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: Midsummer Mayhem (a Capital City Seasons novella)

A lovely week with warmer temperatures and some rain. Excited to see some spring weather rolling in. It's supposed to be in the high fifties and sixties this week and I'm totally down with that, even if it gets chilly at night.

Not a bad week for writing either. I played catch-up on a few more manuscripts and fleshed out some plot bunnies. The sages are on a roll right now and I'm not sure what prompted their creativity. I won't complain though.

Good week of television also. I watched a couple of movies starting with Enola Holmes, which I ended up really enjoying. Glad to hear there will be another one at some point. I also watched a total favorite of mine, Grease 2. This is one of those cases where I loved the sequel more than the original. Seriously.

I restarted my watch of Picard, picking up with episode six. Wow, a lot to unpack in that episode. I'm excited to see what happens next.

I finally started Chicago Med. I've been waiting to see the first season and ended up getting access. Enjoyed the first episode.

Caught two episodes of Peak Practice. I ended the second season and started the third. Both were good episodes.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I like the overarching storyline for the new season and the wrap-up of the previous season's fallout. I'll be honest and admit I'm not keen on the new supervisor but I'll reserve judgment for now.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and it was as twisty as I thought it would be. Enjoyed the two-parter.

Started season fifteen of Classic Who. Pretty decent opening arc the lighthouse setting. Interestingly, it ties into one of those unsolved mysteries of the unexplained and I love it when the show does that kind of thing.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on Area 52 and what might or might not be going on there.

Two more episodes of The Muppet Show are complete. I'd forgotten about Harry the mad bomber. He made an appearance and blew some stuff up.

That's about it for television and this week's wrap-up. Tonight's post is from Midsummer Mayhem, a Capital City Seasons novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Chris Renfer, alpha team leader for the Strategic Tactical Unit, falls for Melanie Pramble at first sight, but she's new to the city 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…

Melanie Pramble sat across from Ben Murphy. "Have to admit, I was surprised by the job offer." He'd reached out to thank her and let her know he'd worked things out with his significant other and they'd stayed in touch.

Not awkward until now.

Ben's lips curved. "You mean after an aborted hookup attempt and a subsequent reunion with Jess?" He shook his head. "You've been invaluable as a freelance consultant. Why wouldn't I bring you on board in a permanent role?" He leaned back, leaving the question open.

Melanie raised a brow. "Aside from the potential uncomfortable fallout? It'll mean a big move for me." She didn't call Capital City home, instead residing in the southern hemisphere in New Boniface, named after the man who discovered and founded the planet.

Ben rolled a shoulder. "Your body language shows nervousness and maybe some trepidation." He leaned forward. "Jess isn't going to be an issue. You'll like her and she'll love you. The trepidation comes from not liking change?" His voice made it a query.

Melanie chuckled. "You did pay attention during my presentation. Very good." She crossed her legs at the ankles. "And you're right. I am wary of meeting Jess, but that's on the lower end of the scale. I rarely do well with change because I like order and structure. A move will mean chaos and settling in a new location." But … she needed something different to mix things up a little.

Ben laughed. "You're a mass of contradictions. You travel all the time. And the last time we spoke you mentioned getting restless easily. So … are you sure this doesn't come down to Jess?"

A valid question, but not easy to answer. "You're right about me being restless. But I've always called New Boniface home. That's really the sticking point. The weird thing with Jess is bigger in my head than it will be once I actually meet her." She paused. "I'm really not sure if I want to make a permanent move to Capital City." Although, the job did appeal to her.

Murph gave a nod. "I get it. When I avoided coming back to Capital City, it was like a part of me had disappeared. Obviously, accommodating your wanderlust with travel won't be an issue since I'm sticking close to home for the most part. That being said, I'm not opposed to starting on a trial basis? You can decide what to do with your place in New Boniface after you make a final decision. Would that work?" He pulled out a file and slid it her way. "Here's the package I have in mind for you."

Melanie opened the folder and her eyes widened. "This is more than generous." Hell, she'd probably be able to keep her house in New Boniface and afford something nice in Capital City.

She probably wouldn't have to bring in a renter either.

Murph shrugged. "I'm building for the future and top-notch employees deserve to be well compensated." He pushed away from the desk and stood. "Will you consider the offer?"

She'd been stupid not to. "Absolutely." She got up also. "Give me a week or so to get back to you?"

Murph agreed. "Sounds great. Why don't I give you a bit of a tour? We can see some of the city and I can introduce you to Jess. Get that out of the way so you can make an informed choice."

Melanie tucked the folder under her arm. "I'd like that. My transport doesn't leave for another two hours." She followed him out of the office, excited about the possibilities but dreading the upheaval they'd cause.

Ben leaned down when they reached the elevator. "Don't overthink this. Change is hard, but it's also stimulating. I never thought I'd be able to build a team of great negotiators and transition into a behind the scenes role but I love it." He pressed the button and the doors slid open.

Melanie did a quick gut check. She'd take his advice and soak up the atmosphere and leave the thinking for her transport flight back to New Boniface.

Melanie is tougher to write for than I thought she would be. She's a little withdrawn but the sages haven't told me why yet. I'll look forward to figuring that out while I write more for her.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Midsummer Mayhem (Capital City Seasons)

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. Ours was low key, exactly the way I like it.

Somewhat of a short week for television. I did enjoy The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. Getting some insight into Mick's world made me happy. The big crossover is coming up on Monday and I'm kind of excited to see it.

Arrow's Thanksgiving episode turned out to be excellent. Love having Thea back and hopefully back in true Thea form.

As usual, I'm behind on a few of my binge watch shows but I'm addicted to the Hallmark Channels' holiday movies. I really love having something going pretty much 24 / 7.

Looking forward to the return of Riverdale next week.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Midsummer Mayhem, a Capital City Seasons tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Chris Renfer, Alpha Team Leader for the Strategic Tactical Unit, falls for Melanie Pramble at first sight, but she's new to the city wants to get her bearings. But when a 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…

Melanie made her way over to Chris and leaned in close. "I want you. Now."

Renfer blinked and shook his head. "Now? As in—"

Melanie nodded. "Right this moment. Yes."

Chris grabbed her hand and headed toward the exit then stopped short. "Shit. I can't. The after action report and weapons' log can't wait."

Jess overheard him. "Are you stupid? When the woman of your dreams wants to get you naked, you don't tell her no." She rolled her eyes. "Geez, Chris. Haven't you learned anything?"

He flushed. "Yeah, I know, but—"

Jess cut him off. "But nothing." She waved, waggling her fingers. "Hello? Joint op with Alpha and Bravo team, even though I had to sit the action out. If the Bravo team leader volunteers to take point, why argue?"

Chris cracked a grin. "You're really okay with me cutting out?"

Jess snorted. "Hell, yes. It's about time I start earning that bump in my pay grade, right?"

Chris grabbed her up into a tight hug. "You're kick ass, Jess."

Jess shrugged. "Yeah, yeah. I know." She stopped him and lowered her voice. "There's an empty supply room two floors up if you can't wait."

His mouth dropped open. "How—geez, Jess. Is there any place you and Murph haven't had sex."

She smirked and walked away.

I love this series. Book one is out and the other three are all underway. Here's hoping I get them finished up soon.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Midsummer Mayhem

Hi!

I gotta say we're having the most incredible weather right now. August in Ohio tends to be hot, sticky, humid, sweltering, and generally horrible. We're four days into the month and haven't hit above eighty degrees. It's honestly been the most pleasant summer I can remember, even with a buttload of rain. J

On a more random note, I'm actually rather 'meh' about the choice for the twelfth doctor. In all honesty, it's going to be hard for me to picture someone who had a prominent role on Torchwood—a sister show of Who—as anyone BUT that character. And the guy had a featured guest role in the Pompeii episode, so again, it effs up my continuity. And yeah, yeah, Eve Miles had a featured guest role on Who and went on to play Gwen, so what the hell am I bitching about, right? I guess it's because she didn't end up playing a third role in both shows.

Enough about television. LOL

Tonight's post is from Midsummer Mayhem, a novella set in the Capital City Seasons series. Murph and Jess play a role in the story, but Jess's boss Chris Renfer takes center stage as the hero. And he's been very fun to write. J

Here's the tagline:

Chris Renfer, Alpha Team Leader for the Strategic Tactical Unit, falls for Melanie Pramble at first sight, but she's new to the city wants to get her bearings. But when a 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…

Jessa Muldoon had a very distinctive laugh. Chris Renfer, Alpha Team leader, looked up from his desk when it rang out across the hall. She stood outside the briefing room with her significant other, Ben Murphy, and leaned in to plant a huge, smacking kiss on his lips. Chris grinned. Jess definitely needed Ben in her life. She'd found her groove again, now that they'd patched over their differences.

Chris leaned back in his chair and watched the two lovers talk quietly in the corridor. Two people made for each other, they wouldn't suit anyone else. When they split up, Jess tried—with a marksman who'd come in to train with STU, the Specialized Tactical Unit of Capital City Police—but no one clicked with her the way Murph did. Chris couldn't be happier they'd found their way back together.

Except when his gut burned with envy. He wanted what they had, to find the other half of himself. He couldn't manage to make a relationship last longer than a month or two. Not that he didn't try. He gave each one his best go.

What he did for a living tended to be the first bone of contention. Heading up the Strike Unit, he led Alpha Team. His squad went in when a situation required armed response. A nation wide ban on firearms didn't do much to deter anyone determined to cause harm. What it did do? Made people get creative. So many interesting ways to hurt someone. Poison. Blades. Sharp and/or blunt objects. And last but not least…bombs. And just because guns were illegal, it didn't mean they couldn't be purchased. Cash talked, and enough of the stuff could make even the most restricted weapons available.

For some reason that seemed to be a huge turn off and a cause for concern. And he couldn't be anything but honest when he clicked with someone. He never hid what he did for a living or lied about the sometimes intense schedule he had to keep. And even when he explained he rarely ended up in the thick of the action he discovered it didn't make much difference to a woman who wanted attention.

His last relationship ended because he got called out twice during important moments. The dinner date hadn't been a big deal, but the anniversary party for her parents pissed Winnie Caldwell off and did not go over well. Criminals and insane people didn't work a regular schedule. They struck when the mood took their fancy.

And he had apologized profusely when his emergency unit went off in the middle of the congratulatory speech. The angry glare Winnie sent his way should've been his first clue, but Chris held out hope she'd forgive him. They got along so well and both had demanding careers. Her work as a midwife meant she often got called out at strange times, too.

She'd understand, wouldn't she?

Not so much. After STU contained the situation, he'd dropped by her place with takeout and a good bottle of wine. Ended up stowing both in the box she'd left outside her door. A few shirts, a pair of jeans and some toiletries marked the end of his relationship. No screaming match or giant missive…just a silent 'fuck you', no note required.

Chris made his way home and decided to stick to a friends with benefits deal, until he could find someone who truly got what he did for a living. One of the nurses at the hospital, Angie Malcolm, had given him a standing invitation and he'd taken her up on the offer. They enjoyed each other when their schedules allowed, but neither sought more than sex. Made Angie's decision to rekindle an old flame less of a burn.

But three months of zero sex sucked. And it showed in his mood. He'd been snappish the past week and Jess would be in his office to find out what the hell as soon as Murph took off.

Like Renfer wanted to share the reason with her…but he would. She'd drag it out if he didn't volunteer the information. Jessa could be like a dog with a bone, gnawing away until she hit the marrow. Chris didn't have the fortitude to fight the tide.

And Jess would feel like it she owed it to him. Why not unload and let someone listen to his restless ramblings. He itched for something permanent. He wanted what Jess and Murph had. The ups and downs of a relationship…he yearned for them. Sitting back, he heaved a sigh.

"That sounded frustrated." Jess strode into his office and made herself at hom, pouring a mug of coffee and dropping down across from him. "Spill it, boss."

Chris rolled his eyes. "I'm not your boss anymore." He leaned forward and busied himself by shuffling the files on his desk.

Jess halted his movements. "Bullshit. You run the place. I just head up the second team." She waited until he met her gaze. "Something's bothering you, Chris. We've all noticed." Her eyes narrowed.

Renfer frowned. He figured Jess would pick up on it…he didn't count on the others catching on. Thought he'd controlled his mood better.

Jess nodded. "Yeah, you need to unload." She sat back and kicked her feet out. "And I've got all day."

Renfer raised a brow. "What? No nooner with Murph later?"

Jess sputtered and choked on the coffee. "Oh hell, give me a warning next time." She swiped her hand over her mouth. "How did you know?"

Geez…she and Murph couldn't be more obvious. "The 'I just got laid' glow is pretty much a dead giveaway…and hard to miss." God, did his tone have to sound so jealous?

Jess chuckled. "Damn. I'll have to remember that." She settled back. "But no, won't be hooking up with Murph. He's meeting a prospective new partner today." Her lips quirked. "Over lunch…at noon."

Renfer cocked his head back. "Ahh. The final member of the team. Should I prepare to break in a new talker?"

Jess smiled. "If all goes well—and it will—yeah." She drained her mug. "We'll probably have some kind of get together to make introductions." She leveled her gaze on him. "Enough about Murph and Jess. What's up with you?" Her tone suggested he'd better quit stalling.

Chris shrugged. "It's nothing, really. Just restless, I guess."

Jess pushed, not satisfied. "You know you can tell me anything, right? You've listened to me how many times? And helped get me through a major rough patch." Jess leaned forward again. "Let me be here for you."

Chris considered the offer, knowing Jess wouldn't relent. He bought some time. "I will. Over drinks later?" He grabbed the top file and flipped it open.

Jess saw through him, but agreed. "Yeah, okay." She nailed down a time. "Seven pm. Come to my place."

Little does Chris know, but he'll be very, very happy he went to Jess's for drinks. J

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Escape on Equinox

Hello again!

Found out my favorite actor has a new series he's filming in the UK. And it sounds like a great series. The Smoke is all about firefighters, which is near and dear to my interests. Half my family is involved in the fire service. :D

Looking forward to seeing how it's done in the UK. :D

Let's see, on a similar vein, tonight's post is about Escape on Equinox. Not sure if it'll be the second or third book in the Capital City Seasons series, but it'll feature characters we met in the opening book.

Here's the tagline:

Jim Hodges, an elite officer in a specialized tactical unit, finally meets a woman with a sweet disposition and a naughty sense of humor. But when she's taken hostage and his team is called in, he's determined to make sure a quick resolution takes place, which won't be easy because he's ordered to step aside and let his fellow members handle everything.

And here's the wee sneaky peek…

"Hey, Lieutenant, check out the hot, new nurse."

Jim Hodges shot a sideways glance toward the person in question. He never knew if the guys on Alpha team were setting him up. They would find it vastly amusing to point out an attractive male, even though they knew Jim played it straight.

Okay, not a male. Jim's eyes widened at the definitely hot visage in front of the hospital. The nurse had a long mane of red hair, scooped back from her face in a loose, messy ponytail. Even in scrubs, her evident curves indicated a sultry figure. Jim tried to keep the drool from escaping his mouth.

"Wow." He honestly couldn't think of anything else to say.

Red Mackinee slapped him on the back. "Thought you might like the view." He jerked his head toward the lovely woman. "Might wanna play it very carefully, though."

Ah…he'd found it—the catch. She probably had a partner, or something else not quite right. Maybe the gorgeous woman didn't do men. Figured the guys would dangle a seemingly perfect woman who couldn’t be touched.

"She taken or something?" He regretted the question as soon as it slipped out. Now they knew he had an interest.

Red scoffed. "Naw. But she's got a reputation for handing guys their asses on a plate." He shook his head. "Damn shame, it is."

Frustrated, Jim growled. "Then why point her out?" He tired of the games his teammates like to play. A recent transfer, Jim still had the new guy smell and the guys didn't let him forget it.

He wondered how long it lasted. Good natured for the most part, he'd grown weary of waiting it out. Not like they hadn't known him prior to his post with the team. He'd trained with them not long ago.

Red finally answered his question. "Well, see. We've all struck out, but figured you might have a chance, being new like she is."

Jim nodded slowly. "Right. What you're really thinking is how much entertainment you can eke out while watching her snap off my head." He shook his head. "No thanks."

Red tried to look affronted. "Now why would you think something like that?" He angled in. "Sure you don't want to at least attempt conversation?"

Jim hefted his rucksack over his shoulder. "Not in this lifetime, no." He turned and started for the van.

The main doors opened and Jessa Muldoon walked out. "Yo, Hodges. I've got someone you should meet." She jerked her head toward his object of interest and dragged him over to make the introduction. "Roz Mayfair, this is Jim Hodges—an incredibly great guy you should really get to know." She winked at Jim. "Hodges, this is Roz. We grew up together."

Jim stuck his hand out. "If you're friends with Jess, I like you already."

Roz laughed and pulled him into a quick hug. "I have a feeling there's a story here." She leaned in and whispered for his ears only. "And knowing Jess, it's a good one."

Her warm breath fanning against his ear did crazy things to his libido, but Jim nodded. "You called it. Maybe we can—" He broke off when the Mackinee shouted for him.

"Hey, lover boy, we gotta go. Make a hook-up with the hot nurse later."

Roz chuckled. "A hook-up, huh? Jess didn't mention you like to move fast."

Jim started for the truck. "Don't listen to them. They're morons." He turned back. "But coffee or something sounds great…if you're interested."

Roz blew him a saucy kiss. "Oh, yeah. Consider me exactly that." She waved and turned to head back into the hospital.

Jim barked out a laugh and climbed into the van. Roz Mayfair. Who knew he'd meet the hottest woman ever on a routine trip to go over training protocols?

So…there is a story about Jim and Jess, but you'll have to read Midwinter Crises to discover what it is if you don't want to wait for Escape. :D

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

ML Skye