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Dive into a different world, where nature and friendship are full of surprises.
Twins Tabitha and Timothy leave London for a wild Shetland island — no Wi-Fi, no friends, and a mysterious great-uncle. In Papala, they discover a new way of life, unexpected friendships, and courage they never knew they had.
A fun, eco-conscious story for ages 9–12 that the whole family will love.
When their parents sail the world without them, 12-year-old twins Tabitha and Timothy are sent to the remote island of Papala, known as the “Bird Island.” Great Uncle Tamhas becomes their guardian in a world as strange as the island itself.
Tabitha is frustrated with the island’s isolation and limited Wi-Fi, but Timothy is delighted to uncover the island’s natural secrets. The twins soon realise however, they are not the only newcomers to the island.
Discover a story about courage, friendship and the joy of embracing the unfamiliar. Dive into a different world, where nature and friendship are full of surprises.
You’ll love this story of courage and friendship. Buy now before the price changes!
Check out: https: //www.sjbstories.com to know more!
S. J. Barratt is a self-published, professionally edited children’s author whose eco-themed stories celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in an English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture, she blends a gardener’s curiosity with a storyteller’s warmth to her writing. Now based in Lyon, France, Suzanne creates tales that inspire middle-grade readers to swap screen time for green time—and rediscover the wonders waiting just outside their door.
A former BBC broadcaster and journalist, Gill Mills brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment to her narration. Known for her warm, resonant voice, she began her voice career while DJing on BBC Radio 1 and has since voiced numerous TV and audio productions. She now runs a content company specialising in podcast and film production from her studio in East London.
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Political unrest, war over valuable mines, forbidden love, and a homesick dragon bound in chains threaten the land of two moons.
“The gritty reality of trench warfare and the smoky chaos of riots is striking in D. L. Gardner’s Land of Two Moons…a rich and ambitious fantasy novel that successfully builds a world trembling on the brink of magical and political upheaval. This is a delicate, intricate novel that rewards patient reading.” – Independent Book Review
Arthur and Hallie are twin siblings, son and daughter of the Duke of Lodesmoor. Humble teenagers who befriend the village people and sympathize with their grievances. Their father, Lord Balmier, whose duchy is approaching financial collapse, uses his subjects as pawns in a battle over a string of valuable mines.
Lord Balmier sees his son’s sympathy toward the serfs as an alliance against him and soon acts to squelch Arthur’s sedition.
Hallie clings to a forbidden love, and both siblings must resist their father’s harsh rule.
All the while they are unaware that their mother keeps a mystical dragon named Killian, bound in chains by a spell, whose fate will affect them all.
As the twin moons approach a rare and magical eclipse, alliances shift, secrets unravel, and Arthur and Hallie must choose between loyalty, freedom, and sacrifice to save their people and themselves.
“With strong pacing and a cast of memorable characters – including a homesick dragon, this is the perfect book for fans of the ‘fantasy’ genre. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf
Land of Two Moons will be a limited edition leather hardcover signed and numbered, a special edition case laminate hardcover, an eBook, and a paperback with printed edges. A rigid slip case is available for the hardcovers.
D.L. Gardner is an award-winning author, artist, filmmaker, and screenwriter with over 28 published works to her credit. Writing and painting are her passions and fantasy her forte. When she’s not pounding keys on the computer, she’s canning salsa, picking apples, listening to the voices of critters in the woods, or watching flowers grow. She loves visiting far-off lands through books by both reading and writing.
Her genres include all fantasy, historical, and mystery.
Get to know D.L. through her websites and blogs or send her a message her on Kickstarter.
Currently a FINALIST (2025 March) in the Cannes World Wide Film Festival for her screen adaption of her book An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody.
Other awards include Wishing Shelf book Award 2023 for audio, B.R.A.G. Award 2022 for the Cho Nisi series, Book Excellence Award 2019 and 2015 for Ian’s Realm and Cassandra’s Castle. Best Screenplay adaptation from her book Dylan at the Paris Screenplay Awards, Mile Hill International Screenplay Awards, L.A. Edge Awards, European Cinematography Awards, and Moondance Film Festival. Best Screenplay Award for adaptation from her book An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody at Veers Film Festival, Best Screenplay Award for adaptation of Ian’s Realm at the Twin Falls Sandwiches Film Festival and many more.
Why two? Why not half a dozen if we’re going to double things?
This story is about twins. Two moons, two siblings, two dragons, and about their bond with one another.
Traveling through the heavens, Puck and Phoebe are two giant orbs, a magnificent sight to the humans who live on the planet Unnilles. Both beautiful and dreadful. But what is most terrifying is that every forty years they will meet and turn the world dark. In those days, the wind wreaks havoc in their villages and cities.
Why this story?
Having lived through a few generations, I see a pattern that repeats itself. Children hit a stage in their life when they rebel against their parents, and in turn, grow older and wiser only to find their children rebelling against them. I wanted to show the struggle of families trying to get through this awkward phase.
The twins in Land of Two Moons have compassion for the common people, but Dad, the Duke, wants to rule with an iron fist, mostly because he’s going bankrupt. His stubbornness causes his children to go out on their own to stop a war that is bringing their father’s duchy to ruin.
The support system the teens have is in each other, and that support is magnified by twin moons and ultimately twin dragons. What stands out is their loyalty to one another and how it changes the people they come into contact with, and how it changes the world they live in.
The moral, if there is to be one, is that true love, Agape love, is the most powerful of all forces around. It’s a bond of loyalty, trust, and forgiveness. But the struggle to obtain that is no small feat, and sometimes it takes an outsider to verify you’ve arrived.
Land of Two Moons is a family story, a wholesome adventure for all ages.
Would you like a chance to win a$20 Amazon or PayPalGift Card?Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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A quaint riverside town holds many secrets … and the only ones who’ve seen it all are the critters.
A quaint riverside town holds many secrets … and the only ones who’ve seen it all are the critters.
This book club dives (literally!) into the pages of a cozy mystery. The quirky group must solve the mystery to get out of the book. It’s so much fun – you’ll wish you had a book club like this!
In this journey, they choose a book set in a lovely riverside town. They land in a charming neighborhood and find they are part of a local book club. They are having a great time – and then a dead body shows up. (Of course it does!)
The clues to what happened come to them in a unique way – via the critters in the house.
As usual, the club finds plenty of time to enjoy the unique setting of their journey, as they solve the mystery – one critter at a time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This book is part of a magical cozy mystery series of 11 books and growing.
Each book can be read as a standalone, but are much more fun in order.
Available in eBook, paperback, Kindle Unlimited, and audiobook.
Don’t miss the rest of the series! Find them on Amazon
Elizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
The secret is out. Shifters exist and live among humans.
Humans fall into two camps: Those who consider shifters monsters but manage to co-exist with them, and those who want to get close to them, relishing their power.
Tessa Cooper, a single mother devoted to her three-year-old daughter, is firmly in the first camp, doing her best to keep her biases to herself. But one look at Dario Kingston Renzetti, a wealthy lion shifter, and she senses her life will never be the same.
The moment Dario sees Tessa in his bar, he knows he’s found his fated mate – age difference be damned. Learning she wants nothing to do with shifters – especially romantically – is another matter altogether. But nobody said he wasn’t determined.
Can Dario’s persistence convince Tessa he’s not hiding dark secrets that would reinforce her opinion of shifters, or will she deny them their primal destiny?
Pick up this steamy, age gap, rejected mate paranormal romance today and find out.
Int’l bestseller and award-winning author Dania Voss writes compelling, sexy romance with personality, heat, and heart. Born in Rome, Italy and raised in Chicagoland, she creates stories with authentic, engaging characters. She loves anything pink and is a huge fan of 80s hair bands.
A favorite with romance readers, her debut novel “On the Ropes,” the first in her Windy City Nights series, became an international bestseller. Dania’s books have won multiple awards, and her work has been highlighted on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Southern Writers Magazine, and Chicago Entrepreneurs Magazine (selected as the #8 Top Chicago Author in 2021).
When she’s not writing, you can find Dania at a sporting event, a rock concert, or the movies (preferably a comedy).
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
She’s moving on. He’s running out of time. One reckless night changes everything.
She’s moving on. He’s running out of time. One reckless night changes everything.
Reece Hunnicutt has spent his life coming to the rescue—whether it’s pulling climbers off treacherous mountain faces or volunteering to string the town’s Christmas lights. But after walking away from the elite search and rescue squad that gave him purpose, Reece is a man untethered, without a landing pad and dodging questions about his future. The one constant in his life? His quiet dedication to his small mountain town and his brothers who have no idea he’s about to embark on a new future that will take him to the other side of the continent.
Town veterinarian Neve Embry has been nursing a one-sided love for Reece since childhood. But she’s done waiting for him to see her as more than a kid sister who needs his protection. Between juggling a struggling clinic and starting up an exciting new relationship with a charming billionaire resort owner, Neve is determined to move on. Sparks might not fly with her new beau, but at least her heart isn’t on the line.
Until one impulsive night in Vegas changes everything.
Waking up married to Reece is the last thing Neve expects—or wants. But when her clinic is vandalized and her life upended, Reece insists on sticking around until the culprit is caught. Forced to live under the same roof, their shaky alliance begins to crack under the weight of their undeniable chemistry.
As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Reece and Neve must confront the truth about their desires—and decide whether this love can be rescued.
Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in G.K. Brady’s imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.
An award-winning writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name Griffin Brady.
G.K. is a wife and the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
I knew the moment I saw her that she was mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.
Adelia Lindstrom is a rising star in the elite equestrian world, struggling to move forward after the devastating loss of her parents. When she meets billionaire banker Miles Bremen and his enigmatic twin sister, Karolin, her world takes an unexpected turn.
Miles is more than dangerous—he exudes a bold, unapologetic sensuality that pulls Adelia into uncharted territory. With him, she discovers a side of herself she never knew existed: passionate, daring, and irresistibly drawn to his magnetic allure. But behind his seductive charm lies a darkness that keeps her on edge, making her question whether surrendering to his world will set her free or destroy her.
Toxic Attraction is a steamy, edge-of-your-seat dark romance thriller that explores the intoxicating power of passion and the risks of losing control.
Tropes include: enemies to lovers, really dark romance, age gaps, obsessive anti-hero, possessive protector, morally gray hero, protective and stalking, kidnapping, forbidden love, revenge gone wrong.
Trigger Warnings: This series contains dark and mature themes, including an extremely possessive alpha hero with an “I will destroy anyone who threatens the heroine” intensity, emotional manipulation, kidnapping, and intense romantic conflict. Readers should be aware of potential triggers and are encouraged to review the detailed trigger warnings inside each book. Books 1 and 2 end in cliffhangers, but the series concludes with an HEA in Book 3.
Please note: Toxic Attraction is a revised and revamped version of The One by Belle Ami (published in 2014)
**Get it on sale – Kindle countdown deal Feb 3-10!!**
I failed her, and I’ll never forgive myself. But I’ll do whatever it takes to win her back—even if it costs me everything.
Adelia Lindstrom Bremen thought she had found her forever love in Miles Bremen. Their fiery connection gave her everything she thought she wanted, including Fallyn and Liam, their twins. But their passion burned too hot, and betrayal shattered their marriage, leaving her to rebuild her life.
When her children are abducted, Adelia turns to FBI Agent David Weiss for help. As they work together to bring her children home, David’s steady presence offers her a haven of calmness she never experienced with Miles. But Miles isn’t ready to let her go, and his bold, unrelenting desire for her reignites everything she thought she’d left behind.
Now caught between two men—one who offers safety and the other who awakens her soul—Adelia must navigate a high-stakes game where love, obsession, and danger intertwine.
Toxic Deception is a dark romance thriller that will grip you with its passion, betrayal, and heart-pounding suspense. Tropes include enemies to lovers, really dark romance, age gaps, obsessive anti-hero, possessive protector, morally gray hero, protective and stalking, kidnapping, forbidden love, revenge gone wrong.
Trigger Warnings: This series contains dark and mature themes, including an extremely possessive alpha hero with an “I will destroy anyone who threatens the heroine” intensity, emotional manipulation, kidnapping, and intense romantic conflict. Readers should be aware of potential triggers and are encouraged to review the detailed trigger warnings inside each book. Books 1 and 2 end in cliffhangers, but the series concludes with an HEA in Book 3.
Please note: Toxic Deception is a revised and revamped version of The One and More by Belle Ami (published in 2014)
I’ll fight for her, even if it kills me. She taught me how to love—and now I’ll prove I’m worthy of her.
Adelia Lindstrom Bremen has faced heartbreak, betrayal, and danger at every turn. Her parents’ deaths were no accident, her marriage to Miles ended in a vicious custody battle, and now she’s caught between two men—Miles, the enigmatic billionaire who awakened her deepest desires, and David, the steady force she thought she needed.
Miles has always embodied bold passion and unapologetic sensuality, but Adelia’s love has sparked something unexpected in him—a desire to change, to be the man she deserves. When Adelia becomes the target of a serial killer hunting climate scientists, Miles must confront his darkness and fight for the woman who made him believe in redemption.
As danger looms and secrets unravel, Adelia must decide if love can truly transform, or if passion and peril will consume her. Can Miles prove he’s more than the man who broke her heart? And will Adelia find the courage to trust the one who has always owned her soul?
Toxic Redemption is the electrifying conclusion to the Toxic Love series—a dark romance thriller where love is as dangerous as it is transformative.
Tropes include enemies to lovers, really dark romance, age gaps, obsessive anti-hero, possessive protector, morally gray hero, protective and stalking, kidnapping, forbidden love, revenge gone wrong.
Trigger Warnings: This series contains dark and mature themes, including an extremely possessive alpha hero with an “I will destroy anyone who threatens the heroine” intensity, emotional manipulation, kidnapping, and intense romantic conflict. Readers should be aware of potential triggers and are encouraged to review the detailed trigger warnings inside each book. Books 1 and 2 end in cliffhangers, but the series concludes with an HEA in Book 3.
Please note: Toxic Redemption is a revised and revamped version of One More Time is Not Enough by Belle Ami (published in 2016)
Belle Ami writes breathtaking historical fiction, captivating historical romance, and gripping romantic thrillers. Creating unforgettable characters and crafting complex stories, Belle’s writing reflects the redemptive power of love and the strength of the human spirit.
A former Kathryn McBride scholar of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, Belle, is also a proud recipient of the RONE, RAVEN, Readers’ Favorite Award, and the Book Excellence Award.
Belle’s passions include hiking, boxing, skiing, cooking, travel, and of course, writing. She lives in Southern California with her family.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
In the mystical world of voodoo culture, justice is not always black and white
JuJu Justice is a gritty suspsense drama set in the belly of the New Orleans voodoo culture, pitting a juju priestess against her dangerous childhood nemesis in a war between good and evil. This much anticipated new drama is T.E. Lane’s second novel, based on their award-winning screenplay. Fans of mystery, crime, paranormal, and action/thrillers will love this book!
Deep in the Louisiana river bottoms, the legendary “swamp witch” Mama Moo must decide who to share her juju with—the white light voodoo priestess or the black magic criminal mastermind. Her seemingly obvious choice is complicated by long-buried secrets that will determine who lives or dies. June Mae, a white-light practitioner, faces off against her childhood nemesis, Mister—a well-connected criminal who practices the dark side of voodoo. When June’s straight-laced sister April drops into town for an unplanned visit, she quickly understands the dangerous world that June inhabits. As the sisters reconcile past traumas and reconnect, June must overcome her fears to face Mister in a voodoo battle to save their lives. Their mentor, the “swamp witch” Mama Moo, faces a perilous choice which will determine who lives or dies.
The screenplay has won five script awards:
*Semifinalist Your Script Produced 4th Edition 2025
*Semifinalist Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards
*Official Finalist NYISA Best Feature Screenplay Award
*Second Rounder Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition
*Quarterfinalist Manchester Film Festival
What readers are saying:
“JuJu Justice spins a tale that is both intriguing and culturally rich . . . JuJu Justice enthralls viewers with a combination of magical intrigue and Southern Gothic drama.” – NYISA
“JuJu Justice creates a supernatural stage filled with spirits, ghosts,murder, and deception . . . with a skillful blend of supernatural elements with deeper themes of family and responsibility.” -Austin Film Festival
Every T.E. Lane story begins with family at its core and spirals into mystery, action, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a place where magic always feels possible, the coincidences may not be so coincidental, and the line between reality and something more is always worth crossing. T.E. Lane writes screenplays and fiction. A fan of action, thriller, mystery, and literary fiction, the author enjoys blending aspects of many genres into a single work, creating a unique reading experience that will keep you turning the pages. Connect with the author on social media @telane_author.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Another charming resort town and, not very far away, an ugly secret. Can Darrell find justice for a murdered teen before something ugly happens to him, his wife and his young son?
This fourth entry in the Haunted Shores Mysteries series takes Darrell, Erin and their young son, Leo, home to Michigan for a family celebration. But, on their way, they notice a “MISSING” flyer for a Native girl and the whole family gets involved for searching for the teen. However, the teen turns out to be murdered, not missing and haunts father and son, seeking justice.
“A gripping tale of finding justice for a missing Native American teen.”—John DeDakis, author of Fake and Senior CNN Editor for “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”
“Darrell and Erin now have a son, who inherited his gift and it made an even better storyline. Their united family bond propelled the scenes. This was a paranormal fantasy, but it touched on the real-life issue of missing Indigenous women with heartbreaking and emotional elements. Overbeck is a dominant storyteller of mystery and suspense. A must-read book.”—Darlene Fredette, author of One Sweet Christmas, A Redland Falls Story
“Red Shadows at Saugatuck is one of the finest books ever written, a paranormal mystery that stole my soul and took my breath away.” ★★★★★++ stars—N N Light Bookheaven
“Red Shadow at Saugatuck by Randy Overbeck was complex and captivating. I was mesmerized from the very first page right up to the last one.”— ReadersFavorite.com
“Red Shadows at Saugatuck is thoughtful, deeply human, and low-key terrifying in a quiet way.” ★★★★★ The Gold Award–Literary Titan
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best BookAward (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” where he reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts, writing and book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the ThrillerFest. When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and scenic locations, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Some love stories are not meant to be – not when the guy I’ve fallen for is much older and has been in love with my mother for all these years.
I’ve a long list of stuff I shouldn’t have done. I should never have looked at her differently. Never have had the playful banters. Never have let her confess her feelings for me. Never have tasted her sexy as sin lips. Never have given into my primal temptations. Never have let her work for me. Never have indulged in her fantasies. Never have let myself fall for real.
But it’s too late now. I’m in too deep, consumed by everything Scarlet.
I was foolish enough to hope, daring to dream of a future with her. But Veronica is back now, the harsh reality finally catching up to me. She looks to me for support, vesting her trust in me. She makes a request I can’t refuse. Not at the cost of betraying her and breaking our bond of twenty years.
Scarlet can never be mine. Not in this lifetime. She will always be the daughter of the woman I once loved and can still do anything for. I’ve to let go of Scarlet for Veronica’s sake. It’s not even a choice.
Rosewood Dreams is the final book in the Kaleidoscopic Dreams Duology. It’s an age-gap, forbidden romance.
Meghana Sarathy is from Bangalore, India. She is an avid reader and also a writer. She writes Adult and New Adult romance, and also wishes to try her hands at dark and psychological thrillers. She especially loves reading and writing love triangles, taboo romance, and angst filled stories that are quite complex and unconventional. Her books tend to involve protagonists who are flawed, far from perfect, and as real as they can get. Her all-time favorite characters are her very own characters- Jennifer, Brandon and Linden. She tends to fall hard for boys who are either cocky, bossy, good flirts and total charmers.
She spends most of her free time reading, writing, watching anime or binging shows. Her favorite genres are Psychological Thrillers, Teen Drama and Sci-fi (especially time travel stories). Being a Product Owner in a fintech firm, she is plugged into the world of finance and has also dabbled in cloud technology and Gen AI. She plays platform games in PS5 when taking short breaks from writing. She is a crazy fan of Dragonball Z and can be seen watching the episodes in repeat. Vegeta is her all-time favorite anime character. Steins Gate and Monster come second in the list of her favorite anime, and currently Mr. Robot and Dark are her fav non-anime series.
Laura Johnson’s life has been a mosaic of terror, each piece a fragment of her haunted past. In her world, to be unnoticed is to be safe, yet, beneath her camouflage lies a burning desire to live without the constant pulse of fear.
Enter Diablo, a serial killer who transforms his victims into chilling avatars that appear within his dark and popular computer games. With the police powerless to peel back his many masks, Diablo sets his sights on Laura.
In this heart-stopping race against time, Laura is thrust into a deadly play where facing fear isn’t a choice-it’s survival. With the killer’s shadow looming, can she stand against the darkness? Or will she become the next character in his twisted games of death?
The terror begins now….
“A wounded soul becomes the target of a brutal serial killer’s game in this dark, gripping, game of cat and mouse.” ★★★★★ – Explore Authors Magazine
Laura’s entire body throbbed with pain as she regained consciousness. Her wrists and ankles were tightly bound, leaving her immobilized on her back with her arms stretched overhead. The muscles of her neck and shoulders burned, likely from being restrained in the same position for a long time. She blinked, trying in vain to bring the blurry room into focus without her missing glasses. Trapped and helpless, Laura could do nothing but wait for her abductor’s next move.
A tide of claustrophobic panic engulfed her. Thrashing against the cords, she felt them dig deeper, burning as they sliced her wrists and ankles. Through a haze of tears and her own poor vision, she glimpsed redness streaking her arms. Blood. It took all the willpower she had to calm herself against the terror. At last, she settled down and sighed tragically. Escape wasn’t an option.
“Help!” she cried, the words scraping her dry throat. Traces of duct tape glue tugged at her lips when she opened her mouth. Louder, she screamed, “Help me! Somebody help!”
Laura tensed as she detected movement to her right. A blurred figure appeared and drew nearer; his murmuring voice sent a chill down her spine. The man strode up to Laura and crouched over her, bringing his face uncomfortably close to hers. His breath smelled like an ashtray. Up close, she squinted, struggling to discern his features. A jolt of fear pierced her heart — it was the pizza delivery guy without his cap. His gaze was predatory. Laura shuddered, paralyzed by the terror of understanding.
“W-who are you?” she stammered, her voice quivering with fear. The simple question caught in her throat, nearly choking her. The stranger’s presence filled her with dread. She lay on the concrete floor compelled to learn his identity despite the fear gripping her heart. She asked him again in a timid whisper, “Who are you?”
“I think you know who I am,” he replied, sounding cocky. When she didn’t seem to register, he shouted at her. “Diablo! Who did you think I was?”
Diablo set something blue and blurry on the floor by her head. Laura turned and looked but couldn’t see it well enough to know exactly what it was. A small box maybe? He took something from the box that shone brightly in the light. Her blood went cold. Was it a knife?
“I need you to scream more, but louder. There’s no ADR session after we’re done here, so I need all the vocals you can give me now.” He pointed at something, then at something else, but she could only squint and wonder what he meant.
“You can’t see, can you? I thought those glasses were awfully thick. I’ve placed microphones above and around you, and I’m recording your every sound, so I need you to be loud. And I have camcorders strategically placed to show your face, your body movement, everything about you.”
“I don’t understand,” she said. “Why are you doing this?”
“To capture your entirety, of course!” he beamed. “I need the best sound and video I can get.”
“Why me?” she asked, still not comprehending. “I’m ugly.”
Diablo was taken aback. “How can you say that? I saw your picture in the paper. You must know how truly lovely you are.”
“You’re going to kill me.” Laura became uncharacteristically calm, like an animal being led to slaughter that knows it’s going to die. She accepted her fate with sadness.
“I’m going to make you immortal.”
“You’re going to kill me. I saw it in your eyes just now. Your eyes have the looks that kill.”
At 20, Lee Gemmill set off on a hitchhiking adventure from Virginia to California, climbing Handies Peak in Colorado and losing all his food to sneaky ground squirrels in the Grand Canyon along the way. A former biology and anatomy teacher with 32 years of experience in Virginia, he’s now retired and fully dedicated to writing. Lee’s mission is to reshape storytelling by blending fantasy, science fiction, and horror into unforgettable tales. His work pushes the boundaries of imagination, delivering thrilling experiences that stay with readers long after the last page — all while building a legacy of unique, genre-defying stories that cultivate lifelong fans.
Nina Soden 