Sunday Snippet: Stealing Hannah

The end of October is nigh and, man, it's been a month. Between work projects and personal life stuff, time flew by fast. Helped my oldest kidlet move some things from their old place to their new one and also took him for a job interview. Happy to say he got an offer and should start sometime soon. Also looking forward to trick or treat night and then gearing up for the holidays.

Happy to say the areas where I had my extractions are finally healed up enough that I can eat most types of food. I'm still careful with anything hard and crunchy but otherwise normal intake isn't a challenge anymore.

Stayed busy with work. Have a tricky manuscript that's kind of giving me fits with continuity and consistency concerns, which makes the edit slow way down. Sent off a couple of quotes for upcoming projects and look forward to getting started on those.

Had a decent week of viewing. I made it through a full round of my shows but kind of in backward order. Will probably have the same thing this week.

Started off with an episode of Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see Lastrade get back on track. Interesting twisty case also.

Caught an episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. Always like seeing the Flash in action. I remembered most of this episode also.

Enjoyed an episode of Classic Rugrats and only remembered one of the vignettes. The other two were either new to me or memory holed.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I do remember bits of this one and I’m glad I got to see the whole thing from start to finish.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I like how the new cases play into the overall case of the disappearance of David's wife. Looking forward to seeing how this season ends.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Loved the case because it's fun to see a bit of Ruby's past mixed in with the present. I enjoy her interactions with Commission Patterson. Gotta say, I'm not sure I enjoy Neville Parker. I appreciate the fact he's very different from the previous three DIs but … the constant afflictions are, well, annoying.

On a side note, I discovered there's a second spinoff of this show that's set in Australia. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it's available in the US.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and it's terrific to see Jack's niece take a role in the Lylle. Looking forward to the second half of this episode.

Another side note … most of the cast from Battlestar Galactica is in Chicago for the twentieth anniversary of the show. I've been poking around all weekend to stay up to date on what's happening at the convention. My mind is completely blown that it's been twenty years since the premiere of the series. It's still probably my all-time favorite show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Stealing Hannah, a novella that has one of my favorite tropes to write … meeting the wrong brother first.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hannah Keane gets caught between Kane and Trent Canterman when their sibling rivalry heats up. Kane loves to push his brother's buttons by telling everyone Trent likes to steal girlfriends. When Kane introduces Trent to Hannah, Trent decides stealing Kane's girl is a good idea to settle the score once and for all.

And a sneaky peek…

Hannah looked up from her desk, a look of pleasant surprise on her face. "What are you doing here, Trent?"

"That's Lieutenant to you, Junior Grade."

Hannah raised a brow. "Okay … Lieutenant." She sat up straighter. "Doesn't make the question less valid. What are you doing here?"

Trent leaned in close, purposefully invading her personal space. "I have to have a reason?"

Hannah sat back, putting some open distance between them. "We just met last night, and you show up here this morning? Yeah, you've got a reason."

Trent pasted a sardonic smile on his face. "In that case, you can tell me how my little brother is doing." He lifted a brow.

Hannah snorted. "Don't you really want to ask if I'm letting him skate through class because he fucks me whenever I want?"

Crude and right to the point. He had to give her points for that.

He flicked his gaze downward. "Are you?"

Hannah rose and this time she leaned in close to him. "I don't base my grade on how well my students perform in bed."

Trent quirked a brow. "So, Kane's not the first, then?"

Hannah's eyes went flat. "Not your business." She couldn't quite keep the sneer off her face when she added, "Sir."

Trent didn't back off. "Kane's my brother." As if that explained everything.

Hannah narrowed her gaze. "He's old enough to whip it out, Lieutenant. That means he's old enough to know the score."

Trent didn't like the answer. "And what exactly is the score with you, Hannah?"

"That's Lieutenant, j.g. Keane, Sir."

Trent smirked. "Touché. Junior Grade." He quite enjoyed the verbal sparring.

Hannah's lips twitched. "The score is, I like your brother. And until I don't, you've got nothing to worry about."

Trent considered Hannah. Her words, her demeanor. And decided she spoke the truth. Maybe his brother wouldn't get a free pass.

Relieved, Trent relaxed. "And his class work? What's the score there?"

Hannah sat back down. "He does okay. Struggles a little but works hard." She raised her gaze. "He pushes himself to match you."

Trent snorted. "That's the old man's doing. He thought sibling rivalry was a good thing." Trent shrugged. "It's not that big a deal." Except Kane made it one…

Hannah abruptly changed gears on him. "Have I answered each question to your satisfaction, Sir?" She stood up. "Class starts in five."

Trent backed up and gave her room to come around the desk. His goal hadn't been to piss her off, so he played his safe card. "I don't have a score sheet, Lieutenant. You're his instructor and he's my brother. I had to check it out."

Hannah shrugged. "Whatever. I get it. But he'll do what he wants. You should know that."

Trent rolled his eyes. "Believe me, I do." He stuck out his hand. "No offense intended."

She juggled her course books and shook. "None taken." She gripped his hand hard when he went to pull away. "Not much anyway."

Point made.

He offered an olive branch. "Have you been in the new Mach VII yet?" When she shook her head back and forth, he dangled the bait. "Wanna give it a go?" His lips lifted in a smile.

Hannah tilted her head sideways. "Are you serious?"

Trent lost his grin. "I don't joke about flying new prototypes."

She considered a moment. "Then hell, yes. I'd love to get my hands on it." Her face lit up at the prospect.

Trent walked with her to the door. "I'll let you know as soon as I arrange it."

She nodded and headed for class. Trent watched her stride down the corridor, cocky and confident.

He found himself relishing the challenge she presented.

I have fun writing verbal sparring and Trent and Hannah are very good at shooting barbs.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Star Chasers

Had a less than productive week after having two teeth extracted. It's strange because they really weren't difficult to remove—well, one of them ended up being a little harder than the other—but it still threw me off. I think because they were on opposite sides with one on top and the other on the bottom, which made eating a tad challenging.

I also took time away on Friday to meet my daughter so we could do early voting. Very happy to have that done! I voted to raise my taxes for the school and emergency services levies.

Work stayed busy with some cleanup on two drafts and two copy edits. I also checked changes on two proofreads. Those were kind of dropped in on the fly.

Didn't quite make a full round of my usual shows this week, but I did get through about half.

Watched another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder and it was one I'd seen at least part of. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Caught another London Kills and I'm liking this show. The overarching mystery of what happened to the DCI's wife folded into the two cases is interesting to me. I'm a little worried about the trainee DC. Things could go really sideways for her if she's not careful.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise episode. I kind of feel like this is the season where Commissioner Patterson gets a lot more screen time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy him.

Finished the second half of Silent Witness and, whoo boy, what a ride this two-parter was. I'm going to be very interested in seeing if there's any fallout from everything that went down.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Star Chasers, which will probably end up being the series or duology's name … but I haven't quite decided yet.

Here's the miniblurb:

Marnie Ritoli, a kick-ass mechanic for the premier team in the galaxy, is presented with a dilemma: choose a new mate or leave the Chasers. But Marnie knows Luce Carrington isn't dead, and she won't play second fiddle to anyone, so she does what she's best at and finds a loophole in the league rules, picking Luce's best friend … the person who backs her into a corner in the first place.

And a sneaky peek…

Marnie breezed into Win's lounge and made her announcement. "I choose you."

Win looked up from his accounting books. "What?" Confusion marred his handsome face.

Marnie reached behind her and pushed the door shut. She had a feeling things might get a wee bit loud in the next few moments.

Walking closer to the desk, she repeated. "I pick you. As my mate." She crossed her arms and waited for the explosion.

Win tossed his pen on the desk and rose slowly. He leaned forward, getting a good look at her very serious face. Opened his mouth, closed it and shook his head.

"Are you insane?"

Pretty much the reaction she expected. "Nope. You're all mine, big man." She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying more.

Win rounded the desk and grabbed her arms. "You can't pick me, Marnie. It's not allowed."

She raised a brow. "Yeah, I can. League rules state I can choose whomever I want, as long as they're not attached to anyone else." She looked around behind him. "You hiding a woman under the desk, Win?" She knew the moment she had him, his eyes went flat and cagey.

He let go and stepped back. "You know I'm not. And you know why." He perched his ass on the edge of the desk. "As president, I'm free to do whomever I want, whenever I want." He gave her a determined stare. "It's gonna stay that way."

Marnie snorted. "No. It's not." She crossed her arms in front of her again. "I checked the charter. That's not a stipulation for this crew."

He shot up. "Son of a bitch, Marnie. It's accepted as one."

She shrugged. "Not anymore. I'm taking you out of play." She almost hated being evil about it.

Win snarled and raked his hand over his head. "You bitch." He spun around and paced back and forth.

Marnie winced but stood her ground. He couldn't deny her request. Not when he'd put her on the spot to make it.

Win turned and faced her, a calculating edge to his voice. "Fine. I'm out of play." He prowled toward her. "And you'll be ready and willing when I decide to collect on my rights to your tasty and tempting treats, yeah?" He trailed a finger down her arm.

She'd known he'd try to brazen it out and threaten her with that one.

She smiled sweetly. "You can give it your best shot." Her hands smoothed down his chest. "But if you do … you can expect my size eight boot up your ass…" She cupped her hand between his legs. "And this big dick of yours in a vice." She lifted her gaze to his. "Don't think it won't happen."

Win swallowed and stepped away. "Why?"

She prepared an answer for that one, too. "Because you put me in a corner. I'm returning the favor." Emotion clogged her throat when she choked the words out.

Win sighed, beaten. "Damn you." He sank down on the edge of the desk.

She'd won the battle, which didn't make her feel better. Only Luce could do that. But … with her point made and status safe, Marnie headed for the door.

Before she opened it, she turned back. "You should already know that without Luce, damned is exactly what I am." Her hand twisted the knob, and she exited the lounge, dejected and depressed … probably only a little bit less than Win at the moment.

I'm so excited about this two-book story. It's going to get a little messy, but I'm having a lot of fun planning this one out.

 

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

 

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Specter's Masquerade (a Specter Station novella)

A weird week of chilly weather and lots of cleaning projects. I'm at that place where the clutter is driving me bonkers, but I don't have enough hours in the day to really focus on a good cleanout. So … I'm tackling small areas to at least make a little progress.

Lots of work projects landing in my inbox. A few have been quick turnarounds, which I enjoy. I love having a project that I can finish up in a few hours. That type of work helps when I also have three difficult manuscripts that challenge my brain and one that requires a lot of focus.

Had a solid week of viewing. I'm still trying to finish up an episode of Peak Practice, but I made it through a full round of shows.

Started with Mr. and Mrs. Murder, an Australian mystery series. I've seen several episodes but not in order and I'm looking forward to watching this one from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode, which I had not seen.

Also started a new-to-me British crime drama called London Kills. Loved the first episode and look forward to watching this series.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise introducing the new DI. Enjoyed the interaction between the commissioner and his new lead detective. Interesting to have someone Patterson doesn't particularly like as part of the team.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm intrigued by the premise of this one. I thought the episode felt a little disjointed and I'm hoping the initial murder somehow ties into the other two. Kind of happy to be guessing on this one.

Watched a fun episode of Elementary with the return of Lestrade. I love the actor, so I love the character. Plus, he's much less annoying than Mycroft.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman. Finally got a return of Batgirl. I'd forgotten Firefly powered up in a big way and almost blew up Gotham. Great episode.

Caught another new-to-me episode of Classic Rugrats. I'm not a great fan of the three-vignette format but I do have a lot of love for this series.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Specter's Masquerade, a novella that brings a couple together on a space station days before a huge gala.

Here's the miniblurb:

Juna Newberry starts her new position as head of security on the Specter Spacestation under fire. She walks into the job two days before the biggest gala event of the solar year, a threat is made on the personnel, including the principal owner of the station, Maddox Specter, all while fighting her attraction for the sexy entrepreneur.

And a sneaky peek…

Maddox still wanted to do bodily harm to every member on his board, but he couldn't fault their choice. After spending half the day with Juna, his confidence in her ability to seamlessly step into the position soared. He loved her sharp mind. Hell, he loved everything about her.

Sitting back while she read through her final notes, he envisioned the type of costume he'd provide. She wore a no-nonsense ponytail, with her hair pulled sleekly back from her face. His fingers itched to pull the holder off so he could see the burnished brunette tresses settled over her shoulders, hopefully bare. She had great bone structure with nicely proportioned curves her uniform couldn't hide. Not that the standard issue garment did spectacular things for her, but his active imagination had no trouble filling in the details.

She glanced up and caught him gazing in her direction.

She quirked a brow. "Do I have something on my face?" Her gaze traveled down. "Or on my uniform?"

His lips twitched. Juna focused primarily on work, but provided flashes of humor, too. He'd love working with her professionally and hoped like hell to wrangle something on a personal level, too.

Even if the timing sucked and probably couldn't be worse. Juna Newberry drew his interest like no woman had in a long time.

She cleared her throat. "Mr. Specter?"

He shook his head. "Maddox, please. Save the Mr. Specter for official use only." Why not test the waters?

Juna set the notepad aside. "Okay, I'm sensing something more than employer-employee in your tone. Am I mistaken?" She paused a moment. "Because, if not, I'd prefer if you were direct and even blunt." Folding her hands in her lap, she held his gaze.

Maddox cut to the chase. "You're not wrong. I'm a driven man and know what I want." He waited a beat. "I want a piece of you." Stopping for a moment, he went on. "I realize I'm out of line here, but I don't believe in mincing words either." He rather hoped he wouldn't get a punch to the jaw for his brutal honesty.

Juna exhaled on a long breath. "Okay, I respect having things out in the open but, yeah, out of line and crappy timing." She glanced away, inhaled deeply, then turned back and pinned him with her gaze. "Can we talk about our mutual attraction after the masquerade so I can stay on task and up to speed without big distractions?"

The words tumbled out of her mouth at a rapid pace all on the one drag of air she'd taken in.

Maddox cocked his head to one side. "Of course. But to be clear, you did say mutual attraction, right?" He should leave well enough alone, but the impulse to push for clarity wouldn't let him.

Juna gave a terse nod. "I did. But I won't—can't—think about it right now. I need to get back to my team and start doing my job." She ended any additional chance for banter by rising from her seat. "Which I'll do right now." Smoothing the creases from her uniform, she shot him a grin. "It's been an extraordinarily interesting start to my tenure with Specter Station." With a wink, she turned and exited his office.

Maddox leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. His board might be the bane of his existence, but they'd done him a good turn by bringing Juna Newberry into his orbit.

A wide smile crossed his face. Paul Edwards would shoot stardust out of his ass when Maddox thanked him for the wonderful treat.

I love this series! There are three more books featuring Maddox's friends and I really hope I can get their stories launched within the next year.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Something New

October is starting off on something of a down note. But it's spooky season and that makes me very happy.

Received some sad news this morning about one of my current authors. He had a rare form of brain cancer and passed peacefully yesterday. I'm so glad I got to know him and his story, which I hope we'll be able to share with others.

I ended up having a decent week with work projects and managed to get some other things done along with a good bit of writing. Have one manuscript almost finished up and I'm excited to get it out in the world.

Pretty good week of viewing also. I managed to make it all the way through my current roster of shows and got one that simmers on the back burner most of the time mostly watched.

Started the week with the season finale of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the episode. So great to kind of have some closure for Alexa's cycle of grief. I loved how the two-part episode played out.

Caught DI Jack's last episode of Death in Paradise. Really enjoyed his sendoff and look forward to the new DI's introduction in the next episode. Really have to thank my sister-in-law for recommending this show.

Finished up the second half of Silent Witness. The episode took a turn I didn't expect and that always makes me happy. For a show that's been running for twenty-seven seasons being able to surprise the audience—or at least me—is excellent.

Watched an episode of Elementary and quite liked it. It's fun to watch Sherlock and Joan navigate their living together and it's really awesome to see Joan stepping out and solving some of Sherlock's cold cases.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman with Green Arrow featuring as the Justice League character. This ended up being a pretty decent episode even without an appearance by Batgirl again.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. Some more new-to-me vignettes. Enjoyed all three.

Also got most of the way through a Peak Practice episode, which is the one that simmers on the back burner when I don't have time to do a full cycle of shows. Looking forward to finishing this one up.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Something New, a sexy short that gives a couple a chance to explore their relationship.

Here's the miniblurb:

The sex is always good between fellow fleet officers Margie Range and Eli Kennington, but Margie wants to try something new. The challenge? They're on a ship deep in the black and the position she wants to attempt needs a lot more space than is currently available, but she won't be denied.

And a sneaky peek…

Wow, she'd stunned him. Am I okay seeing her completely naked—and not in a shower? Hell, yes. His dick hardened even more, and his fingers itched to touch every inch of her.

He gave a jerky nod. "Uh, yeah. Very okay." He made a move to start on his pants, but Margie shook her head.

She pointed to his shoes, which he toed off and kicked pushed off to the side. His hands went back to his waistband, but she twisted her head back and forth again. Then she stepped forward, trailing a finger from his sternum to his fatigues.

She grasped his wrists. "I want the honors." She popped the button and glanced up. "I'll return the favor." Pushing the fabric past his hips, she waited until stepped out and kicked them aside.

Margie rocked back on haunches and ran her gaze over him, starting at his feet, traveling upward. Naked and exposed, he let her look her fill, even though a vulnerable sting of uncertainty slithered down his spine. Could she possibly find him lacking. When her tongue darted out to wet her lips, his confidence soared. Only the bobbing of his erection made the experience uncomfortable.

Margie met his gaze. "Damn, you're incredible." Her eyes went dark and sexy.

He flashed a smile. "I'm feeling pretty good right now. You have that effect on me." She always did.

She rolled up to her knees and leaned in, grasping the back of his thighs, sliding her hands up to cup his ass. "I love everything about you." Her tongue swirled around the tip of his cock. "And I finally get to taste you." Sliding her lips over his length, she sucked him deep into her mouth.

Eli's eyes slid closed. Warm heat surrounded his shaft, and she used the exact right amount of pressure when her head pulled back and moved forward again. Her fingers dug into butt cheeks and, if possible, his cock swelled more. Margie worked some kind of magic with her lips and tongue, and he resisted the urge to thrust deeper.

His fingers tangled in her hair. Being naked while she still had all her clothes on heightened the tension building at the base of his spine. He fed the desire by exploring her scalp with his fingertips. Margie brought one hand forward and fondled his balls. Eli lost the tenuous thread of his control and groaned, spilling his release into her mouth.

Margie eased away and gave him a crooked smile. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." She accepted his outstretched hand and slowly got to her feet.

Eli blinked to clear the pinpoints of pleasure still exploding behind his eyelids. "That … was … amazing." The high from getting off surged along his veins.

And he really wanted to give her the same euphoria.

Having fun writing this one. Giving a couple room to go deeper with their relationship is such a good time.

 

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

ML Skye