Sunday Snippet: Win's Maneuver

It's a long weekend in the US for the Memorial Day holiday and also graduation weekend for our local high school. Seems like a great time to have lovely weather, right? It's Ohio so the answer would be probably not. It's cloudy with a chance of rain. But at least the temperature is in the high sixties instead of the low fifties, which is more like March instead of May.

I'm making headway on the multiple work projects. Two have shifted off my plate for the next step in the publishing process and the other six are coming along. I should have at least two more finished up this week. YAY!

Had a pretty solid week of viewing. I did make it through my regular slate of shows and got started on my two new ones. Or, one new one and one that always seems to simmer on the back burner.

Enjoyed another episode in my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The first couple of episodes do such a great job of setting up the dynamic between the characters and I thoroughly enjoy the actors so much.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and like how awkward things are between Selwyn and his daughter. I also kind of enjoy Katherine being in his face but I also think she kind of oversteps sometimes.

Caught another episode of Poirot and enjoyed it. I often feel like the relationship between Poirot and Japp is shortchanged because we don't really see how that started, but the interactions are fun.

Enjoyed another Brokenwood Mysteries. Kind of weird but awesome the victim is someone we met in an earlier episode. And the mystery took some wild turns, which is always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary and loved the interactions with Joan and Sherlock. The ice cream touch at the end is perfection.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I don't really remember much of but also one that I quite enjoyed. There's nothing like a storyline where a character is trapped in a computer and wants to escape to the real world. It's a weird trope that I love.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The two vignettes are ones that were new to me, and I liked both. Weird bit with some out of order information as the Finsters were still calling their dog puppy instead of Pepper.

Watched another episode of Return to Paradise and I'm still enjoying this one. I'm very interested in seeing what happens with Mackenzie and her ex-fiancé. There's a lot of good potential to be very messy with this situation.

I got started on a new episode of Peak Practice but didn't make it all the way through. I'll try to finish it up this week.

Also started a new episode of Reacher, but paused because I need to pay attention and couldn't focus like I wanted to. I'll definitely finish this one up this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Win's Maneuver, a Star Chasers novella that I'm just getting started.

Here's the miniblurb:

Winston Ashcraft, president of the Star Chasers—a maze running club—doesn't like complications … especially when his best friend drops one at Win's feet. Darcy Abbott has a price on her head and Win has no choice but to help her … because she saved his best friend's life.

And a sneaky peek…

Luce strolled into Win's office. "Got a minute?" He arched his brows.

The question—loaded with lead—didn't suggest he'd wait.

Win grunted. "Sure. What's up?" They still had some tricky shit to work through and might as well start now.

Luce dropped a bomb. "I want you to claim Darcy." He dropped his large frame onto the stool across from the desk and rolled it up to the edge. "She needs help, and I want you to take point, if only as payback for the whole Marnie debacle." He didn't quite snarl the words, but he came damn close.

Fuck. He couldn't really say no. If Marnie made the guys froth at the mouth, Darcy would likely cause a riot. She didn't have the grief status Marnie had when they all thought Luce dead. Nope. Darcy pretty much came free of any kind of baggage. Which meant she should be fair game.

The way his gut clenched at the thought did sit well with him. He didn't want a significant other. Not when he'd just lost the previous one … fake as it had been.

Then again, he owed Luce.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Win reluctantly agreed. "Fine. But I really don't need this shit right now." Even knowing what the price would be, he couldn't quite accept defeat.

Luce snorted. "What's the problem, man?"

Win made a rude sound. "It's like cockblocking part two. First Marnie staked a claim so the rest of the club would leave her alone. Now this Darcy Abbott is going to be parading around as my woman, so she's got the mantle of protection that entails."

Luce gave him a pointed stare. "And?"

Win flung a hand out. "And that means I can't just grab whoever's free for a romp in bed." Which Luce, the fucker, already knew.

Luce's lips twitched. "You could try to muster up your nonexistent charm and see if Darcy's game for the full Winston Ashcraft treatment."

Win rolled his eyes. "Something tells me she wouldn't be able to handle it … or me." She had fragile … handle with care … written all over her.

Luce leaned forward, placing his palms on Win's desk. "It would be a mistake to sell her short. She survived on that ship for months before she ran into me. The woman's got grit."

Win lifted a shoulder. "She'll need it around here." Time would tell if Darcy had the wherewithal to survive in the Chaser's club.

I think this story is going to be a lot of fun. Win is very grumpy, with good reason, but Darcy is going to surprise him.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wings Get Clipped

May is flying by at a rapid pace. This week has been intense with burning the candle at both ends for me. This is a good day to take some downtime, which I'm trying to do today.

Work exploded this week with multiple projects dropping into my inbox. I have four nonfiction manuscripts and three fiction manuscripts in various stages of editing. I don't normally have seven different projects going at the same time but, so far, I'm managing them. It'll make for a nice June once they're all turned in.

Had an amazing week of viewing. I got a full round of shows in and caught a couple of extras. Also started a new show that might be sporadically viewed until it's available for streaming.

I started a rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries this week. I'm waiting on some new episodes of a few other shows to drop and this is such a comfort series for me.

Caught another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very twisty and turny, which is always fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm happy to have some Naomi backstory. I'd love to see a bit more of that for the characters.

Started a from the beginning run of Poirot. I've seen quite a few episodes of this show but haven't watched any of them in order. This is another filler series until new episodes start dropping of my current shows.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed it. I'm always interested when weird cases pop up and the cryogenics angle ended up being interesting.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and have some vague memories of the first time I watched it. I'm wondering if the Ts are in any way a throwback to Mr. Terrific. I might have to dive down that rabbit hole at some point.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of these vignettes and I liked both.

I finished up an episode of Peak Practice and might start another one this week. This is one of my back burner shows and I'm happy I got to finish watching.

Started a new-to-me series and watched Reacher. Gotta say I loved the first episode. I did a bit of dive into write-ups of future seasons, and I think I'll stick with this one.

Also got a minimarathon of Return to Paradise in over the weekend. I'm looking forward to streaming this one when it's available in the US. Really enjoyed the first three episodes and I'm excited to see the rest.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wings Get Clipped, a novella that brings a couple together when they get caught up in a vendetta between their superior officers.

Here's the miniblurb:

In the middle of a war, a long-standing personal vendetta comes to light against Schuler Grace and Gren Gambolina's commanding officer and it puts the two soldiers directly in the line of fire. Fighting the enemy within, while doing battle with their adversaries on the warfront, Schuler and Gren form an unbreakable bond to see them through their biggest challenge.

And a sneaky peek…

Schuler skidded to a stop next to Gren, blinking in confusion. What the hell? He's not getting updates and he's playing with wood and glue?

Wharton didn't even glance up from working on the model ship. "What's the problem here?" He added a dab of glue to a sail and affixed it to the mast.

Gren and Schuler started a verbal back and forth, finishing each other's sentences.

"Sir, you know the admiral has it in for you. Transferring us—"

"Only serves to isolate you even more. He knows we'd have your back—"

"No matter what. Why are you doing this without a fight?"

He continued working, mulling their concern. "Maybe I think you'll be better at covering my six while firmly ensconced in enemy camp." Another dab of glue, another piece added.

He had a point. A good one. But…

Gren threw a hand out. "Does anyone else not see how we're talking about members of our own fleet as the enemy?"

Schuler snorted. "So? They're our foes. They don't play by the same rules. The fact they're gunning for us sort of proves that, yeah?"

Wharton paused. "Not everyone on that ship is against us. You'll find allies." He glanced up from his tedious work. "But choose them wisely. Lotta people like to play both sides." His gruff voice held a wealth of experience.

Did he make a mistake early in his career? Trust the wrong person? That would explain one hell of a lot.

Gren tried to dig a little deeper. "Commander, maybe if we knew what we're up against, we'd have better results."

Wharton set the glue and model piece aside then briskly rubbed his hands together. "What don't you know, Lieutenant? My two top pilots and squadron leaders have been reassigned to the admiral's flagship." He got up, grabbed a towel, and wiped any remaining glue residue from his hands. "You're the new blood on deck, meaning you have to earn respect and fight for a place to call yours." He pinned both with his piercing stare. "You'll have your hands full, which you're used to but they don't know that." An eyebrow raised, a silent question of whether he needed to go on.

Schuler gave a terse nod. "And that gives us the opportunity to wait, watch, and win some people over." An exercise in extreme patience.

Wharton's lips curved. "Sounds like you have everything you need." He glanced toward the hatch. "You're dismissed."

With little choice, Schuler turned on her heel and started toward the exit.

Gren followed but delivered a parting shot before leaving. "Sir … I can't shake the feeling something dark is coming. I don't like it."

Wharton didn't pull his punches. "Something dark isn't coming, Lieutenant. It's already here."

Well, hell.  

I'm happy with how this story is coming together. I love writing a good vendetta, especially when one of the character's is unhinged.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Why We Fight

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, mentors, and mother figures out there! Enjoy the day, and if it's a hard day to celebrate, take care of you.

Another wildly busy work week but a lot of projects moved ahead and some were completed. One contrary work thing took an unexpected turn and I'll be trying to figure that one out later today.

Had a decent week of viewing despite the busy schedule. I made it through a full round of my shows, minus one—Dark Winds—because it's not on the streaming service I have anymore. I think it's on another one, but I've been too busy to track it down.

Started the week off with Brokenwood Mysteries. This one ended up being a lot of fun with a couple of interesting secrets being revealed. Truly hope to see more of Trudy and Ray's mom.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed the mystery. Really not sure what Neville's DI friend is doing on the island but have a feeling it's not going to mean anything good.

Loved the Beyond Paradise holiday special for this past Christmas. I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of the season when it's available in the US.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. Interesting to get some backstory of Sherlock's time under the influence. Also intriguing that he stayed somewhat in the background. I like that kind of character progress.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and didn't really have any recollection about this one. I did enjoy seeing Terry use his Batman moves while out of the costume.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and enjoyed both vignettes. I didn't remember either of them so more new-to-me stuff.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Why We Fight, a novella that puts a spin on the enemies-to-lovers trope.

Here's the miniblurb:

Emmett Barley, an embedded investigative reporter, pushes Pier Luphen, the squadron leader, for honest answers about the war they're fighting. She tries to take the status quo, but Emmett won't have it. He's heard the military party line his entire life and he wants the truth or nothing. He also wants Pier, but she's not willing to compromise her mission regardless of how she feels about Emmett.

And a sneaky peek…

After a full week with the unit, Emmett had some ideas for stories. "Right. Filling half a notebook is more than a few…" Of course, some of his notes could be considered fiction about a certain liaison officer.

When a knock sounded at his door, he tucked the booklet into his satchel.

He blinked in surprise to find Pier outside with two dinner trays. "Um, hi." Stepping back, he motioned for her to enter.

She flashed a quick smile. "Thought I'd return the favor and bring supper." Handing one of the entrees over, she arched her brows. "Unless you had other plans or would rather eat alone."

He shook his head. "I'd like company. Thanks for this." He cleared space on the small desk and pulled up an extra chair.

Pier took a seat and removed the cover from her plate. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" Her gaze landed on his open satchel.

Emmett's lips curved. "Not really. I was going through my preliminary notes, trying to settle on a topic for my first report." The aroma of baked steak wafted from his tray. "Ah … this brings back memories of joining my dad for meals at the base mess hall whenever my mom had other plans.

Pier chuckled. "It's probably the one meal every branch of the armed forces makes just a little bit differently, but they can't possibly screw up." She nodded toward his notebook. "What are some of your ideas for stories?"

He took a bite of food, trying to decide which one to discuss first. "I'd like to do a series about how the joint forces keep track of everything. You know, receiving supplies, filling the orders, then scheduling the transports to get goods delivered." The sheer magnitude of allotments, from food, clothing, and weapons to hospital supplies and aid station equipment, could be mind-boggling.

And this hub handled more than half of the requisitions. Not to mention the protection of the base, personnel, and transport units en route to the various substations and ships they were supplying.

Pier's brows furrowed. "Not exactly scintillating stuff." She stuffed a forkful of green beans into her mouth.

Emmett shrugged. "Maybe it's not guts and guns, but if something happens here to halt getting the supplies out, the ripple effect could be catastrophic." Which made for an interesting story with a human-interest angle.

Pier cocked her head to one side. "I'm a little pissed I have to revise my opinion on reporters because of you. You're definitely not like the jackass glory-seeking hound we just got rid of."

Emmett huffed out a breath. "Um, thanks. I think." He jabbed at her a little. "Pretty sure it wouldn't take much to improve your low opinion of reporters though."

She laughed. "Okay, true. But seriously, you already got points for not bringing a wardrobe of flashy clothes to the middle of a warzone."

Emmett rolled his eyes. "When the reporter puts themselves at the center of the story, they're no longer reporting. They're playacting on a stage." His dad and brothers would flip if Emmett ever dreamed of doing something so stupid.

Pier gave a slow nod. "Very aptly put."

They dug back into their dinner and ate in companionable silence.

Once they finished, he cleared away the dishes and set them by the door. "Do you have to report for duty or are you free for a while?" He hoped she'd stick around.

Pier shook her head. "I'm off for the night." She took a spot on the small two-seater couch.

Emmett retrieved a bottle from his footlocker. "Would you care for some?" He held up a glass.

Pier shrugged. "Sure. I don't report until the afternoon watch." She kicked her feet out and crossed them at the ankles.

He placed a tumbler on the camp stool to her left, and he settled next to her. "I heard some rumblings about the action moving closer. Will that affect your incoming or outgoing shipments?" He mainly wondered if the closer proximity would throw a cog in a well-oiled machine.

Pier studied him for a long moment. "Can I request to be off the record?"

He narrowed his eyes. "You still don't trust me?" So much for making headway.

She tsked. "It's not that. It's because I trust you that I'm asking for it to be off the record." She waited a beat. "What I'm going to share is classified."

Well, hell … he didn't see that one coming. "Consider yourself off the record."

She leaned in and pitched her voice low. "The shipments won't be affected. Part of what we do on our transport runs is gather intel and fortify our perimeters. We don't deviate from our schedule for that reason." She met and held his gaze, saying the unspoken part with her eyes.

They weren't just a supply hub. They ran covert ops from this location.

He exhaled slowly. "Shit." Amazed that she did trust him, he let the truth sink into him. "Okay. No wonder you wanted to be off the record. I don't blame you. That's a powder keg of information." And he'd have to sit on it for the time being.

She made a bit of a promise. "It is, and if this ends up in some sound byte I'll come for you. Doesn't matter where you are or who your family is." She picked up her drink and drained the glass. "Just saying." Putting the tumbler back on the stool, she held his gaze again.

He read a lot in her eyes. She put herself on the hot seat. He could break this story and lay open the true purpose of this facility for the entire planet to see. But he understood the importance of the mission too much to do anything underhanded like that. And he respected her and the trust she'd placed in him to not violate his promise.

Taking a chance, he cupped her face. "I do not break confidences." His thumbs stroked her cheeks. "Or go back on my word." Leaning in, he tested the bond further by brushing his lips over hers.

He didn't mean for the kiss to spiral out of control, but she opened her mouth, and he slipped his tongue past her teeth. She made a low moan and fisted her hand in his shirt. Okay, he hadn't imagined the crackle of attraction between them.

He didn't know who came up for air first, but he dragged oxygen into his lungs and leaned in again.

She backed away and held up a hand. "Sorry. That should not have happened." She got up and paced back and forth.

He narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sorry it did."

She worried on her lower lip. "I'm not either. I'll admit my curiosity got the better of me." She met his gaze. "But this isn't a good idea. I'm responsible for your safety and getting involved more than we already are can muddy things up." A frustrated sigh escaped her lips.

He pushed back a little. "So, it's not one-sided? There's something here between us." He got to his feet and motioned between them.

She gave a jerky nod. "There could be … if you weren't you and I wasn't me."

He didn't like the answer, but he understood. "I can accept that. But, for the record, if you weren't who you are and I wasn't who I am … we'd be great together in—"

She held up a hand again. "Don't. Don't say it." She scooted past him, pushed the door open, and angled her head around. "Also, for the record? I'm not disagreeing." She ducked out before he could formulate a response.

Which … all things considered … gave him more fictional ideas to imagine.

Very happy with how this scene came together. These characters are a lot of fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: While We Still Can

May the Fourth be with anyone who celebrates! And, wow, a shiny new month that's off to a wild start so far. Our weather has been crazy intense with loads of rain. My daughter graduated with a master's in arts administration, and I unfortunately had to miss due to being under the weather. But I'm so proud of her!

Work projects kept me very busy. I'm getting to a finishing point on one that's been difficult to get through and I have a new one getting ready to start. The weather has been wreaking havoc on productivity because the possibility of losing power is a constant concern.

I did have a decent week of viewing and made a full run through my regular slate of shows. I started a movie but didn't have time to finish it.

I caught an episode of Dark Winds and I'm still intrigued by everything that's happening in this show. I love that the FBI agent's cover is blown by episode two and I can't wait to see what happens with the fallout from that.

Also watched another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. This is truly one of my happy place shows. I'm rather curious about whether Gina is still rooming with Kristin or not and if not, what happened there.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Very curious where things might go with the Sophie and Neville thing and also where the whole last prepper standing thing will end up going since he's watching Neville.

Loved the season two finale of Beyond Paradise. Humphrey and Martha are so much fun, and the surrounding cast of characters is so good. I'm not always sure about Anne, but she's growing on me.

Caught another episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed Sherlock's attempt at taking care of Joan. And her solution to having her own space is genius.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond with the beginning of season two. Ended up remembering most of this one. This is such a good follow up to the original series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have some vague memories of both vignettes, which is so weird because most of the ninth season is new to me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from While We Still Can, a sexy short that brings a couple together during a tense situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Maura Sells and Cobb Kinkleman are fighting in a long and bloody war. During a rare moment of downtime, Cobb decides they need to get what they can, while they can and quickly convinces Maura with a heated kiss. They face a bleak future and stealing a night of hot passion may be their only reprieve.

And a sneaky peek…

Maura brought her bird in for rough landing. "At least she's still flying." Damage to the tailfin made getting back to the hangar deck a bit tricky.

But she made it back.

Holy shit. They made it back.

The trap caught her landing struts and locked on to start the smooth glide to the main hangar deck. Maura's head spun with the realization … she'd live to see another day. The entire slow trip down to the lower level one thought kept running through her mind—if she'd been with anyone else out there, the operation would've ended a lot differently.

Pulling off the impossible? Only with Cobb Kinkleman.

If she'd flown with anyone else, she'd be dead right now.

The hydraulic hiss of her canopy releasing then sliding back startled her and she quickly removed her helmet.

A deck hand grinned when Maura exited the craft and headed down the stairs. "Good to see you, sir. Nice flying out there." She took Maura's gloves and cover and headed for her workstation.

Maura stood at her bird for a suspended moment, the noise and commotion on the deck fading into the background. Her mind filled with Cobb, and she thought about a possible future for once. Because she loved him.

More than she feared losing him.

Movement from the other side of the hangar drew her attention and her gaze clashed with Cobb's. His eyes filled with everything he couldn't say earlier. But … he felt the same.

Slowly—with purpose—they walked across the hangar deck and met halfway. Cobb cupped her face and leaned in. Her lips met his and they kissed passionately for any and all to see.

After all, they'd beaten the odds. If anyone tried to take issue with their public display, they could go out in the black and do the impossible … then get back with Maura and Cobb on appropriate behavior.

When a round of applause started, Maura eased away from Cobb, glancing around at the happy faces of the deck crew. A round of cheers went up and Maura gave Cobb a sheepish smile before she grabbed his hand to lead him out of the hangar and down one deck to the alert pilot quarters. They had some celebrating to do.

Privately.

Really like how this one is coming together. Maura and Cobb have some facts to face in the near future.

 

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

ML Skye