Sunday Snippet: We Have a Winner

This is going to be a super busy week. The best part is my daughter is graduating from grad school on Friday. I'm so excited for her. And very proud of her accomplishments!

Our weather did the warm up then plummet back down thing this week. Gorgeous, though. Everything is turning green and blooming. I love those first signs of new growth.

Got a lot finished up with work projects. I think I'm getting closer to having a work-life balance again. I hope so because I have a busy May and June coming up and need to get some things done around my house.

Pretty decent week of viewing. I ended up keeping Dark Winds on the back burner because one of my faves dropped new episodes.

I finished up the run of London Kills. I'm quite happy with where things ended up on the chance there won't be any new episodes. I will say I'm not keen on the other DI so I'm hoping that's not going to be a thing if there is more to this series.

Brokenwood Mysteries is back! Watched the premiere episode and it didn't disappoint. Kind of twisty and turny and a little bit bonkers, which is perfect. Also rather nice to see Mike's house again. It's been missing the last few seasons.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one and liked it. I'm interested in how things with Selwyn's daughter will end up playing out.

Caught another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm almost finished with the second season and hope the third will be available soon. Really liked the episode. I loved the interactions with Esther and Zoe. And really loved watching Anne deal with the letdown of finding out her new man is married.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I have vague memories of this one but don't remember enough to know if Blight will end up making a return. My money is on yes.

Finished out the week with an episode of Classic Rugrats and, again, both were new to me. Actually loved the crawl space one. And, weirdly, I really enjoy Taffy.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from We Have a Winner, a fun story about a betting pool of a when will they get caught couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Kella Yates and Weston Grogan can't fight their attraction and everyone knows it. The entire crew of their ship waits in anticipation for their inevitable hook-up. When they finally cave in to their lust, the winner of the when will it happen pool can be declared.

And a sneaky peek…

Kella should've figured Weston would be on the same wavelength with her. After the interlude on the observation deck, the craving for more kicked in. Someday—hopefully soon—they wouldn't have to have stolen moments at random locations. They'd have the same bunk assignment.

But not tonight.

At least they didn't have to worry about being interrupted. Finally, they could have their sexy way with each other. As much as she wanted to go slow, she doubted they'd be able to. But … they would get fully naked.

After checking to make sure they had a clear path, Kella darted to the small arms locker and keyed in the access code. Weston followed and undogged the hatch. Kella's blood heated when Weston entered and tugged her in behind him.

Weston pushed Kella against the bulkhead and worked the zipper of her sweatshirt down. His mouth burned a trail from the column of her throat, down over her shoulder and lower, lower, until his lips closed over the taut nipple he'd exposed. His hands shoved Kella's pants past her hips and she stepped out, twisting around to grab hold of Weston's tanks, hauling him close to mesh her lips with his. Using both hands, she backed him against the bulkhead and repeated his movements. Tanks up and off, pants undone and shoved down. She went one step further, sinking to her knees and enveloping his hard length between her lips, going deep.

Weston moaned, his fingers tangling in her hair. "Damn, Kella. Give a guy warning next time."

She grinned around his cock, drawing back, but grasping the girth in her hands. "Now where's the fun in that?" Her tongue swirled around the tip, flicking back and forth. "Besides, you didn't give me any the last time."

Weston's lips quirked. "I didn't, did I?" He reached down and hooked his hands under her shoulders. "As much as I'd love to keep your lips around my dick, I gotta have more." His fingers delved between her thighs and found her wet and ready.

Kella bit back a moan. "Yeah, I get it. I'm so ready." She hitched her leg around his waist and sank over his hard length.

Weston groaned. "Ah, yeah. I've missed you…"

This story is going in a direction I didn't anticipate, which is always interesting to me.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wasted Credits

Very long week. Once again, the weather is all over the map, but spring might be peeking around the corner. Or, well, possibly summer. We could see eighty degrees (F) this week.

I might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on numerous work projects. I'm kind of excited about a couple of them being closer to the author's publication date. I have several nonfiction projects that have been super challenging but they're great books.

Had a decent viewing week. I did skip my new show this week. Didn't have the mindset to watch. Dark Winds will hopefully return during this upcoming week.

I'm almost finished with London Kills and it's such a good show. I've really enjoyed the way the weekly cases weave in and out of the overall story arc. And the character growth has been well done.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise with the season twelve holiday episode. Really good storyline! It's fun to get Selwyn backstory.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. Sad to see Anne get caught up in a not-so-great situation. Loved the way Martha handled Zoe's mistake. Also fun to have Humphrey and Martha approved for fostering.

Got blown away by another episode of Elementary. The case ended up being intriguing and the end? Wow. Did not expect that to happen.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond and enjoyed it. I remember this one from my original run through and loved the call back to Batman: The Animated Series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of the vignettes and particularly liked the video game one.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wasted Credits, a novella that pulls a couple together while they're stationed at a mining colony.

Here's the miniblurb:

Valora Prime can't figure out why a smart, attractive man like Hackett Barnes pays for sex. When she corners him to find the answer, his response catches her off guard and she has to make a quick decision. Let him in or let him go.

And a sneaky peek…

Damn. He couldn't make it any more obvious that he wanted to spend time with her. Or admit how deep his feelings for her ran. Not without making her bolt for the door.

He shrugged. "Look, if you don't want me to waste the credits, why not spend time with me? It's a simple request." That had a lot riding on it. Mainly his sanity.

Val opened her mouth. Closed it. Frowned.

Then shook her head. "No. No way. Never work." She made a hand-wave motion. "Uh-uh."

And maybe protested a little too strongly.

So he pushed. "Why?"

Her brow furrowed. "Did you miss the first part of this conversation?"

He shook his head. "No. But I'm asking for one week. No more. No less."

She huffed out a breath. "You're serious."

He gave a nod. "I am." He leaned back and folded his arms across his chest.

She got up and paced. "No." She paused, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. "No. Uh-uh." Her head tilted to one side. "No. Can't." She waffled back and forth for several more moments.

Hack got up and walked toward the bar. "Sounds to me like you're the one with the problem, Val." One he finally understood.

She couldn't handle it when he caved and tried things her way.

She backpedaled. "No, I've just known you a long time. This isn't you."

He splashed some liquid in a tumbler. "And I'm finally on board with your way of doing things and you're the one backing out." He gave her a moment to respond and when she didn't, he jerked his head toward the door. "Fine. I'll see you when I get back to the colony." He turned away from her and picked up the glass.

He waited until the door slid open and shut before downing the contents.

He'd laid everything out and she walked away. "Didn't really expect anything else."

But damn if I'm not disappointed.

I like how this one is coming together. I had a small wobble but it worked itself out.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wait No More

Geez, halfway through the month already and I feel like I'm stuck in reverse. Not to say I'm not getting anything done. I am. Most of it is work related, which I'm not complaining about. But … I do need to do a better work-life balance. Even my daily oracle card draw is pointing me in that direction.

I'm still buried under multiple projects, and all are making solid progress. I've never had so many nonfiction manuscripts and I'm actually enjoying being able to switch back and forth between the variety of genres there and with my fiction manuscripts. I have a holiday horror story, a romance, and a mystery in fictional work.

Not a bad viewing week. I made it through my usual round of shows did get to add the new show. I enjoyed it and will add it to my current roster. There's one additional show I'd like to work in, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.

Caught another episode of London Kills and, yep, the beginning of the showdown with David and Vivienne started. Can't wait to see what happens next. Rob and Billie should probably brace for impact.

The new show I started is Dark Winds. So far, really enjoy the premise and the pacing. The acting is top-notch also. I had a sneaking suspicion the new deputy would end up being more than met the eye. Glad I was right about that.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'd seen most of this one at some point on Ovation and I liked having the full episode from beginning to end. I'm also enjoying Darlene a lot. Glad they added her to the team.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. It's so much fun watching Martha's mom going on dates. I'm also interested in how things shake out with the fostering situation. Very cool to have some Margo backstory also.

Caught an episode of Elementary and I'm kind of sad Kitty is headed for parts unknown for now. I do love that her story had a satisfying resolution. Also so happy we got to see how she kind of saved Sherlock from himself.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. Inque made another appearance and that was fun. Also kind of cool to see Bruce back in the field and how much Terry tried to protect him.

Finished up with an episode of Classic Rugrats. Enjoyed both vignettes and also discovered I have more episodes than I thought I had left. This isn't bad news.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wait No More, a novella that explores a reunion for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Zoey Blythe pushes Cash Mateson out of her life when she sees how much good he can do as an elected official. Ten years later, their paths cross again and Zoey realizes she should have fought a little harder to stay by Cash's side. Heading up the security detail for Cash's campaign, Zoey feels the spark again, but marriages and careers are on the line, even if she doesn't want to wait anymore.

And a sneaky peek…

Cash woke up alone and frowned. "What the hell?" He'd bared his soul last night and Zoey couldn't even wake him up before she left?

After grabbing a quick shower, he gathered his gear and coffee and headed out, determined to find Zoey. He made it as far as her unit house, only to find her missing. Where else would she be?

He bumped into her CO. "I'm looking for Zoey, er, Constable Blythe." He juggled his satchel and tucked his ever-present clipboard under his arm.

The commander schooled his features. "Did you want to file a complaint about Constable Blythe? Did she cause problems on the last leg of the campaign?" His face shifted into stern countenance.

Cash blinked in surprise. "What? No, nothing like that. Just wanted to check in with her." He paused, searching for a good reason. "Wrap up some final notes on the campaign." He took a big sip of his coffee to keep from blurting anything stupid out.

The commander relaxed the tense set of his shoulder. "Oh. Good, good. But you'll have to wait a few days … she's on her honeymoon." He rocked back on his heels and grinned.

Honeymoon?

Cash almost choked on his coffee. "I'm sorry, did you say honeymoon?" No way.

She can't be married.

The commander gave a nod. "Yeah. She got herself hitched bright and early the morning after the election. Some guy she dated the first year at the academy." He leaned in a little. "He washed out, but they kept in touch. Decided to tie the knot and she took her saved leave."

Cash pasted on a wide smile. "Well … good for her. When she returns, please wish the happy couple luck with the new marriage." He made a hasty exit, muttering under his breath. "Think they're gonna need a lot of luck." Especially if Zoey could marry a guy less than four hours after the wild romp in Cash's bed.

He blindly made the walk to the campaign headquarters, which would now become the precinct office. One thought ran rampant through his mind. "I'll never, ever fall in love again." Dumping his now-cold coffee, he slowly made his way to the office of their newly elected delegate.

Stram Barton welcomed Cash with a hearty handshake. "Cash, my boy, glad you're here." He stepped aside, revealing a lovely woman with pristine features and a cool demeanor. "Want to introduce you to someone. Delia Morgan." Sweeping his hand toward the woman, he added. "She's a mover and shaker, very politically connected, and quite possibly perfect wife material … for someone like you." He waggled his eyebrows.

Delia rolled her eyes. "Stram, I'll thank you to stop matchmaking. I'm sure Cash and I can get acquainted without any assistance." She stuck her hand out.

Cash took her palm. "Hello. It's nice to meet you…" Her firm no-nonsense grasp and direct gaze became the beginning of a lovely arrangement.

I love writing this one, but the sages are shifting back and forth on the timeline. Here's hoping they'll figure it out and settle on something soon.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Victory Is Hollow

April is off to a weird start. We had a tornado warning in the wee hours of Thursday morning. That was fun. The temperature warmed up then dropped back down with a chance of snow tomorrow or Tuesday. But, sure, we aren't having any climate issues.

Still plugging along on multiple work projects. I did finish up two and added another new one to my pile. I'm very happy to be busy!

Had a decent viewing week. Ended up making it through my full slate of shows and I think I know which new program I'm adding to the lot. I'll give it a view and report back.

Actually realized I did finish up London Kills last week, so I ended up watching another full episode. Things are headed for a showdown with David and Vivienne and I'm here for that.

Watched Death in Paradise and enjoyed the episode. Discovered Izzy is still around and, well, still not a fan. If she returns, maybe she'll grow on me.

Caught Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. So nice to have a little backstory for Esther. And, if rumors prove true, a potential love interest in season three. That'll be fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I'm definitely interested in how things will play out with Kitty's attacker. I can't wait to see if it gets resolved in the next installment.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond. This is one I remembered from my original run through. Quite liked seeing it again.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and it's one I don't remember so a new-to-me episode. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Only a few more left before I move on to the reboot again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Victory is Hollow, a novella that brings a couple together after a huge mistake.

Here's the miniblurb:

Patience Clew and Del Mindhapel are elite arms instructors for their training academy and have a lot of tension bouncing back and forth. When two of their cadets go head to head in an illegal duel and one ends up with an almost mortal wound, the top teachers are confined to quarters and that's when the tension really goes out of control.

And a sneaky peek…

I'm not looking for compromise.

Del gnashed his teeth. "So it's your way or no way?" She'd never accomplish what she wanted that way.

Patience shrugged. "Pretty much." She went back to reading her book.

Del shook his head. "Then your victory is hollow. Because if cadets lose their lives to prove your point, it means nothing. The price is too high." Then again, maybe it wouldn't matter.

If they couldn't come to an understanding, this discussion would be moot.

She frowned and met his gaze. "What are you talking about? Our cadets didn't die." She went back to her book.

He snorted. "This time." He paced back and forth. "What happens when one does?" He stopped and glared at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You're making more of this than you need to." Her focus went back to the page, but her knee bobbed up and down.

Del resisted the urge to punch something. "Live ammo, Patience. The duel aside, we train with live ammo. You're insane if you don't think it can happen. Because it could." And definitely would if she refused to consider any kind of compromise. "Especially if you're not willing to bend a little and come at this topic from a different angle." He bit back a sigh. "All I'm saying is you better be prepared to face a tribunal when the worst finally happens." Out of steam, he sat at the table and pulled out his paintbrushes. "Do you really want that?" Uncapping the paint, he dipped the tip into the vibrant red.

She stayed silent, but her leg bobbed nonstop.

But … he didn't push for an answer. Because, honestly, he didn't have the desire to argue about something that should be simple to understand. Working on the model ship, he hoped like hell he'd given her an idea to chew on.

This story is bouncing all over the place, but I think I've finally got the main beats down.

 

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

ML Skye