Sunday Snippet: Missing You

February kind of flew by, which isn't actually a big shock since it's a short month anyway. But, man, I kind of wish it went by a little slower. I'm always scrounging around for time and short months make me feel like there's less to be had.

Still had trouble focusing this week but I got a lot accomplished on my work projects despite my distraction. Luckily, I have more than one project going so I can hop around when I start to lose my concentration.

Had an okay week of viewing. I have to figure out what's going on with one of my streamers. That could take another week. But I did get through most of my usual shows.

Started with My Life Is Murder and actually got two episodes watched. I like the pickup with Alexa's brother again. I wondered if we'd see him this season. Also enjoyed both cases Alexa had to solve.

Watched the first part of Agatha Raisin. Poor James. I can't wait to find out who offed his bride. I love the interaction between all the characters, but I'm sad Roy isn't in this one. At least not yet.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. Kind of enjoyed having another case mixed in with the ongoing saga of Sam Ryan. I'm really not sure what's going on with her and I'm not going to be super surprised if she ends up being in the clear. Also loved Nikki and Jack's date. Nice to get some backstory with Simone, too.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I remember bits of this one and I'm glad I got to see the whole thing from start to finish. Not a bad opening for season six.

Watched another episode of Elementary. I liked seeing Sherlock realize he'd way overstepped with the NYPD. Also loved having the captain kind of take some of his dignity back.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I'm not as fond of this season and I remember feeling this way when I watched originally. The new format grew on me, and I'll settle back in and enjoy, but I really loved the first season of this show the most.

Enjoyed the penultimate episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Everything is coming to a head, and I can't wait to see how this ends.

Also rewatched the Battlestar Galactica resistance webisodes. Groundbreaking at the time, there's a lot of story packed into ten mini-episodes. And twenty years later, I'm still stunned at how prescient the writers were for what's going on in the world today.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Missing You, a novella that brings a couple together after a lot of ups and downs.

Here's the miniblurb:

Clara Small, the best undercover operative in military intelligence, tends to burn bridges instead of building them. But when she destroys the one she needs the most, she has to find a way to make amends, which won't be easy because Wes Elliot rarely gives second chances.

And a sneaky peek…

Ah damn, I'm tired.

Too tired.

Clara tossed over from her stomach to her side. She and Xen met up with a resistance group just outside of Delphinia and, luckily for them, got invited to crash for a while at their base of operations in the former hospital.

Basic needs … food, water, and, oh yeah … a shower, met, Clara just wanted to sleep and not wake up for a week.

Except she couldn't sleep.

Damn it all to hell.

She rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling.

Why wouldn't her brain shut the hell up? Not even a tri-net game with a hot guy—who cared if he looked an awful lot like Wes—or her usual chin-ups seemed to break through the tension.

Oooo-kay. Run it down then.

She jumped back here … Deimos … under need-to-know orders … for what? Some epic deep cover mission to infiltrate the enemy camp only to get her ass kicked by some raven-haired amazon before she'd barely even left her ship.  

Geez … she still had aches from that little set down.

But Clara had the last laugh. She walked away … Richter—1, Raven Bitch—0.

And Xen. Thank the universe for Xen. She hadn't expected an ally, but she got one. Thank the universe he hadn't been killed in action as reported. They needed everyone they could find on their side.

At least she hoped she had an ally. Xen had been hooked up with Sharee, a possible enemy agent or maybe just someone who played both sides to their own benefit. When the other woman ripped off Clara's ride, Sharee didn't leave Xen with much of a choice but to throw in with Clara.

Her gain. Sharee's loss.

So … why did she feel like shit?

Because I fucked everything up again. She didn't like how things were left with Wes. Which explained her edgy, jumbled-up feeling that wouldn't let her sleep.

Clara's in a deep, dark place, and when she finally realizes Wes is the light at the end of her tunnel, things get really interesting.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Midsummer Mayhem (Capital City Seasons)

It's been a rough week where my brain wants to do anything but focus on work. We also got eight inches of snow on Friday and the temps dropped way down again. My sinuses are not happy at the moment.

Not a bad week of viewing television. The whole distraction thing kind of kept me from getting a full slate watched. I did get through most of my normal shows.

I started out with My Life Is Murder. I kind of like the new assistant but I'm wondering what's going on the Maddie. I also love seeing actors from other shows pop up on this one. I didn't realize how much Australian and New Zealand shows I've been watching.

Caught another episode of Agatha Raisin and finished up the two-parter. Kind of wigged out that James is getting married to someone else. But I loved the interactions in this one.

Continued the eight-part, I think, Silent Witness. This season is very intriguing with a lot of twists and turns. I'm looking forward to seeing how everything plays out.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise and didn't remember seeing any of this one. Happy to have it in the watched pile.

Watched another episode of Elementary. The introduction of Moriarity is something I've looked forward to. Not sure how I feel about Joan lying to Sherlock, but I'll reserve judgment until I see how it rolls on screen.

Caught another episode of The Batman. Enjoyed seeing Scarface again. Also liked peeling back the layers of Hugo Strange. He's an intriguing character.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of them from the original run and liked both. Such a fun show.

Also watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Very interesting twist with Maggie coming back. I can definitely see how the books this series is based on would captivate readers. I do think there's a little loss of translation from the page to screen, but I really love this series a lot.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Midsummer Mayhem, a novella in the Capital City Seasons series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Chris Renfer, alpha team leader for the strategic tactical unit, falls for Melanie Pramble at first sight, but she's new to the city and wants to get her bearings. But when Renfer's team is stuck in a bad situation, Melanie is the go-to person for negotiation and Chris can only hope their beginning doesn't end before it makes headway.

And a sneaky peek…

Chris knocked on Jess and Murph's door two minutes before seven. "What the hell am I doing here?" He didn't really want to unload his personal issues on two of his closest friends.

Jess greeted Chris with a sheepish smile. "Come on in. Slight change in plan…" She led him into the entry space. "We're still having drinks, but we've got company." She nodded toward the living room.

Chris held up a hand. "Look, no problem. We can reschedule." He'd take the unexpected out and thank the universe.

Jess shook her head. "Uh-uh. Stick around." She led him into the living area.

Murph glanced away from his conversation and lifted his chin. "Chris. Glad you could make it." He thrust his palm forward.

Chris shook hands then got a glimpse of their additional guest. A gorgeous woman turned and flashed a very brief smile. Chris sucked in a harsh breath but recovered and grinned.

Ben made the introductions. "Chris, this is Melanie Pramble. She's hopefully going to be joining Margo and Graham as a new partner." He slid his gaze toward Melanie. "No pressure, of course."

New partner? As in she might be sticking around? Chris sincerely hoped so.

He automatically put his hand out. "That's great. Welcome to Capital City."

Melanie clasped his palm. "Oh, I'm not staying. Yet. I'm headed back to New Boniface first thing in the morning." Her voice betrayed her doubt about signing on with Ben's team.

Chris cocked his head. "Lovely area. I can understand your reluctance to leave." But he'd be the first to hope she decided to do so.

Jess stepped in. "Melanie missed her transport out of town so she's staying at one of Angus's apartments. We're waiting on the keys, which Angus is having sent over." She looped her hand around Chris's elbow. "Why don't we get you something to drink?" Guiding him toward the kitchen, she leaned in a little close. "Really sorry about this mix-up. Murph will take Melanie over to the apartment then you and I can talk." She headed to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of ale.

Chris took another look in the living room and decided his restless itch had met its match in Melanie Pramble.

He took the bottle from Jess and tugged her off to the side. "Yeah, about that? My deal earlier? Might not be as bad as I thought."

He glanced toward Melanie again. He couldn't seem to stop looking at her. Yep. Things definitely looked up.

Jess followed his gaze and shook her head. "Chris, my man, you better not mess this up for Murph. She hasn't said yes to the offer, yet." She frowned. "She's got some reservations."

Chris tsked. "Why not? Seems like she'd be a great fit." Not that he would know, considering he'd met her five minutes ago.

Jess lifted a shoulder. "Full disclosure? She's worried things will be awkward. She met Ben when we were split, and they almost hooked up." She met Chris's gaze. "So, don't scare her away. Murph really wants her to join the team."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "I don't care if they almost hooked up. Are you okay with him possibly working with her?"

Jess's lips quirked. "Honestly? I have no idea. But I'll use Ben and Jim as a guidepost. If they got past any weird vibes, I'm confident Melanie and I can do the same."

Chris flicked his gaze toward the living room again. "Here's hoping."

I have a lot of love for this story. Chris is one of my favorite characters from the first book.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Matchmaker's Men

Happy Valentine week to those who celebrate. I'll throw in Galentine, friends with benefits, and all things hearts and flowers, too. February is a short but sometimes brutal month. Celebrate whatever you can.

Very busy work week with some great projects. Ran into a few glitchy things in a manuscript and that slowed my flow down. I actually enjoy that sometimes. Makes me stop and think about the story and how to suggest better changes.

Semi-decent viewing week. Made it through my shortened list of shows but had no time for my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica.

Started off with the season three opener of My Life Is Murder. Still enjoying this show so much. I think three is the last season so I'm going to savor it.

Started a new two-part Agatha Raisin. Very much enjoyed the antics of Wilkes and I'm a little bummed that Bill and Toni aren't really connecting. Also kind of wish Roy had more to do.

Watched the season twenty-five opening episode of Silent Witness. Kind of cool to see Sam Ryan again. I think this season is focused around one main case and I'm kind of excited to see where it goes. Also kind of great to see Nikki and Jack maybe get their bookmark on the same page. We'll see how that goes.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Very interesting premise for this one. Enjoyed the unraveling of the case to find out who did it.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. I like Joan's resistance to staying with Sherlock but it would be more interesting if she actually said why she didn't want to stick around.

Watched another episode of The Batman. I'd forgotten about this one and kind of loved how Barbara figured out who Batman is then decided she had it all wrong. Fun episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of the two vignettes and rather enjoyed both.

Got another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson in and pretty much loved it. The story is moving along and I'm excited to get more details to her past.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Matchmaker's Men, a sexy short that's somewhat Valentine's adjacent.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nova Anell and Matz Yarmacher belong together, but neither wants to be the first to admit it. But when their crew mates start working behind the scenes to put Nova and Matz together, they have no choice but to face what they feel and decide what to do next.

And a sneaky peek…

Matz only wanted to ask if she understood what he meant.

He almost swallowed his tongue instead.

Nova Anell stood in front of him completely naked. No way is that a mistake.

Of course, he'd seen her nude before. The military didn't designate between sexes. A soldier either got with the program or they got pushed out. But showering after a shift didn't have the charged atmosphere of truly seeing her and taking a good, long look.

She fit his ideal picture. She had a toned physique but also had soft curves that complimented the angular lines defined by the physical toll of their work. Not perfect because why would anyone want a cookie-cutter partner. He sure didn't. He wouldn't change one thing about her.

Am I dreaming? Did the air suddenly get sucked out of the room? The pressure in his head exploded outward, filling his entire being with a combination of lust and full-on admiration. How is this really happening? And how long had he actually wanted something more with Nova?

Long enough to avoid thinking about the idea lest the universe would implode. He wondered if the deck would drop out from under him if he moved … because his luck would run in that direction. But his feet itched to challenge reality even if he woke up from whatever strange dream he lived in right now.

Unable to resist testing the theory, he slowly headed in her direction. So far, so good. No faded imagery, no obnoxious alarm buzzing to wake him, and no mushroom cloud hovering in the background.

Stopping inches away from her, he held her eyes. "You're sure?"

He needed her to understand he couldn't go back. He wanted her to be okay with the change in dynamics. There would be a lot more than a shower happening from this point onward.

Matz lifted his chin. "Be really sure…"

I love this story. It's fun to write a group of friends and colleagues pushing two people who belong with each other together.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Well, the shortest month is off to a banger start. I had a full slate of projects and managed to get through two before their deadlines. The other two aren't due until midweek, and I have two more starting this week. I'm so excited to have a full calendar!

Had a semi-solid week of viewing. Made it most of the way through my current round of shows and I'm hoping to continue the same this week. We'll see if the workload allows for it.

Started off with a My Life Is Murder behind the scenes interview with Lucy Lawless. Ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Should be ready to start season three this week.

Finished up the two-part Agatha Raisin. Somewhat disappointed with how the storyline played out with James and Agatha. But also really enjoyed the mystery. I love the reveals from Sarah's past and Bill and Toni better stay together or I'm going to lose my mind.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness and I'm rather happy my fear did not come to light and the grad student didn't drug Nikki's drink. I also love that she basically said, yeah, no thanks to him. I would not mind if Nikki and Jack took their shot. We'll see how that goes.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. I really don't remember any of this one, so it was nice to have no expectations going in. Actually enjoyed the mystery unfold.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Very fun watching Sherlock interact with Joan's family and the way her mom kind of planted the seed for Joan to stick around and work with Sherlock.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I remember watching this the first time around, but I guess I was thinking Batgirl didn't show up until season three. So wrong on that count.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Again, these were two vignettes that I didn't remember, so it was nice to have new to me stuff to watch.

I'm enjoying the second season of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Episode two had some good reveals and I'm kind of excited to see where things go in the next one.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm really, really not interested in the whole Andrew and Kate saga. The ex-husband is a total dick and Andrew is a blockhead if he can't figure out Richard is behind everything. Will be skipping the next episode and moving on to Will's return.

Didn't have time for my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week and I skipped VIP because I wanted to get Peak Practice in. I'll try to pick up with those if time allows.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, a prequel setup for the Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge … and a reunion with his lost love.

And a sneaky peek…

A warm hand smoothed the side of Ceet's face, and he turned over in his sleep. "Dammit, Emaline, ye haunt me even in my dreams."

Feminine laughter filled his ears. "Well, Cedric, you deserve no less. Leavin' me the ye did. But I'm not ahauntin' you, ye daft man. I'm sitting right beside you." A sharp pinch on his bicep followed the statement.

Ceet bolted upright and scrambled to the edge of the bed. "Emaline? What? How?" He blinked and shook his head. "This can't be possible." Or could it…

He reached under the pillow and retrieved the compass. Did you bring my love back to me? The device grew warm under his palm.

Ceet threw the covers back and slid to the edge of the bed. "Emaline Gruder, I've missed ye, I have." His hands cupped her face. "And I love you." His vision grew misty, and his head dropped.

Emaline threw her arms around him. "And I you, Cedric." She eased back. "And if I understand how this is supposed to work, we'll have all the time we ever wanted to be together." She hugged him close again.

Ceet wrapped his arms around her. "Ah, Emaline. I surely hope so. I surely do." He shifted his position and patted the bed then tugged Emaline down beside him. "This island, Sanctuary is her name, is wonderous and full of marvels you've never imagined." His gaze went to the rafters of the room. "She can create buildings, like this here abode. And she made a barn and provided animals for my use." He met Emaline's gaze. "But you have to be certain about what you want, my love. Once yer committed, you can't leave. At least that's how it works for me." And he didn't regret his choice … except for the loneliness.

Which seemed to be resolved.

Emaline placed her head on Ceet's shoulder. "My darling, Cedric. Why would I want to leave? I've wanted to spend my life with you for as long as I can remember. When I got ill and you didn't return, my heart broke." Her voice grew thick and heavy. "And then I was somewhere in between. Dead but not. Wavering but tethered because I didn't get a farewell from you." She clasped his hand. "Now I'm here and we can have a life together…" Her head angled so she could meet his gaze. "But it's a little different for me. When someone else needs the island, I'll have to go away. But I'll always return to you. Always." She straightened and glanced around the room. "And to my new sanctuary … Insula Ara."

Ceet hauled her close. "Then it's time to start our life together…" His mouth claimed hers and everything in his world turned bright and brilliant.

This one is almost complete and I'm excited to get it out there and maybe spark some interest in the Insula Ara universe.

 

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

ML Skye