#they do have that delicious 'the woman' and 'the detective' chemistry

[ilikedetectives]

If I have a penny every time I hyperfixate on women who have overwhelming snake motifs and the color theme that also means my name I'd have two pennies, but it's funny that it happens twice

[shijiujun]

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH MISS S | 旗袍美探

OKAY FINALLY ANOTHER REPUBLICAN ERA DETECTIVE SHOW THAT LOOKS FUN AF AND HAS ALL THE NICE COSTUMES IN IT!!!

Summary: Su Wenli is a rich af lady that just returned from Paris in the first episode, and she chances upon a mystery immediately at the docks where she meets Luo Qiuheng, the cool-headed, tall, handsome af lead detective at the central police station (there’s a name for this, but I can’t remember). Her inquisitive nature leads her to butt into like the case immediately, and throughout all the cases she and LQH fall in love!!! Despite LQH going like “why is she here again” for the first few episodes.

Subplot: Su Wenli’s younger sister disappeared 20 years ago, and the man suspected of the crime was put in prison but no body was ever found so he’s also trying to appeal to get out after so many years, so I guess they’ll find out what happened to her sister.

Where to watch: NO SUBS - Duboku.co and any other Chinese streaming sites tbh, I’d recommend kankanwu but a user told me it’s a problematic site for them so do proceed with caution as always | SUBS - WeTV I suspect has it because the official platform for the show is Tencent

Broadcast schedule: 34 episodes, APPARENTLY 2 episodes daily from Sundays to Fridays, 1 episode on Saturdays 

Here are the pros of the show:

A+++++ COSTUMES!!! AND SETS! Okay not gonna lie the CGI is a little off at some parts BUT the costumes are frickin lovely. SWL (Miss S) rocks both European-style and Chinese-style outfits, and she has ALL THE HATS, ALL THE DRESSES, and gosh when she’s in the qipao even LQH is like whoa wow what a goddess (not that he says it but he’s a little dazed for a bit) - She has a GORGEOUS BLUE CAPE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO STEAL!!!

The cases aren’t overly complicated and it’s pretty easy to guess who the possible murderers can be, but we’re in this for more than just the cases

GAO WEI GUANG!!! Jfc, my Dijun is back!!!! And he’s got that cool, cold, stoic feel about him BUT he’s totally bribable with delicious sweets!!!

Ma Yili who plays Miss S is gorgeous as well, that short hair cut?!!! That hair pin?!! The way she walks?! The way she talks?! She’s a soft, shameless woman and I LOVE THAT.

GWG and MYL have chemistry in this one.

The camera work is hilarious?!! Usually I hate the cliche romance movements like bridal-style lifting at inopportune times but THIS ONE THE TIMING IS HILARIOUS, SPOT ON, and very romantic

There’s a gay couple in the episode 5 case and they’re being blackmailed but they’re kind of out which is pretty amazing considering the Republican era XD

CHARACTERS!!!

SU WENLI - GORGEOUS, RICH SUGAR MOM (IDEK WHERE HE MONEY COMES FROM IT SEEMS LIKE SHE PRINTS THEM OUT OF THIN AIR)

Honestly, she’s been back a total of like less than a week before she adopts THREE PEOPLE. A servant from the family where the first murder happened at, and two young men who were about to make trouble but were accosted (hired) by her as her chauffeurs. She’s shameless, knows exactly how to pout and bribe to get her way, is sassy and takes no nonsense I LOVE IT and she has LQH wrapped around her finger

Within five episodes she has:

1. Adopted cute little Tao Zi as her assistant who now lives in her luxurious house with her 2. Adopted the two young men as her legit chauffeurs and also informants, giving them A MERCEDES BENZ FOR THEIR GOOD WORK ON THE FIRST CASE 3. LITERALLY ADOPTED a young girl who was a suspect in the second case 4. Moved into a mansion that looks like a frickin palace!!! 5. Kidnapped two suspects from LQH and raced LQH in her brand new sports car back to the city, leaving LQH and his old car in the dust

And look at her gorgeous outfits and hats?!!

AND THIS CAPE?!!!

LUO QIUHENG (Aloof, stoic, rational detective who has a sweet tooth and is obviously not immune to SWL’s charms)

GOSHHHH MY DIJUN!!! I love him in this one too, he’s all “you shouldn’t be here”, “you’re not the only smart one here”, “be good and don’t intervene on the investigation” but then SWL bribes him continuously with sweets and it’s amazing to watch!!! He threatens to arrest her all the time (and she kind of is arrested once) but he always sounds worried about her. Everytime he finds her in trouble he’ll LITERALLY PICK HER UP IN BRIDAL CARRY HAHAHA and he’s half resigned, half exasperated and a whole lot fond of this Miss S I AM TELLING YOU!!!

GWG in a leather jacket is a crime!!!

Him eating something that Wenli gave him:

And his brain cannot fathom her wealth, but I don’t blame him, I can’t fathom her wealth either. This is when he asks the single butler Xiang Shu if it’s tiring for him to clean up such a huge place on his own and he says, “Someone else does the cleaning. Me don’t clean.”

Cue LQH going ????:

Other characters include Tao Zi, SWL’s cute assistant WHO HAS A CRUSH ON LQH’S DEPUTY OFFICER SHEN, and Officer Shen likes her too AND BOTH LQH and SWL try to matchmake them and give them (misplaced) advice

Ahhhh this show is honestly amazing and the humour is right on point!!! I’d watch Gao Weiguang in anything but REPUBLICAN ERA DETECTIVE IN SHANGHAI?! Sign me up!

[dangermousie]

Turkish shows I watched or tried to this week

Because why not! The good, the bad, and the ugly

Ask ve Ceza (Love and Punishment) - oldie but goodie about a woman who gets pregnant from a one-night stand. On the plus side, her partner in that is hot and also smitten at first sight. On the minus side, he gets married to someone else shortly after, his family is psycho, and the heroine doesn’t want the kid. The chemistry between the leads is great. They also play genuine adults, which is amazing (and the heroine is allowed to be ambivalent about the pregnancy; the only reason she doesn’t go through with the abortion is that she has a medical condition that would make it problematic.) It’s an “old” show and it’s rather startling to see how much more frank and less conservative it is than modern ones. I am on ep 7.  

Carpisma (Collision) - I am sort of watching it, because I love the leading actors and the concept of it (four people whose lives intersect in a literal car crash, who unite to take out an evil dude), but the execution is full of holes. Still, Kivanc plus an OTP or two means I won’t ditch it, even though I don’t love it as much as I thought I would. I am on ep 9 (so yes, behind.)

Halka (The Ring) - objectively speaking, this is probably the most solid of all the airing Turkish shows I am watching, but the fact that crime/detective/conspiracy genres are not really my thing, keeps it from being n1 favorite for me. Two men who are connected in complicated fashion trying to infiltrate a crime ring that took out their father (sort of, long story), tough mob girls etc. It’s very good. I have watched 8 eps. 

Hercai (Unreliable) - If you have been anywhere near my tumblr in the last few days, you saw my obsession over this. Yes, I realize, this is basically a mix of a Rosemary Rogers opus and a Japanese cellphone novel, and no, I don’t care. The old-fashioned and exotic to me setting, the delicious “he marries her for revenge on her father but falls for her” set-up, the chemistry between the actors, the sheer emo meloness of it all. I love it. Only one ep is out and I have devoured it.

Kalbimin Sultani (Sultan of my Heart) - if you want historical realism or nuanced politics, look elsewhere. If you love a gorgeous fairy tale though, come right in. Our heroine is a young Russian woman who is hired to be the governess to the Sultan’s children, but in reality she is there to spy. Unfortunately, she and the studly Sultan fall in love. Obstacles present themselves (though at least unlike some of the other Turkish heroes, the already-married status is no problem for the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.) It really is darling. It was a Russian-Turkish co-production and I am watching the Russian version (with 24 eps of 45 minutes each) because while the Turks ended it early due to ratings, Russian TV ran the entire thing. I am on ep 1. 

Kara Sevda (Black Love) - sometimes, I am just in the mood for an exquisitely made and acted tragic love story. The hero of this is a smart, hardworking young man from a poor family. He meets a beautiful rich girl who falls for him and is willing to give up her society friends and wealth to be the wife of a mining engineer in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately, a wealthy psycho who is obsessed with her manages to part the two. When the OTP meets again, it’s years later. She is unhappily married to the psycho, he is a rising star in his field, and they never got over each other. Bring on the tissues and the smelling salts. I am on ep 2.

Kardes Cocuklari (Sisters’ Children) - I am hardly the arbiter of highbrow tastes (see my obsession with Hercai), but this is pure soapy trash. Ancient secrets, lots of boring baddies getting too much screen time, romance sidelined due to weird family drama etc all mean I watch it in the background or fast forward through it. Still, there is enough there (mainly Afra, who I really love) to keep me watching. It’s by the writer of Fazilet and you can see a lot of the same issues Fazilet had, but sadly without the addictive obsession that was YagHaz. I am all caught up with this one.

Kuzgun (Raven) - revenge with a dash of romance where our protagonist plans revenge on all who destroyed his family and turned his childhood into hell. That includes his childhood BFF who is now (of course) a stunning blonde. This is somewhat less romantic and more revengy than I wanted, but it’s still a solid, deliciously angsty good time. Five eps are out and I have watched them all.

Samanyolu (The Milky Way) - they are first cousins in love! But she spurns him for an abusive husband! But never fear, that marriage ends and they may get together! Exclamation exclamation exclamation! I am only one ep in, but this is deliciously overwrought. It’s an older, complete show, so I will probably watch at my leisure aka very slowly.

Tek Yurek (United Heart) - it a hockey sports drama with some romance and other stuff thrown in. I liked the first ep, but I frankly don’t have enough time, so I will probably go back to it when my viewing list is shorter.

Vuslat (Reunion) - I tried, I really tried. I made it through five episodes before giving up out of sheer puzzled boredom. I could not follow the plot because it was so disjointed and rambling, most of the characters were unpleasant and boring (that includes the heroine - that actress is neither great at acting nor does she possess much onscreen charisma. Her chemistry with her leading man is nonexistent.) It seems to be doing well enough, but it’s cancelled to me. 

Yemin (Promise) - I have found a weekend family kdrama in a Turkish envelope! Our heroine is basically saintly - when we first see her, she is in prayer. She takes care of pigeons and her dead mother’s grave. She is so dutiful she agrees to marry some man she doesn’t know because her elderly “godfather” is dying and it’s his wish. Surprisingly, I love her anyway. But I feel bad she is going to be saddled with her arranged husband, who has little to recommend anyone. Frankly, I am more interested in whatever story will evolve around his very young uncle who is a single father to a mute little girl. He is not only good-looking but a really decent man. I kind of wish he was the one entering the arranged marriage. I am two eps in. 

[nageill]

Welcome, welcome!

Our first showing comes from the television show, Psych.

Psych is a comedy-action series that aired on USA Network from 2006-2014. It follows the zany adventures of the titular psychic detective agency as they assist the Santa Barbara Police Department with solving crimes...while the psychic detective Shawn Spencer tries to keep the fact he is not really a psychic a secret from the cops.

So, we start our month of viewings on Halloween-ish goodies with two episodes from this show. Partly because I was spending the evening with my mother, and this show is a family favorite, and because this show just makes me laugh. I picked two episodes, one of which is my favorite in the series, that dealt with Halloween-related topics, such as vampires and demonic possession. These two episodes are a ton of fun, and I figured to kick off this watch-a-thon with something fun and light.

1.) “This Episode Sucks”

Season/Episode: Season 6, Episode 3. Original Air Date: October 26, 2011. Directed: James Roday Rodriguez (credited as James Roday). Written: James Roday Rodriguez & Todd Harthan. Summary: After Lassiter meets up with a mysterious beautiful woman, a body drained of its blood is found in Santa Barbara--could Vampires be wandering the streets? And even Lassie is thinking the killer is a supernatural monster, what??

Available for Streaming: Yes.

YouTube. Apple TV. Google Play. Vudu. Peacock. Amazon Prime.

Review: This is absolutely my favorite episode in the entire series. In fact, when my family re-watches Psych, I am not allowed to suggest this very episode, because my family knows, if it is left up to me, even if I just watched it, I will start up this one. The writing, the humor, the uniqueness of the crime, the guest stars, the references... *chef’s kiss* It’s just a perfect mix. Plus, this episode starts Kristy Swanson’s reoccurring role as Marlowe and kicks off the Lassie/Marlowe ship, be still my heart!

I just love everything about this episode.

(Also, I just found out when I was checking how to spell Swanson’s last name, she was the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer! Even more awesome!)

This is probably also my favorite episode directed by Rodriguez. A lot of my favorite episodes tend to be ones directed by the leading actor. I don’t know if he has much interest in directing other shows in the future, but I think he does have an eye for it. Especially when it comes to stories like this, which has a wonderful balance between horror and mystery, comedy, and heartfelt moments.

Random tidbit- this episode also has some of my favorites lines from Shawn and Gus (such as “Take it, creature!” and ”I’m hungry like a mug”).

The references were plenty in this episode, the comedic timing was on point, and I still cannot get over the chemistry between Swanson and Omundson! Lassie/Marlowe is actually tied for my favorite ship in the series (I’m a diehard Shules fan, will not apologize). I still get chills during Hansis’ big scene as Adrian with Lassie, and it was nice to see a Lassie-centric episode to give him the start of his happy ending for the series. This just sums up everything I love around the holiday and was the perfect way to kick off this October!

Trick-or-Treat: TREAT! Yes, I might be biased because this is my favorite episode, but this episode is an utter treat for Halloween lovers. Even if you do not watch Psych regularly, I think the average person could enjoy it, provided they like Vampires and are fans of delicious comedy.

Rating: 10/10 🦇

2.) “The Devil is in the Details...and in the Upstairs Bedroom”

Season/Episode: Season 4, Episode 4. Original Air Date: August 28, 2009. Directed: John Bedham. Written: Steve Franks & Bill Callahan. Summary: Shawn and Gus investigate a suspicious death on the campus of a Catholic college. Was it suicide or perhaps something more...demonic?

Available for Streaming: Yes. YouTube. Apple TV. Google Play. Vudu. Peacock. Amazon Prime.

Review: This episode is a classic, full of all the reasons I love Psych--it blends humor with a heartbreaking crime, memorable characters, and amusing references to pop culture media. This also marks Ray Wise’s first appearance as the recurring character Father Peter Westley.

I will openly admit, I have never seen The Exocorist, but I do love the nods to the horror movie, especially with the silhouette of Father Westley standing before Lucy’s home in the fog, with a variation of the theme playing.

The crime is heartbreaking in the sense it was truly a tragic accident, and it is understandable why the killer Lucy panics and tries to pretend it was a case of demonic possession when the suggested cause of death was made by Father Westley. However, she crosses over into the vein of villain for me by being willing to let an innocent man be charged with murder over Agatha’s death so she could immediately romantically hit on her dead best friend’s boyfriend. It just has a level of ickyness to it.

Though hilarious, the show features some good character-building moments between Gus and Shawn, especially with Shawn learning to start looking into leads and theories proposed by Gus without immediately shutting it all down. And this episode has one of my favorite flashbacks in the entire series, with Father Westley suggesting Shawn and Henry attend a Methodist church when Shawn keeps asking so many logistical questions during a sermon about Noah’s Ark.

Trick-or-Treat: Hands down, this episode is a wonderful Treat! Definitely recommend for those whom are fans of Psych and for people who wants something that dips its toe into the realm of the supernatural and demonic possession while laughing till your sides get sore.

Rating: 9/10 👻

[laresearchette]

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: PINECONE & PONY (Apple TV+) iCARLY (Paramount +) A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW (HBO Canada) 11:00pm WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT NIGHTMARE NEIGHBORHOOD MOMS  (TBD - Lifetime Canada) WOKE (TBD)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA ALL THE OLD KNIVES DO, RE & MI: BIRDIE BOWL SING-ALONG

CBC GEM AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (2021) MAFIA INC. THE MAGNITUDE OF ALL THINGS

CRAVE TV A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW (Season 3, Episode 1) HIGHWAY THRU HELL (Season 10) HOPE FLOATS INHERENT VICE LAST OF THE GIANTS (Season 1) MIDWAY MISS FIRECRACKER MOULIN ROUGE NEVER LET ME GO OSMOSIS JONES RIDE ALONG 2 WALL STEET: MONEY NEVER SLEEP WALL STREET

DISNEY + STAR THE HOUSEWIFE & THE SHAH SHOCKER THE SINFLUENCER OF SOHO TRUST (Season 1)

NETFLIX CANADA BARBIE: IT TAKES TWO DANCING ON GLASS DIRTY LINES ELITE (Season 5) GREEN EGGS AND HAM (Season 2) THE IN BETWEEN METAL LORDS TIGER & BUNNY 2 YAKSHA; RUTHLESS OPERATIONS

AUGUSTA NATIONAL MASTERS GOLF (TSN/TSN3) 10:00am: Second Round - Feature Groups (TSN2) 10:30am: Second Round - 15th and 16th Holes (TSN/TSN3/TSN4) 3:00pm: Second Round (TSN3) 11:30pm:  Primetime

WORLD MEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP (TSN5) 12:00pm: Canada vs. Scotland

MLB BASEBALL (SN/SN1) 1:00pm: Red Sox vs. Yankees (SN) 7:00pm: Rangers vs. Jays

NHL HOCKEY (SN1) 7:00pm: Bruins vs. Lightning (TSN3) 8:00pm: Avalanche vs. Jets

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN4/TSN5) 7:30pm: Rockets vs. Raptors (SN Now) 7:30pm: Cavaliers vs. Nets (SN Now) 8:00pm: Hawks vs. Heat (SN1) 10:30pm: Thunder vs. Lakers

marketplace (CBC) 8:00pm

LOVE'S SWEET RECIPE (City TV) 8:00pm:  Sparks fly between a talented chef and her childhood best friend as she regains her passion for cooking.

HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES: A PRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm: A psychologist and former prosecutor aids a detective in investigating a rapidly growing string of murders at Atlanta Memorial Hospital.

THE NATURE OF THINGS (CBC) 9:00pm: Chef Secrets: The Science of Cooking:  Delving deep inside the kitchen to reveal the delicious chemistry, physics, and microbiology of cooking.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DURBAN (Slice) 9:00pm:  Its LaConco's big day, but rumors surrounding Annie's late arrival change the mood. NIGHT RAIDERS (Crave) 9:00pm:  In a post-war future, a mother joins an underground band of vigilantes to try and rescue her daughter from a state-run institution.

THE STATE OF TEXAS VS. MELISSA (Super Channel Fuse) 9:00pm: Filmmaker Sabrina Van Tassel follows the life journey of Melissa Lucio, a Texas death row inmate who's facing her last appeal.

CRIME BEAT (Global) 10:00pm: Reporter Caryn Lieberman reveals how Larry Arnold's murder investigation is linked to the 1997 killing of a 20-year-old woman Sarah Whitehead, hundreds of kilometers away in North Bay, Ontario.

MURDER UNDER THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Investigation Discovery) 10:00pm (SERIES PREMIERE): In a small Texas town, a serial rapist stalks and attacks multiple high school cheerleaders before graduating to murder; detectives discover the monster behind these horrific crimes is much closer to home than anyone could have possibly guessed.

[chimaeracabra]

(NSFW ahead)

Nick offered to give me the $11 I was complaining about paying if I want to get the electronic version of my diploma. I hugged him and wanted to cry. I refused the money anyway. I’m going to just add it to the things my dad should give me money for (he asked me earlier this week to take me out to lunch or dinner to celebrate finishing my thesis and getting my degree. He also said he would give me more money at the time to pay the remainder of my grad school bill). Nick said, “I want my money to be your money.” I told him that I appreciate that, but I feel badly about him spending a lot of money on me (whenever I go to see him, he takes me out to eat, or we order food that gets delivered). Actually, I shouldn’t feel badly because I drive to him almost every time we hang out (and that’s mainly because of wanting privacy talking to him and for sex. I can’t do that at home in my mom’s house). He got us Chipotle. I had a delicious veggie burrito.

Sigh. He really is so amazing to me. He bought me a coffee when I went to his apartment a few days ago to spend time with him in the morning before he went to work. And he doesn’t even drink coffee, but he knows I like it with almond milk. He said, “I made sure you can have it!” since milk and dairy are a no-no for me.

We went to his improv group in the park in Cambridge. I went with him one other time before like 2 weeks ago. The people are really friendly, and I actually participated a little bit. One of them found a random dog, who was SUCH a sweetie! And some of the people in the group were trying to find its owner. It was on leash, looked well taken care of, and she just happened to come up to one of Nick’s friends as though she were asking for help. His friend said the dog just approached him and “booped” his knee and laid its head there :3 Not long after we left, Nick got a text saying they found the owner.

 I told Nathan that I feel badly about having met someone. He kept saying he thinks it’s a rebound, that we could have worked things out, etc. I told him many times that it is absolutely NOT a rebound…he asked me to respectfully unfriend his immediate family. So, I did. He also asked me to block him because he thinks there will be times when he is weak and angry and try to reach out to me. So, I blocked him. I am not going to allow myself to feel badly about him anymore. I absolutely TRIED to make that relationship work, SO hard. I communicated my needs to him from the get go. I PLEADED with Nathan to communicate better at times, and many of those times, he chose not to. So, I didn’t ruin this, he did. I’m just not going to allow myself to feel like I did something wrong when I absolutely didn’t.

Nick keeps being very, very communicative. It’s absolutely amazing. He keeps telling me not to say “sorry,” just a weird habit that I have. I guess I say it a lot over little things…very NSFW ahead…

 He literally texts himself to remind himself of positions he wants to try to get me off (he showed me that because I went into a text thread of porn I like that I send to myself and he saw and wanted to know what it was. Lmfao.) I can’t get over how well versed in the female body he is. I’m going to shamelessly say that I squirted tonight. Did not know I could do that. Nathan never liked doing many of the positions that I am finding myself really enjoying with Nick. In many ways, he and I weren’t very sexually compatible, not that that’s the most important thing to me in a relationship. I liked sex with Nathan because I was still very in love and enjoyed being close. It felt good, but often I just ended up in pain afterwards and a lot of that I think was due to his size and that he really always wanted to do positions that would get me sore pretty quickly. And I communicated to him that I was having that issue and we never really resolved it. But the sexual chemistry (and emotional chemistry) I have with Nick is mind blowing. Earth. Shattering. Orgasms. Like, wtf. It’s almost like everything I had previously does not count as sex. Nick told me that one of his sexual things is giving pleasure. It wasn’t that Nathan never tried to do that for me, but he just didn’t like the positions I liked—part of it being because of a wrist injury he had which he sustained in Iraq—and didn’t like to thrust hard and fast (but would still do it during sex to try and please me because I communicated that I like that).

Nick said he feels really good about the fact that I get off repeatedly when we have sex. Like, he’s energizer bunny or something! I think we had sex seven times tonight. He’s just able to keep getting hard. He told me that he’s a very sexual person in relationships, likes giving pleasure, and is a little dominant. Those are literally all qualities I enjoy sexually, so I’m very satisfied. I didn’t think it was possible before for me to have orgasms from PIV sex. But he just does it properly and enjoys doing it! 

He said I am the most orgasmic woman he’s ever been with. And that he can’t believe I used to have to use lots of lube with sex (I had to with Nathan. Don’t know why.) But with Nick, I get so wet it’s kind of embarrassing to me. But Nick said he likes it. 

He asked me the other day if I feel like I’m having a sexual revelation. I sure as shit do. It’s really not just the sex though, I feel safe emotionally with him. The fact that he’s a psych nurse I think is what makes him so emotionally intelligent (not that all psych nurses are like that. Have worked with enough over the past 4 years to know this!) He listens me when I talk and is always telling me that if there is something I’m not comfortable with not to hold back telling him, something I started doing when I was with Nathan because he sometimes would just be quick to get angry and I didn’t want to deal with that. Interestingly, Nick also has PTSD (he was mugged twice in the past), but I have not seen it manifest in him (yet) the way it did with Nathan at times (short temper, blowing off conversations when something was wrong, etc.)

I was talking to Nick the other day over the weekend on video chat while I was in NY about a job interview I was going to have on the 19th (the one that didn’t turn out because I don’t have the requirements they want after all) and he said something about a drug test if I did get hired, as I had gotten high with him the previous weekend. And I paused and thought about that and started googling how long marijuana might be detectable in your urine. And then he was like, “I put that worry in your head. I’m so sorry. I hope that I didn’t fuck you over. I want to look out for you.” And that just felt really good to me. He didn’t force me to try it, I wanted to try it myself. But it was nice that he thought about that and wanted to make sure he wasn’t contributing negatively to my prospects.

Nick was texting me while I was asleep (he often works 3pm-7am shifts) about a code that was called on the unit he doesn’t like working on. The police ended up coming and he said the patient causing that code almost got one of the police officer’s guns. So, he could have been killed. He explained that he wasn’t happy with how the situation was handled, and he was upset with the way things often are where patients are just kept for their insurance to run out so the hospital can profit, and that patients don’t get the right care. The charge nurse screwed him over by not completing paperwork on a new admission, so he had to stay an extra three hours. I told him earlier yesterday that he really needs to try and transfer to another, safer hospital, and he said he has to put in his year where he currently is, which will be up around March. He also said, “Let’s get really high tomorrow and fuck like crazy” xD 

I don’t get high every time we hang out, but it is actually really relaxing and fun. It makes me uninhibited, and it’s how I started having a lot of orgasms during sex, I think because of the disinhibition. Now I can have orgasms while not high because of everything Nick likes to do in terms of positions. I remember trying to get high with my friend Julie from a different program in my grad school. it never worked. Idk why. The only other time marijuana had affected me was the one time I tried edibles when I was with Nathan. But Nick has this vaporizer machine that makes water vapor from marijuana, and apparently it really concentrates the THC that way, while apparently removing some carcinogens, and that actually gets me high.

If in a few months, Nick is nothing like he is now and I’m not happy with him, I have accepted that that’s ultimately okay. Because I am a good person, I was very good to Nathan, I am good to Nick, I know that I deserve the best when it comes to a romantic partner. I do not go out of my way to hurt the people I love. And even if I end up single, I will be okay, because I am going to take care of myself, always, first and foremost. If anything, being in a relationship has REMINDED ME that BEING HAPPY BY YOURSELF FIRST, and doing the things that are going to make YOU happy, are so important, whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not! A romantic relationship is not going to fix all of your problems. I was still unhappy about feeling unsuccessful early in mine and Nathan’s relationship, until I got into my master’s program. And even throughout that, I struggled with feeling like some sort of failure, even though the entire program, I had this guy that really seemed to love me and want the best for me. So, point blank: make your-fucking-self happy, regardless of your relationship status. A boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse is only supposed to ADD TO that happiness. They should not be the sole source of your happiness, otherwise your happiness is always at the mercy of someone who can one day wake up and tell you they don’t want to be with you anymore, or whatever it is they’re gonna do that will break your heart.

[mrsbenedictbridgerton]

This Unspoken Thing: Killian (5/5)

Also on AO3 and FF.NET

-A little insight into Killian

Hands on her waist, his lips at her ear, singing the words that were so much more than lyrics:

‘Give me your heart, make it real or just forget about it.’

She was so free and relaxed. Emma Swan, tough, stubborn, glorious and with walls sky high, was grinding against him in full view of the entire bar. The night flashed before him: their friends, the birthday dinner, the rum - oh the rum… The’d worked their way through half a bottle together before she’d slunk off to see her brother. He’d watched her leave, his eyes lingering on the sway of her hips, his mind confused and conflicted.

Killian Jones had been called many things over the years. Stubborn. Sexy. Rapscallion.

But never a fool. Yet that was perhaps the most suitable name for him when it came to Emma Swan.

It had been so long since he’d started to want her (fall for her…) that the time before she had swept into his life seemed a foggy, blurred memory.

Yes, they had sparred at first: being professional rivals would do that to you. But it was an addictive friction. He liked pushing her buttons and watching those green eyes flash and hearing the creative insults she used to describe him. And even when they had found themselves working on the same team, the back and forth hadn’t abated. Maybe the edges had smoothed over a bit, but the fire and spark was still there.

When he had discovered her brother worked for the police department, it hadn’t been difficult to strike up a tentative friendship considering how often he was there dropping off skips. His motives had not been pure, he would admit it. She’d stubbornly refused to let him further into her life, not matter how many lunches they shared or cups of cocoa he brought her from her favorite diner. Using her family to get closer to her wasn’t his finest moment, but as it turned out David was a great bloke and the two had a lot in common. From there, it was a smooth transition from outsider to core member in the circle of friends that the brother and sister had around them.

And it was worth it. Becoming an ingrained part of her life, and her of his, he was pretty sure she felt something for him. There were looks, unspoken words written in lingering glances, and a delicious tension whenever they shared a room.

But tonight was a first. Was he mistaking the way she was pressing herself against him? The way she curved her body and teased his most sensitive parts with her movements and the tips of her fingers?

So he drank her in, enjoying the feel of her, the abandon with which she moved, her arms slung back around his neck, her fingers, tracing circles on the skin of his neck, his body afire with the proximity of the woman who had tormented and bedazzled him in equal measure.

Emma had him twisted around her in a way she could never understand and most likely had not considered. He’d covered his feelings for her with wit and flirtation, always aware that Emma was a skittish woman. An outright declaration of wanting to pursue her would have sent her scuttling for the shadows. The dance, therefore, was a situation he could never have expected. He could pretend that there was more between them than possibilities and chemistry, even if he had no idea how to make that real.

As the song died away, he knew he couldn’t hide much longer from the unspoken thing between them before it came bubbling to the surface. Things were heading to a tipping point.

Emma had slipped away from the dance floor, leaving him there, blood racing, hard as a rock, surrounded by oblivious dancers who quickly closed in the space she had left. Then he watched her sidle up to the bar and take a stool next to a man: Detective Graham Humbert of the Boston PD. Co-worker of her brother and all around nice guy.

He needed to do something.

/

Of course, she had denied it.

There was no thing, she’d said. It smarted for a moment, until he reminded himself who he was dealing with.

And, hell, if the idea of her getting with Humbert didn’t tear right into him. Yes, he was a decent fellow: good and upstanding and all that. But Emma, she was a flickering flame that needed to be fanned, not quashed by the cool calmness of the police officer. He wanted to be the one to ignite that passion. Oh, she had hinted at how glorious that would be when she plastered her body against his. (He groaned every time he thought about it.)

When he’d gotten close to her in that empty kitchen it was clear she was affected. Her slow breathing, the widening of her eyes. Yes, she felt something, he was even more certain. Getting her to admit it - well, that was another thing.

But he did love a challenge.

/

One thing Killian had learned, pretty early on in their acquaintance, was just how stubborn Emma was. She didn’t like to be helped, was fiercely independent and therefore was also highly reticent to admit when she was wrong.

Deciding to tread carefully, he’d tried thoughtful lunches and coffees. He’d tried a smouldering look or two across the office. He’d even thought about talking to David about his obstinate sister. Then he’d thought of a different tact.

If she was so sure he was not what she wanted, how would she react to someone else wanting him?

There was a date. Her name was Clare. They’d met when he was researching a job and she’d given him her card ‘just in case’. She was undeniably gorgeous: he hadn’t exaggerated in his description of her. She ran her own consulting firm, had been screwed over by a contractor who had fleeced their bank account.

As dates go, it was fine. Nice. Pleasant.

Dinner at an Italian: one of those modern types with lots of white decor. Not those dimly lit, romantic ones with candles and suchlike.

(It wasn’t that kind of date.)

He’d been attentive, listening and making the correct responses to her stories, sharing a few tales of his own, having quite the repertoire in that arena working in bail bonds. When they’d parted, he’d given her a kiss to her hand and a non committal reply to her suggestion of another date (another perk of his job, the unpredictable schedule gave many an excuse to get out of social activities).

Back in the office, fine, nice and pleasant were replaced with fantastic, exceptional and scorching. Well, when Emma was there. He saved talking about his date until she was there, raising his voice just high enough to catch her ear, seeing her crane her neck in the most subtle way as he boasted.

It was petty and childish, but he was a little lost when it came to her. She wasn’t interested in his usual charms and lines, so this was the route he had chosen. Yet Emma remained stubbornly silent. She’d made no comment on his story; hadn’t risen to the challenge he’d laid forth when he laid a lingering stare in her directio

/

It was past midnight when his phone rang.

“Leroy?” he groaned, his eyes blurry from sleep.

“Jones? I need a favor.”

Killian sighed. Leroy was a decent enough employer but he liked to take liberties. Like that time he’d tricked Killian into helping him move apartment (not on the clock) or when he’d talked him into picking up his grandmother from the airport which ended with having to spend the afternoon entertaining the octogenarian while Leroy worked - Killian knew he was actually hungover from celebrating the Red Sox winning the play offs.

“Shoot.”

“Swan’s got herself banged up, she’d down at the ER. Can you check on her?”

The words cut through him. He sprang up in bed, his head spinning a little at the rapid motion. “What? What’s happened? Is she hurt?”

“Well, she’s getting checked out so I assume something is up. Her brother is working and I need to know that my best - sorry, second best agent is getting taken care of.”

Killian was already pulling on a t-shirt. “I’ll be there,” he replied, a ball of worry churning inside him.

/

She was fine. Relatively.

The anxiety that had risen as he drove to the hospital had melted as soon she had given him a mouthful of snark. He’d missed that.

As she was treated she did a good job of trying to ignore his presence. He wished, quite often, that his charms worked on Emma. Usually, he didn’t even have to try. Take the nurse who’d been looking after Emma. He’d merely smiled and asked a few questions and she was all over him like a rash. Maybe that was what had made Emma appeal to him so much. Maybe he was just a glutton for punishment.

Crutches and medication in hand, it was the gentlemanly thing to offer to take her home. It was also the gentlemanly thing to help her up the stairs -and be silently thankful that her building didn’t have an elevator– when he pulled her protesting form over his shoulder and firmly gripped her thigh. The brief time it took to climb the staircase had him all worked up. Her warm body so close to him, the feel of her pressed against him. It was almost too much.

Once at her door, he’d followed her inside without invitation.

While she changed he’d organized her painkillers and prepared a small tray so she wouldn’t have to leave her bed until David got home. He found her laid on her bed in faded plaid pajamas, her eyes tired and hair ruffled but no less stunning than he ever thought her to be.

Beautiful, stubborn, fiery Swan.

Damn he’d wanted to kiss her. (He’d wanted to kiss her for months-)

When he’d placed the tray on her bedside table, he’d let himself soak her in for a moment. She smelled like shampoo - mint - and the cottony scent of fresh laundry. He’d played it off as going to fluff her pillow, biting his cheek to stop him saying something he would regret.

Of course, she questioned his motives.

He’d pleaded through the way he looked at her, begged her to understand.

“You, nice? Please. You’re only nice when you’re trying to get in someone’s pants.”

He’d have been lying if he said that didn’t smart. He wasn’t sure where that opinion of him had came from and for a second it was hard to hide the flare of hurt that flickered over his face.

But then he smiled, hiding what he felt behind his mask of bravado. It was too easy to fall into that pattern of banter with ther.

“Maybe I am.”

Her lips parted. He could see the way she was checking him out. His eyes danced over her form, the deep neckline of the pajamas, the top button that had worked it’s way undone.

God, he was wrecked for her.

Her cheeks flushed and she looked away.

“I’m not having sex with you because you gave me a ride home.”

Every muscle tightened for a second as he let her insinuation pass over him. He knew she didn’t mean it. He knew she was just deflecting. Two can play at that, he thought.

“Maybe I don’t want to have sex with you,” he said, eyes boring into hers, her expression changing from confused to shocked to something unreadable. His mouth felt dry and his heart was racing. She didn’t speak, so he let the next words fall from his lips before he could think better of it.

“Maybe I want to make love to you.”

(And he meant it. He was well past like, half in love with her already.)

It was one of those defining moments. He felt on tenterhooks as he waited. Her chest rose and fell quickly, her fingers tightened their grip on the comforter, her head tilted to one side-

Then she laughed. Soft, gentle.

“Good one,” she nodded, tapping a pointed finger at him. “You had me there for a minute, Jones.”

“Did I?” he sighed.

Not such a defining moment, then.

What had he truly expected? This was Emma, after all.

He’d left, a dilemma on his hands.

/

It was somewhere in between being punched by the skip, and Humbert informing him about his date with Emma, that Killian had made up his mind. He was becoming a fool over this woman.

Almost two weeks had passed since the night he had taken her home from the hospital and in that time they had exchanged a grand total of four, completely work related, text messages. He missed her.

And why was she going on a date with that fool? Why not him?

(He knew the reason why: it wasn’t like he had outright asked her. It wasn’t like he thought she would say yes-)

Tormented as she tended to his wound, it had’t taken long to decide. He’d laid out his cards on the table, making it clear that something with him was time limited and she needed to make a choice.

Walking out of that office had been incredibly hard, made more so by the fact that he was only being half honest.

(He’d have waited forever for her.)

He lay on his couch and tried to think of anything other than her expression when he had left.

/

She was there, in his arms, her lips beneath his, the words he had wanted to hear from her for so long seeming to come so easily in the dimly lit living room.

Kissing her was everything and more. They just fit. His hands melded to her waist, her arms around his neck. He drowned in her.

(And it was a glorious way to go-)

Wrapped up in one another, for the first time true honesty not being shielded by walls and bluster, he found it was surprisingly simple. Maybe words weren’t needed after all when two were open with each other, more could be said after all by actions on some occasions.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Naughty Stranger by Stacey Kennedy

Dangerous Love #1

Sometimes the perfect book comes my way just when I need it and today there could not have been a better book for me to read. I fell in love with the characters, supporting characters and town as they came together to welcome Peyton Kerr and then support and protect her when bad things began to happen. The dynamics between Peyton and Boone Knight sizzled and their chemistry was instantaneous and undeniable. They were perfect together and reading their story made me happy...in spite of all that happened to make it at times rather suspenseful.

Peyton was someone I could see myself being once in my life. I have been an RN and young and in love. I have not experienced the heartbreak that Peyton did but can empathize. And Boone...talk about a heartthrob and perfect book boyfriend! I loved that they truly saw and got to know one another, shared and cared and all the rest. I enjoyed the mystery of who was out to kill people and how the police followed the clues. I loved meeting Asher and Rhett – Boone’s friends and colleagues on the police force. Kinsley and Remy were great girl friends for Peyton and always there for her.

I think one thing that came through to me in this book is that we really should make the most of every moment we have because that is all any of us are sure of. Live and love and experience life even when it is dark because even in the dark there is usually a bit of light.

Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!

Would I  like to read more in this series? I can’t wait!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette-Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42365674-naughty-stranger

BLURB

From USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy comes a thrilling, sexy romance about a woman in danger and a small-town police detective who will do anything to keep her safe. After a sudden tragedy blew her world apart, Peyton Kerr fled her big city career and started over in Stoney Creek, Maine. So far, she’s loving small-town life–no one knows about her past, and her easy flirtation with Boone Knight gives her a reason to smile. But then someone is murdered in Peyton’s store, and her quiet, anonymous existence is instantly destroyed. To make matters worse, Boone–a police detective–is assigned to the case, and Peyton knows she can’t keep him at arm’s length any longer. She’s resisted the simmering heat between them–but now this gorgeous man is promising to keep her safe–and satisfied… Boone Knight doesn’t want the complications of a relationship. But when he volunteers to protect his town’s newest–and sexiest–resident, he finally admits he’d like to explore their sizzling attraction. And after one incredible night, everything changes for Boone. Peyton is sweeter–and braver–than anyone he’s ever met, and with her in his arms, everything makes sense. He just needs to convince her to trust him enough to reveal her secrets, or risk losing her to a merciless killer who seems to grow bolder with each passing day.

EXCERPT

http://www.staceykennedy.com/naughty-stranger-sneak-peek/

The loud rumble of the baby blue Volkswagen Beetle quieted as Peyton Kerr pressed against the brake pedal. Stoney Creek’s Main Street was cute and quaint, with boutique shops lining the skinny road where cars were parked without much space in between them. Through her open window, she tasted the salt in the air coming off the Atlantic Ocean and drove by a young man packing large containers with live lobsters into the back of his old Chevy pickup. On the next corner was a ticket booth for the lighthouse boat tours. Stoney Creek was a far cry from the bright lights, skyscrapers, and pungent busy city aroma that Seattle carried, but it was also a most welcome change.

People came to Stoney Creek for the picturesque views of the coastline on the bay. They climbed the mountain that overlooked the town and the ocean. They ate fresh fish at the restaurants near the marina, walked the beaches, and sailed the open waters. Peyton came for those reasons too. Well, and a laundry list of others, including that Stoney Creek was the last vacation spot she visited with her late husband, Adam, just over a year ago. She’d been her happiest here. They swam the waters, ate too much, laughed hard enough to cry. That’s what brought her back to the small Maine town. She’d left Seattle a heartbroken twenty-six-year-old widow, and she returned to Stoney Creek determined to find happiness here again.

Her heart clenched at the reminder of all she’d lost, threatening to expose all the weak spots. She forced the emotion back with a deep swallow, refusing to go to the dark place again. The past was behind her. That’s where it’d stay.

Up ahead, Peyton recognized the dark-haired slender woman waiting beneath a withered store sign as Isabella, her real estate agent. Peyton squeezed her used—but new to her—car into one of the parking spots.

Before she could even get out, Isabella was already at the passenger-side door. “You made it.”

“I’m so glad to finally be here.” Peyton smiled, turning off the car and exiting. She’d done a nine-hour flight with a layover in Philadelphia, then landed at the Portland International Jetport. That’s where she found her new car, which she thought suited small-town living. After a good night’s sleep in Portland, she drove three hours, taking the scenic drive along the coast to her fresh start. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“It’s no problem. I’ve got your keys here for both your house and your shop.” Isabella reached into her purse, then handed Peyton two sets of keys. “You’re all set to move in and open shop.” She handed her a slew of business cards. “I’ve given you some names of handymen around town if you want to give the store a makeover.”

Peyton glanced up at the old sign again and took in the cracked windowpane and peeling white paint on the exterior. Both the shop and her new lake house needed work, but so did she. “Great,” Peyton said, feeling like a fish out of water. “Thank you so much for everything. You’ve been so helpful.”

“Call if you need anything.” Isabella smiled and, shocking Peyton, threw her arms around her like they were friends. “You’re going to love it here.” With a final wave, she was off, practically skipping her way down the sidewalk.

Okay, so the people were the nice, touchy-feely sort.

Peyton turned back to her new shop and exhaled the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. Set in a historic redbrick building, in between Whiskey Blues, a jazz club on the right, and an empty store on the left, was her little lingerie shop with the French-style storefront. Two large display windows hugged the dark maple door with the original brass handle. The store might not be much in size, but the charm of the shop made up for it.

It was also 100 percent hers. Paid for with the insurance money from Adam’s death. Two weeks ago, in her lowest of lows, a Facebook ad for the Stoney Creek B&B, where she and Adam had stayed at when they’d vacationed there, had popped up on her screen. After that, she’d fallen down the Internet hole until she discovered the local lingerie shop was for sale. Everything from there happened so fast; she’d up and bought the shop on a total whim. Because if anything could make her feel happy again, it would be found in the place she felt the happiest. She also kept thinking that if she could make other women feel beautiful, then she’d feel that way again too.

This past year, she had no reason to wear gorgeous lingerie, let alone find a reason to get out of bed. She wore cotton bras and underwear for comfort. But she’d had a blast selling lingerie during her nursing school days. She couldn’t help but think that buying a lingerie shop was a good step forward to finding the fun parts of herself that had disappeared with Adam’s death.

Sure, she knew her mental state was hanging in the balance of her new life and her new shop. She couldn’t fail. Not because of the money. Adam had left her in good shape financially. But she couldn’t fail because this was all she had. There was nothing else giving her a purpose. And she was done playing the victim. She was also done simply surviving. She’d already been doing that in spades in Seattle. She wanted to breathe. To live.

And that’s why she’d left Seattle and her parents. She’d given up her nursing career in the ER at Seattle’s General Hospital, and she’d dumped every cent she received from Adam’s insurance money into this shop and her little house on the lake.

Was she crazy?

Oh, yeah, she was totally batshit nuts.

She glanced down at the house keys in her hand. All of her belongings would be shipped tomorrow, so tonight she planned to stay at the Stoney Creek B&B a couple blocks down Main Street.

“Are you the new owner?”

Peyton turned around, finding an older couple smiling at her. “Yes, I am.”

“Oh, so lovely to hear,” the woman said, her arm wrapped in her husband’s. “We need more young business owners coming in and keeping our downtown alive.” She offered her hand. “I’m Marjorie, and this is Joe.”

Peyton returned Marjorie’s handshake and then shook Joe’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m Peyton.” When she drew her hand away, her stomach suddenly rumbled loudly. “I’m sorry about that. Apparently, I’m starving.”

Joe’s amber eyes crinkled with his warm smile. “The bar next door has one of the best fish sandwiches in town.”

“That sounds delicious.” Peyton returned the smile, feeling the tightness in her chest begin to dissolve. “I’ll be sure to check it out. Thanks.”

“Enjoy your evening, Peyton,” Marjorie said. With a final wave, they continued on their walk.

When Peyton’s stomach growled again, she headed for the bar, thinking a drink along with food sounded like the next best step forward. She didn’t see any parking signs, figuring she could leave her car there for the night.

She grabbed her purse from the car, locked the doors and entered the bar. From its original flagstone walls and restored burgundy velvet chairs to the gold accents, the bar was pure class. Four large crystal chandeliers gave the space a warm, inviting feel, and round tables surrounded the black shiny stage, where a man had his head bowed over the piano he played.

Peyton headed for the bar that had three men drinking beers. She hastily moved to the other side, keeping her distance from anyone of the opposite sex. Even the hot guy with the dark hair and muscular biceps who held her gaze, the side of his mouth curving sensually. Actually, especially because of that. She needed to find herself again, not find herself in anyone’s bed.

When she slid onto the stool, a friendly voice said, “You’re new here.”

Peyton glanced up, finding a slim, long-haired brunette wearing a black T-shirt that read whiskey blues across her chest. The bright pink lipstick she wore made her big blue eyes pop.

“Yup, I’m brand spanking new.” Peyton smiled, offering her hand. “I bought the store next door.”

“Did you?” The woman returned the handshake. “Well, that makes us friends already, then.”

Peyton laughed. “And here I was thinking making new friends was going to be hard.” She placed her hands back onto her purse. “I’m Peyton.”

“Kinsley,” the woman said, grabbing a martini glass. “Lucky for you, I own this place, which means I can call it a night and celebrate us being neighbors.” She gestured at the glass. “Chocolate martinis sound okay?”

“Sounds divine,” Peyton said, her mouth watering. She definitely wanted a fish sandwich, but a little liquid love first didn’t hurt. Besides, she hoped the drink would help dissolve the lump in her throat. She questioned her sanity, uprooting her life and leaving her family behind. But she couldn’t have stayed in Seattle another day. Seattle belonged to her and Adam. She needed to belong without him. Adam was gone. He wasn’t coming back.

Kinsley finished pouring two glasses, then held hers up. “To new friendships and new beginnings.”

Peyton lifted her glass. “Cheers to that!”

Before long, one glass turned into two glasses, and Peyton’s belly felt warm, her smile easy, the fish sandwich long forgotten. She spoke of Seattle, leaving out all the personal parts, keeping those secrets locked up tight. And Kinsley shared life in Stoney Creek, the fun places to go, the sights to see.

“I make a damn fine martini,” Kinsley said, licking the chocolate flakes off her upper lip. She placed her empty glass behind the bar. “Give me a couple minutes, then we’ll Uber it to this new house of yours on the lake and grab some takeout on the way. I gotta see this place. It sounds amazing.”

Sure, Kinsley was a stranger, but something about her laidback way put Peyton at ease. “Deal.” Peyton took another sip of her drink, watching Kinsley leave the bar and move into the back room, feeling happier than she’d felt in an entire year.

Something warm suddenly brushed against Peyton’s arm, making her shiver. She turned as Mr. Crooked Smile sat on the stool next to her. He was tall—around six foot two, pure muscle, an all-around fine specimen of a man. His intense blue eyes that appeared nearly gray in the low lighting held hers, and his five-o’clock shadow brought her attention to his totally kissable lips. He wore a navy-blue T-shirt that stretched across his chest, showcasing hard biceps, and jeans that hugged his thick thighs.

“Hi.” He grinned, voice as smooth as melted chocolate. And she really liked chocolate. A lot.

She took in the hard masculine lines of his face, softened a little by the strands of dark hair falling across his forehead. “I’m new here, opening the shop next door,” she babbled.

“Ah, the lingerie shop,” he said, his eyes dancing at whatever was crossing her expression. “Tonight’s a celebration, then?”

God, she must have looked like she wanted to eat him. Well, she did, so whatever. Obviously, the martinis without food had been a terrible idea. “That’s right,” she said, lifting her chin, trying not to look as rattled by this guy or as tipsy as she felt.

His arm brushed against hers again—clearly intentional this time—and she shivered, hearing her own hitching breath. His gaze went red hot, those deep eyes turning darker, examining her deeper. She swallowed, trying to calm her puckering nipples and the building heat between her thighs.

What. The. Hell?

“Um, excuse me.” She slid off the stool and stumbled in the process. After she laughed at herself and hid her gaze from him, she beelined it toward the bathroom across the bar. Once inside, she turned on the water and placed her hands underneath to cool off. She looked into the mirror, finding her cheeks flushed, her eyes glossy and full of heat. Maybe those chocolate martinis had an aphrodisiac effect. Because . . . holy hell!

She stayed in the bathroom probably longer than necessary. When she came out, she nearly walked into Mr. Crooked Smile. He caught her by the waist to steady her, and when his hands tightened on her hips something overcame her, an emotion she could not control. His touch was warm and strong, and his potent stare pulled her in until she looked into his eyes intimately.

He arched an eyebrow. “All right?”

“Why are you waiting here for me?” she managed.

His smile was gentle and sweet, and on a big tough guy looked mouthwateringly delicious. “You’ve been in there a while. Feeling okay?”

She stared at him. For some reason she was immensely touched by his kindness, and she suddenly couldn’t remember all the reasons she didn’t want a man in her life. “God, you’re so hot.” She grabbed his face and kissed him. Passionately. With tongue.

A low masculine sound that tickled her in the best places rose from deep in his chest. Then her back hit the wall. Hard. Shock and desire flooded her as he threaded one hand into her hair, then claimed her mouth. Owned it, with every hard press of his lips and swirl of his tongue.

When she began nearly climbing up his body, a moment of clarity hit her, and she broke away with a gasp. “What in the hell are we doing?” she asked, staring at his mouth, and wanting desperately to have more of it. “You’re a stranger.” A naughty stranger.

“I believe you kissed me,” he said in a voice so low goose bumps rose on her arms, and a smile so sexy it should come with a warning label. “And were doing a fine job of it.”

“Ahem.”

Still in the man’s arms, Peyton turned, finding Kinsley staring at them with her arms folded.

“So,” Kinsley said with a sly smile. “I see you’ve met my brother, Boone.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacey Kennedy is an outdoorsy, wine-drinking, nap-loving, animal-cuddling, USA Today bestselling romance author with a chocolate problem. She writes sexy contemporary romance full of heat and heart, including titles in her wildly hot Kinky Spurs, Club Sin, and Dirty Little Secrets. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her family and does most of her writing surrounded by lazy dogs. To keep in touch with Stacey, get updates right to your inbox at staceykennedy.com/newsletter/.

[ilovemesomekillianjones]

You Make Me Better

BASED ON THIS POST by @bleebug and subsequent comments from @thesschesthair and @seethelovelyintheworld Thanks ladies for this inspirational prompt, I had a great time writing this.  Thanks to @laschatzi and @xhookswenchx for read through and beta services!

Also on ao3 and ffnet

CS Neighbors AU where Emma is a nurse and Killian is her definitely-faking-it hypochondriac neighbor who uses illnesses and injuries as an excuse to talk to her.

*~♥~*

Emma had just put her dinner together and sat down on her couch with a nice glass of red wine, and Netflix ready to go. The upside to working in a small private practice was for the first time since attending college, Emma Swan had a somewhat normal schedule. It allowed her peaceful evenings to herself to do what she pleased. Tonight she’d been home from another long day for a mere half an hour and was beyond ready to relax.

“Swan!”

“I should have turned off the goddamn lights,” she muttered.

“Swaaaan!” the interloper persisted, pounding on her door again.

The downside meant a certain pesky neighbor soliciting free medical advice on the regular. Rolling her eyes, she put the television remote and her glass of wine on the coffee table, knowing he wasn’t going to let up.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t be neighborly, but Killian Jones was a menace. The man was a hypochondriac of the worst kind - a fake hypochondriac - some new illness ailing him weekly. She flung her door open just as he was poised to knock again. The breeze it caused carried in his scent, and Emma was olfactorily assaulted by just one of the real reasons Killian Jones drove her crazy.  The next havoc he wreaked on her was the sight waiting before her. Killian Jones, shirtless… again, gingerly propped up against the frame of her door. Last time he’d shown up shirtless he’d insisted that a tiny mosquito bite on his back was a case of the shingles. She wondered if his shirtless visits were nothing more than a chance for him to flaunt his altogether delicious chest: just the right amount of definition and muscle covered by taut skin that pulled as he gesticulated his every word, all overlaid with beautiful black chest hair that descended into a thin trail disappearing under the waistband of his pajama pants.

“Swan, thank the gods you’re here, lass. I need medical assistance.”

And therein was another assault on her senses, that goddamn accent. She could listen to him all day and all night. Sometimes she did listen to him in the middle of the night, when that bastard invaded her dreams.

Looking into his crystalline blue eyes as he spoke to her through perfectly shaped lips, Emma almost didn’t hear his desperate plea for help. Goddammit, get ahold of yourself!  “What is it this time, Jones?” Emma spoke casually, hoping he wouldn’t see how he affected her.  

“I seem to have to have a lump, right about here,” he said, feeling himself up in her entryway. “Ah, there it is.” He grabbed her hand and placed her fingers right above his nipple, then pressed her hand into his skin.

Well, this was one of the five senses he’d yet to affront. He felt delectable under her palm. Emma rolled her eyes at his smirk, trying to curtail the urge to slide her fingers through his chest hair, and maybe even tug on it a little. “I don’t feel anything, Jones.”

“That’s because you’re not hitting quite the right spot, love.” As per usual his tone alluded to a carnality Emma found to be on her mind more than was probably healthy.  He wrapped his hand around her wrist and slid it up a little further along his pectoral. He followed by placing his hand over hers, and kneading them over his warm flesh.

Emma’s breath hitched at his maneuvering, damn him, she thought. “I still don’t feel anything,” she half accused and half groaned. Why was he doing this to her?

“Are you quite sure, Swan,” he asked cheekily, eyebrow arching toward the heavens.

Two could play games. Emma pushed into his chest, then pinched him, hard.  Ignoring his yelp, she continued to push him back farther. “That’s your pectoralis minor muscle, I’m sure it feels the same on the opposite side.”

“You should check just to be sure. Early detection is key,” he pleaded, turning the pout in those baby blues up a notch.

She could feel a blush creeping up her neck again, she wanted to touch his chest more, she wanted to caress it and lick it and- “Your breasts are fine, if you’re unhappy with my medical opinion you should probably see an oncologist. Good Night, Jones.” She’d pushed him back far enough that she could close the door on his menacing ass.

“Fine Swan, but you’ll regret it if you’re the death of me!” he called through the door.

“Doubtful,” she mumbled, sagging against her door; she could hear her own lie in her response.  He looked, sounded, smelled, and felt perfect. The only frontier left unexplored was taste. Emma stomped her foot against the floor as her lusty mind betrayed her, she felt like flailing her arms about in frustration. Yes, Emma Swan was a highly frustrated young woman. There was always something wrong with them, she thought. Of her more serious relationships, one had been ready to get married a month into dating, one had bailed during a pregnancy scare, and the other just hadn’t done anything for her, good man, just no chemistry.  

After finishing her dinner and cleaning up, Emma turned on Netflix. She became increasingly resentful every time she realized she was thinking about him, and not watching her show. God he was hot though, and that accent did things to her insides.  An uncontrollable shiver ran up her spine when she thought about how that chest hair would feel grazing across her breasts.

Killian had seemed to be the full package when she met him. Realizing she was moving in, he’d offered to help her by taking her few boxes of possessions up to her apartment. He had grinned widely when she pushed the elevator button to his floor. As she stopped to unlock the apartment next door to his he’d said, must be fate. He was intelligent, kind, could carry a conversation, and of course he was drop dead gorgeous.

She soon saw a different side of Killian Jones, the hypochondriac. Within her first month living next door he had insisted he was dying from overdosing on children’s Tylenol, the idiot. Blathering on about being scared, and things he still needed to do in life. He’d wanted her to hold him in his final moments, the man was drama incarnate!  She’d never forget the time he’d claimed a broken rib, coming straight from the park where he’d been playing football with friends; he’d shown up, dirty, sweaty, and looking all kinds of fuckable, and of course shirtless. She snorted when she thought of the time he’d wondered if he could have prostate issues...

“I believe I may have an enlarged prostate,” he whispered.

“Why do you think that,” she whispered back, looking out into the hallway to see if there was someone else around. “What’s with all the cloak and dagger?”

“This is a sensitive matter, Swan, I’d have thought you would understand that.”

“Oh, well yes, of course I understand.”

He stood there looking at her, “Well are you going to invite me in or question me out here in the hallway?”

Opening the door, she swept her arm in a grand motion signaling for him to enter.  

He sat down on her couch, looking around at her apartment. She felt like she was under a microscope, her sparse decor a little embarrassing.

“How is it a lass as pretty as yourself doesn’t surround herself in the same beauty?” he asked.

Emma didn’t know how to respond to that, she’d always sucked at receiving compliments. “Umm, I just haven’t had much time to go out and buy home decor and shit.”

“And shit?” he laughed heartily. “Darling, this is your domain, habitat, abode, your home. It should be everything you desire.” He ran his tongue along his lower lip after practically purring the word desire.

Emma found herself staring at his mouth, wondering what that tongue might feel like running across her lower lip. No, Emma!  Shaking away the errant thought, she went back to the matter at hand. “So what’s going on with your prostate, Jones?”

For a moment he looked as though he hadn’t the slightest clue what she was referring to before answering her. “I don’t know, isn’t that what you’re supposed to figure out?” he smirked.

Emma narrowed her eyes, feeling as though he was issuing a challenge.  “Ok, what symptoms are you having? Some of the most common would be the frequent urge to urinate, slow or impeded flow while urinating, and trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. Are you having trouble getting it up?” she asked point blank, staring at him with wide eyes. She mentally high fived herself. That ought to take him down a notch.

“I assure you I am having no issues achieving or maintaining anything,” he answered in a slightly affronted tone. “The Captain always performs.”

Maybe not, was there anything to take him down a notch? “Are you experiencing pressure? Perhaps you need your prostate milked?” she suggested. “I have gloves, are you allergic to latex?”

“Actually, I am feeling much better. I think I’ll be just fine,” he sputtered. He stood up, preparing to make his exit, she assumed.

“Oh, don’t be afraid,” Emma said sweetly, “it shouldn’t hurt, many men find the sensation arousing.” She couldn’t believe herself. Was she taunting him? Teasing him? Flirting? The look on his face was so worth it though, somewhere between shock and well, she wasn’t quite sure.

“I’ll take your word for it, love.” His hand was up behind his ear, rubbing nervously, and she found the motion endearing. “I think I’ll take my leave now. Good night, Swan.”

“Good night!” she replied in a sing song voice. She had felt a small sense of victory. It was always him making her uncomfortable, with his chest on display, and reasons she needed to touch him. She’d finally managed to get to him. An inkling in the back of her mind asked just what game they were playing, but she stuffed it to the far recesses of thought, trying to bask in her victory.

“Fuck,” she muttered, turning off her show, and slamming the remote next to her. Taking a deep drink of her wine, she wished not for the first time that Killian was not her neighbor, but rather some guy in a bar that she could have her way with, and never see again. One simply did not fuck one’s neighbor though. She was pretty sure she read that in the Miss Manners column... or was it Dear Abby?

*~♥~*

After a restless night’s sleep filled with dreams of a cocky, blue eyed pest, Emma finally resolved herself to the fact that there was no more sleep to be had. Looking at her bedside clock she noted that it was only a quarter past seven. Just one more thing she could blame on him. Fucking sleep disturbing asshole.

She got out of bed, threw her hair into a ponytail, and got dressed to take a jog. Nothing like a brisk morning run to clear her mind, blow off steam, and get those endorphins flowing. Putting in her earbuds she headed for the elevator. Pressing the down arrow and humming the melody pumping into her ears, she began to stretch, reaching her joined hands first skyward, than behind her to open up her chest. The elevator doors opened, Emma hopped in and selected ground level. Placing one hand on the back wall of the elevator, she reached behind her and grabbed her foot to stretch out her hamstring, switching to the other she jumped when the elevator finally lurched to life. Standing tall she rotated her torso stretching her back and shoulders. Finally she bent at the waist reaching for her toes, giving her legs one final stretch.  

When the elevator came to a halt she turned around to exit and walked straight into a wall of man. A fucking cocky blue eyed man. His hands had shot around her waist, steadying her as she stumbled backward. Her eyes narrowed in anger as she focused on his face to see a fully entertained expression.

“That’s quite the routine you have there, darling, care to demonstrate for me? I’d hate to pull a muscle.”

Emma’s mouth dropped open. He was shameless. Slapping at his hands she brushed past him to exit the elevator. “You won’t be laughing when you’re in pain because you didn’t prepare properly,” she huffed as she headed for the building exit.  As soon as she hit the street she set a brisk walking pace, focusing on her music and the simplistic purity of an early morning run.  Before she knew it that show off was breezing by her. That ass had the nerve to turn around and blow her a kiss as he jogged backwards. She scowled at him and silently wished he would trip, but more so she wished he didn’t bring out her inner two year old. He turned back around and picked up his pace.  Normally, Emma would walk the first block to warm up a little, but she was not going to let Jones beat her in a foot race.  Stepping it up she was keeping pace with him in no time.  

“So kind of you to join me, Swan,” he smiled as if he’d won a prize.  

She rolled her eyes as she picked up her pace again, leaving him behind. Smiling to herself, she felt a smug sense of accomplishment. She’d been ahead of him for several minutes now, wondering where he was, she chanced a glance behind her.  “What the-”  He’d disappeared. Perhaps he’d given up; for some untold reason that didn’t sit well with Emma. Before she had a moment more to dwell on it, that bastard popped up 30 feet in front of her, now shirtless. “Goddammit,” she cursed, wiping the sweat that was dripping down her brow.

“What are you doing way back there, love?” he called out as he annoyingly jogged backwards again while waving to her.

Growling, she broke into a semi sprint to catch up to him. “Shortcuts will get you nowhere in life, Jones,” she scolded, noting his soaked t-shirt now hanging from the waistband of his shorts.

He just chuckled at her indignant tone, infuriating her even more.  That was how they found themselves in a full on sprint around the local park and back home. As they reached the entrance to the building Emma began to stretch once more, the last thing she needed was to be cramping up for the rest of the weekend.  She ignored the shiver that shot through her body as he watched her unabashedly.

“Good form, Swan,” he complimented in a reverent tone.

“You should stretch too or you’ll be in pain tomorrow,” she recommended as they stepped into the elevator.

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know what my body can take, I’ll be just fine, but your concern for my safety and well-being is touching.”

Emma was zoned out, temporarily entranced by the way his tongue darted out to lick his bottom lip. The final frontier, tasting Jones. She realized he had ceased talking and was smirking at her again. “Yeah, I mean...umm, what?” she asked.

“I said your concern for my safety and well-being is touching,” he repeated slowly, emphasizing his last word. “Wherever did you go, Swan?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Perhaps I would,” he answered with a tinge of hope in his voice.

The elevator doors opened and Emma quickly exited, needing to get away from this exasperating man. “See you later,” she said as she ducked inside her apartment.

Yep, he was an absolute menace, this run had the opposite result of what she’d hoped for. Envisioning the way the sweat glistened upon his body in the morning sun, and remembering the way his muscles and tendons had worked powerfully under his skin, Emma felt that telltale weightless sensation rush through her lower regions. That sensation that only ever ended with Emma satisfying herself and his name on her lips. She groaned as her nipples hardened and her clit began to ache, her panties were as damp as her sweat laden clothes. “Fuck you,” she muttered to her body’s betrayal.

Walking quickly to her bedroom she stripped all of her clothes off and spread herself out on her bed. She could hear Killian’s shower running through her bedroom wall, and the thought of hot water cascading down his body only served to fuel her desperation. Emma brought her hand down to her entrance and ran her fingers through her wetness, whimpering out of sheer need. Stroking her fingers back up, she gently rubbed small tight circles against her clit. The smooth wet glide and the sounds of flesh against flesh worked her higher, her breathing coming in short pants as she pinched lightly at her nipples with her free hand. That’s when she heard it, or rather heard him. She froze, listening for that long drawn out moan again. Sweet mercy, there it was again, Emma began petting herself, new arousal coating her fingers, and fuck if this wasn’t the hottest thing she could remember in forever.  Just the thought of him, cock in hand stroking furiously had her walls fluttering. She was almost there, when he grunted followed by a small shout, she plunged her fingers inside her slippery channel grinding down on her palm. It took just three little thrusts to bring her off, whispering his name over and over again. She struggled to catch her breath, and her hearing was hollowed in one ear. Goddamn that was good, she mused as bliss continued to thrill through her body.  These were the endorphins she’d hoped to release with this morning’s run. Guess all it took was some self love, she thought. Emma’s body felt boneless as she lay relaxed and sated on her bed deciding if she should shower or just bask in the comfort. She’d had her eyes closed for two or three minutes when there was an incessant knocking at her door. She decided to ignore it, she wasn’t expecting anyone on this now decidedly glorious Saturday morning.  

“Swan, please, please, please, open the door,” Killian pleaded.

“Oh fuck!” Emma panicked jumping off her bed. Scurrying to her bathroom she washed her hands thoroughly, threw on her bathrobe and tried to smooth out her hair.  She splashed some water on her face to try and cool herself off, hoping the flush would fade, like immediately. Fuck he’s going to know what I was doing!

“Love, please,” he called out.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming!” The unintentional pun was not lost on her, and she was sure she’d just pinked to another level. Shit! Will he be able to tell by looking at me?

She opened the door slightly and peeked out at his once again shirtless form.  “What?”

“Lovely to see you too, darling,” he grumbled. “I need your help, please let me in.”

“I can’t right now, I need to shower,” she told him, not opening the door any further.

“I need you to relieve this muscular discomfort I’m experiencing.”

Emma’s eyes widened comically, hadn’t he just relieved his own discomfort? “You can take care of that yourself,” she said as she attempted to close the door.

“Emma, please,” he spoke seriously.

She was shocked to hear her actual name come from his mouth, he never used her name. It was always Swan, or some endearment that would’ve made her cringe if anyone else said it.

“Okay, come in.”

“I can hardly walk, would you mind helping me?”

Before she could answer he threw his arm around her shoulder and balanced his weight between her and his right leg. As they hobbled over to the couch she noticed he was not putting any weight on his left leg.

Emma laughed as she realized that her poor stubborn neighbor had a leg cramp. “Told you to stretch,” she chuckled.

“Now is not the time for ‘I told you so’s’ love. I almost died.”

Emma burst into full on laughter, “Calf cramps don’t kill, you’re such a dork!” She bent over him helping him to sit down on the couch. She tensed when she heard him inhaling deeply at her neck. Oh fuck, will he be able to tell by smelling me?

Killian narrowed his eyes. “It wasn’t the cramp that almost killed me. You see, I was in the shower when suddenly this cramp attacked me, almost causing me to fall. Who knows what could’ve happened had I hit my head, or broken my neck or...”

Oh. Dear. God. Emma didn’t hear another word as she blankly sat down at the foot of the couch. Had she really just masturbated to the sounds of her neighbor’s extremely painful leg cramp? She wanted to hide, be swallowed into the cushions of her couch, dissipate into thin air, something, anything to not be right here, right now.  

“Paging Dr. Swan!”

“Oh, sorry. I ummm, okay what do you want me to do?” she asked out of sheer guilt. Not that he knew... but she knew.

“Oh, plenty darling,” he smirked.

“Be serious!” she chided, slapping his leg.

“Oi! That hurt,” he hissed. “For starters how about you don’t hit the patient. Then, could you please use those magical healing hands of yours to massage this cramp away?” he finished sweetly.

Emma looked down at his calf. It really was a doozy of a cramp, she could see the muscle contracting under his skin.

“I don’t mind you staring at me Swan, but I don’t think it’s going to help. Perhaps you could massage and stare?” he suggested.

Emma huffed out a deep sigh and walked away.

“Alright, just the massage then, lass?”

She returned a moment later with a white tube and a pair of gloves.

“I thought we already agreed that I do not need my prostate milked, are you really so anxious?”

Emma didn’t know whether to laugh or slap him again.  “Shut up,” she said lightly, “it’s Arnicare, it’ll help soothe the ache after it has been massaged in well.” She began to put on the gloves.

“No gloves, I’m allergic to latex.”

“Of course you are,” Emma rolled her eyes. He probably said that to all the girls.

Squeezing a small amount of the gel onto her palms she rubbed it around and then set to work on Killian’s calf. She wondered how many places she would get to touch Killian Jones without touching him where she actually wanted to. Head out of the gutter, Emma! She delicately smoothed along the contracting muscle, she could feel as it started to relax a bit. Then she set to work massaging it away.

He moaned as she worked the area, “Gods that feels amazing, darling” he mumbled.

Her eyes went wide, for Christ’s sake that was the same noise he made in the shower. Pain and pleasure sounded the same when elicited from this man’s mouth. She worked the area for a few minutes more increasing pressure slightly until the knot was no longer present. Getting up from the couch she walked to her kitchen to wash her hands, then dug around in her cupboards for a heating pack.

“Heat this up and apply it to your calf for about twenty minutes. It might hurt over the next couple days because it was pulling quite tightly. Just rotate ice and heat, take Ibuprofen if you need to. For my sake, please read the bottle, I wouldn’t want you to risk overdosing on over the counter pain relievers again.” She giggled at his huff of annoyance, and maybe chagrin. “See you later Jones, I gotta shower.”

“Can I be of assistance to you, Swan, it’s only fair I return the favor you know. Love Thy Neighbor and all that,” he winked as he tossed out his suggestive offer.

“I think I can handle it on my own.” Emma rolled her eyes, escorting him to the door. If she rolled her eyes anymore at this man, they might truly get stuck that way.  

“Oh, I’m quite sure you can handle a great many things all on your own, love,” he said, looking her up and down as he ran that goddamn tongue over his bottom lip.

Emma turned what she could only assume was a Guinness Record breaking shade of red, before she pushed him out the door and slammed it shut. He fucking knew.

*~♥~*

Emma was relieved when she didn’t see Killian for a couple days. She needed some time to pretend that he did not know about her Saturday morning solo delight.

Almost a week had passed when she finally heard from him, it was well into her evening when a knock sounded. She was more excited at the prospect of seeing him than she wanted to be.

“I am freezing cold, feel me.”

“Well put on a goddamn shirt to start with,” she said, rolling her eyes at having to voice the most obvious solution.

“I can’t stop shaking. I feel weak, and I am freezing.” He stepped toward her, grasping her hand and placing it on his cheek. “See, I’m dying aren’t I? What is it? Malaria? The Red Death? The Black Plague?” Killian’s voice became more dramatic as he ticked off his ridiculous diagnoses.

“Easy tiger, unless you’ve been traveling out of the country, time traveling to the 14th century, or you’re a storybook character from the mind of Edgar Allen Poe, I think we can safely rule out all of the above.”  He’s from a book alright, straight off the cover a Harlequin romance novel, she thought. Emma realized her hand was still on his cheek and pulled it back, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. She prayed for him not to notice.

“Swan! I am contagious, you’re flush darling, I’ve already infected you!” He bit his bottom lip in feigned alarm. The bastard knew.

Emma rolled her eyes, and walked back inside her apartment. Heading to her kitchen she grabbed the bottle of Tylenol, then walked back to the door where he was waiting patiently. “Here, take two of these-

“And call you in the morning,” he interrupted cheekily.

She couldn’t stop the giggle before it was out of her mouth. What the fuck! she thought, I am not a babbling schoolgirl, I am a grown ass woman. A doctor for fuck’s sake. “Take two of these and you’ll be good as new. In fact take the bottle, and take two pills every 4 to 6 hours. If your fever doesn’t break after 24 hours you should see a doctor.”

“That’s what I am attempting to do. You are a doctor aren’t you?”

Emma couldn’t argue that logic, she supposed she could write him a script if he had something more serious than the common cold. “Fine, let me know if you don’t feel better.” She couldn’t believe the words as they left her mouth, yet she couldn’t deny him her help.

“Aye, Doctor Swan. Thank you for saving my life yet again,” he told her, grabbing her hand to place a gentle kiss to her knuckles.  

*~♥~*

Later that evening she laid in bed letting her mind wander, somehow she just knew that the medicine was not going to help, he would be back. He always came back. She could still feel the tingling of his manicured-to- perfection beard on the palm of her hand, and she imagined what that tingling would feel like between her thighs.

She desperately needed to figure out what was going on. She already knew he wasn’t really a hypochondriac. Did he just enjoy annoying her? Was he teasing her? Flirting? Emma didn’t do long term, so the very thought of him playing the long game was a little intimidating, but she also didn’t hate his antics. She was confused, that was the only thing that was clear. She decided when he came back, because he was magically not cured, she would address this thing going on between them.

*~♥~*

When he didn’t come back the next day, she was a little disappointed that he hadn’t needed her again, and a lot disappointed that she felt disappointment. No attachments, no roots, look out for yourself and you’ll never get hurt, right? she asked herself. Perhaps he actually did just need the Tylenol, and there was no ulterior motive this time.  By the afternoon of the second day she decided she couldn’t wait anymore, anticipation and nerves were eating at her, she needed to address their situation, or whatever it was.

She knocked on his door and waited, when he didn’t answer she decided to take a page out of his book and pounded impatiently, calling his name through the door. The sight that greeted her was not at all what she expected. Killian was covered head to toe, including a plaid robe, and a huge fuzzy blanket wrapped around his head and body, all she could see was his face. His eyes were glossy, his nose was swollen and red, and his lips were very pale.

“Killian, what happened? What’s wrong.”

“I did not get better doctor. I was planning to inform you, but I haven’t felt up to leaving my bed.” His voice was hoarse and he grimaced as he brought his hand up to massage his throat. “It hurts a bit to talk, but I must tell you it is like hearing angels sing to hear you say my name,” he whispered.

“What?”

“You’ve never called me by my first name, lass.”

She rolled her eyes, “You never call me by my first name either, but that’s beside the point right now. I told you to go to the doctor if the fever wasn’t gone after 24 hours!”

“I haven’t left my bed, Emma. It is only your voice that made me drag my arse to the door. And I have in fact used your first name if we are debating the topic.”

She blushed at the emphasis he put on her name, as though it were a sacred word.  One moment she was lost in his eyes, not knowing what to say, and the next moment he was swaying before her. She was able to catch him as he faded in and out of consciousness.

“Have you been taking any medicine? Have you been drinking enough fluids?” Emma asked as she put her hand to his forehead. “Oh shit, you’re burning up!” She supported his weight as best she could and guided him to her apartment. She led him to her bed, and pulled the blankets back, helping him to lay down. She was directly over his chest when he wrapped his arms around her.

“This was a plausible excuse for grabbing me, but next time don’t stand on ceremony. You could’ve had me in your bed ages ago, love.”

“You’re delirious, I’ll be right back,” she told him, not waiting for his rebuttal.

Gathering some washcloths, a bowl, a few bottles of water, and Nyquil, Emma headed back to her patient. She was unsurprised to see he was passed out, sprawled across the whole of her bed, mouth open, and snoring as only someone with a stuffy nose can. Sitting on the side of the bed, she took the opportunity to run her fingers through his hair, brushing it back from his forehead.

“Not exactly how I pictured our first time in bed together,” she mumbled.

He stirred a bit, his body restless, she didn’t want to wake him but he needed fluids and something to take the fever down.  “Killian,” she said softly, she shook his arm a bit.

“What?” he whined. “Let me sleep, I am tired, cold, my head is pounding, and I hurt all over.”

“That’s why I need you to get up and take something for the fever, you’ll feel so much better.” She waved the foil package of liquid gel tabs invitingly.

He made for a comical sight still wrapped up like a peasant woman in the winter, as he struggled to sit up. “Fine.” Petulance was cute on Killian Jones.

She handed him a bottle of water, “Drink up.”

“Give me the bloody pills.”

“Uh, just because you feel like shit doesn’t mean you get to forego manners,” she scolded him. “Drink first, you’re dehydrated.

“Am not,” he argued like a two year old before taking a long drink. “Apologies, give me the bloody pills, please.”

She snorted at his crankiness, handing him the Nyquil. “Lay back down, your fever should break soon. You probably want to sleep through that.”

“I would sleep much better if I had someone to cuddle me. Perhaps a massage again. You healed my cramp. I truly do hurt everywhere,” he smirked, waggling those damn eyebrows.

“Cuddle with your blanket, Jones. You poor delirious dork.”

He scoffed at her refusal, but was out moments later. Emma poured one of the water bottles into the bowl and sponged his head with a cool cloth. She freely admired every facet of his face without fear of being caught drooling. After making a quick call to her favorite nurse - August, to ask for a huge favor, she went to the kitchen to make some chicken noodle soup. Emma didn’t like to brag, but she did love to cook, and would have gone to culinary school had healing people not been in her blood.  Once she had everything simmering she went to go check on him.

“My beautiful Swan, there you are!” Killian said merrily when she peeked in on him.

She chuckled at his exuberance, “Someone is feeling better.” She noticed he’d finally un-burrowed himself, having removed his blanket and pants. Why his pants? Too bad the robe is still on, Emma thought.

Patting the bed beside him quite vigorously he nodded her over, “Come on, love. I have discovered what ails me!”

Emma walked over to the bed and had a seat, “What’s your diagnosis, Dr. Jones?”

“Ooh, like Indiana Jones?”

She just laughed at him again, “Okay, what’s your diagnosis, Indiana Jones?”

“Lovesickness! I’m afraid I’ve no immunity to your charms, love.”

Emma’s eyes went wide, pink rising on her cheeks as she looked anywhere but at him. Focusing on her nightstand she suddenly noticed an object that she had not placed there. “What the fuck?” she held up the offending object.

“That’s me rum flask,” he said jovially, reaching for it.

Emma held it out of his reach. “What are you a pirate? And where did this come from?”

He patted the pocket of his robe proudly indicating where he’d been hiding his treasure. “Aye lass, and I’ve come to steal you away. ‘Tis the only cure for my lovesickness,” he said, serious as could be.

“You’re not supposed to drink alcohol with Nyquil.”

“Why on earth not?” he asked indignantly.

Emma narrowed her eyes at his tone, “Because I said so, and because Dextromethorphan and Ethanol don’t mix well, the combination can make you loopy as fuck and say stupid shit!”

“Oooh, because you said so. Bossy little thing, you are,” he teased.

“Be serious, this can be dangerous, how much did you drink?”

“I can’t be serious, love. I am ‘loopy as fuck and saying stupid shit’,” he quoted her, affecting a perfect American accent.

“Goddammit, Killian, how much?”

“Two sips, I promise Dr. Swan,” he said solemnly.

She was midway into a sigh of relief when he burst into song.

“I take two sips in the morning, I take two sips at night, I take two sips in the afternoon, it makes me feel alright, I take two sips in time of peace, and two in time of war, I take two sips before I take two sips, and then I take two more.”

She stared at him, part of her wanted to crack up at his impromptu remake of Sublime’s Smoke Two Joints, the other part wanted to call her nurse back and add syrup of Ipecac to the list, just to torture this idiot a little bit.

“You know Swan, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I am a full grown man.”

Manchild, Emma thought.

“Every time I’ve come to you it was merely a ploy to garner your attentions, spend time in your vivacious presence.”

His florid words were making her blush again, how could he be so ridiculous one moment, and sweeter than pie the next?

“I do know how much alcohol and Nyquil I can handle, love.”

“You thought you were overdosing on children’s Tylenol-”

“A thinly veiled attempt to speak to my beautiful neighbor,” he cut her off, folding his arms over his chest.

Emma heard the knock on the door that she had been waiting for. “Okay Casanova, you wait here, I’ll be back .”

“Casanova is but a boy. It’s a man you need, Swan.”

Rolling her eyes she went to the door. She’d called her nurse to pick up the things she needed for Killian once she’d realized he might have more than just a common cold.

“Thank you, August, I appreciate you running all this over,” Emma told her nurse, and close friend, August Booth. “I don’t think it’s strep but I want to check, did you grab a test kit?”

“It’s all in there, Emma,” he assured her.

“Alright, thanks again, you’re a lifesaver,” she said, giving him a hug.

“Who is this?” Killian asked, now standing in the hallway.

“I told you I’d be right back,” she sighed. “August, this is my neighbor, Killian. Killian this is-”

“Aye, I’m your neighbor, he’s your August. Perhaps I should be gathering my things. Apologies mate, I didn’t realize-”

“This is August, my colleague,” Emma finished raising her voice above Killian’s.

“Pretty, British, and polite? He’s a keeper, girlfriend,” August winked at Emma. “Dr. Blanchard and Dr. Nolan said they’d split your patients tomorrow. They want you to take the day off, make a long weekend out of it and … I believe they said, play doctor with your hot neighbor.”

Killian’s eyes lit up like Times Square on New Year’s Eve. “So you’ve heard of me?” he asked smugly.

Emma’s eyes went from deer caught in headlights to evil eye as she silently forbade August to admit she’d spilled her hot neighbor stories.

Killian looked between them, one eyebrow raised in question, one side of his bottom lip bit between his teeth, “Come on August, ‘fess up mate.”

August dramatically locked his lips and threw away the key, right before he winked at Killian and nodded his head vigorously.

“I knew it!” Killian claimed in a more than triumphant tone.

Emma gasped in outrage. “We’ve been friends since… like forever, August Booth! You’re on shit detail as soon as I walk into the office Monday morning.”

August bent down as if searching for something, finding his imaginary key he unlocked his lips and asked, “So you’ll take tomorrow off to play doctor then?”

“Ooh, I like him, Swan. Very quick on the uptake.”

Ignoring Killian, Emma put her hands on her hips and scowled at August. “Seriously? Just go, I’ll see you Monday.”

“Yes! Your brother owes me twenty bucks. He said you had no interest in making nice with Tall, Hot, and British over here. Blanchard and I said-”

“Oh my god, August, just go! Now, or I’ll make it two weeks on shit detail!”

“Fine… Mary Margaret was right, you need a good-”

“Don’t fucking say it!” she yelled.

With that August took his leave, hightailing it out the door before Emma literally kicked his ass through it.

“So lass-”

“Go to your room… our roo-, my fucking room, and don’t say another word,” Emma told him without even looking in his direction.

“But what if I’ve mixed too much Ethernet and Dexterwhatsitcalled?”

“You’ll be fine, just go,” she said quietly.

Emma sat down defeatedly at her kitchen table. Outed by her best friend, her willpower and resolve bet against by her sister-in-law. August was surely on his way to rub it in David’s face. Her own brother was going to know she was shacked up with Tall, Hot, and British. Before she could get too worked up her phone chimed with an incoming text.

AB: I did you a favor ♥

ES: Et tu brute

AB: Now who’s the drama queen?

AB: If it makes you feel better, there was no actual bet. It was an attempt to push you in the right direction. You talk about him all the time, you two are like kindergarteners. He may as well pull your pigtails while you kick his shin.

AB: Emma? Did you already run off to take his temperature? Orally or Rectally?

Emma couldn’t help but snort at the text.

ES: Enough, you guys are forgiven. Now leave me alone. I have a patient to treat.

AB: Get it girl!

Emma got up from the table and walked toward her bedroom. She was a grown up and could admit her feelings. He’d admitted his. He might not remember, but maybe he would. When she peeked into her room she was somewhat relieved to see he was asleep again. Since he was snoring open mouthed again, she took the opportunity to swab his throat quickly to run the strep test. As she waited for the results she checked his vitals while he couldn’t tout his innuendos about playing doctor with him. His temperature had come down, and his heart rate and blood pressure were perfect. The test came back negative, so he either had a bitch of a bad cold, or the flu; good thing she’d had her flu shot.

Emma went to get the rest of the supplies from the bag that August had delivered. She put together a tray for him with a bottle Pedialyte, water, cough drops, tylenol, kleenex, and Vick’s rub,  and put it on the nightstand next to him. Grabbing a sticky note she wrote him a quick message to drink the Pedialyte first, then water, and to wake her if he got hungry.  

*~♥~*

Emma woke the next morning to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and the sound of the shower running. Well if he was in the shower, he must feel a little better, right? she mused. She got up off the couch to pour herself a cup of coffee and realized then that it wasn’t the shower but the washing machine running. Wondering what he was washing, she headed to her room. When she opened the door she noticed her bed was stripped bare, and that Killian was nowhere to be found.  She felt her heart squeeze a little, and as she stared at her empty bedroom she mentally berated herself for every hope she’d entertained the night before.  

“Emma-”

“Oh shit!” Emma yelped, clutching her heart. “You scared me to death,” she yelled as she spun  around on Killian. “It’s rude to-” she stopped mid sentence as she took in her truly hot neighbor. His hair was still damp from the shower and hung down over his forehead. He was shirtless as usual, all lean cut muscle, and holy hot hell, all he wore was one of her thin pink towels wrapped around himself. She wanted to reach out and grab him by the waist, caress his hip bones with her thumbs as she clutched onto his sides; follow that thin dark trail of hair with her lips as low as he’d let her.

“To stare?”

“What?” she asked, still in a daze. She could only hope she wasn’t drooling, because she had definitely been caught ogling.

“You were telling me what’s rude, lass.”

“Yeah, what does that have to do with staring?” She felt like she was having a conversation about space time continuum at the moment.

“It’s rude to stare? I’ve no clue where you were going with your sentence,” he explained.

Emma shook her head trying to focus. She was having a hard time thinking about anything other than how much she wanted to be that towel right now.  For fuck’s sake, get ahold of yourself! She blushed as she realized he was making fun of her. “Yes, it is rude to stare, but it is also rude to sneak up on people,” she said softly.

“It was not my intention to sneak up on you, darling. I umm...” his hand shot up to fidget behind his ear. He was cute when he was nervous, and Emma knew he was nervous anytime that hand went to his ear. “I seem to be locked out of my apartment, and I’ve also no clothes as mine are in the wash with the sheets,” he reddened as he spoke. If she wasn’t witnessing this moment herself, Emma would have thought it impossible for Killian Jones to actually experienced bashfulness.

Emma chuckled at the universe’s attempt to even the playing field. “Hold on,” she told him. She walked to the closet and pulled out a duffel bag. “Here. Some of my brother’s clothes are in here. You can borrow whatever you need. There are extra toothbrushes in the bathroom cupboard, too. I’ll call the Super to unlock your place.”

“Don’t you just have another one of those I can borrow?” he asked, gesturing to her pajamas.

Emma looked down and laughed as she imagined Killian in a Jack Sparrow nightie. She walked out leaving him to change. After making the call to get Killian’s apartment unlocked, she grabbed herself another cup of coffee. When she turned around she almost spit out what she’d just sipped. “What the hell are you wearing?”

“You said anything, this lovely number was in the duffel. Not my color?”

“I am fairly certain that belongs to my sister-in-law,” Emma laughed out. “It does bring out the blue in your eyes though,” she flirted. He was a sight to see in Mary Margaret’s paisley halter top, and a pair of David’s sweat pants. “How did you even get that to fit?”

“I am very svelte, Swan. And it is very stretchy,” he said, pulling at the fabric. “I guess I’ll change,” he sighed, walking back to her bedroom. “I’ll just go with this old favorite,” he said as he reemerged… shirtless.

“You are such an exhibitionist,” she joked.

“You’ve no idea, love. Consider yourself lucky I dress at all when I come to your door.”

Her skin burned from the mental image that jumped into her mind. “Does that actually make me lucky?” She couldn’t believe the shameless way the words left her mouth.

He laughed heartily, both eyebrows reaching for the sky, a bit of pink coloring his cheeks again.

“You hungry?” she asked.

“I am starving, lass. I’ve barely eaten anything since I came to your door the other night.”

“No wonder you were so loopy last night,” she rolled her eyes. Going to the fridge she pulled out eggs, bacon, and pancake mix.

“Loopy or not, I meant everything I said last night.”

She turned around to look at him, to gauge the sincerity of his statement.  It did not surprise her to see that there was no sign of deception, no smirk upon his lips. Instead it was just him looking back, waiting for an honest response in return.

“Good.”

The smile that spread across his face, crinkling his eyes at the edges triggered her own happy smile. “You want to make the pancakes or the eggs and bacon?” As they cooked together Emma marveled again at how easy and natural it was to be around him.   

“Since you’re making confessions, how about you tell me which times were made up, and which were real?”

“And just what do I get in return if I spill my nefarious ways?” he asked, suggestively tapping his finger to his lips.

Emma scoffed, “You wish.”

“Aye, love, I do, but if we do not have an accord, perhaps just a confession of your own?”

Emma figured he would ask how she felt about him, and she had already decided she wanted to explore this thing further, so what did she have to lose. “Deal.”

Emma put her hand in Killian’s when he stuck it out to shake on their agreement.  “Alright Jones, ‘fess up.”

“The overdose on children’s Tylenol, fake, my best mate’s son’s medicine, left behind after I watched the little hellion. I didn’t realize that’s what I’d grabbed, I meant to grab at least an adult medicine.”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh at that. And the thought of him willing to watch a friend’s son warmed her heart.  

“Possible broken ribs, fake. Nothing more than an excuse to show up at your door shirtless. Prostate, definitely fake, and an unfortunate choice in illnesses on my part. Although you did put quite the image in my head with your offer to treat me, Swan.” He ducked his head chuckling softly.

“Well, regarding your prostate, I must confess, I did not say anything that is not true,” she grinned devilishly. She relished the way his head shot up, a tinge of blush coloring his cheeks again. “Oh, is your fever coming back Jones? You’re awfully flushed,” she teased him. Emma got up and began clearing away the dishes, and Killian followed suit.  

“You darling, are a little minx. Where was I before you distracted me? Ah, yes, next was my leg cramp after our jog, mostly real, sick with the flu, very real, lovesickness… the realest of them all. My turn!” He had rambled the last few illnesses off at lightning speed.

Emma whirled around in her place where she was depositing the dishes into the sink. “Wait, wait, wait. Mostly real? I felt the cramp. What do you me-”

“Uh-uh, love, my turn. I spilled, now it’s your turn,” Killian said as he sauntered up to her. Reaching around her with both hands, he placed his dishes inside the sink.

God, he smells good. It took sheer force of will to keep from snaking her arms around him to pull him closer, as he crowded her space. She couldn’t help but admire his chest, and torso, and those goddamn hip bones jutting out, calling to her to suck on them. She could feel her insides pulling as the desire to touch and maybe finally taste him coursed through her.

“Swan, where have you gone again, love?”

“I’m right here,” she said, sounding much breathier than she liked. “So what’s your question?” He was like an inferno, still in her space, and he’d rested both hands against the counter on either side of her. Surrounding her.

“What were you doing before I came to your door with my leg cramp?” The bastard had that smirk on his face, and that bottom lip was sucked into his mouth as he softly bit into it, his anticipation was palpable.

She felt dizzy, and hot, and breathless as she debated her choices.  Fuck, this was so not what she expected his question to be.  Her eyes darted nervously between his lips and the floor, and oh my god, what do I say? she panicked internally. “Okay, a kiss then?” she asked, hoping he was open to her negotiation. Before she could even process her next line of defense, his lips were on hers.  

After a moment’s hesitation she was kissing him back. She pulled him flush against her, and as he wrapped his arms around her waist, she threaded her fingers into his hair. She wanted to explore every inch, touch, rub, and hold everything Killian had on display.  There was no sound save for the meeting of their lips, until he moaned… that moan. A sizzling heat flashed through her, and she was pure driven desire. She opened her mouth to him and lightly flicked her tongue against his lips, before licking along the seam. She groaned her approval when he allowed her in. Finally, the last frontier, tasting Jones. And what a delectable treat it was. He lifted her to sit on the edge of the sink, and her legs automatically wrapped around him. It seemed he wanted to explore as much as she did, his hands were caressing her frame, then squeezing her thighs before settling under her nightie, massaging along the heated skin of her back.

Breaking apart to breathe, Emma couldn’t resist asking, “If you can massage this well, why did you need me to massage your leg cramp?”

“Do you really want to play Q&A with me again?” he smiled tauntingly, “I don’t lose.”

“I didn’t even have to try when I renegotiated the terms of our agreement just now,” she bragged as she let her hands wander the expanse of his chest.  

“Did you stop to consider that your reaction was enough to answer my question?” He waggled his eyebrows at her, and a cocky grin took over his ravished lips. “The kiss was an added bonus,” he said huskily, a burning intensity simmered in his eyes as he stared at her, daring her to disagree that he already knew her truth.

“Goddammit,” she muttered, burying her face in the crook of his neck, too mortified to maintain eye contact.

Taking his hands out of her shirt, he brought them both to her cheeks and lifted her head to look at him. “Open your eyes, love.” When she didn’t open her eyes, he kissed her delicately, before bringing his mouth to her ear. He sucked her lobe into his mouth and bit down softly, causing her to moan again. “Would it help, Emma, if I told you I was doing the same thing?” He chuckled at her sharp intake of breath, and the way her eyes popped open.

Emma nodded her head silently, her pupils dilated and she waited for him to continue.

“I couldn’t help myself, love. When I got into the shower all I kept imagining was you jogging, your breasts bouncing, and pert ass on display. Mmmm, the flush of your body, and your ragged breath. I wanted to be the reason you were hot and sweaty, and fuck I was so hard.”

Emma’s breath picked up as she listened to Killian, “Tell me more,” she whispered, flexing her legs around him, pulling him in just that little bit more.

“I knew you were a dirty little thing, Emma Swan,” he murmured, lifting her off the counter he walked them over to the couch.

Emma had to bite down on her lip to keep from crying out when he picked her up, his firmness pressing against her in just the right spot.

Turning around, Killian backed up till his calves hit the couch, then he tapped her thighs, signaling her to put her feet down on the cushions. He sat down then pulled her on top of him to straddle his lap. “Do you want me to tell you how I took myself in hand, wishing it was you?”

The ache between Emma’s thighs was real, and having her legs spread was not helping, there was no friction to be had. Emma busied her hands at his chest, refusing her urge to relieve her own ache.

He was palming her ass, squeezing it, and god if he would just pull my ass to him a little bit I’d be able to grind against him. Fuck even her inner monologue sounded desperate. With what he already knew, she didn’t understand why she was feeling too shy to just rut against him like there was no tomorrow.

“How I couldn’t even keep quiet as I stroked myself to thoughts of you. Thoughts that brought me to completion disappointingly quickly.” He rested his forehead to hers, his voice barely more than a hoarse whisper, his breathing heavy.

Fuck it, she thought as she pushed against him, taking her pleasure.

He grunted as she grinded her hot core over him. “How tense my body was as I came harder than I ever have. Is that what you want me to tell you, Emma?” his voice was deep, thick with want, and he practically growled her name. He grabbed onto her thighs guiding her over his cock.

“Yes,” she sighed, riding him a little faster. She leaned in and caught his lips with hers, sucking hard at his bottom lip. Dipping her tongue inside his mouth, she flicked it against his in tempo with her hips. The feel of his fingertips digging into her thighs was just on the pleasurable side of painful.

“Gods you are gorgeous. You were gorgeous that morning, mussed hair, and that little robe. I could smell your sweet arousal when you helped me to sit down, and that beautiful flush ran all the way down between your breasts as you leaned over me. I wanted to take you right there.”

“I would have let you,” she panted.

Killian threw his head back at her words, just the thought of being inside Emma was enough to propel him to the edge. “You’re going to make me come like this Emma. Like a fucking adolescent, and I don’t even care. Tell me you’re going to come for me.”

“Yes, Killian, for you,” she told him looking into his hooded eyes, “I came for you that morning too, I could hear you in the shower. When I heard you moaning all I could think about was you touching yourself as the hot water rolled down your body. Just the thought of you jerking off had me impossibly wet. When I heard you shout out, I came for you right then.”

“Fucking hell,” he muttered, “that’s it love, let go.”

And just like that Emma fell apart for him, his name on her lips just as it had been with every orgasm since the day she’d met him.

Hearing his name fall from her lips he couldn’t hold out a moment longer, he came hard, groaning out her name.

Emma slumped against him, “God, I needed that.”

“Killian will do,” he laughed.

“Shut up, Jones.” She sat up to kiss him again, “Thank you.”

“For what? That amazing orgasm?”

Emma slapped his chest, “For telling me about… you know,” she trailed off, looking down at her hands splayed over his chest.

“Emma, we just came together, fully clothed, while telling each other about masturbating to thoughts of each other. Why would you get shy now?” He brushed her hair back behind her ears, then tilted her head up. “There is no reason to ever be shy around me.” He slid his hand up from her chin, smoothing his thumb over her cheek, then he pulled her in for another kiss.

Listening to him talk so casually about such intimate things Emma couldn’t help but be enamored. “When you put it that way, yes, it would be pretty stupid for me to be shy about anything. I do have a question though.”

“Ask away, love.”

“How did you fake that cramp? I saw it, I felt it.”

It was Killian’s turn to be embarrassed, as his hand shot up behind his ear and he grinned nervously.

“Oh, look who’s shy now,” she teased.

“Fuck it,” he muttered, “the cramp was real darling. My body tensed up so hard when I came that I actually gave myself a charlie horse.”

Emma giggled, a light cheery thing as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. He was so right, with what they’d said and done today there wasn’t any reason to ever be embarrassed, about anything. Standing up she held her hand out to him and dragged him off the couch and then down the hall.  Once they were in her bedroom she turned to face him and grabbed both his hands in hers. “In our endeavor to never be embarrassed, and be comfortable and proud about our feelings, I really want to feel you inside me,” she practically purred.

Killian’s response was physical as he hauled her flush against him, wrapping their joined hands behind her back, he kissed her soundly.

The way he pinned her hands behind her back and bucked his hips had her desperate. “Someone’s ready to go,” she murmured, feeling his length against her belly.

“I am always hard for you Emma,” he told her between kisses.

“Maybe I can help you with that.” She pulled her hands from his hold and untied the drawstring on his sweatpants letting them drop to the floor. Stepping back to admire the full picture, she hummed appreciatively at the sight before her, “I see now my fantasies pale in comparison.” His hair was still awry from where she’d raked her fingers through it, giving it a roguish ‘just been ravished’ look. His shoulders were broad, framing a toned torso; as she followed his happy trail she noticed that even his belly button was cute, in fact she wanted to kiss every inch of his taut belly.

“I know I am devilishly handsome, but I am getting quite lonely waiting for you to finish your perusal of my goods. Perhaps it’s my turn?”

Emma raised both hands in the air, giving Killian easy access to strip her bare. “Peruse away.”

Killian lowered her hands placing one on each of his shoulders, “Perhaps I wish to savor the moment as well, love.” Placing his hands on her hips he trailed them up each side of her lean frame. He watched her nipples pebble through her thin nightie as his thumbs stroked the underside of her breasts. Each time he passed his thumbs over her he reached a little higher, teasing her, making her crave the touch she knew was coming. When he finally grazed her nipples she whimpered at the sensation causing his cock to jerk. “I do like it when you make noise,” he told her.

Emma slid her hands down his chest and copied his motions running her thumbs across his nipples, “Does that feel good for a man?” she asked.

“Aye, what you’re doing feels very good,” he told her.

“I need more, Killian, please,” she whispered, then she leaned forward to kiss him, plunging her tongue into his mouth, while continuing to play with his nipples. She could feel new wetness coating her panties as he groaned into her mouth.

“You’re making it difficult for me to take my time, darling.”

“Then don’t.” She reached for his hand and placed it between her thighs, “See what you do to me?”

“You are soaked,” he breathed out as he pressed his hand to her panty covered core. Her answering cry spurred him to action. Grabbing the hem of her nightie he pulled it up and over her head in one fluid motion. “Bloody hell, lass,” he murmured as he took all of her in. He led her to the bed where he laid her out, and climbed over her. He kissed her chastely on the lips, “I’ll be right back.”

“What, where are you going?” she half whined.

Killian kissed a trail along her jaw, and down her throat, stopping to suck on her pulse point.

Emma turned her head to the side for him as he worried her flesh with his teeth. His mouth was magic, sending pulses of heat straight to her core. He continued to move down her body, and when he finally reached her breasts, her nipples were straining for his touch. He suckled one, the warmth and wetness of his mouth making Emma cry out, while he rolled her other expertly between his thumb and middle finger. She held his head to her, not wanting him to release her, but she could feel her arousal coating her thighs, and she couldn’t stand it anymore, she needed to be touched. Reaching her hand down she spread her folds with her fingers and slid her middle finger through her wetness, then ran it back up to her clit. She drew slow circles not needing to get off, just needing a soothing touch. She moaned as the sensation of each of her pleasure points being loved took over her body.

Killian looked up to watch Emma when he heard her, she was a vision, eyes closed, lips parted and panting as she pleasured herself. “As much as I love the sight of you spreading those swollen folds, I want to be the one to take care of you right now.”

Emma jumped, not expecting to hear his voice. She opened her eyes looking a bit chagrined, “I told you I need you,” she told him, still rubbing herself gently.

He pulled her hand to his mouth, sucking her middle finger into his mouth and humming appreciatively. “I have dreamed of tasting you,” he told her as he settled his shoulders between her thighs. Splaying her legs wide, he spread her folds and licked along her core.

“Oh, thank you,” Emma gasped. She placed her hand on the back of his head, grabbing a fistful of hair and tried not to buck too forcefully or push too hard. She didn’t want to smother the poor guy before she’d even experienced his glorious dick, which by all accounts was in need of her worship, if his hips rutting into her mattress were any indication. When she felt his finger circling her entrance she shamelessly canted her hips.

He chuckled at her impatience, then quickly pushed into her, not wanting to tease her too much. He paused when he felt her adjusting to just his digit. He clamped his eyes shut, willing himself to stay calm, because if she felt this tight right now, he couldn’t even fathom how amazing she would feel squeezing his cock. Adding a second finger he picked up his ministrations if for no other reason than his now burning hot desire to bury himself in her balls deep. He pumped his fingers up into her making sure to hit that spot that had her panting praises, all the while steadily caressing her clit with his tongue. He could tell she was getting close as her grip tightened in his hair.

Emma pinched at her nipples with her free hand while she clutched at his hair with the other. She couldn’t help the sounds that she was making, he had her on the edge of bliss. He pulled her right over the edge when he covered her clit with his mouth and sucked with such precision she saw stars. Or maybe it was just those little white spots you see in your vision when you start to black out. Either way it was intense and she was having a hard time catching her breath.

Killian crawled back up to her looking into her dazed eyes, “Told you I’d be right back, darling.” Leaning down he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, pulling on it. He growled when she attacked, plunging her tongue deep inside his mouth, like she couldn’t get enough of him.

Emma reached around him and grabbed his ass squeezing it, then pushing him down to her center, she guided his shaft through her folds, moaning at the feel of his tip as it passed over her clit. She snaked one hand down between them and gripped him in her warm hand, “Fuck, I can’t wait to feel you Killian.”  

Killian pumped into her hand savoring the wet glide now that she’d coated his cock. “Show me where you want to feel me, love.”

“Right here,” she whispered, lining him up.

“You don’t even know how long I’ve waited for this.”

“Probably for as long as I have. Since I met you,” she told him unabashedly.

He chuckled at her candor, “Aye, you do know then.” He slowly pushed into her just his tip, marveling at her tightness. Killian held back when he heard her hiss, “Does it hurt?”

“Only in the best way.”

Resting his forehead to hers he began to slide in again, “You are so warm, and wet, and fucking tight, gods you are perfect.”

Emma cried out as he drove deeper than she’d ever felt, she reveled in the stretch as she adjusted to his size. Her temporary discomfort subsided as he kissed her through it, and continued to attend to her breasts. Resuming her grip on his ass, she urged him to move. “Show me what you’ve got, Jones.”

His resolve to take things slowly slipped a bit when she prodded him. Pulling out almost completely he lovingly drove home again, testing her readiness. She didn’t wince or tense up this time, and he smiled at her devilishly. He pulled her legs up higher around his waist, then leaned forward and pushed her hair back from her forehead, he wanted to see every expression as he made love to her for the first time.  

Emma praised the impossibly long stroke of each pass as he more than filled her up, telling him how good he felt. She’d never had someone watch her, look into her eyes, the intensity sent a chill through her body. She clutched his biceps as they rolled and flexed with his every thrust. “Harder.” He grunted as he slammed home, grinding against her each time he was fully sheathed. “Yes, just like that, Killian,” she gasped.

The slap of skin, the wet sounds of flesh on flesh, and their small pants, and moans were all that surrounded them. They focused on giving and taking their pleasure and nothing else. He pumped into her harder and faster, willing her to climb that hill with him again. “Fuck Killian, I’m gonna come again. Don’t stop.”

“Yes Emma, let me feel you come all over my cock,” he ground out through gritted teeth.

His words were her undoing, her stomach tensed and her thighs constricted around his waist holding him to her as she worked her clit against him a final time.  The spark of all consuming release that had been building flared hot as quiver after quiver of ecstasy stole through her body. Emma didn’t recognize the low moan spilling from her lips as her body experienced the deepest completion she’d ever been brought to.

The constriction he felt wrapping around his cock was more than he could take, he fucked into her, torn between wanting to draw out this rapture and needing gratification.  

“Come, Killian,” she whispered hoarsely. She threaded one hand into the hair on his chest, and placed the other on his cheek. She watched the pleasure take over his face, meeting him thrust for thrust, wanting to give as good as she’d gotten.

Those two little words set him off, he thrust his hips powerfully, burying deep into her as his release shook his body. “Seven fucking Hells, lass, that was…” he trailed off, unable to verbalize a word worthy enough of the orgasm he’d just had.  He rested his head against her chest, trying to catch his breath. He tried to keep some of his weight off of her, not wanting to crush her, but he was reluctant to move from the haven of her thighs.

“Yeah it was,” she breathed out, knowing exactly what he meant. She cradled his head between her breasts and pushed his matted hair from his forehead. “Lay,” she told him. She inhaled sharply when their combined release spilled from within her as he pulled out, sending a late jolt of pleasure through her lower belly.

Killian acquiesced laying against her, indulging in their post-coital bliss, together. It was not lost on him that she was holding him, taking care of him as she had every time he’d come to her for help, be it real or made up. “Fuck,” he muttered, pushing up and looking at her. “I’m so sorry, love. How could I be so careless.”

Emma pushed herself up on her elbows, clueless as to his sudden mood swing. “What is it?”

“I didn’t... I didn’t use a condom. I’m so sorry, Emma.”

“Killian calm down,” she said, gently running a hand through his hair. She grabbed his arm and wrapped her leg around his to roll him to his back, then straddled his waist. “Listen, I’m on the pill, and I trust you. Plus, I only have latex condoms, and I really don’t want your dick falling off. I can just imagine you at my door crying about penile anaphylactic shock.” She burst out laughing at the offended look on his face. “It’s okay Jones, I’ll take care of you no matter what fake illness you bring to my door.”

“First off, I have never come up with anything that asinine, Swan. And secondly,” he continued no longer sounding insulted, “I have another confession.”

“Oh yeah, and what is that?”

“I’m not allergic to latex.”

“You prick! I knew that was just a line. So long as I’m the only girl you’ve ever used it on, I’ll let it go.”

“Aye, love, I’ve never used that line on anyone else. I just wanted to feel your skin on mine while you massaged me, especially after smelling your heavenly scent that morning.”

Emma leaned down and rubbed her nose to his, “So sweet and dirty all at the same time, I like it.”

Killian looked into her eyes, “Dr. Swan, I do seem to have one more issue,” he said huskily, squeezing her behind.

She smiled at him sweetly, cocking her head, “Tell me all about it,” she murmured.

“Well doctor, I seem to have some swelling, can you help?”

Still straddling his hips, she squeezed her thighs around him playfully. “Where is this swelling?”

Killian canted his hips up and his hardened cock poked her backside.

She chuckled, “Lucky for you I know just the cure.” Pinning his hands above his head and sliding down his body just a little, Emma Swan set about curing her ailing neighbor once more.

*~♥~*

“You know love, it is my turn to ask you a question again,” he mentioned as they sat eating chicken noodle soup.

“I don’t know if I can handle anymore Q&A.”

“I promise darling, this is a simple yes or no question.”

Emma nodded her head for him to go ahead and ask.

“Would you allow me to take you out on a proper date, Emma Swan?”

She laughed loudly, a truly happy laughter. “It’s about fucking time! That’s more along the lines of what I thought you were going to ask the first time.”

“Is that a yes?” he asked with more boyish hope than swagger in his voice.

“Of course! I’m in this for the long haul,” she told him. She felt as if a weight had been lifted as she took that leap of faith.

“Nice to have you along for the ride, Swan,” he winked at her, “the long haul will be so much more fulfilling to traverse with you.

Emma blushed at the sweetness in his words. “Take me to dinner, Jones, I want to hear all about why you thought faking illnesses was a better approach than just talking to me.”

End

Tagging some shipmates who might be interested @like-waves-on-the-beach @ultraluckycatnd @the-captains-ayebrows @spartanguard @galadriel26 @amagicalship @ahsagitarius @flipperbrain @blowmiakisscolin @xemmaloveskillianx @captainswanismyendgame @deathbycaptainswan @xpumpkindumplingx @flslp87 @yeahiliketheredleatherjacket @hooklineandswan @lizzyc807shipscaptainswan @trueloveandleather @villains-happy-ending @wordsmith-storyweaver @ive-always-been-a-pirate @roseyflush @lifeinahole27 @optomisticgirl @marajade4s @onceintimesforgotten @edenofalltrades @princessjoneswan @kdanna03 @this-too-too-sullied-flesh  @hookedmom @hookaddict @ahookedhero 

If you do not wish to be tagged in the future please let me know, I will not be offended ☺

[gracelowrie1]

Ten Favourite TV Romances

With the evenings getting colder and bleaker and Christmas fast approaching, tis the season to stay in, wrap presents, drink mulled wine, eat mince pies and binge watch TV. Those of you with a jam-packed social calendar need not read on, but if, like me, you spend most evenings snuggled at home and are craving a little romance, I have a few suggestions for you.

When I’m not working, writing or reading books, I watch quite a range of TV shows; mainly fictional drama series’ (not reality shows or soaps) featuring anything from detectives to zombies. Some of my favourites include: Breaking Bad, The Fall, Inspector Montalbano, Happy Valley, This Is Us, Vikings, The Walking Dead, Orphan Black, Fargo etc. all of which I’d recommend. However, most of these productions are not known for their romantic storylines, and since I write Women’s Fiction, and mainly Romance, I have come up with a list of ten favourite shows which do contain love stories that inspire me (please note that I’ve deliberately omitted Pride and Prejudice and Friends from the list for being too obvious).

Personally I am drawn to relationships with an unusual quirk to them, a sinister edge or a tragic undercurrent – traits that I try to bring to my own books – so if that appeals to you too, maybe you’ll find a show worth trying here. (They are listed alphabetically, because that was easier than trying to order them by preference):

Battlestar Galactica (2004)

There can’t be many female leads cooler than hotshot viper pilot Lieutenant Kara ‘Starbuck’ Thrace. In this American military sci-fi series set in space, life is tough and dangerous and Starbuck is both heroic and deeply flawed. The plot is gripping and although Starbuck and Apollo (Captain Lee Adama), her almost brother-in-law, are often too busy in conflict to acknowledge the deeply-rooted affection and sexual tension between them, it simmers deliciously throughout.

Firefly

Sadly this futuristic, space western was curtailed after just one season, but pressure from fans resulted in a feature film, Serenity, which helped tie up some of the loose ends. The banter and sexual tension between proud Captain Malcolm ‘Mal’ Reynolds and Inara, an equally proud, high-class escort, creates an interesting dynamic. But it is the touching relationship between Mal’s second-in-command, Zoe and her husband, their pilot, Hoban ‘Wash’ Washburne, which really stayed with me. Zoe is a seasoned fighter – a warrior woman – and the interaction between her and her adorably soppy husband, is both amusing and deeply romantic.

Fringe

A Science fiction series exploring parallel universes, this show shares similarities with The X-Files, but I found the developing relationship between Agent Olivia Dunham and Dr Bishop’s estranged son, Peter, more satisfying than that between Mulder and Scully. I have long been a fan of Joshua Jackson (who plays Peter) and I’m a sucker for a romance between two people who first meet in childhood and then reconnect years later as adults (see my first two novels Kindred Hearts and Safe With Me). Unfortunately I feel the plot lost its way a bit in the fifth and final series, but don’t let that put you off.

Luther

Though I’m not sure it technically counts as romance, a powerful attraction of some kind definitely brews between sexy Detective John Luther (Idris Elba) and supremely intelligent psychopathic murderer, Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson). Alice manages to be both an arch-nemesis and a friend to Luther and while she makes no secret of her fondness for him, as a man of the law he struggles with who she is and what she does. It’s addictively fascinating and I really hope there is a series five to come.

Outlander

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the books that this TV show is based on, and I would recommend that you read Diana Gabaldon’s epic written works before watching the dramatisation if you can (Outlander features in my Ten Favourite Book Romances list). That said, the production team have made an excellent job of condensing the books down into screen format – in my opinion the casting is brilliant, the acting is above average for TV and the minor changes and embellishments they have made to the story are definite improvements. I could gush about the actor who plays Jamie Fraser but I will refrain and let you check out Sam Heughan for yourself.

Sex and the City

There are several reasons to watch this show – the contrasting four main women and the enduring friendship between them; the amazing fashions; the funny dating stories etc., but for me it has to be the epic on-off relationship between Carrie Bradshaw and her ‘Mr Big’ (whom, incidently, is played by Chris Noth, the same actor who plays Peter Florrick in The Good Wife below). The saga is a long one (spanning six seasons and two feature films) with many ups and downs, but the magnetic pull between the two characters is undeniable.

The Good Wife

A courtroom drama full of litigation and American politics, this show is not heavy on romance, however, the subtle chemistry between the State’s Attorney’s wife – protagonist Alicia Florrick – and her lawyer boss and old college friend, Will Gardner, had me hooked. Despite her husband Peter’s public sex scandal and stint in prison, Alicia decides to stand by him, partly for the sake of her children. But she is a smart, independent, working mother, and he did betray her, while Will is giving her a second chance at a career of her own, when she needs it most. Alicia and Will try to ignore the attraction between them, but as a viewer you know it is there and I couldn’t help rooting for them to get together. If you do watch this for the romance, just be warned, you’re in for a shock in season five.

The OA

This supernatural/sci-fi series tells the story of a group of people who have been held prisoner for seven years, in glass cages underground, by a scientist who experiments on them. There is more to it than that, but I don’t want to give too much away for those who haven’t seen it. Prairie, the protagonist is one of these captives and over the years falls in love with Homer; the guy in the cell next to her. There is no overt ‘romance’ in this series (not in the first season anyway, I still have hopes for the second) but I’m fascinated by this idea of forming a relationship with someone while you are trapped together in very close quarters; sleeping next to each other every night, for several years – denied all privacy and freedom and unable to escape each other – and yet constantly, physically separated by a pane of glass. I think the tension and intensity of emotion created by eliminating the sense of touch between two people in love, holds potential for great romance.

True Blood

A must see for vampire fans this supernatural series is far grittier than The Vampire Diaries and rich with gore and dark humour. I found the chemistry between Sooky and Eric more interesting and convincing than the romance between Sooky and Bill, and again I preferred the earlier seasons to the latter ones, but overall worth a watch.

Victoria

The enduring love between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert is legendary and notable because historically royal marriages tended to be arranged purely for political convenience with no consideration given to love. This sumptuous period production dramatises both the romance and the conflict in the couple’s relationship and appeals all the more to me, for being based on real British history.

So, what’s your favourite TV romance? Drop me a line, I’d love to know.

[bookstattoosandtea]

Natalina Reis has a new MM Paranormal murder mystery romance out: “Of Magic and Scales.”

With a serial killer on the loose, the baffling mystery of Aiden’s past, and their tenuous budding romance, Aiden and Fouchard tread through a world of magic and myth on padded shoes, terrified to stir up something neither can control or defeat.

Aiden Mercer’s life now centers around lounging on the sunny beaches of his adopted country with a beer in one hand and a coffee in the other while admiring the local male population. After a rough life as a respected detective in DC, playing it cool shouldn’t be too hard, right? With the magical community on his case and dead bodies piling up around town, the responsibility of finding their killer seems fated to fall on him and deny him of his easy living.

Then there is Naël.

Cantankerous merman Naël Fouchard’s life is focused on bringing up and protecting his little sister. When DNA found at the scene of the murders mark him as the prime suspect, Naël seeks out the help of Aiden, whose reputation as a detective grossly belies his lazy lifestyle and apparent lack of ambition.

The chemistry between the strong, stoic Naël and the easygoing Aiden is undeniable, no matter how many walls Aiden builds.

If this unlikely pair can’t come to terms with their feelings for each other long enough to catch the killer, their emotional turmoil might yet allow the murderer to kill them instead.

Hot Tree Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Amazon AUS | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | QueeRomance Ink | Goodreads

Giveaway

Natalina is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour. Enter via Rafflecopter for a chance to win:

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Special Guest Post From Natalina

Why I Love Of Magic & Scales

As a writer, I love pretty much every story I write (why else would I write them, right?) but this one was special for a couple reasons.

First, it is set in my home country. Actually it is set in my hometown. Aiden, the main character owns a coffeehouse by the same beach where I spent many a day in my teens. In fact, in the exact location of his shop there is an amazing restaurant where I ate a myriad of delicious dishes in the past. It was so much fun revisiting all these spots. I haven’t been home in almost three years and writing this book gave me an opportunity to feel as if I was indeed visiting.

I fell in love with my two guys. Aiden is so clueless sometimes and lead mostly by his hyperactive sex drive. But he is also, as most of my characters, a misfit, someone who never felt as if he belonged. Naël is just what the doctor ordered in more ways than one. Aiden may very well find balance and happiness in the strong arms of his merman.

Excerpt

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I’m not sure what I am, but I certainly know what I am not. I know I’m not a witch because—well, I’m male. I’m definitely not an elf, since I have no sudden urges to hop onto somebody’s shelf around Christmas. Vampire I am not. My perfectly straight teeth have never once turned into fangs, neither have I ever had a sudden, strange craving for human blood. I’m not a werewolf either. I do have hair on my body but nothing that would qualify me as a wolfman. Besides, I am still pretty much myself during full moons.

But I am not a regular either, because unlike most normal humans, I can see magic beings. By “seeing,” I mean I recognize them as such. Anyone can see them, unless the magicals choose for them not to. I, on the other hand, can always recognize them, unless they purposely hide themselves behind a special magic charm.

I don’t remember not having the ability, so I’m guessing I was born like this. Whatever this is. Good thing that I’m used to it, because seeing magical beings for what they are can be a pretty traumatizing experience, as it was the time I freaked out during a trip to Greece, when I had a close encounter with a minotaur. Nice chap as it turns out but not a pretty sight.

I’ve lived a pretty normal, average life running Bicas R Us, a coffee shop in a small coastal town in sunny Portugal, for the past year or so. After an incident in Northern Virginia that put me on the pages of the local news—don’t ask; it involved a pretty handsome elf and his irate troll boyfriend—I thought it would be better to start again somewhere new. I had visited the tiny nation some years before and fallen in love with its never-ending beaches and kicked-back lifestyle, so I packed my bags, contacted a real estate agent and the immigration office, and got myself a brand-new life.

I had played with the idea of buying a coffee shop on the beach, but I figured it would be a mother to keep the place—and the coffee—free of sand. So, I bought a store nearby in the town square, a short walk from the beach. Portugal is littered with three things: tourists, ancient churches, and coffee shops. Nobody would notice me, the brown haired, blue-eyed American who came to explore the locals’ passion for the hot brew.

The other perk of living here was that magical creatures were not spotted as often. Vampires were virtually nonexistent because of the year-round sunny weather, trolls and ogres were limited to the mountains in the north and, unless you visited the nearby mountain of Sintra that crawled with magical activity, the only thread of magic on the coast was the sporadic water sprite and the beachcombing witches who sold their wares in local shops. All in all, a pretty placid place for someone like me to live in.

I enjoyed today’s cool breeze blowing from the ocean, sitting on a chair in my small esplanade under a red umbrella with a glass of cold beer in my hand. Yes, in this sunny paradise I was allowed to sell and buy alcohol in my coffee shop. Behind my light pinewood counter, the wall shelves were covered in bottles that held more than coffee flavorings. What a great nation this was.

While Cristina, my only employee, was busy serving the few customers who loitered inside the café, I could enjoy the local fauna as they hurried from shop to shop or headed out to the beach. Summer hadn’t quite arrived yet, but the sun had warmed the air enough for the locals to shed their wintry clothes and don more relaxed apparel. From behind my shades, I followed the trek of three young men, all shirtless and in swimming trunks. Hot. Not the weather, the guys—tanned, lean and muscular, shorts low enough on their hips to reveal that sexy vee—

“Olha para ti, a salivar como um cão por um bife.” Cristina had sneaked up from behind and interrupted my yummy thoughts.

“Speak English, woman,” I told her, sliding my glasses down my nose to look at her over the rim. “You’d think you’re Portuguese, or something.”

She slapped me mercilessly across the back of my head and plopped herself on the chair next to mine. “Idiota.”Without so much as a may I, my small Portuguese friend and employee grabbed the glass from my hand and took a long swig of my beer. “Are you going to sit here all afternoon watching the hot guys walking by?”

“And what’s wrong with that?” Cristina spoke flawless English but enjoyed confusing me with spurts of Portuguese once in a while. She pulled up another chair and placed her feet on the seat, her legs crossed at the knees. “What exactly did you call me just now?”

“A dog salivating over a steak.” She took another swig before I could retrieve my beer. “Don’t you have more important things to do with your life, Aiden?”

I wiped her foam mustache with a finger. “Not really. Why do you think I moved here from Virginia?” She blinked her eyes at me, pretending not to know what I was talking about. “Easy living, sunshine, and hot, half-naked guys.”

Cristina laughed, her face turned to the sun. She had skin the same color as the cork in a wine bottle, a honeyed brown made darker since the early spring weather replaced the cool air of winter. “You’re something, Aiden. You have no other dream or ambition? Just basking in the sun and ogling sexy men?”

Not quite correct but part of the truth. “Are you jealous?”

The skin crinkled around her green eyes as she turned her gaze to me. “Only if you flirt with guys I have my eyes on.” She spotted a couple of newly arrived customers and hopped to her feet. “Customers. Unlike you, I have some interest in making a buck here and there. I enjoy having a roof over my head.”

As she walked away, I yelled, “No need. You can always sleep on the beach.”

Author Bio

Natalina wrote her first romance at the age of 13 in collaboration with her best friend. Since then she has ventured into other genres, but romance is first and foremost in almost everything she writes. She’s the author of We Will Always Have the Closet, Desert Jewel, Loved You Always, and Lavender Fields.

After earning a degree in tourism and foreign languages, she worked as a tourist guide in her native Portugal for a short time before moving to the United States. She lived in three continents and a few islands, and her knack for languages and linguistics led her to a master’s degree in education. She lives in Virginia where she’s taught English as a Second Language to elementary school children for more years than she cares to admit.

Natalina doesn’t believe you can have too many books or too much coffee. Art and dance make her happy and she is pretty sure she could survive on lobster and bananas alone. When she is not writing or stressing over lesson plans, she shares her life with her husband and two adult sons.

Author Website: https://natalinareis.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/authornatalinareis

Author Facebook (Page): https://www.facebook.com/authornatalinareis/

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/TichaB

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Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14883335.Natalina_Reis

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/natalina-reis/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natalina-Reis/e/B01ADQ9FJW/

  Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Of Magic & Scales by Natalina Reis Natalina Reis has a new MM Paranormal murder mystery romance out: "Of Magic and Scales." With a serial killer on the loose, the baffling mystery of Aiden’s past, and their tenuous budding romance, Aiden and Fouchard tread through a world of magic and myth on padded shoes, terrified to stir up something neither can control or defeat.

[maryabridged]

"No one ever accused this game of being subtle." 1/2

Or

Detroit: Become Human Isn't About Race (but it is tho)

PART TWO / BOTH PARTS IN ONE PLACE

Okay, so, I’ve gotten just…a tad obsessed with the new IP from Quantic Dream, Detroit: Become Human. Guys, I love this game. So much. But, unfortunately, it’s the kind of game that is so wildly problematic that I have to qualify that love. It’s gonna take a lot of words to do this, so I’ve divided it into two posts for tumblr. This one will be an overview of what the game is about and my general feelings, and the next one will get into the stuff that went super wrong. If you want to read them as one post, you can go to my other blog. I’ll be as spoiler free as possible.

First, things you should know about me: I have never played a Quantic Dream game before. Based on what I know about the other games they’ve made, I have very little interest in playing them. I saw, and enjoyed, the Kara short they released several years ago, and when they announced they were going to make a game based on it, I was intrigued. Then I saw some trailers and was excited. I still wasn’t sure if I would play the game myself, since Quantic Dream games are infamously full of QTEs (which I’m bad at) and that failing them can cause characters to die and storylines to end, but that didn’t completely turn me off. Then I heard some things about it, and about the lead writer, that left me unsure about the game, and I ended up deciding to watch Ryan Haywood’s play through on Twitch to see if I wanted to some day get the game for myself.

Detroit: Become Human (DBH) takes place in the year 2038, a near future where androids (created by CyberLife) are as common as cellphones, pretty affordable, and completely obedient. Businesses use them as cheap labour, and the result is an Earth similar to the one imagined by Isaac Asimov in The Caves of Steel. That is to say, a lot of humans are unemployed because machines took their jobs, and humans are pretty upset about it. Someone at CyberLife did a bad job with Asimov’s laws of robotics, though, because some androids, called deviants, don’t want to take orders anymore and have gone rogue (and can very much harm humans and themselves). Deviants are hunted down to be either reprogrammed or destroyed.

The player alternates between controlling three main characters throughout the story, all androids. One is Kara, a deviant who broke her programming to save the life of her owner’s abused daughter, Alice, and is now on the run with her. Another is Markus, a deviant who gets tired of hiding pretty damn fast and starts the robot rebellion that’s the main unifying story arc for the game. Finally, we have Connor, an android that CyberLife created with the sole purpose of hunting down deviants, and he’s partnered with a human police lieutenant to do it. Interestingly, Connor spends most of the game as an antagonist to the other two player characters, and, depending on your choices, can become the main antagonist by the end.

There’s some connection between the three characters (especially Connor and Markus), but for the most part they each have their own storyline. My general feelings on each of the storylines are as follows:

Markus (played by Jesse Williams)

Cool character with lots of great supporting characters

Epic story arc, and some really great scenes (and not one, but TWO heist missions, which are my jam), but a ton of heavy handed Civil War (among others) metaphors that create a majority of the game’s problems

Really, really excellent character origin though, oh my god, the scene where he picks himself back up after losing everything is horrifying in all the right ways and it’s fantastic

Jesse Williams is beautiful??? That’s not really a story opinion that’s just a fact

Kara (played by Valorie Curry)

Compelling and very sympathetic character who is unfortunately pretty inconsequential to the game’s main arc (nothing she does has any effect on the success or failure of the rebellion, whereas Markus and Connor can each make or break the rebellion)

Also has some great scenes, builds tension really well

Includes one of my favourite secondary characters (I love Luther, please protect him)

YMMV, but there’s a really disappointing “twist” near the end that comes with some deeply unsatisfying character development for Kara in terms of what she decides it means to be alive

(Motherhood. If you’re a woman, it means motherhood.)

Beautiful theme music tho, the cellos are A++

Connor (played by Bryan Dechart)

Everything about this storyline is fucking phenomenal

Okay, I’m super biased there, because Connor’s story happens to tick, like, all of my favourite narrative boxes. There’s probably problematic stuff that I missed because I was distracted by just how much I love literally everything about Connor’s character (including a beautiful performance by Bryan Dechart, y’all, he fucking nails it). [Edit: OH HEY HERE’S A BIG ONE I DIDN’T THINK OF RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE I’M AN OBLIVIOUS MESS having the only autistic-coded character in the game be a literal machine is not great, guyyyys.]

If you know me and my character/narrative/trope preferences at all, you know I love robots. Or, more specifically, sentient AIs. I love them because I love themes and character arcs centred on exploring identity (both in the general sense of what it means to be human and alive, but also in a more personal sense that will vary from character to character), and robots are one of the classic ways to explore that. (This is part of why the Imperial Radch trilogy by Ann Leckie is my favourite. Every single character in that book series has a completely different and deliciously complicated relationship with their own identity and it’s beautifully explored.) While each of the three main characters are androids that hit some of those juicy, juicy identity questions, Connor’s story is all about identity, and I love it. Kara’s story is about finding freedom, and Markus’s story is about finding justice, but Connor’s is about finding himself (he’s the character whose development can change the most dramatically, depending on the player’s choices), and it’s fascinating.

He also has the human/robot buddy cop thing going for him, since his mission to hunt deviants sees him partnered with a cynical human detective named Hank (played wonderfully by Clancy Brown) (yes, that Clancy Brown). If the reference to The Caves of Steel didn’t already give this away, I’m a sucker for that dynamic, and Bryan Dechart and Clancy Brown have amazing chemistry.

I’m probably going to write a million metas on Connor. But, like I said, I don't wanna gush about this game until I acknowledge the things that are very wrong with it.

PART TWO

[kyukurator-blog]

THE LAST POST

This is the last post of Follow The Thread. 

I say that with a mixture of sadness and relief.  Over the course of three years, Elma and I have researched, curated and written 152 posts, covering nearly 900 films, documentaries and TV shows.

We did it because we loved it.  Each week we’d unearth a complex web of threads connecting current titles to the massive online library that we are all blessed to have at our fingertips.  Some of the connections were obvious, some were obscure.  Some resonant, some just fun.  

The process was always delightful.  And, it was a tremendous amount of work.    

But what I’ll especially miss are all the juicy and culty titles we would discover – or, in some cases, re-discover – in the course of our detective work. 

So for this last post, I’ve pulled together a fast, long and extremely biased list of some of discoveries Elma and I have made over the last three years, stretching back to August 2014. 

Thanks for reading.  Arrivaderci!                                                                                                               *Each title is followed by the date of the post*

Afternoon Delight (2013) 5/18/17 Jill Soloway’s 2013 first film.  Kathryn Hahn is a frustrated LA Mom who opens up her home to a homeless young exotic dancer (Juno Temple).    

A Field in England (2013) 4/20/17 Hot UK team Ben Wheatley and wife Amy Jump’s low-budget, anti-romantic account of the 17th Century civil wars, complete with psychedelic mushrooms.

Belle du Jour (1967) 3/23/17 Luis Bunuel’s amoral anti-bourgeois meditation on erotic fulfilment starring 23-year-old Catherine Deneuve.

Welcome to The Rileys (2010) 3/9/17 Kristen Stewart and James Gandolfini in an unexpected fable of a bereaved father.

Orange Sunshine (2016) 1/12/17 Acclaimed doc maker William Kirkley tells the story of Brotherhood of Eternal Love, a mystical/altruistic band of surfer hippies out of Laguna Beach who manufactured and sold 100 million hits of LSD.  

The Jackie Show – Televised Tour of the White House (1962) 12/8/16 80 million people watched as the breathy, beautiful and slightly distant young First Lady showed off her White House restoration on live TV.   

Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench (2009) 12/1/16 Damien Chazelle’s Harvard Thesis film is a jazz musical warm-up for La La Land, scored by his  collaborator Justin Hurwitz. 

Margaret (2007/10) 11/17/16 Kenneth Lonergan’s uneasy maybe-masterpiece starring Anna Paquin (pre-True Blood) as a magnetically unlikeable New York teen trying to work out her place in the universe. 

Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus (2013) 11/3/16 Sebastian Silva’s story of a feckless American (Michael Cera) who sets off in search of psychedelic cactus.  He and Chilean friends are joined by spacey, free-spirited Crystal Fairy (Gaby Hoffman).  The trip becomes the trip.   

400 Blows (1959) 10/27/16 Autobiographical childhood film from 27-year-old critic Francois Truffaut that exploded him into the front ranks of the New Wave.  We’d never seen it before! 

Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (2015) 10/6/16 Scary black men with rifles on the steps of the California State House.  The amazing story told definitively in this PBS doc from Stanley Nelson. 

Open Your Eyes (1997) 8/25/16 Alejandro Amenabar’s mindbending Spanish language parable about a young man whose lust captures him in an endless loop of subjective reality was the basis for Vanilla Sky. 

Summer with Monika (1953) 8/11/16 This remarkable early Bergman film about adolescent lovers who escape on a summer idyll has been cited as an influence by both John Waters and Woody Allen.  

A Woman Named Golda (1982) 7/28/16 You wouldn’t know that Ingrid Bergman was dying of cancer when she made this surprising portrait of the grandmotherly and iron-willed Israeli Prime Minister.  Leonard Nimoy plays her husband, Judy Davis is the young Golda.

A Most Wanted Man (2014) 7/7/16 A stark, chilling spy movie from Dutch directory Anton Corbijn, with Seymour Phillip Hoffman starring in his last leading role. 

The Source (1999) 6/30/16 Chuck Workman’s definitive documentary on The Beats.  Focuses on Ginsberg, Kerouac and Burroughs, with Dennis Hopper, Johnny Depp and John Turturro reading their works.

The Blue Room (2014) 6/23/16 A distinctively French and exceptionally erotic thriller from director Mathieu Amalric, based on a novel by Georges Simenon. 

Black Death (2010) 6/16/16 From horror director Chris Smith, “Dark Ages Pulp” — a horror/fable about the evils of religion and belief, with plenty of gore and a liberal dash of the supernatural.  With Sean Bean, aka Edard Stark, and Carice von Houten (GOT’s Melisandre).

I Am Love (2009) 5/5/16 In the third of Tilda Swinton’s ongoing string of collaborations with Italian director Luca Guadigno (Biggest Splash), she plays the Russian-born matriarch of a haute bourgeois Italian family that has fallen on rocky times.

Better Off Ted (2009-2010) 4/7/16 A “brilliant but cancelled” ABC office sitcom that is a more-accurate-than-most mirror of contemporary corporate life.

L’Atalante (1932) 3/10/16 This was the last of seminal French director Jean Viggo’s four films.  He died in his wife’s arms a few days after the film’s disastrous release.  Now it’s beloved, the exceptionally simple story of a girl from a river town who impulsively marries a barge captain.  

Labyrinthe (1986) 1/14/16 15-year-old Jennifer Connelly is a girl on the brink of womanhood whose fantasies come alive.  David Bowie is Jareth, the Ogre King, tempter and torturer in a glam rock wig and notoriously form-fitting tights. Cult fantasy collaboration from George Lucas and Jim (Muppet) Henson.   

99 Homes (2015) 12/11/15 Michael Shannon is a real estate shark who teaches Andrew Garfield how to save his family home – by preying on others.  The start of our obsession with chameleon Shannon. 

The Great Beauty (2013) 12/3/15 Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar winner about a famous journalist who blithely charms his way through the upper echelons of Roman culture – until, on his 65th birthday, his true love unexpectedly dies. 

What If (2014) 11/25/15 A frustratingly cliched romcom worth seeing for the singularly charming performance by post-Potter Daniel Radcliffe.  Also with Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver and Mackenzie Davis.    

Purple Noon (1960) 11/10/15 René Clément directs Alain Delon in this superior French version of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley.  Recently remastered by Criterion, spoiled only by a wimped-out ending.

Animal Kingdom (2011) 9/24/15 Ben Mendelsohn plays a borerline psychopath in this Down Under reinvigoration of American gangster conventions.  Oscar nom for Jacki Weaver, career rebirth for Mendelsohn. 

Werner Von Braun: Missile to the Moon (2012) 9/3/15 Biography of the charismatic and photogenic ex-Nazi who led Germany’s V2 missile program, was forgiven, and became the face of the American lunar project in the 60’s.

The Maid (2009) 8/27/15 In this Chilean Sundance Grand Jury winner, a family retainer turns the tables when it looks like she’s going to be replaced by a younger woman.  Delicious evil star turn by famous actress Catalina Saavedra.

Mother (2009) 7/23/15 From Korean director Bong Joon-ho (Snowpiercer) – a devoted and deceptively innocuous mother stops at nothing to get her murderous son out of prison.

Freedom on My Mind (1994) 6/25/15 Oscar-nominated doc traces the violent, courageous and ultimately triumphant struggle for voter rights in 60’s Mississippi.  

Infinitely Polar Bear (2015) 6/18/15 Mark Ruffalo is in top form as a crazy but caring dad in this honest and winning first film by veteran producer Maya Forbes.

Dogtooth (2009) 6/11/15 A typically idiosyncratic festival favorite from Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster).  A father protects his teenage children from the world by confining them to the family estate. 

Control (2007) 6/4/15 This atypically moody rock n roll biopic about Ian Curtis, lead singer for Joy Division paints him as a doomed poet.  Impeccable performances by Sam Riley and Samantha Morton as his wife.  Black and white, directed by Joy Division photographer Anton Corbijn.   

Maggie (2015) 5/7/15 Arnold Schwarzenegger gives an surprisingly excellent, dialed-back performance as a father whose daughter is infected with a zombie virus and faces unbearable.  Post-apocalyptic, but not an action film.  

The Internet’s Own Boy: The Life of Aaron Schwartz (2014) 4/9/15 Digital-focused doc maker Brian Knappenberger hones on in programming prodigy Schwartz, who was instrumental in developing RSS, Creative Commons and Reddit, but was hounded to death after he successfully defeated the corporation-backed Stop Online Piracy Act.

Hustle & Flow (2004) 3/18/15 This Sundance breakout stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson as a pimp and his girlfriend trying to rap their way out of the ghetto, showing a lot of chemistry and foreshadowing Empire.

Claudine (1974) 2/19/15 In the heyday of Blaxploitation, Diahann Carroll got an Oscar nomination for this story of a single welfare mother who falls in love with a garbage man, played by James Earl Jones.  Music by Curtis Mayfield.

The Music of Chance (1993) 2/5/15 James Spader donned a black wig and moustache to play a hustling gambler.  But it’s not what you think.  The director is Peter Haas who went on to do Angels and Insects.  Mandy Patinkin, Charles Durning, Joel Grey. 

The Babadook (2014) 1/22/15 Mind-twisting Freudian study cloaked in a meticulously crafted horror film about a widowed mother and her troubled/troublesome 7-year-old, from first-time Aussie director Jennifer Kent.

Red Riding (2009) 1/15/15 A pre-breakout Andrew Garfield is outstanding in this unique UK TV project based on David Pearce’s serial killer novels.  Three novels, three films, three great directors, three years, three different looks (16mm; 35mm; digital) – all pulled together by screenwriter Tony Grisoni.  

Headhunters (1991) 11/20/14 From director Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) highest grossing Norwegian film ever.  A short and pathologically ambitious headhunter moonlights as an art thief to support his trophy wife.  Things go wrong.

Following (1998) 11/6/14 Great time to revisit Christopher Nolan’s first film.  A black and white low-budget creeper that interweaves three stories from three different time frames. 

Brothers of the Head (2006) 10/8/14 Remarkably authentic and intentionally unfunny mockumentary by the makers of LOST IN LA MANCHA follows a pair of conjoined twins who become punk rockers in 1970’s England.  

Ace in the Hole (1951) 9/25/14 Neglected and prescient film from Billy Wilder.  Kirk Douglas plays a corrupt, disgraced reporter who seizes an opportunity to go big when a smalltown man is trapped in a cave.  First time Wilder was writer, producer and director.

Stuck on You (2003) 9/18/14 Farrelly brothers cast Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear as conjoined twins who go to Hollywood.  Loaded with cameos – Cher, Nicholson, Leno, Streep.

The Devil’s Backbone (2001) 9/4/14 Early Guillermo de Toro evolving his signature mix of tenderness and phantasm.  Gothic horror set in an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War.    

Dark City (1998) 8/21/14 A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember. Brilliant gothic labyrinth from Alex Proyas (The Crow; I, Robot).

THE LAST POST was originally published on FollowTheThread

[skkgagnon]

Luca by Sarah Castille is Live!

(Ruin & Revenge #2) Published by: St. Martin’s Paperbacks Publication Date: June 27th 2017 Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense Luca is the second book in a full-length, standalone series by New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Castille, set in Las Vegas and featuring deliciously sexy mafia bosses and the women who can’t help but love them. Synopsis: Luca Rizzoli was nearly destroyed by a brutal betrayal that cost him his family. Now a ruthless crime boss in Las Vegas, he lets nothing touch his frozen heart…until a smoldering encounter with a beautiful stranger ignites his passion. One night isn’t enough for a man who takes what he wants—and Luca will do whatever he can to possess his mysterious temptress… Police detective Gabrielle Fawkes lives for revenge. She lost everything at the hands of an unforgiving ruler of the Vegas underworld. Now she wants to see him six feet under. But when a near-fatal attack leads her into Luca’s arms, what was meant to be one night of unbridled passion becomes something forbiddingly more. Luca has his own agenda, but when strong, determined, kick-ass detective Gaby sets her sights on her target, Luca feels compelled to stand by her side and protect her at all costs. However, pursuing danger comes at a high price—and both Gaby and Luca must work together in order to eliminate the dark enterprise that threatens them. Book links: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hhbMmX B&N: http://bit.ly/2hY3S6a iBooks: http://apple.co/2hhesRT Kobo: http://bit.ly/2hKr3xO Google Play: http://bit.ly/2hKqVOY IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2hhgKjD Audible: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sUwpz3 Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2sBSbo4

My Review:

I absolutely loved this forbidden romance. Two people from opposite sides of the law have found each other and can't let go. Gabrielle is nothing like the women Luca is usually drawn to. She is smart, fiercely independent, and the sexiest woman he had ever seen. Gabrielle has never been with such a dominant man, he emanates power and confidence and his barely contained wildness and danger call to her. Luca is such a complex character. He is a ruthless crime boss, but also a loving family man, and softhearted protector. There is only one rule in the mob that can't be broken, and that is taking up with a cop. Gabrielle has her own reasons to be on the force but when black and white turn to grey, Luca & Gabrielle are willing to risk everything to be together. Will they be able to survive when both sides of the law are against them? Luca & Gabrielle are so great together. They challenged and supported one another and their chemistry is explosive. This romance was fun and sexy and the thrilling story surrounding them was a nail biter! I loved this second installment to this series and can't wait for more in the Ruin & Revenge series. This is a definite must read! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah Castille is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Redemption Series, Ruin & Revenge Series, Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series, Legal Heat series and the Club Excelsior series. A recovering lawyer with a fondness for dirty-talking alpha males, she now is a full-time writer, who lives on Vancouver Island. Sarah’s books have been listed as Publisher’s Weekly’s Top Ten Picks and Best Summer Reads, and Amazon’s Best Romance Books of the Year, and have won numerous reader’s choice awards including the Holt Medallion. http://www.sarahcastille.com/

[doctorwhonews]

Jago & Litefoot - Volume 11

Latest Review: Stars: Christopher Benjamin (Henry Gordon Jago), Trevor Baxter (Professor George Litefoot),  Lisa Bowerman (Ellie Higson), Conrad Asquith (Inspector Quick), Geoffrey Beevers (The Master), James Joyce (Henry Gordon Jago Jr), Rowena Cooper (Jean Bazemore), Andy McKeane (Maurice Ravel), Jonathan Forbes (Bram Stoker), Edward de Souza (Sir Henry Irving), Robbie Stevens (Mr Manners/Stanley Harker), Maggie Ollerenshaw (Dame Wilhelmina Gusset), Rachel Atkins (Madame Sosotris/Bishop), Colin Baker (The Doctor) Written by Nigel Fairs, Matthew Sweet, Simon Barnard, Paul Morris and Justin Richards Directed by Lisa Bowerman Produced by David Richardson Big Finish Productions, 2016 “Good Lord! Look at us, Professor – reflected in that puddle! We look positively ghastly – the both of us!” “You’re right, Henry …” Henry Gordon Jago and Prof George Litefoot It’s amazing to think that 40 years ago last March, Doctor Who fans were introduced to the unlikely combination of Victorian showman Henry Gordon Jago and East London police pathologist Professor George Litefoot in the Tom Baker serial The Talons of Weng-Chiang. Although the two characters never formally returned in the TV series, they were so fondly remembered by fans that their popularity took on a life of its own. Indeed, it’s difficult to recall any other characters in the life of the classic and modern TV series that could have conceivably had spin-off adventures in the broader Whoniverse. Jago and Litefoot’s creator Robert Holmes created similar unconventional and roguish pairings in many of his Doctor Who serials (and even a few Blake’s 7 episodes), eg Spandrell and Engin in The Deadly Assassin, Garron and Unstoffe in The Ribos Operation, Glitz and Dibber in The Trial of a Time Lord – but none seem to have had the appeal of Jago and Litefoot. Yet amazingly, since 2009, Big Finish has given the characters a whole new lease of life and a devoted fanbase, some of whom probably weren’t even alive at the time of the original broadcast of The Talons of Weng-Chiang. Jago & Litefoot started as a seemingly one-off and obscure Companion Chronicle called The Mahogany Murderers and within the space of eight years has spawned 13 boxsets plus a special release pairing the duo with Sontaran butler Strax (the Sontarans being another Holmes creation). This review focuses on Volume 11. Whereas much of BF’s recent output has sought to integrate and celebrate the mythology of Doctor Who’s classic and modern incarnations, Volume 11 of Jago and Litefoot’s adventures has delved further back into Doctor Who’s past and pitted the two amateur detectives against the Doctor’s arch nemesis the Master, who in 2016 year celebrated his/her own milestone of 45 years. While there’s great potential in the idea of pitting the two amateur sleuths against one of the Doctor’s deadliest adversaries, the execution is not quite as satisfying as the inspiration. Certainly, the box set artwork hints that the Master must play a quite dominant role across the four tales in the box set (not to mention shoehorning the Sixth Doctor into the overall saga as well).  Yet while the Master is indeed present in the four tales, he is not (as you might think) the “big bad” – that is, someone who manipulates events from behind the scenes while getting others to do his bidding. It is not until the concluding chapter – Masterpiece – that the evil Time Lord comes into his own. The Master, though, does share some terrific dialogue in the opening and closing scenes of the second play Maurice with that serial’s villain and is wonderfully wicked in its climactic moments. The villains in the opener Jago & Son are of an earthlier disposition than the Master, although their divine purpose is indeed based in the extra-terrestrial. Nevertheless, their incompetence would easily disappoint the evil Time Lord! In all, Nigel Fairs’ opener is farce from start to finish as Jago (Christopher Benjamin) encounters a mysterious young man who claims to be Henry Gordon Jago Junior (even though Mr J swears until he’s blue in the face in his own profligate, baroque Victorian lingo that he doesn’t have any offspring). Meanwhile, Professor Litefoot (Trevor Baxter) has caught up with an old flame in archaeologist Professor Jean Bazemore (the wonderfully pompous Rowena Cooper). Prof Bazemore has returned to the British Isles after years away unearthing ancient Egyptian tombs to uncover something infinitely older in London’s catacombs. Jean’s strong anti-establishment character is the opposite of the reserved and chivalrous Litefoot yet they gel brilliantly, even if the former’s more masculine demeanour blindsides both Jago and Inspector Quick (Conrad Asquith). Indeed, there are a few LGBT jokes and references that go over the heads of the Victorian characters but will leave a smile on the faces of 21st century listeners! As for whether the “son” of the title is indeed Jago’s, time will tell. Regardless, there is a wonderful chemistry between Benjamin’s flamboyant, yet reticent and quite unheroic Jago and James Joyce’s Junior whose dialogue just oozes youthful enthusiasm and a hero worship of his father that leaves Jago duly beaming and mortified! There’s even a “bereavement” scene between the two characters that’s touching and humorous! You get the strong impression from Fairs’ writing that the story is only half-concluded and that its premise will be revisited later. Certainly, little to no explanation is given for the abnormalities that the principal characters encounter beneath Professor Bazemore’s dig ... The second instalment Maurice, written by Matthew Sweet, is a very different “beast” in tone and pace to Jago & Son. The story focuses on French composer, pianist and conductor Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), better known for his composition Boléro, but set some 30 years before that famous piece. Indeed, the musical work that the young Ravel (played by Andy McKeane) works on in this tale - Gaspard de la nuit, which was inspired by the book by French author Aloysius Bertrand, and which premiered in Paris in 1909 – plays a pivotal role in the story. Litefoot finds himself thrust into a macabre fantasy world in which many strange elements of Ravel’s composition seemingly come to life. McKeane impresses as Ravel and the villain, even though his hackneyed French accent can sometimes grate on the listener. The other interesting aspect of the story is the role of the Doctor in this tale. Although the Time Lord is only mentioned in Maurice, his influence is felt nonetheless. You are reminded of just how much of an impact the Time Lord must have on Earth’s history, even when he’s not particularly interventionist – and how he seemingly attracts danger whenever he appears. Even the simple, unselfish and gracious act of leaving a gift for a friend in the wrong time period can have serious repercussions – both for that friend and other peers in his circle. We meet two more historical figures in Simon Barnard and Paul Morris’s The Woman in White – the  19th century Shakespearean thespian Sir Henry Irving (played by one-time Doctor Who guest star Edward de Souza) and Irving’s theatre manager Bram Stoker (Jonathan Forbes), the future author of Dracula. Aside from borrowing elements very heavily from Stoker’s famous novel and what is known of the Irving/Stoker partnership, Barnard and Morris’s titular character is also clearly influenced by the 2011 Doctor Who episode The Curse of the Black Spot. De Souza is wonderfully over the top as the intolerant, bewildered Irving while Forbes brings the right level of naivety to the fresh-faced, inexperienced yet effusive Stoker. Special mention should also go to BF alumni Robbie Stevens who again displays versatility as the villainous Mr Manners (Stevens previously impressed as both a crusty British MP and a union shop steward in 2015’s We are the Daleks). The final instalment Masterpiece brings the investigative duo and publican Ellie (Lisa Bowerman) face to face with the Master himself, played throughout this box set by stalwart Geoffrey Beevers. Beevers’ silky tones, dripping with delicious mischief and menace (butter certainly doesn’t melt in this Time Lord’s mouth!), reinforce why his version of the Master is ideally suited to audio. It’s just a pity that the so-called “masterpiece” of the story is quite underwhelming. Admittedly the Master is in a weakened state (it is very clear by the climax exactly when in the Master’s timeline Masterpiece occurs) but even he would agree that it’s a pretty unambitious plot by his standards. Perhaps the blame should be levelled not so much at the Master as the writer in Justin Richards. Richards seems to have a penchant for delivering “by the numbers” stories that are quite dull, slow-moving and relatively undramatic (his concluding piece for the last series of the Blake’s 7 audio adventures was equally uninspiring, as was his contribution to The Diary of River Song Vol 1). Masterpiece sadly falls into that criteria. Perhaps it’s because Richards is often busy with other projects beyond BF but if that’s the case, then it’s even more reason for him to take a step back and let someone with fresh ideas take on the writing duties. The performances and production qualities of this Jago & Litefoot box set live up to the bar that Big Finish regularly sets itself. Hearing Benjamin and Baxter’s voices unaltered by the years almost takes you back to their one-off appearance in The Talons of Weng-Chiang a good 40 years ago! Lisa Bowerman also impresses as feisty publican Ellie, a character that has been involved in the revival of the Jago & Litefoot saga since The Mahogany Murderers. Ellie’s cockney East London accent is completely unrecognisable from the more refined, cultured tones of 26th century archaeologist Bernice Summerfield – if you don’t necessarily follow the careers of many of the names that regularly contribute to the BF stable, then you wouldn’t even realise they are both Lisa Bowerman. And to boot, Bowerman also directs this box set as well. Colin Baker’s appearance as the Sixth Doctor is small but as you’d expect of the great man, his performance as “ol’ Sixie” is near perfect and his presence in the boxset’s climactic showdown does not overshadow the true protagonists in Jago and Litefoot. It’s difficult to compare Vol 11 of Jago & Litefoot to previous or subsequent volumes (this reviewer hasn’t listened to the other box sets) but overall, when compared to BF’s broader Doctor Who-related content, it is highly entertaining. Apart from Masterpiece, the various serials are creative, comedic and even theatrical – not unlike the theatre manager that makes this amateur detective pairing so loved by fans. Vol 11 is both a good introduction to the Jago & Litefoot series (if you’re only familiar with the characters from The Talons of Weng-Chiang) and a great stepping-on point if you haven’t heard any of the other box sets. With 13 lots of adventures under their belts, these wily old dogs aren’t showing any signs of slowing down! http://reviews.doctorwhonews.net/2017/05/jago_litefoot_volume_11.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[thefictionlove]

Time Flies, Productivity Does Not - February 2017 Wrap Up

The title of this post is a bit of a misnomer. This really isn’t a monthly wrap up, instead if covers from mid January to the end of February. The last month has been insanely busy.

I was doing so well with this weekly wrap up thing, but then life got in the way. So instead of backdating a bunch of posts, I’ll cover everything in one, and then return to monthly posts next week.

Currently Watching: Supergirl – I finally got around to finishing the first season of Supergirl. By the beginning of the finale I realized just how invested I had become in the characters and the story. My favourite episode of the season by far was the crossover episode with the Flash. The episode was well paced, the dialogue was tight and the chemistry between all the characters was perfect. Extra points to Cat Grant for having the best lines of the show.

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency – I knew next to nothing going into this Netflix original, other than it was based on a series of Douglas Adams books. Dirk Gently is weird to say the least and the less that you know about the show the more fun it will be for you. The first episode by far the weakest of the season. Once I was past that I was hooked. The show had everything I loved, a great sense of humour, fun characters and an off the wall plot that kept you guessing what was going to happen next. Try not to fall in love with Bart. Seriously, she was amazing and one of the best parts of the show.

Currently Reading: The Princess Diarist  by Carrie Fisher. Every February I find myself going through a celebrity memoir kick. Last year I read and really enjoyed Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking. With her recent passing I picked up a copy of The Princess Diarist. I love Fisher’s style, she’s poignant and hilarious and so distinctly herself. In The Princess Diarist she opens up about the process of filming Star Wars and her secret fling with Harrison Ford. Included in the book are transcripts of the diary that she kept while she was on set. If you’re a Carrie Fisher fan, or just love Star Wars then this book is required reading.

Finished Books: A Human Stain – Kelly Robson. Tor posts a lot of short stories and I never have enough time to get through all of them. Yet, the cover art for this one caught my eye. I thought it was going to be something zombie-related. But I was totally wrong.

…a British expatriate at loose ends who is hired by her friend to temporarily care for his young, orphaned nephew in a remote castle-like structure in Germany.

This story was deliciously creepy and stuck with me. It doesn’t fully explain itself, which really worked. You leave with more questions than when you arrived. It is definitely a story with serious reread-ability. I will totally be checking out the rest of Kelly Robson’s work.

The Gentleman by Forrest Leo. I came across this book on a table at a local bookstore. The story follows Lionel Savage a poet, who when he learns that he is broke marries a society woman for her money. Soon after their wedding, he realizes that since he didn’t marry for love he has lost his ability to write. He then accidentally sells his wife to Satan. Yes, that did escalate quickly. Realizing his mistake Lionel Savage, his butler and a few new friends set out to rescue Savage’s wife. The Gentleman reads like a cross between Monty Python and Oscar Wilde: wacky, witty with a little bit of the absurd. I’ll have a full review posted soon.

The Litany of Earth by Ruthanna Emrys. The Litany of Earth is a prequel of sorts to Emrys’s upcoming novel Winter Tide. After reading The Ballad of Black Tom and Carter and Lovecraft, I’ve developed a love for fiction that plays with the Lovecraftian Mythos. The Litany of Earth  promises great things and I’m looking forward to picking up Winter Tide at the end of March.

Batman Vampire by Doug Moench, et al – What if Batman became more of a bat-man? In this elseworld tale, Batman finds himself up against ultimate vampire baddie Dracula. The only way for him to overcome the famous vampire? Become a vampire himself. This story was ridiculously overdramatic in all the best ways and is Batman at his angsty best. Spouting lines like:

It’s only the night now, only the dark side that holds any meaning

And making faces like this:

A face only a mother could love… too soon?

It’s totally worth the read. I enjoyed every over the top minute.

Currently Playing: Shadow of Mordor. Shadow of Mordor was the game that got me back into gaming. When it was originally released it completely ate my life. I fell in love with Talion and Celebrimbor and I found myself happily ignored the Tolkien Canon that I had spent the last decade of my life defending. I loved the game so much even though I could only play on my tiny 13″ Macbook Pro. Recently I decided to replay the game on a whim, this time on my PS4.

It was a well timed replay, with the sequel Shadow of War announced in the beginning of March.

From the Internet

The 16 Most Anticipated Horror Novels of 2017

The Death of Sandman: A Psychiatric Reading

The 11 Creepiest Unsolved Crimes No One Can Explain (Part 2)

Time Flies, Productivity Does Not – February 2017 Wrap Up was originally published on Fiction Love