Sunday Snippet: Yarn Spinning

Another month end is almost in sight. August is gearing up to be a busy month for me and I'm excited and exhausted at the same time. I love being busy and having projects on my calendar but also have to remember to take time to decompress.

Cleanout project stalled again. I had deadlines to meet and also got a new office chair that needed assembly. Have to admit it's comfy.

Had a solid work week with several projects ongoing and two that needed to be finished. I got those out of the way and started a new one that's a long procedural.

Pretty good week of viewing. Made it through a full round of shows and started both of my back-burner ones.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the backstory of Janie and Phryne. Almost through the first season.

Started the new season of Madame Blanc Mysteries and a holiday episode. Looking forward to more of this show.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see Marlon go. He ended up growing on me. Thrilled to see JP back for a brief appearance. The mystery also gave Marlon time to shine, which is nice for his final ep.

Watched another episode of Poirot, which is the first of two parts. Looking forward to seeing how this one ends. A super-young Polly Walker is a guest star!

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I haven't quite decided how I feel about Moreland sticking around for a while, but I did like his interaction with Sherlock. The case also proved to be interesting.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and have vague memories of this one the first time around. Always fun to have Shriek back.

Watched another episode of Lower Decks. This show annoys and charms me in equal measure. I did quite like the interaction between mom and daughter even when I rolled my eyes several times.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I didn't quite manage to finish it but will get it done this week. I hope!

Also started and got most of the way through another episode of Reacher. I only stopped because I couldn't keep my eyes open. That's what watching a show at four a.m. will do.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yarn Spinning, a novella that puts a couple together in an awkward situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Torrin Becks and Gaelan Van Zant pull duty on the same scout ship, which creates a good bit of tension in the five-man crew. Torrin and Gaelan have something of a history and when the yarn spinning—who has the greatest exploit—starts, Torrin has to decide if she'll call Gaelan out on a big fat fib or let the story stand as the winner.

And a sneaky peek…

Torrin lurked in the corridor hoping to run into her female crewmate, Emlee Natch. If she could talk Lieutenant Natch into trading quarters, Torrin wouldn't have to suffer through the awkward situation with Gaelan. Seriously, who did she piss off to land this duty assignment?

Humming preceded footsteps on the deck. Torrin pushed away from the bulkhead and walked toward the musical sound.

Her first look at Emlee, dark hair, friendly face, and welcoming eyes, eased some of the tension in Torrin's shoulders.

Emlee grinned. "You must be Lieutenant Becks." She thrust her palm forward. "Welcome aboard."

Torrin clasped the other woman's palm. "I am, yes. It's nice to meet you." She nodded toward the bunkroom across the corridor. "You're Lieutenant Natch?"

Emlee nodded. "Yep. But call me Emlee. Except for the captain, we're on a first name basis here. So much easier with this small crew and it's distracting to use rank when we're all lieutenants." She propped a shoulder on the bulkhead. "You getting settled in?"

Torrin would take that opening. "Uh, about that. You wouldn't be interested in switching sides with me, would you?" She hesitated to say more because she didn't want to put Gaelan in a bad light.

Emlee tilted her head. "I sense a story here … one you're not ready to talk about, yeah?"

Torrin grimaced. "Wouldn't be appropriate, but it's not anything terrible. More like awkward." She left her reasoning there to avoid diving too deep.

Emlee gave her a commiserating look. "Understandable. But I won't be able to help." She leaned in and pitched her voice low. "Craig … Lieutenant Lawler … and I are, well, involved. If we weren't, I'd've been happy to switch quarters."

Torrin's head bobbed. "Ah. I see. And I get it. Thanks anyway." She dipped her chin. "Really great to meet you. Looking forward to working with you." Easing back, she turned and reentered her quarters.

Emlee paused at the hatch. "If it helps, I'll trade shifts with you once we're out in the black."

Torrin smiled. "Thanks. Can I get back to you on that?" She might take Emlee up on the offer if Gaelan made things too weird.

Emlee nodded. "Absolutely. Let me know." She stepped away and crossed the corridor to her quarters.

Torrin sat down on the small sofa against the bulkhead.

Gaelan rapped on the door to her side of the bathroom.

Torrin sighed. "Yeah?"

He poked his head inside her space. "Are you moving across the corridor?"

She shook her head. "Sorry, no. We'll have to make do." She drew her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

Gaelan grunted. "Right. Okay then. I'm going to grab a shower. Captain wants a quick briefing in thirty." He closed the door, and the water turned on.

Torrin let out a long exhale. "At least he told me." Something Eric wouldn't have done…

She didn't want to think about him. And her newly formed plan would see her avoiding Gaelan as much as possible. Which pissed her off because he based his opinion of her on Eric's description of their breakup.

She had a good reason to split up with him. "And it wasn't easy." No matter what her ex probably told his best friend.

I'm pleased with how this story is coming together. Torrin takes the upper road and it should end up paying off for her.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yanking the Pipe

Getting a late start to my day because my sleep schedule is out of whack. This has affected my great cleanout project, and I'm still determined to get back on track and at least do small things each day. Stay tuned!

On a different note, I did get about ten pounds of ground beef cooked and in the freezer. Also got three bags of grapes cleaned and in the fridge. So, the cleanout project took a back burner, but I did get other things done.

Work is still busy with new projects coming in and I'm enjoying the variety of things I have right now. I've also been able to do some catchup on my own stuff. I've been striving for better balance between my editing work and my writing.

Had a solid viewing week and made a full round of my regular shows and my two back burner shows. I'll be starting a new one this week, I think. Looking forward to picking up with a new season of something.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the episode and getting some Dr. Mac backstory.

Think I finished up the first season of Art Detectives. I really enjoyed this show and hope to see another season. They left enough seeds to pick up if they get one.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and ended up really loving the mystery. Not a standard path and the twists were good.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. It's one I'd seen most of before and I remembered most of the plot. Good episode.

Watched an episode of Elementary. Gotta say I love Joan being totally unafraid of the elder Holmes. Their interactions were very fun. And her getting the goods on him rocked the entire episode.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered but forgot about. Does that make sense. Great episode too.

Enjoyed an episode of Lower Decks. This show is kind of wonky but usually adorable. Just enough tongue in cheek to keep things interesting and fresh.

Watched the opening of Peak Practice season eleven. Sam is on a precarious journey, and I think his exit is set up nicely. Not really sure about Will and Kate. I'm not really interested in them becoming the new Andrew and whatever his partner's name is.

Also caught another episode of Reacher. Man. This show. If I ever find the time, I want to do a deep dive and dig into some of the themes and tropes I love.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yanking the Pipe, a novella that pulls a couple apart when they choose to travel different paths.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sammie Shields and Firth Fairmountain have fun yanking the pipe—pulling anonymous pranks—until one of their fellow soldiers gets injured. Their commanding officer gives them a choice—transfer to a marine unit to learn discipline or get busted down a rank. Sammie opts for demotion, but Firth chooses the alternate and finds a new mission, which Sammie struggles to accept.

And a sneaky peek…

Sammie moved her belongings to the junior pilot quarters. The roaring in her ears started when reaction finally set in. She didn't quite know how to deal with the idea Firth wouldn't be in her corner anymore.

Their last conversation replayed on a loop in her mind.

Firth scoffed. "I'm not leaving you."

Sammie's eyes widened. "Yes. You are. We won't see each other if you're going to be with the marines." How could he not get that?

Firth frowned then sighed. "You can look at it that way if you want to. But I will still see you." He threw the rest of his stuff in a rucksack and headed out of quarters.

Right. He'd still see her if they bumped into each other in the corridor. Maybe.

She started unpacking her gear.

"Hey, Lieutenant. Welcome to the lower ranks."

"Wow. Does this mean I don't have to take orders from you anymore?"

"This bunkroom operates by seniority. Previous rank doesn't count. You're low man on the ladder now."

Getting ribbed by her former junior officers sucked balls. But she'd have to grin and bear it. She could listen to this for a month … right? Because she didn't plan to accept a demotion for anything longer than thirty days.

Placing her personal belongings in her locker, she faced her new bunkmates. "Get your licks in now. But remember this … my time here will be short, but my memory is very long." She slammed the door shut. "Choose your digs carefully…" With a mock salute, she turned and exited the room.

The next month would be brutal. But she would not dive into the grunt factory and kowtow to a bunch of marines. She couldn't believe Firth opted for the harder route.

One that took him away from her. "Some friend he turned out to be." She wouldn't miss him one damn bit.

I'm happy with how this scene turned out and I'm excited to get Sammie and Firth through this conflict.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yank the Chain

It's very sauna-like outside with muggy weather and lots of humidity. Makes me want a pool in a big way. Went down a big rabbit hole researching what's available that won't break the bank and discovered some genius ideas. It won't happen this summer, but I have a new goal for next summer!

Hit a wall on my great cleanout project. But I'm determined to get back on it this week. Even if I only get a little done each day it's something. I'm thinking I might make a chart and log increments of time spent. If I see the forward progress it helps.

Ended up having a super busy work week. Several projects came back at the same time and a new one started. It's been a plate-spinning couple of months with so many different things stacking up against each other. I love the variety and I think that helps keep me from losing my mind.

I did end up having a great viewing week. I did a full round of shows and got to include the two I tend to keep on the back burner when things are jammed.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm almost through the first season and this is total comfort viewing.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm really enjoying this show. Shazia is a lot of fun and the mystery with Mick's dad is intriguing. Looking forward to more.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise. Love to see Selwyn with his daughter. The mystery ended up being excellent and the resolution had a nice twist.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I'm kind of fond of the episodes that don't have murders. This one was kind of madcap and that's always fun.

Watched the season four premiere of Elementary. Watson being ready to kick the shit out of the Holmes patriarch is awesome. I loved her interaction with one of the stooges. And the first glimpse of Holmes the Great? So incredible. Excellent choice of actor to play him. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond. It's one I remembered, and I enjoyed it. Terry and Max are a great team.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks and definitely plan to stick with this one. Even when I'm annoyed by some of the character bits, it's a fun watch.

Got to get the season ten finale of Peak Practice viewed. Interesting to have Kate back, especially since Will is kind of ready to move on. The vehicle accident played out with lots of tension and the two little girls with Tom ended up being better than I thought it would be.

Last but not least, I got to watch another episode of Reacher. This show, man. It's so good. And that ending. Wow. Reacher's big feet keep stepping in steaming piles. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yank the Chain, a novella where a couple get to put a superior officer in his place.

Here's the miniblurb:

When pilot Riley Wang refuses to cave in and sleep with an arrogant major, she ends up in hack a week before graduation from flight school. Moss Mordecai bails her out but keeps her from going after her superior officer. If Riley wants back on the roster, she needs a plan and spending more time in the brig isn't a good one.

And a sneaky peek…

Well, fuck. Did not see that coming.

Riley endured the colonel's kiss for several moments then broke away. "Um, I've got someplace I need to be." She ducked her head to hide a grimace and swallow down the bile rising in her throat.

Cabella cleared his throat. "Fine. But don't forget our agreement. And don't be late." He snarled the words.

Turning, she shot a comeback. "Don't forget what has to happen." She headed out of the office and swiped the back of her hand over her lips. "Bleh." Then she slammed into Moss's hard body.

He steadied her, his grip going tight on her bicep. "Cabella is going down. Now." He started toward the office.

Riley shook her head. "No. That's not how we're playing this." She grasped his hand and tugged him away from the door.

Moss stopped and pinned her with his gaze. "Are you all right?" He scanned her face with narrowed eyes.

She suppressed a shudder. "I'll live. Let's go." She started forward, swallowing bile again.

Moss caught up to her. "Back to quarters." He put his arm around her for the short distance.

She preceded him into the bunk area then turned and hauled him close. She didn't have to tell him what she needed. He tilted her chin and caught her lips with his. He backed her up against the wall and the kiss spun out and deepened.

When she finally got the taste and feel of Cabella out of her mind, she eased away. "Thank you for reminding me what a great kiss is like." And wiping away one that sucked balls.

Moss rested his forehead against hers. "Any time, Riley. Ready for the next phase?"

The civilian news team wanted confirmation of her name back on the roster.

She gave a nod. "It's the only reason I stopped you from going after him. He has to follow through or that farce of a lip-lock was for nothing." And she couldn't stomach the thought.

Moss grunted. "Yeah, sorry about that. I wanted to throat punch the asshat." His hands clenched into fists.

Riley made a solemn promise. "If my name isn't where it should be, you can get in line behind me to follow through on that action."

So happy with how this story is coming together. Riley and Moss are setting a huge trap and it's going to be fun to write that scene.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: XO on the Warpath

It's the weekend of trying to keep my doggos from losing their minds. I love fireworks, don't get me wrong, but I feel for all the pets out there that freak out over them.

I continued with the great cleanout stuff this week. Honestly, I did more organizing than cleaning but being organized helps make cleaning and clearing a little easier.

I'm finally at a manageable level of projects. I have a few odds and ends to finish on a couple of them but they're with the authors or the designer and I'm waiting in the wings to review revisions.

Had another decent viewing week. Having a lighter workload does help. And I'm not as scattered on the attention span side of things.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm finding new things in the episodes, which is one of the reasons I love to rewatch a series I've seen before.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm enjoying this show. I'm very interested in the backstory of Mack's dad. I'm also hoping for more backstory with his partner.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Good to see the commissioner's daughter again. The mystery also ended up being intriguing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to not have a big murder to solve and see how Poirot uses his skill to ferret out what's going on.

Watched another episode of Elementary and, wow, season three ended on a big downer. I'm still trying to decide if Sherlock ended up relapsing or if he's just horribly distraught from Oscar's machinations. Oscar needs to die in a fire. Just saying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Loved the spin on an urban legend that had a grain of truth in it.

Started a new to me series with The Lower Decks. Enjoyed the first episode and ended up being happy I clocked the relationship between the captain and the know-it-all crew member. I'll enjoy watching more of this one.

Ended the week on an episode of Peak Practice. A lot going on in this one. And the tragic leap Will's patient made kind of surprised me. Kerry finding out the truth about her parentage kind of bummed me out, but I'm also seriously irritated by her parents being such ninnies about the whole thing. Definitely feel bad for Sam.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from XO on the Warpath, a novella about a couple who have to survive a series of mistakes that set one of them off.

Here's the miniblurb:

Garrick Mellark, executive officer of the Methone, is on the warpath. His crew is bucking orders and he's not going to deal with it anymore. Shay Vamper gets elected to soothe the snarly XO into his usual jovial self, which shouldn't be hard considering she's his current flame.

And a sneaky peek…

Garrick left the ship commander's quarters after briefing him on Garrick's zero tolerance policy. "Can't say he's thrilled with me right now." He didn't often cross swords with his superior officer, but he didn't mince words today.

Moving down the corridor to his quarters, he undogged the hatch … and found Shay pacing back and forth inside.

Heaving a sigh, he shut the door. "I can't right now, Shay." He crossed to his duty locker and yanked the latch.

Shay paused with a hand on her hip. "Can't what? Talk? Listen? Or hear what I have to say?" Crossing her arms over her chest, she arched her brows.

Garrick closed his eyes. "All of the above. I'm done talking. I just listened to Warff disagree with my strategy, and you're not going to say anything I'm ready to hear yet." His fingers undid the buttons on his shirt, and he shrugged out of it.

Shay flicked her tongue against her teeth. "So, you're still pissed off and cranky. Got it." She turned to exit his quarters.

Garrick shook his head. "Don't go. Please." He moved and wrapped his arms around her. "Stay with me." His lingering anger drained but exhaustion filled him. "My head hasn't stopped spinning and I'm terrible company, but I'm not mad at you. I'm really not."

Shay turned and rested her forehead against his. "When was the last time you got at least three or four hours of sleep?"

He huffed out a breath. "I don't know. A week ago?" More like a month.

She nudged him toward his berth. "I think you're off by about ninety days, Garrick." Patting the mattress, she waited until he got stretched out then slid in beside him.

Had it really been three months since he'd had a full eight hours of sleep or even half that? He shuffled through his memory. Damn. Pretty much.

Biting back a yawn, he sighed. "Geez. I need a vacation." He tucked on arm behind his head and wrapped the other one around Shay.

She chuckled. "Don't we all? But you … definitely need it the most." She lifted the cover of his shelving unit and set an alarm. "Get some rest. I'll run interference if anyone comes looking for you." Putting her head on his shoulder, she burrowed closer to his side.

Garrick didn't respond. His eyes drifted shut and sleep claimed him.

This story is a fun exploration of how reaching a breaking point can lead to good and not so good things.

 

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

ML Skye