a mystery.

I caught two episodes of Death in Paradise. One I remember seeing before and the other new to me. This is why I love going back and watching in chronological order.

Also watched two episodes of Fantasy Island. Enjoyed both for the fantasy aspect. Did not enjoy the angst factor. As usual, you take a perfectly good couple and break them up for a stupid reason. Depending on how the next few episodes go, I'm probably done with this show.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Batman. Bane and Catwoman were introduced and the Catwoman episode was a lot of fun. The Bane episode wasn't bad either.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. The four vignettes were all ones I'd remembered and pretty fun to watch again.

Finished up the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the final episode. I love mistaken identity hijinks and this episode had a splashy party to boot. So much fun.

Caught the second half of Suspects and thoroughly enjoyed watching the team unravel the tangled web of who did it. Also kind of great to get some insight into the characters' personal lives.

Finally watched the season nine finale of Peak Practice. It was as hard as I thought it would be. I'm not looking forward to Andrew's personal life being a main focus of season ten, but I'll still be watching.

Finished the second half of Silent Witness. This one ended up being very twisty and I like that. Looking forward to the next two-parter. Might get more insight into Jack's character.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Healing the Wound, a novella that brings a couple together after the loss of another character.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jenna Creed loses the love of her life and blames Thorp Waggoner. She needs to stop living in the past and Thorp wants to be the man she moves forward with, which means Jenna has a very big problem.

And a sneaky peek…

Jenna rolled over in her sleep, vivid images filling her mind. Thorp's mouth made a slow trip from the lobe of her ear, ghosting along her jawline before dipping in to nuzzle along her throat. His lips feathered over her shoulder and skimmed her collarbone before inching down to capture a taut nipple. When his teeth worried and teased the nub, Jenna let out a low moan, heat infusing her blood and nerve endings.

"Jenna? Hey … you okay?"

She woke with a gasp, blinking to clear the slumber from her eyes. Her veins thrummed with hot passion, the dream still playing out in her fuzzy mind. Shaking her head, she focused on the face next to hers. One that didn't belong to Thorp Waggoner.

A small smile curved her lips, squashing the kick of guilt roiling in her gut. "Yeah. I'm good, Mick. What time is it?" If still early, she might be able to grab a shower and make some breakfast before Mick had to head out.

He cupped her face. "Gotta leave in five." He rolled off the bed, fully dressed in his fatigues.

Jenna sat up, rubbing a hand over her face. "Shit. Sorry. Why didn't you wake me when you got up?" Before she had the dream…

Mick snorted and grabbed his duffel. "It's the ass crack of ugly o'clock now. No reason you should have to be awake at zero dark thirty unless you're deploying … like me." He zipped his case and dropped it by the bedroom door.

Deployment. For an unspecified amount of time to a classified location with multiple hot spots. Not exactly her idea of a fun way to spend her second anniversary with Mick.

Then again, they'd been lucky. After almost two years together, they'd only had a handful of time apart. And Thorp ended up being assigned to the same base six months ago with a bump in rank. No surprise there.

Mick returned to the bed and sat on the edge. "Waggoner's picking me up here, which I gotta admit surprised the hell out of me." His lips twisted. "Not like we get along well." He rolled a shoulder and met her gaze. "But it means I got more time with you before shipping out."

Jenna gave a nod but didn't say anything. The steamy dream about Thorp rewound and played out again in her mind. A new flicker of guilt unfurled in her stomach. She'd had the stupid nocturnal side trip because Thorp and Mick were going on a mission together. There couldn't be any other reason. She loved Mick and shouldn't feel anything for Thorp. What might have been had no place in her life right now.

A horn blared outside, and Mick leaned in, catching her lips for a farewell kiss.

Jenna only half-heartedly responded, still hung up on the erotic content of her dream. But Mick didn't seem to notice. He already had his bag over his shoulder and headed out of the room.

Jenna scrambled off the bed and dragged a robe on. "Good hunting. Get in touch when you can." Which might not be until they returned from their mission.

Mick gave her a quick salute and exited their house. The loud rumble of the truck accelerating down the road then making the turn for the airfield lasted briefly before everything went quiet again. Jenna leaned against the wall not quite ready to confront the weird vibe she couldn't seem to shake.

She’d make up anything lacking in her goodbye to Mick when he came home. And Thorp would have no place in her mind or heart when she did.

Jenna thought she put the spark with Thorp in a neat little box, but her dream proves otherwise, and she's not thrilled about having the reminder she found him attractive.

 

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

ML Skye