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: Star Chasers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the miniblurb:

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

And a sneaky peek…

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you insane?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Win swallowed and stepped away. "Why?"

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Star Chasers

I'm so excited because for the first time in over twenty years—actually, maybe longer—I got some new furniture. It's kind of my holiday present from everyone in the family. A new small recliner and a new couch. I'll be adding a chaise at some point but haven't found one I like yet. The couch story is an entire saga and I didn't expect it until December 23, but it arrived Friday!

I also had a super-busy work schedule, which had me buried for most of the week. I'm definitely not complaining. I love to be busy.

Had a decent week of television but somewhat abbreviated. I started with the Madam Blanc Mysteries. I'm quite enjoying how the larger mystery arc is being woven into the weekly episodes.

I finished up the second part of Silent Witness and started a new episode. Gotta say I'm now into episodes I haven't seen yet. The first part left quite a cliffhanger. I'm a little freaked out.

I caught a full arc of Classic Who and, yes, the Master showed up. I started a new four-part arc and I think this is when we say goodbye to Five. I'll let you know next week.

Watched Mysteries of Apollo and this episode focused on NASA's first heroes, mainly the astronauts from Mercury and Gemini. Quite an interesting episode.

Enjoyed two episodes of The Muppet Show. Senor Wences and Bruce Schwartz and Debbie Harry were the guest stars. Both were fun episodes.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island. I'm quite happy with this updated version. Looking forward to the holiday episode.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice. An interesting plot with this one. Kind of cool to get a little more backstory for Andrew.

Started a new MasterClass. The instructor is Bill Nye and I can't wait to dive into his classes.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Season two is a lot of fun with some memorable stories.

Enjoyed a holiday episode of Chicago Med. Gotta say Dr. Charles is going through it right now. Actually, both of them are. A really great episode nonetheless.

Watched another Brokenwood Mysteries. As usual, this show makes me happy. I love the characters and their interactions. Kind of interesting to meet another one of Mike's exes.

That's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Star Chasers, which will probably be a series name. I haven't settled on the title name yet.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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

And a sneaky peek…

Marnie entered the canteen to find the Chaser's president Winton Ashcraft pacing back and forth. "This doesn't bode well." She'd muttered the words under her breath but they caught Win's attention.

He turned to face her. "Pull up a pew. We've gotta talk." He planted his hands on his hips.

Marnie parked her butt on one of the barstools. "So you said. Can't be good if we're doing this at two in the morning." She tamped down a nervous fissure, praying he didn't have bad news about Luce.

Winston gave a grunt. "Giving it to you straight. Luce isn't coming back. You know the drill. Pick someone." He shifted his stance and folded his arms over his chest.

Marnie blinked. "Excuse me. Why the hell would I do that?" No way. Luce hadn't been gone long enough to force her into a ride or die moment.

Win narrowed his gaze. "I don't have to explain how this works. When a member defaults, we've got procedures to follow."

Marnie mirrored him, folding her arms over her chest. "You are not quoting league rules to me." Win usually played it fast and loose with the regs.

Members not in good standing lost their privileges and assets and, by rights, should be cast out of the club. Luce didn't fit that category because no one knew where he'd gone. But a Chaser—especially an officer of rank—that missed more than two meetings in a row would be in default and their assets were held in escrow for six months then divvied up within the club. Mates were given a choice—stake a new claim for partner, become fair game for all, or disavow and leave the Chasers. None of those options worked for her. 

Winston grunted. "Yeah, I am." His face went dark. "I'm tired of breaking up fights. Two hours ago, I broke up the seventh fight in as many days." He fixed his disgusted gaze on her. "And it's all about you. Or rather, it's about who gets dibs on that luscious body of yours."

Marnie stiffened. Fuck. She couldn't deal with the idea right now. And damn Win for making her.

She met his gaze. "No one but Luce owns the rights. No one ever will." An ache started deep in her heart.

Winston's lips went flat. "Luce is gone. Has been for weeks. And you know the rules." His voice softened but kept its hard edge. "In ten days you pick someone or I do it for you." He paused. "Or you can leave the crew. Your choice." He leaned back against the wall, his features closed off, but his eyes held the pain of loss.

Just like her heart.

He didn't have to give her the time. Technically, she should have declared her status last week, but she didn't think she'd actually have to. She held out hope that Luce would return and couldn't believe Win would write his best friend off so soon.

But … she had to make a decision. Stay or go. She'd found her family with the Chasers and the idea of starting over somewhere without Luce terrified her. But staying under the terms of the league rules chafed. What the hell should I do? The fact she had to decide pissed her off.

She pondered Win for a few moments before giving a reply. "Fine." At least he'd given her some leeway. "Tell the ass hats to leave off with each other. I'll weigh my options and inform the crew of my choice at the next meeting." She got up to leave, the desire to smash something weighing heavily.

Win reached out and grasped her elbow. "Look, Marnie. Whatever you decide, I won't let you become space chum for anything with a dick. I owe Luce that much." Meaning, if she left, he'd set her up somewhere with a little protection.

She wanted to be grateful, but betrayal burned hot and fast at the moment. "You owe him more than that, Win. We both know why." They never talked about the sacrifice Luce made for Win and she'd keep it that way for now.

Win hissed out a breath. "Guess I deserved that. But there's no sign of Luce returning and I can't have half the crew fighting over you. You get that, right?"

Marnie shrugged away from him. "Yeah, Win. I get it." She met his gaze. "But you get this—I contribute more around here than the average ladybird. It sucks that no one remembers that fact and it all boils down to my ass being the only asset that counts." She turned and exited before he could respond.

She didn't want or need empty platitudes. Win could go hang for forcing her to comply. And for making her face a life without Luce.

I love how this story is finally coming together. The sages have been dropping ideas—out of order, of course—but a cohesive thread is weaving its way from beginning to end and a new story is forming for Win.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Star Chasers

Greetings, September! I decided to start at least thinking about what to do for holiday shopping this year. I'm fairly certain I've decided the direction I want to go in for the kids and the husband. Possibly even my parental unit. This never happens. I fully expect the world to stop spinning sometime in the near future. Just saying.

Had a super crazy and busy week, but still got some solid viewing in. Granted, I did end up doing the usual marathons of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night. I also got a solid block of The Saint in. Also got two episodes of Classic Who watched.

I started Sunday with Midsomer Murders then followed with Babylon 5 and The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

Monday, I caught the Birds of Prey pilot episode. I loved this show so much when it premiered. Tuesday was Pensacola Wings of Gold. Wednesday, I watched another episode of Lexx and on Thursday, I watched Surprised by Love, a Hallmark original. Finally found one I thoroughly enjoyed.

On Friday, I started season five of Strike Back. I got interrupted during the first episode so I'll finish it over the weekend. I did finish Band of Brothers, which is one of my rewatch at any time shows.

Saturday has been a big block of The Saint again. Not sure what else I'll get into but I'm writing the blog post a little early so it's out of the way.

Still behind on Killjoys and Wynonna Earp, but I'll definitely make sure to watch every single episode in the near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Star Chasers, a novella that will probably launch at least one follow-up book.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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

And a sneaky peek…

Luce Carrington jerked awake. Mind jumbled, a throbbing pain pounded at the base of his skull. Okay, maybe he'd just regained consciousness instead of waking up.

He looked around and two things registered. The first? He had to figure out his location. He could solve that little issue as soon as the room stopped spinning.

And second? Someone wanted him dead. Why else would he be blessed with the mother of all monster headaches?

The latter wouldn't be so easy to figure out. The list, long and varied, would take some time to pare down. At least to a manageable level. Too many people on too many planets had axes to grind with him.

But there were two people he could trust with his life. Marnie Ritoli and Winston Ashcraft. He also relied on the rest of his crew, they were all family, but even family members had favorites.

Except his. The real one, the familial unit he'd walked away from. He'd have to add those names to the list of potential people with lethal intent. He'd renounced any claim on the Carrington interests, but it wouldn't stop some of his less savory relatives from trying to better their odds.

Christ, his head hurt. But the room had stopped going in circles, so he risked trying to stand. Slowly. Very slowly. He braced his back against the wall and moved upward, inch by inch, until upright. Everything went hazy, pinpricks burst behind his eyes and Luce sucked in several deep breaths before he could see clearly again.

He had to think, move past the pounding in his head, and figure out his next move. Whoever put him here hopefully thought they'd done the job and killed him. That should buy him some time.

To do what? He couldn't bring whatever shit he'd stepped into to the club. And he couldn't risk contacting Marnie or Win, not until he knew if anyone on the crew put his current situation into play.

With no one to cover his back, he felt naked and exposed.

"Hey, mister, you all right?"

Luce whirled around to find a slip of a girl standing inside the entrance… of a cargo hold. One piece of the puzzle fell into place. Friend or foe? Only one way to find out.

Luce strode toward the female, snaked an arm out, and hauled her soft and curvy body against his hard frame. Okay, not a girl, but a woman. Clear and guileless green eyes widened and she sucked in a surprised breath before molding herself against him. Her blond head barely grazed his chin when she wrapped her arms around him.

Raising her face, she gave him a wide smile before lifting her foot and stomping down, hard, on his ankle.

Spinning away from his grasp, she put some distance between them. "Look, asshole, I'm strictly hands-off. I cook in the galley. You want more, you gotta book your time with the dickhead porter who runs the girls." She marched up and punched his arm. "You're not supposed to be here. No one is."

Luce admired her chutzpah. She'd caught him off guard, which had to be her intent when she'd all but glued herself to his side. But despite her hard words, fear trembled in her voice. He could use the emotion to get some answers.

Reaching out he grabbed hold of her arms. "Then what are you doing down here?" He cast his gaze around the space. "I don't see any kitchen supplies around."

She turned her head away but shrugged. "It's quiet down here." Her eyes glanced upward. "It's not up there." She jerked away from him. "This is my refuge. Or it was until you showed up." She put a hand on her hip. "So go away and don't come back."

Luce snorted. "I'd be happy to if I knew where the hell I was."

Her head tilted to one side. "Are you serious? How do you not know where you are?"

I actually love how this one is coming together. I kind of have a thing for taking an established couple and having them be apart in the beginning of the book.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Star Chasers

November 17, 2013

Hello!

Gotta say, my television shows are eating my brain lately. I'm dying for Walking Dead tonight even though the Governor makes my skin crawl. I got caught up on Sleepy Hollow and totally love the dynamic of the entire show. Reminds me so much of the X-files. Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. is coming together pretty nicely. I'm enjoying the character dynamics. Sons of Anarchy keeps me on the edge of my seat and I so want to hate Gemma, but can't quite go across the line into loathing territory. But I would love to see her get some kind of comeuppance. We'll see what happens.

Again, Arrow and Tomorrow People had me glued to my screen on Wednesday. Arrow truly gets better each episode. Tomorrow People keeps me guessing and I hope it stays that way. I'm really excited to see where Haven ends up going and how they'll resolve the current storyline. I can't remember if this is the last season or not, but I'm almost hoping it isn't.

And hey, I'm currently enjoying a Firefly marathon on the Science Channel. I have much love for that show.

So… tonight's post. The snippet is from Star Chasers, which might end up becoming a series, but the sages are being giant pains and won't decide how much they're going to give me. Evil little trolls. LOL

Here's the tagline:

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

And the sneaky peek…

Marnie Ritoli tossed and turned. Her mind filled with images of Luce Carrington, friend, lover, the only man for her. His dark hair pulled back, eyes burning for her, mouth descending to steal a kiss. Not that he ever had to steal them. Marnie craved his lips covering hers, their tongues dueling for dominance until they fought for air.

She could almost feel the firm pressure of his mouth over hers, the way his hand always slid up to cup the back of her head, drawing her in and holding her close. Marnie wanted to taste his lips right now, even asleep, she hungered for them. For him.

Rolling to her side, she curled up against the pillow, a very poor substitute for Luce's powerful, solid frame. She wanted to wrap herself around him and drift off in the warmth of his arms. The fluffy pillow didn't offer the deep, rhythmic breathing that usually soothed her overly tired mind.

Then again, nothing did right now.

The annoying buzz from the bedside phone had her giving up all pretense of trying to sleep. She grabbed the handset and pushed herself upright.

"Yeah." Her voice sounded rough, but after 2 am, who cared?

"It's Win. I know it's late, but we gotta talk." His voice lowered. "Canteen, five minutes."

She didn't respond. Didn't have to. Win had already cut the call.

Rolling out of bed, she twisted her hair back and secured it with two pins. She knew, bone deep, whatever Win wanted to discuss couldn't be good. Dragging on a pair of pants, she buttoned the closure and reached for her vest.

The crew's name emblazoned on the back didn't bring the comfort it usually did, but putting it on gave her a boost of confidence. She hoped the mantle of protection remained after she met with Win. If she lost his support, she'd be out in the cold.

She jammed her feet in her shoes and looked at the empty spot in the bed. God, she missed Luce. He'd been gone way too long.

"Dammit, Luce. Where the hell are you?"

Striding across the room, she yanked the door open and started for the canteen.

Marnie won't enjoy her chat with Win, but she'll buy some time. For what? I can't actually say… spoilers.

LOL

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

ML Skye